Chapter 223 - Chapter Twenty-Four: Great Cave Exploration ④
The place we teleported to was pitch black.
"It seems nothing is here."
"Yes, I think so too."
If Wilson-san and Flora, the two who can see in the dark, say there's nothing, then there probably isn't.
"There are two in front of the door ahead, and many reactions beyond the walls to the diagonal front, both left and right. However, they are a bit far away."
Priest Williams, who had been using [Skill: Sense Living] since before we jumped, caught the reactions.
With a gachari sound, the door opened, and two Orcs entered the room. Robinson-san, who had finished his incantation, activated [Skill: Subordination]. Since it seems he can only control up to D-rank, they are opponents that pose no problem as long as he can control them.
When I shone the [Skill: Light] on them, they were writhing but kept their faces forward with their eyes closed. It seemed pitiful, so I stopped shining it on their faces.
Flora stepped forward and began to talk.
They must have been told something, as they looked down and bit their lips.
When I shone the [Skill: Light] at full power directly in front of their faces, the Orcs, with their eyes closed, groaned and writhed their upper bodies as if they were standing there with their hands and feet bound.
This is interesting.
Flora was also bursting into laughter.
"Robinson-san. Can you make them open their closed eyes?"
When Flora translated, they started crying with tears flowing while their eyes remained closed. They're quite skillful.
It seems this isn't where the Demon Lord is. They're apparently breeding spiders in a nearby hole. It must be the ones Priest Williams caught reactions from. In this area, just like where the executive was, there are three rooms beyond the junction. Furthermore, beyond the junction at the end of another passage-like cave, there are also three rooms. The passage is a distance that takes an Orc about an hour to walk, and at the end of a passage extending from the middle of it, there is apparently a room with a [Skill: Teleport] magic circle.
"You're good at interrogation for a priest. You have a track record too... how about it, will you become an Inquisitor?"
Harris-san said to me. An Inquisitor is a specialist who converts Demon Lord worshippers. It seems they don't just convert them, but also interrogate them to make them spit out the whereabouts of their companions and the places where they hold meetings.
The "track record" he mentioned must be about Wilson-san, who was laughing under his breath next to me.
"It wasn't me. It must be the effect of the remains of the Demon Race's sword hilt that Henry-sama showed them."
We told them that if they answered the questions honestly, we would return them to being wild Orcs in a place where the Demon Lord's army wouldn't come, and showed them the thing Henry-sama had brought. After that, they became completely docile.
"No, no, I only showed it because Jeanne told me to. This also just happened to be something I had on me."
He was smirking.
Happened to have it on him? There's no way. It seems like it was meant for interrogation.
Robinson-san controlled the Orcs in the remaining rooms, and Harris-sama defeated them. We had Fiona scout the inside of the remaining two rooms.
In one, there were apparently about thirty Orcs in a jail cell.
It was when she peeked into the other one.
Bakin! A loud sound echoed, and the air shook. Fiona, who had her face poked into the door, hurriedly pulled her head back and was flustered.
"What happened!"
Everyone rushed over. Harris-san began his incantation.
"Are you okay? Was there something there?"
"Sp-Sp-Sp-Spiders! Spiders! Big ones, lots of them!"
Goosebumps were forming on the arms she tearfully clung to. There were apparently spiders swarming there. It seems she made eye contact with them. Even for Fiona, the first sight of the spiders was a big shock.
At any rate, we understood the situation. I had Flora vocalize to activate [Skill: Teleport], and we returned for now.
I explained to Eleanor-sama and asked for reinforcements.
"It seems there are only packs of Orcs and spiders. They said they were breeding spiders."
"Breeding spiders? How?"
"That... I didn't ask."
"I understand. Let's go together."
The reinforcements were Eleanor-sama and the mages from the Class of 175.
Eleanor-sama immediately began the interrogation. From that, we found out that they were hatching eggs of a type of spider that doesn't dig holes, which Robinson-san had been breeding, and were using Orcs as food to raise them.
The two guards knew that their kin were being used as spider food. When asked what that was about, they replied that they just followed orders because they were told to. When asked if they didn't dislike it, they answered that it couldn't be helped because the weak follow the strong. They were gathered from all over and made to fight. At first, the losers became food, and eventually even the winners were made into food Orcs, and the bosses of the packs became guards. They've been doing this for about two years.
The reason the Dryad mentioned, that the number of Orcs that had increased was now decreasing, must be this. It's a good thing the number of monsters in Northern Nakanohara has decreased, but it means that powerful spiders have increased by that much.
