CH 57

(Kurokiri POV for the whole chapter)

“Shortage of food… huh?”

“Yes. It is beginning to pose a problem, albeit gradually.”

As usual, I am working in my private room on the fourth level of the “White Fog and Black Swamp Forest”.

“That reminds me, the other day even Houki mentioned something about a lack of seasoning like spices.”

By the way, as a countermeasure against the God of Calamity, I have been eavesdropping on the visual and auditory senses of all the Kirijin from time to time, therefore I am aware of what Houki had done when she made the bear dish the other day.

Also, I have already sensed that Ryo and the others are moving away from the “Silver Snow Forest”.

Well, it would be okay to let them have a rest for a while.

On the contrary, I have no clue what’s taking place at the moment with Ichiko and the others. After they invaded “Red Tilt Taiji Cave,” I haven’t been able to get in touch with them. Since it has been about five days after breaking into the cave, they should have made an escape and contacted me at least once.

Incidentally, the communication between the Demon Kings and their kin have already been ascertained to be functional even if they are on the other side of the world, provided that the other party is not in a dungeon that they are not affiliated with.

As for how I found this out? One of the kids I turned into a Kirijin before “Purge of the Fog” hailed from North America, so I checked to determine if I could establish communication with that kid.

“Fog King-sama?”

“A-ah, sorry. I was just lost in thought.”

Oh, that’s right. This glamorous lady over here right now is a Kirijin who works as my secretary, and her name is Utsuroi Tori.

And when I ask for her age? She replied by launching a ≪Voidbolt≫ (a skill that delivers a non-attribute magic arrow that negates resistance and magic defenses. It looks like a pitch-black arrow.) at me.

For your information, she is the child who was saved from a mortal illness via Ichiko by transforming her into a Kirijin, therefore her allegiance to me is deep, but her faith in Ichiko is even greater.

Well, you know. It’s sort of like the Ichiko Faction of the Fog King congregation.

Yeah. Thanks to that, I will never lay a hand on her!

Now, let’s return to the main subject.

“Food scarcity… I mean, honestly, what do you want me to do?”

“I understand that too, but it seems the humans outside couldn’t solve the problem on their own…”

“Hmm. According to my memory, those with skills related to the production of food, such as ≪Growth Accelerator ・Tree≫ and ≪Light of Blessing≫ are given favorable treatment, but instead, they have to utilize their skills as much as they could.”

The ≪Growth Accelerator ・Tree≫ is a skill that hastens the growth of trees, and the ≪Light of Blessing≫ is a skill designed to heal those exposed to it, but it also assists the photosynthesis of vegetables.

“They are certainly getting preferential treatment, and they are putting their skills to good use. However, the country’s lack of access to imports and exports seems to be a pain in the neck..”

“I see. So, the request to me is also…?”

“Yes, it may be that they are looking for a way to reduce the number of mouths they need to feed.”

If that is the case, well, I can see why they’re reaching out to me. It is indeed the case that once you become a kin, you don’t require any food unless you experience a growth spurt or another circumstance that necessitates the consumption of raw materials in order to develop your body to a larger frame.

“Well, it aggravates me when I have to respond honestly to their underlying intent. Perhaps I’ll just release as many Thin Mist Wolves as I can and let it out of the dungeon.”

“Uh, does that mean dog meat…?”

“It’s fine. The staple food of the soldiers storming into our dungeon is Rifle Frog and Thin Mist Wolf. They can consume them with no problem. Furthermore, it would be a delicacy if the Thin Mist Wolves were to turn the tables on the humans.”

I am now wearing a smile reminiscent of a true Demon King… Ah, not that I can smile currently since I am in a foggy state.

“Well, Fog King-sama? If possible, I’d like you to limit the damage to the humans…”

“Hm? Well, the out-of-dungeon compensation lowers the status of the Thin Mist Wolf to that of an ordinary dog, so it should be fine, right? Also, if there are any children with outstanding skills, I’ll issue an order for them to be scavenged.”

“I don’t mean that… no, forget it. Unlike Ichiko-sama, you, the Fog King, possess neither blood nor tears, I suppose.”

How disrespectful. I’m usually only in a foggy state, but I do shed blood and tears.

Moreover, this operation to mass-summon the Thin Mist Wolves has the merit of killing three birds with one stone: the number of starving people will shrink, the number of Kirijin will increase, and my experience will grow.

“Well, since that is the case, this conversation is over. After I summon a vast number of Thin Mist Wolves, I’ll disperse them throughout my domain via Long-distance Transportation Formation.”

After saying that, I depart from the private room, leaving Tori with a look of resignation on her face, and I proceed to carry out the operation as I have said so.

,

And on the following morning.

I am driven by an inexplicable malaise.

It is not that anything in particular has befallen me.

However, I have the sensation that something indispensable to me is being devoured by something unknown.

At that point, I contact the Fox Princess about whatever thoughts have unfolded within me. What I want to find out is whether or not can I be in touch with Shiranui Mugi, the Kitsunejin who is accompanying Ichiko.

But it proved to be the same for the Fox Princess, who said she couldn’t connect with her either.

I don’t understand. I’m not even clear about what I am feeling tense for. But,

“Being stuck in this labyrinth, and there is nothing I can do about it… damn it!”

In a fit of rage, I hit the wall nearby. Neither the wall nor I am damaged, but my impatience is escalating.

[…]

Abruptly, I have a sensation as if somebody has called to me.

And then my consciousness sinks profoundly as if summoned by that someone.