332 - Seventh
"――[Seventh] activate!"
In response to my voice, a wind of blue light swirled around me. The jewel exhibited a brilliance unlike anything before. It was a light like the final flare of a candle's flame.
"Damn it! I didn't want to use this."
Forcing a single instance of immediate growth. For me, it meant that memories I didn't want to recall were about to be mass-produced anew. Well, no matter what I do, I'm cool, so it can't be helped that everyone remembers.
However, there was something I couldn't forgive. That was the fact that the jewel would lose its power and return to being a mere orb.
It meant that the jewel that had been with me until now would be reset. It would return to being a simple orb where skills were recorded.
If I think of it as the skills remaining, it might be fine, but something more important――.
――Gradually, my thoughts became clear. The sensation of power overflowing from deep within my body blew away all my previous fatigue. And then, a sensation similar to libido, as if magic power were swelling and running wild inside me.
"I'm overflowing!!"
As I shouted, seven silver weapons emerged from the jewel――.
They appeared around me and plunged into the floor.
The First Generation's greatsword. The Second Generation's bow. The Third Generation's sword. The Fourth Generation's dagger. The Fifth Generation's Chain Sword. The Sixth Generation's halberd. The Seventh Generation's gun.
Each one was plunged into the floor as if surrounding me, and Agrissa looked down at me from the sky. She narrowed her eyes, watching my form.
"――You forced your adaptation level up. No, you called it growth now, didn't you? Besides, that skill――is it the type that allows you to master seven weapons? An interesting skill."
Facing the brimming confidence of Agrissa, I gave a light laugh. Whether Agrissa was stopping him or not, my ancestor, the previous Lyell, stood at a distance with his weapon ready.
I spoke toward Agrissa.
"You've got it wrong. 'Seventh' because I use seven weapons? I'm not such a simple man. Also, please come down. Floating up there naked makes it look like I'm peeping. You'd be cuter if you had more modesty, Agrissa."
Saying that, I brushed back my bangs and tidied my hairstyle. Agrissa looked down at me, appearing slightly surprised.
Aria looked at me, her shoulders sagging.
"...Hey, your skill, could it be――"
Before Aria could finish her sentence.
"Let me guess what you're thinking. You think it's a skill that forcibly brings out this peak-condition version of me, right? Don't say it, I know. After all, I love you all!"
However, Shannon responded to my words.
"No, since we're linked by Connection, it wouldn't be strange if I mostly understood――"
But it was Monica who interrupted Shannon's words.
"An unexpected fever time. However, this should raise our winning percentage a bit. The chicken coward has never lost in this state."
I shook my head at the happy-looking Monica.
"That's wrong. The moment I'm here, this match is my victory! Because I'm a man far too loved by the Goddess of Victory!"
Then, Agrissa burst into loud laughter.
"Ahahaha, your mind becomes unstable after growth, but so this is you after growth. I see, how interesting. The rise in power after growth affects the psyche. However――the fact that you think you can win is quite distasteful."
Immediately after, my ancestor slashed toward me. But I didn't move. My beloved wives around me tried to move, worried for my safety, but I stopped them.
"You don't need to step in. Just watch――it'll be over soon."
As my ancestor closed in and swung the greatsword upward, I laughed while looking at the blade. A voice echoed from behind me. Everyone turned around at that voice.
"You called me out at quite a fun time. Well, calling me was the right choice, I suppose."
The owner of the airy voice ran forward, pulled out a sword plunged into the floor, and knocked away the ancestor's greatsword. Perhaps misjudging the distance due to the invisible blade, the ancestor leaped back.
His golden hair was silky, reaching just above his shoulders. Wearing a short green cloak and carrying a bladeless sword on his shoulder――the Third Generation looked around.
"Still, you've blown things up quite spectacularly."
He laughed as he spoke. Then, the Seventh Generation spoke next. He pulled out the knife attached to the tip of the gun muzzle plunged into the floor and fired several bullets into the ancestor who was trying to move again.
The bullets, which the ancestor tried to slash away, warped and opened several holes in the ancestor's body. Since he was a dead soldier, they would close, but it seemed it would take some time.
"Lyell, well done. This is a fitting timing to use a trump card."
Then, the sound of walking footsteps stopped just before passing me, and a hand was placed on my shoulder. He gripped a Chain Sword in his hand.
