Chapter 162 The Destroyer
“Zilard… no, you once served this castle, as a magic engineer, Lambda. The purpose of that man.” (Sirius)
A genius magician engineer of Sandor in the past… he was that man. Even though he was a commoner, he learned magic formation and magic tool on his own, and it seemed he spontaneously made magic tools. Lambda’s abilities were recognized and he was brought to the castle later. He contributed a great deal to Sandor’s development by creating efficient magic tools. He was said to have become the chief executive of magic tool department at the young age of twenty.
However… that successful career didn’t last long. It was found out that Lambda was using the properties of the castle as research expenses without permission and pursued human experiment by kidnapping innocent people. Enormous wealth had been used, and thanks to the support of the surrounding people who were jealous of his abilities, he was sentenced to death and disappeared from the history.
When I plainly said him that he was that Lambda, the man named Zilard gripped his cane while floating a confused expression.
“I am thinking about what were you saying… am I that Lambda? I thought Sirius-sama is a bit smarter than that…” (Zilard)
“Are you for real? I also know that Lambda, but hasn’t he died long ago?” (Luca)
“Haha! In that case, Zilard is already an old man, yes? As the champion of the Fighting Festival, aren’t you a bit too much by thinking so!?” (Hilgan)
The three people here were surprised, but my thoughts wouldn’t change. When I heard from Freesia, the information seller, it was a story of almost twenty years ago. Hence, if Lambda were alive, he should be passed fifty years old already. However, no matter how people look at Zilard, he was a man around twenty years old. There was a limit to deceive the age.
More importantly, the capital punishment given to Lambda by Sandor was called [Banishment]. It was a punishment exactly as the name suggest. The place to be sent was the Demonic continent where a lot of monsters roaming. The criminals were carried in a small boat while being tied up. Since there were no equipment given and they were sent to the monster’s nest in a restrained state, it would be normal if they died, but…
“Of course, I am aware of what I’ve said. But among the criminals who were banished, Lambda was the only one who had different circumstance.” (Sirius)
The executor would wait on an offshore ship during the punishment, and it would be completed after confirming that the criminal attacked by the monsters. Originally, it should immediately end because the criminal would be attacked immediately at the beach of the Demonic continent, but Lambda’s restraint was undone at the same time of arrival, and apparently, he ran away to a nearby forest while being chased by monsters. Of course, there were also many monsters in the forest and the executors couldn’t verify. Therefore, Lambda was deemed to have died because he was assumed not having experience in battle. There was no way he could survive.
In those days, those who envied him were altogether to see the punishment until the end, and that information were conveyed to Freesia from those people to the harlots. In other words… no one would think Lambda was still alive, but no one could confirm his death.
“Anyhow, it is because the man made magic tools. There is a good possibility that you survived by using magic tools which you brought secretly.” (Sirius)
“Sirius-sama. You sure have good imagination. No… it might be possible for you to say that because you don’t know about the Demonic continent.” (Zilard)
Far from being surprised, he was looking at me with a pitiful expression. By seeing this matter from the side, it couldn’t be helped to perceived that I was deluded because I didn’t consider the different in time period.
As a matter of fact, this was my intuition. However… it was intuition that had been forged after crossing border line between life and death many times. It was impossible to ignore it and I gathered information personally, but it was changing to confirmation in this case.
“It is a continent without any human intervention. There will be things that we don’t predict will happen.” (Sirius)
“Haa… I understand. For argument sake, if Lambda is still alive, what is he doing now?” (Zilard)
“Are you asking what a man who come back from hell will do, yes?” (Sirius)
Lambda was a criminal, but in reality, it was highly likely to be false presumption. He wasn’t good at socializing, and he was a weirdo who only thought about magic tools. In fact, he was a kind mind who thought about family. Although his room was prepared in the castle, he stayed with his parents’ house.
Besides, Lambda was promoted from being a commoner to the chief executive to develop magic tool. I could imagine that… there were many people who jealous of him and I also couldn’t refute if his family was being taken hostage… To sum up, that was what I was going to say.
“Doesn’t that make you think Lambda returned to this country, changed his name and appearance and looking at opportunities for revenge?” (Sirius)
“Hmm… that is a bit high-handed, but I can’t say that it’s not true. However, I think it’s impossible to say that I am Lambda right?” (Zilard)
“Wait a sec. Since you are a guest, I want you to stop from assuming that. Don’t you lump him as a criminal when he supports Sanger-sama more than anyone else!” (Luca)
It might be because Luca couldn’t stand it and she adored Zilard, she began to scowl me while releasing bloodlust. She was certainly correct. I had no evidence that Zilard was Lambda. Zilard seemed to have prepared to sort inhuman measure by asking me for assassination in order to make Sanger to be the king, but I noticed something out of place.
“Are you sure that you supports Sanger-sama? Based on my observation, I can’t think nothing else but half-baked support.” (Sirius)
“I can’t ignore that. For the sake of Sanger-sama, I–…” (Zilard)
“Even though you have the abilities which made you to be called God’s Eyes, why aren’t you still eliminating other obstacles?” (Sirius)
I was convinced when he told me that he knew very well about plants. I had no doubt that this man was monitoring people by checking the location of people from the roots of the plants extending to every part of the castle and the country. If he could grasp the position of the opponents, he ought to be able to manage some of them by grasping their weaknesses and wrongdoings. However, these people were still acting on their own and did something to bother Sanger.
