Hell Mode: Volume 9, page 10
His answer caused people to start murmuring among themselves.
“Do... Do you truly believe that, Helmios?” the Giamutan emperor asked.
“I sure do,” the Hero replied casually. “Besides, only the gods can see the future. A human like me has no way of knowing what’s to come.”
While it was said that Regalfaras and Helmios were the same age, that alone was not enough to warrant the friendliness in the way Helmios spoke. However, because he had heard rumors about the Giamutan emperor’s character, Allen did not want the Hero to get too chummy with the monarch. But rumors are just rumors. Maybe the emperor’s actually a decent guy. Royal castles do tend to be breeding grounds for gossip like that.
Regalfaras had a less than ideal nickname: the Bloody Emperor. He had had three older brothers who were meant to inherit the throne, but they had all met untimely deaths. Even the previous emperor had died suddenly, his life prematurely stripped from him, and Regalfaras had had no choice but to ascend the throne at a young age. The Bloody Emperor silently observed Allen’s every move.
“I’ve heard that you gathered those with Talents from across the globe,” Beast King Muza said. “Just how strong is the Allen Army?”
“If we’re talking purely about strength, I think they’re stronger than anything you all have got,” Allen answered. But I don’t think they can beat a Greater Demonic Deity, much less the Demon Lord.
“Oh?” Muza replied. The hair on his face started to prickle from being firmly told that he was weaker than Allen.
Beastkin are so hairy—or furry, I guess. It’s hard to tell when they’re angry since I can’t quite see the color of their face or their veins popping out.
“Beast King, I ask that you don’t let your emotions get the best of you,” Regalfaras said. “This young man isn’t here to grapple with us and put on a show for everyone present. However, if your army really is stronger than us, Allen, that is quite impressive. Perhaps your reliable crew has a chance of defeating the Demon Lord. Ah, proving your claims would put everyone’s mind at ease. Might you allow us to do a bit of research on you?”
Regalfaras spoke as though he had been waiting for Allen to say those exact words. The emperor signaled with his chin at the doors Allen and his party had entered through. The knights opened those doors and started to bring some items inside.
“Research? Like what? Will Mr. Helmios Analyze me again?” Allen inquired.
“Precisely. I suppose Rank S adventurers are all quick to catch on. But Helmios won’t be the one to Analyze you. The results would be visible to him and no one else,” Regalfaras explained. He then turned to the knights. “Bring it in!”
The knights brought in a black plank of wood and a crystal ball. Clergymen flooded into the room. An Appraisal Ceremony. Quite the showy display for it too. The people of this world really love to appraise things, I guess. Allen had been appraised once when he was five and again when he had entered the Academy. This would be his third time.
The plank’s kinda big, Allen thought while gazing at the bit of wood.
“What will you do, Allen?” Cecil called from her seat a short distance away. “Will you get appraised?”
“Sure, why not?” Allen replied. “It’d be a problem if everyone’s anxiety hindered our activities.”
The Summoner was not trying to become a Demon Lord—an ill-mannered existence that cooperated with no one, forcing others to fear and revere him through an awesome display of power. Instead, he would cooperate with the Five Continent Alliance in exchange for his wishes being granted. He could be calculating and selfish in his own right and was weighing the pros and cons of working with the Alliance or denying their requests. This was precisely what he had wanted to do at this conference.
“All right,” Allen replied. “I don’t mind being appraised.”
“A commendable attitude,” Regalfaras said. “Ah, could I compare you to the strongest hero within our empire?”
It seemed this ceremony was also meant to show the power of the Giamutan Empire, and the Beast King shot Regalfaras a withering look.
“Not this again...” Muza muttered, his voice being transmitted throughout the room via the magic tool.
All the while, the Appraisal Ceremony had been prepared. The plank of wood and crystal ball were placed upon a small platform between the round table and podium where Allen was standing. This allowed the semicircular formation of desks around the round table to get a good look at the appraisal process.
Helmios had already stepped away from the round table and in front of the crystal ball. A clergyman was giving out orders.
“Please place your hand on this crystal,” the clergyman said.
“All righty,” Helmios replied.
