81 Episode 81 "The Valley of the Fog and the New Awakening of Cheat Skills".txt

"Foggy Valley

The ruins were discovered a few years ago in the middle of the "Recreation Area Mishlila" and the "Magical Experimental City".

It is located in the mountains and is usually closed by a rock wall, but it is said that it opens at regular intervals.

The inside of the valley is shrouded in a deep fog, so it's impossible to tell what kind of structure it is. However, it is said that there are several narrow paths branching off through the mountains.

The fog has a dazzling effect on the senses.

So far, dozens of adventurers have gone there to explore, but all of them have been confused by the fog and fought with each other, and then escaped. Since everyone has parted ways with each other since then, it is also called "The Valley of the Breakup" or "The Valley of the I won't play with you anymore".

A newlywed couple who wandered in during a harvesting quest (they've been neighbors since they were born and have been friends since childhood. They have kept their promise to marry since they were three years old, and people have been telling them to get married for years.

Then they went to King's Landing to get a new house, but their whereabouts are not known. ......

with a bang

I closed the document.

This is the adventurer's guild of 'Recreational Area Michelinella'.

Aine, Rita and I had asked the guild to show us the information on "Valley of the Mist".

The "Commoners' Guild" in Metekal and this guild have a close relationship, and Aine's grandfather used to keep in touch with the guild here. Because of that, adventurers who are registered in the "Commoners' Guild" are able to receive quests as guests.

By the way, Cecil, Iris, and Rafilia, as usual, go to the merchant who has an acquaintance with the Ilgafa lord's family to report on their safe journey.

''Thank you,''

I handed the material back to the guild lady.

''So, are there any quests that currently involve 'Foggy Valley'?''

Not really.

The guild's receptionist said.

''In the first place, no one wants to investigate the 'Valley of the Mist'.

Why?

Because the fog that fills the valley is a test of our trust in each other.

The guild's sister explained.

'It's said that when you enter that place, the companions accompanying you appear to take on the form of demons or increase in number. Sometimes they attack you, and sometimes they shout abuse at you.

We don't know until the end of the day whether it's the person himself or the illusion. So it's just that they'll get into a fight in the valley, and even after they leave there, they'll have a bad aftertaste,

You mean you're okay with people being really close to each other?

In the end, adventurers are just people blinded by greed.　Those are the people who are making the party. They can't believe in each other with all their hearts, can they?

'That's not a line from the guild.

'You're from the guild so you can say that, right?　I've been in this business for 10 years. I've seen people start a name-calling contest just as soon as someone leaves their seat, or fight over quest rewards, or complain about the person who finally accepted the job after pushing each other to be the leader, and then destroy their gut and nerves.

I don't want you to register with this guild.

''Well, I think it's fine to go investigate voluntarily. That place isn't someone's territory, nor is it off-limits. Though I think the sooner we get there, the better.

With that, the guild man concluded his story.

'I don't mind going to investigate. 'Nagi,'

Rita said next to me.

After we left the guild, we came to the market to buy ingredients for dinner.

Right behind me, Aine, clutching her purse, was looking at the stalls with a serious look on her face.

It's warmer and less humid in Mishlila than in Irgafwa, so it's easier to stay there. There are beautiful sandy beaches to the south, mountains to the east and cool breezes at night. There are hot springs all over the place.

It's a great place for a vacation ...... but it's a tourist destination, so it's expensive.

That seems to bother Aine, who is in charge of the party's purse.

'I thought Rita was against the survey.

Why?

I thought you didn't like it when your senses didn't work.

'What?　Because it's all about trust, right?　You can't afford it?

Rita squeezed my hand.

We would never attack our master. I'm sure Nagi would understand if you were to be cut down. I would never regret being with you.

You should have thought about our state of mind when you cut him down.

Anyway, if you're going, I'll take you with me. Okay?

Then Rita turned to the side, looking embarrassed.

Rita's opinion was, "I agree with the investigation. If you're going, take me with you.

I've been thinking about countermeasures for the 'fog that misleads each other' before we came here.

We should be able to use our skills to do that. I'm sure they won't be able to cut up Rita or...

"Come to think of it, Rafilia's knowledge of the 'Valley of Mist' also matches that of the guild.

