Chapter 423 - Episode 7: The Behemoth's Cave II
We stayed at the Water Dragon's temple for three days.
During that time, the Water Dragon provided a trout, so we called Dune and Mel and had a banquet.
"Hmm, so there was such a huge Magic Stone."
Mel, who was sitting on Wilson-san's lap, asked while drinking honey water.
"Yes. Since the hole was deep, I couldn't know the exact size, but I think it was much, much larger than a standing human male."
I explain to the two of them everything from the Behemoth subjugation to the discovery of the Magic Stone in the cave. Since it's related to the Demon Race, I can't talk too deeply about it, but it's fine to talk about what I actually experienced.
"Is a Behemoth a bull?"
Dune also seems interested. Both of them, as the pinnacle of spirits, don't really like that strange monsters are being produced. However, as long as the Demon Race and humans are killing each other, they don't seem to care. That's because it's basically the same as a wolf hunting a deer. The problem is the method; if there's anything that significantly changes the surrounding environment, they won't stay silent.
"It's a monster that's like a bull and a boar added together."
Its cry is a bull's. Its horns are a bull's. Its tusks are boar-like, but maybe that's what a bull that has become a monster looks like if it grows tusks.
"And it eats boars, right?"
"It seems so."
When I look at the Priestess, she's nodding. Behemoths are only in Finis, except for the Demon Lord's cave. Accordingly, she must have a certain amount of knowledge.
"Why don't you try asking the boars that guided you?"
"That's right. If it's Violet or Keira, they should understand the language of magic beasts too."
Hmm, that might be good. I'll consult with Eleanor-sama.
On the night of the third day, Henry-sama's group, who had finished the discussions in the Finis Royal Capital, came to pick us up, so I immediately told them what I had talked about with Dune and Mel.
"We were thinking the same thing. It's a relief if it's the same as the spirits. We have also made arrangements with Northern Gram to obtain the cooperation of the Demon Race and the Alraune."
I see. There was the Dullahan. There should be a Demon Race in charge of rabbits too. Surely, a conversation with the boars will be established.
When we went to the village, a flamboyantly dressed bard was strumming a lute and singing a song. The content was a general one praising the Goddess. After all, it's a rural area in the mountains. All the villagers are gathered and listening.
"I wonder if the royal family is being considerate of such things lately."
"I wonder. But I think that's a good thing in its own way."
While I was talking with Mary, Saxburg arrived. This time, she's wearing a light brown rabbit costume. The belly is white. Since long ears are in the way, she has them lying on the left and right of her head. That's cute in its own way. She's leading two village girls by the hands. She seems popular.
"Jeanne! Mary! Good day!"
"Good day, Saxburg. A rabbit this time?"
"Yes. Isn't it cute? I started the Rabbit Club, imitating your Boar Club."
She's apparently holding rabbit-rearing classes for noble girls. She seems to have successfully made a contract with the Demon Race in charge of rearing. The girls are, of course, keeping rabbits as pets, but the accompanying maids seem to be learning rearing methods to obtain meat and fur, and it's said to be part of the measures for the needy.
"Aira is here too. She's with Gwyn-sama and the others right now."
I was guided to the village assembly hall, and when I went inside, there was another rabbit costume. This one also had floppy ears.
(Is even Aira in costume?)
(Lately, disguises are popular in Northern Gram.)
Since her face is a bit red, she hasn't quite gotten over it. However, as expected of a former princess, she's surrounded by village girls.
(Yo, Jeanne. This time it's a joint operation with Northern Gram.)
Good. Gwyn-sama is his usual self.
(Eowyn is here too.)
When I look in the direction he's pointing while laughing, the bard is singing. I don't think so, but...
(Lately, disguises are popular in Northern Gram.)
Aira, covering her mouth with her hand, looked down. Her shoulders are shaking. Well, it's peaceful, so that's good.
Eowyn-sama, who had finished singing, made his exit amidst cheers.
(Oh! Jeanne-sama, I've shown you something embarrassing.)
(You were very good.)
(Thank you. In that case, one more song. This time, I'll sing a song praising Jeanne-sama.)
(No, thank you.)
I wonder if this person is doing it on purpose.
The room was cleared, and the doors were closed. It's to receive an explanation about the future. The participants are Henry-sama's group, Gwyn-sama, Eowyn-sama, Aira, Saxburg, the Priestesses, the old man with the barrel of sake, the village head, the Dullahan, and the Class of 175. It's a strange gathering with one person wearing a helmet that covers their face even indoors, one bard, and two rabbit costumes.
It became a meeting while everyone drank the distributed beer around the table. The basic talk should have been finished in the Finis Royal Capital, but apparently the King of Finis told them to confirm the thinking of the local Priestesses and myself.
"You say you want to talk to the boars?"
