Hell Mode: Volume 3, page 24
“Oh my! Are we riding on these birds, Lord Allen?” Sophie exclaimed, stepping out from behind Volmaar.
“Y-Yes,” Allen replied, still somewhat unnerved by her usual enthusiasm. “Allow me to show you how.”
He approached one of the crouching Bird Cs and threw one of his legs over its back. Meruru immediately copied him, albeit with her shorter limbs, looking very excited. Volmaar assisted Sophie with mounting her ride, then settled himself onto his own.
Once everyone was ready, Allen said, “All right, let’s go! We’re aiming to clear two floors by lunchtime!”
“Understood, Lord Allen!” Sophie cried out with as much cheer as Meruru. And with that, the group charged headlong into the labyrinthian dungeon.
Sure enough, they were preparing lunch beside the entrance to the third floor several hours later. It was a simple fare consisting of bread, jerky, dried sweet potato, and fruits.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t contribute at all...” Meruru apologized. She had been given a spear and a shield to fight with, but she had not been able to use either to any effective degree.
Allen looked up from his food. “Hm? Oh, no, it’s totally fine! I understand; there aren’t any golems around here, after all.”
Meruru had been standing in the front alongside Dogora as a secondary tank, but the difference between her abilities and those of someone with maxed out levels was painfully stark. Dogora had no trouble killing monsters while tanking damage for the whole group.
Meruru’s Talent, Talos General, enabled her to ride and control magic tools in the form of golems. These golems were extremely valuable, so she had not been allowed to bring one with her to Ratash. This was why she had not been able to contribute much to the battles and was feeling especially regretful for it.
Apparently, with a good golem, she can even beat a dragon to death!
The old man who had served as Cecil’s magic tutor was a wizard intimately familiar with the battlefield. Now that he was retired and no longer had lessons to teach, he had plenty of time to spare. So Allen had sent the tutor a message, asking him what he knew about golems. His reply had left Allen shivering at the mere notion of what Meruru was capable of.
Possessing the right Talent was a prerequisite for controlling a golem. To control a bronze golem, one had to be a one-star Talos Pawn; an iron golem, a two-star Talos Soldier; a mithril golem, a three-star Talos General. Mithril golems were powerful enough to beat dragons with their bare fists. Golems could only move for a limited period of time, as they were powered by their operator’s MP, but they produced incredible results in limited warfare. These golems were how the Empire of Baukis managed to successfully keep the Demon Lord Army at bay.
The flip side of this incredible ability, however, was that every single one of Meruru’s skills were related to controlling golems. While she was holding an adamantite spear and shield to more or less signal her desire to be a part of the battle, she did very little actual fighting.
Seeing how downcast Meruru now looked, Allen decided to change the topic. “I’ve mentioned this before, but the crown prince kinda has his eyes on us, and not in a good way. Now that you three have joined us, this might cause you some trouble too.”
He had already explained to the three of them that chances were high their party might get dispatched to a particularly fierce section of the front lines. He was up front about the fact that, although he did accept the task of taking care of them, they might get caught up in his own problems in turn.
“Oh, you no longer have to worry about that matter, Lord Allen. We have already sent word to my Mother Queen through Theodojiil.”
“Theodojiil?” Did I know someone with that name?
“Ah, I was referring to this academy’s headmaster, Lord Allen.”
It was only just now that Allen learned the headmaster’s name. Apparently her station was so much higher than his that she could casually refer to him by his given name. And what was more, apparently Rohzenheim was such a superpower that a single word from its queen was enough to sweep away the entire issue with the crown prince. Allen realized how reassuring it was having someone so powerful in his court, so to speak.