“While saying you have the obligation to make Sanger-sama to be the king, you are obviously doing it in moderation. No, should I say that you do so with some kind of intention?” (Sirius)
Although he had the readiness to ask me to assassinate, there were many other peoples he ignored. It wasn’t Fort who tried to bring revolution. To tell the truth, I felt something different when I thought about this man. I felt uncomfortable enough to the extent of considering the whole situation again, and as a result of verifying the situation…
“You aren’t only supporting Sanger-sama, but you also cooperate with those who oppose him, right?” (Sirius)
Besides giving information to both sides, he didn’t only intensified the strife due to the succession right, but also manipulated the overall flow of situation. To be brief, the identity of mastermind mentioned by Freesia, the information seller, was this man. If he was the man, the whole situation would make sense.
Next, it was the purpose of doing this. If he was aiming at the throne, it was easier to let Sanger to become the king. Since he already gained sufficient confidence from Sanger, there were many ways to do it such as manipulate from behind the scenes, manipulating him to write the will of succession with poison drug. Yet, what this man had done nothing other than creating confusion in the country.
“You are breaking the country where you live. Thinking of the possibility of hating Sandor, it makes sense to me that you are Lambda.” (Sirius)
Those who had abilities and capable of making magic tools would be able to do such a thing. They were those who had strong grudge against Sandor or specific person. Based on the fact heard from the information seller that his death wasn’t confirmed, the possibility of him to be Lambda was the highest. When I waited for the other side after having to explain until now, what I heard was a modest applause.
“What a wonderful deduction. Yes… you were right. My purpose is to confuse the country.” (Zilard)
“Zilard! Is it necessary to say that…” (Hilgan)
“Since he has noticed so far, he should also know the truth. However, there is only one difference. I am not Lambda. I am a spy deployed by a certain country. Although such things aren’t true, I have no choice but to do this because my family is taken hostage at home–…” (Zilard)
“Can you stop trying to deceive me?” (Sirius)
A foreign spy? That was more realistic than my conjecture, so the possibility was high. However, as one of those who lived in similar world and who had been opposed similar kind, there was no way the talk about being a spy was true. His identity was…
“You are… those who desire destruction. I know well the eyes that secretly harbor dark feeling deep inside.” (Sirius)
In the first place, the reason why I started thinking like having delusion was because I knew a man who exactly similar to the man before me. He was an avenger who tried to destroy the world by standing at the top of a large company. He even sank himself into mud to accomplish his purpose to despair everything. Yes… that man before me had the same eyes with the avenger who I fought in the previous life just before I died.
“If you don’t want to answer, I will answer it for you. Your true purpose as Lambda is to destroy this country.” (Sirius)
If it was about revenge, usually it would be a specific person, but as for Lambda, the target of revenge was the whole country. While currying the favor from Sanger, one of the evidences was that he operated behind the scenes.
When I said plainly and confidently, the man before me put his hands on his mouth to hold the laughter.
“Hehe, hahaha! To reach that conclusion with a few clues… you are quite something.” (Zilard)
“Are you finally admitting?” (Sirius)
“Yes. As you can see, I am Lambda. I wish for the destruction of this country. Nevertheless, it’s been a while to be called by that name.” (Zilard)
Zilard… no, Lambda floated a crook smile like a crescent moon. That smile was ruthless and atrocious. Indeed, this was the true nature of Lambda. He exposed an unfamiliar atmosphere without reservation with eyes that hid murky darkness like a bottomless swamp, but the ones who affected most with the sudden changes were Luca and Hilgan who stood next to him.
“A-are you fine with this? Could this man…” (Luca)
“Aah. We can’t let him alive and return. I’ll dispose this guy. After that, you have to give those women to me, alright?” (Hilgan)
“Both of you… calm down a bit. Even if he knows my identity, he can no longer do anything.” (Zilard/Lambda)
Unlike those two, Lambda kept his body on the chair while floating a relaxed smile.
“It is too much content for a mere adventurer… No, you are an insurgent who killed the heavyweight of the country now, and compared to our words as the heroes of the country… who do you think they believe more?” (Lambda)
Although he requested for assassination, it was me who actually did it. As for the matter of Lambda, the people of this country wouldn’t think that he was alive and returned from the Demonic continent. Therefore, if they acknowledged the matter, it would be an act of exposing the country to shame. Even if the matter was true, my argument would definitely be ignored.
“Plus, I have a secret plan to make you say nothing. I think you understand it, so stop from doing something unnecessary.” (Lambda)
“Secret plan… is it? Do you mean this medicine?” (Sirius)
“Yes. The things that erode your wife will not completely disappear with that medicine.” (Lambda)
Although the will was still there, it seemed the effect that obeyed only the instruction of Lambda would remain. I had anticipated this midway, but it made me so angry when he explained so. My bloodlust was unleashed instinctively, but Lambda, who lightly accepted it, said unexpected things.
“But, you can’t do anything else now. I don’t mind if you become a hindrance, but don’t say anything. Just take your wife and leave this country.” (Lambda)
“…So you are going to let me pass, huh? I was thinking to cause you much more nuisance.” (Sirius)
“My plan is in the final stage. When it’s end, it doesn’t matter what happen after.” (Lambda)
Indeed… he didn’t really care as long as he got his revenge. I didn’t know his plan and until what extent he was going to do it, but there was no difference than revenge since there was no reward. Besides, rather than using my power, he asked me to leave this country. I supposed the preparation of the plan was completed. There were still many unclear points, but my purpose at the present time had been reached.
I told Lambda, who was looking distant, while suppressing the bloodlust.
