Kays Translations

Chapter 95: “Beginning the Magical Beast Investigation (3)”

──Isaac’s Unit’s point of view──

“Open the gate, Commander Geralt! The magical beast that appeared in the border region is a dangerous one. In the name of Lady Sophia Dolgoria, we ask to conduct an investigation to protect the peace of the people!!”

“W-Wait!!”

With a panicked voice, Commander Geralt disappeared from atop the wall.

Isaac and his group halted at a spot away from the fortress.

They were not yet armed. Their opponents were fellow imperial soldiers. They couldn’t take aggressive measures.

Isaac’s group was searching for the lair of a new species of magical beast, and the one controlling it.

They hadn’t imagined their investigation would lead them to an Imperial fortress.

“Sir Isaac. May I retrieve the ‘Robot Vacuum Cleaner’ back to my side?”

The general from the Demon Lord’s Territory, Resisenga Freizad, spoke.

He wore a hood and was mingling with the imperial soldiers. Behind him stood the minotaur unit, also with their faces concealed.

They were accompanying the group to work together in defeating the new magical beast.

Their faces were hidden to avoid startling anyone they might encounter from the Empire.

“You and your companions from the Demon Lord’s Territory came prepared with hoods to hide your faces…”

Isaac asked, somewhat curiously.

“Did the people of the Demon Lord’s Territory already suspect that Imperial soldiers were involved with the new magical beast?”

“Hardly. These hoods are more like a dress code for entering Imperial territory.”

Reisenga replied with a wry smile.

“There are many types of people in the Empire. Some, like you, Sir Isaac, are trustworthy. Others fear us demi-humans. We choose who we reveal ourselves to.”

“Reisenga-sama…”

“Now, about the ‘Robot Vacuum’…”

“You’re right. We don’t want the fortress soldiers capturing it. Let’s bring it back for now.”

“I received a magic stone from Thor-sama to call it back. I’ll use that.”

Reisenga took a small magic stone from his pocket.

He placed it in his palm and uttered a command.

“‘Thou who cleans — return to thy charger, house!’”

Twitch.

Reacting to Reisenga’s voice, the spider, snake, and sphere-type “Robot Vacuum” turned directions.

The spider, which had been climbing the wall, leapt to the ground and retreated.

The snake began slithering back through the grass.

The sphere-type spun rapidly with a gyuon sound and returned first to Reisenga and his group.

“…That ‘Robot Vacuum’ is quite something.”

“…I didn’t know golems could be used for scouting and investigation.”

“If there were many of them, it would make hunting magical beasts and wild animals much easier.”

“Thor-sama might even make a ‘Robot Vacuum’ specifically for Sophia-sama’s protection.”

“I’d rather not think about it — it would break my sense of normalcy. More importantly, shall we return all the ‘Robot Vacuums’ to the support team?”

“Let’s keep one here. Once the fortress gate opens, we’ll need it to guide us.”

“Understood. Then—”

“Yes, indeed—”

Isaac and Reisenga turned around.

Behind a tree in the distance, there were three cats.

Their fur was black, red, and silver, and they occasionally walked on two legs.

Of course, they were actually the alchemist Thor, the elf Mabel, and Reisenga’s daughter Agnis.

“…Thor-sama is truly something else.”

“…The ‘Robot Vacuum’ is impressive, but he’s completely transformed into a cat.”

“…And that’s only a fraction of Thor-sama’s abilities.”

“…How could someone that talented remain unknown in the Empire?”

As they talked, Isaac and Reisenga placed the snake-type and sphere-type “Robot Vacuums” on the ground.

The two immediately ran toward the black cat.

They would likely undergo mana replenishment and adjustments.

Only the spider-type remained here to act as a guide for Isaac and Reisenga.

“That ‘Robot Vacuum’ was heading straight for the fortress. That suggests the new magical beast is there. What is your opinion, Isaac-sama?”

“…I agree.”

Isaac nodded with a grim expression.

“As a soldier, I don’t want to believe that Imperial troops are hiding a magical beast… But it’s also true that the fortress commander is acting suspiciously. He refused to let me approach the fortress.”

