185 Episode 185 "Dungeon and Newcomer Training Strategy Meeting" by Master, Cheat Wife, and Best Friend (+ Saint).txt

A villa in the resort town of Michelin, from the perspective of Nagi.

Evening.

Me, Leticia, Cutlass, Aine and Rafilia were gathered in the living room of the villa.

Cecil and the others are still in the labyrinth of Saint Delilira-sama. They are waiting for the mermaid to wake up and talk to them.

The ones over there are Cecil, Rita, Iris (White), and the saintly woman and the mermaid Sonia.

Even though we are separated into two hands, we are still connected through "mind linkage/conversion".

That's why we decided to have a real time teleconference through the message. A lot of information was gathered. It's better to talk together about what we're going to do.

Cecil will send us a message with the saint's opinion.

I'm the one who will be joining us. Letitia will also be joining us through Aine.

'Sender: Nagi (Recipient: Cecil Aine)

Body: Okay, let's get started. I'll tell you the information we've gathered first.

I just sent you all the information we and Aine gathered.

First of all, we're looking for the Dungeon of the Demon Dragon.

We need to know what it is. If it's dangerous, I want to seal it up.

According to the map, this town's "rookie training" is held near the Demon Dragon Dungeon.

In order for us to explore the dungeon, we'll have to do it secretly.

The "Rookie Training" not only drives mermaids away from their homes, but also drives the people who take the training crazy.

The organizer of "Rookie Training" is "Marquis Hilmut", who is known as Leticia.

Letitia knew the man. He is an aristocrat with arms and hates it when people go on vacation. His theory is that holiday resorts are corrupting people.

Because of the aristocracy's involvement, they get a subsidy if they take a training course.

The trained become stronger. But they will not be able to apply it.

I won't repeat the content of the training ...... because it makes me uncomfortable to recall.

-In the end, the purpose of the newbie training is unclear. This is the only thing I haven't figured out yet.

Nagi: 'So, so far, do you have any opinions?'

Delilah: 'It's funny!　You guys. What the hell kind of information did you collect?

The Saintess shouted via Cecil.

The message also included the angry face of the Saintess and the message, "！！！！ (surprise mark)'.

Nagi: 'Is there something wrong with you?　The Saints'

Delilira (via Cecil): 'You know what? It's only been a day since we all saved the mermaid, right?　The only information we have over here is mermaid Sonia's ramblings about how scary her newbie training is, right?　So why is all the information about the training program exposed?

I don't know if you can say that.

Suddenly everyone was motivated to start gathering and analyzing information.

In no time at all, we had all the information we needed.

Nagi: 'But we still don't know the core of the problem.

Letitia (via Aine): 'Yes, I do. We don't even know why the other side insists on "training". And why people become like that just because of "training".'

Delilira: 'I have an idea about why people change, Delilira,'

The saint looked around at Cecil and the others and said, ehem, heaving (Cecil said).

Delilira: 'There's something called the "cursed land" that one should not step into. Maybe that's where the 'rookie training' is taking place.'

Nagi Laetitia: "'Land of the d*mned' (is that it?)?

Delilira: 'Yes, that's right. When a more than human being dies with a great envy, residual thoughts can affect the land. It's a kind of 'curse'.

Nagi: 'Is it ...... so people who have been "trained" in that area will go crazy?'

Delilirah: 'People get mentally unstable in a land like that.'

I'm pretty sure that Aine's information also said that the fisherman who stepped into the mermaid's dwelling lost his mind.

Nagi: 'If you're doing ...... absurdly harsh "training" stuff in such a place, ......'

It's no wonder your personality is changing.

Besides, we've encountered the Residual Thoughts of the Heavenly Dragon before. At that time, because of the anger of the Residual Thoughts, the demons were going berserk. Even the calm Heavenly Dragon was affecting the surroundings.

For example, if there was a residual thought of a more rugged existence that was affecting the land .......

─ It may indeed be a 'curse'.

Nagi: 'I have three questions.'

Delilira: 'Mm. Say it.'

Nagi: 'Why do mermaids live in such a place?'

Delilira: 'That's because they're a species that 'cleanses' by being a species that plays for fun'

Nagi: "Having fun and playing...cleansing?

Delilah: 'Yes, that's right. Mermaids are not civilized. Their job is to have fun and play innocently. They have the skill to neutralize curses and resentment with 'fun' and 'merriment'.'

...... It's like having a requiem festival all year round.

Delilirah: 'So when Delilirah-san found little Sonia, she thought it was bad. It's common knowledge for those familiar with the different species that you can't make a mermaid cry. ......'

Nagi: 'Is the fact that this is a recreational area related to the cleansing?'

Delilah: 'It's possible. So when people come to this land, they have to relax and have fun. I don't understand at all the idea of having a big "newbie training" program there.'

Letitia: 'Nagi-san ...... didn't want to be born a mermaid.'

Don't read people's minds, best friend (Letitia).

Nagi: 'Second question. Has the saint ever been to the land?'

Delilah: 'No'

The saint shook her head.