“It may be out of pity, but it is an impossible talk.” (Sirius)
“Oh my, can’t you believe me? I don’t know your feeling, but there is only one way you can choose. How about looking at the face of your wife once more, and think about this again?” (Lambda)
“That’s not it. It’s already too late.” (Sirius)
Then, as soon as my words ended, I heard intense footsteps approaching this room. As Lambda, who noticed the identity of the footsteps, calmly put the mask of Zilard, the door of the room was opened by a kick.
“…Zilard.” (Sanger)
The one who expressed that was Sanger who had a complicated face. It might be because he ran here hard, his breathing was intensely disturbed, but after resting for short time, he pressed on Lambda.
“Sanger-sama, do you have something? I thought you were having tea with these people–…” (Lambda)
“Did you… really mean what you said about this country?” (Sanger)
“!?” (Lambda)
I supposed those words were totally unexpected since the smiling Lambda looked disturbed now. He was probably so desperate thinking why. To begin with, the room where the disciples and Sanger having tea was far enough from here. It was impossible for voices here to reach there unless I shouted.
“Hey… tell me! You tell me! Are you… are you…!?” (Sanger)
“Please calm down! How on earth is this–… kuh! What have you done!?” (Zilard)
Of course, Sanger was angry as if he heard our conversation. Lambda, who couldn’t say anything as Sanger held his collar with such an emotion, remained still.
“Sirius-sama. Everything goes as planned.” (Emilia)
“Aniki, if you want to punch that guy, let me do it.” (Reus)
“Both of you, don’t be too impatient. Fia-san is still not well, you know.” (Reese)
“I’m fine. There is no problem as long as I run lightly.” (Fia)
“What are you talking about. Listen to what Reese says. That kind of careless is not good.” (Lifell)
“Hime-sama. You also did something similar in the past, right?” (Melt)
Following Sanger, my companions with the exception of Karen, who I entrusted her to Hokuto, also appeared, and behind them, there weren’t only Princess Lifell and Melt, but…
“I thought that somewhere was suspicious, but I didn’t expect he plotted such a thing.” (Julia)
“Dear me, this situation is unpleasant more than I expected.” (Ashley)
There were also Julia and Ashley, the eldest daughter and the second son of Sandor King. In a situation where all children of the king were here, the confusion that Lambda having right now seemed to be extreme.
“Wha-what is this!?” (Lambda)
“Don’t look away! Didn’t you say you’ll make me the king… and you’ll be my sword!? Are those lies?” (Sanger)
“Aniue. I understand your feeling, but calm down a bit!” (Julia)
“Silent! You all keep silent!” (Sanger)
“Never mind that, let him go. If you do that, the talk won’t proceed, Anija.” (Ashley)
Sanger was raging that already out of control, but it might be natural for him to be like that. He trusted that man more than anyone else, and he was betrayed by the man who he treated like a friend. Anyhow, Sanger was forcibly pulled apart by his sister and brother. It seemed Lambda couldn’t completely grasp the situation yet, I started explaining after confirming that Emilia stayed next to me.
“You still don’t get it, aren’t you? The conversation up to this point is leaked to everyone.” (Sirius)
“There is no trace of activating magic…” (Lambda)
“I had activated it. However, it is a magic that you can’t even imagine.” (Sirius)
It was a magic of wind that deliver voices to people at distant place. When it is activated, the flow of wind and mana were born. He would noticed immediately if his intuition was sharp, but the magic that I used was an extremely fine [String] that could pass through the hole of a needle, and the flow of mana was almost non-existent.
Moreover, with the roots of mana were growing innumerably in the castle, it would be impossible for him to notice the mana thread that lost between those plants. Even if he noticed it, it was impossible to imagine that I could do so far with mana thread alone.
“[String]… is it? Will it be possible to do all that with a single thread…” (Lambda)
“Of course, no. The mana thread is connected between the manastone I have and with her magic tool… Emilia’s magic tool.” (Sirius)
“Yes, like always.” (Emilia)
After activating the magic tool shaped like a gramophone that Emilia had in hand, I moved the manastone from the belt and when the manastone was carved with magic formation that absorbed the surrounding sound…
[As you can see, the conversations around this manastone can be heard from this magic tool.] (Sirius)
“Wha!?” (Lambda)
Before this… I used this tool like a wiretap with the same manastone during the turmoil of Mira’s Doctrine, but I could only hear to those whom I connected the [String]. This tool was a substitute of that measure. The idea was there, so I made a magic tool exclusive for the reception portion in order to let people around it could also listen.
“Heh… they really heard me, huh? I also want to have one.” (Zilard)
“When I though how everyone mocking about destroying the country, but they had no choice to believe when they knew it with eyes and ears.” (Sirius)
“It is a magic tool that seems to have various uses. It seems that his time is a good opportunity to save the country.” (Emilia)
It might be possible if I was the only person who knew this, but it would be impossible to escape if all of these were heard by the royalties.
“…There is such a magic tool, huh? No wonder you were obedient.” (Lambda)
“The more you relaxed, it will be easier to be careless. It would be even more after grabbing the weaknesses that can’t be undone.” (Sirius)
He wouldn’t admit that he was Lambda just by asking him. That was why I pretended to obey him, letting him caught off guard after thinking that he had grab my weaknesses. To be honest, I didn’t feel comfortable when doing it, but it was also worthwhile because I managed to make him confess what I wanted to hear.
“Wait a sec, Sanger-sama! He is the one who killed General Fort! The head here is the evidence!” (Luca)
In exchange to Lambda who didn’t say anything, Luca appeared before Sanger and appealed by pointing at the beg dyed in red. I closed the opening of the bag since everyone came here, but they would be able to see what was that red stain and smell.