“And on top of that, he’s left you waiting with the gate still shut.”

The fortress gate had not opened.

Commander Geralt had said “Wait” and then disappeared, not returning.

Isaac, who desired a peaceful resolution, could do nothing but wait for a response.

“We can’t afford to attack an Imperial fortress. Ideally, they’ll admit their wrongdoing and accept the investigation peacefully.”

“I don’t want any conflict near the Demon Lord’s Territory either.”

As the two continued their conversation—

Creeeaaak…

A creaking sound came from the direction of the fortress gate.

“It appears they are coming out. Forgive me, General, but please head toward the rear—toward the alchemist.”

“There are things that cannot be spoken in our presence. Understood.”

“Thank you for your consideration, General.”

From this point on, it becomes a negotiation between Isaac and the commander of the fortress.

It is a situation where those from the Demon Lord’s territory should step back.

It’s almost certain that the soldiers of the fortress are involved with the new type of magical beast.

As a noble of the Empire, Isaac does not want those from the Demon Lord’s lands to witness the Empire’s internal disorder.

Therefore, he told Reisenga and the others that he would explain everything later and asked them to leave.

(…How cunning of me. I suppose I can never become a true hero.)

If Princess Sophia were here, what would she have done?

She might have boldly introduced Reisenga and the Minotaurs. And on top of that, she would likely have persuaded the fortress soldiers to speak the truth.

If it were the “Omawarisan” from the hero’s world, he would’ve made the fortress soldiers confess using spirit power.

But—

(…As an imperial noble, I just want to settle things peacefully. Am I still unable to break free from my old mindset? How pathetic.)

With frustration in his heart, Isaac began to walk.

Together with the “Omawarisan Unit” behind him, he headed toward the fortress.

At the same time, the gates of the fortress opened completely, and a man appeared from within, leading a group of soldiers.

“I am Geralt Zelger, entrusted with the northern fortress of the Empire!”

At the front of the soldiers, a man in a robe raised his voice.

It was Geralt, the fortress commander.

He appeared older than Isaac. He carried no weapon. Most likely, he was a magic soldier.

Behind him stood armored troops. Their numbers were about twice those under Isaac’s command. Their wariness toward Isaac was obvious.

“I am Isaac ‘Omawarisan’ Muira, come from the town of Nosa!”

Isaac shouted toward the fortress commander.

“As I mentioned earlier, we came regarding the new magical beast—”

“I know nothing of any magical beast!”

Geralt, the fortress commander, spat the words out.

“Moreover, you have no authority to investigate this fortress. That is all.”

“Wait, Commander Geralt. If we don’t talk—”

“What are you saying!? You’re the one who controlled those magical beasts!”

Geralt pointed at Isaac and shouted.

“You controlled those magical beasts—spiders, snakes, and that mysterious orb—and charged them into this fortress! Then you falsely accused us of hiding magical beasts. You must’ve been frustrated being stationed on the frontier and tried to force a result to return to the capital. Isn’t that right!?”

“You’re wrong! Those spiders aren’t magical beasts! They’re magical beast detection devices—”

“There’s no such magic item!”

“I understand how you feel.”

“You claimed to have followed magical beast traces, right? Then show us proof.”

Geralt glared at Isaac with narrowed eyes.

“Even if you serve under Her Highness Sophia, you have no authority over this fortress! We will not allow entry without evidence!”

“It’s true I have no authority. But we are working to preserve peace on the border.”

Isaac puffed out his chest and declared:

“Unknown magical beasts are wandering freely. The people living on the border cannot live in peace. We protect the peace to reassure them. That is our mission!”

“““Indeed! We are the Omawarisan Unit, protectors of peace!!”””

The soldiers from the town of Nosa echoed Isaac’s words.

But—

“What does this ‘Omawarisan’ matter to me? My Zelger family, even though only counts, has a long history! Our ancestors were close to heroes from other worlds and kept records of them. Our lineage is not like the Muira marquess family!”

“I am aware.”

“If you dare accuse me, then show me proof!”

“Very well.”

Suddenly, Isaac lifted the spider-shaped “cleaning robot.”

