Surviving a Harsh Fantasy with Cheat Items (WN)

The city fell into chaos as we were about to head to the royal castle for the wedding reception.

It wasn’t the noise of celebration. People were pointing at the sky and shouting.

「Hey, look at that!」

「What is that… a cloud?」 「It’s huge.」

An old man celebrating the wedding outside a tavern looked up and dropped his beer mug, spilling the ale.

A massive black mass was approaching the skies over the royal capital of Silesie.

At first, I thought it was a dark cloud, but it wasn’t. It was a colossal, dark brownish chunk of flesh, roughly the size of a small mountain, flying through the sky. Everyone stared in shock, mouths agape.

As I walked slowly along the parade route with Louise and the others, a soldier came running towards us.

「King General, we have a report of an unidentified flying object approaching the capital!」

「An unidentified flying object? A UFO?」 No one responded to my remark.

Well, only Ria would probably get that reference. Lyle-sensei, who had come with the soldier, provided an explanation.

「That is the Dragon King Lindwurm. It’s an enormous monster that lived in the ‘Giant Pit of the Dead Dragon’ near the border between the Germania Empire and the Duchy of Lanct. Also known as the ‘Gluttonous Evil Dragon’, Big Eater.」

「A dragon that eats a lot, huh… that’s quite something.」

So, that massive flying chunk of black meat is a dragon that has gorged itself fat. When I muttered that, Lyle-sensei sternly rebuked me.

「In past sightings, the ‘Gluttonous Evil Dragon’ Big Eater brought the entire ancient Germanian region’s flora and fauna to the brink of extinction. It devoured not only humans and monsters but also other dragons, making it a truly uncontrollable evil dragon. The legend says it was slain 240 years ago by the founding hero king of Silesie, Renz Albert.」

Lyle-sensei explained while looking at a parchment document.

She then glanced at Oracle and said, 「Wouldn’t Oracle-san, who knows about that time, be more knowledgeable?」.

Oracle smirked and cleared his throat.

「Well, I do know about it. That was an ancient dragon known as an Ancient Dragon, famous for living for three hundred years even back when Renz defeated it 240 years ago. As you might know, dragons grow stronger as they age. In the case of the Dragon King Lindwurm, it seems the more it ate, the stronger it became. Despite its sluggish appearance, it was extremely powerful, nearly reaching the level of the divine.」

「Hmm, I see…」

Lyle-sensei noted Oracle’s explanation with a look of admiration.

But, given that such a monster is approaching, shouldn’t we be more concerned?

The black mass, known as the ‘Gluttonous Evil Dragon’ Big Eater, loomed ever larger as it approached from the sky.

As it got closer, I noticed its entire body was covered in black scales, with patches of white bone visible. Huge chunks of red-black flesh were falling off its massive frame.

「Sensei, isn’t it rotting?」

「Indeed. To be precise, that is what’s left of the Dragon King Lindwurm. Although Renz killed it with a potent poison 240 years ago, its rigor-mortised body was too tough to deal with, so it was sealed in the ‘Giant Pit of the Dead Dragon.’ It’s true that it didn’t rot, but its scales were not originally black.」

「Blackened scales… does that mean it turned undead?」

「The blackening is clearly due to magical influence. It’s not just undead; it appears that a ‘Demon King’s Core’ was implanted into the corpse of the Dragon King Lindwurm, transforming it into a lich-dragon. We might call it the Demon Dragon King Lindwurm.」

「Isn’t the situation bad?」

「Indeed. Using the corpse of a Dragon King and turning it into a lich-dragon leaves no doubt about the culprit. It’s almost as if they’ve confessed who they are.」

As Lyle-sensei spoke, she smiled defiantly and glared at the Castilian delegation attending the wedding from the back.

The representative of the Castilian delegation was Revenant Arimar, an advance mage of Castilia and the only one on the continent of Eura with the technique to control a lich-Demon King by embedding a Demon King’s core.

「This is a baseless accusation! I have no idea what you’re talking about!」

Revenant, the Castilian ambassador, raised his voice.

