Negotiations with Sutherland had concluded without incident, and Takuto's party had returned to the Great Cursed Realm.
While diverse occurrences and problems naturally existed, having resolved them all, they could now be called fond memories.
With this first major goal cleared, the expressions of Takuto and Atou were noticeably brighter, and the accompanying Dark Elves exuded an air of satisfaction.
Though fatigue lingered, their spirits were high.
Everyone was enveloped in a kind of elation born from achievement. Ordinarily, he would have wanted to press on to the next operation without rest, but Takuto deliberately granted the negotiators a half-day leave to recover their energy.
"In that case, what shall we do about the other city-states, Lord Takuto? We've successfully established an alliance with Sutherland, but we haven't done anything regarding the other two nations yet?"
In Takuto's office.
Takuto, relaxing in his chair and munching on a snack, nodded with an "Mmm" at Atou's words, carefully chewing so as not to choke.
Atou, on her part, held a cup in both hands, sipping steaming, warm cocoa.
Despite the topic, their relatively casual attitude was because this time served as both a break and a consultation.
Normally, it wasn't good to bring up work during rest or private time, but neither Takuto nor Atou were in a position to be so leisurely, and they had few other topics in common, so naturally, the conversation turned to future state management.
"On that matter, you can rest easy. It seems Sutherland has sent negotiators of their own. Well, it's likely with an eye toward scoring points or gaining leverage, but in practice, since they have established relations with the city-states, negotiations should proceed more smoothly than if we were to approach them directly."
"Do you think it will go well? Even if small, we're dealing with nation-states. No matter how powerful Sutherland is, I doubt talks will progress so easily..."
Atou's words were correct.
However, this matter involved not only Sutherland but also Fonkavun. These were two nations that had already made their presence felt on the demonic continent. While the exact nature of their relationships with the city-states was unknown, discussions would undoubtedly proceed more smoothly than if Mynoghra were to take the lead.
At the same time, it could also be said that Mynoghra's involvement wasn't necessary here. They had directly engaged with Sutherland because that nation possessed considerable national power and required immediate diplomatic overtures.
Explaining these points to Atou, she brightened as if in understanding.
For her, anything disadvantageous to Mynoghra—and by extension, anything that troubled Takuto—was an object of utter aversion.
Learning that one such concern was likely to proceed without issue, it was only natural for Atou to beam.
"Does that mean bringing the two city-states into our orbit is an inevitable course of action, sooner or later? Are you considering support or deterrence? Once hostilities begin, there's no guarantee they won't make unnecessary moves..."
I hadn't really thought about that point much. To be honest, I was perfectly content as long as they didn't interfere, provided some decent supply and support from the shadows, and helped maintain order here and there. Takuto decided he could figure out how to deal with the details later, so, since the timing was good, he considered the two city-states that lived somewhat obscurely in Sutherland's shadow.
(If I recall, one is a beastman-type city-state and the other is a criminal state... The criminal state is a bit more concerning, but could deploying Brain Eaters there prevent trouble?)
There were two city-states on the Dark Continent. One was the beastman city-state Ironhenge. This nation had split from Fonkavun long ago and was characterized by a reverence for technology over magic. That said, this was still the Dark Continent, and they remained stagnant without any significant breakthroughs.
The other was the criminal state Gramfil. Known as a paradise for criminals, it was a dangerous place teeming with those who had fled from various nations, but its upper echelon was composed of political prisoners, so it maintained a minimal semblance as a state.
Both were roughly comparable in scale to Dragontan before its annexation by Mynoghra. It was more realistic to think of them not so much as two nations, but as two highly autonomous cities.
(Regardless, from what I've heard about Fonkavun and Sutherland, they clearly lack both significant influence and ambition. In that case, it would be best for Mynoghra to adopt a wait-and-see approach for now and focus its efforts on other operations.)
Rather, whether it was Fonkavun or Sutherland, it would probably please them if we left everything to them. Whether they were trying to demonstrate their competence by taking on troublesome burdens, or currying favor with an eye toward improved post-war status, their intentions were roughly similar. The fact that it would save us unnecessary effort was appreciated.
There was a high probability that the TRPG faction, including Kurifoto Keiji, had taken refuge in the criminal city of Gramfil, but the burden of negotiations with Sutherland was too heavy for Takuto to extend his reach there just yet. If possible, he wanted to face Kurifoto in a state of perfect readiness.
