Chapter 568 - Chapter 10: Temporary Return
"You use such nasty techniques again."
It's the Wetlands Priestess. When she says it while we're merged, it sounds like I'm the one saying it, so I wish she'd be a bit more careful with her phrasing. But I understand the feeling well.
"I thought you could do it if it was Jeanne's double eight-shot volley."
Eleanor-sama looks triumphant.
An eight-shot volley is over ultra-high-level. I layered two of those. Eleanor-sama says that the power when fired in rapid succession without a break becomes about four times that of a single shot, like waves overlapping to create a larger wave. Since I fired it from my mouth at the end, it might be a bit higher.
"You've used a nasty technique again."
Even the former hero Harold-sama is dumbfounded.
"It's the result of tireless daily research."
When strengthened with Holy Lance, Wind Barrier becomes even harder. This is something to think about; for example, when using it as a defensive wall against stones thrown by a catapult, it's better if it's a bit soft. Because it kills the impact. When using it for attack, harder is better, but it doesn't have the effect of drastically increasing striking power. In other words, it's inefficient. That's what I thought.
Previously, when exploring the altar in the hot spring town, I saw Wilson-san slice up a centipede with two Wind Barriers. That technique, named Wind Barrier Scissors, was something Beatrix failed at when she tried to cut wood as practice.
"How is it? The sharpness of the Wind Barrier Ultimate Flying Circular Saucer Jeanne Version?"
"Too long!"
The new technique name, which she must have thought hard about, was flatly rejected by Harold-sama. Probably because it uses my name too.
Fortunately, the new technique name was shelved, but we successfully defeated the two-headed monster.
After reporting to Price-sama, the four of them—Henry-sama, Gwyn-sama, Eowyn-sama, and Will—sliced it into rounds, which I then froze with Cocytus and transported back to the base in several trips using a medium-sized bowl. To delay the other two-headed monsters from noticing, I used Maelstrom to wash the blood away in a direction different from the hot springs, erasing as much of the trace as possible.
"With this, we've connected to the Demon Realm of the Northern Gram wetlands. That alone made coming here worthwhile. Thank you very much."
Price-sama thanked us.
However, this increases the possibility that a Demon Lord's deputy is on this island.
"Thanks to your efforts, we've also successfully secured a base. We can say the first exploration was a success. Everyone in the support group, please return to the White Island for now."
The base, surrounded by earthworks and a moat and protected by both the Exorcism Array and the Evil-Breaking Array created by Price-sama and Harrison-san, seems mostly complete. It's now connected to the White Island via Teleport. The Teleportation Circle is inside a shrine also surrounded by a double barrier. A shrine enshrining a stone statue of the Goddess was also built. There are five dormitories for ten people each where the priests stay. Three warehouses were also built. All are wooden. Besides those, there is a large assembly hall.
By the way, the barriers used for the base are different from the ones used when constructing a Great Church.
First, as an application of the monster containment done in the Northern Gram wetlands, the effective range of the Exorcism Barrier has been expanded. As a result, the effective range extends beyond the lines connecting the stone slabs placed in five locations, including the moat.
Second, even an Evil-Breaking Barrier was installed. Normally, only an Exorcism Barrier is used for churches, and an Evil-Breaking Barrier is not. The activation of an Evil-Breaking Barrier is, simply put, similar to activating Holy Over Flow inside a space surrounded by Magic Reflection. Therefore, even a good spirit like Fiona will be attacked if it's activated while she's not merged with a human. So, if the Wetlands Priestess and the Wetlands Knight Order members, who belong to the Western Church and should be good spirits, are at the base, they must merge with someone when it's activated. They might not make it in time during an emergency. However, as a consideration for that point, the assembly hall was outside the barrier... that is, on the west side outside the moat surrounding the base. There is a back gate at the base, and it's connected to the assembly hall by a path enclosed by a wooden fence. Wilson-san can enter here without any problem, and even if Violet comes, she can enter. The assembly hall also has rooms for guests to stay, so if we become friends with the monsters living on the Ice Island, we can have a banquet together here. This likely made use of the spirit of co-existence and co-prosperity. The wind is strong on this island, and sunshowers occur often. Moreover, it's cold. A banquet outside is simply impossible.
"Price, will you remain?"
After receiving the general explanation, Henry-sama asked.
"Yes. Until the Demon Lord's deputy is subjugated."
How many years will that take?
All the Black Stones have been gathered, but the reading of the fourth secret book has only just begun. We still don't know where the fifth book is, and we have to solve the mystery of Testament in the Ruined Town. Above all, it's because Price-sama is here that the path to co-existence and co-prosperity opens. Couldn't someone else look for the deputy who may or may not be on this remote island?
"I'd like to say that, but various things have come up, so it won't go that way."
My knees almost gave out.
"Until the system here is in order... let's see, I'd like to make it in time for the next investigation of the secret book."
That means, calculating the days to travel to the Regnentes mine, it's at most about another week.
