51-Episode 51: River mouth investigation and unship

A battleship is advancing along the seaway of the inner ocean.

'Hahaha, as expected of a state-of-the-art battleship, it's fast!　I'm sure you would agree, Mr. Lex!

...Yeah, I guess so.

I barely reply to Mr. Byrne, who is giggling.

'You look so brave!　My beloved ship, the Goodruiser, is a true champion of the sea!

The state-of-the-art battleship with a very ominous name was gung-ho in the seaway, although it felt a bit damp overall.

''That's a hell of a ship!　This is insanely fast!　I ain't looking at old neighborhood fishermen's boats!

Gyro-kun is excited about the speed of the ship as it cuts through the wind.

'Haha, that's right boy!　After all, my ship doesn't just catch the wind, the wind wizard and the water wizard each take turns accelerating the ship!　It's a normal cruising speed of 1.5 times faster than a normal battleship!

Commander, do not give out military secrets so easily.

The deputy commander gives me a bitter complaint while wrinkling his brow.

In fact, the figure of 1.5 times is quite amazing.

Moreover, if it's at cruising speed, it means that the speed will be even faster at battle speed.

However, if the ship is too fast, the resistance of the water and the strong wind will put a strong strain on the hull.

The reason why this ship was able to achieve overwhelming speed is probably due to the fact that most of its materials are made of Ancient Plant.

Light, hard and pliant, this ship made of Ancient Plant is truly unsinkable!

Um, didn't it capsize just recently?

But you're really fast.

I mean, are we really allowed to be on a state-of-the-art ship?

We're Lex's disciples, so we're as good as Lex's party.

Mina and the others are excited about the speed of the ship without thinking about the details.

Why is this happening and why are you guys here, Gyro?

It all goes back, yes, to a few days ago.

◆

Are you investigating the estuary?

We came to the Adventurer's Guild after being called by the guild leader, Mr. Ronzen.

And Ronzen-san asked us to investigate the mouth of the estuary, the exit of the Inner Ocean.

Oh, the Kraken incident that plagued the Inner Ocean recently, and the attack of Megalo whale fry the other day. This can only mean that there's something else going on in the open sea.

Mr. Ronzen spreads out a map on the table and begins to explain.

The Inner Sea is an inland sea made up of a large crater and a huge fissure extending from it to the sea. In that sense, it's almost like an artificial lake of some sort.

Pointing to the Inner Sea, he traced a thin line of seaway that stretched from there to the mouth of the river on the periphery of the continent and drew a circle with his fingertips.

That's why the river is narrower than normal straits for the depth of the water. It's the perfect terrain for stopping an invasion from another country.

It's the hardest thing to attack, isn't it?

"However, this time, being attacked by a large, S-ranked demon like this, it's revealed that we can't do anything about it.

A state-of-the-art warship was capsized twice.

"If it was a ground enemy, you could still do it, but if it got out of the water, you couldn't do anything about it.

We couldn't defeat the Kraken for the same reason we couldn't defeat them for the Kraken.

'If the Kraken have settled near the mouth of the river and Megalohoale came after them, we need to deal with them quickly. If we don't, there's a chance that the Kraken and Megalo Whale's children will be settling in the Inner Sea again in a while.

Surely, if you want to fix the problem, you have to get rid of the cause.

It's just...

And here Mr. Ronzen puts a finger to his brow.

'What's going on?'

'The estuary sea is another country's territory. So if we're going to investigate it, our emissary needs to accompany us.

Are you an emissary of the state?

''Yeah, in that case, we're looking for someone who works on the inner ocean to smooth out the situation.

Huh?　I have a bad feeling about this...?

So, in my country, it's all about the inner sea.

That's when Mr. Ronzen's verbal assault was reduced.

'It's me!'

The door opens with a bang and someone zips in.

'My name is Vern Dobag!　Commander of the Rosewood Domestic Grand Sea Order and captain of the state-of-the-art battleship Goodruiser!