The moment he did so, the black wood became a screen, causing glowing letters to appear for everyone to see.
* * *
Helmios’s Appraisal Results
Name: Helmios von Sacred
Age: 25
Class: Hero King
HP: 3,555 + 3,600
MP: 2,550 + 3600
Attack: 3,555 + 3,600
Endurance: 3,555 + 3,600
Agility: 3,555 + 3,600
Intelligence: 2,550 + 3,600
Luck: 3,199 + 3,600
Extra Skills: Natural Gift, God Strike
Skills: Hero King, Healing, Flight, Analyze, Holy Spirit Strike, Champion, Sparring, Axe Mastery, Sword Mastery, Spear Mastery, Shield Mastery, Throwing
* * *
Huh? Why does he have two Extra Skills? I’ve never heard of such a thing. And he’s got so many skills. Is that because of Natural Gift or something?
The crowd went wild at Helmios’s results.
“Look at that! He’s no longer a Hero! He’s a Hero King!”
“Is this your first time seeing Sir Helmios’s appraisal results?”
“They never cease to amaze me.”
Everyone was overwhelmed by what they saw. While fighting the Demon Lord Army in Rohzenheim the year prior, Helmios, who had already received a class promotion, had reached his max level of 60.
Rather than simply ranking the growth curve of each stat from E to S, this particular Appraisal Ceremony displayed stats and skills in full detail. Special items must have been used to provide a more thorough appraisal. Still, even these items did not hold a candle to the grimoire that Allen had received from Elmea. There were no levels, skill levels, experience points, or skill experience listed on the screen. And people of this world describe leveling up as overcoming a Trial of the Gods. Are levels and skill levels hidden because it might go against religious beliefs? When Allen had first met Helmios and had been Analyzed, the then-Hero had not mentioned any levels either.
The Summoner decided to jot down Helmios’s Status in his grimoire. What is Natural Gift anyway? I’ll get the answer from him later. He recalled the time at the Academy when Helmios had pried about Talents and skills. Allen had managed to give him only the bare minimum back then, but when he had clashed against Demonic Deity Rehzel in Rohzenheim, he had done so while understanding that he would be revealing more about himself. And while it was unclear whether Helmios had purposefully hidden one of his skills, it was now apparent that he had two Extra Skills under his belt. Allen vowed to question Helmios so persistently that Makkaron’s hour-long hearing would seem short in comparison.
“Next up...” the clergyman said, glancing at Regalfaras.
“Indeed,” the emperor replied. “While I’m curious as to what the results of each party member’s appraisal would be, the Rank S dungeon challengers must go first. They should be right next door. Call them in.” He grinned at Allen. “I’d like to see your results last. You’ve made a braggadocious claim to defeat the Demon Lord, after all.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” the clergyman cried.
The program did mention that the Rank S dungeon would be discussed before my hearing. Prior to the debacle revolving around Gushara and Daemonism, the Rank S dungeon had been cleared for the first time. The Five Continent Alliance had held a meeting to discuss ways to boost the morale of its armies and to express its appreciation to those who had cleared any dungeons. Allen had also been invited to this meeting, but Admiral Garara, Beast Prince Zeu, and Helmios would already be there. Fearing that the Allen Army might get mixed into the mess, Allen had decided to be absent from the discussion.
“Ooh! Hey there, Allen!” Rosetta called.
“Hi, Rosetta,” Allen replied.
“Ahem!” One of the officials loudly cleared his throat and glared at Rosetta to silence her.
As many others entered the room, it was clear that there was no time for idle chatter. There were more important matters at hand.
“Ugh, I know, I know!” Rosetta groaned. “I just need to be appraised, right?”
One by one, Helmios’s party was appraised. The Ten Heroic Beasts and Admiral Garara’s party were also nearby, but they would not be appraised this time around. Regalfaras was not keen on allowing other nations to boast about the strengths of their champions, barring those from Ratash.
Rosetta had finished her appraisal, and it was shown that she was a Phantom Thief King now. The class promotion dungeon allowed Talents of up to four stars to be promoted, and the other nine members of Helmios’s party had all received theirs.