That being the case, what could be done and what should be done naturally became limited.
In order to advance the next operation, and to explain the true reason for summoning Atou here, Takuto made his next move.
"However, what I want to discuss with you today, Atou, is something different again. Since we've managed to catch our breath regarding Sutherland, I'd like to advance other operations."
"Other operations...? What, precisely, would those be?"
Since the incorporation of Sutherland had proceeded smoothly, the leadership, including Takuto, was comparatively free at the moment. In fact, the operational personnel and those responsible for day-to-day affairs, like Old Mortar and Emuru, were swamped, but for Takuto, Atou, and some of their subordinates, there was leeway to run sub-plans.
If that was the case, then when looking ahead to the coming great war, there was only one thing that needed to be done.
"Enhancement of Atou, that is. I'd like to push forward earnestly now, so I want your cooperation."
"Atou's enhancement? Of course, I'm delighted to assist... but in the current state, even Dragontan's ley lines are saturated with the earth's mana, leaving only the option of defeating enemies."
Atou replied, unable to hide her bewilderment.
There were, in fact, numerous ways to enhance a hero like Atou the Mire. That said, practical application was limited.
First was the passage of time. Heroes possessed the nature of growing stronger through accumulated time. This was the most formidable ability that made a hero a hero, a convenient method of enhancement where simply keeping them in your service caused them to gain experience, unlike ordinary units.
However, time was a domain no person could manipulate. At least, Takuto possessed no power to alter time, so this method was unusable.
Next was her affinity with mana.
Her nature of growing stronger the more mana a nation possessed meant that, with no restrictions whatsoever, she could theoretically become infinitely powerful.
But this required rare resources like ley lines, and currently, Dragontan's output was fully allocated to the earth mana used for land fertilization.
Changing the produced mana was not impossible, but doing so would severely impact food production across the entire Dark Continent, including Fonkavun, making it currently impossible.
Of course, if one scoured the vast Dark Continent, other ley lines might be found, but the gamble was too risky.
—Which left.
"Speaking candidly, the barbarians inhabiting the Dark Continent are weak and few in species. As for ability absorption, it was likely already secured during the clash with the RPG-faction Demon Lord Army of Brave Questus..."
Enhancement through defeating enemies was all that remained.
Atou possessed the powerful ability to absorb enemies' traits, something unique to her, but even this power had likely served its purpose in the Dark Continent.
Grinding levels by hunting down enemies... was the remaining path, but against the current Atou, the barbarians were too weak, yielding effects so negligible they were practically meaningless.
Of course, her own master, Takuto Ira, must understand this much.
Then how did he intend to train her?
That thought, mingled with expectation and doubt, was directed at Takuto.
"Well now. I've heard something rather interesting!"
Takuto spoke with a hint of excitement, a mischievous grin like a child whose prank had succeeded, but it was the smile of someone anticipating the unknown.
Atou couldn't help but be surprised by that attitude. What kind of proposal was about to unfold? And what was the intent behind that anticipation?
The current situation for Mynoghra, and the Dark Continent, was dire. As long as the enemy's military strength from the United Continental Federation couldn't be accurately gauged, they had to muster every ounce of their own forces.
Was there something there, something capable of overturning that situation?
Did Takuto's anticipation and excitement prove contagious? Leaning forward unconsciously over his desk, Atou found himself hoping for the strategy that was about to be revealed.
"What sort of thing is that?" he asked.
"Something from the old legends—"
Atou's eyes widened. It was a story he had heard before, somewhere. Buried deep in his memory, tossed aside during days of turmoil, but who had told him that story?
Atou traced his own memory. And the recollection he arrived at took him back to the very beginning, when he and Takuto had founded Mynoghra and started governing the nation together with the Dark Elves.
"In the ancient legends remains the King of Ruin. It is an honor to be permitted to live under a great being. We Dark Elves offer our heartfelt gratitude and pledge our loyalty."
It was old Mortar, wasn't it? The one who had made such grandiose pronouncements...
Atou confirmed it, making the memory clearer. He also recalled more distinctly how he had secretly called Emuru over afterward to ask about those ancient legends in passing.
According to those accounts, the world was home to many old things spoken of in legends. A traveling colossus. A living sea. An envoy from another dimension. An automated torture machine... and so on.
