Chapter 439 - Fourth Story: The Earth Dragon's Request
We all let out a victory shout and opened the door leading to the corridor, which connected back to the Earth Dragon's room. I wonder what kind of structure this place has.
Just like that, we all gathered around the table for a toast.
"This time was something like a bonus. It's just exhausting to keep watching such a plain final battle."
The three of them were smiling wryly in unison.
It's their fault for expecting a blood-pumping decisive battle from someone like me, who specializes in feints and decoys.
It seems it lacked excitement, but we managed to clear it safely.
"So, how was it? Could you tell me your impressions?"
The Earth Dragon was rubbing his hands together. He's more worldly than I thought.
"Up to D-rank was one thing, but from B-rank and above, the reactions felt slow."
That was Roberts-sama. Gladys-sama nodded as well. I kind of understood that. In fact, we were able to attack unilaterally.
"That's because I was controlling them while watching that crystal. Up to D-rank, the reactions were faster than actual, and from B-rank up, they became slower than actual. It's the limit of dolls."
"Also, the defensive power felt the same way."
This part wouldn't be understood by those who used magic. It's likely something felt by those who attacked with weapons. Especially for B-rank and above, only the two heroes laid hands on them.
"Well, yeah. They're just dolls after all. In short, that was... 'play.'"
Hum. It's probably good for gaining combat experience. Since the opponents are weak, accidents can be prevented. In fact, not a single person has a scratch.
"Originally, it was modeled after the arenas said to have existed on the continent. I heard actual arenas were circular theaters where flesh-and-blood humans killed each other, but that's far too dangerous. In fact, it seems a large-scale rebellion broke out back then, enough to cause a massive uproar in a giant empire. That wouldn't be 'play.' Therefore, I created the labyrinth and used dolls."
Humans killing each other is more than just 'dangerous.' To do such 'play' casually is far more cruel than monsters.
"Does that mean the experience gained from fighting isn't proportional to the rank either?"
"That would be the case. However, someone with absolutely no actual combat experience would probably at least get a major injury. The reason you were all safe is because you have abundant combat experience. Though, I wouldn't have let you participate otherwise."
Well, certainly, despite appearances, we are monster hunters. But I see. A dragon who understands, understands.
"Wait a moment. What did you just say?"
While I was soaking in the good mood, Eleanor-sama cut in. Moreover, for some reason, she was looking at me. Her tone was a bit sharp. Well, to a former hero, experience like mine probably isn't enough.
"Just now, you said that this training ground was modeled after things on the continent. And that a large-scale rebellion occurred because of the arena that served as the model."
Ah, that part.
Perhaps noticing I had misunderstood, Beatrix poked me with her elbow.
"That's right. The Priestess I made this with told me. It was right after the rebellion broke out, and I don't know what happened after that. Well, I suppose it was suppressed."
"Could that possibly be a thousand years ago? It was roughly a thousand years ago that gladiators fighting in the circular arenas of the continent started a rebellion so large it remains in history."
The Priestess from a thousand years ago!
"That's right. It might be around then."
Eleanor-sama looked at me. This time I understood the meaning. It's about the Black Stones. I immediately showed the one stuck to my hand to the Earth Dragon.
"Hmm. The shape is different, but it looks familiar. I feel like that Priestess had something like that wrapped around her hand."
"Was the one that Priestess had... star-shaped... a pentagon?"
"Maybe. No, that's right, it was a pentagon."
A hit!
I didn't think it would connect here. It was a thousand years ago that a high-ranking priest took a Black Stone from the ruins made of piled large stones in Engrio. That priest was accompanied by a Priestess who used Light.
"We are searching for those black stones."
Eleanor-sama explained breathlessly. The Earth Dragon listened, nodding.
"Do you know where that Priestess went? I don't think the Black Stone is there, but it would be a clue for our search."
The Earth Dragon crossed his arms and looked slightly upward. He seemed to be trying to remember.
As we all watched with bated breath, the Earth Dragon uncrossed his arms. Did he remember?
"That girl over there... did you say her name was Jeanne?"
"Ah, yes. That's right."
"I have one request for you. If you accept it, I shall tell you the destination of the Priestess I know. However, there is no guarantee the stone you seek is there."
"F-For me?"
I wonder if I can fulfill a request from the Earth Dragon?
According to the Earth Dragon, among the so-called beastmen, there are half-breeds of humans and dragons called Dragonewts, and he wants me to find them. And apparently, the Priestess went to the Dragonewt Village.
Supposedly, Dragonewts could converse with dragons. In other words, they were beings that mediated with humans. As they eventually became distant from humans, the gap between humans and dragons also widened. Fortunately, I could talk to dragons because I'm on friendly terms with powerful spirits like Dune and Mel, but in the old days, they used Dragonewts as interpreters. The Earth Dragon before me and the Black Dragon Child are exceptions.
"Technically, I count as a beastman too, right?"
"Is that so?"
What a surprise. 'Beastman' is quite a broad category.
