Chapter 710 - Chapter Ten: New Model Behemoth ③
When we went to the Ice Island, the Vice Demon Lord welcomed us.
Last year, as a result of quite a bit of rain, the river flowing by the area where the church and workshops are located flooded and became submerged. Since they handle food, it won't operate for a while if soaked in muddy water. Fortunately, the water receded shortly, but everyone was troubled. Thinking that the Vice Demon Lord's permission would be needed to build an embankment, they consulted him. The Vice Demon Lord, impressed that they didn't conduct construction on their own, used earth magic to build a magnificent embankment for them. Since then, every time a ship comes, they have come to hold banquets under the pretext of greetings, bringing in several barrels of sake. As a thank-you, he used Cocytus to build an icehouse for preserving the fish the Vice Demon Lord caught. The Vice Demon Lord is just a demon since he has retired from the Demon Lord's army. As long as they don't cut down trees or conduct construction without permission, he says nothing. Besides, dried cod is valued on the continent and has become a good source of income. Since that is the case, coexistence and co-prosperity take priority. In that way, the interaction has gradually deepened.
When we flew to the usual place in the bowl, there was even a thing like a shrine made by stacking fieldstones and rocks. When we raised a signal fire nearby, the Vice Demon Lord appeared.
"I thought the sake would be diluted if it rained, so I made something like this. Well, come in."
Apparently, he made it for banquets. He asked the people from the church for lime, mixed it with volcanic ash to make it like mortar, and filled the gaps. The windows are large, so there's plenty of light. We immediately went inside and toasted.
This time, the Lich and Erikson-sama are participating. When they gave their first-time greetings, the Lich was especially overjoyed.
"I hear you are skilled at raising frogs and snakes."
"What, it's entertainment. Come to think of it, I heard that long ago, there was someone who created the monster humans call Lindwurm from a snake? Was it not you?"
"Oh! You knew? This is an extreme honor!"
They are showing a sudden surge of excitement.
The Lich says that what is necessary for the change in a monster's external form is dense mana and food.
"That Lindwurm was the masterpiece of my life. It was something made as a result of exposing it to extremely dense mana while using snakes and such, starting with Wyverns, as food."
"Humph, humph. It changes depending on the food, huh."
"Yes. The point is how much dense mana you can expose it to from the fetal stage or the egg stage."
"Would it not die if it's too dense?"
"As expected, you know. That's right. Therefore, first, the discernment of that balance..."
He started talking endlessly. To be honest, I didn't really understand, but the Vice Demon Lord and, for some reason, Eleanor-sama were listening as if they were biting into the story.
According to the Lich, mana being dense alone basically doesn't cause changes to the original form. However, mana that is too dense is different. It causes changes to the form to some extent. However, that's not a change like having two heads, but like how even among the same humans, physique and body type change greatly, or the color of hair and eyes change; fundamentally, the appearance doesn't change extremely. However, depending on the food given by the fetal stage or the egg, and until the infant stage in an environment with dense mana, there are times when a great mutation occurs. At those times, it apparently shows a mutation as if incorporating the characteristics of the food given. Of course, it's accidental and not something that can be done by aiming for it.
"Humph. So there are times when it happens by chance."
"Indeed. You hit that chance by going through many numbers, right?"
I see. It wouldn't be possible unless it's someone who has been researching only that for two thousand years.
In conclusion, the Lindwurm is a product of chance. Perhaps the Behemoth and the New Model Behemoth are also like that.
After the monster-rearing discussion proceeded for a while—or rather, for three or four whiles—and Henry-sama had started nodding off, the Lich finally reached the main topic of the Behemoth. However, it's related to the Demon Lord's army. He has no choice but to be cautious with the way he proceeds with the talk.
"Come to think of it, I hear a strange monster was discovered recently."
"A strange monster? What kind of monster?"
"No, well, it was apparently discovered on the fourth floor of the cave where the Demon Lord will be resurrected. However, since it's about the Demon Lord's army, I cannot ask for the Vice Demon Lord's view. But since it's so mysterious, I thought I'd just let you know."
"Humph. I've heard from the Henry Party. Indeed, I cannot speak of things regarding the Demon Lord or the Demon Lord's army. However, as you say, if it's just listening, there is no problem."
Perhaps because he was interested in the Lich's story, the Vice Demon Lord's mood remained good.
"Then, first..."
When the Lich looked at Eleanor-sama, Eleanor-sama brought out three pictures. Looking at them, they are pictures of a huge cow, a normal Behemoth, and the New Model Behemoth. They must be the ones Beatrix drew.