“I just need to place my hand here, correct?” Dverg asked. He had a patch over one eye and was known as the champion of Ratash.
“Precisely,” a clergyman replied, and Dverg moved his hand onto the crystal ball.
* * *
Dverg’s Appraisal Results
Name: Dverg von Demonbreaker
Age: 71
Class: Sword King
HP: 3,555 + 1,200
MP: 2,550
Attack: 3,555 + 1,200
Endurance: 3,555 + 1,200
Agility: 3,555 + 1,200
Intelligence: 2,550
Luck: 3,199 + 1,200
Extra Skills: Breaker Strike
Skills: Sword King, Slash, Death God Strike, Stoutness, Sparring, Sword Mastery, Shield Mastery
* * *
Dverg had also received a class promotion already, becoming a Sword King. He was yet to max his Talent level, however, and his skill levels were also lacking, so he had room for more growth. I see. Both Helmios and Dverg have their full names displayed. Makes sense given that they’re nobles.
Allen jotted down the Talents of all ten members of Sacred in his grimoire. Some of them had a last name, implying that their excellent Talent and achievements had rewarded them with a rank of nobility. It must have been quite difficult to give someone a last name, which was likely why the people of Rohzenheim lacked them. Oftentimes, the name of one’s party became their last name. There were also cases like Dverg, whose last name was based on his deepest wishes.
Names and Talents Within the Party, Sacred
Hero King: Helmios
Sword King: Dverg, Sylvia
Holy Knight King: Vesta
Saint King: Greta, Ingrid
Wizardess King: Limia, Lora
Bow King: Misty
Phantom Thief King: Rosetta
“That should be everyone,” Regalfaras said once Helmios’s party had finished their appraisals. He wanted Allen to be next. “Now, I ask that Allen’s party be appraised.”
“O-Of course. Who will go first?” the clergyman asked.
“I’ll go,” Pelomas offered. He was least suited for combat.
For some inexplicable reason, Allen, who was supposed to be compared to Helmios, was saved for later. Instead, Pelomas the merchant was appraised, followed by Luke, who had not been class promoted yet. No one reacted upon seeing the results for either of these two. They were still growing, and had much room for improvement.
Next up was Shia.
* * *
Shia’s Appraisal Results
Name: Shia van Albahal
Age: 15
Blessing: Beast God
Class: Beast Fist King
HP: 3,211 + 1,200
MP: 1,721
Attack: 3,640 + 1,200
Endurance: 3,211
Agility: 2,991 + 1,200
Intelligence: 1,485 + 1,200
Luck: 2,139 + 1,200
Extra Skills: Beast Mode
Skills: Beast Fist King, Super Heavy Blow, Super Instant Kill Strike, Super Throat Chop, Super Explosive Fist
* * *
“It seems Albahal has a powerful princess. I’m rather envious,” a representative muttered.
It had only been ten days since she was class promoted, and her skill levels were not maxed out yet. Still, her four-star Talent was impressive to anyone. Gasps of awe at her high stats filled the room.
“And she has the Blessing of Beast God Garm,” another pointed out.
Though she was in Allen’s party, her levels and skill levels had also failed to display.
“Hmph. These measly stats only besmirch the name of Beast God Garm,” Muza grumbled with a sigh, his voice echoing throughout the room. “If you cannot even come close to the Hero of the Central Continent, don’t bother embarrassing yourself any further!”
Shia grew pale and Dogora frowned in response.
“Next up,” the clergyman called.
“I’ll go,” Meruru said. She stood up and jogged over to the crystal to receive an appraisal.
“Ah! A Talos King has been born!” a person in the crowd gasped as they stood up.
Others similarly rose to their feet. Once Meruru had received her class promotion, she had met up with Dogora and the others to hunt iron golems. Since she was in Normal Mode, a single iron golem was more than enough to boost her level from 1 to 60.
Just like Shia had been doing, Meruru had farmed for over ten hours a day, her class skill having reached Lvl. 4. Because that skill had not been maxed out yet, it was the only one she had that raised her stats, but that was still enough to leave everyone slack-jawed. She was the second Talos King after Admiral Garara of Baukis. In other words, she possessed a Talent so rare that only one other person in the world currently had it.
