Chapter 124
The place we were led to was, surprisingly enough, a waiting room in the coliseum.
Apparently, the arena was originally used for punishment as well, and since this room was already equipped with cages and shackles and could be sealed off with iron bars, it must have been convenient for them to use it.
Of course, there wasn’t a single other person inside the coliseum…it was completely just us.
“W-Who are you?”
King Golda, who had been brought here before us and left alone, looked at me with a hint of fear as he asked.
“I’m the one who conquered the Scorched Ravine and handed its Dungeon Core to Lendia. Also, I belong to the same group as Shilent.” (Shizuma)
“What…! You too are a dog of Lendia!? Why did you give the Core to them instead of our nation!?”
“Shut up.” (Shizuma)
I slammed my foot into his face.
“Gahh!!” “You answer only what you’re asked. Every time you say something irrelevant, I’ll kick you.” (Shizuma)
“I-I understand!”
“You don’t need to reply.” (Shizuma)
I kicked him again. Without mercy. I planted fear deep into the core of his being…made him realize that he was nothing, the lowest of the low in every possible way.
“From here on, this girl will be asking you questions in my place. You will answer everything she asks.” (Shizuma)
He nodded violently. Pride already abandoned, despairing, but still desperate to escape the pain.
“Melt, go ahead and ask.” (Shizuma)
“…Got it.” (Melt)
Her voice was stiffer than usual…almost as if she feared hearing the answers herself.
“Your Majesty… about fifteen years ago, right? Why did you turn the Dreamhill Great Forest into a dungeon?” (Melt)
“T-To make the harvests even more bountiful… and to summon a Dungeon Master.”
“We shared the forest’s blessings with the people of the kingdom, and anyone was free to enter. So why did you sacrifice us? Why did you offer up the Silver Foxkins as sacrifices?” (Melt)
Her tone was calm, her words steady. There was no clear emotion in her voice.
And yet…I felt a chill run through me, as if someone had poured ice water over my heart.
“Wha…!? The Silver Foxkins!? How are you still alive!?”
“Answer the question.” (Melt)
In an instant, the king’s entire body was surrounded by sharp wooden knives.
These weren’t mere paper knives…they were blades sharp enough to slice human flesh, sprouting from the wooden bench on which the king sat.
…She can even manipulate processed wood…!?
“Guh… T-The Dungeon Master… The quality of the sacrifices determined how powerful a being would be summoned… I was told…that your kind would make the finest offerings…”
“By whom?” (Melt)
“Fus… A man named Fus Fan! He called himself a traveling mage and researcher!”
“He’s the one who taught you the dungeonification and summoning rituals?” (Melt)
“Y-Yes! He’s the true culpri—!”
This time, I kicked the king again. The force of the blow caused the wooden knives to tear into his flesh.
“GYAAAAAAA!!”
“Don’t speak unless asked. Melt, continue.” (Shizuma)
“…Then why did people suddenly start hating beastkin? Even after the forest turned into a dungeon, I could still go outside. Not far, but I could go shopping…even so, people began treating us harshly. Why?” (Melt)
“…Because I announced to the public that your people had turned the Great Forest into a dungeon, making it impossible to freely gather its bounty.”
“Why would you say something like that?” (Melt)
“The Great Forest was once land we tried and failed to conquer after losing to your kind. If letting you roam freely meant we couldn’t use it either, then I decided to eliminate you all…even if it meant our nation lost control as well. I believed that if we later conquered the dungeon, we could finally claim that land as ours. And afterward, to keep beastkin within our borders from claiming rights to it, we made you the scapegoats.”
“I see. So even though we shared the forest’s harvests with Golda, that still wasn’t enough for you.” (Melt)
“You could never understand the humiliation of being given alms by those who hold the most fertile land.”
So that’s it. He destroyed Melt’s tribe out of nothing but pride.
Even if Fus manipulated him, he already had that intention buried inside him from the start.
This man…is a king?
“I see. At least you had a reason. It’s better than having none at all.” (Melt)
“Melt, next question?” (Shizuma)
“No, I’m done. No matter what I ask, nothing will change. There’s no understanding between us…and nothing will come back.” (Melt)
Her voice carried no anger. It was the sound of resignation.
‘Nothing will change.’ From the very start, Melt never expected anything.
She just wanted to know why.
“King Golda, the questioning is over. I’ll make sure to request that you be properly executed. But before that, since I don’t like you… I’ll make sure to hurt you right up to the brink of death.” (Shizuma)
“W-Wait! Silver Fox girl, stop him!”
“Hmmm… No! I hate you. Probably enough that if I saw you weakened in front of me, I’d finish you off myself.” (Melt)
Melt said that with a cheerful smile -the same as always- and walked away.
Maybe I should’ve followed her. But I couldn’t just let this man go.
“King Golda. I won’t stop until your heart completely dies. I won’t even give you time to brace yourself.” (Shizuma)
I’ll return you to your queen alive.
So I’ll heal you again and again, keep you conscious, keep you alive.
I’ve got more healing items than I can count, after all.