"They say they're making them cannibalize each other to some extent. They give them about ten Orcs a month, and for the rest, they make them cannibalize. That's how they leave the strong ones behind."
"How are they handling the spiders that are left?"
"It seems they're taking them somewhere else with another magic circle."
"Is it the executive?"
"They say it's a Revenant wearing black clothes."
The Ruined Town... Angelica-san cried out. Marcelo-san put his arm around her shoulder.
I don't want to think it's possible, but are they in league with the Demon Lord's army?
Unfortunately, we didn't quite know who the one in black clothes was. The Orcs hadn't been told.
"We have heard something that cannot be ignored. We cannot just overlook this."
The spider packs caused considerable damage when they attacked while we were guarding the border of Regnentes. If Gargoyles from the sky and spiders from the ground attacked at the same time, even an army would struggle.
"We must crush this base at all costs and find out who is behind it."
First, we must confirm the destination of the [Skill: Teleport], she said. Leaving the spiders and the Orcs in the jail as they were, we decided to urgently find out the destination of the magic circle.
Leaving Henry-sama and Wilson-san behind, we returned, and this time I took Eleanor-sama and Beowulf to explore the other magic circle in the room where we defeated the executive. In the end, it was a repetition of the same thing, and we reached another place where they were breeding spiders. The rest is the magic circle at the end of the passage connecting the two places where spiders are bred. Most likely, it leads to the destination where the spiders are being transported.
"Hey, can't we use the spiders?"
Suddenly, Flora said that.
"How would we use them?"
"We send the spiders through the magic circle."
"That's interesting, but what if the opponent controls them?"
"We'll send sick spiders. If we do that, the spiders at the destination of the [Skill: Teleport] will also get infected, so I think they'll all die."
"Is such a thing possible?"
"The Dryad should be able to do it. Let's go ask her."
Since she told me to come, I went with Flora to the Dryad who was guarding the withdrawal camp and explained. Beowulf and Beatrix followed along as guards. The Dryad also seems to dislike the spiders that build large nests and wipe out the creatures of the forest. She says spiders should stay as spiders. On the condition that we release all the wild Orcs used as food, she agreed.
"This powder in the bottle... they are spores, but they've been specially adjusted. Please sprinkle this on the spiders after lightly bathing them in water. You don't have to sprinkle that much on a single spider, so do it evenly to all individuals. The effect will appear in about two weeks. It's basically harmless to humans, but as a precaution, be careful not to inhale it."
"Will the spiders get sick?"
"No. Mushrooms will grow from the spiders' bodies. Since the mushrooms grow by using the spiders as nutrients, the spiders will eventually die. It will also infect other individuals in the pack, so the whole pack will die. If there are no more spiders around, the mushrooms won't have anywhere to grow, so the infection will end there."
Um, that's a bit scary...
"What are you saying? Originally, mushrooms that use insect bodies as nutrients are everywhere. They just aren't noticeable. That's how they turn insect corpses into soil and circulate them as nutrients for plants and trees."
Come to think of it, Flora told me that things like gunpowder ingredients can be made from the digestive system through that kind of circulation.
"Living things that have increased too much are prone to dying all at once due to the rapid spread of such natural processes. You humans should also be careful not to increase too much."
"Yes. I understand. I'll remember that well."
I was told to tell Eleanor-sama that well. She must recognize her skill.
After thanking her enough, we returned to the cave and explained this and that.
"I understand well. Once this is over, we must thank the Dryad."
She's giving a wry smile.
First is the release of the food Orcs. The Orcs knew they were being used as food. Their appetites had also decreased, and they were thin. Flora said that if they behaved, we would return them to the forest and let them go back to being wild, and when she threw the hilt of the broken Demon Race sword at their feet, they clung to the bars of the jail. Including the guards and the food Orcs from the two locations, there were over sixty of them. Since we couldn't transport them all at once, Robinson-san waited at the destination of the [Skill: Teleport], the Headmistress and Harris-san fired extra-thick [Skill: Holy] to threaten them, and the three vanguards surrounded them to move them. Flora was constantly calling out to them. Eleanor-sama and Wilson-san flew at ultra-high speed twice, and we finally finished transporting them.
Next are the spiders. Since the spider-hating Fiona had retreated into her crystal, Robinson-san controlled them and lined them up, Mary wetted the spiders with [Skill: Shower], and Paul-san and Beatrix sprinkled the powder we got from the Dryad with [Skill: Favourable Wind]. I was watching to see if mushrooms would grow, but there was no change.
