Hell Mode: Volume 9, page 16
“A-And what is the Crevelle Kingdom saying?” Pelomas asked anxiously. He was intimidated by Shia’s wild appearance and had not interacted with her much, but he now had no choice but to talk to her.
“I haven’t received a response yet,” Shia confessed. “But it seems difficult to negotiate with them.”
Shia was already trying to petition the Crevelle Kingdom for visas that would allow them into the Prostia Empire. Needless to say, their primary reason for wanting to enter Prostia was to help Pelomas get a Holy Orb of Macris. And this is perfect for us. I need Holy Orbs for everyone in the party anyway.
It was said that every Holy Beast in the world possessed Holy Orbs. Equipping them would increase the user’s stats immensely. However, Allen only had two of these precious items: a Holy Orb of Macris given to them by the princess of Crevelle, and a Holy Orb of Rubanka taken from Bask. The Holy Orb of Macris was meant for a member of the rear guard, but Allen still wanted at least ten of them.
“Be a bit aggressive in your negotiations,” Allen requested.
Put a gun to the head of those open to diplomatic relations to get what you want. That’s Negotiation 101.
Shia shook her head. “Crevelle is dependent on the Prostia Empire. Naturally, that means that they can’t be too aggressive with their requests. Pushing the limits with Crevelle would only strain our relationship with them.”
The Prostia Empire was located on the ocean floor, and the Crevelle Kingdom was the only nation it had created above water.
“Then is it hard for them to issue us visas?” Allen asked.
“I didn’t say that,” Shia replied. “There are two types of visas that allow entry into the Prostia Empire. Crevelle can only provide the type that’s for fellow merfolk. The other type of visa, which allows any species to enter, is issued by the Prostia Empire itself.”
Shia continued to detail the situation as Crevelle had explained it to her. Every visa issued by the Prostia Empire was blessed by Aqua, the Goddess of Water. Wearing it allowed nonmerfolk to breathe underwater. However, these visas could only be issued underwater, and the Crevelle Kingdom was currently being scolded by the empire for having been embroiled in the Daemonism ordeal.
“Negotiations take time,” Shia said. “They can’t all be solved with threats and weapons.”
“E-Excuse me,” a dwarf said, approaching them. “May we start now? Captain Rarappa has told us that preparations are complete.”
“Hmm? Oh, sorry,” Allen said. “We made you all wait. Yes, please begin.” The No-life Gamers had been waiting, but the conversation had drawn on a bit too long, causing everyone else to have to wait instead.
“Thank you, Commander in Chief Allen. We shall begin releasing the water soon.”
I don’t mind being called that outside the island, but am I gonna be addressed like that on the island too? His title had been chosen with the help of the Five Continent Alliance, and Allen thought it would prove greatly beneficial to him when he eventually had to negotiate with the Alliance. However, he found it to be a bit troublesome to be called “Commander in Chief” or “Lord Commander in Chief” by his army and the island’s residents. It’s a little pompous.
“Commander in Chief Allen,” Sophie whispered from beside him.
The elf princess had likely had a hand in coming up with the title, but when asked, she had only responded with how lovely “Commander in Chief” sounded. The truth was being kept from Allen.
All the while, the No-life Gamers headed to Crey Town, where the land of merfolk was being built. The town was currently just a massive, ten-meter-deep hole with a one-kilometer radius. There was a foundation at the bottom of it, and stilt houses had been erected. Once water was poured into the pit, it would become a perfect space for merfolk. When Allen arrived, an elderly merfolk, the mayor of Crey, approached him.
“I’ve been waiting for you, Commander in Chief Allen,” the elderly merfolk said. “May I ask you to do the honors?”
“Right,” Allen replied. “Could we activate the magic tool for this lake?”
“Yes, sir,” a dwarf replied.
The cubic magic tool was activated, and water gushed into the pit.
“Wow! Look at all this water!” the elderly merfolk cried, so shocked by the sight that he was pointing out the obvious. “It’s gushing out!”
White foam sprayed its surroundings as the pit was quickly filled with water. This magic tool with water had been a drop from one of the silver chests that had come from an iron golem. Since Allen did not have any magic tool users in his party, he had held on to the item without knowing its effects, but when he had shown it to someone who could use such tools, he was immediately told that it was a great water creation magic tool. Even so, he had no idea where all this water came from and how it was created. The small box could not possibly contain it all.
“Maintain water levels,” a female dwarf commanded, acting like a queen instructing her servant. “We’ll stabilize the water’s surface by tomorrow.”
“Yes, Captain Rarappa!” another dwarf replied.
“I’m sorry to make you use such a powerful magic tool when you’ve just been assigned to this job,” Allen apologized to the captain.
“Don’t worry about it,” Rarappa replied. “You see, I’m also rather excited to be able to use and research all these precious tools.”
She smiled, her eyes peeking out from underneath her straight, green bangs that were neatly trimmed across the middle of her forehead. Rarappa was twenty-five, a decade older than Allen, and possessed the three-star Talent “Magitech Specialist.” Fewer than fifty other people shared her Talent. She served as the captain of the Magus Smith Squad in Baukis and had brought along ninety-nine other Magitech Mechanics to offer aid.