They were only recorded in books of unknown authorship, and little was truly known about their reality. Yet the terrifying descriptions within certainly gave the visceral impression that they had once existed in this world.
The name "King of Ruin," which Takuto commonly uses, is recorded in one such documents, it seems.
Upon careful thought, verifying such matters might have been necessary beforehand.
That said, it certainly falls into the realm of archaeology, and its priority was undoubtedly minimal during these turbulent times, but still...
Within Atou, the information assembled, taking on color.
When the memories of the so-called existence from legend were fully recalled, Takuto continued.
"By joining Sutherland's subordination, I was granted permission to view the Forbidden Books. The consensus among the researchers under old Mortar is that most are dubious or fabricated, but there are a few among them that simply cannot be dismissed as lies."
Atou's expression changed. It held a hint of cruelty, as if confirming that this lovely girl indeed belonged to the darkness.
Atou asked nothing, instead waiting for the king's words.
"Atou. Do you like hunting big game?"
Clear, yet filled with expectation, Atou replied to the king's question with a "Yes."
◇ ◇ ◇
Several legendary seal locations identified through prior investigation.
Takuto and his party had arrived at one of them.
The area was poisoned swamp, with thick mist from its evaporation hanging in the air.
It seemed an extreme environment where no life could possibly exist, yet several pulsating, slime-like masses could be seen, conveying the mystery and power of life even here.
With arms crossed, Takuto mused that being able to relatively comfortably endure such an environment truly showed that Mynoghra was an evil nation.
Unaware of his subtle emotional fluctuations, the one making a loud racket since a while ago was one of the participants and observers of this big-game hunt, Vittorio.
"To think I'd come all the way to the southern end of the Dark Continent for some minor hero... I can't believe it!"
He had been forcibly brought along because he was quite convenient, but he was clearly dissatisfied. However, since he hadn't chosen to flee or disappear on the day of departure, he must have had some interest after all.
"Takuto? Since there is a convenient piece that won't die even if killed, wouldn't it be fine to dispatch this one for reconnaissance? Even if its combat ability is nil, it should be capable of analysis."
Completely ignoring Vittorio and speaking only to Takuto, the hero of this enhanced operation was Atou of the Mire. Having committed several blunders in combat until now, she was putting her all into this, treating it as a turning point. She would never again show her master such a pathetic display. For her, filled with this fighting spirit, Vittorio was now nothing more than a nagging colleague.
"You there. You don't think I'm an infinite-lives support character, do you?"
"I think of you as an irremovable nuisance character."
Thus, she offered only a perfunctory response to Vittorio's jokes. Under normal circumstances, he would have erupted, and their exchange would have escalated endlessly. But today, in this place, that possibility was infinitely low.
"Well, to be honest, I had considered a reconnaissance operation using Vittorio. But I couldn't discard the possibility that he might brainwash this expedition's target and charge into the Great Cursed Realm. Seriously, I couldn't. He'd absolutely do it. That's why I rejected it."
"Yes, well, he'd definitely do it."
"Whaaat! Don't underestimate me! As for the previous agenda item, I will refrain from answering as it is a separate matter."
"Let Atou have the final attack."
She had brought subordinates besides the heroes. A few "failures" in terms of combat power, but they were more effective than dragging along a clumsy army. Her last words were directed at all of them, including these subordinates.
"Hmm? In that case, I can only be a cheerleader? I should have brought cheerleading gear if it was going to be like this."
"Vittorio is a decoy."
Why am I the only one in this country with no rights? mutters Vittorio with a perfectly serious expression. Of course, the multitude of his past deeds no longer exist in his head. And the word "reflection," along with related terms, are equally absent from it.
"You're being a bit of a hindrance there."
"If you have no motivation, it's actually better this way."
"You're such a brat..."
Vittorio was grumbling, but the Elful sisters paid him no mind. They had been dragged away from their busy work in Selduchi against their will, but this was for providing real combat experience and as a reserve force just in case. He likely felt this was overkill, but he didn't want to miss this opportunity since, during the effect of the Grand Ritual, all combat activity against hostile organizations was basically impossible. Furthermore, the Grand Ritual's effect did not apply to barbarians—that is, neutral NPCs not recognized as a nation or organization. They were treated as monsters walking around. This loophole was well-known since the "Eternal Nations" era. There were certainly cheesy strategies using them, but they couldn't be used in this world because the situation didn't match. Anyway, being able to strengthen Atou during this valuable year was nothing but a blessing. As long as he didn't let his guard down and take unexpected damage, there would be no problem... Of course, Takuto had no such opening now.