Listening again, it seems that humanoid creatures possessing the abilities of non-human creatures are collectively called beastmen. However, they are definitely monsters, as evidenced by the fact that they take damage from holy magic. But since their motor nerves and magic power are superior to humans, normally a beastman is overwhelmingly stronger in a one-on-one fight.
"What, Jeanne. Did you not know that?"
The Earth Dragon called me out. Usually, beastmen don't show themselves, so even if they are monsters, they don't come up in conversation.
"I'm sorry. I don't usually worry about such things."
"Hmm. I thought that among humans, those called priests would care about such things."
He's saying it as if I'm not a normal priest.
"This girl is special, after all."
"Indeed, indeed."
Not just Eleanor-sama, but even Harrison-san is treating me as someone special.
"If it were a young human girl, she would normally fear monsters. Jeanne, were you not afraid of this Arachne... Violet?"
Well, at that time, Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama introduced her. Besides, in terms of meeting non-humans, there were the goblins led by Robinson-san, Dune and Mel, and the meeting with Wilson-san.
"In terms of being 'scary,' people I meet for the first time... humans are also scary. Even among the same humans, there are those with malice or hostility. But even if relations were bad, something can trigger them to become good. Isn't it the same as that?"
"Hmm. It seems you've received a good education, rare for a human."
That's of course, because I'm a student of the apostate Catherine.
By the way, is there any clue for finding those Dragonewts?
"Even so, it is said that the Dragonewts have perished. Were they still surviving?"
"I do not know. That is why I want you to confirm it."
He simply shook his head at Eleanor-sama's question. No matter how you look at it, searching for something without knowing if it's alive or dead is quite difficult.
Looking at Eleanor-sama, she sighed and crossed her arms. She remained silent. She seemed quite serious.
"Humans and Dragonewts really don't get along, after all."
The monster Violet was giggling. To humans... or more accurately, to the Church... monsters are enemies.
However, according to Eleanor-sama's story, beastmen are supposed to be friendly monsters.
"There is the fact that they are monsters, but more than that, their fundamental habitats are different. Humans prefer plains, while beastmen prefer forests and mountains. Also, humans build efficient roads for travel, but beastmen do not like such things."
There are various other preferences, or rather, differences in values, which have led to them becoming distant. They don't see eye to eye. In terms of non-aggression regarding each other's territories, one could say they have achieved co-existence and co-prosperity.
"Especially the Dragonewts prefer high, steep mountains and are exclusive, so there was almost no contact."
That means we might meet them if we go to Finis.
"Can't you find them even if you scout with the bowl?"
"It seems Dragonewt magic power is on par with Elves or Dwarves. If so, hiding their dwellings from human eyes would be child's play."
Even the Dryad's Forest can't be found. If they are no different from Elves or Dwarves, it's impossible.
"First, it's better to get information from beastmen living in relatively low-altitude areas. It would be good if we had a good connection..."
She glanced at the Earth Dragon. She probably wants to be introduced to a connection for entering the Dryad's Forest.
"My apologies. Beastmen other than Dragonewts do not wish to associate with me. If I give my name, it will only stir up trouble. (T/N: 'Yabuhebi' or 'stirring up a snake in the thicket' means to cause unnecessary trouble.)"
Well, that's true. Most living things would be like that. Violet was smirking. Perhaps Violet herself is special. If that's the case, making friends with beastmen might be difficult. In fact, even Henry-sama and the others have no connections.
"However, I can introduce you to Gnome."
Gnome! The name of a Great Spirit came up!
One of the pinnacles of the spirits generally called the Four Great Spirits. Once the investigation of the hot spring town is over, the investigation in the mining region of Regnentes will begin, but so far, information regarding the altar hasn't been promising. If we find Gnome's whereabouts, we might be able to trace it from there.
The Earth Dragon handed over a bundle that he said would serve as a letter of introduction to Gnome. However, he apparently doesn't know where Gnome is. He said it was okay to look, so when I opened it, a single, ordinary-looking scrap of wood came out.
What on earth am I supposed to do with this?
"Now, wait."
Saying that, he brought over the bowl he had been drinking mead from and poured water into it. He took the scrap of wood and carved something like a pattern on one end with his claw. Then, he floated the scrap in the water-filled bowl. The wooden stick moved as if spinning and then stopped.
"If Gnome is not nearby, it will just spin around. But if Gnome is there, it will stop like this. Gnome is in the direction of the pattern."
It's a mysterious thing. I saw something similar before. That one pointed north.
"However, it's only the four cardinal directions. And as the distance gets closer, it will sink like this."
When he pressed the tip with his finger, the tip of the stick naturally sank. The closer it is, the more it sinks, and apparently, when it's within earshot, it points straight down.
"How does this mechanism work?"
"It is proof of the contract between me and Gnome."
Salamander and the Fire Dragon exchanged messages with fire stones. In the Earth Dragon's case, it's a wooden stick, I guess. Dune and Mel don't particularly do that. They probably haven't formed a contract.
"When I and Gnome meet, we end up arguing. Once it starts, it doesn't stop. Once, when Gnome visited the cave where I originally lived, we forgot everything and kept talking for over a thousand years. As a result of both of us being absorbed in the argument, the power of the earth weakened and the peaks of the mountain range were covered in ice. It is still recovering. Since then, we keep our distance from each other unless there is real business."