Delilira: 'Delilira-san is a spirit that doesn't have a physical body. If you are affected by something like a curse, it's very difficult to deal with the aftermath. If you have a body, you can rest your body and purify it, but with Delilira, your spirit is directly affected. You can't get close to it.''

Then, can't we rely on the saintly lady?

I don't want to take everyone to a too dangerous place.

But, hey, we don't want to leave them like this and have it become like the 'Hydra Incident' when we came to this town before. ...... It's a good thing that we're in control of the situation if a "demon dragon class" thing appears. And if the curse starts overflowing, the saintly lady might not be able to live here either. ......

Nagi: ''Last question. How do the people who are organizing the 'newcomer training' in that land endure that curse?'

Delilira: 'I don't know. Maybe he has the power to resist, or maybe he's using a protective amulet that prevents him from being affected. Either way, only a limited number of people can step into such a land and be normal.

Nagi: 'What kind of person are you, for example?'

Delilah: 'Yes, that's right: ......'

She held her knees in the air and thought for a moment.

Delilira: 'If you have a strong cleansing power - a "divine power" - you'd be fine in such a land.'

Rita: 'Yes. Saint.

Rita raised her hand.

Delilira: 'The curse won't work on people with dragon blood, either. You see, such people can even withstand the pressure of a dragon. Especially if you're connected to someone you love, you're mentally insanely stable.'

Iris: 'Yes, sir. Leave it to me.'

Iris raised her hand.

Delilira: ''It's okay for people who have been recognized as 'heroes' or 'heroes' by ...... dragons. Those people will be able to withstand the pressure of a transcendent being, too, after all. But that's why such people are in this ......'

Nagi: 'Yes.'

I raised my hand.

Delilira: '...... So, even those who are soul-connected to that brave man are resistant.'

Cecil, Rita, Aine and Iris raised their hands.

Delilira: '............ and then...' I don't think the curse will work on people who are recognized by the dragon as family, either. After all, you're being recognized by a transcendent being. It's like receiving a blessing.'

Rita, Aine and Iris raised their hands.

Delilira: '.................. You can do whatever you want now.'

Why are you angry, saint?

Nagi: 'You're worried about me, aren't you? Saintess.'

Delilah: 'Hmmm. I just forgot that you guys are out of spec. Let's save the world and all that. Letitia will become the king and Nagi will become the ruler of the shadows, and the world will be kinder and more carefree.

Nagi: 'I don't want to do that because it would make it impossible for me to live a gentle and carefree life.

Delilira: 'Why don't you get the ability to secretly rule the world in the shadows or something?'

Nagi: 'It's ......'

Skills to "secretly" "rule" the world, maybe?

That's fine, if I had the materials, I'd make it. I wonder how much magic power it takes. That skill.

...... that aside. Anyway, we've come to a conclusion.

The five people who will be able to go to investigate the place where the 'rookie training' is taking place are me, Cecil, Rita, Aine, and Iris.

Leticia, Raphilia and Cutlass will be asking for assistance. White will be in the support group because he's still tiny, so he'll be affected by it. Leggy is in the same frame of mind as Delilira, so he'll be in the support group.

Nagi: "Saintess

Delilah: 'What is it?'

Nagi: 'Can you look at the map later and predict the extent to which the "curse" is affecting you?'

Delilah: 'All right. And then you can take this with you.'

Cecil sends me a message with an image.

The image on the screen was a ...... disk-shaped, silver plate.

Delilira: 'This is what Delilira made when she was a saint, to help people who were under a curse. This silver disc has a purification technique built into it.

The saint said.

Delilira: 'When you enter the cursed place, you should activate this silver disc. That way, you can suppress the effects of the curse for a while ...... for about three months. You'll be able to bring anyone who's undergone 'rookie training' back to their senses.'

Nagi: 'Thank you. Saint.

Delilira: 'Don't worry about it. It was originally Mr. Delilira who brought you guys into this.'

The spirit saint shrugged her shoulders.

Delilira: 'I don't like to leave it to others. But with you guys, I don't have to worry. We'll make sure you're paid accordingly, please. In the name of Saint Delilirah, the defender of this land.

Nagi Laetitia: "'Got it!'

"Koto, koto.

Delilira: 'Oh. It's Golem-kun: ...... hmmm, hmmm'

The saint is nodding over the communication (Cecil says).

Delilira: 'I heard that little Sonia the mermaid is awake. I'll go talk to her. I'll keep you posted.'

And so we finished our correspondence.

...... Phew.

Bringing my attention back to reality, I relax in a chair in the living room.

On the chair on the other side of the table, Aine, Leticia, Raphilia and Cutlass are sitting on the other side of the table.

The contents of my conversation with the saint should have been conveyed to everyone via Aine.

Let's just talk about it and come up with a concrete plan.

Our objective is to investigate the Demon Dragon Dungeon.

If there are residual influences, like a curse, I want to purify it with the power of a saint.

It would be a problem if the 'rookie training' went out of control any further. The people involved in the training are also messing with the port city of Ilgafa. We have our own home there. We don't want to be interrupted in our peaceful life.

Besides, the lord is also Iris's father, and the new lord, Royeld, is a good boy.

