◆ Kingdom of Metallica, Research Facility No. 5 ◆
“Wonderful! Subject No. 533 has yielded results beyond our expectations!”
“In just one year, the synergy rate with the Machine Maiden has been raised to over 70%… This is a sufficient operational range.”
“Next in line is No. 82 with 30%… The rest are all over the place.”
“I don’t care about the others anymore. It’s time to start training in a real combat format.”
I defeated one, two, three, four, five monsters. Today, I took down five in a shorter time than yesterday. I’m going to be praised again. Yay!
“Good job, Platiu. You’re the best!”
The scary landlady patted my head. It felt great, even if I didn’t fully understand it. “You’re amazing, Platiu.” I felt happy. “You’re amazing,” made me feel good, but “the best” made me even happier.
“This week’s average synergy rate has increased by 3.4%… Compared to last week’s average increase of 1.233%, this is an astonishing figure.”
“If you keep this up, it would be a great help in exterminating the monsters roaming our country. By the way, what’s this child’s level?”
“Currently, it’s 13. While it’s not particularly high, that doesn’t matter.”
“Exactly, that number actually demonstrates the high performance of the Machine Maiden. Even with a level of just 13, she can eliminate monsters with HP around 1000 in such a short time.”
“Hahaha, any novice adventurer would turn pale upon hearing that.”
I was praised for having a high synergy rate. I was praised for defeating many monsters. I want to be praised even more.
“However, she has developed a habit of sniffing at everything we give her…”
“It’s just a minor side effect. For her, communication with people is more of a bonus.”
The scary landlady smells nice. She praised me, so she smells good. Uncle smells strange, but he praised me too.
“After two years since the start… finally! The synergy rate has surpassed 90! Director Corin, we have reached a level where we can operate it seriously!”
“Yes, while 98% is ideal, this is more than enough. Platiu, you are an incredible child.”
Platiu is incredible, and she gets patted. Platiu is being praised, and she isn’t being hit. Since she isn’t being hit, she isn’t unwanted.
“Platiu, it’s been a while.”
A tall man is smiling. I know him, but I can’t remember who he is.
“Di-Director Corin. It seems you’ve forgotten about me…”
“You’ll remember eventually, right? For now, we just need to regularly check the synergy rate, and we can take our time to get to know each other.”
“Then, this child will finally be mine—”
I don’t really understand, but he hugged me tightly. He smells strange, but he’s a good person.
“Platiu, you did well…”
I want to be praised more, more, more. After defeating monsters, I want to be hugged. Platiu is said to be S-rank. I will keep defeating monsters, endlessly.
“Platiu, let’s pick up the pace. At this rate, it will take 20 years to completely exterminate the monsters from this continent.”
Today, I wasn’t praised.
“That’s good, Platiu! Starting tomorrow, let’s increase the output a little more! You can handle it now!”
I want to defeat them quickly, even faster, and finally, I was praised. My head hurts so much, and I feel like crying, but they praise me.
“The Adventurer’s Guild headquarters was also taken aback. After all, you are the youngest S-rank in the world.”
“The Powered Suit that was deployed in actual combat last year is also thanks to your Machine Maiden.”
“Platiu, I’m glad you’re here.”
I’m glad. I’m really glad Platiu is here. No one will hit me anymore; they praise me. I’m a good child, I’m glad, I’m happy. Those words make me happy.
“The Babel Project is about to commence. Hehehe, with this, our Kingdom of Metallica’s status will…”
Brother Geinia laughed. Platiu is a good child, so he laughed. I’m happy.
◆ Noibranz, In Front of the Royal Capital ◆
【Crimson unleashed the Flare Ray! Aboro deftly dodged!】
“Too soft!”
Target evaded. The predicted impact time was significantly exceeded, and the target’s speed was also greatly surpassed. Calculating the target’s speed and action patterns. Transitioning to the next attack.
