Clearing an Isekai with the Zero-Believers Goddess

Gark-san, the vice-captain and commander of the First Assault Unit, and Araza-san, the clan leader who oversees the overall command of the entire clan.

At the table where those two -who effectively handled the clan’s actual management- were waiting, there was an unmistakable tension in the air. It felt hard to approach, and even the people around us wore tense expressions as they cast glances toward that seat.

“Damn…that’s the Killcrawler leader and the vice-leader of the First Unit…and Captain Shilent’s sitting with them.”

“That’s not a lineup you get to see very often…”

“Man, even I’m getting nervous just looking at them…”

Listening to the hushed whispers around us, I took my seat at the table. The two of them immediately extended their cups toward us, wordlessly asking for a toast.

I raised my own mug, and a clear, refreshing clink echoed as the glasses met.

“So, what do you want with me?” (Shizuma)

“Don’t be so hasty, Shilent-dono. Let’s wet our throats first.” (Araza)

“Indeed. It’s a bit warm today. We’re just back from drills that doubled as rehabilitation for our wounded, so we’re rather thirsty.” (Gark) When I asked about their business, that slightly earnest answer came back.

Ah, right. If I remember correctly, there was a massive explosion underground when my former classmates fled.

“…Mm. This is something the owner recommended, but…it’s quite delicious.”

“Indeed…it’s a little sweet, but it really sinks into a tired body.”

“Yeah, that’s called a cola mojito. It’s made by mixing alcohol and carbonated water with a syrup that’s recently become popular in Lindblum, then adding herbs and fruit.” (Shizuma)

“Oh…the fish here is excellent as well… A fine establishment.” (Araza)

“Yes, this would be a good place to celebrate once everyone is discharged from the infirmary.” (Gark)

“Ah, the explosion incident in the Underside…you had quite a few members caught up in that, didn’t you?” (Shizuma)

“You knew? Yes. In fact, the site of the explosion was near our clan house.” (Araza)

“Underground?” (Shizuma)

“That’s right. We spend long hours delving into dungeons, so living underground on a daily basis is convenient in many ways. Familiarity, sharpening of the senses, things like that.” (Gark)

I see. Explorer clans really are thorough.

As expected of the largest explorer clan.

“…Hmm. Our business does concern that, but first, Shilent-dono, let us celebrate your return. That war had many suspicious aspects, but you were involved behind the scenes as well, weren’t you?” (Araza)

“What… Is that so? I did sense an extraordinary air about you, but…” (Gark)

“I can’t go into details. But I’ll say this much…among the Thirteen Knights, you’re known as a man strong in strategy and intellect.” (Shizuma)

He is probably far stronger than ordinary explorers, adventurers, or mercenaries, but I got the sense his real strength lay in military strategy.

Judging by the reactions around him and the role he’d been given, that assessment is likely correct.

For a while, we spent more time putting food in our mouths than talking. Once things had settled down a bit, I asked again.

“So, what’s your business?” (Shizuma)

“I’ll have Gark explain. Can you please?” (Araza)

“Yes. Since I was the one who proposed it. This ties into what we were just discussing…” (Gark)

Gark-san went on to explain the current situation surrounding Killcrawler.

First, the fact that the recent massive explosion had left the majority of their members with injuries, both severe and minor.

More precisely, aside from the security personnel who had been scattered throughout the Underside due to the Alheus incident, nearly everyone who remained at the clan house had been affected.

Among the injured, those with lighter wounds had begun rehabilitation and were now being assigned to permanent security duty, to ensure that incidents like the one Abyss Fang caused doesn’t happen again underground.

They couldn’t challenge dungeons yet, but security work was well within their capabilities…that was the judgment.

However, as a result of assigning those who were on track to recover to other duties, the number of members available for their main work -dungeon exploration- remained low. That, apparently, was Killcrawler’s most pressing concern.

“On top of that, following last month’s announcement regarding Dungeon Cores, movements to conquer the last remaining natural dungeon in our country have been growing more active. Frankly, if it’s explorers from our own country, even if they obtain the Core before us, there’s a high chance they’d sell it to the state, so that wouldn’t be a problem.” (Gark)

“But at the same time, the number of explorers from other countries has been increasing. Starting next month, there are even talks of a major explorer clan from the Consold Empire accompanying a noble delegation and challenging our dungeon. Given that, we can’t afford to sit on our hands, so we’ve decided to recruit new clan members. We no longer have the leeway to wait patiently for our seriously injured members to recover.” (Araza)

“I understand the situation. So…what does that have to do with me? Sorry, but if you’re thinking of inviting me into the clan, that’s a no.” (Shizuma)

“Of course. We know that’s impossible. You were likely one of the key contributors in that war…a Sapphire adventurer belonging to the Adventurer Guild, and said to be among the strongest assets of your Brigade.” (Gark)

“Then what exactly do you want?” (Shizuma)

“I’ll take it from here. Shilent-san, since you are one of the main forces of the Brigade…we would like you to speak with your leader on our behalf. To ask this: ‘Even if it’s only a temporary assignment, would you please dispatch Shizuma-kun to us?’ I hold him in very high regard. He’s versatile, works well with my unit leader, and above all…though it hasn’t been publicly announced, he has the achievement of conquering Lindblum Lair.” (Araza)

“…What?” (Shizuma)

They wanted me to dispatch myself…?

