Chapter 203 The Stampede Has Ended
――The Stampede has ended.
And it ended earlier than anyone expected.
Despite being an unprecedented disaster, the damage was surprisingly minimal compared to the previous Stampede.
There were several factors that contributed to reducing the damage.
One reason was that the Stampede occurred just 2 years ago, which raised people's awareness of the crisis, allowing them to evacuate quickly when it happened again.
Another reason was that a mysterious "voice" echoed throughout Necronia just before the monsters appeared, warning people that something big was about to happen in the labyrinth, even if they couldn't confirm it was a Stampede.
Just like the citizens, the explorers and the Knights of the Four Families were able to respond quickly and rescue those in need due to these two reasons.
However.
Several days after the Stampede ended, those who knew the truth began to whisper to each other, and the news spread like wildfire throughout Necronia.
The extremely early end to the Stampede, a feat unprecedented in human history.
And the question on everyone's mind was: who were the heroes behind this achievement?
The citizens who had evacuated from the central district during the Stampede were excitedly sharing their own experiences and what they had heard from friends and acquaintances.
"Yeah, I'm telling you, the real heroes of this Stampede suppression are the girls from ≪Flames of Dominance≫, Clairy (Claire-chan) and the others!"
"Yeah, all of them can use flying magic. That's amazing!"
"They flew around the chaotic city, rescuing people left and right, didn't they? That's not your average magic skill!"
"Idiot! It's not just flying magic! What's truly amazing is their shooting magic, which can accurately take down monsters from a distance, even in the midst of all that chaos and confusion!"
"Yeah, that's definitely impressive, but... there's something even more amazing, you know?"
"Yeah...'passion'..."
"Yeah, it's amazing... not just Clairy, either."
"No joke, I've become a fan of Clairy and the others after this incident!"
"Me too. ...Not in a weird way, okay? *cough*. Anyway, I heard some people are calling them the 'magic beauties' or something?"
Some people talked about the ≪Flames of Dominance≫'s achievements with idol-like enthusiasm.
But there were also voices of opposition.
"Wait, what?! You don't get it?!"
"I didn't see ≪Flames of Dominance≫ in action, but I'm sure ≪Balmung≫'s achievements are way more amazing!!"
"Yeah! Especially that huge battle against the Wyvern horde!"
"Yeah! Calum the 'Pervert Maneuver'! I had no idea there was an explorer with that kind of power! Maybe he's on par with the Sword Saints or something? I don't know..."
"But, I can understand why you'd think that. I mean, he single-handedly took down that many Wyverns. And it was an aerial battle, too?"
"Whoa, whoa, it's not just an air battle! That super high-speed movement... I'm serious, everyone else should see it too! It was incredibly amazing!"
"Ah, come on, I already know! I've heard it many times! You're saying it was an intense battle with crazy aerial maneuvers at insane speeds, right? I didn't see it myself, but I can imagine how awesome it must've been!!"
The two parties that fought to protect the evacuating civilians in different areas were being praised for their heroic deeds.
On the other hand, an urban legend about a massive, extraordinary phenomenon called "Stampede" was spreading, which was hard to distinguish from rumors or reality.
"Hey, did you hear? About the pig-like monster... or was it a fairy?"
"Yeah, I heard. But is it true?"
"Is the pig fairy some new kind of orc?"
"No, it seems to be different. Apparently, it's a strong, pig-like spirit that helps people in various places. They don't wear clothes, but they walks on 2 legs."
"Hmm... if it's not an orc, does that mean they look cute?"
"Well, according to the people who got helped, they don't exactly look good... it's just, you know, weird."
"What do you mean by weird?"
"I don't know. They wouldn't explain clearly. But it's true that they helped people."
"Wow, so it's not a monster then. What is it, exactly?"
"That's why they call them fairies, right?"
"Hmm... maybe it's a blessing from God, sent to help us who've been attacked by Stampede twice."
"Whoa, whoa, does that mean it's like a messenger from God or something? A pig fairy?"
"What? I don't dislike the idea, but even the pig fairy might think that's a nice dream. It's cute and all..."
It's hard to tell what's true or not――no, it's definitely not true――when you hear rumors, but there were people who witnessed the scene with their own eyes at a different location.
They were the city hall employees and citizens who got left behind during the Stampede.
As they stood in front of the city hall, they gazed at the intense battle scars――the massive crater etched into the stone pavement――and reminisced about that day.
"Yeah, it was crazy, wasn't it...this."
"Yeah...was it the ≪Drunken Round Table≫? It was, uh, colorful, and, yeah, crazy."
"That guy――no, not that guy, but the Expert explorer, right? He's..."