【Crimson’s Flame Braver! Aboro deftly dodged!】
“Did you think you could manage in close combat? Too soft! The heat radiating from that armor and everything about you!”
Target: Aboro. No past combat data available.
【Aboro HP: ?????】
Accessing ALEX, initiating data search.
【Aboro unknown
A survivor of the Demon Race believed to have perished hundreds of years ago. His power surpasses even that of the Hero Clan, posing a threat to human forces until the very end. Known as the “Demon Calamity,” he instilled fear and despair not only in humans but in other races as well. Why, despite possessing such power, did he submit to humans? Detailed data from that time is currently unknown even to ALEX.
ATK: ??????
DEF: ??????
SPD: ??????
Active Skills: ??????
Passive Skills: ??????
Divine Nature: ?????】
The relevant data on Aboro is as follows. No combat-related data available; data collection will commence through combat. This will build combat data and analyze strategies.
【Aboro’s attack!】
A punch thrust, predicted impact speed below 0.001 seconds. Reaction possible.
【Crimson took 6403 damage!】
“Ugh…!”
Analysis complete. Reaction impossible.
“You’ve been saying it’s too slow… since earlier.”
Damage rate exceeds 40%. The target’s combat ability is unknown. Further combat deemed dangerous. Constructing escape program, executing immediately.
“I don’t want to…”
Execution recommended; damage rate exceeds 40%. Execution recommended.
“I have to win, I have to win…”
Combat data, ERROR. Further combat deemed dangerous; damage rate exceeds 42%. Probability that the target’s combat ability surpasses Crimson’s exceeds 99%.
“I don’t want to! I don’t want to!”
“Is she a girl…?”
The target’s movements halted. Calculating escape route, executing immediately.
“I have to win, I have to win, or I’ll be scolded…”
“Aboro! Just one more push! Finish it now!”
“No, wait…”
“I need praise, no one will praise me… Platiu will be unwanted…”
Escape initiated. Simultaneously sending current combat data to ALEX, initiating auto-repair.
“Ugh, ughhh! Aaaah! Aaaah!”
Escape destination: the northwestern mountains of Noibranz. The presence of living beings is minimal, and the air is good. Judged suitable for the wearer’s rest. Flying with the auxiliary boosters, firepower stable.
“Please, don’t hit me, don’t hit me… praise me, praise me…”
Praise me, relevant data. None.
◆ Noibranz, Eastern Region, Agada Wasteland ◆
“Lua-chan, ahh.”
“Ahh.”
“Is it delicious? Next, it’s my turn.”
“Yeah. Ahh for me.”
“Ahhh, more.”
“Huh, that much?”
“More, more.”
“Enough! Do you have no sense of tension?!”
I was just having fun feeding each other with Kurinka when that loud Private First Class Bikuro interrupted. He should just quietly control this Jailosaurus. Since he lost his weapon to that person, we can only feed each other the pudding buns we have. Yet he raises his voice and scares us.
“Being captured, we don’t even know what kind of judgment will be passed in the Royal Capital! Aren’t you terrified?”
“But we have a friendship treaty with the Kingdom of Noibranz, right?”
“A friendship treaty…?”
“Right?”
“You fool! Unlike the Kingdom of Avangarde, my country is not so lenient! Especially if that Red Devil causes significant damage, your treatment will be severe, even if you had nothing to do with it!”
“What a terrible country, Kurinka…”
“Yeah, we haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Anyway! Just wait quietly! Damn it, why am I babysitting these smelly kids…?”
What a terrible thing to say. Even though we signed a friendship treaty with Avangarde, it seems it was just for show. It was Natchu from the Ten Destroyers who spread the bacteria, but it must have been the king or someone who ordered it. Is this what they call showing their true colors?
“Besides, you seem to be taking a condescending attitude. I’ll say it again, but there are plenty of people like you in my country.”
“Indeed. For example, Captain Geog, who oversees the southern border patrol, is famous for having defeated a Green Dragon at the age of 18.”