He reached for its underside—and as the alchemist Thor taught him, poured in magical energy.

Then, the spider’s belly popped open.

Next, Isaac took out a pouch made from “magic-woven cloth.”

It was a part of the cleaning robot—a “garbage pack.”

Durable and long-lasting, and when filled with magical energy, it turns transparent—an excellent item.

Isaac pressed the pouch against the spider’s belly and gave it a few light taps—then fine powder and a magic stone dropped into the bag.

“As I said earlier, this ‘cleaning robot’ has the ability to track the traces of magical beasts.”

Isaac showed the contents of the pouch to Commander Geralt.

“The cleaning robot doesn’t just follow traces of magical beasts. It can also collect fragments of their magic power and skin.”

“—W-What did you say!?”

Geralt stiffened.

The fortress guards, who had been criticizing the “Omawarisan Unit” in unison, were left speechless.

“According to the creator’s explanation, it seems that ‘an empty magic stone can absorb the magical power of magical beasts while collecting skin and body hair.’ That is the contents of this bag.”

Isaac raised the white bag for everyone to see.

“This is what we collected along the way to this fortress. This is proof that you and the magical beasts are involved!”

“T-That’s just what you’re saying!!”

Commander Geralt shouted.

“You just put some random stuff into the golem’s belly! How can you insist that it’s something related to this fortress!?”

“I see. Then, I will hand this over to Archduke Kharon and have him investigate.”

“““────!?”””

Commander Geralt’s eyes widened.

The figure clad in robes began to tremble slightly.

Before Isaac could head for the investigation, Princess Sophia spoke.

“Archduke Kharon seems to be a trustworthy person. Even if… by some chance, someone from the empire is involved with a new species of magical beast, let’s rely on his power,” she said.

Archduke Kharon had come to investigate the new species of magical beasts with permission from the imperial capital.

Unlike Isaac, Archduke Kharon has the authority to investigate the fortress.

Since Princess Liana came to meet him, Princess Sophia learned where the duke was.

Therefore, if the new magical beast was connected to the empire, they decided to borrow the duke’s strength.

“I opposed Her Highness’s proposal.”

Isaac said while staring at Commander Geralt.

“I didn’t want to believe that someone from the empire was involved with a new species of magical beast that’s ravaging the country. But it seems Her Highness’s concern was correct.”

“──Wha, what?”

“If we appraise this under Archduke Kharon’s supervision, we will know whether this is from a magical beast or not. Furthermore, we can check if the same magical power or beast’s skin remains inside the fortress. This ‘robot vacuum cleaner’ can easily collect things like ‘pet hair tangled in a long-pile carpet’ and even ‘microorganisms that cause allergies’!”

“…Ugh.”

“If you refuse the investigation, so be it. I will send a messenger to Archduke Kharon myself. And until he arrives, I will wait near the fortress.”

Isaac was prepared for that much.

He was the one who wanted a peaceful resolution with the fortress soldiers.

Camping here for a few days was no problem.

“That is all I have to say. Any objections? Geralt  Zelger, sir!”

“I don’t need to listen to what you say!”

Commander Geralt muttered with a strained voice.

He raised his arm as if to show the soldiers behind him.

“I know… in ‘Nosa Town,’ you have friendly relations with the Demon Lord’s territory, right? You even built a trading post and are conducting business.”

Commander Geralt trembled and twisted his lips into a smile.

“You must have been influenced by demi-humans and demons, trying to bring us down!”

“What did you say?”

“The ones behind you are proof! Those hiding their faces under hoods must be demi-humans, right? Isaac Muira from ‘Nosa Town’ must be trying to disrupt the empire with demi-humans!”

“Wait. I don’t understand. What are you talking about?”

Isaac reached out his hand toward Commander Geralt.

But──

“My soldiers, use wind magic! Don’t let the soldiers from ‘Nosa Town,’ who have been taken over by demi-humans, approach the fortress!”

“““Ooooooooh!!”””

Geralt’s voice echoed as a large amount of ‘wind attribute magic’ was fired from the fortress.

What was created was a giant headwind.