"It's impossible to happen suddenly. Their bodies are large. Besides, it would be meaningless if they grew now, wouldn't it?"
Come to think of it, that's true. As Flora said, we had to send them in.
We sent the spiders in one after another. Once they teleported, Robinson-san's control wouldn't work, so we threw stones to make them angry so we wouldn't get hurt. This was because if they didn't move immediately at the destination, they would come back. In fact, several did come back. Since Robinson-san was controlling them, there was no danger, but it meant the number of times we had to send them increased. It took over ten times, but we managed somehow. After that, we just have to wait for the opponent.
Just like when we defeated the executive, we dug holes in three places in the room and hid ourselves. This time, there was no [Skill: Illusion]. We mustn't let them retreat.
"Will they come?"
I try asking the Headmistress.
"I think they'll come. The problem is when and what will come, right?"
Today is already the fourth day. We have to return to the Royal Capital by tomorrow morning. According to the letter from Evans-sama, it seems they struggled on the second and third days. Apparently, several famous heroes who participated in the main force were taken down. Especially on the third day, the vanguard was quite battered, and one of the main forces retreated in a state close to total annihilation. Today, the fourth day, is the day the joint forces of Regnentes and Primordia challenge as the main force, and the two heroes we met at the departure ceremony will participate as the rearguard. I hope they can do their best somehow.
About two hours after we sent them in before noon, when it should be time for monsters to be sleeping, the magic circle finally glowed.
"There's nothing. I thought there would be signs of battle."
"Umu. This magic circle shouldn't be usable with human vocalization. Did something happen that displeased that Demon Race member?"
They are speaking human language. Since there's no light, it's pitch black and I can't see, but they must be Revenants.
"There are three wearing black robes and one Orc."
Flora, who peeked her face out from the flower, told me secretly.
"Let's check the spiders and the Orc."
The door opened, and there was the sound of it closing.
After a while, the door was roughly opened.
"Report immediately. At this rate, we won't be able to contact the Demon Race."
They came running in noisily.
"What on earth happened here?"
"I don't know. The Orcs are gone, and it's impossible to go to the Demon Race's place through the magic circle. At this rate, there will be a hindrance to our plan."
"Umu. Hurry, make the Orc vocalize."
The Orc shouted something, but nothing happened.
"What are you doing? Hurry up."
"I am controlling it... but what is going on?"
"Isn't your concentration breaking? Calm down."
No matter how many times it vocalized, it was the same. Marcelo-san had erased part of the magic circle.
"Where did you all come from?"
Eleanor-sama's voice echoed.
"Who goes there!"
Now!
"[Skill: Light]!"
It was full power using both hands.
The Orc knelt, covering both eyes with its hands, and the three in black robes turned this way.
In the next moment, Marcelo-san, who had teleported behind the men, and the three vanguards unleashed a strike aimed at the back of their heads.
We successfully restrained the Revenants. We also caught the Orc. We returned to the executive's room through the magic circle Marcelo-san had restored and began the interrogation of the three and the one separately.
First, we interrogated the Orc and found out that the destination of the [Skill: Teleport] was a fortress in the mountains, that a Demon Lord army executive was involved there, and that dozens of Revenants in black robes were breeding a large number of spiders. The food was magic beasts and Orcs, and they were apparently breeding them underground so they wouldn't build nests.
As for the Revenants, the Class of 175 was not allowed to be present. Eleanor-sama, Wilson-san, and Harris-sama took charge. They visited the three locations in order and conducted a leading interrogation, speaking as if one of the Revenants had said what the Orc had told them. Flora's existence hasn't been exposed. They probably don't think we can talk to Orcs. As a result, one of the three spoke, and it was found that the fortress was located in Northern Nakanohara. The remaining two chanted [Skill: Purification] and returned to soil at that very moment. In other words, they committed suicide.
"In a way, it was as expected. Now, let's block this hole and withdraw. Let's stay in Nakanohara today. Except for Will, the Class of 175 will return immediately. If you return at ultra-high speed now, you'll make it in time for the afternoon oracle. You challenged an A-rank, attacked it, and brilliantly defeated it. I'm sure you've learned new magic. Just in case, everyone should receive it."
While cheers rose from the rearguard and Matilda looked dissatisfied, Beowulf was secretly rejoicing.
