Chapter 170
Joining forces, we finally take down Ouronus, the big bad Death Dragon.
Just like that, peace returns to the dungeon once again.
And they lived happily ever after.
―――Or so one would hope, but of course, it doesn’t end there.
In reality, there’s a massive amount of cleanup and aftermath to deal with.
For starters, here’s the situation.
Below, the capital lies in ruins, while numerous monsters (my people) strut around as if they own the place.
The townspeople stand frozen, expressions like they’re staring at the end of the world.
Some clasp their hands in prayer, some seem to have given up on everything, while others brandish swords at the monsters, determined to strike back at least once.
Reactions vary, but there’s probably one thing on everyone’s mind.
Now that the aberrations are gone, where will these monsters turn their attention next?
That’s what they’re afraid of.
For now, the chiefs of the forest and Ann’s Killer Ants, along with the rest of the monsters, are all standing by on the spot.
Ann’s usual training has paid off. Impressive, really.
I’ve ordered them not to attack humans, but if they’re attacked, that’s another story.
The monsters will retaliate, the thread of tension will snap, and we’ll plunge into a bloody sequel.
Among the monsters on the surface, including the forest’s chiefs, there are General and King-class.
If we’re not careful, today could be the capital’s last day.
We need to issue instructions fast, or it wouldn’t be strange for the chaos to start at any moment.
…Well, actually, that’s not really important to me, but I’d be in trouble if, in revenge, a large crowd swarmed the dungeon.
It doesn’t really matter to me how many humans are killed or what happens to them.
…Huh? Was I always this callous?
Well, let’s not think too much about it.
Anyway, that’s the current situation.
What am I supposed to do now?
This is seriously a pain.
「Earth, I’ve already issued instructions to our followers. As soon as the teleportation gate opens, they’ll retreat in order. And I’ve told them not to touch the humans if possible. It’s better for us in the long run.」
And just when I was thinking about it, Elibel had already given the orders.
She’s a real pervert usually, but man, she’s competent.
「Next is information control. We can use the mental manipulation magic that Rias used to handle that. Hey, old hag, I’ve got something to discuss with you———」
Saying this, Elibel is interacting with Léna-Lloyd in some way.
Every so often, Léna-Lloyd nods eagerly, but I wonder what they’re talking about?
Since I’ve got nothing to do, I just leisurely watch the scene.
I’m not slacking off, okay?
I’m checking for any anomalies around us with magic detection.
I’m doing my job, alright? Really, I am.
While that’s going on, it looks like the teleportation gates are ready.
All over the ground and in the air, teleportation gates start popping up.
…I wonder if Gijie’s magical power is okay?
『Then, Earth, we will return ahead. Once back in the Eld Desert, come visit my nest together with Ann, understand?』
With that, Heleb, Accurate Crows, and a flock of White Wyverns disappeared into the light of the teleportation gates.
Um, I haven’t responded yet, but…
Well, I guess.
By the way, Gwyve was being carried by a young male white wyvern.
The sight of a severed head being carried was quite the splatter scene.
As for the body, it seems to be slowly reverting back to normal by being in sunlight.
I thought to myself, “Like a plant?” But it turns out white wyverns do have similar properties.
I hope he gets better soon.
There’s a lot I want to ask.
◇◆◇◆◇
Several hours later, all the monsters have finally been safely teleported to the dungeon.
During that time, the skirmishes with the humans were relatively few.
To be honest, I thought it would be more chaotic, but it seems the humans were quite cooperative.
That’s probably because influential humans like the Emperor and Beldi issued orders prohibiting attacks on the monsters.
I don’t know why they made such statements, but thanks to them, the monsters’ relocation went smoothly.
I’m curious about the exchange Ann and Rasetsu had with Beldi and the Emperor at the end, but I’ll ask about that later.
The mental manipulation magic is scheduled to be activated as soon as Léna-Lloyd’s magical power is restored.
Given that it’s a grand magic spell capable of covering the entire imperial capital, she’s the only one who can activate it.
Apparently, she is originally more adept at mental manipulation magic.
Elibel can use it too, but not with the same precision as Léna-Lloyd.
