Chapter 726 - Chapter Sixteen: Testament Exploration ⑪

Chapter Sixteen: Testament Exploration ⑪

The third group also broke through safely.

Eleanor-sama had apparently predicted that the trial of fire would be a lava ordeal. Instead of making a stone pillar like a normal Stone Pillar, she planned to arrange it for molten rock and fly part of the lava toward the Golem. But, the Golem was lurking inside the lava. She apparently changed the plan urgently to throw the Golem out of the lava. This part is, as expected, a great mage.

"The prior fire countermeasures were successful. Next is water. Since the active generation is all together, please do your best."

Eleanor-sama is putting on pressure while smirking.

"Please rest assured. We will show you we can break through."

Ignoring the tense faces of Erikson-sama and the Wetlands Priestess, Roberts-sama replies in his usual calm tone. I wonder if this person ever gets flustered?

The fourth trial, water, was, as expected, set in an underground lake.

As a result of the knights' reconnaissance, there is a horizontal cave-like hole near the bottom of the underground, and a Golem is there. Of course, it's underwater.

"I knew it. The most difficult among them so far was water."

Wilson-san says while sighing.

"Wilson. Did you predict that?"

Erikson-sama is also surprised. No, the Priestess and I are also surprised.

"Yes. The trials so far have all been completed underground. In order of ease of reproducing the four attributes, it would be Earth, Water, Fire, Wind. And if one were to try to create a difficult trial relatively easily, it would be to utilize the water of an underground lake. Of course, the lava of fire is also difficult, but since the aim is not to kill us, the difficulty of conquest will also decrease accordingly compared to how it looks."

I see. Now that he mentions it, that's true. And the words that they don't intend to kill us are reassuring. Cockatrice is a bit suspicious, though.

"Then, how difficult is the conquest here?"

"Probably, it will be a battle underwater. And wind magic must be used underwater."

"It won't just be half power. It might not even activate underwater."

Isn't it easy? We should just charge in riding on a Wind Barrier sphere.

"Even if you charge in, you won't be able to destroy the magic stone."

If we make a hole in the sphere and fix a silver spear or something... no good. The movement is slow and monotonous. No matter how sluggish a Golem is, it'll be avoided. At worst we'll be caught and crushed. Light underwater will be a nuisance at most, but it won't even be a dazzle, let alone a blinding.

"Wilson, you are of the main line, but do not hold back. I and Bishop Harrison are here."

It's Roberts-sama. I wonder if they'll do hand-to-hand combat underwater?

Wilson-san, also thinking there's no other way, after bowing his head and then sighing.

"I'm good at swimming, you know."

He's naked from the waist up before I knew it.

Harrison-san, isn't it too early to take off your clothes?

The strategy was decided. Or rather, I should say it had been decided. The fact that Harrison-san was in only one layer of undergarments during the strategy explanation is proof of that.

Incidentally, Roberts-sama threw off Eleanor's armor and helmet and is naked from the waist up. Unlike Harrison-san, he hasn't taken off his bottom. Is that because he's royalty, or is Harrison-san strange... Considering the time I first met him, it's probably the latter.

"Then, let's go."

With Roberts-sama's words as the signal, it's time to depart.

Leading the way are Erikson-sama and three ghosts. These four will serve as lights. The pale blue flames of ghosts apparently don't go out even in water, and four human spirits drifted in the water as soon as they jumped in. Honestly, that alone is somehow scary.

Next is the main body. It's Wilson-san and me riding on a sphere. Two Fireflies are pasted on the front of the sphere to illuminate the front like eyes. We joined up underwater and arranged the formation. The ghosts attack from above, and the main body attacks from below. It's a situation where four human spirits are glowing above the sphere. Since our eyes are illuminating diagonally downward, there's no friendly fire. Although, since it's in water, the damage shouldn't be much even if it hits.

Roberts-sama and Harrison-san follow from behind using the sphere as a cover. Their heads are covered with small Wind Barriers. Since the inside is always slightly released, they can breathe fresh air. Since it's not tightened around the neck, bubbles are coming out, but since the main body's Owan is advancing in a submerged state, it doesn't stand out at all. The last one is the Wetlands Priestess. She is controlling the bubbles of the two, Roberts-sama and Harrison-san. This also shouldn't stand out, so she isn't glowing.