Eleanor-sama placed the three pictures on the floor so they faced the Vice Demon Lord's side, and began explaining while pointing.
"Within the range I have investigated, I speculate that the large cow depicted in this picture on the right is the monster that was called a Behemoth in ancient times. And the one that looks like a mix of a cow and a boar, like in the middle picture, is the Behemoth that was subjugated in my generation. And the one discovered recently is this picture on the left. As you can see, it has two heads. And its fur and ears resemble the canine type. Its physique is thin, but the overall form seen from the side and the shape of the tail are those of a cow. I tried giving it boars, but unlike other magical beasts, it takes a long time to masticate. It's just like a cow. So far, I haven't heard it bark. It has a very docile personality, and perhaps because we give it boars daily, it is beginning to lessen its wariness toward us."
The Vice Demon Lord was comparing the three pictures while listening to Eleanor-sama's explanation.
"Humph. The appearances are quite different. If we assume they were originally the same thing, they have mutated greatly."
He seemed interested in the third one, the New Model, and was holding it and looking at it.
"Among the three types, the first cow-type aside, the second boar-type likely ate a large amount of boars, and the third canine-type is thought to have eaten various magical beasts. And it has been confirmed that the boar-type uses Ultra-High Level earth magic, and the canine-type uses Ultra-High Level fire magic."
"Ho-ho."
After that, Eleanor-sama conveyed the events in Finis that they subjugated themselves, and spoke about how they are currently trying to break the Magic Stone on the fourth floor of the cave where the Demon Lord will be resurrected to make the New Model Behemoth smaller.
"Why make it smaller? If you lot gather your strength, you could defeat it. Even if it becomes smaller, the magic it uses and its magic control won't change, right?"
"If possible, we are thinking of keeping it alive."
The Vice Demon Lord tilted his head. Whether they are demons or humans, they kill those who are hostile. There's no reason to intentionally keep alive a monster in the cave where the Demon Lord will be resurrected.
Eleanor-sama gave three reasons for keeping the New Model alive: that the New Model's wariness toward humans is thinning by giving it boars; that if it becomes smaller by destroying the Magic Stone that maintains its huge body, it can be teleported; and that she wants to make efforts to achieve coexistence and co-prosperity with as many living things as possible.
"Humph. However, even if it becomes smaller, I wonder if that New Model will docilely get on a teleportation magic circle? Magical beasts have strong wariness. Even if you use food, I don't think it will go easily."
"I think it will be fine if it becomes attached to us."
"Attached? To humans?"
"Yes. In fact, its wariness has thinned considerably. I believe there is a possibility."
"Wa-ha-ha-ha-ha, a magical beast becoming attached to humans? Is there such a thing?"
The Vice Demon Lord started laughing loudly. Even if it's not the Vice Demon Lord, if you said that to an old guy around Nakanohara, he'd laugh.
However, Eleanor-sama's face remained serious.
"Do you think it will become attached?"
The Vice Demon Lord stopped laughing and asked again.
"Yes. At the very least, I think it will get used to us and stop harboring hostility toward us."
"Humph."
He took a sip of sake.
"Erikson, was it? You said you were the Grand Archbishop of a thousand years ago. What do you think of the coexistence of monsters and humans?"
Monsters are enemies of the Church. Eleanor-sama trying to make it attached goes against the Church's will. The Vice Demon Lord poked at that.
"It is as you say. As a Church policy, monsters are enemies. However, that is something decided by humans belonging to the Church organization by interpreting it as they please; therefore, it is possible to amend it."
"Ho-ho. Does it change so easily?"
"It would be difficult. However, just because someone advocates for coexistence with monsters, they won't be excommunicated. Because it is not forbidden. This is because the spirit of coexistence and co-prosperity, which is the teaching of the Goddess, is more respected; namely, monsters are enemies of the Church organization, but they are not absolute enemies of humans."
I've never heard such an interpretation. Is it different between the past and now?
"Since that is the case, I believe it is not impossible to change the Church's policy."
Erikson-sama said that and smiled.
"Humph. Interesting. Then, Archbishop Price. What do you think?"
Now it's Archbishop Price. It will be the current Church's view.
"It is as Erikson-sama said."
"Is that so."
"Yes. However, if I were to add one word of my personal view..."
"Humph?"
"Magical beasts are also fierce beasts... namely, bears, wolves, and so-called powerful beasts like wildcats. Are they not fundamentally the same?"
