CH 256

Monster's paradise

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"Goshujin-sama, the number of monsters is increasing."

"Monsters?"

"Yup, like cows, and pigs ..."

The next morning after escorting the staying behind three and Muell-san, Kirt returned from patrolling the Devil's Forest.

It was an awkward way of saying it, but I felt something disturbing.

Starting today, I was planning to repatriate the staying behind three to the training grounds in the Devil's Forest and give them special training supervised by Reinhardt, but it might be better to wait and see how things go.

"Kirt, where are the monsters increasing?"

"Nnh lessee ... Where there is a big pond."

"Aahh, over there ..."

The big pond that Kirt was talking about was the place where the spear golem fell before to subjugate the Hydra.

The crater filled with water and became a pond, making it a perfect waterfront for monsters.

[ Kent-sama, it would be troublesome if the number of monsters increased in that place and the monsters suddenly moved north. ]

"Yup, or rather, it's already become a troublesome situation. If I don't deal with it for a while, it will be no good."

I moved to the garrison quarters and told the staying behind trio that the training was postponed.

"What's that, I thought I could subdue monsters with great effort ..."

"The special training ground is deep in the Devil's Forest, so it's closer to where the monsters are increasing than Volzard."

"No, no, no, I won't do it. It's not a joke that a large number of monsters appear in a place without ramparts."

Even Nitta, who had a muscle brain, didn't want to do it when he remembered the mass outbreak of Goblins.

It seemed that the three of them would go to the guild's training grounds, find suitable opponents, and spar.

Well then, let's go exterminate monsters.

"Uwaa ... What the heck ..."

[ This is also an amazing number ... ]

Compared to the last time I came to check, I felt that the number and types of monsters had increased several times.

There were Minotaurs and Lizardman that I hadn't seen very often, and there were more and more wriggling snakes in the pond.

"Why are there so many monsters gathering here? If it's just the waterfront, there's a river flowing through the Devil's Forest, right?"

[ Certainly, it is as Kent-sama says. It is natural to think that there must be some kind of reason for such a large number of monsters to gather. ]

Around the pond, Goblins were being attacked by Orcs.

A little further away, there was a group of Goblins that seemed to have escaped from Orcs, and another Orc seemed to be targeting them.

In the surrounding bushes, there were also a group of Gigawolves with cubs (Even though they were larger than St. Bernards).

It had completely become a paradise for monsters.

"This, how should I deal with it?"

[ That's right ... I feel like if we reduce any specific monsters, the balance will collapse, and the number of monsters will increase more and more ... ]

For Reinhardt, it seemed that this was the first time he had dealt with such a situation, and he couldn't seem to come up with an answer.

"I mean ... The monsters here look strong, don't they?"

[ Fumu, it's true ... It looks like they have a better physique than the ones I've seen elsewhere. ]

The Goblins, which were most numerous, were a bit more macho than the ones you normally saw, and their limbs looked thick enough to make you think that the Orcs were of a higher class.

"Even though there are so many of them, are they rather well-nourished?"

[ True, I guess ... Normally, if the number increases, I think there will be a shortage of food ... ]

"Isn't it better to observe a little before dealing with it?"

[ Indeed that is true. An impromptu response might make the situation worse. ]

I thought the reason why so many monsters gathered was because of the most numerous monsters, Goblins.

Although there were more of them than others, they had a better physique than others.

If you thought about it normally, there must be an abundance of better food than others.

When I observed a group of Goblins, they were constantly digging up the soil and carrying something to their mouths.

I didn't know what Goblins ate in the first place, but they were probably insects or small animals.

"Ugeeh, what is it ..."

[ It looks like an earthworm, but it's pretty big. ]

What the Goblins were digging up was large earthworms.

They were thicker than a water hose and seemed to be about a meter long.

"Gigiyaa!"

Surprisingly, the earthworms weren't just being eaten, they were squirming and biting the Goblins.

Their round mouths were lined with triangular teeth, and bit into a circle about 5 centimeters in diameter where they bit.