"He's there. Jeanne, that's it. Can you see it?"

Unfortunately, I can't see it. Because it's a distance the pale blue light hasn't reached yet.

I adjust the angle of the eyes as instructed by Wilson-san. I tried not to let it diffuse as much as possible.

Since it's in water, high-speed movement is naturally impossible. While proceeding slowly, the Golem we were aiming for came into view.

It's blocking the way at the entrance of the underwater cave, a little above the water bottom. This fellow, unlike normal ones, has strangely long and thin arms that hold a single-handed sword each. Perhaps because of that, the sword swing is fast even underwater.

"Here we go!"

"Yes!"

After flickering the eyes, I narrow the output to minimum. This is the signal.

As planned, the ghosts accelerated. Especially Erikson-sama is glowing grandly. He went toward the Golem just like that, but vanished just before.

At the same time, I illuminate with maximum power from diagonally below. Dazzling is impossible, but the nuisance was successful, as the Golem readied its swords as if crossing them in front of its face.

We approached just like that, and when we came to a distance I thought a long pole would reach. The front becomes full of bubbles. Wilson-san grandly released the front. With that momentum, an emergency brake is applied to the Owan that was advancing.

A shadow crossed in front of me. Whether it reflected the light of the eyes, sharp lights intersect with a 'glint'.

The control of the sphere returns to normal, and the bubbles cease. When the eyes illuminate the front again, two men are fighting the Golem underwater. The surprise attack from within the bubbles was, unfortunately, avoided. It became a melee just like that.

Whether they are struggling with the Golem's unexpectedly long arms, the two cannot easily approach. Instead of a close-quarters battle, it's a feeling that the distance is one step away as they clash their weapons.

On the right from our perspective is Roberts-sama with his prized silver spear, and on the left is Harrison-san with his silver scepter. Because their heads are surrounded by air, the two are in an almost upright posture.

The two split left and right to attack the Golem.

The Owan floats up a little, and both eyes are aiming at the Golem's eyes from diagonally above, but since they also serve as lights, they are illuminating a wide range. The power is low even if it hits. Moreover, the Golem is looking down at the two attacking from diagonally below, so it's just illumination.

The Golem continues to avoid the attacks from left and right with the swords in both hands.

Just when I thought it had fallen into a stalemate.

Wilson-san's 'something' saucer, which had been prepared before diving into the water, flew into the water while rotating at high speed vertically, passing just above the sphere we were riding on, and just like that, it cut the Golem in two.

We broke through the trials of the four elements.

At the place we returned to with the Teleportation Circle, we were welcomed with applause and cheers.

"I'm glad I didn't have to show my shame."

"Well, it's natural. Even my group, whose breakthrough was doubted, broke through."

"But in terms of time, it's quite fast. As expected."

"Jeanne-sama participated in everything. I knew it would turn out like this."

The four princes exchange hugs while praising each other's efforts. It's a beautiful sight, but I'm worried if some strange disease will be transmitted.

"Now, finally, it's the Testament conquest."

Erikson-sama is also excited. It's likely because he saw the 'something' saucer for the first time.

"A new passage should be shown. Lightning, as Jeanne says. Then let's all go."

Harold-sama calls out. But.

"Um, please wait before proceeding ahead."

"What? Is there something?"

"Probably, the fifth one must be conquered by the three of us: me, the Wetlands Priestess, and Fiona."

"Why such a... is it because lightning is a fire attribute?"

Those other than the users of light and dark magic, once they pass through the four elemental trials, there is no second time. When participating again, it's when doing a redo.

"That's right. I think it's actually different, but this is a place made within the scope of human knowledge."

"But if so, shouldn't the organization have been reviewed?"

"No, I think it'll be fine if these two are here."

The Priestess already understood what to do, so she nodded powerfully. Fiona too.

"Jeanne. I'll give you this just in case."

Sianya gave me the stone the Priestess possesses. For the Priestess, it's also an evacuation place.

"I see."

Harold-sama also seemed to remember.

"Henry, Eleanor. Is it okay?"

Price-sama, who knows nothing, asked. Seeing that, Harold-sama is smirking.

"Umu. I don't mind."

