Hell Mode: Volume 9, page 22
“This is quite the conundrum,” Sophie said. “If we can’t enter Prostia...”
“But, well, we have to. We’re gonna need to go there sooner or later,” Allen replied.
“But Lord Allen...” She felt like he was asking for the impossible.
“Your Majesty, are you able to issue a visa for us?” Allen asked.
“I can, of course, but those visas are for...” the king trailed off.
You said you can do it. I’ll hold you to your word. Though Allen had received the king’s word, humans, elves, and beastkin could not survive within the Prostia Empire. The rest of the No-life Gamers could not hide their confusion; no doubt Allen knew this tidbit, and yet he still seemed so confident. Did he have something up his sleeve?
“You’ve got a plan, don’t you, Allen?” Cecil asked.
“I do,” Allen replied. “I’m used to this sort of thing. I experienced it many times in the past.”
I guess any world has nations like Prostia. Allen had played such games numerous times before. If he could not go to a certain area, the game had required the player to obtain a key or some other special method of transportation. There had always been a solution lying around, in tandem with the reason behind a player being barred entry.
Allen used what he had learned as Kenichi to analyze the situation. He was trying to enter a zone that was off-limits to him. Like a story that would not progress unless he entered the village of the elves, who hated humans, or an event that would not trigger until he infiltrated the Demon Lord Castle and figured out the Demon Lord’s motives, he simply needed to once again use the methods he had learned in his games.
“This is probably the first time I’ll be showing you guys this, huh?” Allen said. “We’ll enter using the most basic method. Octo, can you use Mimic? You can use it on just me.”
A massive octopus appeared from the walls of the room.
“Mimic just you, Master Allen? Aye,” Octo, the Fish A Summon, said.
The Crevelle royals, ministers, and knights gasped in alarm upon seeing the octopus, which was so large that only its face and mouth were visible. At the end of its cylindrical mouth, Octo created a bubble that was large enough for a person to stand inside. The bubble floated toward Allen and bumped into him with an amusing plap, turning into white smoke and enveloping his body. When the smoke cleared, a merfolk was standing in front of everyone’s eyes.
“L-Lord Allen?! Lord Allen, is that really you?! How in the world did you transform?!” Sophie gasped as she stood up.
“Heh heh heh,” Allen laughed triumphantly. He closed and opened his hands, checking his webbed fingers. Huh, so this is how it feels to be a merfolk.
“Hey, why are you a merfolk now, Allen?!” Cecil cried. Even she could not wrap her head around what had just happened.
Allen grinned as he confidently pointed to the ocean in the distance. “Now then, since it seems like our lovely Crevelle Kingdom royals will issue us visas, let’s visit the Prostia Empire at the bottom of the sea!”
Side Story 1: The Sacrifice and the Blood of the Beast (Part 2)
It had been ten months since Beast Crown Prince Beku’s loss in the Beast King Martial Arts Tournament. Beast Prince Giru, who had dominated the match, had been crowned Beast Crown Prince of Brysen upon his return. He had also sent his request to join the Beast King Martial Arts Tournament the following year.
Beku was looking forward to the challenge. Following his defeat, he had holed himself up for a few months out of shock, but he had gradually begun to believe that he could not keep retreating. The pride of Albahal, and above all, his own pride had been tarnished, and he was not about to take it lying down. He had personally begged for the Beast King’s permission and had conducted his duties as Beast Crown Prince while claiming victory in various competitions. He was training hard to exact his revenge on Giru.
As a part of his training, Beku had decided to hunt an ark spider, a Rank S monster that dwelled in dense forests. The creature, known to live for several millennia within the lush greenery of Albahal, would devour a couple of beastkin every time it awoke from its slumber.
Once, the residents of a village near one such forest had tried to defeat the monster, but they had failed miserably. The entire village had been gobbled up within a few weeks. And so, in hopes of quelling its wrath, other nearby villages had started a custom of offering a few beastkin to the spider.
