Side: Yuki
"Yes, Narjia-san, correct? This card will serve as your temporary ID. I'll put it in this case for you, so please hang it around your neck where it's visible."
Milly was seated at the very last table, handling the issuance of the identification cards.
"How does it look, Labyris? My Appraisal isn't picking up any fakes or anyone telling lies."
"...Yes, none of that sort are present to my eyes either."
Labyris and I were assisting at the registration area, verifying everyone's identity. After all, with doppelgangers and transformation magic existing in this world, it would be a nightmare if an infiltrator slipped in.
"...Still, an 'ID card,' was it? You come up with such interesting things. Being able to guarantee who a person is certainly leads to security. Until now, the best we had were 'Diagnosis Crystals' that just gave a rough idea of a name and level."
"I'll add photos later to make them perfect. These cards won't display a name unless the mana belongs to the owner. In other words, even if someone forges one..."
"...The name won't appear. Combined with the photo, it's a double layer of security."
"Plus, I record the issue date on our end. Even if someone manages to replicate the card perfectly from scratch, they'll get caught by the logs."
"...That's pretty ruthless."
While we held this conversation, the two of us didn't look at each other's faces, keeping our focus on scanning the surroundings.
"Um, might I have a word?"
"Yes, what is it?"
As the verification process wound down, the Elder approached me. She had already received her temporary ID, which correctly displayed the name "Narjia".
Man, Fairies are incredible. Their average MP is over 1000. Elder Narjia reaches a staggering 7000. With that much, they could spam most magic indefinitely.
...Wait. The DP absorption rate is roughly 1/100th per hour. That means the Elder alone generates 70 DP every hour... Heh heh heh. The day we can afford to commission high-end gear is drawing near.
"We're almost finished moving the luggage. What should we do with those two 'Four Heavenly Kings' over on the other side?"
"Oh? Narjia-san, did you realize I'm Yuki?"
"Yes, I can read mana to an extent. Don't worry, I won't tell a soul. The others haven't noticed."
As expected of the fairy race.
I told Coville not to tell anyone about me, but just to be safe, I'll put her under Designated Protection later so she physically can't say it.
"Those self-proclaimed Heavenly Kings, huh... What do you think would be the best move?"
"You're asking for my opinion? ...Well, if I may be so bold, I believe it's six of one and half a dozen of the other whether you keep them as prisoners or kill them."
"May I ask why?"
"The benefit of taking them prisoner is that we might learn about the Demon King's army or internal affairs. The downside is the risk of false information, or the immense damage they could cause if they escape this dungeon. As for killing them, the benefit is that we won't have to waste manpower guarding them. The downside is that if they actually are Heavenly Kings, the Demon King's army will mark us as targets."
Hmm. I need to discuss this with the dungeon representatives—Ratz and the others.
"I can kill them whenever I want. So for now, I'll lock them in the dungeon's oubliette. There's no rush to decide their fate. Let's deliberate properly once more."
"I understand. I see... so you truly are 'managing' this place. You feel it would be improper to decide solely on your own?"
"Yeah. Everyone here helps me out. There's only so much I can do by myself."
Labyris, sitting on my lap, glared up at the Elder.
"I'll let it slide this once since there was no malice, but watch your tongue. If you insult Yuki, I'll punch you even if he's laughing it off."
"I apologize. I never intended to belittle or disparage someone so important to you. I, too, am responsible for the lives of my villagers. Please understand that."
"...I know. Just be careful from now on."
"Yes, of course."
Wow, she's actually being polite back to Labyris. This Elder might be quite capable. She didn't even flinch at Labyris's appearance and handled the situation perfectly.
"Anyway, Elder. If the luggage is moved, please confirm and do a roll call to make sure no one is left behind on the other side. Once the transport is done, I'm collapsing that gate and the temporary dungeon."
"I see. To make it so no one can tell we fled into a dungeon?"
"Exactly. Someone is bound to check that place eventually. We don't want to leave traces."
While the Elder went to check on her people, Coville came over to me.
"Hey, Yuki? Should I stay here? I have a promise to keep with Rurua."
"No, I need you to go with Rurua and the others. Honestly, Rurua's situation is pretty dire in a lot of ways."
"I see. Got it! I'll do my best, leave it to me!"
"Let's clear it with the Elder first. Coville, sorry, but could you go bring Rurua over here? Mobu and the others are still on guard at the gate and the entrance. Give this to Mobu—it's sake and snacks. I've been pushing them pretty hard."
Coville headed through the gate to get Rurua.
Shortly after, the Elder returned.
"I apologize. It seems Coville, who was with your group, is still on the other side."
"Ah, sorry about that. I just asked her to go call one of my companions over here."
"I see. That's a relief. Then, everyone—excluding Coville—is safely on this side and has their ID."
"Great. In that case, Eris, take everyone to Training Room A and explain how to use the facilities."
"Understood. Everyone, leave your luggage there for now and follow me. I will explain the rooms you'll be using. Elder, is that alright?"