"Ho-ho. The same?"
"Yes."
Archbishop Price says that magical beasts were born from animals that became powerful due to the influence of mana. And that is the same for humans. Even for the surge of mana, it doesn't exert influence on only one side. It influences both in the same way. In other words, both humans and beasts obtain power in the same way. Consequently, some beasts become magical beasts, some humans use magic, and finally, powerful individuals like heroes appear, he said.
The Lich, hearing that, nodded greatly, and Erikson-sama looked at Archbishop Price with a smile.
"Then, Henry, Eleanor. What do you two think?"
"It is as the two of them said."
The reply was made by Henry-sama. Eleanor-sama just nodded slightly in silence.
"Jeanne. Hearing the views of the three, what do you think is the method for coexistence and co-prosperity with monsters?"
For some reason, I am asked. I want him to ask Sianya for those kinds of things. She's not here now, though.
"Um, wouldn't it be fine if we just split the territories?"
"Can they live separately?"
"I think it depends on humans. If humans don't carelessly ruin the forests, I think magical beasts won't carelessly enter the areas where humans live. Well, for hunting in places where they are mixed, I think we'll just have to have them overlook it. Since it's the same for beasts."
I think we should make no-hunting zones. I also think we should only hunt those that stray out from there.
"Can you so easily control the human herd, namely, society?"
To be honest, I think it's quite difficult. But if we don't do it, coexistence and co-prosperity itself will be impossible.
The Vice Demon Lord, after hearing my thoughts, took a sip of sake and just said, "I see."
Originally, it's taboo to ask about things related to the Demon Lord or the Demon Lord's army. If he doesn't do that, the Vice Demon Lord who gave a wrong answer might die. Therefore, everyone fell silent. It was because the Vice Demon Lord himself took a posture as if he were thinking in silence. Until he says something or completely changes the topic, we cannot say anything from our side.
"Humph. I understand your thoughts. By the way..."
Has the topic been changed?
"By the way, you said you'd make that canine-type smaller and teleport it, but where will you teleport it to?"
It was okay! Eleanor-sama exhaled as if relieved.
"That is the problem. We came to borrow your wisdom."
It is related to the Demon Lord's army, but if there's no place to teleport it to, we'll just have to kill it. If that happens, there's no Demon Lord's army or anything.
"Isn't the candidate site already decided?"
He asked bluntly.
"Yes. It's this island. How about it? Would you not cooperate with us?"
The reason we let the monster discussion bloom was, in short, to not kill the New Model. The Vice Demon Lord likes snakes and frogs, but he should also be able to have an interest in the Behemoth. It can be kept in the forest in the huge depression the Vice Demon Lord made. Eleanor-sama thought so.
"I don't mind cooperating, but..."
"Is that true?"
"There is a condition."
"What is that condition?"
Eleanor-sama and the Lich leaned forward.
"If possible, I'd like you to teleport it while it's as large as possible. I want to experiment with my own hands to see how much a massive magical beast can become smaller."
"Is that so! Then, do you know a way to teleport it while it's large?"
"I could do it. However, since I have retired, I cannot lay a hand on the White Island. You lot think of the way to teleport it. It has grown into such a form after all. I'd like you to try not to kill it as much as possible."
"I-I see."
Even Eleanor-sama was at a loss for words. Actually, we also came to consult about that side. Moreover, if it fails, we won't even be able to subjugate it.
"For example, would Translate be no good?"
"If it has abilities on par with a Behemoth, it won't die even if teleported with Translate. However, the distance is too great. If the position shifts, it will drown. It's better not to use it."
Still, it's a relief just to have found a place to teleport it to. Regarding that point, Eleanor-sama also thanked him.
"I'm looking forward to it. There are no boars on this island, but it probably won't need food until it becomes smaller to some extent. Once it becomes smaller, it won't be troubled for food either. There are white foxes on this island, after all. And it will likely eat fish too. It should work out somehow."
The Vice Demon Lord laughed pleasantly.
As for teleporting it to the Ice Island, we obtained the Vice Demon Lord's permission. Moreover, it's fine if it's large as long as it can be teleported safely. Perhaps relieved, Eleanor-sama and the Lich were also talking happily. Erikson-sama, who was a bit nervous at first because it was a banquet with the former right-hand man of the Demon Lord, was also relaxing his mouth and drinking wine like a high-ranking priest. The third banquet with the Vice Demon Lord was spent pleasantly by everyone.