Now, however, this fearsome monster was nothing more than a hundred-meter-tall corpse in front of Beku.
“Ah, Romu...” the Beast Crown Prince said, gazing at a sack that could fit in the palm of his hand. “This is a wonderful drug. Without it, I would have been in trouble.”
Before his bout with the monster, Beku had swallowed a pill from inside the sack. Doing so had caused power to overflow from his body—so much so that he had just risked his life to defeat a spider the size of a mountain.
“But of course,” Romu replied happily. “It’s a powerful supplement blend of my own creation. Nothing can compare to it.”
Romu, a goatkin, stood behind the royal. This wandering physician had suddenly appeared one day after Beku had suffered a humiliating defeat and holed himself up. While it was unclear exactly how Romu gained the Beast Crown Prince’s trust, the goatkin had begun residing in the royal castle and had eventually become his personal pharmacist. Captain Kei, a dogkin, emerged from behind Romu and pushed the goatkin aside.
“Prince Beku, I’m so glad you’re safe,” Captain Kei said, but he quickly noticed something amiss. “Y-Your face!” The ark spider’s sharp front leg had sliced Beku’s cheek, creating a deep gash that ran across his ear.
“Hmm? Ah, yes. Oddly enough, I don’t feel any pain. Perhaps I have Romu’s medicine to thank,” Beku replied, his wound healing as he spoke. “I feel power coursing through me. I must have overcome Beast God Garm’s Trial.”
Due to his crushing defeat at the hands of Giru, Beku had been training hard for the next tournament. He had also changed his manner of speech, becoming more polite and adding a regal flair to his words.
“But this will scar your beautiful face, Prince Beku,” Kei said, worried that the fully healed wound would leave a lasting mark. “Romu, is there no good method to prevent that?”
“I’ve already given Prince Beku a pill to increase his HP,” Romu replied with a smile. “That pill will heal any wound, and with a good night’s rest, you won’t feel any exhaustion the next day either.”
“I see. I trust that you’re right,” Beku said. “You have my gratitude.”
“But it’s only because you have the blood of Albahal’s founder flowing through your veins. In other words, you are the rightful heir to the power given to us by Beast God Garm to protect and guide us beastkin. I have no doubt that you are the beastkin who is closest to god.”
Beku’s eyes glimmered. “Which means there is no reason I should lose to Giru.”
A terrifying grin stretched across his face, causing Captain Kei’s fur to stand on end. The captain realized that he feared his master very much. When he glanced over at Romu, the elderly goatkin did not seem to be exhibiting the same sense of fear. On the contrary, he was smiling.
“Beast God Gillan protects the Brysen royal family,” Romu said. “However, the deity only became who he is because of Lord Garm’s whims. Brysen is no match for Albahal. When people see you awaken the power slumbering with you, Prince Beku, everyone will be reminded of this face.”
The knights surrounding Romu and Captain Kei began nodding along as they whispered in agreement.
“He’s right.”
“Giru is nothing to be afraid of.”
They served Beku, who had been thought of as a prodigy since his youth. No one was eager to admit their master’s defeat in the previous tournament. They were all passionately watching Beku prepare to exact his revenge in the next match. No one realized how excited they were about their pleas finally being answered.
“Perhaps so,” Beku said coldly to the knights. “However, this is between myself and Giru. As he is a pillar supporting Beast God Garm, I will not allow any of you to speak ill of Lord Gillan. You’d best heed my warning, Romu. If you wish to remain close to me, you must never speak of the deities in such a manner.”
The smile faded from Romu’s face as he bowed vehemently, showing his submissive side. “I-I’m terribly sorry!”
At the same time, the knights shifted around awkwardly in response to the scolding. Captain Kei noticed the change in the atmosphere.
“Let us retreat,” the captain swiftly ordered. “We shall divide into three teams. The dismantling team will retrieve the mandible and magic stone...”
The ark spider was an insect monster, so its meat was not suitable for consumption, but it was rich in materials. The knights followed their captain’s orders and split into three: One would collect the monster’s materials, one would return to the stream where they had camped the night before to make preparations, and one would report to the nearby villages that the ark spider’s reign of terror had come to an end.
