Azel and Kain didn't reduce their running speed, however Azel occasionally looked back to make sure they weren't being followed.
“Zel-chan, are you sure we have to keep running using 'Mana'? What if we are attacked by monsters again? "
“The chances are pretty slim, did you see the 'Great Demon' lizard earlier? His aura must have repelled many monsters around here, and I'm not willing to linger in this swamp. We wasted too much time, it's already late you know! ”
The sun does seem to be very inclined towards the western horizon, Azel of course instinctively ran as fast as he could to escape his phobic terror which kept making his mind unable to calm down. Imagining if he was back in the dark, slimy room that belonged to a beast that made you unable to do anything but scream like a madman, suddenly now Azel felt that his entire stomach was revolting as if they wanted to be free to gain freedom.
"Ughh, damn it. Why even now "
"Are you okay? ... Zel-chan, it looks like there’s something ahead"
"Hmmm? ... You have Eagle eyes, don't you?"
Azel also realized if there seems to be a bunch of people walking and drifting just ahead of them, Azel was preparing for danger but instinctively said that what was in front was not a threat. Because the closer they are to the group, Azel and Kain could confirm that these people weren't enemies at all.
Several people from the group seemed to also notice their presence who were now approaching, some stopped and looked at the direction of Azel and Kain who had come. One of them is seen ordering the other party to keep going, perhaps just in case something bad happens and they will hold it back.
Azel and Kain stopped not far from the group of hunters who, thankfully they were acquainted with, Azel looked up to the crowd waiting for them while raising their weapons. But once they made eye contact and confirmed each other's identity, they sighed and lowered their weapons again.
"You guys ..."
"Hahahaha, can we join your party?"
“Dorem-san? You're on your way home? Or?"
“Well, a lot happened today. You guys feel it too, right? The terrifying aura that suddenly appeared? I have been hunting here for decades, and this is the first time I have experienced such a terrible thing! this must be Rapoz's doing! There's no mistaking it! So I decided to end our hunt immediately, the Kingdom must be on the move by now and we don't want to be in the middle of a battlefield and be mistakenly targeted. After all ... "
“Hoooi Father! If we have confirmed the conditions, wouldn't it be better if we hurried! Sorry you two, but the story will be on the way and of course you are very welcome to come "
"Thank you, we also want to get out of this place immediately"
Azel could only look at the young girl sleeping on Kain's back, and speculate about who this girl really was that the Argonauts were desperate to do something very illegal in a country whose guards are arguably very strict in magic defense. Thankfully Dorem and the others seemed to ignore this girl's existence, and prioritized their journey to get out of this swamp immediately. Well, they seemed to consider the Orge (Mist Monsters) to be a very burdensome excuse to settle down in the swamp. Even so, if these Lizardmen ended up asking about this girl's origins. Azel would be happy to explain, of course by covering up some details regarding that damn Great Demon.
Without many questions and pleasantries, they immediately stepped in to catch up with the previous group, the Lizardmen's steps were as fast as they were in a hurry. This was understandable given the situation they were in, Azel could make sure that most of the Lizardmen had frantic facial expressions. Indeed, the Great Demon is an extremely dangerous thing. Azel himself did not expect that the 'Orge' could finish off the Great Demon with very few casualties, he was very grateful instead. A demon with a completely absurd Camouflage ability, if allowed to escape from here, it would be inconceivable that the huge casualties would occur. Azel even made up his mind that if the Orge wasn't able to finish off the Great Demon, then he had no choice but to sacrifice his life to be responsible for eliminating that Demon. But thank goodness that the Argonauts didn't betray their reputation and big name.
But that seemed like it was going to wait quite a while, because it had been a few minutes since they walked and none of them made a sound. Makes Azel and Kain only able to glance at each other. But not long after that the silence was broken by the arrival of a shadow that passed above them, it seemed as if a creature had suddenly come and flew around them. Everyone at first sounded panicked because they didn't notice the creature's arrival, even so Azel then started to calm down because he knew the creature's voice very well. It was the voice of a Dragon, exactly as he remembered it when he was rigorously galvanized by Greylant in Dragonia.