“You…” (Sanger)
“Everything was inspired by the men there, and he told Zilard-sama without fail.” (Luca)
“Yeah! This bastard has threatened us!” (Hilgan)
“Do you believe this cruel man compared to us who have been supporting you until now!? No, it doesn’t matter what happened to us. At least, please believe Zilard-sama as your friend–…” (Luca)
“You guys, Fort is not dead.” (Julia)
But… that rebut was toppled by Julia’s words.
“If it’s about Fort, he is sleeping in the room where we were. I hear that he will not wake up for a while, but everyone has confirmed that he is in a good health.” (Sanger)
“That can’t be true!? The head here is surely…” (Luca)
“Move!” (Hilgan)
The irritated Hilgan tried to pick up the bag, but I got it earlier than him. Perhaps, he tried to display the content, but it was something I didn’t want to show to the ladies in the house.
“Don’t worry, this is a fake. It took a lot of time to prepare it, but it looks real, isn’t it?” (Sirius)
This wasn’t Fort’s head. Actually, it was the head of a humanoid monster who had a similar physique to him. Of course, as soon as I got that, I heard the man… err rather the woman, Rose, who was at Freesia’s establishment, was excellent in doing makeup and tinkering dead bodies. So the head I had was done by her.
With Fort’s characteristics outline and scar made, when Rose finished up touching the head with hair and blood I got from Fort himself, as long as people didn’t see it in close vicinity, they wouldn’t know that it wasn’t real. People tend to judge other people with noticeable features rather than the whole face. If there was a conspicuous scar similar to Fort, it would be easier to believe. And when it came Lambda, I had to conversely use his abilities.
Lambda was quite relax from the previous time probably could sense the reaction of Fort being alive. When he noticed that Julia’s words were the truth, he hit the desk with his fist.
“…How!? Although I was pretty sure his life has disappear… why there is a reaction!?” (Lambda)
“Of course, he was dead. But temporarily…” (Sirius)
I thought of using poison that he gave me, but what I used regenerative activity which was done to the utmost limit… and it become a so called suspended animation which also could be done by medicine.
It was something that I made so that I could pretend to be dead and attack the enemies in their unguarded moment, and to escape from enemies eyes in hostile places. Actually, it was still in the process of improvement and there was a risk that if I used it poorly, I might lose the life, but with precise treatment done immediately by Reese, a person could be resuscitated without after-effects. In other words, there was no point in using it if Reese wasn’t there. Well, it was a pretty dangerous bet, but I managed to trick him somehow. Furthermore…
“In such a situation… No, could it be…!?” (Lambda)
“It seems you notice it. You probably think that you are in advantageous spot because you have a hostage, but you basically got it wrong.” (Sirius)
The matter which most concerned was Fia, but in fact, there was no problem at all. He was probably confidence in the result of his research. Well, it might be because of researchers’ nature, but he should have considered the possibilities of not getting what he wished for.
“Unfortunately, my wife is different from ordinary Elves. What you made her drink is not working at all.” (Sirius)
It was because in her body, there was a seed of sacred tree or Shishou, a nonstandard existence… The seed that given to the next sacred tree provided divine protection that protected the host. In fact, far from not getting sick, Fia was very resistant to poison. To sum up, no matter how many plants he studied, it wasn’t easy to screw up the divine protection of the sacred tree which stood at the top of the plants.
“Eh… does that mean Fia-ane was pretending to be sick?” (Reus)
“Yes. He had told me that I shouldn’t get out of the room as much as possible when he saw the condition of my body. Well… it’s also true that I got a hangover.” (Fia)
““Fia-san…”” (Emilia/Reese)
“Are you…” (Lifell)
Although Fia sweetly stick out her tongue, the eyes of the surroundings seemed painful. At first, I asked Shishou to verify the wine that I secretly secured at that time, but she said that there was no problem at all. Instead, she was very angry because I poured something that somewhat tasteless.
“Now, there is no need to conceal your identity when there are so many witnesses. Why don’t you tell us your plan?” (Sirius)
“Haa… that’s brilliant. There is no need to laugh off more than this.” (Lambda)
“Zilard.Tell me that all these are jokes. Something like a trial to make me the king…” (Sanger)
“You still don’t get it, aren’t you? Do you still believe in me while listening to that?” (Lambda)
Lambda held his fists as if he was disappointed, but judging that it was no longer necessary to salvage it, he looked at Sanger with the same smile as before. As Lambda stood up from the chair, he tried to hit the floor with the tip of the cane held, but I immediately shot it with [Magnum].
“If you move unnecessarily, I’m going to aim for your body next. You target Fia when she has done nothing, so you should prepare for it, right?” (Sirius)
“Ooh, that’s scary. Unfortunately, it is not there, you know?” (Lambda)
Although it was an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation other than the number of people, I couldn’t see him being restless. The cane that seemed to activate magic had been destroyed, but did he has other ways?
No… it wasn’t that. Lambda was decoy, the real ones were…
“You guys!” (Luca)
“Come on!” (Hilgan)
…Luca and Hilgan.
Luca blew a big whistle in the air while everyone was distracted by Lambda. In the meantime, Hilgan beat down the wall behind and made a way out.
[…—Awooo!] (Hokuto)
At the same time, I heard the howling of Hokuto who was on alert. Perhaps, the Dragonkin, Luca, called the dragons and they were going to escape from the broken wall. This situation… I also remembered it before. Other than planting stone in Sandor body, these people must be companions of Belford who cause chaos in the Beast country, Arbitray. I couldn’t let these people escape, but there were many things I wanted to hear, including personal circumstances.