"Mmm, well, you know...they say geniuses and idiots are just a hair's breadth apart, right? He's an incredibly strong explorer, so a few flaws are acceptable, and it's even better if it makes people less jealous, don't you think?"
"A few flaws...a few flaws...yeah, that's a nice way to put it."
"Ah, it's convenient...but what about the rumor of the ≪Extreme Sword≫ clan...was it the ≪Wooden Sword Way≫? Do people like that still exist in the ≪Wooden Sword Way≫?"
"Yeah, those people claimed to be the smartest party in their clan...which means they're probably the most decent clan..."
"......this is bad."
"Yeah, it's bad..."
The city hall employees and citizens who recalled that battle wore uniform expressions of terror and awe.
And elsewhere, the owners and employees of high-end shops lining the Central District's main street were chatting about the noble gentlemen who had saved them during the Stampede at their own shops or at other places they frequented.
"Owner, in the end, do you know anything about the people who helped us?"
"Yeah, I've checked it out. Apparently, they're a party called '≪Gentlemen's Alliance≫ the Expert explorer."
"Gentlemen... what a fitting party name!!"
"Yeah, I know, right? I thought explorers were all rough and uncouth, but it turns out there are people like them who are really gentlemen..."
"Totally true! I've changed my view of explorers now, you know?"
"Hahaha! Well, that's what I think, but people like them are exceptions, I suppose."
"Well, that's true, isn't it?"
"But those people are really amazing. You know?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, there was a boy who was almost mugged in an alleyway, and one of the ≪Gentlemen's Alliance≫ members helped him escape. And after that, he still goes to visit the boy every day."
"Huh? Why?"
"Why, you ask? Of course, it's because the boy was not only attacked by monsters but also by humans. He must have gotten a terrible psychological wound from that. Apparently, whenever the boy sees an adult, his body freezes up."
"...That's a sad story."
"Yeah, but the gentleman who helped him has opened up to him, and now he's helping the boy deal with his psychological wounds every day."
"Wow...!! They're really amazing people, even though they don't get paid for it...!!"
"That's true! There are really amazing people like that out there. The world isn't all bad, after all. ...Hmm, maybe I should start giving back to society a bit, instead of just making money..."
"...!?!? (The owner of the penny-pincher store is saying something like that...!!)."
Praise for good neighbors brings hope for tomorrow.
Good deeds beget good deeds. Kindness begets kindness. Thanks to the efforts of gentlemen, a cycle of good deeds was about to be born....
On the other hand, not everyone was praising them sincerely.
Those from the [Four Great Families of the Seals], those working at their mansions, or a select few who were in a position to hear what was happening at the Four Families' mansions during the Stampede――in other words, the rulers of this city of Necronia――were whispering about "problems" in various hidden places.
"Did you hear? There's talk about the True Identity unknown individuals who attacked the Four Families."
"Ah, the masterminds behind the Stampede, right?"
"That's right. We haven't received detailed information yet, but apparently, they were people who had undergone body modifications to enhance their strength. They wielded incredible power."
"Hmm... I don't know what kind of technology it is, but it's an interesting story. If we let the Four Families have all the power, it'll be a problem... Can't we somehow steal that technology? The surrounding countries are also increasing their military power. The Council also needs to intervene with the military, don't you think? They barely did anything during the Stampede, and there are people among the citizens who are dissatisfied with the Council's response."
"Hmph, I think intervention is necessary too, but there was no way to do it this time. The time until the Stampede was too short. It's not easy to mobilize the military, you know. Foolish citizens don't understand that."
"Well, if we just handle the citizens accordingly, there won't be a problem... But don't you think the technology to enhance human bodies is too attractive to ignore?"
"That's true, but... let's just leave it alone. It seems like the Four Houses have decided to keep it a secret, after all? It's because... those Black Curtain people are just..."
"...I see. Scary, scary. Even if they're corrupted, they're still descendants of the gods. ...For now, it's better to just obediently follow them, I suppose."
"Yeah, but how long can that continue? As the surrounding countries' economies grow, their military power and technology are becoming stronger by the day. I don't think we can just rely on the Four Houses to ward off foreign pressure like we used to."
"...It seems like some of our council members have been contacted by Republic spies, too. Maybe it's faster to collapse from the inside out."
"Oh, Aron's..."
"Ah, that's Kirke. Long time no see."
"Yeah, really... How was yesterday? Did those traitors attack you too?"
"Well, yeah... but we can't afford to sugarcoat our words, can we? The damage to the mansion and gardens was considerable, but human casualties were surprisingly low. Same with you, I assume?"
"Yeah, well... It's because of the ≪Iron Wall Alliance≫. What about you?"