She knew more about it than you did.

I'll have a better vantage point over the other party.

If I can help you find your way back to him, I'm going.

Rita puffed out her chest.

'It's the same as with Cecil. The same as with Cecil-chan, I am afraid of not knowing who I am. That anxiety can cause you to make important choices that are wrong.

It was Nagi who helped Cecil-chan get rid of her fears, and it was Nagi who made her realize what was important to me.

I'm sure Nagi has that kind of power.

It's all over your head, man.

It's different from the time of Cecil. Rafilia doesn't have any memories in the first place, so even the 'orders' of her master can't draw them out. So, we can only go through the places that might actually give us a hint.

'You know, Nagi. Master.

But Rita laughed and hugged my hand.

''Even if it's your master, I won't allow you to make fun of my precious master.

What a paradox: .......

'Anyway, I want to help Raphilia. Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair. It would feel like cheating if I got ahead of you ...... while the other kids were hesitant. So ......

"Preceding?

It's nothing. It's a story about a girl's humanity!

Waving her tails, Rita fell on her face.

The demons in "Fog Valley" are not that powerful. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

Our goal is to find something to do with Rafilia's memories, not to completely capture the ruins. It would be best if we could find something to make money, but that's not a guarantee. Anyway, we should be able to go with safety first.

''──The point is, it wouldn't be neat to just leave it alone, would it?

I don't know if that 'white girl' was Tenryu's residual thoughts or something else, but she was a pain in the ass.

If it wasn't for that, I would have calmed down and would have been on vacation by now.

''If I were to go, I'd have to take a few days off. By then, Raphilia's 'bad luck sweep' will have recovered. I want to make sure everyone's strength is restored as well.

I also want to see everyone in their swimsuits.

It's said that the Ilgafa family's villa is near the sea.

Speaking of which, Aine, are you done shopping?

The fish over here is 2 arsha for 6 fish. It's a half-arsha more expensive over there, but it's 20% more than the market price of Irghaffa...... Naya's nutrition and budget. Saving money for a stable life ...... is difficult.

It wasn't going to end.

'Huh?　Hey, I haven't finished shopping yet. Why are you taking your stall away?

rattle

Before we could watch, a cart with a load of fish retreated to the end of the street.

Shoppers and passersby also look closely. Everyone begins to move as if they are avoiding something.

The direction everyone is looking at - soldiers come from the end of the street.

They all wear red armor. They're the town guards.

"I'm sorry, man, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, all right? We need to get a cart.

We're not doing this because we want to either.

You have to understand. It's my job. Please understand.

Please. Don't be a jerk to my family. Make sure you sell stuff right: ......

With their chests outstretched and spears held aloft - but murmuring apologetically in a whisper, the guards waved their spears and began to make a sweep. With a sad face.

What is this?

You there!　Can't you see I said stay back!　I'm sorry about .............

Oh, yes.

'His Royal Highness Clavis is coming through. It's our job. It's our job to clear the way ...... or our bosses ...... to the black wise man ...... no no.

He looked soooo tired.

I used to see this kind of face at my part-time job in the ...... original world.

'There's a prince in there.'

As we stepped back to the edge of the road, a stall-keeper told us, "In seven days, His Majesty the Eighth Prince will go to investigate the Misty Valley.

Seven days later, His Majesty's Eighth Prince will be on his way to investigate the Valley of the Mist. It's a commemorative parade.

...... Do the nobles of this world have a tradition of parading before their adventures?　Or else you'll die?

The 'Valley of the Mist' is a place that people don't come near. If the prince doesn't let everyone know like this, they won't be able to tell that he's working hard.

...... I see.

'And, in case you're wondering, the Valley of the Mist is open. I suppose it's meant to be a nail in the coffin for the adventurers.

You don't want to get anywhere near the prince's office when he's investigating you, do you?

I don't like it, Mr. Traveler. I wouldn't be able to say that even if I wanted to.

Of course.

Not at all.

Saying that, the lady at the stall rubbed her big, fat belly and gave me a tiny piece of fruit.

His Majesty's eighth prince, His Royal Highness Kravis, huh?

He's probably the last person I want to be associated with in this world. Yeah.