Dust and grass swirled up, blocking Isaac and his group’s vision.

Taking advantage of the gap, Geralt and the soldiers retreated.

“Wait! We have Princess Sophia’s permission to cooperate with the Demon Lord’s territory for the investigation. Moreover, those near the border have long traded with the Demon Lord’s territory. The High Officials’ Council has even tacitly agreed to this──”

“I won’t listen!”

Geralt’s voice grew distant.

Instead, the cries of the fortress soldiers could be heard.

“Look! The wind magic blew the hoods off the soldiers in the rear!”

“It’s true. The people of ‘Nosa Town’ brought minotaurs!”

“Those guys were working with demi-humans!?”

“Just like Commander said, they must have been trying to trap us!”

Bang.

The fortress gate closed, and Commander Geralt disappeared.

“What a reckless excuse! Shame on you, Geralt  Zelger!!”

Isaac spat out.

Commander Geralt’s claims were unreasonable.

Still, they expelled Isaac and his group.

They probably intend to pretend none of this happened.

“No, this is my own lack of ability. I didn’t consider the possibility that the culprit could be an imperial soldier. Because they’re from the same empire, I tried to resolve it peacefully. This is… my limit.”

He was still inexperienced.

Far from being a ‘true policeman.’

Isaac sighed.

“I’m not fit to be a hero. It’s frustrating, but… I have no choice but to rely on others.”

Arrows and intimidation magic rained down from the fortress.

Seeing that, Isaac ordered his troops to retreat.

The fortress soldiers probably did not intend to harm them.

But the same applied to Isaac’s group. They couldn’t forcibly capture the fortress.

They couldn’t shed blood between imperial soldiers.

If it were Reisenga and the others, they could take the fortress…

But doing that would lead to conflict between the Demon Lord’s territory and the empire.

Just what Geralt Zelger wanted.

“…Sorry, Isaac. Maybe we shouldn’t have come.”

Reisenga, who had joined up, said apologetically.

The minotaurs around him also slumped their shoulders in disappointment.

“Our presence has worsened your position.”

“It’s not the general’s fault. Their claims are unreasonable.”

Isaac shook his head.

“We have come to exterminate the magical beasts. It is only natural to seek the general’s assistance when fighting such powerful beasts. Besides, it is strange for the Empire’s people to be involved in summoning magical beasts in the first place. That Geralt Zelger…”

“What shall we do now? Are we really going to wait until the Duke of the Empire arrives?”

“What is the general’s opinion?”

“If this were the Demon Lord’s territory, I would break down the fortress gates and storm in… but in this case, it is difficult.”

“Then—”

Isaac looked at the figure behind Reisenga, who looked like a black cat.

“What is the opinion of the alchemist?”

“…”

Thor did not answer.

He had already removed the hood with cat ears and returned to his human form.

However, he seemed to be deep in thought.

Holding the snake-shaped “cleaning robot,” he was staring intently at the fortress.

“What is the matter, Alchemist Thor?”

“Thor-sama?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Ah, yes. I’m concerned about the ‘cleaning robot’s’ response.”

Noticing that he was being spoken to, Alchemist Thor raised his face.

“The ‘cleaning robot’ has the same function as a ‘magical power detector,’ but because of that, it’s behaving as if it’s being pulled toward the fortress. Look, it’s stretching its head in that direction. It wasn’t like this just a moment ago—”

What he said was true.

In Thor’s arms, the snake-shaped cleaning robot was desperately stretching its neck toward the fortress.

The other two were the same.

The spider-shaped one was moving its legs restlessly in Isaac’s arms.

The spherical one was repeatedly dashing and stopping suddenly, as if about to rush out.

“Indeed, it’s a strange behavior. What could this mean, Alchemist?”

“I think the magical power of the beasts is increasing.”

Thor lowered his head, seeming to ponder, and said,

“Perhaps the magical beasts are being activated. Assuming the beasts are inside that fortress—well, they definitely are—what could be the reason their power is increasing?

Possibility (1): They’re trying to break through by attacking our troops.

Possibility (2): They’re happy to be fed. No, that’s unlikely in this situation.