「Okay, Eli. I’ll go all out to distract those on the surface, so you better keep your promise too, okay?」
That’s what she says, excitedly confronting Elibel.
She’s so excited, what on earth did they promise?
When I ask Elibel via thought transmission,
『”…Can I come over to play next time?” I just said okay to that.』
Is that so.
…Seriously, witches are too easy to sway.
Somehow, it made me a little sad.
I was reminded of Tanaka from elementary and middle school, who never got invited to play unless there were strings attached.
I remember him saying, “I’ve got a rare card, so I can come along, right?”
In the end, he never got to join in.
Thinking about it now, I’m actually tearing up a bit.
Hang in there, Tanaka. You’re probably still the butt of the jokes at work, but hang in there.
Anyway, with that, things above ground should somehow work out.
Now, it’s about what’s happening here.
It’s about sealing the cause of all this trouble, Ouronus.
◇◆◇◆◇
So, the ultimate cause of all this, the worst dragon.
The Death Dragon, Ouronus, is still collapsed at my feet, not moving an inch.
His eyes, still devoid of highlights, just lay there fallen.
『………』
I poked him to try and get some reaction, but nothing.
Even when Jibru spoke to him, he just barely shuddered.
After all the trouble he’s caused, he looks completely broken.
「So, what are we supposed to do with this guy?」
Elibel points at Ouronus while looking towards Jibru.
「…I will take him back to my dungeon and seal him. So that he can never be revived again…」
Jibru’s voice sounded somewhat forlorn as she said this.
Well, he’s family, after all. She must have her feelings about it.
「But how are you going to transport him? You look like you’re almost out of magic yourself, aren’t you?」
That’s true.
Just like Elibel pointed out, Jibru’s pretty much out of magic.
She poured all of her magical power into that final blow, piercing Ouronus’s chest during the battle.
Now she’s totally tapped out.
Even her appearance isn’t what it was before; she’s not the huge figure from earlier.
She’s shrunk down to a size that could fit in your hand.
「That’s———」
Before Jibru can finish, a light from a teleportation gate suddenly appears.
For a moment, I thought Gijie had sent reinforcements our way, but that’s not it.
I can’t feel Gijie’s magical power coming from this gate.
Who could it be?
「Earth…」
『Yeah.』
Elibel and the Léna-Lloyd instantly go on high alert.
They can sense it.
This presence is no ordinary one.
Then, two women emerge from the teleportation gate.
One has blue skin with horns protruding from her head.
The other is a tall woman with long, white bangs covering her face.
「…Who could they be?」
Tension zips through us.
There’s a prickling sensation, like our skin is being scorched by the dense magical aura.
It’s an oppressive feeling, as intense as when we faced Jibru or Ouronus.
…Who on earth are these two?
The light from the teleportation subsides.
At the same time, the two women kneel before Jibru.
Huh?
「Lord Jibru, we have come to escort you.」
The horned woman with the blue skin speaks up.
「Gulfan, and Kshathra, thank you for your hard work.」
Jibru offers words of appreciation to the two women.
Her acquaintance, is it?
「…Lord Jibru… glad to see you’re safe…」
Now the tall woman speaks up, her voice so faint it’s almost inaudible.
「Earth, and everyone else, no need to be on guard. These two are my followers. ―――Both of you, introduce yourselves. The Earth Dragon here is my son, Earth, whom I’ve spoken of before.」
「「―――!?」」
The two whirl around to look at me with shock.
Then, exchanging glances, they begin to speak.
「…Stellar Vein’s fifth floor guardian, I am Gulfan the ‘Sea Empress’…」
「I am the guardian of the Stellar Vein’s seventh floor, Kshathra the ‘Intimidating Ox’. Please remember me, Lord Earth.」
With that, they bow deeply to me.
The horned woman with the blue skin is Kshathra.
The tall woman with long white hair appears to be Gulfan.
These are Jibru’s followers I’m meeting for the first time, guardians of the Stellar Vein.
There are too many intriguing terms being thrown around here.
Sub29: I’ve not been feeling well recently and need a bit more time to recuperate. So the chapter released may not be on schedule. I appreciate your understanding if there’s a delay.
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