The dragon flew low around them for a moment and then with a few flaps of wings as if trying to stop, it finally landed quite close to them. It was an adult black dragon which was quite large, although not as big as the Great Demon they had encountered earlier. A creature that looks like a winged lizard with scales and black nails that looks shiny like an Onyx, its body looks very sturdy and suddenly Azel can feel a huge aura coming out of this creature whose quality might be close to that of the Axoloth Great Demon earlier. Naturally, this large aura seemed to be hidden and felt by them now because from the six Dragon tribes, the black dragon is a natural sneaker who is usually used as a scout.
The golden colored dragon's eyes glanced at the group, then the dragon lowered its body as if it was inviting someone sitting on its back to come down. He was a man in full armor with a silvery helmet that was shiny white and wearing a long coat that was also white, he immediately got down lightly and took off his helmet quickly. The man who also had a pair of Dragon Eyes and curly hair that was the same gold color, smiled brilliantly at the group of Lizardmen who had also been sounding boisterous since the Black Dragon came down. The man walked quickly towards the group, opening his hands, as if a child was excited and asked to be hugged. And sure enough, before he could say anything ...
“Mifa !!! Whahahaha !!! "
"Brother !!!"
"Father!!! Sido !!! And all of you !!! Oh my! finally!!!
Dorem and Sido had already run and shouted first, they hugged each other even though their heights were quite different. Mifa jumped at Dorem to hug him for a while, then jumped back at Sido. Several of the other Lizardmen already surrounded him as if they had just arrived by a hero, joy instantly dispelling the gloomy and tense atmosphere that had not happened that long ago. Mifa exchanged fists with the other Lizardmen with a loose laugh, Azel felt there was no falsehood there and was pure joy.
"How are you son !?"
"Just like what I wrote in the letter, Father! I was supposed to go home a month ago, but the top officials said that if there was a problem serious enough that we should be detained home until now. I have had to return from Adilheida to another area in recent times, the last time I was in Jansen was about five days ago because they said they caught the intruders in Dahluc Sina. Sorry I didn't have time to stop by, Father! "
“Yes, Sola also complained that things were really in a complicated situation. He constantly patrols this Jansen area and overtime every day is a must, I also heard from him that this situation made Sir Arban not touch his wife for a week and that is a record! "
“Wahahaha, really !? Lord Elzar and the others must be happy to hear this news, this can be a little comfort for us. I don't know about Lady Odesha, but Lord Elzar and Lord Tieh seem to be fed up with our situation which is full of uncertainty. At least until a little while ago ... all of you please be quiet and listen "
Mifa's face suddenly became very serious, the other Lizardmen followed as if waiting for what Mifa would say next by lowering their heads.
"Elvia is currently on high alert ready for combat and Total Lock Down has been enforced in all areas of the Kingdom without exception ..."
"What!!! Are we on war Mifa !!!? Who !? ... Rapoz !!! This must be Rapoz's doing! That's why we all felt a really bad aura in this Swamp just now! They are using demons! ”
"Is it true!? So that's right !? But why is Dahluc Sina or Saleas ... sorry Father, just a moment, I must immediately report! ”
Mifa immediately ran towards her Dragon, he now wrote something on a paper he took from the saddle on the dragon to fold it quickly and suddenly the paper transformed into a red butterfly that flew for a moment and then disappeared. The other Lizardmen looked at each other anxiously, Azel then saw that the Lizardmen were starting to look even more panicked than before.
"Father as well as all of you listen, soon the Imperial Battle Fleet will fill the skies of this place. If the worst happens, maybe this swamp will become a battlefield. "
"We are indeed on our way home because we suspected that, you also be careful"
"Okay Father, ..."
Mifa, who also looked a little anxious, watched the Lizardmen one by one, until he finally noticed Azel and Kain. The expression on his face that had been worried suddenly turned serious with sharp eyes on the two of them, he lightly touched the sword on his waist.
"Father, do you still have a lot of salt in stock?"
"Hmm? Yes?"
Mifa asked without taking his eyes off Azel, Dorem, who was initially confused by his son's question, understood later.
"Maybe I could ask for a little because I think I found a Snake ..."
Dorem moved his eyes towards Azel behind without turning his face, she was now fully aware of what his son meant.
"There are no snakes here Mifa, your father is on guard himself"
Mifa closed his eyes and sighed, he also lowered his hand which had touched the sword earlier.