That leaves possibility (3), but this is—”

“Thor-sama, Thor-sama,”

The elf girl Mabel whispered in Thor’s ear.

“Is that something dangerous? Please tell me, Thor-sama.”

“Ah, um… well,”

Snapping back to reality, Thor looked at Mabel.

Then, he looked at Agnis, Reisenga, and Isaac, and said,

“Given that there is definitely a new type of magical beast in that fortress, I thought about what the enemy might do next.”

Alchemist Thor said,

“It’s impossible to completely hide the presence of the magical beasts. And with Isaac’s troops here, it’s impossible to let them escape. If time passes, Archduke Kharon and Princess Liana’s troops will arrive. The soldiers in the fortress are already doomed.”

“Alchemist’s words are correct. That’s why I thought they would give up and accept the investigation.”

“But that didn’t happen.”

“Commander Geralt… used the presence of people from the Demon Lord’s territory as an excuse to close the gates.”

“If so, they will probably try to destroy evidence.”

“That is the most likely scenario.”

“But the cleaning robots sense the magical beasts’ power increasing. That raises a question.”

“A question?”

“Can the people inside the fortress completely control the new type of magical beast?”

Alchemist Thor continued explaining.

The first magical beast, Gargarossa, was not controlled by anyone.

The next huge centipede was the same.

The summoners only called forth the new magical beasts and then left them alone.

If the enemy just wanted to release beasts in the Demon Lord’s territory or borderlands, that would be fine.

But if they failed to control the beasts and just left them unattended—

“I think the new magical beasts inside the fortress have only just reached a level where they can be controlled.”

“You may be right, but if so?”

“Yes. If that’s the case, the beasts that were almost killed by their masters may sense their life is in danger and break the controlling magic.”

“….ah.”

Rustling, shushing, swirling.

The cleaning robots on the ground were agitated.

Isaac understood what Alchemist Thor meant.

Even in the Empire, there are times when familiar spirits that are no longer needed are disposed of.

If the familiar spirit trusts the master, it will obey the decision if the master chooses to “kill” it.

Old or injured familiars can be easily disposed of. Although in those cases, the master usually tends the familiar until the end.

If the familiar is an animal rather than a magical beast, simply releasing it is enough.

However, if the familiar is a magical beast, and a powerful one at that—

And if it was recently made a familiar and the magic isn’t stable—

“I think magical beasts that realize they’re going to be disposed of will resist with all their might. Or if they truly are magical beasts from another world, they might operate under different rules than the beasts in this world. Also, there’s a possibility they might be ‘something’ resembling magical beasts. We don’t fully understand even Gargarossa or the giant centipede. So—”

As Alchemist Thor continued his explanation—

‘Shagyaaaaaaa—!!’

An eerie scream and the sound of stone walls crumbling echoed from the fortress.

—A few minutes earlier, inside the fortress—

“Execute Plan E!”

The moment the fortress gates closed, Commander Geralt shouted.

“The operation has failed. Dispose of all documents, and eliminate the magical beasts. Bury them.”

“““Understood!!”””

The fortress soldiers answered immediately.

They understood they were undertaking a dangerous task.

Long ago, they had already prepared to destroy all evidence.

In the fortress square, a huge hole had been dug using earth-element magic.

They would drop the magical beasts into it. Kill them with magical attacks, burn them to ashes, and bury them.

That way, the evidence should be erased.

This was the best solution for now.

Commander Geralt might face punishment, but he had allies in the imperial capital.

He could only think that it would be a light penalty.

“The problem is if that so-called ‘cleaning robot’ really has the function to collect fragments of the magical beasts… but if the beasts themselves disappear, they should have no excuse.”

Commander Geralt said this while looking around at his direct subordinates.

“A few magicians will hold off Isaac’s squad. The rest concentrate on controlling the magical beasts. Gather the beasts in the courtyard, kill them, and bury them. Understood?”

“““Yes!!”””

Upon receiving the orders, the direct soldiers ran off.

After watching them go, Commander Geralt let out a long sigh.

The operation had failed.

They had been targeted by Princess Sophia and the forces of the town of Nosa.