According to what I hear, the church's ship and the monster subjugation and civil engineering teams will also remain. The dormitories have beds for fifty people in total. Subtracting those staying on the ship, about that many will remain.
"I shall remain as well. I am retired, after all. No one is worried about me anyway."
Harold-sama spoke up.
"What about your wife? You were planning to move, weren't you?"
Price-sama asked. It wasn't the usual bickering.
"No need to worry about my wife. She can do everything alone. Ah, Harrison. Sorry, but could you help her out?"
Can't she do everything alone?
"We shall remain too. What do you think, Eleanor?"
"Indeed. To withdraw easily from such an interesting... no, such a major event for the White Island would be an act that brings shame to the name of the Sertorian royal family. Wilson, I'll leave the pick-up and drop-off of everyone after they teleport to you. And Harris, please get the post-facto approval from His Majesty."
Weren't you just a traveling merchant?
Wilson-san accepted with a blank expression, and Harris-sama just nodded with a sour look.
"You all are truly selfish, aren't you?"
"That's right, you've known that since a long time ago."
At Harold-sama's words, for some reason, the three of them puffed out their chests in unison.
"Yes. I have known for a very long time that you are all very selfish people. Thanks to that, I've been greatly helped."
"Umu. So you understand. That's how it should be."
The four of them were laughing.
They really are comrades after all.
"I will also remain. I've told my father, the King, that there might be some extension, and I have permission to stay as needed. What about you, Gwyn?"
"I was told by my father and mother not to come back until there's some prospect of success. There's no problem at all with me staying."
Two people who are supposed to be Crown Princes and successors to their nations are both telling big lies. How many ultra-high-level mages do they think are in this place?
"I'll stay too. I want to explore more."
This time, it's the Wetlands Priestess. According to the Priestess, Sianya's protection is the job of the Knight Order, and the Priestess is allowed independent action.
"Is it okay? Sianya?"
"I don't mind. In fact, maybe I should stay too. I belong to the Western Church and have independent discretion from the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church."
In that case, everyone, including the sailors and the Knight Order, will remain. I wonder what will happen to the Primordian King's sleep time and food intake?
"I'll stay too. It'll be post-facto approval anyway."
Even Harris-sama spoke up.
"That's right, Eleanor. What happened to that?"
"Ah, yes, yes. It's ready."
Saying that, Eleanor-sama brought out a Simple Teleportation Magic Circle.
"I've left its counterpart near the fourth shop of the Class of 175. This one was completed yesterday, so it can be used already."
Err, so that means I'm supposed to stay here until the very last minute? No matter how I think about it, you prepared this before departure. Moreover, you've involved Miana. Come to think of it, she had a special travel permit for Primordia as part of the Henry Party. I hope Magdalena-sama isn't involved too.
In the end, everyone remained.
Price-sama was half-dumbfounded, but in the end, he bowed deeply to everyone in silence.
Leaving sentries behind, we gathered in the assembly hall to hold a dinner-cum-temporary farewell party.
After Price-sama's words of appreciation, we toasted with Henry-sama's lead. Even though it was a toast, it was only one bowl of Finis alcohol. We mustn't get drunk.
The meal wasn't that luxurious either. However, since sufficient food, including fresh vegetables, meat, and fish, had been sent from the White Island, it was satisfying even if it was ordinary.
"Jeanne! Are you drinking?"
While Sianya and I were drinking quietly, the Priestess flew over. Drinking or not, I only have one bowl.
"Hey, Jeanne can go home anytime, right?"
Come to think of it, that's true.
"Listen, I have a favor to ask."
"A favor?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"What on earth is it?"
According to the Wetlands Priestess, she wanted to go to the back of the crater of the dormant volcano. So, she asked me to do something about the sulfur smell. Indeed, when we explored it, we withdrew because we were overwhelmed by the sulfur smell.
"Are you curious?"
The Priestess felt something at the back of the crater. Since we were merged, that sensation remains with me too. It wasn't that something was there. It wasn't that there was something. I can only say that something was strange. Moreover, it was only for a split second and disappeared immediately. It was a sensation that could be dismissed as a trick of the mind. However, I feel like I've felt it somewhere before.
"If you say I'm curious, I guess I am. I think it's just my imagination, but don't you want to check it out just in case?"
I understand that well. At that time, it was just so smelly I felt nauseous. I wanted to get out quickly, so I dismissed it as my imagination, but if that hadn't been there, I would have investigated while illuminating with Light.
But, countermeasures for the sulfur smell...
Even now, there are ways if I say there are. And there are two.
At that time, I had the lid off to search with Sense Living and to be able to counterattack if anything happened. Next time, I can just go with the lid on. However, I won't be able to use Sense Living, and if anything happens, I'll just have to run away. Considering that narrow crater, that would also be difficult.
The other way is to go with just the ghost. In that case, holy magic can't be used, and if anything happens, I can't send them to the Goddess. As a priest, that's not acceptable.
"Right, I'll ask the Salamander or the Dwarf I know."
It's best to ask experts.