These knights were the children of nobles, though they were not heirs to their families. The nobles had offered their children as proof of their support since rumors swirled that Beku was the favorite to be the next Beast King. There were actually quite a few more knights, but Beku had only selected the best to tag along with him.
Two hours later, when the sun had set, a large bonfire illuminated the base camp as Kei served Beku inside a tent decorated with the emblem of the royal family.
“Your Highness, this is cooked to perfection,” the captain said, offering the Beast Crown Prince a chunk of skewered meat that had been seasoned and grilled well.
Beku took the skewer and took a big bite, removing a large chunk of meat with his teeth. The meat was not of excellent quality and was not in the best condition since it had been kept for days during their trip to this area. Such a dish would never be served to a royal in the royal castle, but to Beku, who had just fought a harsh battle, this was a grand feast that was second to none.
“What’s wrong?” Beku inquired. “I find it difficult to eat with you staring at me like that.”
“N-Nothing,” Kei replied as a tear rolled down his cheek. “I’m just moved by the fact that you defeated a terrifying monster all by yourself. You’ve become most splendid.”
Beku was so overwhelmingly powerful that it was difficult to believe he had been trounced by Giru in front of a crowd just last year. Kei had to give credit where it was due—this was thanks to Romu’s efforts. Not only had the goatkin helped a depressed Beku get back on his feet, but he had also generously provided the crown prince with pills that made him powerful in battle. Romu had developed the medicine specifically for Beku, who would not have been able to bounce back if it had not been for the pharmacist.
It was for this reason that Romu was allowed to be in the same tent as and even dine with Beku and Kei. Yet the goatkin never became conceited and diligently worked hard to develop new pills for Beku. Contrary to Romu’s usually excited look when developing new drugs, he looked bored while he ate his meal. Kei found the goatkin to be quite the eccentric oddball.
“Kei, it seems I’ve caused you much worry,” Beku said.
“What?! Not at all!” the captain hastily replied, acting humble.
“You’ve always been worried about me. If I were to have an older brother, I would choose you, Kei.” The captain froze in astonishment at the sudden words of gratitude, and Beku continued solemnly. “Since my youth, I’ve been indebted to you and your family, House Patrasche. The previous lord of your house passed his title to you despite your youth because you’re an excellent, competent person.”
Beku, like Kei, had been thrust into his role at a young age. The captain had been tasked with taking care of the crown prince ever since the two were children, and the two men had grown together. When Beku had become the crown prince, Kei had become a captain, and his hard work had rewarded him with being turned into the lord of a marquess’s house.
When Beku had been granted the title of Beast Crown Prince, many nobles had flocked toward him in hopes of receiving the favor of the future Beast King. Kei’s loyalty, however, was not so fragile.
“Y-You are far too kind for a man like me. As Kei van Patrasche, I shall serve you for the rest of my life, Prince Beku!” Kei then divulged his thoughts. “Your Highness, perhaps there is one more person worthy of your praise—Romu.”
“Ah, indeed,” Beku said.
The royal turned to Romu, who had not heard his name be called and apathetically continued eating his meal. When he noticed Beku’s gaze, the goatkin hastily jumped to his feet.
“Sire!” Romu cried. “I’m undeserving of the kind words of Sir Kei, your right-hand man—no, the future Beast King Corps’s captain!”
“The future Beast King?” Beku scowled. “Hold your tongue! Never say that again!” His monotonic low voice was a display of suppressing his anger.
“I-I’m terribly sorry!” Romu said, lowering his head and groveling.
“But your pills are rather impressive,” Beku said cheerfully. “I cannot use them for the Beast King Martial Arts Tournament, but they nevertheless enabled me to be victorious today. I’m convinced that I can win in the next tournament.”
The crown prince smiled with satisfaction as the goatkin looked up at him, his eyes glimmering.
