78. Royal Capital Anomaly

This is a forest two hours’ walk northeast of the royal capital. A certain adventurer party had come here on a job request.

“Hey, look at that!” Andy shouted at Chris, who stood nearby.

“Huh? What?” Chris glanced in the direction Andy pointed.

“…What the hell is that? A mushroom? Freakishly big. And growing so densely… Ugh, it’s disgusting,” he grimaced at the fungi.

In a corner of the forest, along the rocky cliffside where a small stream flowed, mushrooms sprouted thickly. The patch stretched for perhaps hundreds of meters.

“Hey, wait a second,” Anna called out to the two.

“Something’s off with the air…?”

“Damn it! Back—run!” The party leader, Jay, shouted.

Miasma was extremely dangerous to ordinary humans. Without proper preparation, merely touching it would drain one’s magical energy, rendering them immobile and leading to death.

They survived only because Anna, the party’s mage, was sensitive to miasma, and because Jay, their experienced leader, made a quick decision.

That day, the adventurers managed to return to the capital and reported their findings to the Guild.

Deep within the forest northeast of the capital—the so-called “Hamboldt Valley”—an abnormal mushroom bloom had been discovered. The miasma level was significantly higher than normal, so a warning was posted on the bulletin board: stay away.

Now, no one remained in the valley where the adventurers had once been. It was normally a quiet forest.

That evening, misty rain fell upon the site. Though rain was rare there, the terrain retained moisture, making fog and drizzle common. As the old street vendor had said: when these mushrooms get wet, they release spores.

The mushrooms began dispersing spores after being pelted by misty rain.

But this time was different.

Alongside the spore dispersal, miasma started emanating from the fungi.

Due to the sheer scale of the fungal growth, the amount of miasma produced was extraordinary—already reaching a concentration that could trigger a monster pop at any moment.

The spore dispersal was also larger than usual; vast clouds of spores had already reached the entrance of the nearby labyrinth, making infiltration only a matter of time.

◇

At the same time, Firumia, having received the alert in the control room, sent a divine message to the Miko Princess.

A concise warning: abnormal miasma increase near the capital, with possible stampede risk.

◇

In the capital’s temple, Third Princess Miradie was offering prayers. She held the rank of Miko and was known as the Miko Princess.

Upon receiving the divine message, Miradie immediately rushed to the palace to report to her father, the current king.

◇

“Regarding this latest divine message, we should proceed with discussion.”

King Felix of the Hainzworth Kingdom opened the meeting.

The attendees included First Prince Robert, Chancellor Patrick, various ministers, Knight Captain Clarke, Mage Captain Leslie, Temple Chief Eric, Miko Princess Miradie, Guild Master Lewis of the Capital Adventurer Guild, and Guild Master Jeffrey of the Mage Guild.

“First, Miradie received the divine message. Correct, Miradie?” said Felix.

"Yes, it's just a simple report of abnormal Miasma increase near the capital, and the potential for stampedes. But judging by the urgency in the goddess's message, it's likely extremely dangerous," Miradia said.

"Anything pinging at the Adventurer Guild?" Felix asked.

“Hah! The Adventurer Guild reports an anomaly in the Miasma originating from the Hambolt Valley to the northeast, and an unusual mass proliferation of mushrooms. These mushrooms appear to be the same ones referenced by the Apostle—those the Count of Amandelle reported as problematic,” Lewis reported.

“Hmm. The Hollowtomb Valley, you say…” Felix murmured,

"There's a labyrinth right beside it," said Prime Minister Patrick.

“Could it be that the miasma issue spreads to the dungeon—spilling monsters out from within?” Felix asks.

"Found it," replied the magician of the Guild, Lewis.

And so, it continues.

Dungeons are believed to generate monsters from Miasma. If a massive surge of Miasma were to occur within the dungeon itself, a stampede might very well ensue.

Knight Captain Clarke continues his report.

"Your Majesty. Reports have come in from the knightly order. As previously noted in our regular meetings, the number of monsters we're encountering has increased—more so, they appear to be growing increasingly aggressive. It's become increasingly difficult for the knights to hold their ground. This may well be connected to that."

Then, Adventurer Guild Master Lewis arrived,

"Yeah, that's right. Reports of monstrous beasts growing more violent have been increasing at the Adventurer Guild too. For now, we're managing somehow. But the damage is gradually mounting—this is becoming a serious issue."

He nodded in agreement.

"Your Majesty, may I speak?" The High Priest Eric, unusually, raised his hand.

"What's this? Unusual of you to request the floor," Felix said, surprised.

"Yes. My straightforward opinion is this: perhaps we should seek help from that particular Master—Shiro, was it? And besides, Lord Amandale in the borderlands has the sage Sophia with him. This time, I think we'd be better off simply relying on her and the Master's strength," Eric said.

"Hmm. What does everyone else think?"

"Yes, I agree," the Chancellor said.

"More manpower can't hurt," the Knight Commander added.

"I'd like to see Sophia again after so long," the Mage Commander said.

"As the king of this nation, it's important to meet with the Master and speak directly," Miral said.

"Very well, I see. I agree. Then, for this stampede crisis, we'll request cooperation from Sage Sophia and the Master, Shiro. Let's prepare quickly!"

And with that, Felix concluded the meeting.

"Father," Miral called out, stopping Felix.

"Hmm? What is it, Miral?" Felix turned back, puzzled, looking at her.

"Please send me as the envoy to request Sophia's and the Master's cooperation," Miral said.

"You? Why you?" Felix asked.

"Yes. As a Miko, I wish to meet the Master as soon as possible. In truth, Firumia-sama instructed me to rely on the Master."

"...I see. Firumia-sama said..."

"Yes. Moreover, considering the urgency of the matter, it would be more effective for the third princess herself to serve as envoy—my presence will convey the royal family’s strength, resolve, and immediacy more clearly," Miru replied.

"...That’s true. Besides, you were once favored by Sophia, and you were close to her granddaughter, weren’t you?...Alright, do as you wish. Be sure to convey the request for assistance with full weight."

Felix nodded, meeting Miru’s gaze.

"Yes! Thank you so much!"

Miru smiled, returning his look with eyes full of determined resolve.

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