There were people lined up on either side of the road before I knew it. If you blend in with them, you'll be invisible.

Let's take a look at the face of His Majesty's child.

We heard the sound of a flute.

Me, Rita and Aine bowed our heads so we wouldn't be seen from the street.

A group of guards with spears walked down the main street of the town.

They still looked apologetic and turned away from the people, but with brave steps.

Advancing behind the soldiers is a six-horse carriage without a roof.

On top of it was a boy in white and silver armor.

His hair was a light purple color. His body was not large. In fact, he is rather slender, I would say. His expression was calm, and he waved to the passersby.

I'm sure that's the 8th prince of this country, His Royal Highness Prince Kravis.

...... A magnificent figure, isn't it?

At any rate, I spoke to the elderly man on hand.

"Mm. Although she is a mistress, she is a member of His Majesty's bloodline.

The old man stroked his beard and seemed to be very good at it.

It is said that he is skilled in the art of swordsmanship and divine power, and has earned the rank of a holy warrior. He may not succeed to the throne because he has an older brother, but as a general he will serve to protect the country.

Where are the girls around you?

On top of the carriage is a prince, a girl with a spear, and a girl in a robe.

One is a warrior and one is a wizard, I guess.

They are both snuggled up on either side of the prince. They're waving at the people around them. But then they put their hands to their ears, as if to check the crowd's reaction, and then wave again. Like an idol.

"These are the ladies of the nobility who attend His Highness' party.

A noblewoman at a party?

'It seems that he is a potential fiancée. I suppose the intention is that if you love the prince, you won't fall for the mist's deceptions?

On the contrary, I think it's going to be a shura.

I'm not sure if it's ...... that you are the Countess of the Countess and the Viscountess.　I understand that the Countess unites the guilds of Metecar.

Could this Earl be exploring the magic sword in the dungeon right now?

What? You knew?

...... You're the child of Count Rigilta, the noble guild of Metecal, or .......

That's twice as many reasons to stay away from me.

The prince is waving at the top of the carriage, waving his hands incessantly. I've never seen a prince before, but he had a smile on his face, like he was sticking it on. I wonder if royalty is like that. It's hard work. You can't skip out on public events and stuff like that .......

On top of the carriage is the prince, the noble girls and ...... the rest of the carriage.

"............ that's ............

Behind the prince was a boy in a jet black robe.

He's wearing a black hat. Maybe that's why I can't see his face clearly.

All I can see is the black hair sticking out of the hat and the black eyes. I've probably never seen him before.

But he does have a smartphone.

To be precise, he's playing with something that looks like a smartphone in his hand. I don't know if it's a real smartphone or a magic item in this world.

I think it's ...... "The Visitor".

Possibly. If he's a prince, I wouldn't be surprised if he has a cheat character escort. ......

The parade proceeded slowly and passed us by.

''Speaking of which, old man. What is that prince's name?

"This is Mr. Kravis-League Nadal,

The old man's answer was short.

I'd never heard the name of the king's family before.

We're home.

I'll be at the market, I'll be at the door of the house.

I have a request. Master.

I saw Raphilia on her knees in the doorway.

'Please allow me to go free for the rest of the day ────!

Yeah. That pretty much sums it up.

"Rafilia's going on a quest for the Valley of the Mists. I want to know the reason for the trapped memory. But as a slave, she cannot act on her own without my permission. So, you want my permission, right?

............ my thoughts are moot in front of the master.

In her kneeling position, Raphilia only looked up.

''But, Rafilia. Didn't you say before, 'I'm not going to search for my memories because the present is important'?

Yes, but ............ one thing we had a problem with.

Problem?

I've been afraid to approach the Master ever since.

.................. Yes?

Raphilia looks at me seriously.

I haven't seen this look on her face since she paid me for my bad luck. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make this kind of face.

''Since the master said something like ...... 'blame it on blame', I thought, "Well, what if I inadvertently lose control of it?

Didn't you say it was a misunderstanding?

But I'm his slave. I've decided to give my body and soul to him.

That thought and the thought of what to do if my past is wrong, that's why I'm afraid of .......

In order to give everything to the master, I want to know that I don't have a rut in my past!