State-of-the-art battleships, I believe, are...

You know, the ship that was thrown to the ground by that Kraken or capsized by the fry of the Megalo Whale?

'Yes!　It's a miracle ship made of materials from the legendary S-ranked demon Ancient Plant to augment our nation's naval power!

Well, I think it's a great ship that hasn't sunk yet.

"You will be working with this Lord Dobag on this assignment.

'Oops, you can barn me!　You and I are going to be friends in the same boat from now on, you know!

Wow, I don't know...I guess he's not a bad person, but what is it?

This forcefulness reminds me of Roddy, the S-ranked adventurer.

He might not be my favorite type.

''I've heard about you guys. I hear you're the expert in maritime rescue, the man who rescued me and my men after we were thrown into the sea!　Thank you for saving everyone's lives!

What?

What do you mean by that?　He turned to Mr. Ronzen.

'Well, that's it. You don't want to get into too much trouble, do you?

Oh, I see. I said I didn't want to stand out at the Squid Festival, so he took that area into account.

As expected of a guild leader, he's very good at figuring out that area.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out a lot more about it than you think. He must be a very profound person.

Ah, Ronzen-san looked away behind me.

Is it true that things are as they seem?

That's why I can't talk to that adventurer, but I think he might be able to help us with our investigation.

Well, since we're the ones who saved the day, I have no objection to assigning you to a search party!

Well, I haven't said I'm taking the commission yet, but...

I don't want you to proceed without permission.

Then Mr. Ronzen spoke to us with a serious look on his face.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that the Kraken and Megalohoale affairs aren't just a problem for this country. The battleships that were brought in with great fanfare were in such a state.

'Oh, it's just that I wasn't used to my newest ship yet!　When my men are used to dealing with ships, the kraken is nothing to be feared!　But I suppose it's not fair to attack me with so many tentacles!

That's the Kraken's basic method of attack.

In this situation, I would at least have the means to protect the sailors. I don't ask you to go out and fight, just cooperate with the investigation, okay?

Hmmm, so you mean that Mr. Ronzen doesn't have to risk his identity being exposed by fighting.

But you want to say that you want me to at least protect the sailors.

It's true that, in that case, there's little risk of being noticed by the knights due to the bad publicity.

''I understand. If you mean for sea rescue, I'll lend you my power.

You're a good man, man.

"Oh, thank you, boy!

Mr. Byrne comes over with a gasp and a squared shoulder.

'Uh, it's Lex,'

'Lilliera. Well, if you're going to take it, Mr. Lex, I have no objection to it.

'Mmm!　Look after them, you two!

This is how we ended up going to investigate the mouth of the river with the help of the Knights, but the story didn't end there.

We've found him, bro!

As we came out of the business meeting room, a familiar voice rang in our ears.

'Huh?　Gyro-kun?

Yes, it was Gyro-kun and his friends who called me.

"When I came back, my brothers were gone and I left a letter for you, so I came after you in a hurry!

We're marching into town with no rest as far as we're concerned.

I'm going to take a break, if you don't mind...?

I want to eat.

It wasn't just Gyro-kun and the others, but Mina, Norbu, and Megri-san were there as well.

'Could it be that they all came after you?

I left a note for him, just in case, but I didn't expect him to catch up with me because I wasn't going to stay that long.

'Of course!　I'm your brother's prefect, man!

You can't leave this idiot alone, can you?

That's right, Gyro-kun started running and everyone else rushed to catch up with him.

Hmm, are these boys your friends?

Mr. Byrne looks at Gyro and his friends as if they are priced out.

Hey!　We're Lex's brother's prefects and apprentices!

No, we're not prefects.

Oh, so you are masters of sea rescue.

I don't know about you, but yes!

Don't respond to me if you don't understand!

Wow, it's becoming a chaotic scene!

I mean, as soon as everyone arrived, it suddenly became very lively.

Who is this old man, by the way?

This is Mr. Vern Doorbag, our client.

