Volume 6 Chapter 35 A Battle To Protect Objects, Not People
When powerful monsters appear, how people respond differs depending on the country or the Adventurers involved. But in the spirit dungeon known as the Forest of Soul, one thing remains constant—there are no human deaths.
Monster attacks still hurt. But instead of bleeding, people leak magic power. Even when someone takes a blow that should kill them, they're simply ejected from the dungeon. Death doesn't happen here.
Still, pain is pain. For some, the trauma can leave a lasting mark.
So, even without the risk of death, it's still considered a dungeon. That's why most people entering are either Adventurers or knights. Ordinary citizens wouldn't set foot in here—unless something unusual happens.
But what if a regular person gets targeted by a monster? In those cases, they'd have escorts. If that person's important enough that trauma could cause trouble down the line, then their escort would be top-tier.
As long as they can escape, there's no real issue.
"For now, is everyone ready to participate?"
"I'm fine with it."
"I figured you'd say that, Ms. Tokohime."
"Are you sure about this?"
Vice-Captain Abel of the Diamante Kingdom Knights had gone to check on the remaining team members.
Brave Rangella.
Joyful Water Alchemist Sid.
Abyssal Tree Vande.
Royal Banquet Garboros.
Unarmed Two-Hander Tokohime.
He still had things to settle with these five.
When Abel arrived at the spot he assumed Sid, Vande, and Tokohime would be, he found them. At a glance, they looked like a "scholar," a "kind old man," and a "beautiful woman in a kimono"—a strange trio, but Abel didn't pay it much mind.
"...To prepare a display this large, and set up a magic tool for filming on top of that... The World Conference's headquarters really goes all out," Sid murmured, staring at the large panel in front of them.
On the screen, Horace, Masamitsu, Sumeragi, and Ivan stood face-to-face with a massive dragon—Spirit Dragon Uro-Adamas—its body glittering with jewel-like stones embedded throughout.
"A hundred years ago, the 'Great Adventurer' Eudynes spread tools like these. Most are hard to use, but the staff at World Conference HQ are sharp enough to manage them," Sid added.
"People these days are pretty clever."
"Yeah. There are still tools that we know how to use but don't fully understand. Though for some reason, the printing and minting methods Eudynes created weren't passed down."
Abel gave Sid a neutral look.
"You're Cain's younger brother—the one who found me when I was hiding. It's not strange that you'd know certain things. Still, I'd suggest waiting for the right time to play the 'I know' card."
"I'll keep that in mind."
* * *
Sid had once been an executive of the Adventurers' group Forever, led by Eudynes. He was also the organizer behind the Key of Pharos.
Together, they had confronted the being called Arzent. When Eudynes was overtaken by Arzent's "specifications," Sid and the others became its Apostles.
To support their various plans, the Five Divine Gods embedded sensors into portable, easily spread coins—trying to stop the creation of independent currency. That move disrupted traditional printing and minting techniques.
It all began when the Key of Pharos appeared. After handing the artifact Christy Flask to Horace, Sid and the others stepped back into the role of observers.
Cain had found them. That's how they got involved in the Blood Duel Cup.
In a way, Sid's presence here is thanks to Cain. So it makes sense Abel would speak with the assumption that Sid already knows the deeper layers.
Abel was certainly powerful, both in battle and in terms of what he knew.
But the value of a "good hand" isn't something you learn from information alone. You need experience.
Even someone like Sid, now more of an observer, should pass that wisdom on to the younger generation.
"Ho ho ho... how interesting," chuckled the elderly man—Vande.
The Worldtree Axe he used had originally been gifted by Eudynes to his grandfather. Passed down through the generations, it had become a family heirloom.
Since Eudynes had been trapped in the dungeon Thy Name for over a century, it truly was a story from Vande's childhood.
He might've met Sid during that time.
How much does he remember? How much does he understand?
And from there—how much can Vande read into Abel?
He wasn't one to share everything, but since he called it "interesting," there was clearly more behind his smile.
"...Anyway, this is an emergency. If we don't wrap it up fast, we'll hear about it later," Tokohime sighed.
"Is it really necessary to do it now?"
"Seems so. People may not die in this dungeon, but things can still break."
"So, no danger to people—but objects are still at risk..."
"Exactly. Many bring valuable items in. And if those get damaged by monsters, they'll complain the management was lacking."
Even here, things could get broken. And when people lost rare gear or mementos, someone always got blamed.
...But Abel didn't really care.
"In that case, Abel, you should get moving."
"Huh?"
He blinked at Sid's sudden push.
"Rangella and Garboros are about to clash with the Mistborne Dragon Yate Namist."
* * *
"Wait, what's going on over there? I had subordinates at the Yate Namist site, but I haven't heard anything from them..."
"Well... unless Horace made it himself, you shouldn't put too much faith in the magic tools stored at HQ."
"...That's the biggest lesson we've learned today. Seriously."
With a sharp breath, Abel took off running.
"...The youth really are caught up in politics now."
"Yeah. If the fight isn't recorded, people will raise hell afterward."
"He should make it in time. Let's get ready, too."
Sid, Vande, and Tokohime weren't young anymore.
They knew the weight of their roles. And while they didn't intend to burden the next generation, they also knew not to interfere too much.
This was their chance to grow.
Notes:
• Tokohime - From 'the Sword Nation Shirogane', known as 'Unarmed Two-Hander'. Her appearance is not described. She asks about Horace's baby, suggesting a friendly or familiar relationship.
• Abel - Cain's twin brother. Works in the castle and serves as the dungeon management supervisor. His role allows Cain to focus on his duties without worry.
• Ran - A silver-haired, busty, and beautiful young girl with a dominating spirit. She is one of the 'Four Source Maidens' and is deeply affected by her mother's disappearance.
• Vande - Known as the Abyssal Tree. Leader of the Underworld Tree, known as 'Abyssal Tree'. Their appearance is not described. They seem surprised that Horace is still alive, implying a history between them.
• Garboros - Known as the Royal Table. Captain of the Captain of the Five-Star Pirates. His appearance is not described, but he is known for his immense strength, capable of taking down powerful sea monsters alone. He is primarily interested in gourmet food and has little regard for honor or material possessions. His relationship with Horace is one of acquaintance, and he participates in the Blood Duel Cup seemingly for the experience.
• Masamitsu - Known as the Holy Knight. Member of the 'Moonlight Nine'. His appearance is not described. He expresses concern about Horace being in the spotlight, indicating a friendly or cautious relationship.
• Sumeragi - One of the Five Divine Gods, known as the 'God of Iron-Slicing.' He introduces himself with a pleasant smile and seems to have a purpose in meeting Horace.
• Eudynes - Weird adventurers from a hundred years ago who were the first to understand the 'Golem Master' concept. Horace respects them but uses their story as a cautionary tale.
• Cain - A 14-year-old beautiful boy with short, light purple hair. Newly appointed Commander of the Diamante Kingdom Knight Order. Highly talented and efficient, tasked with managing the 'Forest of Souls' dungeon and participating in the Blood Duel Cup. Twin brother of Abel.
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