The Dullahan, now the Knight of the Forest, asked. A rabbit is sitting on his lap. It has only its head out from the table and is moving its ears restlessly. Since it's clearly larger than a normal rabbit, it must be a Demon Race.
"Is it possible?"
"It's possible."
He says while stroking the rabbit's head. Surely, the Demon Race possessing the rabbit will do the talking.
"However, magic beasts and humans are fundamentally different. Fine details won't be conveyed."
"I think generalities are fine. Shouldn't the humans just make adjustments?"
When I looked at the Priestesses, they nodded with smiles.
"If you're thinking like that, it should be fine."
You couldn't possibly make fine adjustments with boars. For example, even if you say let's meet in three days, they might forget and be foraging for food.
"What will you ask?"
This is the problem.
"What that cave they told us about is, and whether it's the place where the Behemoth occurred. Also, who made or is using that place? Demon Race, humans, or evil spirits would be fine."
"Anything else?"
Nothing in particular. The Priestesses also showed agreement.
"Understood. That much should be clear. By the way, where are the boars?"
"They're probably lurking near the village."
Everyone is surprised, but when we arrived in the bowl and passed over the village, I had them go around once and confirmed it with Sense Living. There were three of them in the forest.
"Please wait a moment. I'll go meet them now. Tell the villagers not to leave the village."
Saying that, the rabbit that was on the Dullahan's lap jumped over.
"Are you coming too?"
Since it stood on its hind legs and looked at my face, I picked it up. For a rabbit I'm meeting for the first time, it's very calm. I must have been trusted.
In the end, the Dullahan also stood up, so we decided to meet the boars with three people and one animal, including Gwyn-sama. It's better if our numbers are small. With Gwyn-sama, who has decision-making power, and the Dullahan and the Demon Race possessing the rabbit as interpreters, it should be fine.
Standing at the edge of the village and searching with Sense Living, there were three reactions in the forest.
As we got closer with the three people and one animal, I could hear grunting from beyond the bushes.
"Is that them?"
"Yes. If there's a scar on the right cheek, there's no doubt."
"Well, let that rabbit go."
When I let the rabbit go at my feet as told by the Dullahan, it hopped away. For a while, I could hear them talking with grunts.
Since the rabbit peered out from the bushes, when I went there, the boars were there. One has a scar on its right cheek. It must be the same one.
When the Dullahan covered the rabbit with a cloth, the cloth swelled up and became a Demon Race draped in cloth. She has purple skin and black hair growing from her neck down. Just like Keira, her cute look is good.
"S-So this is a low-level Demon Race..."
Gwyn-sama is surprised. He must be seeing one for the first time.
"You're Jeanne, right? I've heard about you from Saxburg and Aira."
"Nice to meet you. I am Jeanne."
"Nice to meet you too. I'm Difodor."
So she has a name. It's a pretty good name.
"Hey, Jeanne. How did you become friends with boars? These guys are magic beasts."
When I explained this and that, she laughed heartily.
"Did you give the signal to leave it to you before defeating the Behemoth?"
"Yeah. Because it didn't seem like they could hold their own."
"It seems they properly remembered Jeanne. These guys say they were saved because you defeated the Behemoth."
However, humans gathered boars with food scraps and used them as decoys.
"Well, that's true. But that's a difference in thinking. For us, that kind of thing is a daily occurrence. It's the fault of the one who got caught. So, they don't seem to think much of that in particular. More than that, defeating the Behemoth is far bigger."
"I see. That's good."
There's one more thing I'm worried about.
"It will likely be related to the Demon Lord's army, but is that okay?"
I ask just in case.
"Each legion is independent. Besides, my role is to guard Difodor. First of all, the Behemoth is not part of the Demon Lord's army. One of the executives is probably just using it. However, we won't go near the Behemoth's hole."
"I'm just going to interpret here too."
I see, those things have already been arranged. Then I'm relieved.
In that case, we decided to have a discussion with the boars.
"Well, go ahead and greet them."
Difodor said that and called out toward the bushes. Three boars come out. One has a scar on its right cheek.
Since it pointed its snout at me with a grunt, I stroked it.
"Aren't you scared?"
"Well, we're like comrades-in-arms, after all."
"Ahaha, you're amazing."
The discussion with the boars ended successfully, and it was found that the cave was indeed the place where the Behemoth occurred. As for how they are born, the boars don't know either. However, there's no doubt the Demon Race is involved, and there were apparently many sightings. Fortunately, the occurrence of Behemoths hasn't been confirmed anywhere other than that hole. In other words, if we crush that place, the threat of the Behemoth will be gone for the time being. Of course, since it's temporary, we'll have to defeat the Demon Race that is the cause.
After several topics came from Gwyn-sama, he told the boars that humans would handle it so they could return to the forest with peace of mind, and we parted with the boars.