The group had decided to join the Allen Army after catching wind that Allen had quite a few rare magic tools he had obtained from the lowest floor of the Rank S dungeon. Since the Allen Army was set to fight the Demon Lord Army, even Magus Smith squads that stood at the rear were risking their lives, but the pros outweighed the cons. Many dwarves were dying to get their hands on rare magic tools.
Once enough water had filled the pit, Allen turned to another dwarf beside Rarappa and said, “General Zaurere, I leave the rest to you.”
“Noted! Squad, march!” Zaurere shouted.
“March!” the golem users yelled.
Zaurere commanded his own squad of ninety-nine golem users from Baukis, and a few had their golems descend. The general mounted a Mithril Grade golem and marched toward the pit, carrying another tool called a great purification magic tool. This tool had the ability to sterilize water and preserve it in a pristine state, without the liquid becoming stale.
Merfolk spent most of their time underwater, and a floating island in the sky with an artificially created lake could not receive water from an outside source. This sort of device was required to keep the water pure. Both the water creation and purification magic tools carried “great” effects, meaning that a Rank A magic stone was required to keep it running for a year. Once the great purification magic tool was installed and the golem walked out, merfolk children started squealing and frolicking as they jumped into the water. And with that, all four towns are done.
As the three thousand merfolk headed to their assigned living spaces, Allen once again realized that merfolk could breathe underwater.
Chapter 8: The Allen Army’s Departure Ceremony
It had been nearly two months since the Allen Army started developing the island and clearing dungeons. Allen had held exactly one meeting with his party and those who had over a hundred subordinates, but he had not gathered the entire army for one just yet, so a date for just such an event was selected. Now that the Five Continent Alliance conference was over and the Allen Army had become known across the world, Allen wanted a departure ceremony to symbolize the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one.
On the day of the ceremony, the No-life Gamers headed to the mountain in the center of Hardcore User Island. The temple on top of the mountain had several floors, with the highest floor enshrining a massive brazier dedicated to Freyja, the Goddess of Fire. This floor was spacious enough for Summons to have fought freely during the battle against Gushara and Bask but not large enough for a King Me’d Stone A, which was forty-five meters tall. The ceiling was lower than expected. Still, it could house the over five thousand soldiers of the Allen Army, barring a select few who were off in Academy City or training in the Rank S dungeon.
Allen had already received permission from Freyja to use the temple. One could never disrespect a deity. Still, Allen thought it would be insolent to use the highest floor, and since he needed to get on her good side, he decided to use the next floor down. Pelomas, Habarak, and the town mayors were also present for this ceremony. Allen felt it vital that they saw how the Allen Army would operate as an organization.
By the time the No-life Gamers reached the temple, everyone was already gathered, so Allen stepped onto the podium. Now standing taller than them all, he could see the five thousand refined soldiers in orderly lines, awaiting instruction. They faced the podium, divided into squads and species, with the highest-ranking commander in front and captains and other ranks behind them. Each line was straight and neat both horizontally and vertically, and everyone was sitting. Allen had not wanted them to stand the whole time, showing consideration for their feet.
This kind of reminds me of a school entrance ceremony, he thought. A school with five thousand students is colossal.
The rest of the No-life Gamers were standing behind Allen. Captain Rarappa, who stood at the front of the dwarves, approached Allen and handed him a small device—a magic tool that amplified his voice. The ceremony was about to begin.
“I am Allen, the commander in chief of the Allen Army. Let the departure ceremony begin.”
Everyone listened solemnly as his voice echoed throughout the floor thanks to the magic tool. I guess people are humbler the more powerful they get. Mayors and elves who were exponentially older than Allen were present. He did not mind being overbearing as the commander in chief, but he believed it was best to remain polite and modest. When he glanced at Sophie, she praised him with her eyes, encouraging him to keep up the good work.
“First, I would like to discuss the position of the Allen Army with regard to the Five Continent Alliance,” Allen started, wanting to touch on the fact that the army was globally recognized.
The members of the Five Continent Alliance had continued their discussions even after Allen had left. He had received no word from them, however, so he assumed that his role was over for now. And though he was not sure what kind of impression he had left on the representatives of the other nations, he thought that it had gone quite well. Just as he had claimed at the conference, he wanted to install communication magic tools around the world so that he could take care of monsters Rank A and higher that were tormenting the land. His plan was to have the Baukisian magic tool users take care of that.
“That would be a huge help. We can contact the armies of the Five Continent Alliance as well,” Rudo replied.
While no one was sure just how involved the Allen Army would be with the Five Continent Alliance, the army would likely be treated in accordance with their position.
“But surely not all nations will be understanding,” Field Marshal Lukdraal said.
“We don’t need their understanding, and we don’t need to waste time with them,” Allen replied firmly. “Tell them that we won’t go down without a fight if they choose to invade us.”
“I see...”
“That doesn’t mean we should be tyrants, though. I ask that the generals and captains keep their subordinates in check.”