With a shake of her pink hair, Rafilia announced once and for all: "I'll give up if I can't find a clue in this 'Valley of the Mist'.

If I don't find a clue to my memories in this Valley of the Mist, I will give up. I will put aside my fears and serve my master for the rest of my life. So, please allow me to go free for now. I won't cause you any trouble, please ...... master.

Yeah, okay.

I said.

'Well, I'll just say that Rafilia asked me for a quest this time.

"............ you are?

Since I'm on vacation, I'll make participation optional.

Rita has already announced her participation, so it's confirmed. Iris should come since she has Rafilia as her mentor.

Cecil and Aine are ...... There's no way they'll be the only two left.

I mean, I can't think of any members in our party who might announce their non-participation.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one who's interested. But since we're on holiday, you're free to join us. You have the right of veto. And I've thought about how to deal with the fog. I don't think it's too dangerous. Okay, who's going to participate?

You don't have to ask me twice, and I don't like to be left behind.

Rita and Aine raised their hands straight up.

Yeah. I knew they'd say that.

''I'll discuss it with Cecil and Iris as well, but I think I'll divide the party into two groups this time. If it's 'Heavenly Dragon Wings' that awakened Rafilia's memories, then there's a possibility that the Heavenly Dragon is involved in this case.

That's why the group of Cecil, Iris, Rafilia, Rafilia, and I called 'Old Blood' will enter the 'Valley of the Mist'. Rita and Aine, please back up outside the valley.''

...... I'm not with Nagi?

I need Rita and her team to watch our backs. It's an important role.

Yeah, ...... I can't help it, I get it.

Rita nodded reluctantly.

Aine looked at me with concern, but she nodded along with Rita.

'The problem is time, if the prince is going to enter the valley in seven days, the soldiers might block the valley before then. So, I'm sorry for the forced march, but we'll leave tomorrow. We'll have a meeting right away. Rita should go get Cecil and Iris, and Aine, I'm sorry, but can you prepare tea for everyone?

All right. Nagi." "Yes, my dear. Nah.

We've considered the benefits and the risks.

We've planned for the Mist of Deception.

The key is that each adventurer, deceived by the fog, attacked the other with his or her own weapon. In other words, you can't lose your weapons even in the fog. That's where the breakthrough is.

The problem is, if there are more obstacles, but if it's too dangerous for our lives, we'll just go home.

I'm sorry to tell Raphilia, but my life is the priority.

...... I was going to go anyway.

The Legacy of the Demon Race, the Dragon's Treasure, and the Elven Treasure - I was interested in any of them that had something to do with the valley.

But if it wasn't for that prince, I was going to take it a bit slower.

Specifically, loving everyone's bathing suits and taking plenty of hot springs.

But the prince is the king's official - so there's a possibility that he has visitors with him.

Visitors have a rough way of doing things. The same is true of Tanaka-Koga, who I met at Metekal, the fake demon tribe I met at the hot springs, and Eterina Haasburg, who was trying to ruin the Irgapha festival, were all banging around like they were bragging about their cheat skills.

So, if we enter the valley before the prince, there's a chance that something important or a clue to our memories will be destroyed. And if that happens, there's no point in going into the valley.

We just want to do a little light searching before the place is vandalized.

Just to see if we can get Rafilia's memories and rewards.

''Rafilia, for now, write down as much information about the 'Valley of the Mist' as you know.

"Mataa: ......

Of course, this time I'll pretend it's a quest request from Rafilia.

Okay, I see. I'll multiply the amount of my slave contract by 1,000 and give you all that money!

You don't have to do that.

Why do you immediately try to put an astronomical figure on the amount of the contract?

'The reward will be the information we get in the valley and if we get the gems, we'll pay everyone from Raphilia's share. Okay?

'Yes!　That is of course!

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not going to be able to get the same thing for you. That's the reward we get for this quest. Is that okay?

There are no words for the Master's mercy.

So I said enough with the getting down on my knees.

Kneeling is rare for elves, but when it's done right in front of you, it feels like you're doing something wrong.

I promise to wield all my power for the Master, no matter who I am. Besides, the 'Instrumental Degradation Lv 1' that Master gave me today has already found an effective use for it!

Effective use?