That night, it turned into a banquet at the Ghost Mansion. Unfortunately, the Headmistress and Jennifer-sensei had returned to the orphanage, but we also invited Mel and Dune and made a big fuss. For Harris-sama and Priest Williams, it was their first time meeting Dune and Mel, but when we confessed everything, including the matter with the Goblins, they promised not to say much.
After the toast, it was time for the announcement of the oracle results. First, Beowulf learned [Skill: Shield] and [Skill: Resist]. They are basic spells, but she became a triple-spell user. She has Eleanor's armor and helmet and the Lindwurm shield. Unless the opponent is quite something, she won't even get a scratch. She was so happy she started crying, and everyone present gave her a toss in the air.
Next, Beatrix finally became a high-level mage and learned two mid-level spells at the same time: [Skill: Clump Sand], [Skill: Lightning], and the fire-attribute high-level attack magic [Skill: Fire Storm]. This seems to have been exactly the image of having [Skill: Flame] caught in Paul-san's [Skill: Tornado Wind], so it must be a victory for cooperation. Lyudmila also learned [Skill: Fire Storm] and became a high-level mage. Harris-san immediately recorded it on parchment.
Mary was as expected and learned [Skill: Mist]. She was acting composed as if to say "of course," but that's not her original character. When I said congratulations, she jumped at me with a beaming smile. This part is different from Beatrix.
Bonnie and Matilda came up empty. Neither of them seemed to care about not being able to use magic, and Matilda didn't even seem to have the intention of learning it.
"How was it for Jeanne?"
"Um, I learned one basic spell."
My growth is somehow slow. It might have stopped.
"Is it [Skill: Anti-Sepsis]?"
"Yes. That's right."
According to Flora, mushrooms are relatives of mold. I was the one who scattered the powder that grows mushrooms on spiders and let it ride on the wind magic. I was worried about what I would do if mushrooms grew on my own body, but the Goddess must have looked out for me in that regard. Just in case, I had Dune examine me, and I was fine.
"With this, you've completed the phantom magic spells, haven't you? From next time, you'll go up all at once."
If I only learned one basic spell after defeating an A-rank, I might not be able to go up unless I defeat the Demon Lord.
"As expected of the Spirit Medium Priestess ×× Knight-sama. (T/N: The '××' in the original text likely refers to a title that Jeanne is embarrassed by or is restricted from saying due to her contract.) With this, the Nakanohara Bento Service sales-up operation can be activated."
"What goes into the ××?"
Eleanor-sama cut in on the mage who was saying unnecessary things.
"I can't say because of the contract before the Goddess."
Harris-sama was laughing.
Don't intentionally use redacted marks.
"Please also handle the transport of sea fish."
This time Angelica-san said that.
Um, the mouth of the Nakanohara River is in Medioland, so it's a foreign country...
"Didn't you have free commercial rights and free passage rights? It'll be fine. Let's also run a fish shop at the Class of 175 Shop."
"The Bird's Head is limited to domestic use."
"Sea fish, huh," she said, not listening to what people were saying.
"But still, three high-level mages. The vanguard's equipment is also substantial; aren't they already stronger than the Kingdom Army stationed in Nakanohara?"
"That's right. Once the Demon Lord subjugation is safely over, it might be good to have them become not just Nakanohara Town-certified, but Kingdom of Sertoria-certified monster hunters and have them be active all over the island."
"That would be a problem. If we get too busy, we won't have time to do rat extermination. Let's see. Please limit requests from other countries to about once every two months."
In addition to Paul-san and Eleanor-sama, even Marcelo-san was saying whatever they liked. Marcelo Company must be powerful enough already.
At any rate, it's the long-awaited [Skill: Anti-Sepsis] for some people. I immediately tried it out with various ingredients. As a result of the experiment, I found out that mold can be removed, but only in a very narrow range. It can prevent raw things from spoiling, but it cannot restore freshness. The prevention of spoilage is also only on the surface; it's fine for thin slices, but if it's a whole fish, it will rot from the internal organs. Unfortunately, Angelica-san and Beatrix's plan was impossible to realize, but when they found that out, they told me to hurry up and become a mid-level mage. It's faster to freeze things with [Skill: Freeze]. I'm increasingly unsure what the magic is for.
But, well, it's fine. Today we'll all celebrate and get pumped up for tomorrow. The fourth day's charge struggled, but the rearguard that moved early managed to rescue them somehow. As expected of heroes. By the way, the commemorative plate became the Class of 175 challenging the Demon Race. The main ones are the high-level mages led by the three heroes, but as Adolf-san said, even if they were small, they could only be distinguished by the color of their clothes.