「I admit that I possess the technique to control lich-Demon Kings. However, I have an alibi as I am here. Moreover, the occurrence of monsters is not uncommon on the continent of Eura.」

「Ambassador Revenant, there is another advance mage in Castilia. If preparations were made in advance, someone with equivalent magical power could commit this crime, wouldn’t you agree?」

「Heh, in any case, there is no evidence. More importantly, what are we going to do about this situation? If the capital is endangered, it will be impossible to conclude any international treaties. This is a failure on the part of the Kingdom of Silesie. We demand to be evacuated to a safe place immediately!」

The proposed New Continental Law by Silesie.

If the international alliance of the entire continent of Eura were to be concluded, the Kingdom of Castilia, which maintains an anti-Silesie stance, would be completely isolated. This would simultaneously mean the downfall of Castilia, which thrived on trade.

Therefore, their plan was to have the Demon Dragon King Lindwurm attack the royal capital of Silesie, where ambassadors from various countries had gathered, causing damage and undermining Silesie’s authority to forcibly prevent the treaty’s conclusion.

As always, Revenant continued his sly maneuvering.

As the Castilian delegation, led by Revenant, clamored about the danger, Lyle-sensei raised his voice.

「Distinguished representatives of the various governments! As you can see, the Kingdom of Castilia is attempting to have this capital, where the world’s dignitaries have gathered, attacked. However, please rest assured. Here in Silesie, we have the hero king, Sawatari Takeru. He will defeat the Demon Dragon King Lindwurm. Those who feel endangered may evacuate, but this will be a historic spectacle. Those courageous enough to witness our hero’s dragon-slaying are welcome to ascend to the observation deck!」

To my surprise, Lyle-sensei seemed intent on turning this into a spectacle.

I whispered to him,

「Is this really okay?」

「As per Takeru-dono’s suggestion, we’ve maintained air defense vigilance and detected it early. First, we’ll engage with anti-aircraft fire, then we’ll intercept it with the three Magic Armstrong cannons of the fortress city Ox. We can also use the mountain artillery already positioned in the Devil’s Mountain.」

The Silesien volunteer army, anticipating the need for aerial combat, had modified field artillery to deploy anti-aircraft guns.

The experimental anti-aircraft guns were proving useful sooner than expected, as the sound of cannon fire echoed from a distance, indicating the start of the engagement against the Demon Dragon King Lindwurm. I saw flashes of light striking the black mass heading straight for us.

It seemed manageable. We just needed to bring it down before it reached the capital. Drawing the magic sword at my waist, I channeled the power of the sword of light.

「Very well, let us show the ambassadors what a hero is for. Think of it as an additional reception event for the wedding!」

The ambassadors responded with awe, 「Ohhh」 and the anxious townsfolk spread the word, calming the chaos with, 「Hero-sama will defeat that monster.」.

My reputation as the great hero of Silesie and Germania had spread across the continent of Eura. In times like these, it was good to have a reassuring presence.

「Master, I’ve brought your armor. Please stay safe.」

「Please win, it’s the hero’s job.」

I donned the mithril armor over my tuxedo with Sharon’s help. Ria, holding my baby in place of Oracle, blessed me with a protection spell.

「Let’s go!」

Huh, Louise and the others are coming too?

Louise, Kaara, and Are were all fired up and ready to go….

「Fighting in a dress is just reckless.」

Louise just laughed and pointed upwards. I looked up to see her mount, a great fire dragon, descending and landing heavily nearby.

「So, the great fire dragon came from Germania with the Reptilian emissaries?」

「Leave dragon slaying to me.」

Despite my concerns about Are, who was also a dragon kin, potentially becoming a dragon-slayer, she seemed eager and ready, saying, 「My arms are itching for a fight.」 It seemed she didn’t mind.

Given that the Dragon King had been devouring its own kind, perhaps Are didn’t care about slaying a fellow dragon.

It was hard to tell if this was comforting or frightening, but it would do.