The peaks of the Central Mountain Range are covered in perennial snow. I thought for sure it was caused by the winter north wind, but to think these guys were the cause.
In other words, it's like an alarm device for when they get close. But to keep talking for over a thousand years, just how much do they love arguing?
"It was your fault? Because of that, the habitat of living things dropped significantly."
"My apologies. Please wait another thousand years or so. By then, all the ice should melt."
When Violet complained, the Earth Dragon bowed his head. Even so, it's a story on a very long timescale.
In the end, it was decided. Well, I have no choice but to accept.
By the way, why is the Earth Dragon so capable of communication? Setting aside the Black Dragon Child, other dragons can't even converse. Could it be he was exposed to dense magic power?
"It is because I have lived long. I have interacted with various living things. Besides, look, I am gentle compared to the others."
It's a bit much to say it himself, but it's likely true. Other dragons didn't even look at humans. No, the Water Dragon is different. The Black Dragon Child is also different, but that one is special.
"I have even spoken with the Demon Race and the Demon Lord, you know."
"Were you scouted?"
"Well, there were such occasions."
Dragons are basically neutral, but it seems that in his youth, he was attracted by gold and belonged to the Demon Lord's army. No wonder there are many monsters around here. On top of that, his dwelling has become the back entrance to the Demon Lord's cave.
"Previously, I protected the south of the mountain range. Though, humans hardly ever came."
"Around when was that?"
"Quite a while ago. Well, I did accept the Demon Lord's requests a few times."
He laughed, answering Eleanor-sama's question casually. If it was 'quite a while ago,' wouldn't it be about ten thousand years ago?
"Three years ago, I entered that cave to subjugate the Demon Lord, but you were not there."
"Three years ago? I was sleeping. Contemplation, argument, and napping are like hobbies for me. Before I know it, a thousand years or so have passed."
That's not a nap anymore.
This time, he apparently woke up sensing our intrusion into the cave.
"In the back, a Demon Race executive was digging a hole. I suspect it might be Number Three."
Eleanor-sama was secretly snitching. She's setting aside the fact that she herself trespassed.
"I do not mind. We were once comrades who fought humans together. I do not know what they are doing, but they must have some plan of their own."
I wish he wouldn't say things I don't know how to respond to.
"Why does the Demon Lord challenge humans to battle?"
It was Eleanor-sama. Since he's not of the Demon Race, she figured she could ask about things related to the Demon Lord's army. The Earth Dragon might know things that the Dullahan or Violet don't.
"Think for yourself. If you cannot understand something of that level, do not even think about the co-existence and co-prosperity of humans and the Demon Race."
"This Jeanne asked the Demon Lord directly. Why do you kill humans? The answer was, because humans kill the Demon Race."
"Hoho. You met the Demon Lord?"
"This Roberts and Gladys fought and defeated him last time, and this Henry and I fought and defeated him the time before that, both with our respective comrades."
"Hoho. Quite impressive, aren't you. Tell me more in detail."
Uh, surely you won't keep talking for a thousand years, right?
In the end, the conversation between the heroes, former heroes, and the Earth Dragon didn't end, and we ended up staying another night. I was worried about what would happen the next day too, but we were able to take our leave after eating breakfast.
The Earth Dragon told us to come play again. Since it's just right for practice, I said I'd come play if a time comes when I need to train in a short period, and he laughed.
We returned to the Royal Capital and received an oracle.
As a result, Beatrix, who roasted the B-rank turtle, learned the high-level lightning magic [Skill: Energy Bolt]. (T/N: Though called 'dolls,' they provided proportional experience.)
"In that situation, wouldn't it be Prominence?"
"But it was faster with lightning, wasn't it?"
Beatrix made a pouting face at Mary's jab. She's the exact opposite of the single-focus type Mary.
That Mary learned the mid-level status-change magic [Skill: Illusion]. It was likely as aimed. Next, she apparently aims for the high-level magic [Skill: Camouflage]. She told me to call her when I fight a B-rank.
And I, as expected, came up empty. Instead, I learned a barrier. It's the basic sealing barrier [Skill: Trap]. It seems it can trap something about the size of a mouse.
"Then, if I hang a chicken carcass over the barrier, will I catch a mouse?"
I wonder? When I asked Eleanor-sama, I was immediately taken to a mouse testing ground.
As a result of experimenting with the mice they were keeping, it worked perfectly. I drew the barrier large and placed an iron plate over it. Then, after hanging the chicken carcass and leaving it for a while, I went to look and found five mice pushing and shoving each other. Since it was for an experiment, I just released them, but it's plenty useful in actual combat. On the other hand, if I make it too large, the sealing power weakens and they can escape. I also found that five mice is the limit.
Usually, when I do it in Nakanohara, I set chicken carcasses in five places and average five mice per place, so it ends up being almost the same. Since it's the same whether I do it or not, I decided not to.
Well, barriers aren't easily learned, and unlike magic, there aren't many types. I'll just learn them slowly.