We worked together in the artificial dungeon, and I was casually invited a few times, but I didn’t realize I was evaluated that highly.

“I haven’t met this young man Shizuma myself, but if both Gark and Livana speak so highly of him, he’s certainly piqued my interest. This isn’t poaching, it’s a request for a temporary assignment. When challenging the Dead Sea that Corrodes the Land, we believe we can both fill our manpower shortage and greatly strengthen our forces. Could you please make the proposal?” (Araza)

…That would be the dungeon on Yasha Island, the one I was planning to go to at Shuris-san’s request.

If that’s the case, we’d be heading there anyway, so cooperating wasn’t out of the question.

But I have my own objective: collecting Dungeon Cores to increase the limit on Order Summons.

If the state demanded the core, that plan would fall apart.

“If, upon conquering it, our Brigade receives the Dungeon Core, then I’m willing to accept that proposal.” (Shizuma)

I made the offer assuming it would be rejected.

But…

“That’s fine. As long as it doesn’t go to another country. Frankly, I believe this nation has already begun riding the trajectory of abundance. If so, we may not need to use it further. Of course, there are ways to utilize it, but to begin with, if your Brigade were to seriously commit to the conquest, wouldn’t you clear it before we do?” (Araza)

“…! Are you sure? Even I think that’s a pretty outrageous demand.” (Shizuma)

“It’s no problem. Our primary objective is to conquer the dungeon and prevent the Core from falling into foreign hands. And at the same time…we want to put that dungeon into a dormant state.” (Araza)

That was a new reason.

They wanted to put the dungeon to sleep?

“As the name suggests, that dungeon, the deep vertical shaft reaching the seabed, is still growing, gradually eroding the seafloor of this continent. Its effects have begun to reach the port as well. There hasn’t been any major damage yet, but disturbed currents, high waves, and even whirlpools have been occurring frequently. To stabilize that sea area -the gateway of the nation- we want to conquer it swiftly.” (Araza)

“I see. With that context, I can accept it. Dispatching Shizuma, right? I’ll speak to the brigade leader, but it likely won’t be an issue. Strictly speaking, Shizuma isn’t a formal member. We don’t actually have the authority to bind him. Knowing him…he’ll probably accept without trouble.” (Shizuma)

“Really!? Yes… yes! We did it, didn’t we, Leader!? With Shizuma-kun, we can expect not just combat strength and scouting, but even cooking!” (Gark)

“Oh? Such a wide range of skills, then. No wonder Livana and you are so eager for him.” (Araza)

“I’ll need to inform the unit captain as well. Captain! Unit Captain Livana! Could you come here for a moment!” (Gark)

Excited, Gark called out to Livana-san, who had been drinking with Melt and Lemia-san at a table some distance away.

A moment later, she came over, wobbling slightly, a cola mojito in hand.

“Mm? What is it?” (Livana)

“Captain, it looks like we can borrow Shizuma-kun!” (Gark)

“! Really!?” (Livana)

“Yes. Shilent-san says it’ll probably be fine!” (Gark)

“Shilent…really?” (Livana)

Her face, already a little flushed, grew even redder as she pressed me.

…Come to think of it, she was pretty enthusiastic when trying to recruit me.

“Yeah, it’s fine. But Shizuma probably won’t act unless Melt is with him. If we lend Shizuma, Melt will automatically be dispatched as well.” (Shizuma)

I almost forgot. I don’t know how long the assignment would last, but I couldn’t leave Melt alone. Shizuma and Melt had to be together…better make that clear now.

“Mm. That’s fine. Melt is strong.” (Livana)

“Oh? This Melt you speak of… Is she the foxkin woman at that table?” (Araza)

“Yeah. Melt is a Ruby Rank. I guarantee her strength.” (Shizuma)

“I see… Come to think of it, she did briefly cross blades with the unit captain before.” (Araza)

Hmm, so they fought before. That must have been when we first visited the Underside.

“I’m looking forward to it. Then I’ll head back.” (Livana)

“Apologies for calling you over.” (Araza)

Livana-san staggered back to her seat.

She probably wasn’t used to drinking much.