“The Green Dragon’s venomous breath can paralyze you instantly; just one breath and you would die within a minute. The villagers and townsfolk he saved still revere Captain Geog as a hero.”
“I don’t know him personally, but he’s my goal. I hope to meet him someday…”
“How’s it going over there in Avangarde? I imagine it takes a large number of people to take down monsters of that class, right?”
It had only been half a day since we set off, yet all they could do was boast. Just earlier, some captain was bragging about single-handedly defeating a swarm of Red Salamanders, and I was fed up with it. When I mentioned that I had defeated Vandalsia, everyone burst into laughter. They even claimed that such a creature would be no match for our elite forces, leaving me too exasperated to even feel angry.
“Lua-chan, you’ve become quite patient lately, haven’t you?”
“Really?”
“Of course! Remember when Gantetsu-san talked about defeating a Poison Salamander? You practically jumped down his throat, saying, ‘I did it!'”
“I-I wasn’t that angry!”
“Come on, you were totally angry!”
“I wasn’t angry!”
“Exactly, that’s the spirit!”
“Y-YOU LOT! ARE YOU LISTENING?!”
Sorry, I wasn’t. What was it again? Something about a captain defeating a Green Salamander all by himself? While wiping the pudding residue from Kurinka’s mouth, I hurriedly pretended to listen.
“How dare you act like this, being a woman… It seems you won’t understand until you experience real pain!”
“Just focus on controlling the Jailsaurus and stop butting in!”
“Don’t worry, we’re going straight for a while. So there’s no need for that.”
It seemed Private First Class Bikuro was angrier than I thought, even barging into the cell. What a terrible way to refer to someone! Speaking of which, Baran had mentioned that women have low status in the Nation of Noibranz. No wonder there are so many arrogant people around.
“It seems your parents couldn’t even teach you proper manners. Allowing a girl like you to get so full of herself… Now, let’s see what’s in that bag of yours. I let you off the hook because you begged me for snacks, but I won’t show mercy this time.”
“Ah, no!”
“Too late, everything’s confiscated.”
“Don’t put your hands in there!”
“What are you panicking for…?”
Chomp!
“YAAAAAH! What the—something just bit me!”
I told you so. Lately, if I recklessly stick my hand in, I sometimes get bitten too. It seemed like Shin was in a bad mood, and even giving him snacks didn’t help. Private First Class Bikuro was desperately swinging Shin around, who refused to let go of his finger. What on earth was going on?
“B-Bikuro! What’s happening?!”
“A strange creature is biting me! Do something! What are you keeping as pets?!”
“Fshururururu…”
“How incredibly violent! It hurts! Let go!”
“Shin-chan! Let go!”
Finally, Kurinka managed to calm him down. Holding the excited Shin in one hand, she gently patted his head. For a creature that could inflict damage on Private First Class Bikuro, Shin might actually be stronger than I thought.
“Shin-chan, what’s wrong? Is there something bothering you?”
“Shin was supposed to relax with Mama! But then you all came to this remote place while I was napping in the bag!”
“But Shin-chan, didn’t the Demon Lord tell you to follow us? If you keep lounging around, it would mean disobeying the Demon Lord!”
“Ugh… well, that’s…”
“Want a pudding bun?”
Shoving a pudding bun into his mouth quieted him down. As expected of Kurinka, she managed to silence the rampaging Shin right away. With crumbs around his mouth, Shin glared at Private First Class Bikuro. He’s not a bad person, so please forgive him.
“I won’t let this go!”
“W-Wait, what do you think you’re doing with that sword?!”
“I’m going to slice that creature!”
“If you do that, I won’t forgive you! Shin is an important friend!”
“Lua…”
Shin dropped the pudding bun he was holding, clearly surprised. He hurriedly picked it up, trying to cover it up, but maybe he was actually happy.
“Since you seem to underestimate me, let me introduce you… to my Servant!”