Within the Five Continent Alliance, said to hold the future of the world in its hands, there were three individuals with exceptional power: the emperor of the human Empire of Giamut, the emperor of the dwarven Empire of Baukis, and the queen of the elven kingdom of Rohzenheim. The heads of state of the major nations on the two southern continents were nowhere near as powerful as these three. Then far below them on the ladder were leaders like the king of Ratash, which was a comparatively tiny country that was not even a major signatory of the Alliance. And if the king was so insignificant in the grand scheme of things, the disfavor of a crown prince who had yet to even assume the throne was worth less attention than the bite of a mosquito. At least, this was the way Sophie saw things.
Continuing the conversation, Allen said, “Thank you for that. Still, we may end up getting dispatched to different locations on the battlefield.”
“I’m afraid that is indeed a possibility,” Sophie agreed. “After all, where each person is stationed is up to their own country’s discretion.”
The three new students had already learned the full Demon Lord history. This only made sense, of course—it would cause unnecessary confusion if they were to send teenagers to faraway countries without letting them know the real reason they were leaving.
The heads of each nation held exclusive rights to specify where their citizens were to be dispatched. Instructions from the Five Continent Alliance could only be considered advice. As such, the crown prince ultimately held the power to decide where Allen, Krena, Cecil, Dogora, and Keel would be sent after graduating, and there was no guarantee that it would be the same place where Sophie and Meruru would be going.
“By the way, what’s with calling me ‘Lord Allen’?”
“My, does it bother you?”
“I mean, not particularly. It’s just that I don’t really remember doing anything to earn the title.”
Though I don’t really care what she calls me. It’s all the same to me.
“I believe I have not discussed this yet, but Lord Rohzen prophesizes about you often, Lord Allen.”
“Huh? Prophecy? What’s he said?” That certainly piqued my curiosity.
“Um, it’s always in fragments and it’s sometimes hard to hear, but...” Sophie went on to explain that the Sovereign of Spirits was often asleep on an altar located within the palace where the queen of the elves lived.
Beginning ten years ago, Rohzen had mentioned several things in his sleep, including “a black-haired boy will be born,” “under the influence of a large country on the Central Continent,” and “all his stats will be ranked at the bottom.” Every time he mumbled something else, the priestesses tending to him always carefully wrote down whatever he said.
Seriously? So the elves even believe in their god’s sleep talking?
Allen recalled the headmaster’s behavior during the entrance exam and realized that this prophecy from Rohzen had likely been taken into consideration for his enrollment.
“Fascinating. Has Lord Rohzen said anything else?”
“Of course!” Sophie smiled brightly at Allen’s interest, giving off the impression that she had been waiting for him to ask about this all along. “He once said, ‘Numerous shall they be, enough to cover the skies, but a black-haired man shall stand up and banish the shadows from the world.’ All the elves were taken aback when we heard the message, but Lord Allen, do you know what? Today, I’ve become assured that this prophecy will truly come to pass!”
It was, of course, once she had seen the Summons that Sophie became convinced of the truth of the prophecy. Her eyes dazzled like the stars in the sky as she continued talking.
Chapter 14: Developing Rodin Village
It was now mid-April. The sub-party that Allen ran with the new members had finished one Rank B dungeon and were set to complete another by the end of the month.
Carlova informed Allen and Cecil that they had to take extra lessons on the fundamentals of battle strategy. The teachers selected which students to register to the course based on their performance and deeds during their first year, which was why the majority of the class roster were noble scions and dungeon party leaders. Not surprisingly, this included Rifol and Uster.
Allen was of the opinion that, generally speaking, command should be left to the nobles. After all, even commoners and serfs preferred to take orders from nobles. Nobles were used to giving servants orders, but were unaccustomed to taking orders from the lower classes. There was no need to purposely go against the hierarchical system that the country was based on.
Allen’s classmates, inspired by the Gamers’ progress, had applied themselves to their own dungeon delving in earnest this year. However, they were now challenging Rank B dungeons—the monsters they faced had gone up one rank from D to C, and there were now Monster Summon Traps to worry about. Allen gave everyone as much advice as he could, but he made sure to drive home the point they should always take any and all safety precautions and to not become overconfident.