「I’ll make the first strike.」

「Kaara’s coming too? Great. Let’s all head out for the hunt!」

With the full complement of our team, in addition to the anti-aircraft firepower of the capital, I felt confident that even a gigantic Demon Dragon King wouldn’t stand a chance.

It would be like adding a touch to the wedding ceremony.

※※※

「Amazing.」

Oracle-chan carried me through the air, giving us a clear view of both the enemy and our allies. Concentrated artillery fire pinned down the massive black dragon.

Occasionally, the Magic Armstrong cannons from Fortress City of Ox sent shockwaves from a long distance, exploding on impact. Despite the fierce bombardment, the Demon Dragon King Lindwurm pressed on, its flesh falling away but showing no signs of stopping.

「Impressive indeed. As expected of an undead ancient dragon. Its decayed flesh transforms into dragon zombies and black wyverns, attacking us. It’s creating minions, a feat almost of divine scale.」

「Oracle, when I said ‘amazing’, I meant the Silesien volunteer army.」

The Silesien volunteer artillery corps, proudly flying the Silesien flag, used large-caliber anti-aircraft guns to take down the dragon zombies and black wyverns.

The dragons that evaded the anti-aircraft fire were finished off by the gunners’ coordinated volleys. In the short time since the Narrow Sea battle, where they had been helpless against fire dragons, the volunteer army had learned how to fight airborne enemies.

Individually, humans are weak, but when united as an army, their collective wisdom and strength surpass even the mightiest creatures, like dragons.

This is why humans have thrived among the many races.

「Indeed, Takeru’s army is doing well. Let’s leave the small fry to them and take down the big boss!」

「Right!」

Flying alongside us in her wedding dress, Kaara called out.

「Nation’s Father, please allow me to launch a magical attack first.」

「Kaara, a Meteor Strike might be problematic. Our allies are on the ground.」

Meteor Strike summons multiple meteors, causing widespread destruction. Its lack of precision would endanger our volunteer army and nearby villages.

「Don’t worry, Nation’s Father. I’ve developed a new spell that enhances the directional focus of Meteor Strike, targeting only our enemies.」

「In that case, go ahead.」

Kaara, still in her wedding dress, flew forward, raised her hands high, and began chanting her spell.

「I, Kaara Demonia Demonicus, beseech the Dark King of the distant stars, shine upon the dawn. Let your power, from the void of time and space, annihilate the enemies of my master. Meteor Impact!」

The sky darkened, revealing a starry expanse. From it, numerous meteors descended like blazing spears, piercing the massive body of the Demon Dragon King Lindwurm. The meteors collide with the dragon, minimizing damage to the ground—though some debris did fall.

The combined effort of our forces and Kaara’s precise attack weakened the dragon significantly, setting the stage for our final assault.

The shockwave from the meteor impact shook us violently. Even the massive body of the Demon Dragon King, which had been impervious to our artillery fire, wavered and tilted under the onslaught.

Cheers erupted from the city and the volunteer army as they witnessed the spectacular meteor shower hitting the enemy. This might indeed be a case of blessings in disguise.

Kaara’s display of power to protect the city would change the public perception of friendly demons among humans. Although unintentional, this grand demonstration could not have been more impressive.

「Well done, Kaara!」

「Yes!」

「Now, it’s my turn!」

With a powerful flap of her blue dragon wings, Are soared high into the sky and then plunged downwards.

「No way.」

Are, as small as a speck compared to the massive dragon, collided with it and kicked it down to the ground. The impact raised a cloud of dust that nearly blew us away.

「Kicking down that giant… maybe we don’t even need to do anything.」

「Then, it’s my turn next!」

Holding the reins of her great fire dragon, she flew towards the fallen Demon Dragon King Lindwurm and unleashed a fiery breath. The decayed flesh of the Demon Dragon King burned fiercely.

Meanwhile, Are continued to punch and kick the massive head of the Demon Dragon King, pummeling it relentlessly.

「Ehto… Oracle, don’t you think I’m a bit unnecessary here?」

「Takeru, at least pretend to deliver the finishing blow as a hero.」

She was right. The soldiers and foreign delegates were watching. It wouldn’t do for me, the hero, to stand idle.

