Episode 382: A Ridiculed Opinion
The Swiss city of Geneva.
Many people had gathered at the United Nations office located here.
Seated at the distinctive conference room table were representatives from France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Turkey, Israel, and other countries.
Among them was Ethan Noble, dispatched from the International Dungeon Research Organization (IDR).
He sat quietly at the end of the conference room as an observer, awaiting the start.
As the time arrived, Jorge from Portugal, serving as chairman, declared the opening.
“Let us begin. It is regrettable that not all EU countries could gather, but we must do what we can now. Let’s discuss the agenda right away.”
In response to Jorge’s declaration, Jindelg, the Turkish ambassador, raised his hand.
“Before discussing the agenda, we need to organize the current situation. If we are to believe the information gathered by the United Nations, five of the six Unique Monster 【Kings】 that have been terrorizing the world have been defeated. As a result, the world’s Mana Density is decreasing. Is that correct?”
The people gathered at the conference groaned.
The situation where communication devices could not be used had continued, but communication Magic Tools using Magic Gems had been put into practical use, allowing information to travel within a certain area.
“According to reports from England, the Seekers worked together to defeat the 【Blue King】. It seems the 【King】 wasn’t so great after all.”
Valentin, the Spanish ambassador, scoffed with a sneer. Responding to his words, Dufour, the French ambassador, also spoke.
“We don’t know the detailed situation in India, Japan, and the United States, but the United States has ‘Prometheus’ led by the Flame Emperor. There is no doubt that the Seekers in each country have defeated the 【King】.”
It was rumored that the Unique Monster 【King】 could not be defeated by human power.
However, it became clear that they could be subjugated by the power of the Seekers, and people were relieved.
Amidst this, one person at the end of the table raised his hand.
It was someone sitting in the observer’s seat, who originally had no right to speak. Chairman Jorge made a dubious face but reluctantly called out.
“What is it, Dr. Ethan? It would be sufficient if you only spoke when we ask for your opinion…”
Ethan smiled softly and accepted the handheld microphone brought by a staff member.
“I apologize. However, I felt it was necessary to correct something.”
“Correct? What are you talking about?”
Jorge frowned openly.
“I don’t believe that the Seekers of each country defeated the Unique Monster 【King】.”
“Not the Seekers? If not the Seekers, who do you say defeated them?”
Not only Jorge but also the people in the conference room wore puzzled expressions.
Since Ethan was a world-renowned scholar, no one would disregard his words. However, his next words caused everyone to doubt their ears.
“One human defeated the five 【Kings】. He defeated the 【Black King】 and the 【Red King】 in Japan, and then traveled around to defeat the other three 【Kings】. It is thought that he possesses power that transcends Seekers, so it would be difficult to say that ‘Seekers defeated them’.”
When Ethan moved the microphone away from his mouth, the venue fell silent.
Everyone had their mouths open in astonishment.
After a few seconds, laughter and ridicule spread. As if speaking for everyone’s feelings, Jorge opened his mouth.
“Doctor, those of us here, including myself, respect you for your great achievements. However, that story is hard to believe. One person defeated five 【Kings】? No, no, that’s just not possible. It would be much more realistic to say that each country made great sacrifices and subjugated powerful Monsters.”
Laughter arose around him, as if agreeing with Jorge, who was raising the corner of his mouth.
Without paying attention to such reactions, Ethan continued to speak.
“It has always been said among experts that the Unique Monster 【King】 is not an existence that humans can defeat. And I believe that view is still correct.”
“Then how did that human you speak of defeat the 【King】?”
“He… Mitaka-san from Japan, is a Seeker who gained power in extremely special circumstances. You could call him an irregular existence. He grew stronger with each battle, and eventually, he managed to defeat five 【Kings】.”
Jorge gave a wry smile and shook his head.
“No, no, I can’t believe it. Besides, the British government has clearly stated that the Seekers cooperated to subjugate the 【Blue King】. How do you explain that?”
“I don’t know what the British government is thinking, but there is a possibility that it is false. I think it’s dangerous to take it at face value.”
“This is pointless.”
Jorge cut off the conversation with Ethan and returned to the agenda.
“What we need to consider from now on is what to do with the White Dungeon, ‘Orpheus’.”
The atmosphere in the entire venue tightened. ‘Conquering Orpheus’ was the main agenda of this conference.
“The world’s Mana Density has been thinning as the five 【Kings】 have been defeated. If we defeat the last 【King】, the 【White King】, there is a very high possibility that the world will return to its original state. Dr. Schmidt will explain that.”
“Yes.”
Sophia Schmidt, the chief researcher at the Swiss research institute ‘Paul Scherrer’, stood up from the observer’s seat.
Ethan slightly clouded his face at the grinning female researcher who was in a nearby seat.