Kays Translations

Chapter 155: Let the Investigation Begin

The Central Region of Sabnok Plains.

This was once the domain of the monster Sabnok, from which the plains got their name. The area is known as a “Dragon Vein,” a place where underground flows of magic energy burst forth. Around the Dragon Vein, plants flourish, and powerful monsters are more likely to be born.

Cities built atop Dragon Veins have been said to prosper since ancient times, and in some cases, wars have been fought over them.

Rest and his team, tasked with surveying the area, fought their way through monsters as they advanced through the plains. They were now just shy of reaching the central region.

“It’s strange, though. I understand how monsters absorb magic energy and grow stronger, but why would cities prosper there? Could the magic energy from the Dragon Vein have the power to strengthen even towns?” 

This question came from Yuri Catreya, one of Rest’s party members surveying the central region with him. Yuri was the daughter of the Knight Commander. She had been, not quite confined but protected at the Catreya territory for a time, but she had run away again and returned to the royal capital. She had volunteered herself to join Rest in the plains’ development efforts.

“Maybe people get stronger the same way monsters do! If strong people live in a town, it makes sense that the town would thrive!”

“…Is it really that simple? And keep your voice down.”

“Hmm? Did you say something, Lubase?”

“N-No, I didn’t say anything! And d-don’t come any closer, you busty brute!”

“There’s no need to run away! Come on now—”

Wilhelm Lubase, another member of the party, recoiled in response. As usual, he was uncomfortable around women, and as Yuri closed in on him, he sprang back at double speed.

There were six people in total in this group. All of them were skilled enough to be entrusted with investigating the central part of the monster territory.

First, there was Rest Clover, the leader of the group. He had earned the title of Count and was the one who had defeated the monster Sabnok. Though young, he was undoubtedly qualified to lead the survey team.

Next was Wilhelm Lubase, a comrade who had fought alongside Rest to defeat Sabnok. Despite being a first-year student, his swordsmanship was already on par with or superior to that of the royal guard. He was known as the “Sword Saint Who Hates Women.”

Then, there was Yuri Catreya, a familiar friend to Rest. She had joined the development group on short notice but had proven herself during the recent civil unrest, where she defeated many enemies. In terms of physical ability, she was the strongest among the group, capable of defeating monsters with her bare hands.

“Hey, you two! Stop making so much noise! If you keep yelling, you’ll attract more monsters!”

Lowering her voice and scolding the two was Isis Carbelt. She is the leader of the student council executive committee and was made a baron due to her achievements in saving many students during the stampede at the Monster Hunt Festival. Isis is also one of the top talents at the Royal Academy. If she hadn’t been ennobled, she would have undoubtedly joined the Royal Guard, a rare kind of heroine.

“…”

“Good grief… This feels like a school field trip. Unbelievable.”

And then there were two companions whom Rest was meeting for the first time. At the rear of the group, silently following, was a man dressed in priestly robes. He carried a mace and, for a priest, had a rather solid build. His name was apparently Jax Rail, a helper sent from the temple and the party’s medical staff.

The other, looking uncharacteristically displeased, was a knight named Oliver Argyle, dispatched from the royal palace. Like Rail, he was a helper, but he seemed extremely eager about the mission and watched Yuri and Lubase with a sharp, disapproving gaze as they bickered.

“I’m staking my career as a knight on this… Can’t you two take things a little more seriously?”

Argyle muttered to himself, tapping the hilt of his sword nervously. According to the information provided beforehand, Argyle was distantly related to the Queen Dowager’s faction. Being the third son and unable to inherit the family estate, he was more or less forced out of his house and joined the knight corps, where he had steadily risen through the ranks due to his abilities.

However, his chance of continuing his successful career path was ruined when his relatives got involved in the recent rebellion, and he was sidelined. 

Because of this, he was desperate to make this mission a success and was clearly irritated by the more relaxed members of the group.

(I can understand his position. His abilities are said to be top-notch, so as long as he doesn’t cause trouble, we should be fine…)

Andrew had included Argyle and Rail in the survey team to ensure that the students weren’t left to handle such a dangerous mission alone. While Rest and Lubase were undeniably strong in combat, their youth meant they lacked experience. The knights and priests were assigned to compensate for this.

“Yuri, Lubase. Isis is right. Let’s stay more focused.”

As the leader of the group, Rest cautioned the two.

“Ah, sorry about that. I guess I got a bit carried away.”

“…Hmph, my bad.”

Yuri apologized sincerely, and Lubase grumbled as he reluctantly followed suit. Rest glanced at Argyle, who seemed satisfied now that the two had been reprimanded, his stern face settling into silence.

“By the way, to answer Yuri’s question—Dragon Veins don’t directly cause cities to prosper. The magic energy emitted from a Dragon Vein can be used to set up barriers that prevent monster invasions, natural disasters, and outbreaks of disease, which in turn leads to prosperity.”

“Oh, I see… As expected of you, Rest. That makes sense.”

After showing off the knowledge he had gained from the books in the Rosemary Marquis family, Yuri crossed her arms and nodded in admiration. The barriers prevented natural disasters and monsters, while the land around the Dragon Vein became more fertile, so it was no wonder cities prospered. Of course, knowing that cities would flourish meant it was logical that wars would be fought over them.

“More importantly… This is the area. This is where I fought Sabnock.”

They had arrived at that very spot. In front of them was a gaping hole created by Amaterasu, and signs of destruction were visible all around.

“This is…”

“Hmm…”

“……”

Everyone except Rest and Lubase gasped. The marks left behind from the battle were intense, beyond what any human could have caused. It was a clear reminder that Rest’s fight with Sabnock had been far beyond ordinary expectations.

“The center of the plains lies ahead. There will likely be stronger monsters… Everyone, be careful.”

With his unusually silent companions following him, Rest continued deeper into the plains.

“Now, this is the central part of the plains—the heart of the magic realm. Everyone, please be on high alert.”

With those words, Rest led his group into the depths of the magical realm, a place none of them had ever ventured before.

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