Chapter 155: The Investigation Begins
In the heart of the Subnock Plain, there lies a place once ruled by the magical beast known as Subnock, which also gave its name to this land. This area is home to the “Dragon’s Hole,” a point where the flow of magical power erupts from deep within the earth. The vicinity of the Dragon’s Hole is fertile, allowing plants to thrive and powerful monsters to be born. It has been said since ancient times that cities built above the Dragon’s Hole flourish, and at times, wars have erupted over control of this land.
Tasked with an investigation, Rest and his party advanced through the plain, defeating monsters along the way, and were now just moments away from reaching the central area.
“Still, it’s quite mysterious. I can understand how monsters grow stronger by absorbing magical power, but why do cities thrive? Does the magical power from the Dragon’s Hole have the ability to enhance towns?”
The one posing this question was Yuri Cattleya, a member of Rest’s party and the daughter of the Knight Commander. Until recently, she had been under protective custody at the Cattleya Marquis House, but she had run away and made her way to the Royal Capital. She had volunteered to join Rest in the development of the plain.
“Maybe as monsters grow stronger, humans do too? If a town is home to strong people, it makes sense that it would prosper!”
“…Is it really that simple? And by the way, you’re being too loud.”
“Did you say something, Lübesse-kun?”
“I-I didn’t say anything! D-Don’t come any closer, you busty woman!”
“There’s no need to run away. Come now, come now—”
Yuri pressed closer, causing Wilhelm Lübesse, another party member, to lean back in discomfort. As always, he seemed to struggle with women, retreating at double speed when confronted by Yuri.
There were six individuals in this group, all capable enough to be entrusted with the investigation of the central region of the Demon Realm.
First was Rest Clover, the leader of the investigation team. He held the title of Count and was the one who had defeated the magical beast Subnock. Though young, he was more than qualified to lead the team.
Next was Wilhelm Lübesse, a comrade who had fought alongside Rest to defeat Subnock. Despite being a first-year student, he possessed swordsmanship that rivaled even active Royal Guard Knights, earning him the title of the “Sword Saint Who Dislikes Women.”
Then there was Yuri Cattleya, a familiar friend to Rest. Although she had joined the pioneering group on short notice, she had proven herself during the recent civil war by taking down numerous foes. In terms of physical ability, she was the strongest among the group, capable of slaying monsters with her bare hands.
“Hey, you two, stop making a racket! If you shout, the monsters will come!”
The one who scolded them in a hushed tone was Isis Carbelt, the leader of the Student Council Executive Committee. She had been elevated to the rank of Baron due to her heroic actions during the Stampede at the Monster Hunting Festival, where she saved many students. Isis was also among the top-tier talents at the Royal Academy. Had she not been granted nobility, she would undoubtedly have joined the Royal Guard Knights.
“……”
“Good grief… it’s like a school field trip. How ridiculous.”
And then there were two companions whom Rest was meeting for the first time. Quietly trailing at the back was a man in clerical robes, wielding a mace and possessing a surprisingly sturdy physique for a priest. His name was Jax Rail, a medical staff member dispatched from the Temple to assist the party.
And then there was Oliver Argyle, a knight sent from the Royal Palace, who wore an unpleasant expression. Like Rail, he was also an aide, but he seemed particularly driven for this mission, casting stern glances at Yuri and Lübesse, who were engaged in their lighthearted banter.
“We have our knightly reputations on the line here… Seriously, can’t you take this a bit more seriously?”
Argyle muttered to himself, nervously tapping the hilt of his sword with his fingers. According to the information provided beforehand, Argyle was a distant relative of the Queen Dowager faction. As the third son, he had been forced to leave home and join the knight order, where he had steadily risen through the ranks due to his abilities. However, because his relatives were involved in the civil war, he had been unfairly sidelined from his path to promotion.
It seemed he was eager to redeem himself through this mission, growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of seriousness from the group.
(Well, I can understand his position. He’s reputed to be quite capable, so as long as he doesn’t cause any trouble… )
The presence of Argyle and Rail in this investigation team was a precautionary measure by Andrew, who didn’t want to send students on such a dangerous mission alone. While it was clear that Rest and Lübesse had high combat abilities, their youth also meant a lack of experience. Thus, seasoned knights and priests were assigned to accompany them.
“Yuri, Lübesse. As Isis said, let’s keep our tension levels up a bit more.”
As the leader of the group, Rest admonished the two.
“Ah, sorry. I got a bit too carried away.”
“…Hmph, my bad.”
Yuri apologized sincerely, while Lübesse huffed dismissively, glancing at Argyle, who seemed somewhat satisfied that they had acknowledged their reprimand, now silent with a stern expression.
“By the way… to answer Yuri’s question, the Dragon’s Hole doesn’t directly cause cities to flourish. It’s the magical power that erupts from it that allows for the creation of barriers to prevent monster invasions and natural disasters, which in turn leads to prosperity.”
“Oh, I see… As expected of Rest. That makes sense.”
When Rest shared knowledge from the books he had read at the Rosemary Marquis House, Yuri nodded thoughtfully, crossing her arms. With barriers preventing natural disasters and monsters, and the surrounding land becoming more fertile, it was no wonder that cities thrived. Naturally, knowing that cities would prosper would lead to conflicts over them.
“More importantly… this is the area where I fought Subnock.”
They had finally arrived at the location. Before them lay a gaping hole created by Amaterasu, with traces of destruction scattered everywhere.
“This is…”
“Mu…”
“…………”
The others gasped in awe. The remnants of the battle were intense, and it was hard to believe they were made by humans. It served as a stark reminder of just how extraordinary the battle between Rest and Subnock had been.
“The central part of the plain is further ahead. There will likely be strong monsters, so everyone, please be careful.”
“…………”
Leading his unusually quiet companions, Rest pressed deeper into the plain.
“Now, this is where the central part of the plain begins. The depths of the Demon Realm. Everyone, please be extra cautious.”
Rest called out to his companions as they stepped into the depths of the Demon Realm for the first time.