"Apparently, those earthworms seem to be the cause."

[ That's right. It's the first time this me has seen it, but it's probably a kind of monster. ]

"Ehh, it's a monster? Indeed, I see, is that why the Goblins' physiques are getting better. But, where did those earthworms come from?"

[ That's where the problem lies. ]

"Could it be that something that was deep in the bottom of the earth came out after the ground was gouged out by the explosion of the spear golem?"

[ That possibility is also considered, but in that case, wouldn't the earthworm return to the deep underground? ]

"I see, if they originally lived deep underground, the place where they breed should be deep underground."

Even while observing, Goblins scavenged for earthworms, Orcs and Gigawolves attacked them, and the food chain continued to unfold.

[ Kent-sama, isn't this caused by the soil? ]

"Soil ...?"

[ Yes, the soil. ]

"Aahh, I see, the cause was the soil that was dug up by the explosion."

[ Nope, that is not how it is. ]

"Ehh, is that wrong?"

[ Yes, probably not. ]

"But, there's nothing else that could be causing it."

[ Kent-sama, what happened to the Hydra? ]

"Oohhh! I see, the Hydra ..."

At the hypocenter of the crater, which was now a large pond, there certainly was the giant monster with three heads, the Hydra.

[ Perhaps, however, the flesh and blood of the Hydra, which was smashed to pieces by Kent-sama's spear golem, along with the magic stone, rained down on the earth, right. ]

"A large number of earthworm monsters appeared after eating it, and then the Goblins ate them ... So that's the cycle."

[ It is said that the reason why the southern continent became a land where monsters roam is because the Demon King's enormous magical power went out of control. Isn't that exactly what this feels like? ]

"Uwaa ... I guess we have to dredge up the soil and move it to solve the problem fundamentally."

[ As a perfect countermeasure, it might be so. ]

When I subjugated the Hydra, I drank a booster and my tension was rising, so I had no time to think about such a problem.

"Well, if that's the case, it might be bad ..."

[ What is it? ]

"The same situation as here may be happening in a different place ..."

[ A different place ... Leinef? ]

"Yes, it's not scattered as widely as here, but two Gigases worth of blood and magic stones are scattered."

[ I see, but in Leinef's case, it's not a place where monsters gather, and the subjugation was done at the beach, so most of them must have been washed away into the sea. ]

"Maybe so, but it's better to contact them just in case."

[ Indeed that is true. Even if Barshania deals with it, it would be better to have information. ]

Regarding the monsters that had increased here, I asked Fred and Basten, who were conducting reconnaissance in the Calvine Territory, to return and thin out the large-scale monsters.

"Then, reduce it to less than half so that it doesn't overflow from this area."

[ Leave it to me, Kent-sama. ]

[ Magic stones and materials ... make a lot of money ... ]

It was a chilling situation for normal people, but for the two of them, it was probably just an increase in prey.

Even so, the monsters gathered here, it would not be good if they headed to Volzard or Lastock, so I strengthened the patrol of the Kobold Corps, and had Flamme push them back if there were signs of going north.

"Please, Flamme."

"Gotcha. Leave it to me."

I thought it was a very difficult situation, but if we could manage the crisis properly, it might be possible to use it like a ranch for breeding and harvesting monsters.

I'm not Yagi, but I might be able to make money without working.

Before heading to Guryayev, the Imperial Capital of Barshania, let's visit Seraphima.

When I moved with Hirt as a landmark, she had left the lodgings and was being rocked in a carriage.

The sun was shining in the Devil's Forest, but it was raining here.

There were wide fields around the road, and there were no people due to the rainy weather.

The procession progressed solemnly while being hit by the hazy rain.

Seraphima was also staring blankly out of her window and she looked a little bored.

"Morning, Sera."

"Kent-sama, kya! ..."

"Oops, it's dangerous, are you okay?"

The carriage shook the moment she stood up, and I caught the staggering Seraphima.

"Yes, Kent-sama supported me, so it's okay."