So no matter how many times…tens, hundreds, thousands of times…I’ll push you right up to the edge of death.
There are plenty of potions that “prevent death,” after all.
You could call it the classic “Endure” effect… Potions that work only once, but I have more than enough.
I kept at it until an entire stack of items disappeared…until the sun went down.
—————–
Night.
When I got home, Melt was surprisingly her usual self, brushing her tail after her bath.
“Oh, welcome back! You’re late!” (Melt)
“I was running some experiments, lost track of time.” (Shizuma)
“Mmm… Don’t overdo it, okay? No matter what you do, a person’s heart always wears down. That’s why I asked my questions while trying not to think of anything. I didn’t want to tire my heart with something like that.” (Melt)
“Yeah…you’re much more mature than I am, Melt.” (Shizuma)
“Of course, I’m the older sister, after all!” (Melt)
She smiled happily…even after learning that the reason her people were destroyed was something so stupid.
…Teaching a ruler the ritual of dungeonification… That’s an act that could cause other tragedies like what happened to Melt’s homeland.
And yet, it’s possible that some of the existing dungeons were created the same way.
If that man Fus belongs to some organization, then that group is clearly my enemy.
But confronting them openly would endanger those around me.
Just as Still warned me…I can’t act recklessly anymore.
I’ve taken root in a specific country. I’ve built a home to return to.
I’ve created a second home in this world for Melt, and for myself.
It’s a shackle…but it’s one I’ll never try to remove. It’s not something I find burdensome.
“Melt. From here on, we’re truly free. Let’s travel anywhere we want, do whatever we like.” (Shizuma)
The journey is possible…because we have a home to return to. That’s what I believe.
“Then, there’s somewhere I want to go. The New Year’s Festival is coming soon, but once it’s over, I want to…” (Melt)
The place she said she wanted to visit…
I agreed. It was somewhere I wanted to go too.
“Haa… it’s really all over now, huh? I even reached my original goal…to reach Ruby Rank like Seimu! And Seimu bought a house too. We both achieved our goals!” (Melt)
“Oh? So Ruby was your goal?” (Shizuma)
“Yep! I worked hard so we could match! So, Seimu, you can’t go and become Sapphire, okay?” (Melt)
“Ehh…well, the one who earned the real achievements this time was Shilent, so I’m not getting promoted.” (Shizuma)
“Good! That means we stay together!” (Melt)
She’s strong…far stronger than I am.
At first, I traveled with her out of a sense of duty and protectiveness.
But before I knew it, she became the only family I had in this world.
And now, I’ve come to know both her fragility and her strength.
That’s why I can’t act recklessly anymore. So what will I do instead?
“…I guess I’ll just clear every dungeon in the world and return their cores to the land, erase the concept of dungeons entirely.” (Shizuma)
“Eh!? Why are you suddenly setting such a crazy big goal!?” (Melt)
“Well, I don’t think I can do it quickly, but still…” (Shizuma)
A lifetime goal.
Even without directly fighting the mastermind, I can still hinder them by erasing the dungeons.
That might draw their attention…but not open hostility.
Besides, this problem happened because I don’t have enough allies.
If I had enough power to protect everyone around me…enough companions to rely on…
If I had the strength to suppress those moving in the shadows…
“…I’ll take it slow. We’ll travel the world at our own pace and work toward it bit by bit.” (Shizuma)
“Right! Traveling is better when you have a goal! Then, after we visit the place I want to go, let’s check out this country’s other dungeon! It’s by the sea! The sea!” (Melt)
“Oh, that sounds nice. You’ve been wanting to go to the sea, huh?” (Shizuma)
“Of course! When I was little, I saw the endless ocean glittering under the sunlight…I want to see it again! And eat all sorts of fish too!” (Melt)
“There are giant shrimps too! Like, ten times the size of the ones we usually eat.” (Shizuma)
“! Amazing! They’d make the most satisfying fried shrimp ever!” (Melt)
Let’s talk about the future. Let’s talk about small, everyday happiness.
The mastermind can wait…that’s just a side quest.
My short-term goal is to let Melt experience all kinds of firsts.
Of course, this world is full of firsts for me too.
If we can enjoy that journey together, it’ll be a truly happy life.
“Let’s go out for dinner tonight, Melt.” (Shizuma)
“Sure! Let’s go to the Adventurers’ Den! I’ve been craving smoked fish!” (Melt)
“Oh, good idea.” (Shizuma)
I’ll live on…with my precious family.
From now on, and forevermore…
—————–
“…I’ll admit, I’ve come to respect you a little.”
A round table in the darkness.
A corner of the mental world where one could touch the thoughts and will of their master, Shizuma.
The members gathered there, each carrying their own feelings toward Shizuma, who had just overcome a great ordeal and decided anew how to live.
The first to speak was Shilent, seated beside the master chair at the head of the table, which is the seat of Shizuma.
“Well, this time it was you all’s own rashness that caused it all, though.”
“…Can’t you ever just accept a straightforward compliment?” (Shilent)
The reply came from the man who’d long been viewed as a dangerous zealot…Still.