"Now, we're almost at the center of the marsh. Everyone, stay alert," Takuto called out to the group.
At the same time, a massive stone structure came into view.
Everyone's tension tightened, their thoughts shifting to combat. What would the so-called legendary beings think about the violence inflicted upon them after their long slumber? At least, on the side of Mynoghra, they held no emotions beyond what was convenient for experience points.
◇ ◇ ◇
To put it concisely, the subjugation itself ended extremely simply. Indeed, that was expected. Mynoghra boasted a hero in addition to a lineup of powerful subordinates. With this force, unless the opponent was exceptionally formidable, things would proceed easily once they were overwhelmed. And based on the analysis of the legend, it was already clear that the being was not something Mynoghra would have to decide to avoid combat with. It was certainly true that struggling would be harder. On top of that, they eliminated all complacency. One could call it the natural result.
"They were small fry. It's such a shame—His Majesty went to the trouble of bringing us here, and this won't count as training at all."
"We could've taken them out just the two of us."
In terms of combat ability, they were mid-tier hero level. Roughly the average for a player's subordinates, one might say.
In Brave Questus terms, a Demon Lord. In Succubus terms, an escort Noble Succubus.
They were certainly powerful beings—ones that would have guaranteed a total wipe had Takuto and the others encountered them when they first arrived in this world.
But for them, having experienced countless battles in this world, consuming beings of this caliber was already child's play.
Naturally, they showed no carelessness or openings and ganged up on it with everything they had, but...
The only one who was just fooling around was probably Vittorio, who had no combat ability to speak of. Though even he had apparently planned to use his brainwashing abilities to hamper the enemy should the worst come to the worst...
In any case, what now lay before Takuto and the others was the scrap of what had once been called and feared as a legendary being.
Its name, if he recalled correctly, was the <Automated Torture Machine>.
Whether that was its official designation was unclear, but it was a massive autonomous weapon of unknown power source, composed of various implements of malice that seemed to embody every cruelty its name suggested.
Takuto and the others confirmed that the scrap—whose appearance suggested it belonged to some other world entirely and didn't fit in this one—wasn't going to revive, and finally relaxed their vigilance by one degree.
"Hmph. Just as the brat said, somehow anticlimactic. For something that bore such a grand title as a legendary being, what a disappointment!"
Vittorio's words were factually correct. However, that was from Mynoghra's perspective—it diverged from the general common sense of this world.
For a player who had arrived with the game system, this might be one thing, but for the people who originally inhabited this world, beings of this level were still a considerable threat.
And at the same time, one could not dismiss something as worthless simply because it posed no threat to them.
"It's definitely a rare boss, so... I'm looking forward to it. Atou. How was it?"
"Rejoice, Lord Takuto. I've obtained <Inorganic>, <Hemorrhage Attack>, and <Mental Nullification>. Also, as a bonus, <Deadly Poison> and <Poison Nullification> from the slimes."
Involuntary cries of amazement rose from the group.
They had acquired abilities far more powerful than anticipated. <Inorganic> and <Mental Nullification> were particularly potent. Since these blocked enemy special attacks, they made irregular situations far less likely.
In the past, when the TRPG forces attacked, if we had Mental Nullification, Atou would never have been taken. It's that powerful an ability.
(Plus, being able to acquire abilities from slimes along the way... I was slightly worried since I kept getting dragged into battles, but it turned out to be a lucky break. Wait, it had Deadly Poison?)
Takuto watched from the side as Atou explained the ability's details to the sisters, his thoughts turning over this unexpected gift.
He had assumed that vaguely familiar slime was trivial and left it alone, but it turned out to be a reasonably vicious monster.
Deadly Poison simply increased attack power and could inflict a debuff on the enemy, making it a fairly useful skill. Plus, coming with Poison Nullification as a bonus was too good a start.
Atou had said there were no longer barbarians on the Dark Continent, but there were still many things one couldn't know without seeing for oneself.
He knew of this toxic swamp's existence, but hadn't grasped the specifics about the poison slime.