"It's a truly, truly regrettable story, but let's leave it to the three of them."

Eleanor-sama still can't use it, can she?

In an atmosphere like a funeral, Roberts-sama and Edward-sama push the door with a 'rumble'. On the front, there is a depression that wasn't there before, and there is a Teleportation Circle that likely leads to the fifth passage.

"Jeanne-sama, be safe."

Eowyn-sama says with a serious face.

"You two, I'm counting on you for Jeanne-sama."

He's almost praying while taking the hands of the Priestess and Fiona. The feeling is truly appreciated.

"If you think it's impossible, retreat. Originally, I was prepared to withdraw with the first group."

It's Gwyn-sama. As expected, he's kind. But you know, these two are amazing.

"All right, let's merge."

"Yes!"

"Okay!"

The two merge at the same time. Including mine, there are now three right hands. It seems they still can't release with the left hand.

"Is that okay?"

Erikson-sama asked.

"Yes. This is the strongest."

"Ufufu. That's right."

"I'll do it!"

All right, let's go.

"Then, I'm going."

I waved with three right hands to everyone seeing me off and jumped with teleportation.

The place I jumped to is the same limestone cave, but the shape is a bit different. It's a vertically long passage. The ceiling is high. When I illuminate the top with Light, it's quite high. Stalactites are extending downward from the ceiling, and drops are falling 'plop, plop' here and there.

I cast Sense Living, but there is no reaction.

The floor is wet and feels slippery in places, so while having the two guard the surroundings, I proceeded slowly.

I think going straight is fine. There was a horizontal hole, but when I illuminated and looked inside, it became narrow immediately. Fiona and the Wetlands Priestess took turns going out for reconnaissance and confirmed that nothing seemed to be inside, and I ignored it, thinking I shouldn't go where I can't pass.

"He's there. Front, Stone Golem."

"He's about the size of Edward-sama."

"Ahahaha, can I say that to him when we go back?"

"Please stop."

The two ghosts can already see it.

When I bend my left elbow and put it out at stomach height to illuminate the front, it was indeed there.

"Jeanne, this distance is fine. Just like that."

"That's right. Let's settle it all at once."

The two's right hands go up. The Priestess's hand is above my head, and Fiona's hand is a little to the right. They are holding their wrists as if offering some invisible sphere to the heavens, with their palms and five fingers facing the ceiling.

The two's chanting begins. The Priestess first, then Fiona a little later. The Golem readied its sword and shield, perhaps sensing something unusual.

Pale blue flames rise from my body. It's for two people. It's a size I've never seen before. Even though I'm in the center, I can tell it's releasing a great pressure.

"Heaven's Roar!"

"Heaven's Roar!"

The chanting ends, and the two release magic with a time lag. Yellow pillars rose from their palms.

Instead of just splitting my ears, a sound that made me think the cave would collapse and we'd be buried alive rang out, and the Golem was surrounded by countless lightning bolts falling from above. I ready the scepter in my left hand to protect my face. I instinctively close my eyes. I think something like stones flew, but I can tell by sensation that the two's spiritual pressure repelled them. Since the sound of stones falling in front of my body is heard, quite a few must have flown.

"I did it."

After hearing four sounds toward the Golem, the Wetlands Priestess called out to me.

When I open my eyes and look, there is nothing. No, a hole is open as if the place where the Golem was had been gouged out.

"Did you release two each?"

"Both of us did three. My second and third overlapped with Fiona's first and second, so it sounded like four times."

"Three each! That's amazing! You've grown!"

"Well, yeah. But it might have been a bit tough for Fiona, so use the stone."

When I look at my feet where she's pointing, Fiona, who has become like an evil spirit, is lying down as if clinging to my body.

I hurriedly take out the stone, crouch down, and attach it.

"Fiona, thank you. You did your best. You defeated the Golem, so please rest slowly."

"Mm, sleeping..."

She slid into the stone.

"Thank you too, Priestess. You two are amazing."

"Really? Well, yeah. I was a member of the elite, after all."

"Aren't you a magnificent elite now, not just a member?"

"Thank you. But, as I thought, when I see the Queen of the Border and such... well, let's subjugate the Demon Lord together and become elites in the true sense. Fiona seems to be good at elemental magic and such, and if the three of us team up, we might truly be the strongest."