I hurried towards the Demon Dragon King Lindwurm, though Oracle had to carry me. Honestly, I hadn’t done anything. I didn’t even have a chance to attack.

「Nation’s Father, the Demon King’s core is attached to the tip of the tail.」 Kaara pointed out.

「Oh, really? That’s an unexpected place for the core. Typical of Revenant’s tricks.」

With that information, I prepared myself to strike the core and deliver the final blow, ensuring that I played my part as the hero in this crucial moment.

It seemed that the people from the Kingdom of Castilia had embedded the Demon King’s Core, the source of the Demon Dragon King’s power, in its tail.

I channeled the full power of both the Sword of Light and the Neutral Sword into my magic sword and swiftly sliced through the tail.

With that, the Demon Dragon King Lindwurm’s movements came to an abrupt halt. Its severed tail continued to twitch, despite being undead, giving off a rather unsettling sight.

「Ehto, what should I do with this?」

「Leave it to me, Nation’s Father.」

「What do you plan to do?」

「I suggest capturing the Demon King’s Core from the Demon Dragon King Lindwurm for research purposes. We can’t let the Kingdom of Castilia have it freely, and we should study how to counter it.」

「Good idea. Can we capture it safely?」

「Could you cut it a bit shorter?」

Following Kaara’s guidance, I sliced the tail into two or three segments. The twitching piece contained the Demon King’s Core.

「Is this good enough?」

「Got it!」

She cast a magical net over it, holding it down.

Inside the net, she used shockwaves to strip away the flesh, revealing a small black crystal. This tiny object had controlled that massive body.

「This is the Demon King’s Core?」

「Yes, it is. A powerful mass of miasma that can turn undead into Demon Kings. I once sought it desperately.」

Kaara’s original goal had been to resurrect the Demon King who once ruled the continent of Eura and restore the demon race to power. Perhaps she still harbored some lingering desire for that goal.

「And now, Kaara, are you over it?」

「I now serve the true Demon King, Orakeru-sama. I have no need for such a counterfeit.」

「I see. So, Kaara has decided to make my son the king of the demon race.」

This situation, however, might place a heavy burden on the infant Orakeru, which is a bit concerning. Still, it’s a problem for later.

As I was thinking that with a wry smile, Kaara hugged me.

「And now… I have my dear husband to serve.」

「Alright, then you don’t need this anymore.」

I patted Kaara’s beautiful blonde hair and rubbed the cross mark on her forehead.

「Oracle, how do we break the Demon King’s slave contract?」

「It’s simple. If both parties agree to dissolve the contract, the slave mark will disappear.」

「Then, the contract is nullified, Kaara.」

「Is it really alright, Nation’s Father? I mean, I…」

Even though I had agreed, Kaara’s hesitation kept the cross-shaped mark from disappearing. I took off my mithril armor and retrieved a silver ring from the pocket of my morning coat.

「Kaara, this is our new contract.」

「Oh, yes… husband. I will serve you for life.」

Kaara responded, tears in her eyes.

I slipped the wedding ring onto Kaara’s slender blue finger, and the cross mark on her forehead slowly faded away.

Phew, that settled that. It was a crazy wedding, but at least it ended well.

I had planned to give rings to Louise and the others later, but I never expected to present one in such a setting.

Then again, maybe this is just typical for us.

※※※

Everything settled down, and at the wedding reception, I secretly asked Lyle-sensei.

「Sensei, did you know the Demon Dragon King was coming?」

The preparations were unusually thorough.

I had advocated for the need for an air defense system, but the countermeasures seemed to perfectly anticipate the dragon’s attack route.

「Well, who can say? However, this has left the Kingdom of Castilia in an internationally precarious position.」

「So, it turned out well in the end, didn’t it?」

Even after all that had happened, the Revenants shamelessly lingered in the wedding venue, while the emissaries from the Kingdom of Castilia found themselves shunned by the other diplomats. It was now clear to every nation across the continent of Eura where the justice lay between the Kingdom of Silesie and the Kingdom of Castilia.