The Night Cancer has appeared! HP 2308
A green flying crab, which had been hovering above the Jailsaurus, descended outside the cell. It clicked its large pincers together and glared at us with its bulging eye. It looked tough.
“I-It’s here… Private First Class Bikuro’s Night Cancer…”
“The strength of Private First Class Bikuro’s Servant is already on par with a squad leader. It’s no surprise he’s assured of the squad leader position.”
“Hey! You brats! Apologize while you still can! Hahahahaha!”
If that thing appeared in the Strange Plains instead of the Poison Salamander, Gantetsu and the others would be in serious trouble. This meant that Private First Class Bikuro was stronger than Gantetsu. Even without being a captain, he had strength comparable to or even exceeding that of an A-Rank Adventurer. It was no wonder that nations, including the Kingdom of Avangarde, feared him.
“Looks like you’re too scared to even speak! In the end, you’re just kids; the fearless have finally learned fear here! I told you, people like you are nothing special in my country!”
The Killing Worm has appeared! The Killing Worm opened its mouth wide and swallowed the Night Cancer!
A giant worm with a yellow and black mottled pattern emerged, kicking up clouds of dust. In one swift motion, it devoured the Night Cancer. This all happened while Private First Class Bikuro was laughing loudly, and it was truly over in an instant.
“Huh?”
Not “huh,” but the worm was now shaking its head and setting its sights on us.
“H-Hey! W-Why is it coming for us?! I told you to avoid the Killing Worm’s territory! Answer me, Private Second Class Zakutsu!”
“B-But it was Private First Class Bikuro who was holding the reins of the Jailsaurus…”
“Don’t make excuses!”
“Hey! You were the one who chose this route!”
“I-I don’t have the authority to decide that as a Private Third Class… Private Second Class Zakutsu.”
Even though he asked for it himself. While Private Second Class Zakutsu was busy blaming another soldier, the Killing Worm seemed to be getting in a better mood. I didn’t know if shaking its head was some kind of instinct, but it was definitely a dire situation.
“W-What do we do… What should we do… We were supposed to avoid it, we were supposed to…”
“How about we let the Jailsaurus fight?”
“That slowpoke wouldn’t stand a chance… It’s a monster that even our country struggles against…”
“But, Kurinka…”
“This is quite the predicament, huh?”
That monster was so fearsome that even the arrogant Noibranz soldiers were trembling. I thought it might be a good idea to toy with them a little longer before taking it down.
“W-We’ve been cut off from our escape route… Its body is already covering this entire area…”
The Killing Worm has appeared! HP 26300
Just after someone reported that, the ground shook violently.
◆ Shin Report ◆
Hehehe, Lua thinks of Shin as an important friend.
But Shin isn’t a child to get all giddy over that.
Well, however, for Kurinka’s sake, I’ll be happy about it.
Shin isn’t so sweet as to be tamed by a mere bun.
Buns are sweet, sweet, sweet, delicious!
Monster Compendium
Night Cancer HP 2308
A crab monster with a shell that can withstand even mithril. Its movements aren’t particularly fast, but its ability to catch prey with its keen eyesight is extraordinary, capable of ambushing even the fast-running Soldier Leo with its pincers. Approaching carelessly will lead to becoming its meal, so it’s better to take it down from a distance with magic, although it has high resistance. The soft flesh beneath its shell is delicious and popular in the market. How it floats remains a mystery.
Killing Worm HP 26300
A giant worm with a specific territory. It poses no threat if its territory is not violated, but it spends most of its time underground, making it hard to detect. Many humans have been preyed upon for carelessly stepping into its territory, and its ferocity is such that even A-Rank Adventurers avoid it. It exhibits a reckless fighting style, rapidly weaving between underground and above ground, but it can also be cruel, blocking its prey’s escape routes with its long body. This monster has become so notorious that avoiding its territory is considered a skill, and anyone who possesses that skill is highly valued in any party. As a side note, it is said that even the Earth Beast Titanis is overpowered by it in the Nation of Noibranz.