"This is... what was it again? Ah yes, ≪White Lily Maiden≫ and ≪Wood Sword Appreciation Club≫. Both are parties under the ≪Wooden Sword Way≫ clan. Just like the ≪Iron Wall Alliance≫."
"Yeah... I heard a party from the ≪Wooden Sword Way≫ also showed up to help Gridavor. What do you think?"
"What do you mean?"
"It's their power, isn't it? Even people who aren't from the Four Houses have powers that are just too strong, don't you think?"
"It's a truly worrisome situation, isn't it? The power of ≪Extreme Sword≫, the leader of ≪Wooden Sword Way≫, is far beyond what's acceptable. I heard that ≪Extreme Sword≫ even threatened our lord the other day?"
"Unbelievable, what does he think we 4 families are? The world has gone mad."
"That's right. Despite our dedication to protecting the world and sealing away the [Evil God] since ancient times, they show us no respect, none at all."
"What does our lord plan to do about them?"
"It would be easy to just label them as criminals and punish them."
"Even if we make up some fake charges and punish them, the problem is who's going to catch them, right? They're not the type to surrender quietly, and they've already taken down many Space Magicians, including some of our own traitors..."
""......""
""...Well, I suppose we'll leave it up to our lord to handle.""
The members of the ≪Wooden Sword Way≫ took down not only the attackers who had enhanced their bodies, but also the Space magicians who had similarly enhanced their abilities.
Their individual powers are so immense that the 4 families can't help but feel uneasy. However, no one is willing to take action against them.
Is this a show of trust in their lord, or are they afraid of the ruthless, bloodthirsty ≪Wooden Sword Way≫?
On the other hand, among the explorers, ≪Wooden Sword Way≫'s achievements are being viewed favorably.
"Did you hear? The ones who defeated the core of Stampede were, as expected, ≪Wooden Sword Way≫?"
"Ah, 'Sword Dance Maiden', ≪Bastard≫, ≪Silfied≫, and ≪Holy Knights≫, right?"
"Even with fewer than 20 people, they charged into the monster-infested [Seal Temple], took down Ignitor and Nord, and I heard it's true?"
"Normally, no one would believe it, but... it's an official guild announcement, so it's gotta be true. And I've also heard about the other clan members' achievements. No doubt about it, this time's Stampede was led by ≪Wooden Sword Way≫."
"Well, it's not like I'm part of 'Sword Dance Maiden's party, but I saw ≪Wooden Sword Way≫ fighting, and I've got no complaints. Those guys are seriously monsters."
"Their performance surpassed even the ≪Extreme Sword≫ from last Stampede. Maybe they should just rename themselves ≪Extreme Sword≫ Clan?"
"Well, last time's ≪Extreme Sword≫ soloed the core, so it's not something you can compare to this time, but still, ≪Wooden Sword Way≫'s achievement is insane."
"――Hmm? Wait, didn't 'Sword Dance Maiden' and ≪Bastard≫ take down the core together?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"So, what was ≪Extreme Sword≫ doing? I've heard rumors about the others' achievements, but nothing about ≪Extreme Sword≫'s?"
"Ah... that's the thing..."
"What's wrong, you've got a tough look on your face?"
"...No way, I only heard the rumors too, since there's no official announcement yet, right? But it seems like that guy from ≪Extreme Sword≫ caught the mastermind behind the Stampede this time?"
"The mastermind...?"
"Yeah, you know, the one who was behind the voice that echoed throughout Necronia before the Stampede started."
"Whoa, that voice... is that for real? Did he really do that?"
"Anyway, it seems like that ≪Extreme Sword≫ guy had a tough fight, like his clothes got torn to shreds and he ended up naked... it was that intense of a battle."
"Naked...? What's going on...? Well, I can't even imagine, but it must have been an insane fight..."
"Yeah, it's not like you'd normally end up naked in a fight, so it must have been that tough...
"Well, the mastermind was caught, and the core of the Stampede was destroyed too. ≪Wooden Sword Way≫ is getting way too much credit..."
"Yeah, I heard the leaders of the 4 houses are going to personally thank them and invite the ≪Wooden Sword Way≫ guys over?!"
"No way, is that true?! That's awesome!"
The rumors spread throughout the city, and the members of ≪Wooden Sword Way≫ were hailed as heroes, considered to be fairies or perverts, or even gentlemen, each earning their own unique reputation.
Around that time, 5 days after the Stampede had ended...
Aaron and the others would visit Kirke's mansion once again.
Of course, it wasn't to receive praise or gratitude for their achievements during the Stampede, but to finally uncover the whole truth.
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