As part of those precautions, Allen had begun lending his Summons out to classmates when they really needed it. Going dungeon delving with students in other classes was entirely allowed, so he also made plans to help some with taking down particular bosses. However, there was a limit to the number of Summons he possessed, and he made sure everyone fully understood this.
At the same time, the No-life Gamers had begun training to master their Extra Skills. Krena wasted no time in asking Carlova during one of their afternoon classes. Normally, this was not taught until the third year, but when she told him she had reached her level cap, he yielded and agreed to teach her. Cecil, Dogora, and Keel also approached their respective instructors. They all wanted to master their Extra Skills and learn how to use them at will as soon as possible. Allen was sure that Extra Skills could indeed be controlled, as he had seen Dagrah do so.
“Whew, we’re finally here,” a Bird F Summon sighed in Allen’s voice as it landed in a treeless area alongside a river that cut through some dense forest.
“Oh, hi, uh...Allen?” Rodin, Allen’s father, replied in a hesitant tone.
This time, Allen had dispatched seven Summons to help with the new village’s land reclamation efforts. Around a hundred serfs were now staring at all the Summons—including the Bird F that was conversing with Rodin—with apprehension and fear on their faces.
“Is that talking bird really Allen?”
“It’s been a while, Mr. Gerda.”
Gerda, Krena’s father, was also there. Dogora’s parents planned on moving to Rodin Village as well, but as they were commoners, they were scheduled to arrive the following year.
“Whoaaa! It’s a big boar!” Allen’s younger brother Mash exclaimed as he looked at the massive Beast C that Bird F was currently perched on top of. With sparkling eyes, he asked, “Are you gonna kill it, father?!”
Rodin shook his head. “No, son. This here’s a friend who’s gonna help us build the village. So, don’t attack him, all right?”
“Wow! Okay, father!”
Aw, I’m glad to see Mash has grown up bright and energetic. He used to be such a crybaby, but now he doesn’t even flinch when looking at a Beast C. He’s so big now!
“Father and Mr. Gerda, can you take down the packages on the boars’ back?”
“Packages? Ah, you mean this bag that’s tied up?” Rodin clambered up and undid the fastenings of one of the bundles, then brought it down. “What’s ins— Spears?”
Gerda peered over. “What? Let me see... These two look reddish. Are they rusted? But they look so glossy.” He picked up one of the spears that was tinged reddish-orange from tip to butt and hoisted it.
“It’s made of hihiirokane,” Allen replied. “I threw them in there for the two of you.”
“What’s hihiirokane? Is it better than steel?” Rodin asked.
Realizing that his father had never heard the term before, Allen decided to explain it later. Instead, he said, “And, um, I’ve also included ten mithril spears.”
“WHAT?! There are mithril spears?!” Half of the serfs rushed forward and crowded around the same bundle. They had probably heard of the metal from a knight or a merchant before. To the remaining half, however, “mithril” was a new word.
Supplies Sent to Rodin Village
Hihiirokane Spear x 2
Hihiirokane Shield x 2
Mithril Spear x 10
Mithril Armor Set x 12
Gold Coin x 300
A few dozen hoes and saws
Everything had been tied to the backs of three Beast Cs, which had made the trip to the settlement all the way from Academy City.
After they heard Allen’s explanation on hihiirokane, Rodin and Gerda murmured, “So there are metals even more powerful than mithril...” as they examined the reddish-orange hihiirokane spears with appreciation. These two were meant for Gerda and Rodin. Allen had sent them because autumn—meaning great boar-hunting season—would eventually arrive once again.
The total cost of what Allen had sent this time came up to 1,500 gold. After talking it out with his companions, it was decided that Allen would cover half of that amount, Dogora and Krena would cover twenty percent each, and Cecil ten percent, while Keel did not have to pay. After all, these were supplies for Allen’s, Dogora’s, and Krena’s families. It was only because Cecil had insisted on paying and had refused to back down that they accepted ten percent from her. Keel had also offered to contribute, but Allen talked him out of it by reminding him that he would still have to provide for future Carnel restoration efforts.