＊ ＊ ＊
A few days later, Beku returned to the royal capital to visit his father. The Beast Crown Prince intended to request permission to enter the Beast King Martial Arts Tournament once more.
The thick doors to the audience room groaned as four knights pushed them open to make way for Beku. Inside was a long, red carpet with ministers and nobles lined up on either side of it. Sitting regally atop the throne in the center, at the end of this carpet, sat Beast King Muza, Beku’s father. Beside the king sat the queen, the crown prince’s mother, and on his opposite side sat Chancellor Lupu, a tanukikin. The queen’s seat was the same height as the throne, while Zeu’s and Shia’s seats were a step below.
Beku took large strides across the carpet, Captain Kei and a few other knights following behind him. Two of the knights each carried an ark spider mandible, and two more carried in a platter with a Rank S magic stone atop it.
Noticing the gazes pointed at him avert to the items that were carried in, Beku felt a sense of satisfaction. The nobles and ministers began to chatter.
“I can’t believe it. Rumors of the ark spider terrorizing the Belhina Mountains having been killed were true.”
“And look at that glimmer. That’s a Rank S magic stone.”
“I’m shocked such a terrifying monster was defeated. Perhaps His Highness has become as powerful as his grandfather, His Majesty Yoze.”
When Beku reached the end of the carpet, he slowly went down on one knee. Kei and the other knights followed suit, the items still in their hands.
“You have done well to return home, Beku,” Muza said. “I’ve heard that you defeated the monster all by yourself. Is this true?”
The Beast King’s tone was cold and stern, exactly as he had sounded when Beku had brought him the head of a king albaheron the year prior. And also exactly like the year prior, Beku’s voice was brimming with confidence.
“Of course,” Beku replied. “However, this is simply a prelude to the next tournament. I swear that I will defeat Giru of Brysen and get revenge for my nation.”
“Oh? So you plan to enter this year as well,” Muza said.
“Yes, Your Majesty! As the Beast Crown Prince, I will not allow Brysen to do as they please this time around!”
Muza gazed intently at Beku’s confident expression before turning to Chancellor Lupu.
“Lupu, show him,” Muza ordered.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Lupu replied. “Your Highness, please take a look at this.”
The chancellor stepped forward and removed a piece of paper from his pocket before handing it to Beku. The Beast Crown Prince solemnly unfurled the document and scanned its contents before emitting a low groan.
“Giru...will become the Beast King?!” he cried.
Lupu nodded. “That is correct. Beast King Oba of Brysen has claimed that should Beast Crown Prince Giru become victorious in the next Beast King Martial Arts Tournament, he will be allowed to succeed to the throne.”
The nobles could hardly believe their ears. All of them were familiar with the rules of the tournament.
Basic Rules of the Beast King Martial Arts Tournament
All beastkin kingdoms within Garlesia must host a Beast King Martial Arts Tournament once a year.
The Beast King Martial Arts Tournament permits the use of weapons, armor, and magic gear*.
Note: The use of Support Magic and healing items is forbidden.
There are no restrictions in terms of participants. Even criminals are allowed to enter, and one’s birth does not matter. The royal family must not receive any special treatment.
Should the Beast King of a different nation emerge victorious in a Beast King Martial Arts Tournament, they are to be given a fourth of the host nation’s land.
Should a participant be injured or killed during the Beast King Martial Arts Tournament, the involved parties are not allowed to voice any complaints.
*Magic gear refers to stat-boosting items such as rings and necklaces.
Special Rules Pertaining to Albahal, the County of Beastkin’s Beast King Martial Arts Tournament
There will be separate divisions based on weapon type.
Each division will hold preliminary rounds where contestants are free to fight as they wish. Matchups are decided by lottery, and contestants must win every match to reach the finals. The victor of the finals will be the winner of that division.
The winner of each division will fight the representative of that same division. Should the former be victorious, they shall become the new representative of the division.
The new representative shall fight against the division winner in the following year. Should the former be victorious, they will have successfully defended their title as representative.