...... If you want to 'train' separately, you can go ahead and do it on your own. But I'd like to get the mermaids back to their homes .......

'In this world of black labour, I think it's good that there's a race of people who just play and sing.

Yes, that's right. The mermaid should definitely be returned to her home.

That's what I'm talking about, Master. I know what I'm doing!

I agree with you ...... and so does Fi Fi, Fihn.

It's .............

Aine and Raphilia, Cutlass and Leticia are also nodding.

They're all very kind, after all. It's like they feel sorry for the mermaid.

...... All of them together, though, are somewhat red-cheeked.

"Holy shit!　Lord. I have a complaint!

And just as I was thinking, Reggie jumped out of the magic sword.

He shook his red twin-tails and jumped onto my lap.

'Why!　I'm in detention!　I am your beloved sword!　It is mentally distressing to be left behind when the Lord is bent on a dangerous battle!

'It can't be helped. Leggy in the spirit body gets affected by the curse.

If you have a physical body, you can lift the curse of the land by stimulating that side. I heard that the slave of the merchant who fought us also recovered a little bit after a good night's sleep.

But for people like Delilira and Reggie, who don't have a body, it's very difficult to lift the curse once their minds are attacked. That's because they can't give stimulation to their bodies.

Delilira-san doesn't have a physical body, and Reggie's body is an alter ego made of magic power, so to speak.

I can't take Reggie with me because I don't know if I can stimulate the sword itself to recover──and I don't know if I can do that. This time, I have to take an ordinary sword with me.

"You're like my family too, so how can I take you to a place where you're going to be cursed──in other words, sick?

...... I'm weak when you say that, but ......

You'll be there with Letitia and the others, backing us up. Please.

I stroked Reggie's forehead.

Leggy's cheeks puffed out on my lap for a while, but...

That's just the way it is.

Do you understand?

Then reinforce it so that it can back up my Lord and me.

Reggie looked me straight in the eye and said, "You see, you installed the 'dressing aid' on me before, right?

'See, you installed the 'dressing aid' on me before, didn't you?　I want you to change that to 'Chii and Sukiru'.

Okay.

I said, and patted Reggie's head.

Indeed, it's about time for Leggy to strengthen it, right? I've gotten used to 'rebuilding' magic items.

'Raphilia-san, since you've got more skills, why don't you try 'rebuilding' them too?

Aine said.

'It might be more useful if we enhanced that 'protective color cloak'.

...... I see.

Strengthening Reggie and Raphilia, huh?

Then I'd have to use 'Ability Reconstruction 《Skill Structure》' in succession. Maybe I'll be able to level up. I haven't leveled up recently.

'...... I see you have that method.

I remembered the 'Ability Crossing (Skill Crossing)' that I used before.

That was a skill that increased when my 'Ability Rebuilding' level was raised, a skill that was used up. Using that, me, Cecil and Rita combined to create a huge magic of purification.

According to the saint, those who possess the Divine Power have the ability to resist curses.

And the "Sacred Power" can also be used to lift the curse.

If you are able to awaken to the 'Crossing of Ability' once again, you may be able to cleanse the 'Newcomer Training' scene at once.

「「「「「 I see. ！！！！」」」」」

When I said that, everyone clapped their hands.

That's what I'm talking about. It's amazing.

In that case, I'll give you some backup skills.

Now, to help you work up a sweat, Fynn and I are going to prepare a bath.

I'm excited.

Hmm. Let's see it!　Elf girl!

That's why it was unanimous.

I don't know if the Crossing of Powers will ever wake up, but let's do what we can for now.

I've been to a certain place near the resort.

How many 'quasi-braves' have you made?

In one of the rooms, the man said.

'I'm on a tight schedule. Report quickly.'

'There are three success stories of 'rookie training'. Two of them, I think it's safe to say, are 'second only to the brave.'

''Totally, real summoners are hard to use and unbeatable. The guild's fee for using them has also increased. Either way, we should get some new people to help us out.

Oh, come on.

By the way, how's the search for the mermaid's abode going?

...... since the mermaids outside have stopped singing.

"The 'cleansing song' works on the ship - to my room? Didn't I tell you I'd build you a mansion with a pool?　You know, sub-humans have no idea of the value of things.

Sooner or later... you'll be thanking God for His mercy.

''I'm sure that's true. I'm sure the royal family will appreciate it if we produce many "quasi-brave" people. Now──that's why we're beginning to be linked to the royal family through our evaluations.

The evaluation...

What's the matter with you?

No.

The hooded shadow shook his head.

''In any case, I have sworn my allegiance to you. By Wabe, to you, the one who will eventually defeat the Demon King, you...

Eventually, the sound of the waves drowned out the conversation between the two men, who began to whisper.

Spirited calls could be heard in the distance. The man nodded in satisfaction.

It's only now that we get through this, and we'll get stronger. It's obvious.

............

The shadow of the hood does not answer.

Eventually, the wind picks up and begins to slowly rock the boat, which is anchored offshore.

'...... that happens a lot. If we get through this, we'll be stronger.

While saying the same words as before, the man tilts his glass.

The "trainees" crammed into the ship - in his subjective view - with plenty of compassion.