Although older than me, Seraphima, who was petite and delicate, aroused a desire to protect her.

As I sat down next to her seat, Seraphima cradled my left arm and leaned her head on me.

"Is the road going smoothly?"

"Yes, after that, there was a commotion of monster-fallen only once, but it was just a commotion in the city, and the procession was not attacked."

"But there was a commotion about the monster-fallen."

"Yes, it seems that a man who couldn't accomplish anything attacked his lover and his companions."

"Well then, the person who became monster-fallen was identified."

"Yes, but although they thought hard, it seems that they didn't talk about anything that would make them become monster-fallen."

"Then, did they suddenly lose consciousness one day?'

"Yes, the day before the commotion, there was a little trouble at the bar, but other than that, nothing seemed to have changed."

"Have you checked their belongings?"

"Yes, I had them check the house and rooms, but there was nothing particularly suspicious."

When I talked to Seraphima about the Fujii incident that happened in Japan, it seemed that there were a few things that were different from the commotions that were happening here.

Those who had become monster-fallen here were completely monster-fallen, and their skin had changed.

Also, they had never used attack magic, and seemed to only rampage while their bodies were strengthened.

"For Kent-sama's friend, it looks like he's suddenly fallen into a state of being near monster-fallen, but in a place where there is no magic essence, if he was only consuming the magic essence that came out of magic stones, wouldn't he gradually become monster-fallen?"

"I see, that's right. But, in Fujii's case, he consumed a large amount of magic stone powder at a point where he had used up his magic power, so he must have been in a state close to being monster-fallen, but according to what you said about the previous person, they didn't consume any special magical power, did they?"

"Yes, even in a state where magic power is not consumed, there is certainly something that makes people become monster-fallen."

"And, considering when and where it happened, there must be at least two people who can do the same thing."

"Yes, that's right."

There's a lot we don't know about Barshania's monster-fallen.

When I told Seraphima, who looked a little depressed, that the construction of the house was progressing, her smile returned.

"Kent-sama, actually, I have seen the state of our house."

"Ehh, our house in Volzard, is it?"

"Yes, nothing has been done to the interior yet, but I have seen the floor plan and the surrounding garden trees."

Hirt was proudly showing off next to Seraphima, who smiled mischievously.

"I see, all the Kobolds took pictures with a tablet and showed it to Sera, right?"

"Yes, I've heard that it is a magic tool from Kent-sama's country."

"Yup, it's a bit different from a magic tool, but it's also true that I can't explain in detail."

"I'm looking forward to arriving at Volzard."

Oouuu, when Seraphima hugs me, I feel the suppleness of the cat family.

Compared to when I spent the night in just pajamas after the New Year's party, I'm wearing more and there is less stimulation, but my heart still pounds.

"Sera ..."

"Kent-sama ..."

After being rocked by the carriage for a while with Seraphima, I headed for Guryayev, the Imperial Capital of Barshania.

When I searched Guryayev's palace, Emperor Constant was in the middle of his official duties.

Maa, he's an idiot parent who loves Sera-chan, but since he's the Emperor of a country, I didn't expect him to be playing during the day.

But, the King of Resenburg, who was killed by Havre, had a daily life in the Sake Pond Meat Forest.

Maa, it's rude to compare him with that.

Constant was meeting with men dressed in peculiar national costumes.

Was it another country, or was it a tribe within Barshania?

At first glance, it looked like a friendly press conference, but I had an image of this kind of press conference as a deep-seated meeting.

[ Kent-sama, it seems that these people are part of the neighboring country of the Felciane Empire. ]

[ Is that so? ]

[ When I listened to the contents of the conversation, they were talking about the grown of the sheep, the timing of the wool harvest next year, etc. ]

The Felciane Empire was said to be a country where sheep farming was popular.

On the other hand, cotton cultivation was thriving in Barshania.

I heard that the two countries had built a good relationship through the trade of various goods, mainly cotton and wool.