"If you've cornered him this far, it's a job well done. Now, let us cooperate too."
The Fifth Generation, who began to walk, swung his sword and entangled the ancestor's leg with the Chain Sword. Then, a dagger plunged into the opposite leg.
The one pushing up his glasses, his long light-blue hair swaying in the wind, was the Fourth Generation.
"You've become quite sturdy, Lyell. Well, normally I'd want to say 'don't rely on the dead,' but if the opponent is the same kind of dead person, it can't be helped."
Running past me, the Sixth Generation picked up the halberd, slashed at the ancestor, and knocked the greatsword away.
"Honestly, you've challenged something truly outrageous. Let me help too."
The Sixth Generation turned around and laughed. And beside me was the Second Generation in hunter's attire, holding and aiming a bow. He smiled slightly.
"Actually, I've been wanting to try this silver bow for a bit. Now then, shall a plain guy like me perform some acrobatics?"
The arrows he released changed trajectory, as if each had a will of its own, plunging into the ancestor and exploding. Because he was a dead soldier, he regenerated, but the speed was incredibly fast. Even the lost greatsword grew back from his hand.
However, I felt that the match had been decided.
"Gahahahaha, you've grown big while I wasn't looking. It seems you've become somewhat capable, but you're still far off!"
Pulling the greatsword from the floor and leaping forward was the First Generation. Laughing, he swung the greatsword down toward the ancestor, and the greatsword emitted a blue light, triggering a shockwave that swept through the ancestor and everything behind him.
The destructive power was the same as always.
The First Generation, in his barbarian style, rested the greatsword on his shoulder.
"This is great. It feels like I could cut through anything!"
The Second Generation looked at the First Generation with exasperation.
"Cut? Rather, didn't you just crush it? Look, there's nothing left."
Seven figures appeared before me as I crossed my arms. At the appearance of allies who were far too reliable, I looked at Agrissa floating in the sky and laughed. Then, Agrissa spoke.
"You summoned the seven recorded in the jewel. I see, so that's why――however, you are merciless. The one you just defeated was your own ancestor."
Then, the Third Generation spoke in his usual tone.
"No, no, he was surely suffering from being manipulated by you. Probably. So, we were just shedding tears while liberating such a pitiful ancestor――is that how it feels?"
The Fourth Generation joined in.
"Indeed. I felt like he was saying, 'Stop me with your eyes!' Probably."
The Sixth Generation was the same.
"If I were in the same situation, I'd surely tell you to do just that. ...Probably."
Then, the First Generation looked surprised.
"Eh? Our ancestor!? That rugged guy just now! You're kidding!"
The Second Generation looked at the First Generation.
"Go look in a mirror. You'll see a man even more rugged and barbarian than that guy."
I nodded.
"True."
Then, the eight of us, including the First Generation, burst into loud laughter together.
Agrissa, floating above, seemed displeased that her favorite ancestor had been defeated.
"...To think you could become so arrogant just because seven people increased. Enough. I have no intention of holding back with a mere six million. I shall prepare tens of millions, hundreds of millions of dead soldiers and crush you. I wonder how long you can fight with such a paltry number――"
I tilted my head. The other seven similarly felt a question about Agrissa's wording.
And then, I realized that Agrissa was still misunderstanding.
'Seventh' because I summon seven ancestors? That's not it.
"You still seem to be misunderstanding, Agrissa."
At my words, Shannon reacted with an "Eh!?" Apparently, there were allies who had the same misunderstanding. Aria, Glacia, and Eliza also averted their eyes from me. These girls are stupidly cute.
I looked at the jewel on my palm. The blue jewel shone, and inside it――I saw a small star. The form of the blue shining mother earth, "Earth."
I gripped the jewel and thrust my fist toward Agrissa.
"Seventh――the seventh. It is a skill that can be used because I, who carry the blood of Septem, am one connected to the seventh goddess. Growth? That's nothing more than a bonus. The true meaning of Seventh is――"
Just as I said that, a massive explosion occurred near where the Allied Forces had set up their camp. Huge magic spells were hammered in—several, dozens, then hundreds and thousands.
The Fourth Generation was trembling slightly as he adjusted his glasses.