"Your last name means you're a nobleman!

Mina corrects her posture, saying it's not good.

It's not a matter of concern. Feel free to call me Mr. Burn.

Huh, huh...

He's pretty frank.

'But yeah. A boy's apprentice, huh? Hmm......

Mr. Byrne put his hand to his chin as if he were thinking about something.

Then he popped his hand, as if he had made a decision on something.

'Very well!　I'll allow you guys to join the survey team as disciples of the boy!

"What?　What are you talking about?

Oh, you don't know what you're talking about, but you sure know how to talk.　Yes, I'm Lex's brother's best apprentice!　That'll help!

'Hahahahaha, you're a brash boy!

We're both kind of getting along with each other.

'Well, Mr. Lex could you explain a few things to me?

Norbu-san, who was out of breath until a moment ago, seems to have finally recovered and comes to me for details.

I've been asked by the adventurer's guild for a bit. That's why it's been decided that you all will be joining us now.

'What?　Why are we here?

We're expecting great things, especially from you, Gyro!

"Oh, whoa!　You expect me to do right by my brother?　You're kidding me!　So, I'm finally going to get my license back, huh?

Jairo-kun's voice moistens with emotion at my words.

Yes, I'm looking forward to it.

I'm looking forward to being Mr. Vern's go-to guy.

That's why we got a new request, and we're going to join up with Jairo and his friends.

◆.

Hey, Mr. Lex. I need to ask you a favor.

I was looking at the scenery around me from the edge of the Goodlouser when Liliella-san comes to talk to me.

'What is it, Liliera-san?

You seem strangely anxious, is something bothering you?

Actually, you know, there's some magic I'd like you to teach me.

Is that the magic you want me to teach you?

What in the world do they want to learn, that they would bother to ask for it?

Yeah, I mean, the kind of magic you want me to teach you.

Yes, sir.

It's flight magic!

What a surprise, what Liliera-san asked for was the flight magic I often use to carry Liliera-san and Fluffy Fluffy.

''I don't mind that, but why is this again at this time?''

It doesn't matter if you're back home in King's Landing or not.

Since you're not busy on the move, do you want to use this time for your training?

I mean, this ship almost sank twice. That's why I'm afraid of collateral damage if I don't have a way to escape!

Coo!

It made a lot of sense to me.

Yes, I can certainly understand that feeling.

To be honest, I was worried inside that I would sink again.

Well, if that's the case, I guess I'll have to do it.

Yeah, I'm serious!　Before it sinks again!

Squeak!

Isn't it rude to think that it's indeed a sure thing to sink?

You're not going to be able to do that.

Hey, you.

As I was talking with Liliella about her future training, the sailors of the Goodruiser spoke to me.

''Yes, sir, what is it?''

The captain tells me that the Megalo Whale turned us over and tossed us into the sea and you guys rescued us?

'What?　Oh, yes, in a nutshell, yes.

Oh, I didn't do anything. He's the only one I saved.

I was right.

When the sailor nodded, for some reason the other sailors also gathered around me.

Oh, Liliera-san, don't leave your seat without saying a word!　Fluffy!

You saved my life!　Thank you!

Thank you!

The sailors bowed their heads in unison and thanked me.

The sailors bow their heads in unison to thank me. If someone is in trouble, it's only natural to help them!

But the sailors shook their heads.

No, an accident at sea is always a close call with death. No matter how fast you act, there are many things you can't do to save your life. Especially if it's a storm or demon attack. We owe you our lives, and we owe you our lives. I can't thank you enough for the fact that I'm alive now!

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't do anything to be thanked in such a big way.

'And you were the one who caught the ship that was thrown overboard at the launch, weren't you?

'What?　What are you talking about?

I don't want to be thanked in a big way any more.

I think I'll go through with it.

"Well if you say so, we'll say so. But, you know, we appreciate the fact that you've saved our asses twice now. And I promise you, I'll be there for you if you ever need anything, I promise!　On the honor of a man of the sea!