Therefore, I turned my hands to aim not on the head, but to shoot his feet, but Reus and Julia leaped out earlier than that.
“Don’t you think you can run away!” (Reus)
“Not when after you did all these!” (Julia)
“Heh, let’s do this!” (Hilgan)
Reus and Julia pulled out their sword and approaching Lambda, but Hilgan fearlessly stood in their way. Hilgan was unarmed. Did he forget his weapon? Furthermore, he seemed to be reckless since he had two expert swordsmen at the same time. With the skills of the two, I thought it would end with a single blow…
““Wha..!?”” (Reus/Julia)
“Hummph! Only at this level?” (Hilgan)
Julia’s sword aimed at Hilgan’s left arm broke, and Reus’ greatsword swung at the right arm was stopped halfway. Her sword was thin, so it wasn’t weird to break, but it was obviously abnormal that Reus’ greatsword swung was stopped by only with arm muscles.
“Come on, do it again!” (Hilgan)
While the two were upset, Hilgan gripped the sword stuck in his arm, and threw it to the nearby wall together with Reus. His might was more than I imagined as several sturdy walls were broke. Then Reus, disappeared into the depth of the castle. I was worried about the safety of Reus’ safety, but I couldn’t afford to mind him for now. Julia, who instinctively thought that she was in danger, tried to get away, but she was caught by Hilgan who approached with a speed that didn’t match with his large-build body.
“Guh!? Let me go, you bastard!” (Julia)
“Hehe… I finally got my hands on you.” (Hilgan)
While roughly grasping Julia’s beautiful blonde hair, Hilgan looked down and licked his lips at the same time. He was a man who liked women so much. Perhaps, he was aiming for Julia since long ago, but he might have been stopped by Lambda.
“Your personality is a bit difficult, but you are still an excellent woman. I’ll train thoroughly after taking you home.” (Hilgan)
“Ba-bastard! I thought you are the horrible as a swordsman, but you are even worse than a garbage!” (Julia)
“Horrible? Well you too, it’s pointless to have long hair, you know?” (Hilgan)
Certainly, Julia’s long hair didn’t fit as a swordsman. As a swordsman, the hair could be grabbed like now if she got into close combat battle. However, I didn’t think Julia was aware of it, so perhaps, she had some kind of circumstances for having long hair. She was in predicament, but it didn’t seem she was going to cut her hair with the broken sword.
“While telling me not make a fool since you are a woman, you don’t want to give up because you are a stupid swordsman and you don’t want to let go the fact of being a woman.” (Hilgan)
“Silent! You know nothing, bastard!” ( Julia)
Julia slashed Hilgan’s arm while struggling with pain, but it merely added shallow scratches which made no sense. As one would expect, I couldn’t leave this alone. I unleashed [Magnum] and shot Hilgan’s head and chest.
“Hmm? Did you do something?” (Hilgan)
“It doesn’t work, huh?” (Sirius)
I expected so when Reus slashed him. Apparently, he didn’t feel pain. Far from being calm while the head and chest were being shot, the wounds closed visibly. He was no longer a human anymore. The problem was that rugged arm catching Julia, but I might be able to cut it with [String] that applied the principle of ultrasonic cutter. At the time when I tried to immediately make a move, I noticed something, so I unleashed [Impact] on Hilgan’s face.
“Buuhh!? What are you doing!?” (Hilgan)
“Mother… I’m sorry.” (Julia)
Then, at the same time as Julia’s determined preparedness, a silvery shot was unleashed together with a destruction noise.
“How dare you… bastard!” (Reus)
The true identity of that silvery shot was Reus, who came back from the depths of the castle. He had the figure of a wolf which was called as a cursed child. Reus pushed through the opening made by my [Impact]. He came closer to Hilgan in short time and swung his sword with full power. He cut the left arm that grasped Julia’s hair.
“Dorashaaaa–!” (Reus)
Reus let go one of his hands from the sword without breath and unleashed [Wolf Fang] at Hilgan. Unfortunately, it was defended by the remaining arm, and the whole body blow only made Hilgan retreated for a few steps. Even so, Julia’s rescue was successful. Reus immediately removed Hilgan’s arm from Julia’s hair, and threw it to the feet of the opponent who scoffed abhorrently.
“This doggy bastard! You have some nerve to interfere!” (Hilgan)
“Shut up! Don’t make light of woman’s hair!” (Reus)
“Haa? What are you saying–…” (Hilgan)
“I’m not sure the detail, but Julia has decided not to cut her hair because of something important! Bastard like you will never known such a thing, so don’t lightly touch the hair of a woman!” (Reus)
“Is-is that you…Reus?” (Julia)
It might be because he was excited because of wolf transformation, his words were a bit rough. But… there was no doubt that I was proud of his act as his teacher. His understanding on women had improved a lot.
Hilgan, who seemed to be annoyed by Reus’ anger, stuck out his tongue while attaching the falling arm to the cut surface.
“Shut up, dog! It’s just hair. A woman hugged by a strong man like me is serving the highest honor, you know.” (Hilgan)
“That’s it. I don’t want to talk to you anymore.” (Reus)
Since it was pointless to speak, Reus once again swung his sword at Hilgan. By the way, the arm attached was moving without problem, but Reus was attacking him without being upset as if he had anticipated that. With transformed Reus, he probably wouldn’t lose in strength, but since they were strange enemies, I turned my attention toward Lambda and Luca while aiming for the openings to support Reus. Emilia and Reese were supposed to stop those two, but it seemed that the situation wasn’t good.
