Episode 205: Clans of Different Religions
Two days later, Hendri arrived at the hotel where Yuma and the others were staying in a black limousine. The three, who were ready, immediately got into the car.
“The Indonesian Seeker Clans are already gathered at the site. I’ll introduce you when we arrive,” Hendri said from the passenger seat.
“The White Dungeon is in a soccer field, right?” Rui asked, and Hendri nodded, “Yes, that’s right.”
“Six years ago, a large hole suddenly appeared in the stadium. It was right next to a government institution, so it caused quite a stir. But because it’s the ‘White Dungeon,’ it has become an important source of income for the state.”
“But if Monsters start appearing, it’ll be the most troublesome Dungeon, right?”
Hendri gave a wry smile at Rui’s comment, “That’s exactly it.”
“The Monsters that come out are just too strong. Even though it’s not a Deep Dungeon, the ones that come up have a toughness close to Abyssal Monsters, making them difficult to defeat.”
Hendri let out a tired sigh. He must be having a lot of trouble. Yuma thought back. The reason Abyssal Monsters are considered troublesome is because of their powerful Regeneration. However, even in the lower levels of the “White Dungeon,” there are Monsters that regenerate. It’s not for nothing that this Dungeon is called the strongest of the six types. And we’re going to conquer it now. I need to steel myself. While Yuma was thinking about this, the car arrived at the soccer field. Unlike in Japan, the Dungeon isn’t covered by a structure (dome). It’s simply barricaded to prevent entry. At this rate, if Monsters come out, they’ll go straight into the city. It’s quite dangerous. A soldier managing the entrance opened the iron gate and let the car through. As the Limousine entered the grounds, there were many people gathered. They seemed to be Indonesian Seekers. Hendri and the three got out of the car and headed towards the group. A single armed man stood at the front. He seemed to be the leader of the Seeker Clan.
“Everyone, let me introduce you. This is Rachmad-san, a Seeker representing Indonesia.”
Yuma stepped forward and shook hands with Rachmad. He was tall, probably around 190 centimeters. He had tanned skin and a sturdy build. He wore a black peci, a Muslim hat, and carried a jeweled Longsword at his waist. It was probably a Magic Enchanted Armament.
“I’ve heard about you. Thank you for coming all the way to Indonesia. I sincerely appreciate it.”
“No, thank you for having us.”
Yuma exchanged greetings with a smile, but Rachmad didn’t seem to be wearing a translation earpiece, so Hendri translated Yuma’s words.
“And everyone, there’s one more person I’d like to introduce.”
Urged by Hendri, they walked towards another group. Yuma’s heart skipped a beat. There stood a woman, talking to the other Seekers. She was tall and slender, with beautiful, wavy black hair that stood out. She had tanned skin and wore a unique ethnic battle suit different from those in Japan. He didn’t know where to look because of the amount of exposed skin, but the woman’s face was breathtakingly beautiful.
“This is Zamara-san, the leader of the large-scale Indonesian Seeker Clan, ‘Mahakala.'”
“H-How do you do?”
Yuma scratched his head and extended his right hand, but Zamara just stared at him with cold eyes.
“You’re the Seekers who came from Japan, I presume?”
Yuma slowly lowered his right hand. It seemed they weren’t welcome.
“Indonesian matters should be resolved by Indonesians. I appreciate you coming all this way, but your help is not needed. Go home.”
Zamara turned away with a huff and left. Hendri gave Yuma a wry smile.
“I’m sorry. She and Rachmad have different religions… She’s a bit exclusive, but she doesn’t mean any harm. Please forgive her.”
“Religion…?”
“Yes, in this country, there are Seeker Clans for each religion, and they all have different ways of thinking and fighting.”
“I see.”
Yuma felt strange. In Japan, Seekers and religion weren’t connected at all.
“So this is what they mean by national character.”
Yuma watched Zamara’s retreating back with complicated feelings.
◇◇◇
The Seekers participating in the White Dungeon Conquest were gathered and lined up in front of the exposed Hole. Rachmad’s Seeker Clan, “Kujata,” had about thirty members, mostly men. In contrast, Zamara’s Seeker Clan, “Mahakala,” seemed to be a glamorous group with many women. Yuma and the others lined up at the back, waiting for the departure.
“So Yuma, are you really going to fight using ‘Metallization’? It’ll definitely stand out, won’t it cause trouble?”
Yuma shook his head at Akito’s question.
“I won’t hold back. I want to conquer the Dungeon quickly and go to India. I’m going to use my abilities.”
“Are you going to transform into ‘Black Armor’? That form is too scary.”
“No, I won’t become Black Armor. Simple ‘Metallization’ just changes the color of my body, so it won’t stand out that much. I’ve also told Hendri-san that the color of my body changes due to the power of a special Demon Ore. He said he’d tell Rachmad-san and the others, so I think it’ll be okay.”
“Is that so? Well, if that’s the case. Can you use your powers properly?”
“I can’t exert as much power as when I’m in Black Armor, but I think it’s enough to defeat the Monsters. Rui also helped me practice Fire Magic, so there’s no need to worry.”
Yuma glanced at Rui. He could use Fire Magic to some extent in the ‘Metallized’ state. Rui had given him his seal of approval, so there shouldn’t be any problems. Akito scratched his head and agreed, “Well, if that’s the case.” Originally, Akito had voiced his concerns that Yuma’s transformation might cause unnecessary trouble, so it was unclear if he was still convinced. Even so, they couldn’t afford to dawdle here. As long as Kaede was waiting for him in Japan, he would collect Magic Gems with all his might. Yuma had no hesitation. After speeches by Rachmad and government officials, all the Seekers stepped into the Hole. Yuma and the others, who were at the very back, moved forward as well. As Yuma walked, he looked at his right hand. By practicing ‘Metallization’ several times, he was now able to create replacement clothes made of metal after incorporating his clothes into his body. From a distance, it would look like he was wearing a black battle suit. In that form, he wouldn’t attract attention and could fight without reservation. Yuma clenched his fist and renewed his determination.
“Alright! Let’s go!”
Yuma held his Pickel at the ready and entered the Dungeon with Rui and Akito.