Thanks to Allen obtaining Strengthening Lvl. 7, the Summons Squads he sent wandering around Rank A dungeons had become a lot more efficient. He was now earning over two thousand gold a month from the Squads alone. All of this money went into Storage, of course, as he was saving up for when orichalcum weapons or accessories that could recover magic would appear in the Auction—not that they ever did. He had asked the Adventurer’s Guild to notify him should anyone bring one into any of the other branches in the country.
Without further ado, the Beast C Summons began assisting the serfs. They were currently clearing out the tree line between the plain where the village was to be and the nearby forest. Most of the plains within the Granvelle realm were dotted with trees in the same way. The task, therefore, was to clear away such trees in the vicinity. All the wood gathered in the process would then be used as construction material.
Myulla and Mash giggled as they mischievously played around the Beast Cs, crying, “Oink, oink!” and “This way, piggy!”
Looks like neither of them are afraid of monsters. This is a bit of a problem. Hmm...I have an idea. It’d help pad the dinner menu too, so it’ll be two birds with one stone.
Creeeeaaak... BOOM!
“Whaaaat?!”
Allen turned at the villagers’ collective gasp of astonishment. They were looking at the Beast C that had gone up to a tree and bit into it, pulling up the entire thing—roots and all—in one heave, then dropped it in an open area. Promptly, the other Beast Cs began doing the same, gathering all the trees they uprooted into a neat pile. Each of them had 1,500 Attack, meaning they could bite even a murdergalsh to death. They needed neither sleep nor food and could continue working twenty-four seven.
Slightly before twilight, the serfs gathered for dinner. They had only just settled this place, so the buildings were little better than mere shacks. Theresia and Mathilda led the other women in preparing the meal. A rush of nostalgia filled Allen as he saw the meager fare of barley porridge, potatoes, and beans.
As I’d thought, they are severely lacking in meat. They need the energy for all this backbreaking work! I’m glad I found one!
“A GREAT BOAR’S COMING! IT’S A STRAY!”
These villagers called great boars that did not return to the White Dragon Mountains even once winter arrived “strays.” Allen had done his best leading one to the settlement through a Bird E that he was Shared with. The people who had been caught entirely off guard flew into a huge panic.
“Men, grab your weapons! Women, protect the children!” Rodin barked, serving his role as village chief.
Before long, the boar had reached the village center. Before the villagers could do anything, however, Spirit C floated up and assumed a position in midair as if it had been waiting for this moment in the spotlight. “Lift your spirits! This is the killer dinner that Lord Allen has brought you with his Summons!”
Multiple people mumbled, “Killer dinner?” to themselves in a daze as the great boar squealed at the top of its lungs. It dug the ground a few times in an act of intimidation, then barreled forward at the villagers.
Just as Rodin and Gerda were about to order their men to pull back further, Spirit C uttered the single word “Die!” and threw a volleyball-sized gray orb that shot toward the charging monster at incredible speed. When it made contact with the beast’s mighty hard head...the head exploded. After stumbling a few more steps, the now headless great boar collapsed onto its side. Rodin, Gerda, and the villagers all stared in shock after seeing a tiny doll one-hit KO a Rank C monster.
I hope this helps Myulla and Mash gain a healthy fear of monsters.
Allen turned to look at his siblings and found them clutching each other, quivering in fear. He did feel bad orchestrating this terrifying experience for them, but the village was still in an unfinished state and lacked a proper barrier. It would be troubling if they got into their heads that it would be funny to play outside where it was unsafe.
“Here is some dead meat that you don’t have to pay taxes for,” Spirit C giggled, referring to the tax reduction system for new villages. For the first two years, no taxes would be collected. After that, thirty percent would be collected from all produce for the next three years, then the full sixty percent would be collected from the sixth year onward.
