◆ Avangarde Royal Capital, Hotel Maison ◆
“The Babel Sky Cannon floats far above in the sky, capable of sending commands through satellites. This means it can be fired from anywhere in the world. Its power is evident, as you can see on the screen right now.”
Even from the window of the Maison room, it was clearly visible. Reflected on the glass-like panel attached to the airship was Noibranz. From this height, Noibranz appeared desolate, completely parched like a desert, with not a hint of green in sight. This meant that not a single blade of grass had survived; everything had been obliterated. It was akin to a super-powerful spell that had annihilated the entire area.
The Babel had done exactly that—executed the same kind of overwhelming magic. Even from here, there was no trace of plants, animals, monsters, or even a single human presence. As time passed since witnessing it, a wave of terror began to rise within me. Just how much destruction had the people of Metallica wrought? More than that, the sheer audacity with which they had done it was terrifying.
“This vast Noibranz, which occupies about a third of this continent, has now vanished. Even from this distance, you must have felt the aftershocks. This is the culmination of Metallica’s technological prowess, developed into the Babel Sky Cannon.”
“Gramps… the one talking right now is insane, right?”
It was frightening, far too frightening. I couldn’t even muster the thought of hitting him. Hast, my grandfather, remained silent, even his usual habit of stroking his beard had vanished. This was serious; the idea of obliterating a nation in an instant was unfathomable. What were they trying to accomplish?
“…This is how it works, and the Sky Cannon can be remotely operated from the homeland. With this superweapon, we need not worry about any calamity that may arise in the future. Risk of destruction? Not at all! There are hardly any creatures, including monsters, that can approach the altitude where Babel floats. This has been confirmed through recent investigations.”
“Hardly, huh?”
“Even if they were to get close, the state-of-the-art interception system would greet them. If anything approaches within a certain radius, it will automatically activate, capable of intercepting even calamities of Hell’s Berg class. So, under no circumstances should you approach it. Oh, but that concern is unfounded, ha ha ha!”
It was as if he was responding to Gramps’ grumbling. The situation Gramps envisioned was also being considered by them. They must be incredibly intelligent. They weren’t just creating something impressive; they were meticulously ensuring it wouldn’t be destroyed. Normally, one would think that if something couldn’t be approached, there would be no need for defense, but they were different. They had thought it through to the very end. Just how remarkable are adults?
“Hmph, it seems they haven’t considered Rua’s existence. Right, Rash?”
“There’s one more point to note. If someone were to attempt to forcibly destroy this Sky Cannon, the satellites installed in various locations would automatically detonate, causing significant damage, though not on the scale of Noibranz. Moreover, the Sky Cannon floats almost directly above this continent, and even though it’s in the sky, the damage from the explosion would be catastrophic. That is the level of energy possessed by the Babel Sky Cannon.”
“Ha… perhaps it’s time to discard this title of sage.”
Even in Gramps’ desperate grumbling, that guy responded. There was no way he could hear our voices, yet he was so well-prepared. This meant they knew exactly what Big Sis Lua despised the most. There was no way she could ignore the damage and destroy it.
“By the way! What’s this thing called Aisei? What is it?! Can they just create something like that without permission?!”
“The airship airport heading to the Kingdom of Metallica is established on the territories of each nation. It’s nothing new for them to act as they please on other countries’ lands. While the leaders of each nation have consented, they were originally opponents we couldn’t defy.”
That’s right. Toilets, baths, water supply, electricity—these were all facilities created by the Kingdom of Metallica, and we of the Wizard Kingdom were the only ones not benefiting from them. In other words, while they were enhancing the lifelines, Metallica had effectively dominated the other nations. If we were to rebel now, we would be left helpless without those conveniences. Besides, even if we did resist, they were the kind of people who created absurd weapons like the Sky Cannon; we had no chance from the start.
Even the Comet Wolf Brigade, which had been causing a ruckus all over, shouting about the collapse of royal authority, never dared to touch Metallica’s facilities. They were a foe so fearsome that even rabid dogs would tuck their tails and flee. That was the Kingdom of Metallica—the strongest nation in this world, and once again, we were being shown just how powerful they were.
“That concludes the explanation of the Sky Cannon. While I would like to take questions, it would be endless, so I must decline. Now, let’s move on to the Babel Project. To put it bluntly, this world is being dominated by the Arbitrator God Madias. We must take action before it’s too late.”
“M-Madias?!”
What on earth was he saying? I wasn’t the only one; everyone listening must have thought the same. As expected, murmurs erupted from outside. There were many people gathered outside the hotel, all stopping to listen.
“I know it’s hard to believe. But you all witnessed that terrifying angel hovering above Avangarde Castle. That was Madias’s envoy. Many of you must have seen its ferocity; fortunately, we escaped unharmed thanks to a single girl, but that is also the true nature of Madias.”
“Gramps, what is Madias?”