“They are only at that level, isn’t it? Lambda-sama, please leave with that dragon for now.” (Luca)
“Shall I say… as expected of a Dragonkin?” (Emilia)
“But, isn’t something weird?” (Reese)
It was because Luca stop Emilia’s and Reese’s countless magic with her whole body. On top of sturdy body of Dragon that ignored shallow magic, even if the magic did work, it would be pretty much the same like Hilgan. Hence, no one had reach Lambda yet.
“I can’t explain it well, but don’t you think that she is different from the Dragonkin we fought at school?” (Reese)
“I also have similar thought. I’m concerned about it, but let’s give priority to stop them now. I’ll take her.” (Emilia)
“Yeah. Leave that man to me. Everyone… please!” (Reese)
It seemed they were making adjustment because we were still inside the castle, but they rearranged their minds since their magic couldn’t connect well. Emilia didn’t hesitate to fire [Air Shotgun] to block Luca’s vision, and the [Aqua Cutter] unleashed by Reese severed Lambda’s leg.
“Lambda-sama!? Yo-youuuuu—!” (Luca)
“You’re noisy. As for talking about why you couldn’t become my shield, you can do it later. For now, please bring my leg quickly.” (Lambda)
Luca was calm no matter how many attack she received, but she seemed to be really agitated when Lambda was injured. I could understand that Luca prioritized Lambda more than herself, but she adored him more than expected.
“I-I’m sorry! I will bring it quickly!” (Luca)
“It’s alright. I will be healed later–… egh!?” (Lambda)
It was pretty brutal measure for Reese, but since it was possible to heal it with treatment magic since the cut was clean, I probably should stop him from getting away with treatment magic. However, as the leg was being brought over, numerous plants began to grow from the cut surface. Then, Lambda calmly stood up after the cut leg got connected. It was different from Luca and Hilgan, but the regenerative speed was astounding. At that point, I judged that [Magnum] didn’t have too much effect.
“Does everyone has regenerative ability? This is troubling.” (Melt)
“This is not a very good situation, isn’t it? Since they are going to escape, the danger to us is small, but…” (Lifell)
Princess Lifell, who was protected by Melt, murmured so while observing the whole scene. Fia wasn’t in perfect condition, and I asked Hokuto to protect Karen and the carriage, so I couldn’t call him. Moreover, since I couldn’t protect not only Princess Lifell, Sanger, who still hadn’t calmed down yet, and Ashley who was grasping his brother’s arm, it was difficult to attack him.
“Hime-sama, it’s dangerous, so please stay a bit behind me.” (Melt)
“Fia, don’t leave my rear.” (Sirius)
“Yes, I don’t intend to do the impossible. Anyhow, it’s difficult unless we can give attacks that surpassed their regeneration ability.” (Fia)
“It’s possible with that magic right? If you could destroy the mountain Ojii-sama summoned…” (Lifell)
“I think that is possible, but the place is not suitable. It is likely to involve unrelated people, and since I have something I would like to hear from them, I want to capture them alive.” (Sirius)
“I see. I wonder if there is a weak point.” (Fia)
“I think there is, but… hmm?” (Sirius)
Based on my experience, such an opponent should have something like a nucleus somewhere in the body. If I could at least identify the location of the nucleus, I would probably gain advantage, but it didn’t seem that I would have spare time to search for it.
“As expected, this is not going to be easy. Luca… come here.” (Lambda)
“Understood.” (Luca)
When Luca, who received Lambda’s life, spread her arms, she began to release enormous amount of mana as there were countless magic formation on her body. I saw the scales grew on the whole body of Luca stood up, and I instinctively shouted faster than Emilia and Reese blocking it.
“Everyone, defend!” (Sirius)
“–!? Everyone, defend!” (Fia)
“Please!” (Reese)
At the same time, Reese and Fia created water and wind barriers that enveloped us. Then, Luca scales were fired simultaneously to the surroundings. A countless number of scales exceeding hundreds became sharp thorns and pierced into the area. The room was full of holes, but it ended without incident because of their magic. I was concerned about Reus, who was fighting Hilgan, and Julia, who was out of the defense magic range since she was away from us, but…
“…Are you alright?” (Reus)
“Aah, yes. Thanks for your help. How about you?” (Julia)
“It’s not a big deal.” (Reus)
It seemed Reus was having bad feeling since he blew Hilgan away, took a distance and protected himself. There were several scales stuck on his back and shoulders because of that, but his flesh was sturdy because of the transformation, so the wounds were shallow. If it was that much, it would heal up soon.
The surroundings were destroyed due to unexpected range attacks, but more importantly, everyone was safe. Meanwhile, Lambda and others were on the move. By the time we finished verifying the situation, they got on the back of dragons and flew into the sky.
“Well then, we have to excuse ourselves. We’re going to get busy from now on.” (Lambda)
“Wait there. Is it necessary to hurry up so much?” (Sirius)
There was some distance, but I could still make it if he was at that position. Although the magic bullet unleashed penetrated Lambda’s right arm, it didn’t pierce through him, and the wound easily closed up. However, Lambda would soon notice why I still hadn’t attacked yet. That magic bullet was connected by [String]. It was something called Anchor Shot, and it hook his arm with mana thread. (TLN: Can refer Pokemon – Bulbapedia’s Anchor Shot)
“Is this… the thread earlier ?” (Lambda)
“I would like to talk to you more. Your abilities, your real self–…” (Sirius)
“I refuse.” (Lambda)
However, Lambda didn’t hesitate to swing his left arm, and he severed his right arm. It could be seen that he had no obsession with his body since he was removing the arm like it was a part of a toy. The necessity to capture these people alive increased further, but there was no way I could let them escape… right? There were no problems since they were in the sky, so when I focus my mana to unleash [Anti Materiel], I realized Luca was standing in front of Lambda with murderous intent.