Escaping before Archduke Kharon arrived was already impossible.

“Damn that ‘cleaning robot’!!”

He had never expected the forces from the town of Nosa to come here.

It was a complete blind spot.

He had been distracted by the approaching forces of Archduke Kharon.

“Escape is impossible too. If it were just Isaac Muira’s troops, we might have broken through forcibly…”

Behind them were the forces of the Demon lord’s territory.

The Flame General Reisenga and the demi-human troops were powerful. Geralt knew this well.

Because in his family home, the Zelger family, records of demi-humans and demons remained.

Long ago, the Zelger count family was close to heroes summoned from another world.

They had heard many stories from them and had left written records.

Therefore, they also knew well the strength of the Demon lord’s territory.

They also knew that they needed a “trump card” against them and the small countries in the south.

“That magical beast was supposed to be the trump card for the southern front. Eventually, it could have had the power to destroy all the small countries. The south and the northern Demon lord’s territory could have been wiped out someday.”

Commander Geralt muttered.

“The Zelger family knows a lot about the heroes’ power and the magical beasts. They also understand the control magic used by the heroes. No one knows about the heroes and magical beasts as well as our clan does. That power should have made the country stronger. But…”

However, it was not over yet.

The operation had failed, but the technology was still in his hands.

They could still use summoning magic.

Above all, the Zelger family understood the heroes.

They should be able to reproduce the same power.

“Commander Geralt! We’re struggling with the control magic. Please assist!”

“Understood. I’m coming immediately.”

Geralt ran off.

His subordinates continued casting intimidating magic from the high ground.

To keep Isaac and the Demon lord’s territory from approaching.

He knew that Isaac’s troops were not allied with the Demon lord’s territory.

But for now, he had no choice but to push that story.

Some soldiers feared demi-humans. That fear should be exploited.

While thinking this, Geralt headed toward the location of the magical beasts—

“Shagyaaaaaaaa!”

The screams of the magical beast echoed.

“What are you doing!? The control of this—‘Magical Beast Nozerius’—should have been complete!”

Commander Geralt could not believe what he saw.

The magical beast, which was supposed to be tamed by control magic, was rampaging as if broken.

“What is going on!? What happened!?”

With a pale face, Commander Geralt shouted.

“I-I don’t know. Until yesterday, the ‘Magical Beast Nozerius’ obeyed orders. Why did it suddenly go wild…?”

“Gather your magical power! Concentrate! Use the authority of the control magic to restrain the beast—”

“No! It won’t stop. Start chanting from the beginning again!!”

Gainn! Gaga!

In front of the shouting soldiers, the stone wall shook.

In one corner of the fortress was a huge stone cage.

A semi-underground cage reinforced with steel, made using an old tower.

Inside was a black magical beast.

The fact that it was inside meant it could be contained there.

A few days ago, they had indeed succeeded in controlling the magical beast.

They summoned it and immediately cast group magic.

The beast obeyed. It came obediently to the fortress and entered the cage.

But now—

“Shagyaaaaaaa—!”

Gain! Gain!

The magical beast screamed as it repeatedly rammed its body against the walls.

Something was wrong.

What Geralt and the others used was the same “Summoning Magic” that the Hero had used.

The heroes had used this magic to make magical beasts into their familiars.

Not only small magical beasts, but even huge ones like dragons were supposedly under their complete control.

“──You otherworldly magical beast. Behave yourself!!”

“──The summoning isn’t working!? What’s going on!!”

“──No good! It’s resisting!!”

The magical soldiers continued chanting spells, pouring magical power into them.

Still, the movements of the magical beasts did not stop.

“Calm down. Start chanting again from the beginning. If you do that──”

Kah!

When Geralt said that, the magical beast stopped moving for a moment.

It looked at him with deep crimson eyes… then opened its mouth and bared its fangs.

Almost as if it were laughing.

“You’re a magical beast from another world, right? You should be a magical beast! ──Or am I wrong?”

Shagyaaaaaaaa!!

Suddenly, the cage imprisoning the magical beast shattered.