「This gives us the opportunity to research the ‘Demon King’s Core,’ and we’ll rigorously manage dangerous areas like miasma holes to prevent any similar incidents. We’ll also push for reparations without mercy.」

「Indeed. We can’t allow the capital to be endangered again.」

According to the sensei, this attack with the Demon Dragon King was Castilia’s final desperate move. Not only had they run out of time, but the fact that the dragon was sealed in the Germania Empire had prevented its use during the war, which delayed their actions further.

「Soon enough, Castilia won’t be able to contend with Silesie at all.」

Lyle said with a sly grin, hinting at further plans to tighten the noose around Castilia.

Well, whatever they were planning next, I was utterly exhausted. The wedding feast was indeed delicious, but I had no appetite after being up all night and overexerting myself.

「I’m going to retire to the harem for now.」

「Yes, leave the political negotiations to us. Please rest, Takeru-dono. You still have duties as the King General to attend to.」

Work?

Well, I would think about it after some sleep. As I trudged away, Louise in her wedding dress, Kaara, and Are followed me.

Wait, does this mean…? Ah!

I only realized what was happening when Kaara and Are pushed me onto the bed in the harem.

「Oh, I forgot!」

It wasn’t as if everything had been resolved. After the wedding, there was still the matter of the wedding night. Did I really have to do this after such an epic battle with a Demon Dragon King?

Or perhaps that was exactly why.

All three of them were blushing and bubbling with excitement. It seemed that the battle with the Demon Dragon King had served as quite the warm-up for them.

「How could you forget about us, Nation’s Father?」

「No, it’s not like that. I’m sorry, but aren’t we all a bit tired from today?」

「Well, Takeru, you must be exhausted from defeating the Demon Dragon King…」

Louise chimed in, ready to back me up.

But before I could breathe a sigh of relief, Are jumped in.

「That’s not a problem! I brought back some dragon liver from the Demon King’s corpse! If we all eat this, we’ll feel great again!」

「Wait, dragon liver? But the Demon Dragon King was undead and rotting!」

That was a creature that had been dead for over two hundred forty years. It had to be completely rotten!

「Don’t worry! The liver of a dragon never rots!」

「Is that so? That’s news to me. I’d like to try some too.」

With a keen interest in monster innards, Louise took a piece, ready to taste it.

No, she shouldn’t eat that! It had to be rotten!

「Don’t be fooled, Louise! There’s no such thing as meat that doesn’t rot in this world!」

「Delicious!」

Are and Louise exclaimed, munching away at the massive, dark dragon liver. But their bodies were different from mine, being seasoned dragon slayers who had consumed monster innards countless times.

While I had heard of delicacies like bear bile or aged meat that could ferment and grow mold, this dried, darkened liver from a two-hundred-forty-year-old dragon was definitely not the same.

「Come on, chew it well!」

「Whoah, ugh」

Are encouraged, shoving a piece of the blackened liver into my mouth.

I had no choice but to eat it, and surprisingly, it wasn’t bad at all. It had a crunchy texture, almost like eating nuts.

「How is it? This is a rare delicacy you rarely get to eat!」

「It really is! I can’t believe something taken from a two-hundred-forty-year-old dragon’s corpse could taste this good… wait, what?」

As soon as I took a bite, my hair stood on end. It wasn’t just my hair; every pore in my body seemed to erupt with energy.

「Whoa, what’s happening?!」

My body felt like it was on fire, surging with strength.

「Hero’s feeling invigorated!」

I was feeling invigorated, but this effect was a bit concerning.

It felt like I had been force-fed energy, and I was worried about the strain it might put on my body!

「Now it’s time to get started! I’ll breed first!」

「Wait, Are! I should go first!」

Their dresses flew up, revealing their most intimate parts. Seriously, how did that work?

「Louise, help me!」

「It’s alright, I don’t mind being the last one…」

The energy from the dragon liver had given Are and Kaara a burst of enthusiasm that even Louise couldn’t contain.

And with me being forcibly energized, we dove into an all-night celebration, entering day two of this wild event…