"Sorry, Lyell. There are many things I want to say and ask, but... my wife is calling, so I'm going. She seems a bit angry. Also, Ludmila-chan, come this way. Let's rebuild Cartaphus's army."
"...Huh? Um, what are you talking—"
I waved goodbye to the Fourth Generation and Ludmila as they warped away.
Miranda watched the scene.
"...Those were the ancestors of the Wolt family, right? Lyell, what on earth—"
Just as she said that, a person appeared and placed hands on the shoulders of Miranda and Shannon. Seeing that person, the Sixth Generation smiled.
"Mireia! You came too!"
Then, with a refined attitude, Mireia-san spoke to the Sixth Generation.
"Yes, Brother. I, Mireia, though powerless, have rushed to help. Therefore, I shall borrow Miranda and Shannon. A battle has already broken out even in Lyell's main force."
Shannon's eyes widened, and she looked at Mireia-san's face with a surprised expression. She probably couldn't believe she was playing the innocent act in front of the Sixth Generation.
"Sister, this is a fa—Ow!"
Shannon was physically silenced as her shoulder was gripped. Mireia-san was smiling.
The Seventh Generation looked toward where my army was, with a hand on his chin.
"Meizel went that way, then. In that case, I shall head toward the Fanbayle region. I must also leave a warning so they don't defy Lyell. ...The innocent act."
The final mutter was said by the Seventh Generation while looking at Mireia-san.
Mireia-san sent a gaze that seemed ready to glint sharply toward the Seventh Generation, but the Seventh Generation was already gone.
The Fifth Generation, perhaps reading the room.
"Fines and I will go to the armies that are thin on numbers. Let's go. Also, you two, come here."
"Eh, no."
"Wait a minute!"
The Fifth Generation warped away, taking Glacia and Eliza with him.
"That's right! Mireia, I leave Miranda and Shannon to you."
With a serious face, the Sixth Generation, who finally directed a smile at us, also vanished. Then, the Third Generation thought for a moment.
"Then, I guess I'll do the work that no one else does. Well, that's that."
Saying so, the Third Generation vanished.
The remaining First and Second Generations looked at Mireia-san.
"Hey, who's this?"
"...No, I don't know either."
As a subtle atmosphere flowed, Mireia-san bowed. It was a beautiful bow.
"Nice to meet you, First Generation-sama, Second Generation-sama. I am Mireia――one of the daughters of Fredricks. I am in a bit of a hurry, so I shall borrow these two."
Then, looking at me, Mireia-san winked.
"Lyell, go flamboyantly. You can be at ease, for the Wolt family is behind you."
Mireia-san vanished, taking Miranda and Shannon with her. I waved goodbye, while the First and Second Generations stood there blankly.
"Somehow, there are a lot of things I don't understand."
"Well, they vanished right at the start."
And there was a being irritated up in the sky. Agrissa.
"...I see. So that's how it is."
I cleared my throat. It was to explain my skill, which I couldn't finish earlier.
"That's right. This is my final skill. Seventh――a skill that allows me to use the jewels created by Septem with Administrator Authority. This thing is amazing, because... I can use the full-power jewels with all restrictions lifted."
Aria, Clara, and Eva had expressions that said they didn't understand. However, Monica and the Valkyries nodded.
"So that's how it is. Administrator Authority... then, this flowing magic power must also be some kind of influence. For now, let us be grateful."
The armor of the Valkyries began to glow. Even they, who were masses of rare metal created from Trasy――the Trident Sea Serpent, the monster said to be the god of the sea, began to be affected.
Wings spread, and they began to float in the air. Monica was the same. Covered in a white dress, she began to float in the air.
"What, you've stopped being a maid and become a bride?"
When I said that, Monica smiled.
"Yes. Please make sure to take me."
――This girl is an idiot.
"Are you an idiot? You're already mine. It's a problem beyond taking or not taking."
Then, Eva looked at me.
"Why is this guy always so confident? Even though he's such a coward normally."
The First Generation looked at me.
"Are you okay? Also, where's Novem-chan? Ah! Aria-chan!"
Aria gave a small wave back as the First Generation waved at her. Since the First Generation is an Aria-fan, he's probably happy to meet her. Aria herself was like.
"Eh, why am I being welcomed so happily?"