Now, the problem is what to do after this. We made a promise to the boars, but a strategy is needed.
We return to the village assembly hall and resume the discussion.
"We will shatter the Magic Stone to remove it and completely seal the hole. There's a possibility that dense magic power will well up, but it will be temporary. The mages here now are enough combat power."
The policy seemed to have already been decided, and the response method was explained by Eleanor-sama and Wilson-san. After that, we just have to execute it.
We organize a bowl unit and go to the cave. Considering the possibility of a surprise attack by the Demon Race, we scatter in the air around the waterfall while hiding our presence. If there's an abnormality, Gwyn-sama, who enters the hole, will be contacted via the magic circle for sending letters. The commander of the aerial surveillance unit is Eowyn-sama, who volunteered himself. He said that since he came, he would participate.
At the entrance of the cave, the boars were waiting. They didn't have to come, but they must want to confirm. We entered the cave together just like last time.
"Now, Jeanne, here we go."
"Yes! Magic Reflection!"
I curve the Magic Reflection behind my body.
Next, I finish the chant for Over Flow.
Between Eleanor-sama's raised hands, an orange dragon's head is flickering.
The boars back away while squealing.
"Prominence!"
It was fired!
"Holy Over Flow!"
I fire it with both palms facing the sides of my face. It's a triple volley including my mouth. As a result of pointing all the Over Flow fired in all directions forward with the bowl-shaped Magic Reflection, a log-sized Holy is fired. It was a success!
"Holy Over Flow!"
I fire in rapid succession. Since the vocalization is fast, I should be able to manage one more shot. The dragon's head began to cling to the Magic Stone as it headed for the bottom of the hole.
The orbs held by Henry-sama, Gwyn-sama, and Beatrix are also firing log-sized shots.
The dragon's head changed from orange to yellow and finally began to glow brilliantly. We have to somehow change it into a white flame. In Primordia, we couldn't even give the Magic Stone a single scratch with Prominence.
While we were all hitting it with log-sized Holys, it finally began to glow white. We did it!
Prominence is quickly deactivated. Now, the Magic Stone has changed from rainbow-colored to bright red.
The rest is easy. Rapidly freeze it with Mary's Cocytus, and in the places where cracks appeared, put fissures with Wilson-san's Cocytus. And then, hit it with the rocks prepared with Eleanor-sama's Clump Stone.
Seeing the Magic Stone shatter with a gara-gara, the boars stood on their two hind legs like a horse rearing and were grunting. They are surprisingly dexterous.
Eleanor-sama manipulated several fragments of the collapsed rock with Clump Stone and placed them at her feet. They are large, about the size of a human head. Henry-sama shattered them to the size of a fist with a bakin from his silver sword.
"These will sell for a high price in their own right."
When Eleanor-sama said that while holding one in each hand, a boar poked the stone with its snout.
"Is it not okay to shatter them and take them back?"
When Eleanor-sama put the stone in her pocket, it was grunting while nodding its head up and down, but then it turned away with a pui.
"Sorry. It's troublesome if a large one is here, but if it's shattered and dispersed in various places, it will be useful to people. In exchange, we'll refrain from hunting in your territory."
This time Gwyn-sama, after handing several stones to everyone, told us to keep our distance. We all stand at a distance. And, after making the motion of drawing a bow toward the boars, he shakes his head from side to side. It must have been conveyed, as the boars are grunting toward Gwyn-sama. They might have regained their good mood.
"They're dexterous."
I'm impressed.
"In the end, it's because we're all the same living things. If you just think it's being conveyed, you can feel like it's been conveyed."
It's not just swordsmanship; this kind of thing must be the secret of his popularity with children. I don't want to think it's because he's a Finis person.
After shattering the Magic Stone, we put it all in the bowl Wilson-san made.
The boars didn't react, whether they agreed or gave up.
The hole where the Magic Stone was has been completely buried. After Wilson-san fired several Cocytus spells, the large amount of gunpowder Gwyn-sama had set exploded, and with a roar, it collapsed and was buried all at once.
We parted with the boars at the waterfall. They were grunting, but after I stroked the snouts of the three of them, when I got in the bowl and waved "Bye-bye," they ran off into the forest just like that. As thanks for cooperating, and with an apology for using them as decoys, the food scraps sent from the Royal Capital will apparently continue in the future. However, since it would be a problem if the boars increased too much, the amount will be significantly reduced. The villagers also had boar hunting prohibited within a range of one mountain from the baiting ground. In exchange, the Behemoth's profits and the earnings from the Magic Stone will be distributed. Of course, they can hunt things other than boars, and they can hunt in other places. In other words, a sanctuary for boars was created.
As a result of fighting together, the Behemoth stopped being resurrected. The villagers accepted it with joy.