After saying that, the sailors went back to their posts as if nothing had happened.

''........Oh dear, that's why the Han of the Sea is so righteous.

Suddenly I remember the Han Chinese who saved the dangerous place in my previous life.

At that time I was fighting as a hero, so I don't remember who I rescued, but I still remember the time I rescued the Han Chinese of the sea well.

To be honest, I thought they were a hot and bothered bunch at the time, but when I think back on it now, I feel a little tickled that the spirit of the Han of the Sea hasn't changed, even after all these years.

What is it, Mr. Lex?　You look kind of happy, don't you?

Suddenly, Liliera-san stares at my face while saying such a thing.

''Eh?　No, whatever.

Hmm. Well, that's okay. It's just that it's kind of unusual, or maybe it's just that his face looked nostalgic.

Wow, you're surprisingly perceptive.

But..........

By the way, you got yourselves out of the way earlier, didn't you?

Yeah, I haven't forgotten about you!

Now let's get back to our training!

Right. I'll try to come up with some good, last-minute training content!

You're not going to be able to do that.

Captain!　There's something coming from ahead!　It's not a ship!

It's been a smooth ride, but it looks like we're finally in trouble.

All hands on deck!

Following Mr. Byrne's instructions, the sailors move to various parts of the ship with their bows and long spears.

'Target sighted!　It's a bunch of demons!　........too many!

The sailor on guard shouts in surprise.

"I don't know how many!　How many are there?

I don't know!　There are so many, we don't know how many there are!

Byrne's reprimand was met with a bewildered cry from the sailor on watch.

'I can see you, Captain!

Everyone's eyes were focused on the front as they heard the sailor stationed at the bow of the boat.

There was a group of aquatic demons that filled the river from one end to the other of its width.

''........many!''

That's really the only word for it, it's so many.

Not only is it wide, but it's also long in depth.

The demons are so closely packed together that it's impossible to count them.

''What a number!''

"More importantly, we're going to run into a ship!　There's no room for evasion.

"The demons don't seem to be trying to avoid us either!

The demons are coming towards you at great speed, as if they were being chased by something.

You can't even intercept them in this situation!

Mr. Byrne makes an impatient noise.

'Do you want to help?'

Your job is to assist in the investigation and rescue in an emergency, not to mention the fact that you're not supposed to be here. I'm sorry. I need your help.

I understand.

We'll help you, brother!

I've learned to use simple attack magic myself, and I'll cover you.

Gyro-kun and the others and Liliella-san seem to be ready to fight together.

''Alright, then I'll use my magic to break the enemy vanguard's position, so you all can focus on attacking.

Okay.

I'm on it.

If anyone gets hurt, I'll take care of them!

Kyu!　Jurli.

Everyone's very motivated.

Everybody!　We'll cover you with magic, too.　I'm going to bite the enemy in the nose with a big one, so do it with all your might where they get scared!

Hey!

I'm on it!

The sailors respond by making a clenched fist.

I head to the bow of the ship and unleash my magic to intimidate the lead enemy.

'Here we go then!　Blazing Geyser!

The magic is activated and a column of water rises up from right below the approaching demons.

It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it.

But, well, it can only be used to defeat small fishes, and when dealing with strong enemies, it's only useful for losing your stance or catching them off guard.

But in this kind of situation, it's useful enough to distract the opponent by suddenly being attacked from directly below.

''Come on, guys!　Now!

I signal the others to attack.

"...what?

But for some reason, no one seems to be attacking the demons.

''Hey, what's going on with everyone?''

I turn around and everyone is pointing upwards.

"Up?

I looked and saw many black dots floating in the sky.

Then everyone pointed their fingers forward.

"Forward?

I looked ahead and saw that none of the demons were there.

''Huh?''

There were a lot of black dots on top, and the demons that should have been in front of me were gone.

'That means...'

""I don't have anyone to blow it all up and attack."

Yes, you are all correct.