The higher-ranking officials all seemed to agree and bowed their heads in assent. Allen went on to explain that a squad of Magus Smiths and a squad of dwarven golem users had been dispatched to support their army.
“Captain Rarappa, General Zaurere, please introduce yourselves,” Allen requested.
The two soldiers marched forward from their squads. Captain Rarappa went first, gracefully jumping onto the podium and taking the voice amplification magic tool from Allen.
“Listen well! I am Captain Rarappa of the Magus Smith squad! Bring any inquiries about magic tools to me!”
She struck a splendid pose and made her introduction. Her subordinates, the other dwarves, started clapping furiously. Some of them even produced horns out of seemingly thin air and blew into them to cheer for their beloved leader.
“You’re amazing, Captain!”
Meruru, too, was awestruck. “That was awesome!”
When Allen glanced her way, he noticed that Sophie, who was sitting beside the dwarf, was wearing a glum expression. It seemed the elf was disgruntled with the fact that another person had gotten up on the podium, as she had built it for Allen alone. He felt that it was important to allow the uniqueness of others to shine, however, and he shot her a look asking her to remain quiet.
Rarappa had stepped off the podium and handed the voice amplification magic tool to General Zaurere. Both dwarves were smaller than even the beastkin who were sitting. Allen did not stop them from stepping onto the podium since it allowed everyone to get a better look at them.
“My name is Zaurere. We of the golem squad shall become your wall.”
He stroked his small beard and struck a pose as well. Then, he waddled his way off the podium and returned the magic tool to Allen. When the Summoner stepped back onto the platform, he noticed the troubled looks of everyone but the dwarves.
“We’ve got more unique characters joining us. Please give them a warm welcome,” Allen said, and the confused soldiers managed to give a thunderous round of applause. He waited for the noise to die down before he spoke once more. “Thank you, all. Now then, I’d like to discuss the rank of general for each army. As you may know, every species has a general standing at the helm.”
Field Marshal Lukdraal had been demoted to general, the highest rank in the army, and Captain Rudo had been promoted to the rank to accommodate the Allen Army having further divided each species’ army into squads, units, and platoons. The generals were in charge of their armies, with the captains leading the squads, the commanders ordering the units, and the platoon leaders directing the platoons. The Magus Smith squad was a part of the Golem Army. Each section was in charge of reporting its current status, including class promotions.
The beastkin and elves had all finished their class promotions and could enter the Rank S dungeon. Both species were currently supporting the dark elves so that they could clear dungeons as well. The beastkin were adept at close combat, and that made it safer for the dark elves. It also encouraged teamwork between the two species.
“Once that’s done, I want everyone to work together to hunt iron golems,” Allen said. “Please think of this as a practice run before facing Demonic Deities.”
He predicted that the last of the dark elves would receive their class promotion in two to three months. The three species would then need to work together to defeat iron golems. These monsters had stat values of 25,000 across the board and were a touch weaker than Demonic Deities, but with proper teamwork and the use of Extra Skills, Allen believed that his army could kill them. Once the troops got used to teamwork and fighting powerful enemies, they could handle Demonic Deities while raising their skill levels.
This plan would also help fund the Allen Army. Since Extra Skills were required to defeat iron golems, taking cooldown into account, only a few could be slain a day. Even so, it would make them more than enough money for their needs.
“And we must explain our position as well,” Shia said from behind the Summoner.
“Yeah,” Allen replied.
Rudo, who sat closest to the podium, heard the conversation and interjected. “Pardon? Is anything going on with our Princess Shia?”
Allen decided to divulge what they had all been discussing the night before. Because he had only wanted input from his party, no one else knew about it, including Rudo.
“Since the other No-life Gamers will sometimes be in charge of the Allen Army, we decided on ranks and roles within the party,” Allen said.
It had only been two months since the Allen Army was formed, so it was still in the midst of growing and improving. There was ample time left before it was ready to mobilize. Regardless, Allen wanted to inform everyone of the positions and roles of the No-life Gamers members. Once the army officially began operations, there was no telling what situations awaited it or what actions would need to be taken. It was possible that someone other than Allen would have to take the reins.
Allen had the No-life Gamers take the stand after he was done detailing his thoughts. But before he could give Krena the voice amplification magic tool, she stood in front of the podium and shouted at the top of her lungs.
“I’m Krena, captain of the Special Attack Force! Nice to meet ya!”
She stuck out the index finger on her dominant hand and pointed it at the troops gathered in front of her. Though she was not using the platform, it seemed Captain Rarappa’s attitude had influenced her. The Allen Army was stunned by her outburst, but they soon gave another round of applause, celebrating their new captain. The rest of the No-life Gamers used the voice amplification magic tool to announce their roles.
The Allen Army
Allen: Commander in Chief
Sophie: Tactician
Volmaar: Assistant Tactician
Shia: Field Marshal of the Vanguard
Luke: Field Marshal of the Rear Guard
Meruru: Field Marshal of the Golem Army
Krena: Captain of the Special Attack Force
Hardcore User Island
Pelomas: Governor of the island
Cecil: Lieutenant Governor of the island
Temple of Fire Goddess Freyja