"Fine then, but Father, just in case. They better meet Grandma Coda, and tell me the results later "
"They were suspicious at first, but after I talked quite a bit ..."
"Father, we are in a precarious situation. After all their traits ... two adults and a little girl ... "
Mifa returned his gaze to Azel as if he had thought twice, Dorem who saw that expression became a little uneasy.
“Very well, I will invite them as guests in the village. Even though you used to be very afraid of that name, but now it looks like you are really manly so you can say her name lightly, huh? "
Hearing Dorem's words, Mifa seemed to have just remembered something scary.
"Uhh ... well I actually still don't want to meet her. That's why I said tell me the result later ... "
Dorem turn silent for a moment, then turns his face to Sido.
"You heard that Sido, later you will bring our guest to Grandma Coda ... I mean Elder Shaman"
"No way!!!"
Sido rejected it quickly as he took a step back, the other Lizardmen also seemed to be moving away in panic.
"What!? Be manly! You're an adult! "
“It's not about age, Father! Meeting her is like being stripped naked and humiliated! Why don't you just do it yourself !? ”
“Well, your father also doesn't want what I've done in the last few months to be known by her. Ukhh, if she opens her mouth and the news reaches your mother's ear ... "
"You gambled and lost?"
“Don't be ridiculous! If I gamble I will definitely win ... It's just that I've been spending quite a lot of money lately "
Some of the other Lizardmen screamed in protest at what Dorem had just said.
“So that's the reason you don't want to meet him, Chief !? Why are we the ones you feed to find out the identity of the "Mist Monster"! "
The other lizardmen raised similar objections, Sido also joined in.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
"Shut up and quiet, the result is the same anyway. We still don't know the identities of the bastards! But you don't need to worry, this time we will definitely find out. That's why I spent a lot of money.
Dorem smiled triumphantly as he watched the other Lizardmen one by one, Sido knew that his father was planning something. On the other hand, Kain who was looking from a distance was still amazed and did not take his eyes off Mifa's black dragon. He was not aware of the situation they were under suspicion, maybe even forgot the girl he was carrying behind and ignored Azel who was ready for battle because Mifa who looked at them with scary gaze a while ago.
"Woah! A real Dragon! This is my first time seeing it in person! ”
"Oi blonde, prepare to run away if things get worse"
“Much bigger than I thought, and cooler. What I have seen on television is red and blue. In books it is explained that there are six types representing the six tribes. Heee hehehehe I really want to ride on his back, Zel-chan! "
"Oi! wake up, you idiot! "
Azel kicked Kain's leg in annoyance.
"Hey, what is Zel-chan?"
“Listen! We're going ... Shit! "
Azel held his tongue, Kain who started to understand the surroundings suddenly became very quiet. He looked around and found that while all the Lizardmen were now looking in the same direction, Azel also took a few steps forward to look towards the North.
"Damn it..."
A buzzing sound that suddenly sounded louder and louder was approaching, it was followed by a cluster of black shadows that seemed to float low in the sky and lined up in a neat formation. The closer the shadow gets, the clearer its true form is, at first glance it looks like a Zeppelin because the engine sound is quite the same.
But if you look closely, it looks more like a ship floating in the air. Magic cannons were visible in many parts of the ship, several soldiers were seen standing on the front deck which was quite large. The large propellers on both sides make it look like a Zeppelin without a giant balloon moving neatly, even though the propeller is not the main flight tool and only an additional propulsion device is used to allow the Ship to move at low speed.
"What is that Zel-chan?"
“Is it your first time seeing it? That's Elvia's fleet of battleships! Many fools say that Elvia is a backward country, but that's a big mistake. Elvia's magic technology is one of the most advanced and yet mysterious in the world, even among the lands of the other Gods. ”
"It looks like a floating ship, huh?"
“I told you that it is a warship, not only can it fly in the air. That battleship can also sail in the ocean, even from the rumors I heard that this ship also has a function to become a submarine. The magic technology that makes Ishtora's scientists shake their heads in disbelief and is coveted by the military in many countries of the central continent, a fleet that is said to be very difficult to defeat "
Azel answered all of that with a huff, because what he was facing right now was a battalion of soldiers ready for war. The battleship's magic cannon attacks could destroy them in seconds, maybe he could have dodged it but if they had a heat seeking and locking system then they would definitely perish. And unfortunately when the battleships got close enough from them, some of the cannons moved to target them. Azel and Kain suddenly took their stances to prepare to escape, Kain who understood the dangerous situation now began to look panicked and shouted at the Lizardmen to warn them.