And then, the battle between the giant magical beast and the soldiers began.

──Thor’s point of view──

In front of us, the fortress gate was broken.

And from the inside.

What appeared from inside the fortress was…

“That’s the commander and the soldiers from earlier, isn’t it?”

“They seem to be fighting something.”

“And there’s some strange screaming too.”

Me, Mabel, and Agnis exchanged looks.

Then, in the next moment,

Gugaraaahhhhh!

Shagyaaaaaah! Human── Gughyaaah! Destruction──

…Huh?

“Didn’t you hear something said in the screams just now?”

“No, I only heard the magical beast’s’ screams…”

“Really?”

Maybe it was just my imagination.

The screams of the magical beasts sounded like meaningful words… or so it seemed.

“Evacuate! Alchemists, those from the Demon lord’s territory!”

Suddenly, Isaac shouted at us.

“This incident is the Empire’s failure. No, it could be said it’s my mistake.”

“Isaac?”

“The alchemist discovered the location of the magical beast. Therefore… I should have stormed the fortress even if it meant fighting the Empire’s soldiers. But I hesitated, thinking it could be resolved peacefully. This is my mistake…”

Isaac bit his lips regretfully.

“As the border patrol officer, I will take responsibility! Those from the Demon lord’s territory, retreat!”

“Before that, I have a favor to ask.”

I held out spider-shaped and spherical ‘robot vacuum cleaners’ in front of Isaac.

“The fortress people might try to destroy evidence. Before that happens, can we use these ‘robot vacuum cleaners’ to collect anything related to the magical beasts? I think these little ones can recover things close to the magical beasts’ magical power from the fortress.”

“…Why do you ask permission from me?”

“Eh? Because I can’t just take the Empire’s items without permission, right? We need approval from the Empire people so as not to trouble her Majesty the Demon lord.”

“Understood. I will take full responsibility. Do as you see fit, alchemist!!”

Isaac nodded.

“At this rate, the evidence might be lost. Let’s entrust the collection to the alchemist.”

“I have one more request.”

“Y-You still have more?”

“It’s about the plan to defeat the magical beast. May I explain?”

I spoke.

Isaac and the Empire soldiers’ eyes went wide.

Mabel and Agnis showed a “I knew it” look.

General Reisenga and the Minotaur men nodded as if convinced.

Well, I already explained the optional attachments for the ‘cleaning robots’ to the Demon King’s people.

“…What kind of plan is it, alchemist?”

“It’s a plan to instantly kill the magical beast and break the will of the fortress soldiers to resist.”

This will require the snake-shaped ‘cleaning robot’ and Mabel’s power.

The snake-shaped one is especially important.

However, if the plan succeeds, I will have to part ways with the snake-shaped robot.

…Such a waste.

I’m attached to it, and I’ve adjusted it to move like it’s alive.

But it can’t be helped. My magic items are meant to make people happy.

“Sorry, snake-shaped one.”

Shushu.

When I said that, the snake-shaped ‘cleaning robot’ nodded like it was saying, “It’s okay.”

…Well, that’s just my imagination.

Shagyaaaaaaah────!

We heard the monsters’ shriek and turned toward the fortress.

The gate was completely destroyed.

The magical beasts inside had fully revealed themselves.

The first thing visible were huge pincers.

One pair, left and right.

About a meter in size.

A hard-looking body continued behind them.

The body was covered with skin like an insect’s.

It had a long tail with a thick stinger on it.

The form that appeared was a scorpion.

A gigantic scorpion over five meters in length.

And there were two of them.

The fortress soldiers fired magic and arrows at the magical beasts.

But the effect was almost none.

The black shiny shell deflected the attack magic.

It didn’t even slow them down.

They were just too tough.

The arrows probably wouldn’t pierce either.

“I’ll explain the plan.”

I looked around at everyone and said.

“If you think it’s effective, please cooperate. Also, this plan can only be done once. So, Empire soldiers, please don’t be too cautious. Now, about the plan──”

I’ll keep it brief.

The important points are to lure the magical beasts away from the fortress.

And to have the fortress soldiers evacuate.

And so, I began explaining the plan.

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