“I’m glad we could come to an agreement. Shilent-dono, I’ll leave the matter of the assignment to you.” (Gark)

“Yeah. Conveniently, Shizuma was planning to come to this city anyway. I’ll pass it along.” (Shizuma)

Either way, I planned to visit Kokuri-san as Shizuma.

I wondered what reason they had for calling me over…

—————–

With the troublesome talks finished, everyone was free to do as they pleased. Busker from Killcrawler came over to greet me when I returned to my original table.

Word had apparently spread, through him, among the subjugation force that I’d gone off to war, and he apologized for that, but I told him there was no need.

“So. Soon, I’ll be sending someone we’re taking care of over to you. I don’t know if they’ll be working together directly, but keep an eye on him. Melt will be with him, of course.” (Shizuma)

“Huh? What, what? What about me?” (Melt)

Oops. I guess this was after-the-fact for Melt.

“Melt, would you help Killcrawler out with Shizuma for a while? They’re going to challenge a dungeon on an island.” (Shizuma)

“I see. Got it! I’ll be with Shizuma, right? Yay, yay!” (Melt)

“Those weapons of yours will get a workout right away, then.” (Shizuma)

“Yeah!” (Melt)

“So it’s the one who trained together with us before. Understood. If anything happens, I promise to help. Though I think there won’t be any problems as long as Melt-san is with him.” (Busker)

As expected, Melt accepted happily, and Busker responded warmly as well.

It was quite the impressive lineup…but the fact that they were this cautious about supplementing their manpower suggested the dungeon is extremely high difficulty.

I might need to steel myself too.

Not for the danger to my life, but for the resolve to disclose information…to show my hand.

“So, Shilent-sama…what will you do after this…?” (Lemia)

Beside Melt, Lemia-san -clearly quite drunk- asked sleepily.

…For the record, Livana-san was already sound asleep at her table.

In contrast, Melt barely being drunk at all was strange, but…must be the cola buff!

“I’ll talk to Shizuma, then head straight to see the brigade leader. After that, I’ll probably hunt monsters on Golda’s land.” (Shizuma)

“Another…farewell… that’s sad…” (Lemia)

“That doesn’t sound like you. You’re pretty drunk, Lemia.” (Shizuma)

“…Mm…yes. I’m sad. I’m drunk. I wish…you’d stay in this city a little longer…” (Lemia)

“…Sorry.” (Shizuma)

Really… She has grown quite attached to me.

What did Shilent think of all this?

If I ever handed my body over to Shilent, what would happen to our current relationship…to her feelings?

Maybe it was the alcohol, but for once, I found myself thinking about such things a little more than usual…

—————–

We started drinking before sunset, and we disbanded before midnight. I ended up covering the entire bill, including Killcrawler’s share.

It was basically my event, and I invited everyone, so I didn’t mind.

Besides, hoarding money without spending it only stagnates the economy.

And so, I paid an astonishing thirteen large gold coins -about 650,000 yen- for a single night of drinking, and we called it a day.

…Lemia-san was quite drunk, but once it was time to part ways, she straightened her back and walked off briskly. I couldn’t help but admire her… She is clearly well trained.

On the other hand, Livana-san…was carried home on Gark-san’s back.

“Well then, take care of yourselves. I’ll be leaving the city for a while too.” (Shizuma)

“Yes, Captain Shilent! Please stay well!” (Nemuri)

“Mm. If you’re ever nearby again, give me a call. Say Easton of the Scholar Guild, and people will know me well enough.” (Easton)

“Got it. Then make sure you find a good bar for next time, Easton.” (Shizuma)

After parting with the members of the subjugation force as well, Melt and I headed home together.

“…By the way, Melt, you’re not very drunk this time, are you?” (Shizuma)

“Hehehe! I fell asleep drunk before, remember? So I prepared properly this time! I made some medicine to make it harder to get drunk… Actually, I mixed it while we were still in Izbel. I drank it before we started.” (Melt)

“Oh…! That’s incredibly effective. You could probably sell that, you know?” (Shizuma)

“Maybe? Hmm… Maybe I should join the Alchemist Guild someday?” (Melt)

I think that’s a great idea. She probably knows recipes for low-harm energy drinks too, and with the number of laborers in this country likely to increase, there’d be demand.

“Alright, let’s go home, Shilent!” (Melt)

“Yeah, let’s go.” (Shizuma)

After long journeys, expeditions, and being away from the city for extended periods, having a home to return to like this…what a blessing.

Thinking about that simple, not-so-simple place that was mine, we walked together through the deepening night.

“Tomorrow, I’ll switch to Shizuma and go to the royal castle.” (Shizuma)

“Then I’ll go see Rikka-chan and the others, okay? I might take on a simple request.” (Melt)

“Got it. Be careful.” (Shizuma)

Alright then. Tonight…

Once we get home, it’s time for a Round Table Meeting.

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