“Damn it! Kain! "
"Hey you guys! Take cover quickly! "
But the Lizardmen looked uncertain, some of them looked uneasy but for the whole they were all just silent as if waiting for something. Azel understood that in this situation the choice to escape seemed useless, even so he could not understand why they were just standing there when the muzzle of the cannon was pointed at them. Azel changed the direction of his gaze at Dorem's group this time, but what he saw wasn't that different either. Dorem and the others were also silent, some looked at the Fleet with enthusiasm while others talked to the others with serious expressions.
Azel and Kain who were ready to run away now also froze, glanced at each other and glanced at Dorem's group again. Mifa had returned to his dragon and seemed to be waving a wand that flickered with a red light there while looking at the Fleet, it didn't take long for Elvia's Fleet to change direction and slowly moved away after no longer aiming their cannons at this group.
Azel let out a sigh of relief, he also realized that the Lizardmen around him seemed to feel the same way as him. The atmosphere was bustling again with voices and conversations, Azel could clearly hear that the Lizardmen were now talking seriously about war and conspiracies. Mifa was seen talking to Dorem again and then once again quickly running back on his black dragon, he waved at the Lizardmen and greeted other before taking off again and flying to follow the accompaniment of Elvia's Air Fleet which was also still visible because it was moving slowly.
Dorem's group walked towards them and instructed the main group to walk again, he looked quite tense and approached Azel and Cain.
"Sorry you two, as you can see. Elvia was on highest alert and there was a high chance that war would break out soon, my son said that if anything abnormal happened in this swamp he was sent here as frontline scout with a special forces unit ready to respond. We've all felt it, haven't we? The aura is unpleasant and seems very dark, I know that feeling because I was once a Dungeon Hunter and I really believe that it is a Demon "
Dorem talks as he walks with them, sharing stories from when he was a Dungeon Conqueror and how his wife was the reason he switched professions and continued their family business. From his experience he said that facing demons was very difficult because unlike monsters and other wild beasts, demons were creatures that did not fear death even though their opponents were much stronger because their main instinct was to kill all lives.
“This place is confirmed to soon become a battlefield, the entire Jansen area may no longer be safe. And with Total Dimensional Lock Down that has been applied to the entire Kingdom, we won't know what's going on, that's why we ... "
"What!? Did you just say Total Dimensional Lock Down !? Why!? Wait ... it's a state of war but ... what about the Portal Gate in Odhert? "
"Of course it can't be used, you guys are headed there?"
“Well, I originally wanted to use it to go to Adilheida and use the main gate to return to Ishtora. Oops ... what about Airships? Odhert has it, right? "
Each region in Elvia has a 'Gate Portal' which is usually available at least one in the regional capital that connects one area to another as a means of super fast transportation, however only the Gate Portal in Adilheida has special access to travel abroad. With super strict procedures and guards, they do not mess around in this. What's more, using a Gate Portal consumes a lot of energy so the cost of using it is just as expensive. So normally it is only used to transport people with limited luggage, to deliver large quantities of goods and other things Elvia still uses more conventional methods by land, water and air. Knowing that Odhert was the regional capital, Azel guessed that at least air transportation would be available there, to further shorten the journey to Adilheida. But...
"It does exist but if the 'Total Lock Down' is put in place, then they will definitely suspend all flights. Stupid things like being shot down because mistook as enemy's fleet was not funny, without reliable communication and war situations you shouldn't expect anyone to be brave enough to take you anywhre. No, it is certain that all flights will be banned "
"Ukhh ... damn ..."
"Umm how long will this situation last?"
Dorem stroked his chin before answering Kain's question.
"In a week at the earliest if the 'Central Alliance' does not interfere and the Queen issues a full attack order with all the Pillar Knights also on the front line battlefield, the result will definitely be the best."