Now permitted to sit at this table, he answered with a sly smile.
“I’ll also apologize. I was wrong to label you a menace.”
“Oh, that part’s true enough. I’ve hurt more people than I can count. Even made Melt-san cry on purpose.” (Still)
Shire bowed her head to Still, admitting her misjudgment.
“She cried because her heart broke halfway through and she gave up on everything, didn’t she? You made her cry to remind her of what she’d lost and what she needed to do next. I can understand that much.”
“Well, who’s to say?” (Still)
Still brushed Seira off even as she tried to interpret his actions,.
Meanwhile, one person watched him closely, a thoughtful look on his face.
“…Still. You entrusted her with that thing, didn’t you?”
“Oh? Sharp as ever, thief.” (Still)
“I’ll acknowledge your actions this time. But that thing…it’s dangerous if it goes out of control.”
“Indeed. Which is why…if that happens, Seimu, you should be the one to tell her.” (Still)
“No. You’ll tell her yourself…and take responsibility for the outcome.” (Seimu)
“Hmm. Fair enough.” (Still)
Some kind of agreement was reached between the two.
“What are you talking about, Seimu?”
“Oh, nothing. Just realizing again that this guy’s still not someone we can ever let our guard down around.” (Seimu)
“How harsh. Anyway…since My Lord might have inherited part of my power, I wonder how things will turn out.” (Still)
Still, now completely at ease among the round table, looked around at everyone gathered.
“…Wonder if I will be getting my turn soon…”
“Oh? Even if he transforms into Lent-san, there’s not much point, is there?” (Still)
“Ahhh!! You said it! You finally said it! Everyone’s been too polite to say it till now!” (Lent)
“Fufufu… but you’re small and cute, so you might still be useful.” (Still)
“Damn it… Even this guy managed to be useful…” (Lent)
Still began teasing Lent like a child discovering a new toy.
“But as Still-san’s scheme shows, the mastermind must be a careful and dangerous foe. Which is why, Lent-san, I think your appearance would be perfect for deceiving the enemy.”
“Hash-san, could you not talk to me? It’s unsettling…like looking at an older version of myself.” (Still)
“What!? Such cruel words from such a kind-hearted person! You must be emotionally damaged from years of being called a zealot! Clearly, I must soothe your soul with my research!” (Hash)
Still grimaced in rare irritation as Hash engaged him, prompting laughter around the table.
The mood brightened a little.
“…Gaining strength through the abilities of our characters is important, yes…but we mustn’t forget the value of our creators’ knowledge and data. In that sense, I think it’s about time ‘that person’ stepped forward.” (Shire)
It was Shire, who had been pondering quietly, that suggested it.
“Oh? So you’ve reached the same conclusion as I have? For a scholar to reach the same conclusion as me…perhaps I’m not so hopeless after all.” (Still)
“Hm? Who are you talking about?” (Shilent)
“Shilent, you’re officially ‘recovering from severe injuries’ right now. Don’t you think it’s about time the leader of the brigade made at least one public appearance?” (Shire)
“Well, yeah, but…our master is Shizuma. It’s a bit late to suddenly go, ‘Actually, I’m the leader.’” (Shilent)
“Shilent-san, tell me…what kind of person would you be willing to follow?” (Still)
Still overlaps a question on top of Shilent’s question.
“Huh? Someone stronger than me, of course.” (Shilent)
“Then…would you follow the strongest or the second strongest among us?” (Still)
“…If we’re excluding those two, then who among us would I follow, huh…” (Shilent)
“I mean, I could be the one, but I’ve already declared myself a fourth independent faction.” (Still)
“I’d rather die than follow you, don’t worry.” (Shilent)
The group fell into thought.
If someone were to take the role of brigade leader…who would be suitable?
“Isn’t it fine for it to be Seimu?”
“Nah, I’m already seen as part of that country. After everything that’s happened, I can’t exactly claim leadership now.” (Seimu)
“Then… W-What about me? Like, ‘surprise! The real powerhouse was this tiny girl all along!’” (Lent)
“Lent-san, here, have some candy and keep quiet.” (Still)
“Don’t treat me like a kid! Okay fine, maybe not me…” (Lent)
A voice echoed from the darkness as they deliberated.
[Hohoh! So…it’s me, then!?]
A cheerful old man’s voice.
Everyone relaxed a little…except Still and Shire.
“Yes, I actually think you’re the most suitable one.” (Shire)
“I agree. You look the part, and strength-wise…well, if our characters fought, you’d be about as strong as me. At least stronger than Shilent-san.” (Still)
“Hmm… I won’t deny that one-on-one, I probably wouldn’t win against you.” (Shilent)
[Wha…seriously!? You all expect that much from me!?]
“Yes, I’m expecting quite a lot…from your character concept and development notes, that is.” (Shire)
[Oh come on… So it’s just about that, huh. Fine, whatever. Once I’m out front, I’ll do whatever I want, just like Hash does!]
His lighthearted, grandfatherly tone drew laughter from everyone at the table.
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