“Not only Lambda-sama’s feet, but you also took his arm! I will never forgive you all!” (Luca)
“Luca, calm down. You made too much fuss for wounds at this degree.” (Lambda)
“But…! No… I got it. But at least, I…” (Luca)
While the flying dragon that carried Lambda began to fly, Luca put her hands on the horns grew on her head. I was wondering what was with that, but then, she forcibly pulled it out while tearing her flesh. While everyone was holding their breath at this unusual scene, Luca threw the horns to us even though blood was dripping from the head…
“Emilia, blow it away!” (Sirius)
“Yes!” (Emilia)
I ordered Emilia to blow the horns away. The horns that were blown to the sky far away with magical tornado, exploded while scattering furious flame around the whole area. I had never heard that Dragonkin had such a capability, but let’s think it as a parting gift.
No… she was probably not a Dragonkin anymore. From the magic formations floated on the body when scattering the scales, it would be better to think her as a remodeled human. Therefore, the reason to interrogate these people reached the peak. I should use my trump card, so I focus my mana to the [String]s which I had been continuing to activate since the evening.
“You will not escape!” (Sirius)
I anticipate the escape route of the flying dragon and activated manastone that was set outside through [String]. Then, the network of mana threads spread to the whole sky. Even though the manastone filled with enormous mana, it could cover wide range only for a few minutes, but was enough to stop them.
Thanks to the diversity of [String] displayed until now, the vigilant Lambda stopped advancing the flying dragon, we began to run in order to reduce the distance.
“It couldn’t be helped then. I didn’t want to use this, but…” (Lambda)
However, countless tree roots rose out of the surrounding ground at the same time Lambda muttered something. The tree roots moved around like tentacles of an organism. We were surprised but the roots ignored us. It went to the mana netting and cut it forcibly. Despite of its number, the mana net was something that could seal even a dragon, but… it contained more power than I expected. As I looked at Lambda’s profound smile, shouted out loud because of a certain thought.
“Everyone, stop! Don’t incite him anymore!” (Sirius)
“What do you mean!? Are you alright to let them go!?” (Reus)
“I think I can still make it with advance magic.” (Reese)
“Stop it! Remember the roots that extend throughout the castle!” (Sirius)
Although Lambda was hesitated to use it, there was a possibility that he could destroy the castle by moving if I poorly chased him down. I had no attachment to the castle, but I would definitely feel bad if something happened. It seemed possible to kill those plants with if I used my mana, but I didn’t have spare time to do it. It was regrettable, but I could let Lambda escape for now. Noticing the meaning of my words, everyone stopped the feet in frustration, but there was someone who hasn’t given up yet.
“Aniki!? Since they are already going, we have to accept–… ugh!?” (Reus)
“Wait there! Zilard–!!” (Sanger)
Sanger, who managed to be free from Ashley’s powerful pinning, shouted while chasing after the flying Lambda. Whether it was the feeling of anger being betrayed by a friend… Lambda continued to direct his cold eyes at Sanger, who kept running desperately without thinking.
“What a pitiful appearance until the end. Why don’t you admit that there is no meaning no matter how many times you repeat that?” (Lambda)
“Shut up! Come down now!” (Sanger)
“You were a good piece, but even if easy to consider, it was hard keep up my face. To support the country with such kindness, you are as good as novice.” (Lambda)
“What do you know about me!? I’m going to you hit you, so come back!” (Sanger)
“Goodbye… Sanger.” (Lambda)
“Damnnn… aarghhh–!” (Sanger)
The man shouted in grieve since it wasn’t possible to let off the anger, and… his shout reverberated into the darkness of the night.
—
The treason of Sandor heroes.
The sleeping castle awakened due to the disturbance by Lambda, and the inside of the castle was in a state of confusion. In an effort to quell the confusion a little, Julia and Ashley explained the circumstances to the castle people, and we were going back to our room when Julia asked us.
[A meeting will be held soon after the information is conveyed to everyone. You all please take a rest in the room until that time.] (Julia)
[…] (Sirius)
[Aniki, come on. Isn’t this place going to collapse?] (Reus)
[…Aah.] (Sirius)
[We should bestow you an award for saving the country big time, but it seems that we can’t afford it now. And this is a very frustrating request, but can you guys participate in the meeting too. I would like to hear your opinion a lot.] (Julia)
It would take time to explain the truth of the heroes, who had saved their country, trying to destroy them. The information had been conveyed to influential people of the castle about this time. The preparations for emergency meeting were progressing, but when I tried to look for the reaction with [Search], I instinctively let out a sigh.
Although this was an abnormal situation, far from the meeting being poorly set up, no one had gone out from their own room yet.
I understood the situation. I supposed this was the current situation in Sandor, right? It didn’t make me think that these people were serving the world’s largest country. perhaps, this was also the work of Lambda.
He made Sanger as a cover, getting in touch with greedy people behind the scenes, and secretly collaborate with them to expel honest vassal such as Fort. As the remaining people were corrupted by the induction of Lambda, Sandor became gradually weakened from the inside. It was a very troublesome measure, but it might be the evidence that Lambda hated the country and planned to knocked down people to despair.