'So!　May I help you change your clothes?

You can go to .......

With a snap, Rafilia's fingers touched my back.

'Activate!　"Instrumental degradation LV1!

(with a) thump

The knot in the cord was untied and the 'leather armor' fell to my feet.

'Oh, this is so much easier,'

Uh-huh. Yes, sir!

Rafilia's big breasts fluttered and bent over.

I was surprised. I didn't know they could be used like this.

To tell the truth, armor, if you don't get used to it, is sometimes hard to put on and take off. Usually I have Aine help me with it.

I see, 'instrumental degradation' temporarily weakens the effect of an item, so I can use it to 'weaken the power of the knot. So you can use it to "weaken the power of the knot and untie it"?

If you install it on Rita, you might be able to drop the enemy's armor in close combat.

'I hadn't thought of this either. Good job, Rafilia.

Oh, no, I'm embarrassed.

Welcome back, Nagi-sama. I have something to report.

Just in time, Cecil-sama. May I try my new skills?

'Miss Rafilia?　Yes, of course.

This is one of the uses for 'property degradation'!

Wait a minute Rafilia.

Put your hand on the back of Cecil's waist........no way!

'Activate!　"Instrumental degradation LV1!

(with a) thump

Cecil's 'apprentice wizard's robe' fell at his feet.

A little later, the untied sash too.

A beautiful brown skin appeared in front of me.

Smooth shoulders and breasts, smooth stomach, pure white underwear and...

'Huh, huh?

'Thus!　In the blink of an eye, Master was admiring the beauty of Cecil and his friends... Sorry, I'm sorry, I'm getting carried away, Master!　Confiscation?　Please don't confiscate my skills!　I won't do it again, aaaaah!

For now, Raphilia made him sit upright ...... and praised him with a little "guggy" in his mind.

After cowering in the corridor, I restrained Cecil, who for some reason was about to stand up with a ready face, and made him put on his clothes - and take a deep breath - and then.

'I'm back.'

Welcome back, Nagi. I have something to tell you.

Anyway, he started over from the beginning.

Cecil held his chest, and with a bang, paid off the hem of his re-dressed clothes.

"My level of 'ancient language chanting' has increased.

He put his hands on his hips and said in a scornful manner.

'Because you fought a flying dragon (wyvern)?'

'Yes!　It's probably ...... though.

This is the first time I've ever seen the level of a 'rebuilt' skill go up.

I thought it was level 1, but it's still strong enough. It's still strong enough.

''Also, my level of fire magic has been increased.

You're doing great. Good job, Cecil.

Heh.

Cecil stroked his head and Cecil's eyes narrowed ticklishly.

Cecil-Falot's level has increased.

'Ancient Language Chanting' became level 2.

The speed of magic has been doubled (no change in duration).

Fire Magic is now level 3. Summoning Flame Spirit (Summoning the Summoning Elemental) learned.

Doesn't the level of the 'rebuilt' skills not go up?

It's just that the stronger the skill, the slower it seems to rise.

Cecil is barely able to do that after defeating so many enemies.

'Come to think of it, Aine also had 'Demon Sweeping' at level 2.

Aine reported as she went to the living room to make a cup of tea.

Aine = Clunet's level has increased.

'Demon Sweeping' became level 2.

I can now blow away enemies the size of "Goblins"!

...... It's a crazy cheat.

In addition, Aine asked me for a 'knee pillow' (the one I'd be doing) as a reward.

Rita's 'Incomparable Singing' used this time is unchanged. Rafilia's "Torrential Rain Archery" is still at level 1.

My "Delayed Combat" remains unchanged since I didn't hit the flying dragon (I released it in the middle of nowhere).

But if the two of them have improved their cheat skills, it's safe to say that they can go to the Valley of Mist. We can leave Rita and Aine behind us, and even if strong enemies come in the valley, we can use Cecil's magic to wipe them out.

We also need to ...... talk to Cecil, Iris, and Rafilia about the countermeasures against the ...... 'Mist of Deception' and .......

And so the "Valley of Fog" strategy meeting for Rafilia's memory and living expenses continued until dinner──.

In the end, the sight-seeing, the hot springs and everyone's swimsuits were put on hold until the end of the quest.