Even when peeking from the shadow space, both sides had a calm expression on their faces while they were talking about trade.

"Now, then, shall we get to the point."

When Emperor Constant started, the room was filled with tension.

There were two major concerns common to the two countries, the Barshanian Empire and the Felciane Empire.

The first was the issues of borders involving Mungia, an anti-government tribe in Barshania.

The other was the outcome of the war between the Kilia Republic and the Jogesen Empire on the other side of the Felciane Empire.

"Needless to say, we, Barshania, want a friendly relationship with your country. However, we cannot dispel the concern that some stubborn forces will go out of control."

"We're in the same position about that. The Nuoranne guys are quiet now, but if Mungia makes a move, they'll easily be provoked ..."

It seemed that the tribes competing for the border line for the leaders of both countries were also dissidents of their own respective countries.

Both Constant and the meeting partner wanted to maintain friendly relations between countries at all costs.

For that reason, I felt that they had created opportunities for communication like this.

"This matter will be fine if we keep in close contact. The problem is Kilia."

"Regarding Kilia, they pushed Jogesen in at a pace that far exceeded our expectations, but it seems that they have not yet completely stabilized. Moreover, even in areas that were thought to be pacified, the resistance seems to be wriggling, and it seems that they can't afford to start a war."

Although the Republic of Kilia had the upper hand in the war with the power of iron and explosives, it was only a quarter of the size of the Jogesen Empire.

Even if they drove out the Jogesen's soldiers, it seemed that there were not enough people to control the populace.

"Then, is your country going to stick to the stance of waiting and watching?"

"That's correct. Kilia's iron, Jogesen's grain, if requested, we will trade with either country, and we have no intention of giving preferential treatment to one or the other."

"However, I have heard that the ones responsible for the core of Kilia's tactics is the mountain tribe of Felciane, are you okay with that?"

"Has this been passed down to Barshania as well? As you say, Bronetsk dark magicians were the cornerstone of Kilia's tactics, but they are now prohibited from leaving the country."

"From Jogesen, didn't they say something sarcastic to you?"

"Maa, that country is a disgusting country even if there is nothing."

The Jogesen Empire was an agricultural country with fertile land, and its agricultural productivity seemed to be its advantage over its neighboring countries.

In other words, it was a battle between a large country that has long prospered through agriculture and a small country that has prospered with emerging technologies such as iron and explosives.

"For example, even if there were no necromancers, as long as there were explosives, the situation where Jogesen was pushed in should not have changed. In fact, I've heard that Kilia, whose Bronetsk dark magician was assassinated, was using criminals instead of undead."

"Are they having criminals hold explosives and blow themselves up?"

"That's correct. I hear that if they disobey, their families will be threatened with punishment, and they will even bind you with slave bracelets."

"In war, we take away each other's lives, but it's a story that makes me feel sick."

Emperor Constant promised to provide grains, and Felciane expressed their gratitude.

[ Apparently, both Kilia and Jogesen are difficult for Felciane to handle. Even if there is a border dispute, it seems that Barshania is more desirable as a friendly country. ]

As far as I could see from here, I felt that Reinhardt's assessment was correct.

[ Even for Barshania, they want to avoid a fight with Felciane, right? ]

[ Since it is a country where good trade is conducted, there will be dissatisfaction from within the country if it becomes a situation such as the severance of ties. ]

[ But, if they get along well with Felciane, Mungia will get angry ... it's kind of troublesome. ]

[ Buhahaha, Kent-sama, it is not just limited to countries. There are people fighting within the house, such as Resenburg and Marburg. ]

[ I see, in my house, I have to make sure everyone is smiling. ]

[ If it's Kent-sama, you should be able to make everyone smile even if it's a territory or a country. ]

[ No, no, it's impossible for me now. Besides, if I want something big before my feet have settled down, I'll be the same as some stupid Prince. ]

After that, more detailed information about Kilia and Jogesen's situation was discussed, and the meeting ended with a smile and a handshake.

Well then, let's talk about Leinef.