Chapter 209: Please Confirm the Subjugation Proof Thoroughly
First, Rio stood facing the side of the turtle, her great sword raised high. While I had a growth Skill and was accustomed to fighting with gauntlets, it was unclear whether my swordsmanship or Rio’s katana skills were superior, given her fondness for blades. However, it was agreed that her ability to imbue her strikes with Magic Power was likely greater, allowing her to take the first move.
“—Ha!”
With a single breath, she unleashed a strike charged with determination and Magic Power. The impact shook the ground, and indeed, she succeeded in slicing through the shell of the Sea Emperor Turtle.
“Whoa!”
“No way, no way, no way…”
“I did it!”
Ivan, who was at a loss for words, was of little concern, but Phonia, mimicking the motion of swinging her sword while cheering, was undeniably adorable.
“I thought it could be cut, but it really did slice through!”
“Still, it’s impressive for a Sea Emperor Turtle. I infused my Magic Power to cut all the way through, but it didn’t reach the end.”
“Oh ho…”
So, it meant she hadn’t completely severed it. When I used magic to lift the left half of the shell, the right side indeed came up with it.
“Shall we store that half for now?”
“Sure.”
Thus began the disassembly of the Sea Emperor Turtle under the guise of practice cutting.
After enjoying turtle meat atop the canyon peak for lunch, we returned to the Adventurer’s Guild by evening. The city felt unusually lively upon our return, and the guild was buzzing with commotion as well. By the way, the meat from the Sea Emperor Turtle was incredibly delicious.
“Oh, Shu! Rio! …You finally made it back!”
Tetra, a keen-eyed female staff member of the guild, rushed over to us.
“Is something wrong?”
“Is something wrong? You’ve been gone for three days after taking the investigation request at the peak!”
“Ah…”
It was an investigation request, so it wasn’t unusual to be gone for a few days. I didn’t think we warranted that much concern.
“Suddenly, a massive number of Wyverns and Chimeras took off from the peak! The whole town is in an uproar… If you know anything, please tell me!”
Before I could respond, she pushed us toward the counter.
“Excuse me! I’ve brought Shu and Rio back!”
As expected, we were led to the Guild Master’s office.
“Ah, you’re back. Now we can finally get some clarity on the situation.”
The elderly woman sighed in relief, though perhaps it was a bit premature. We could very well be bringing back dire news. Well, that was unlikely, but still.
“Sorry to ask right away, but could you tell me the results of your investigation?”
She was eager for information, demanding it without delay. Last time, she had at least invited us to sit on the sofa first.
“Very well.”
I nodded and slowly took a seat on the sofa in front of her desk. Tetra stepped out of the room, presumably to prepare tea, and we four sat quietly until she returned.
However, if we were to drag this out, we’d only end up being just as annoying as the old woman. Since I had managed to irritate her a little, I decided to relay the information quickly and take my leave.
“We took care of the Mole Balls.”
“Huh? …What did you say?”
This old woman… Once she realized we were safe, she seemed to take her time processing the information.
“I said, the Mole Balls were blocking the Magic Power vent, so we took care of them.”
“W-What!?”
Hey, you old hag. To repeat it twice, you’ve got some nerve—
“Is that true!?”
…Ah, she was just incredulous and needed to hear it again. I suppose I needed to calm down as well.
“Ah, I see… So that’s why the Wyverns and Chimeras fled. That makes sense… maybe.”
The old woman muttered to herself, but unfortunately, her assumption was incorrect. If that stench exploded, neither the Wyverns nor the Chimeras would be able to endure it. But it might be easier to let her think that.
“Uh, they didn’t flee because of that stinky ball, you know?”
I thought that, but Phonia inadvertently blurted it out.
“…What?”
She looked at us suspiciously, but it couldn’t be helped. I hadn’t intended to bring up the Sea Emperor Turtle, but it would be revealed once we submitted the materials from its disassembly.
“You all really did subjugate the Mole Balls, right?”
Ah, so you’re the one doubting us. In that case, I had proof, so this would be quick.
“Of course! We have evidence, so feel free to confirm it with your own eyes.”
I exchanged a glance with Rio, who grinned mischievously.
“Hm? What do you mean?”
Ignoring the old woman’s suspicious expression, Rio moved to the side of the sofa and opened the entrance to the Dimensional Box.
“Wait! I get it! I get it, so don’t bring it out here! Don’t bring it out!”
Ignoring the old woman’s desperate pleas, I pulled out the freshly subjugated Mole Ball.
“Stop…! Gyaaaaaahhh!!?”
Whether it was instinct or reflex, the old woman’s scream echoed as she pinched her nose. It was securely sealed, after all.