Baukis had fourteen other Talos Generals. Unlike other three-star Talents such as Sword Lords and Saintesses, who died on the battlefields, Talos Generals were kept safe within a stout and durable golem. Many of them had survived the naval battles against the Demon Lord Army. Were all of them to receive class promotions, Baukis would boast over fourteen Talos Kings in their empire. The mere thought caused many to gulp nervously and turn white as a sheet. Only one grinned with satisfaction—a certain old man who had a baby face that did not quite suit his stature. His name was Emperor Pupun van Baukis III, and he was sitting in a chair that was not meant for someone of his size.
“Oho ho. Meruru, you’ve already received a class promotion, I see,” Pupun said. “Well done.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Meruru replied with a deep bow.
Once the crowd calmed themselves, the Appraisal Ceremony continued. Krena, Keel, and Cecil showed off their four-star or higher Talents. With every result, the crowd murmured and chattered among themselves, and they seemed particularly shocked to see that Krena had a five-star Talent.
“Everyone possesses extraordinary Talents,” Regalfaras said, growing sterner by the minute. “The girl called Krena is especially impressive. Her numbers are on par with Hero Helmios’s.” It was clear that the emperor was rather proud of Helmios’s Status and had not expected anyone to come close.
The crowd began to chatter once more.
“I’d expect no less from the powerful party that cleared the Rank S dungeon!”
“It seems their goal to defeat the Demon Lord isn’t just some proud nonsense.”
“A Saint King? Ah, he must be the new pope who saved Elmahl!”
“I’m an Apprentice Pope!” Keel countered.
He can’t help himself, but he still tries to be as well-mannered as he can. I don’t blame him when there’s all these important people around.
Dogora was next. He walked up to the crystal ball while muttering about how it was finally his turn. Having received Helmios’s report, Regalfaras had assumed that Dogora was the least impressive of the bunch. The boy lacked the oomph that the rest of the party seemed to have. Still, the emperor remained quiet and focused on the black plank.
The next moment, a blinding light filled the room, compelling everyone to cover their eyes. A powerful flash like the light of the sun enveloped the crowd for a split second as people gasped in surprise. It lasted only a moment, and when everyone’s vision returned, they again could not hide their awe at the jaw-dropping numbers on the wood.
* * *
Dogora’s Appraisal Results
Name: Dogora
Age: 15
Blessing: Goddess of Fire
Class: Destroyer
HP: 6,329 + 4,800
MP: 2,927 + 2,400
Attack: 6,588 + 4,800
Endurance: 5,835 + 4,800
Agility: 4,473 + 4,800
Intelligence: 2,765 + 2,400
Luck: 4,288 + 4,800
Skills: Destroyer, Super Full Might, Super Explosion, Super Peerless Slash, Super Slaughter Strike, Heart and Soul, Super Fighting Soul, Axe Mastery, Dual Axe Mastery, Shield Mastery
* * *
The crowd was in a state of confusion as people cried out.
“Hmm? What’s going on?! What are these numbers?! Th-That Attack is completely off the charts!”
“The Blessing of the Goddess of Fire?! Does he have Lady Freyja’s power within him?!”
“He might have more power than Krena!”
Dogora’s over Lvl. 80, and he can still gain more levels. I wonder what his cap is. And with his Destroyer skill at Lvl. 3, he’s learned Super Fighting Soul. The buffs he gets from it might be so great that they’d make me tremble. After resting on Hardcore User Island, Dogora had farmed iron golems, killing over eight thousand and reaching Lvl. 84 in the process. He had also passed Lvl. 3 with his class skill, which had allowed him to learn Super Fighting Soul. At Lvl. 1, it raised MP and Intelligence by 2,400, and other stats by 4,800. When Dogora had been in Normal Mode, Fighting Soul had not raised MP or Intelligence; it had only raised other stats by 2,400. It was plain as day—Extra Mode increased one’s numbers exponentially while adding “Super” before each skill name. This also caused the user to deplete more than five times as much MP with every skill usage.