Then Genia, that girl, began to explain endlessly about Madias. How this world had been managed by Madias since ancient times. How every time humanity thrived, disasters were unleashed to reduce their numbers. Each time, human civilization was wiped out, forcing them to start over from scratch. Only the Kingdom of Metallica had somehow managed to resist and build the current civilization.
“…You may have doubts about our advanced technology in the Kingdom of Metallica. Some may even envy it. However, we are not special in any way. Originally, all of you should have been able to reach this level as well. Yet, time and again, you have been annihilated by Madias. That angel is the same; Madias is once again… trying to destroy humanity.”
This was what one would call absurd. Normally, it would be laughable, but outside, there were hardly any mocking voices. That only reinforced the power of the Kingdom of Metallica, and Genia’s way of speaking was likely quite skilled.
“Among you are many who possess various skills. The struggles you endured to acquire them must be beyond description. Once more, look at your hands. You should be able to see the hardships reflected in them… Yes, I too did not start in my current position. I can’t even count how many times I cried. There were times when I thought of ending it all when my peers surpassed me, and I couldn’t grasp certain skills.”
I couldn’t relate to that at all. I had been called a genius after graduating early from the academy. I had hardly faced any hardships; rather, I remembered the harassment from my awful classmates more vividly. Many of them could only drag others down, blaming their own lack of ability. I had cried a few times because of that.
“Furthermore, consider this. The skills you have acquired were also created by those who came before you. Those predecessors inherited their knowledge from others. What you hold in your hands is the result of time and effort accumulated over generations. And it will be entrusted to the next generation… whether it be your disciples or your children. It is a legacy for the future…”
“Now that you mention it… that might be true.”
“Indeed. Your Illusion Magic is not original either. There must be some foundational elements that serve as its basis. I am no exception.”
“Hmm, that’s true.”
I see. I had never really thought about it. It felt like my heart had been pierced, and I was no longer elated about being called a genius. But that was the truth; if I were to revel in my achievements, I would be belittling those who came before me. Ignoring the contributions of predecessors to boast about being a genius was unacceptable. To feel this way so quickly, perhaps I was still immature.
“Madias is… trying to sever even that future. From a divine height, he looks down and, out of some ego, cuts off humanity’s potential. I ask you once more! Will you allow such a thing to happen?! Shall we simply come to an end here?!”
“Absolutely not!”
A loud voice echoed from outside. Then, like a heavy rain that follows a few drops, more and more voices began to support Genia. The once quiet outside became quite noisy, as if the entire Royal Capital was shaking with their voices.
“We’ve had enough of this fear!”
“What should we do?!”
“The Kingdom of Metallica will do something about it, right?! So, we can defeat the god with that Sky Cannon, right?!”
“At this point, Babel will only be used against nations that do not comply with our Kingdom’s Babel Project, deemed as dangerous elements. As you know, Noibranz has repeatedly engaged in invasions from the past to the present. If left unchecked, the flames of war would surely spread. Such a nation cannot be overlooked by our Kingdom, so, regrettably, they have been eliminated.”
It was as if someone was answering a question, completely unfazed by the gravity of the statement. To say they had been eliminated so casually made my blood boil. Just moments ago, I had been terrified, but now anger surged within me. The urge to unleash a Fireball at that airship was almost overwhelming.
“Countless innocent lives have been taken…!”
“The Babel Project aims to defeat the evil god Madias and establish an era for humanity. Let us liberate this world from the grasp of the Divine Being! With our own hands!”
Of course, my shout went unheard. They answered questions yet ignored me, and I couldn’t help but feel that it was utterly ridiculous. Outside, the crowd seemed to have become fans of Genia, repeating phrases like “With our own hands!” and letting out nonsensical battle cries. It was absurd. The Kingdom of Metallica had just committed a mass slaughter. Were they all so easily swayed? Were they all fools?
“Regarding the Babel Project, there is something I need everyone to cooperate with. I won’t say much at once; just this for now. Please wear this ‘Kara Collar’ that we also use in our Kingdom. Here it is.”
What was displayed on the board attached to the airship was unmistakably a collar. I recalled hearing that everyone had to wear one upon entering the Kingdom of Metallica. With this on, no matter where you tried to escape, your location would be revealed, and it could be detonated. If you tried to forcibly remove it, it would explode.
“We’re not pets…!”
“This will be distributed over the course of a week. Rest assured, we have all your information, including your names, residences, occupations, and family structures. Each day, this airship will announce the addresses by district, and those called must come to Avangarde Castle by the end of the day. Should you fail to comply, appropriate measures will be taken, so please be forewarned. I repeat, we have all your information.”
That explanation was enough to instill fear. To listen to the broadcast, one would have to remain in the Royal Capital. Anyone with a shred of common sense would understand that there would be no excuses for missing it. This meant no naps; there was a chance of missing it during that time. They didn’t care about our circumstances; to them, it was irrelevant. Those who had just committed mass slaughter on a national scale wouldn’t give a second thought to the convenience of a single citizen.
“Additionally, I believe there are visitors from other countries present, and they too will be subject to this. Therefore, please refrain from returning to your homeland for the time being.”
