Chapter 341 - The Singularity Begins to Stir
“Please.”
“Thank you.”
Since it felt awkward to offer nothing, I served Papu Leaf Tea for now. Argenta-san took a sip, seemingly relieved.
“Lord Shou, do you know about demons?”
“No, not at all. They’re different from demonkin, right?”
That was the first thing that bothered me when the topic of demons came up. Seth (Miki) had said that the current Demon King was from the Open-Country Faction, and they interacted normally, so I didn’t think they were related.
“It might anger the demonkin to say this, but they are originally the same. Demons are the faction that split off and were exiled long before the catastrophe. They are the former Demon King faction who worship the God of Twilight and Darkness, a deity that the Dragonkin also forbid the worship of.”
“The exiled faction...”
“As I touched upon before, the majority of them were supposed to have fled far to the east of the Demon Kingdom, but their whereabouts became unknown after the catastrophe.”
Those demons reportedly subjugated the centaur and minotaur races, who were ordinary citizens of the Demon Kingdom at the time. The current Demon Kingdom, having overthrown that old regime, is a proper nation, and naturally, they are wary of the demons.
“So, if they’re also in the Necropolis... that’s troublesome.”
“Yes. The demons’ objective is...”
“Another catastrophe?”
“Eh? No way...”
If they did that, I think they’d get caught up in it themselves. No, the White Dragon Princess would stop them again, and there’s also the possibility they’re trying to take advantage of the chaos then...
“Their true intentions are unknown, but if they intend to cause another catastrophe, we must stop them. If the same thing were to happen again, the Princess...”
Argenta-san said, casting her eyes down.
[Alliance 'Thunder Empress and Witch' has subjugated Baron-class Demon Carabigor!]
“Ah... another demon seems to have been subjugated.”
“Is that a divine revelation? Can you tell me the details?”
“Yes. Um...”
‘Thunder Empress and Witch’... that’s Leona-sama and Bell-bucho, right? That’s fine, I’ll tell her about the Baron-class Demon Carabigor. Before that, Marie Onee-san defeated Baron-class Demon Rucoshion, right?
“Is the title an indication of strength?”
“Is this ‘Baron-class’ an indication of the demon’s strength?”
“Yes, a Baron would be a commander-class for active units. It is likely they have a considerable number of subordinate demons as well.”
In game terms, less than a mid-boss, but like a mini-boss? Above a Baron is a Viscount, right? So Viscount would be a mid-boss, and Count would be a boss, I guess...
No, that’s fine, but,
“Is that why it’s difficult to maintain the section with the Transfer Magic Circle?”
If they have to divert forces to fight demons, I might have to give up on the Transfer Magic Circle. But Argenta-san slowly shook her head.
“No, we will ensure perfect security for the secured section so as not to cause you any trouble. The reason I visited today was... to ask Lord Shou to come to the Necropolis and cooperate with our investigation...”
She put both hands down and bowed deeply.
“Well then, I shall take my leave.”
“Yes. I’ll give you my answer by tomorrow.”
The Transfer Magic Circle glowed, and Argenta-san disappeared. Well, I have a feeling things are about to get busy. The investigation Argenta-san asked for is at the church near the Transfer Magic Circle tower.
A demon hiding there, or even the God of Twilight and Darkness being enshrined... That sends shivers down my spine. So, “Why me?” she asked, and the reason was, as usual, that the door wouldn't open unless it was someone 'blessed'. I was told it would also be fine to introduce someone else I trusted. If both options were impossible, they were considering breaking down the wall with dragon power, but they reportedly weren’t keen on that. If a demon was lurking there, it would be a hit, but if it was just a Goddess Statue and they destroyed it... there are also the protected races to consider.
“Shou-kun. You’re planning to go yourself, aren’t you?”
“Yeah. I’m thinking of it as a dress rehearsal for picking up Mion... Do you object?”
“No. I’m just worried if you’ll be able to return to the island safely...”
“Well, Argenta-san guaranteed that.”
In the unlikely event that something happened and the Transfer Magic Circle there became unusable, the Dragonkin promised to take responsibility and send me back to the island. Well, since I have a home setting, I can return even in the worst case by dying once...
“Can’t you introduce the club president or Seth-chan?”
“I thought that might be okay, but I wanted to do a dress rehearsal for picking up Mion. I also want to use [Positioning] over there.”
“Ah...”
Even if the Transfer Magic Circle had to be retrieved before Mion could use it for some reason, if I had the [Positioning] information, I should be able to go to the mainland by learning [Teleportation]. I want to leave that possibility open, at least.
“The rest depends on the magic tool Argenta-san prepares, I guess?”
“Woof!”
“Lupi-chan has to come with you, right?”
“Yeah.”
I considered going alone, but ultimately decided to take Lupi. I can’t leave behind my reliable companion. So, I consulted Argenta-san, and she said there was a magical accessory for changing fur color for disguise purposes. She said she’d look for it and send it as soon as she returned, so if it’s a usable magic tool, I can be with Lupi even when I pick up Mion.
“~~~♪”
As I reached the top of the stairs leading out to the Mountain Cabin basin, Sweee and the Fairies, along with Leda and Roy, came out to greet me.
“What will Sweee-chan and the others do?”
“Everyone except Lupi will stay behind this time.”
“~~~?!”
At those words, Sweee looked at me with a 'Why?!' expression. But, as expected, I couldn't take her along.
“It’s partly because taking Sweee and the others would definitely expose me, but also because there’s a chance we’ll fight demons. Leda and Roy, I’m counting on you to guard the Queen and the Fairies, okay?”
“Woof!”
““Bow!””
At their crisp 'Roger!'-like replies, I instinctively stroked their heads. In contrast, Sweee remained pouting.
“~~~...”
“Sweee, I can also rely on you for True and Pan and the others.”
When I asked her that, she slumped her shoulders with a sigh, but then nodded.
“Tomorrow, I’m going to Mion’s house, but can I log in to IRO from there?”
“Yes!”
Apparently, there’s a spare PC, so I decided to borrow it. Of course, it has specs that can run IRO without issues. If things aren’t settled by Wednesday, it might be okay to take a break from the live stream. I’ll watch the situation, and it might even be okay to return to the island just for the live stream, handling things flexibly and adaptably, right?