I felt uneasy about the future of Sandor country, but since there were Sanger and other, I switched the thought and decided to think about the future. It was possible to guess the secrets of this people from the words of Shishou who checked the wind, and their abilities that crossed the line of being monsters.
[I wonder what is this… it’s annoying, but I feel something similar to myself from them.] (Shishou)
There was also a matter of laying hands on Fia, but since it had got something to do with Shishou, I had decided to prepare myself to fight Lambda. The problem was the enemies were more nuisance than expected.
As Princess Lifell suggested, my [Anti-Material] could shot the nucleus, but only half of the body would be blow away at once by the size of the magic. Given the regenerative speed, he would regenerated before I could unleash second blow to destroy the other half of the body. Therefore, countermeasures against these people were urgently needed.
Besides… I had another reason for not fighting them. Even though the wounds healed, Reus was still depressed in the corner of the room.
“Haa… damn it…” (Reus)
Even if they were equal in power, Hilgan was bare handed and he didn’t use whatever he had which given him the title of Heavenly Sword. Although he was already out of the picture, Reus didn’t think that he could win. Princess Lifell, who came to the room, was comforting such Reus. As a side story, in the middle of the disturbance, Senia was watching For who was sleeping, but now, the people of the castle took care of him and Senia was staying next to Princess Lifell.
“Don’t depress too much. You should be proud of yourself since you protected Julia.” (Lifell)
“I’m already fine with it, but that bastard… I can feel that he is still hiding his strength. I felt like he was going easy, and somehow it feels really frustrating.” (Reus)
“But there is no problem since you are still alive. If you have fought with Strongest Sword, you know what that means, right?” (Melt)
“This doesn’t seem like Reus-sama. There will be an opportunity to fight him again, so please change your mood quickly.” (Senia)
“…You’re right. I will not going to lose next time!” (Reus)
Despite of being depressed, his fighting spirit hadn’t declined. As for Reus, Hilgan had already become an unavoidable enemy.
“By the way, why are you touching my ears?” (Reus)
“Hmm, I thought that will make you calm down a little.” (Lifell)
“The one who calm down is Lifell-ane, isn’t it?” (Reus)
Well… there was no problem if I entrusted Reus to Princess Lifell who had fetish on animal ears. As I arrived at the table in the room and continued thinking in silent, Emilia poured another helping of tea and I noticed that Reese, who sat on the opposite side, was looking at me gently.
“Sirius-sama. Can we say something?” (Emilia)
“…What is it?” (Sirius)
“Uhmm, how should I say this? I feel you are somehow unusual, Sirius-san.” (Reese)
“Even in the battle earlier, your unusual behavior was conspicuous. Is there a problem?” (Emilia)
It was true. In the fight with Lambda’s group, I didn’t participate in the attack much and I was keeping defense. Although it was an emergency, it was not a mistake than I wasn’t assertive enough.
By the way, I stopped the attack on Lambda’s group when they escaping the castle not only because of the danger that the castle could be destroyed, but I also judged that I shouldn’t show my ability. I also had the plan to shoot down the flying dragon, but since there were several other dragons, he could just ride other dragon. Therefore, it made no sense to try. Plus… there was a possibility someone from underworld lurking nearby.
Since I couldn’t imagine such abilities personally created by Lambda, there might be a mysterious existence that gave him knowledge and also more companions. I didn’t think that it would end like this. I explained to those two about not taking too much actions because of circumstances that I couldn’t reliably defeated him. However, they seemed not convinced yet by looking at their expression.
“I don’t think that’s all. I would like to ask other questions.” (Emilia)
“Yes. I was thinking that you were obliged to hide the plan from us because of Fia-san being taken hostage, but when I recalled again, I think you were in such condition since this morning.” (Reese)
“Your eyes looking at Fia-san are clearly different.” (Emilia)
“We aren’t jealous. Well… it’s like you were really worried.” (Reese)
“Aah–… well… I guess so.” (Sirius)
“Hehe, I understand why he is worried, but I think it’s normal to feel so, am I right, Sirius?” (Fia)
Even if I said so myself, they understood well enough when a part of me being unusual. I had no plan to create the order of important people to me, but now, I had to pay attention to Fia no matter what. In exchange to me who couldn’t say any words unintentionally, Fia, who sat next to me, answered while putting her hands on her belly.
“It’s because Sirius is… going to be a father.” (Fia)
“““““…Ehh!?””””” (Emilia/Reese/Reus/Lifell/Melt)
Yeah… there was my child inside Fia’s belly.
—
Presenting Hokuto
The night when a massive strategy by Sirius was taking place… Hokuto was quietly lying down near the carriage owned by the Master. On his back, there was Karen whom the Master entrusted to protect, and she was peacefully sleeping.
“…Suuu–.” (Karen)
“…Woof.” (Hokuto)
It was an important daughter entrusted by the mother to the Master. Since there was no room to spare, Hokuto increased vigilance in order not to cause unnecessary worry.
After a while, Hokuto noticed that the dragon kept in the castle began to move.
“Awoooo—-!” (Hokuto)
He judged the Master was aware of that, but this was to caution him at least. When Hokuto-kun howled, he suddenly remembered that Karen was sleeping at the same time. When he turned around while being sorry for waking up a child who was sleeping comfortably…
“…Unyaa… more…” (Karen)
“Woof…” (Hokuto)
Should he blamed for not waking up the dangerous awareness even with his howl? Or should he be amazed that she was sleeping without waking up even in this situation? Even though just a little, Hokuto-kun became uneasy about Karen’s future.
—