“Heei Father, that means Mifa will also be on the front lines. Didn't you consider a scenario where your son would go home without a life? ”
“You stupid kid! The thing called war can also be said to be a place to find names! Besides, do you think your brother will fall with just lead bullets and grenades? They need a nuclear bomb if they want to win, and if they ever use it they are doomed for being enemies of all Gods. Just like that arrogant 'Mountain God', dying silly from being beaten up so badly "
“Didn't you ever consider them using high tier magic spells? The effect is said to be even worse. "
"Stop imagining bad things about your brother, you really wish a bad fortune be fall upon him?"
"Unlike father who is overly positive, I can worry"
“I also have worries, but it's not like you who are constantly pessimistic. You know, when your father was at your age, I was not hunting in this cold, wet environment. We hunted a demons in a dungeon that forced us to sleep with one eye open, of course that was just a metaphor because of the danger sanctions. But it's not the place for the always pessimistic who lowers team morale! Ohhh you should have been there and watched as we met Pazuzu on the bottom floor of one of the Rocca Dungeons, an Arch Demon who was not only agile but had skin as hard as diamonds ... "
“All right, Father, I've heard your heroic story like hundreds of times. Let's save the story for our guest, I hope you know what I mean.
Dorem, who seems to be getting lost in the adventure story of his youth, is silent for a moment and turns to Azel and Kain after.
"Oh gosh you're right, sorry you two. Where was that ... "
“Until you and your comrades meet Pazuzu Dorem-san! Is he really that strong? Well he's an Arch Demon, me and Zel-chan almost died when we last met one of them! No-no, I should have asked how your strategy was to deal with it! As a reference if we meet that Demon in the future! ”
“OH !!! You are also Demon Hunters !? Jeez !!! Wahahaha! Alright then, so it's like this! ... "
"Hey Father!!!"
“Wait a minute, stupid blondie! Looks like they'll say something important, you just save your questions for later! Read the situation moron! "
Sido shouted back at Dorem with an annoyed tone, as if he couldn't believe what had just happened because these two people seemed to be on the same broadcast frequency. Azel also pushed his fist against Kain's cheek in annoyance as he realized that the Lizardmen seemed like they were going to say something important, which might have a big impact on their condition. Dorem who used to have sparkling eyes now shakes her head as if trying to focus, Kain just frowns and grumbles at Azel who has clenched his fists and is ready to punch him for real if he put an acts again.
"You want me to say it?"
"No, this is a leader's job. You will have your time later, for now ... Azel, Kain. If you don't mind, will you spend the night in our village? ”
"Hmm? ... may we know the reason? Sorry if it's impolite, but I don't see your obligation to give us a banquet "
"Banquet !?"
"Their leader invited us politely, that's for sure, right?"
Kain who had asked Azel in surprise, now quickly turned to look for the figure of a Lizardman in the group after hearing the answer. After finding the figure he was looking for and exchanging glances, the Lizardmen silently raised his thumbs up and Kain-also raised his thumbs with a steady smile. A second later Azel realized that one Lizardmen were the chef who cooked their breakfast this morning.
“...”
“Fine, Dorem-san! We are happy to accept your offer! "
"Oi ..."
"Come on Zel-chan, do we have a reason to refuse after all the kindness they have given us?"
"Ukhh you're right ... I'm sorry if I was being rude, Mr. Dorem"
After sighing, Azel bowed towards Dorem. Dorem and Sido who saw it were silent for a while after glancing at each other for a while, then Dorem laughed out loud again as if he was really satisfied.
“Wahahahaha! You guys are a really interesting couple! No need, no need to apologize. Our request was sudden, so it was only natural. And your question earlier, I will explain everything. Well ... "
"Wait Father, maybe we should explain later in the village"
"Hey you can't do that, it just creates unnecessary suspicion and concern ..."
"We Can not! you is too relaxed and that's not a good thing. Sorry Azel, but believe me we have no malicious intent. Indeed we have our own reasons, but I hope you can hold back the questioning later"
This conversation took place while they were all still walking, and now Azel stopped while folding his arms. Dorem, Sido and Kain now also stop when they see Azel's serious face.
"Is this about the girl sleeping on Kain's back?"
As if they had just realized the presence of the girl with blue hair who was sleeping soundly on Kain's back, Dorem and Sido seemed unable to believe what they saw.