"Yes, please go ahead. Everyone, follow her instructions. The tools here are unlike anything we've seen before. Listen carefully and make sure not to cause any trouble."
With the Elder's blessing, the Fairies followed Eris.
"Heeeey, I brought Rurua!"
After the crowd left, Coville returned with Rurua.
"Coville. Even if it was an order from Yuki-san, please say something to me first. I was worried."
"Ugh, sorry, Elder..."
Coville was getting scolded. Meanwhile, Rurua looked at me with a curious expression.
"Yuki-san, why was I called here?"
"Well, there's someone even more important than Coville here now, so I figured I should talk to her. When it comes to your problem, the Elder might be a better person to rely on than Coville."
"I see."
Rurua nodded and turned toward the Elder and Coville.
"A problem? Now that I think of it, Yuki-san mentioned you were traveling for a specific purpose. Could you tell me the reason? If it's something we can help with, we won't hesitate to cooperate."
"Yeah! You helped save everyone, after all! I keep my promises!"
"I appreciate the words, but this matter is a bit complicated. I can explain the reason if you're willing to accept my Designated Protection."
"What is Designated Protection?"
In response to the Elder's question, I explained it just as I had to the others: that it's different from slavery, the constraints, the privileges, and the fact that one cannot use force within the dungeon.
"I see. There are no issues with that for me or Yuki-san. I would like to receive this protection."
"Me too, me too! I want to try using that 'Call' thing!"
They accepted the protection much more easily than I expected, and I explained Rurua's situation. Of course, explaining Rurua's situation meant talking about the goals of this dungeon as well. I kept it brief.
"I see... That is indeed not something that can be spoken of lightly, nor is it something one would normally ask for cooperation on. In fact, if not for this incident, I probably would have refused."
"Then...?"
"Yes. Yuki-san, Rurua-sama, you have essentially saved our lives. We wish to cooperate without hesitation, but... I am struggling to gauge what actions would serve as a proper deterrent for the Holy Kingdom of Rithea. Since my villagers are here, I would like to avoid going to Rithea personally."
"True. Without hammering out the details, we can't effectively use the fact that the Fairies are backing you."
Both the Elder and Rurua wore troubled expressions.
"I have a proposal. We can stay in touch anytime via the Call function to work out the details. For now, Elder, could you give me three Elixirs and one or two pieces of equipment you wouldn't mind parting with?"
"Normally I would refuse—one Elixir is worth 150 platinum coins, you know? But putting the gear aside for a moment, please tell me how you intend to use the Elixirs. They are not things to be given away lightly."
"If we're lucky, we won't use a single one. But we'll likely need to use one to prove it's the real deal. If Coville speaks up in support of Rurua while presenting a genuine Elixir..."
"I see. It would serve as proof that we Fairies truly support Rurua-sama."
"Exactly. We'll need to refine the specifics, but for now, would you be willing to share?"
"...Very well. I understand Rurua-sama is short on time. However, Elixirs are precious. I will provide two. In exchange, I will give you four or five extra pieces of equipment."
"There you have it. Rurua, what do you think?"
"Elder, I thank you for your generous heart! Truly, thank you so much."
Rurua was in tears as she thanked her. It was understandable; there was a chance she wouldn't have gotten any cooperation at all.
"Rurua-sama, please raise your head. We are the ones grateful for you saving us at such a time. I apologize that we cannot fully meet your demands due to our own circumstances. Coville, you have an Item Box as well, don't you?"
"Yep, I do!"
"I am entrusting the Elixirs and gear to you. I'm worried about you being the one to follow Rurua-sama, but there is no one else suited for the task. Be a source of strength for her."
"Leave it to me!! I'm gonna go wild in Rithea and kick out everyone who was mean to Rurua!"
With that, the Elder pulled the Elixirs and gear from her Item Box and handed them to Coville.
"Alright, Rurua, head back to the other side with Coville. We lost a lot of time making sure the villagers were safe. We'll handle things on this end. I've already told Kiyu to drive as fast as he can."
"Yes, understood. Though even if we 'lost time,' it's only been a day."
"Even so, we're a day behind. It's still a race against the clock. We've gained allies, but this is far from over. Don't let your guard down."
Rurua nodded with a determined face and stepped through the gate with Coville.
"...You are both kind and strict, aren't you? If you stepped to the forefront, Yuki-san, everything would be settled. And yet, you are choosing to help Rurua-sama accomplish it herself."
"There are circumstances behind that, too."
"Might I hear those circumstances later?"
"Yes, of course. Now, let's go regroup with everyone else."
We left the area.
"Hey, Kiyu. Did Rurua and Coville make it to your side?"
『Yes, Nii-san. They are definitely here.』
"Good. Then get to work on dismantling the dungeon and the gate."
『Oh, what about the self-proclaimed Heavenly Kings?』
"Just toss them in over here. Oh, and put those Modified Pill Bugs in here too."
『Roger that. I'll start the demolition as soon as that's done.』
Well, I guess the journey is on hold for now. With Kiyu there, everything should be fine on that side.
Sigh. In the end, it looks like my adventure ended in just two days.