Then, Agrissa, who had been watching the farce continue indefinitely.
"...You show off your composure. But it seems you've gotten a bit carried away. Lyell, it seems it would be best to break your heart."
I gave a small, short laugh.
"...If I, Lyell Wolt, had a heart that broke easily, I wouldn't even think of killing a god. My own mental strength is almost scary. ...Break it if you can!"
Agrissa, perhaps angered, spread both arms.
Clara, who was inside the Porter.
"...Once he returns to his senses, it'll break on its own, though."
She spat poison. I think that part of her is cute too.
"Then, I shall grant your wish! How about this!"
From directly beneath Agrissa, a giant ape with a white and red mask emerged. The chest area was hairless, but otherwise, the giant ape, wrapped in beautiful white fur, was even larger than Agrissa.
"About ten meters by my estimate," the First Generation said.
"Twelve meters," the Second Generation corrected immediately.
Furthermore, skeleton knights exceeding two meters crawled out of the floor one after another.
Agrissa, from high above.
"Shame on yourself for becoming arrogant with a mere Administrator Authority. Lyell, I shall prepare a slightly harsh punishment for you. I will discipline you to the point where you swear obedience to me while weeping."
I hung the jewel around my neck. Then, I held out my right hand toward Monica. Monica threw a spare katana to me, and as I caught it.
"Sounds fun. I'd like to experience it once, but I prefer the normal way for the first time. I'm still a virgin, you see. It'll be troublesome if the stimulation is too strong. I'll allow ropes and whips. ...But, I prefer being the one attacking!"
Agrissa opened her mouth wide.
"Shut up! I loathe that personality of yours!"
I smiled.
"I like you too, though? Well, I do think you're a pitiful person. That's why――so you don't suffer, I, the great me, shall end this."
Then, the giant ape swung its fist down at us. It was different from a monster――it seemed to be a kind of divine beast, close to a Kirin or a whale. It intimidated us while breathing fire from its mouth.
A bit of the fur headgear, which was like the First Generation's trademark, burned from that fire.
"What the hell is this monkey doing! Fine, come out here!"
Then, the Second Generation, while aiming his bow and arrow.
"...Father, we're already outside."
The roof and walls had been blown away, and the floor below had collapsed. I see, it certainly is outside. The three of us burst into loud laughter again.
Then, the First Generation, with a serious expression.
"Well, it'll be bad if I don't get serious, so I'll bring them out. ...You guys, come on."
Then, the door that was once the door to the First Generation's memory appeared behind him. From there, the soldiers and barbarians who once followed the First Generation emerged one after another. He looks like nothing more than a barbarian chief now, but that's exactly who the First Generation is.
The Second Generation also spoke in a low voice.
"I guess I'll call mine too. I'll at least provide support for the skeletons below, Father."
Soldiers who had become slightly more decent appeared along with the appearance of the Second Generation's memory door. In their hands, they gripped bows and arrows or hatchets.
The First Generation, with a ferocious smile.
"You've certainly found your voice! Crassel! Lyell!"
"Yes?"
"We'll handle this monkey and the small fry. You knock Agrissa flying. Also, where's Novem-chan?"
"Ah, she's at Agrissa's chest. She's been absorbed."
"...Huh? Y-you... what the hell are you doing, you bastard!!"
As the First Generation shouted, the white ape let out another roar. Perhaps it thought it was being intimidated by the First Generation.
I shouldered my katana.
"Well, I'll show you I can rescue her. Aria, Clara, Eva――and Monica and the Valkyries, follow me. It's time for some fun god-killing!!"
Aria, while aiming her spear.
"You are definitely a bit strange. No, definitely strange! Why can you enjoy god-killing!"
I said.
"Idiot! By defeating a fake goddess, I'll get the title of God-Slayer! It'll make future governance much easier! Clara, Eva, don't miss my heroic figure."
Clara and Eva backed away slightly. Not just slightly, but more like, 'what is he saying at a time like this?' I thought they would be happy.
However, Monica and the others seemed to be in full agreement.
"Hyahha! Now we can beat these guys up openly! I, Monica, will follow Lariel-sama for the rest of my life!"
She says such wonderful things. I gave a provocative smile toward Agrissa. Agrissa looked down at me with annoyance.
"Now... let's have some fun!!"