It was clear to everyone that the atmosphere had turned ominous. Just moments ago, the crowd had been lively, but now it was slowly returning to a murmur of unease.
“I understand you may have grievances. However, for the execution of this plan, we require complete unity in your will and actions. Even the slightest disruption to the plan cannot be tolerated. Understand this: this is merely a part of the plan. It is a test of endurance until the time of its fruition.”
In other words, they were telling us not to interfere. But even if someone were to throw a fit, there was no way to obstruct the Kingdom of Metallica. They spoke so smoothly, but the ideal world they promised was nothing more than bait. Regardless of the plan, they simply wanted to manipulate things to suit their own needs. That was all there was to it.
“You may think this is a trivial matter, but we are attempting to defeat an opponent that cannot afford even the slightest misstep. Madias is that formidable of an enemy. Look at this; I am no exception.”
What was displayed next was a thin, bespectacled man. He wore a white coat that reached his knees, and a Kara Collar was fastened around his neck. This was Genia. He looked like he could be blown away with a single punch, and there was something sickly pale about him. He didn’t seem healthy at all.
“We cannot impose this solely on you. Everyone present here from our Kingdom is also subject to this. Of course, I do not expect you to understand this fully from just this. It would take too long to explain everything, so let us conclude for today.”
With that, the broadcast was abruptly cut off, leaving only that airship hovering above.
“Oh, I almost forgot. Uh, I will now announce the districts of those who are to come today…”
And just like that, he began to read off names in a bizarrely cheerful manner. After announcing the districts of the Royal Capital three times, he mentioned names from other regions. Those from Kashiram and Normitz were summoned. I wondered what would happen to those who had come from across the sea. But honestly, I didn’t care.
“Grandpa…”
“We can easily return using One Move, right? Even those guys can’t control magic.”
“There’s no way I’m going back! Is this even allowed?!”
“It’s unreasonable.”
“Of course it is! Restrictions on our actions make no sense; they just want to dominate us! Damn it, how did it come to this…?”
“By the way, I wonder if Rutna and Truppo heard that last bit? Rash, could you go call them?”
Just moments ago, we had been tense, but now it felt ridiculous. I opened the door roughly and kicked it shut behind me. I could almost hear Grandpa’s voice saying, “Good grief.”
Were they still asleep? Those two had their own room, separate from mine and Grandpa’s. I had often shared a room with Big Sis Truppo, and I had said it was fine to share with Rutna too, but…
“They called me insensitive and a pervert, and now I’m really pissed off! Hey! Big Sis Truppo! Rutna! You awake?!”
I banged on the door without a care for the noise. I was trying to think of a retort for Rutna, who would surely yell at me for being so loud, but nothing came to mind. Were they still asleep? I could understand Rutna, but even Big Sis Truppo?
“Hey! Hm…?”
Just as I was about to bang on the door again, I noticed something at my feet. A piece of paper was sticking out from the gap in the door. What the hell is this? It was a neatly folded piece of paper with messy handwriting scrawled across it.
“To whoever sees this!
Rutna and Truppo have been taken!
If you want them back, prepare 500,000 gold and come to the tavern ‘Night of a Million Gold’ on Central Street!
And of course, only one person can come!
I won’t bother writing what will happen if you ignore this!
If my guess is correct, the one who sees this is that brat Rash!
If so, the bet is mine! Gwahahaha!”
“…Huh?”
What the hell is this? Wait a minute. Is this what I think it is? They’ve been kidnapped? This makes no sense; why them? Who would do this and for what reason? And 500,000 gold? There’s no way I have that! And who writes “Gwahahaha!” in a letter? What a pathetic loser.
“At a time like this… Seriously?”
I struggled to make sense of the situation in my chaotic mind. I needed to verify whether this letter was true or not. I felt bad for the hotel, but I blasted the door open with a tiny Fireball and stepped inside.
“…They’re not here.”
I had hoped they would scold me for barging into a girl’s room. The bed was still neatly made, showing no signs that anyone had been there. Moreover, the door was locked, meaning they had gone out for dinner together the previous night. That meant they had been taken then. Rutna was one thing, but Big Sis Truppo was quite strong. If that were the case, the kidnapper would be a serious problem. What should I do? Should I consult Grandpa Hast?
“Of course, you can consult Sage Hast!
It would be too much for a greenhorn like you!
You and your girl are still just kids! You need a guardian!
Gwahahaha!”
“You bastard.”
That additional line made my blood boil. Clenching the paper tightly, I descended the hotel stairs. How does this guy know so much? It was more than just creepy; I couldn’t stand it. I had already failed to protect Rutna once against that pervert from the Comet Wolf Brigade, and now I was faced with the possibility of losing her again.
I’ve had enough. I want to protect what I care about with my own strength. Big Sis Lua has always done that. I may not be able to become like her, but I want to avenge this frustration. For a brief moment, I wondered if the guy who wrote this letter could see through my feelings, but I quickly dismissed it as irrelevant.
◆ Shin Report ◆
Are you alive?