"Ahahaha, let's do our best."

I jump over the hole and proceed ahead. Before long there is a Teleportation Circle, and when I jump, I arrive at a stone-built room.

The ceiling is glowing softly, illuminating the entire room.

In the middle of the ceiling, a round hole is open. Beyond the hole is pitch black. I think it's quite high.

"Good work. You've done well to reach this far."

It's the voice of the Priestess from 4000 years ago. We finally reached it.

"Thank you. But, at this point, I cannot release the Testament."

"Why?"

"Because I haven't met the conditions."

"What are the conditions?"

"I haven't taken in the morning sun."

The light of the morning sun must be shone from the stone statue of the Goddess toward the underground. However, since this time is reconnaissance, we haven't moved that mechanism. In the first place, we've been departing every day after eating breakfast. It's impossible in terms of time.

"That's right. Then, what happens when you take in the morning sun?"

I didn't expect to be questioned here. However, I've already talked about various things with the big shots.

"Probably, I believe the light will draw a magic circle on the floor of this room."

The Priestess was concerned about the preservation of this trial. Despite that, she easily agreed to come to the church. That was triggered by Gnome's words, but it can be said she came because it was a church. Probably, the Priestess has been coming to the basement of that church many times for inspection. Although, a building is built on top. I don't think it'll be damaged so easily. Surely, it must be protected by powerful magic power.

"Then, do you think you can activate the magic circle if light shines in?"

"Yes. Right?"

When I raised my right hand, the left hand I entrusted to the Priestess went up.

"One, two, three, Light!"

"Dark!"

The two of us practiced many times. We were able to activate them at the same time like that time.

A two-color vortex of white light and black mist is created above our heads.

"You pass. I shall recognize you as those worthy of releasing the Testament."

I did it!

"All right!"

The Wetlands Priestess released the merger. After high-fiving, we hugged and rejoiced. If Fiona hadn't overexerted herself, it would have been the three of us.

"Ah, I'm glad I've been a ghost until now! Somehow I feel fulfilled."

"Hey, don't ascend yet!"

"Jeanne, how is that as a priest?"

"Ah, right. But, you mustn't ascend yet!"

"Yes, yes."

While we were talking about stupid things, light hung down from the ceiling, and the Priestess from 4000 years ago became a humanoid.

"Now, since I have a successor. I'll leave the preservation of this place to humans and stay in Jeanne's care for a while."

"Eh? Well, okay. Are you coming to my place?"

"That's right. Because Gnome-sama also said I should spend time with Jeanne."

Oh dear, the number of freeloaders has increased.

"Hey, teach me dark magic."

It's the Wetlands Priestess. She has learned three of the magic spells that are pairs with the First King series. If she learns two more, she'll have the complete set.

"Okay. Considering the time to master it after learning... let's see, ten gold coins a month. No refund even if you can't learn it."

"You're taking money?"

"Of course. Because Jeanne is going to look after me. I have to at least earn my own rent and food expenses."

"Ah, I see."

I accidentally burst out laughing. Whether she was caught by it, the Priestess from 4000 years ago also started laughing, and finally the three of us were in great laughter.

With this, the prospect of sealing the Demon Lord is established. From what I've heard so far, it seems there's no point in releasing it when the Demon Lord hasn't resurrected. However, while proceeding with the conquest related to the Demon Lord's army, if we make it so the Testament can be released at any time, we'll be able to take prompt action.

However, I wish we could become friends like the Vice Demon Lord or the female Demon Race, instead of sealing him.

Class of 175 Management Scale (excluding personal assets like cash and jewels)

・Stores: Main Store (Nakanohara, Kingdom of Sertoria), Second Store (Village near the Sertoria national border in eastern Regnentes), Third Store (Sertorian Royal Capital), Fourth Store (Flatlands), Temporary Store (Primordia), Fifth Store (Vectis Island)

・Free Passage and Free Commercial Rights: Medioland, Regnentes, Finis, Northern Gram, Primordia, Engrio

・Special Passage Permit: Primordia

・Fields: Eight fields (including buildings with farm functions)

・Livestock: Goats, sheep, pigs, a few

・Contract Animals: Eight honeybee colonies

Chapter 29 End