The next morning, I consulted Eleanor-sama and was allowed to return. Actually, Eleanor-sama... not just her, but Henry-sama and Harold-sama, and also Eowyn-sama and Gwyn-sama, were apparently concerned about the Priestess's attitude. However, humans couldn't catch the sensation the Priestess felt, and that smell is not good for the human body. Since the Priestess said it was just her imagination, they judged it was better to get out quickly.
"By any chance, did Price-sama also know about the simple magic circle?"
"Yes. Actually, the Simple Teleportation Magic Circle was made to let you escape if anything happened, as you are a precious user of light magic."
Eh? Is that true?
"Just kidding. I don't want Serena to get mad because the schedule got delayed, so I begged Price."
My staff made a clattering sound. I accidentally dropped it. Eleanor-sama did a guts pose. It's already a routine.
"Well, it's fine, isn't it? It's going to be useful right away, so it's the greatest joy for a creator."
"Hah, I suppose so."
"Well then, please. If there's anything you need, let me know through the magic circle for sending letters. We have the Vice-Chairman of the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church and royalty from four countries gathered here, after all. You don't need to worry about money."
Quite bold for a mere traveling merchant.
"Um, Eleanor-sama."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Thank you for your consideration."
"It's quite alright."
Saying that, she hugged me gently.
After receiving a general explanation from Eleanor-sama, I returned to the farm alone for now.
The place I jumped to was pitch black. When I turned on Light, it was a basement, just as I had heard.
This basement apparently has the ultra-high-level sealing barrier Restraint Formation installed by the Headmistress. Humans are fine, but monsters of B-rank or lower are completely trapped, and even A-ranks would have trouble escaping. Naturally, Fiona, Violet, and Keira, who are not merged with humans, and by the way, Wilson-san, are forbidden entry. However, the Headmistress apparently knows the password to release the barrier, so even if they're accidentally trapped, it'll be okay.
By the way, the password to activate the Teleport is incredibly long, but except for the last phrase which seems tacked on, it's the Chant of Exorcism. In other words, if a high-ranking priest, a priest with high magic control, or the giant warrior Edward-sama chants it with spirit, it's something that can damage monsters by itself.
So thorough in every way.
When I climbed the stairs, it was a small hut made of wood. There was one door. The handle was apparently silver painted black.
When I pulled the handle and opened the door, I was suddenly surrounded by bandits with silver swords.
"You! Where'd you come from! Wait, what, it's Jeanne. Don't scare us like that."
I'm the one who's scared! I mean, Eleanor-sama sent a letter saying I was coming back right before I jumped, right? You definitely did this on purpose, didn't you?
I was led outside by the bandits who were soothing me with smirks, and it was the basement of the Nakanohara Light Infantry Corps' fortress. Well, it's close if you say it's near the fourth shop.
I asked Captain Lewis, who came to meet me, to send me to the farm in a bowl, called out the Salamander, and contacted Alex through the magic circle for sending letters.
"Oya, what's the matter today? There's quite a small number of you."
The Salamander, with his usual carefree vibe, hopped onto my shoulder. Only Sianya, Keira, and I were around.
"There's something I want to consult you about. This is the consultation fee."
I offered the barrel I had carried on my back, took out a bottle of Finis's finest that was inside, and poured it into the bowl placed on the table.
"What is it? You can ask me anything."
He hopped over, drank it with a 'buha!', and his body grew one size larger.
"Hmm. The sulfur smell of a volcano, huh. It might be impossible for humans to prevent. You'll die."
"Is it no good?"
"There is a way if you say there is. It might work if Alex is here."
Hoho. That sounds promising.
That Alex jumped over two hours later.
"You went to that Ice Island or whatever, right? Did something happen?"
First, I poured some of Finis's finest into a bowl and offered it to him.
"Hoho. This is some good alcohol. Since the fire brother is here too, it seems quite difficult."
He's smirking. It helps that he's quick to understand.
The result of the consultation between the Salamander and Alex was that it's not impossible if we're creative.
"The sulfur smell of a volcano is, you see, poisonous air created when sulfur is mixed with other things. To prevent that for a long time, you need clothes that won't leak water even if you're submerged, and a way to replenish air for breathing."
I don't really understand Alex's explanation about sulfur, but basically, it's clothes for plague countermeasures using bat wings and a tube filled with air used for the Beak Boat? Both actually exist. However, since the clothes aren't something that covers the whole body, they'll have to be custom-made. We also need to figure out how to connect them to the tube. When I mentioned that, he nodded 'fumu-fumu'. There's one Beak Boat at Nakanohara Lake, so I'll ask Paul-san to let me see it.
"Right. The face can probably be done by applying a visor. If you wrap the whole body in bat wings with that attached, it'll be completely waterproof. The seams will be Elf Adhesive. Connecting it to this tube will also be fine with bat wings. Also, for the material of the tube, it's better to use silver. Otherwise, it'll be too heavy to use for combat."
"Can you make it?"
"Depends on the reward."
That part is fine. After all, the Vice-Chairman of the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church and royalty from four countries are backing me.