CH 97

(Ichiko POV)

“So this is the former capital of Egypt…”

“Yeah. The city is still as prominent in today’s world as it ever was.”

I was following the peddlers across the desert to the capital city of Egypt, Cairo.

The journey to this site was, of course, arduous, but after being assaulted by robots at Lake Turkana, I was fortunate enough to be in the company of several traders and successfully reached this destination by means of changing caravans again and again.

“Now, the first step for me is to secure a place to stay. Many thanks for all the help you’ve given me here.”

“Oh, same to you.”

I offer my gratitude to the peddling man.

Well, the sun is already beginning to set. It would be nighttime if I went into the city from now on.

Therefore, I should stay at the inn for today, and contact Kurokiri in the morning to either search for Lady Ryo or wait for her

Speaking of which, I wonder what is the time difference between our locations? Since the Demon King and the kin can manage without sleeping, I inevitably feel that the sense of my life as a person is getting less perceptible.

While pondering such a thing, I have safely found a place to stay and rested for the day.

On the following morning.

I contact Kurokiri while observing a pyramid-shaped dungeon in the distance on the rooftop of the inn.

Even though I had traversed the African continent, there were various dungeons along the way to this stage of my journey. Beginning with the “Island of the World’s Discrepancy,” a dungeon of the “Distinguishable Warrior Who Isolates the Species,” there were savannas where numerous wild animals roamed, and deserts breathing was gruelling. Ah, there was even a dungeon in which dinosaurs can be found living normally. But what struck me the most were those robots.

That reminds me, it’s been a little over 10 years since that day, although I parted ways with Lady Ryo even earlier than that. Looking back, I can feel that a tremendous length of time has passed.

I take a gander at my body.

Since that day a decade ago… no, my body has scarcely changed since I became Kurokiri’s kin. If I had to say, the only thing that has changed is my left hand, which now has a metal gauntlet attached to it when I was transformed into a half Demon King by the hand of the God of Calamity ten years ago.

Even so, I wonder what has become of Lady Ryo. After a decade has passed, even a kin is bound to undergo changes, so I hope she didn’t receive any trauma that would leave a scar on her journey from that country to this place.

Izumi and Mugi are on my mind too. While Mugi probably hasn’t changed much, Izumi was less than 10 years old when we separated, so it will be interesting to witness her growth.

Very soon. Yes, we will meet very soon.

And the communication is connected.

Though it’s still mixed with noise as usual.

“Kurokiri. I’ve arrived in Cairo.”

[Oh, that was quick. I thought crossing the desert would be more challenging.]

“Well, I am only by myself after all.”

I reply with a laugh.

But I sense a peculiar vibe in Kurokiri’s voice. Is he wounded in some way?

However, my priority right now is to join up with Lady Ryo.

“Where’s Lady Ryo?”

[She contacted me a few days ago, so I guess she’s somewhere around Jerusalem now. Wait a minute, let me get in touch with her now…]

With that said, Kurokiri keeps the communication window open with me and attempts to initiate communication with Lady Ryo as well. The communication between the Demon King and the kin is still very dexterous as usual, right?

[!?]

“Kurokiri?”

Kurokiri sounds alarmed by something and I try to get him to elaborate on what happened.

In response, Kurokiri says…

[Ichiko! Maybe that ‘guy’ is near Ryo right now!]

As I contemplate in astonishment, there is only one such entity… that Kurokiri would refer to as that ‘guy’. If that is the case,

[Can you head over there at once!?]

“I understand. I’m coming to them right now!”

I have no alternative but to head there as swiftly as I can.

After disconnecting the communication, I pull up my luggage from the inn and begin to hastily head in the direction of Jerusalem.

Like in my habitual practice, I neither blend in with the caravan merchants nor do I walk so as to minimize exhaustion.

I exercise my skill to its utmost and proceed to my destination in a straight line at a speed that would not be visible to the eyes of an ordinary human being.

(Ryo POV)

“Is that the Holy Land…”

Houki mutters involuntarily.

We are heading west to find the safest route possible and stealthily pass through the “Magic Holy Land”.

As for why we do not stop by the “Magic Holy Land,” the reason is this:

“But there are various groups surrounding the city, so we can’t go in there.”

As Une has stated, a number of groups are stationed around the Holy Land, with the aim of recapturing it.

Furthermore, these organizations are stationed here. The worst thing about these groups is that even if the other party is the sharing the same race as a human, they will attack with impunity if the religious affiliation is different, whereas if the religious affiliation is the same, they will force the other party to cooperate with them.

On top of that, even though they pursue the same goal, they are fighting amongst themselves for their own success, and thanks to this, the area surrounding the “Magic Holy Land” is reputed to be the most perilous in the world.

“Although the Priest welcomes them, this isー”

Besides, as Shigan mentioned, the Demon King, “Priest of Absolute Peace” who presides over the “Magic Holy Land” has converted the city into a dungeon, yet neither attacks humans nor creates kin, but simply prays all day long while administering the Holy Land.

To tell the truth, regarding the Priest and the people who surround the “Magic Holy Land”… If you ask me which side I would rather ally myself with… well.

Incidentally, the reason why it is regarded as the safest place in the world is that the city has been converted into a dungeon, which means that there is no fear of the buildings being destroyed, and in the dungeon, the unique skill of the Priest allows him to execute divine punishment according to the severity of the crime committed against anyone in the city except for the Priest himself.

Moreover, this skill is fairly superior since it takes into account extenuating circumstances and other factors.

“Coming…”

“Someone is coming.”

Izumi and Houki sense the presence of people approaching us.

“What’s their number?”

“A little over 50, I guess.”

“Hah, that’s a lot.”

However, depending on their proficiency, it may be possible to deal with them even if something were to happen to us.

Now, as for the identity of the opponents, we are outside of the city. If so, then…

“Well, let me ask you. Are you our neighbours?”

…Naturally, they must be one of those who encircle the city.

Hah, I don’t want to contend with them here…

A/N:

The climax of the second arc is approaching.