A nameless excitement welled up inside Takuto.
It was the joy of seeing his most trusted confidant and favorite, Atou, growing stronger, and the thrill of realizing the world was still overflowing with the unknown, with so much he didn't know.
However... hidden within that joy, a concern surfaced.
Specifically, about the automated torture machine they had just defeated.
(A being from legend...? From the perspective of this world's general forces, that's overwhelmingly excessive power. How on earth was something like this sealed away?)
He tilted his head.
Setting players aside, there were several strange things in this world.
The most prominent was this connection to legend. The stone pedestal he had found when he first came to this place, the mysterious stone pillar this time, the various threats described in ancient books...
This world showed signs of some colossal presence having run rampant in the past.
But those traces were now nearly gone, only findable with intentional searching.
What secret was hidden?
If he put it in game terms, it was like the truth of the world. His interest was endless, but dealing with the trouble it brought was a headache, trapping Takuto in contradictory thoughts.
"How was the level up?"
"Suffice to say, I suppose. I've grown stronger again. Unlike you, I am constantly working hard and evolving to be of use to Lord Takuto!"
"Oh, really..."
Vittorio wasn't returning Atou's words with his usual quips or barbs; he was deep in thought.
He was likely advancing his own line of reasoning.
Like Takuto, he was grappling with the question: just where did this being come from?
"What do you think, Vittorio?"
Takuto asked for his opinion.
With those words, Vittorio understood Takuto's true reason for bringing him here. It wasn't as a combatant; he'd borrowed his mind.
For his part, Vittorio hadn't spent his days simply teasing or challenging Takuto. He himself had many points of concern, so he decided to voice his current inferences and compare notes.
"Hmm, it's a delicate line. Logically, assuming some major incident occurred in the past is the natural conclusion... What does the God think?"
"I can't really judge either. Or rather, I have a hunch, but I don't want it to be right, so I'm averting my eyes."
"Whoa... If even the God is thinking that, isn't that a seriously bad deal? Wait, why did you summon me again? I want to go back. Can you do that, you know, return thing?"
"Of course not."
Vittorio wore an expression of absolute distaste. It was rare for him to show such a look. For Takuto to judge it so meant something truly significant must be hidden within.
He gazed again at the wreckage—the scrap of the destroyed automated torture machine.
A bead of cold sweat trickled down Vittorio's cheek. He had arrived at the same "hunch I don't want to be right" that Takuto had mentioned.
"Mmm-mmm!"
What finally lost patience with the two of them was Atou.
She couldn't stand that Takuto and Vittorio were amicably exchanging opinions over the very aspect where she always fell short.
To put it bluntly, she was sulking. It was an outburst of jealousy, demanding they pay more attention to her instead.
Every person present understood this perfectly well. They simply chose not to point it out to avoid the ensuing trouble.
Only one person welcomed the trouble that came with stating it—Vittorio.
"You're pouting because you can't follow the conversation! Ah, it's so sad, being uneducated! Of course, the final academic qualification of a muck-brat like Atou is non-existent! You can't even beat a kindergarten dropout, so with what face are you still calling yourself a hero? The audacity is so extreme it's actually terrifying."
"You're one to talk!!"
Left alone like this, they would soon start fighting again...
Ideally, the best course would be to have them act separately, but the current situation didn't allow for that.
Time was finite. And right now, at this very moment, it continued to be consumed. Quite wastefully, in fact.
Before they knew it, the Elful sisters had vanished. They asked a nearby Defective One what happened, and with gestures, it conveyed that they had grown bored and left first.
Indeed, there was no point in lingering aimlessly in this poisonous swamp.
Takuto surveyed the area once more, ordered the Defective Ones to collect scraps of the Torture Automaton for data and research purposes, and then muttered to no one in particular.
"For now, let's keep up this pace and go bash some hidden bosses..."
He then clapped his hands together, halting the two whose argument was escalating.
In the end, their minor mediation wasn't enough to stop them. Only through the forced intervention of Takuto and the Defective Ones were the two restrained. They returned to the Great Cursed Realm with faces of reluctance and tearful eyes, or shoulders shaking with glee.
==Message===
The Muck-Brat Atou has acquired new abilities upon defeating a unit.
"Inorganic," "Bleed Attack," "Mental Nullification"
"Potent Venom," "Poison Nullification"
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