"Gosh, why did I just realize it now. Father, did you see it too !? ”
“Hmm, looks like a special spell was given to this girl. Mifa did mention about a girl, his dragon eyes must have pierced this spell. I also didn't realize this girl's existence since earlier "
Dorem stroked his chin again and watched the girl closely, in contrast to Sido, who was surprised that he looked calmer in facing this unexpected situation. Azel also just understood that these Lizardmen really didn't notice this girl, not because they were busy with other problems but there was indeed a special spell attached to this girl that made these Lizardmen unaware of her existence.
"I see? Looks like it's kind of spell that makes her invisible if no one mention her, I've heard about it and it's some kind of magic curse. "
"Heei, you're talking as if you are not responsible about it"
"Well, I've always felt something was strange because you didn't ask about this girl. Moreover, I do plan on explaining everything if you guys ask. We took her away from a group of people who we thought were kidnappers, in other words we didn't know who this girl was "
"Seize? Kidnapper? Azel, you're not made up story are you? ”
"Wait Sido, this is not a place to talk about heavy things. I hope you can explain everything when we arrive at our village, it seems like the right decision to invite you "
"I have no problem with that, Kain?"
Kain who seemed to feel the air around him getting heavy, was a little confused and looked at Azel, Dorem and Sido for several times.
"Umm, the banquet is still being held, right?"
"... ... ..."
"... ..."
"..."
"All you think about is food, huh? You don't realize that we are in trouble and are being suspected of being kidnappers? ”
“What are you talking about Zel-chan? Didn't we do anything wrong? Good things end well! After all from what I caught from your conversation, aren't you Dorem-san and Sido worried that we are the bad guys and act in a very polite manner? I guess we should just go with what they say "
“You know, I didn't know whether you were smart or stupid. But I quite agree with your words "
"What you mean zel-chan?"
Dorem took a deep breath as he had just finished a very difficult job, glanced at Sido and instructed him to walk again.
"Okay, we better not waste any more time. This trip will probably take about 4 hours, and we will arrive at our village after sunset. I hope you guys still have the stamina to walk that long, because we won't stop to rest "
"No problem, even better"
"To be honest I'm more worried about this girl, she doesn't wake up."
“Hmmm we have a reliable healer in the village, you don't need to worry and ... because the situation is like this. I hope you don't mind being escorted? ”
"We will not try to escape, but it doesn't matter."
"Alright then, come on"
Dorem spoke in an even tone, it seemed like their situation required him to act this cold. Azel knows that Dorem really doesn't want to do it, from his expression it can be seen if he seems to be pushing himself. While Sido doesn't want them to stare at each other or make eye contact, he just walks silently with a serious straight look.
There was silence again, and now the atmosphere was much heavier with their status as suspects. But it seems that all of that is ignored by a blonde haired teenager who is now quickening his steps to catch up with Dorem who is in the front to walk next to him. Azel could see that Sido was looking with a sharp gaze at Kain's back, and the heat emanating from the few Lizardmen behind suddenly felt.
Azel cursed Kain's actions that seemed to be intimidating this group of Lizardmen at the wrong time, he already felt a sense of murderousness intent. But...
“Hey Dorem-san, about Pazuzu earlier? You don't mind talking about it now, we have plenty of time anyway "
"Hmm?"
Azel looked at Kain with a sick expression, he really wanted to throw something at the head of this blonde boy. But then Azel realized that Sido now couldn't cover his shocked expression followed by his next worried look, it would only take a few seconds. And sure enough, a few minutes later Dorem burst out laughing. He looks like he's on fire in his fierce story. Kain is not only an enthusiastic listener but also asks questions about many things.
Then Azel realized that the combat aura of the Lizardmen had now disappeared, Sido was also seen patting his face in disbelive. The atmosphere soon returned to mild, more cheerful even as some of the Lizardmen now began to talk to each other about many things again. Azel's mind wondered if this blonde was really the “Holy Child” who had God class luck, and started to believe that everything would go well.
***
The footsteps walking on the wet ground sounded boisterous because of the steps being spurred on, but as soon as the Lizardmen saw several points of light in the distance they slowed down to walk more relaxed because they realized that the place they were aiming at was very close.