第３９０堀：もう一つの神と洞窟の物語 (Part2)

第３９０堀：もう一つの神と洞窟の物語 (Part2)

During that time, I searched for other gods and Dungeon Masters to bolster our ranks, but many had already perished, while others—like Hifi and Comet—were seeking paths entirely separate from the conflict. My circle of comrades simply would not grow.

Then, the Demon King’s War broke out.

A massive horde of monsters, led by the Demon King himself. Small nations were crushed in the blink of an eye, and the remaining kingdoms were forced to coordinate, forming the foundations of what are now the great powers. Ex was one of them.

However, amidst the chaos of those days, we had few soldiers to mobilize. Sakuri and I were exhausted, having fought on every front.

"Haa... this is rough."

"Tell me about it."

"Are you injured?"

"Ah, I patched it up with a potion."

"You were injured!? I told you time and again not to push to the front lines! If you die, we lose the support of the dungeon!"

"Are you my mother, Noble? Besides, you should be grateful I got away with just this much in that chaotic melee."

"...What are the casualties?"

"Ten percent dead in the last skirmish. I’m rotating potions to keep them recovered, so we’re doing better than the other armies."

"Can we not incorporate the monsters into our own ranks...?"

"Impossible. Monsters are the enemies of the world now. A Dungeon Master who could command them would be branded a high-ranking officer of the Demon King. We’d be surrounded and annihilated. Besides, I don’t have enough DP to command that many. I let people in under the guise of an underground evacuation shelter, but that’s just a drop in the bucket. It’s only recently that I managed to craft this DP-harvesting sword, making things slightly better, so don't get greedy."

"I know. But this sword cannot compare to the Holy Swords wielded by the Heroes."

"Of course not. This one is strictly for DP harvesting. It’s not a Holy Sword built for attack power. I wonder how they even got their hands on swords like that. Ah, if only I could get a look at one. I could replicate it."

"...I have an idea of who might have created them."

"Oh? Then why don't we go see them? What kind of person are they?"

"...They are a pair, a god and a Dungeon Master, just like us. But it’s impossible."

"Why?"

"When the Demon King’s War began, we lost contact. ...Most likely, they are gone."

"...Haa. This is tough. But I wonder if we could meet one of the Heroes somehow. They might know who made that Holy Sword, and I could replicate it."

"It may be difficult, but I cannot ignore the possibility or the potential benefit. Understood. I will negotiate with the higher-ups."

Miraculously, that wish was granted. We met with Difes, the leader of the Heroes, and were allowed to see the Holy Sword. Well, perhaps as a result of that, we ended up being tasked with holding back the enemy army to support their charge toward the Demon King. There were no other armies capable of the job, in truth.

"Haa... I heard those Holy Swords were exclusive to them, but this sword is truly absurd."

"It was a miscalculation. The sweet dream of using a replica of a Holy Sword has ended. The genius Comet left no loopholes."

"Haa, well, whatever. At least I got to see Difes looking so magnificent."

"Hm? You knew the leader of the Heroes?"

"No, I suppose it’s more of a one-sided acquaintance. She was one of the knights I helped escape when Noble attacked."

"...How could I forget the face of a former master?"

"Normally you wouldn't, but she is in a special position now—a pillar of morale, a Hero. I can't go around speaking carelessly and shaking her resolve."

"True. For now, I want her to succeed in slaying the Demon King at all costs."

"Exactly. And to support that, we’d better do our best, too."

"Indeed."

As we said that, Sakuri and I looked toward the horizon, where an overwhelming army of monsters was closing in.

"Reporting!! Current enemy strength is approximately 70,000! We have only 3,000!"

"I see. Thank you. From here on, this is a death trap. Tell everyone: those who flee will not be punished. But if they flee, they must survive, find happiness, and witness the next generation in our stead."

"That’s right. As Noble says, there’s no need to accompany us in this suicide mission."

"We are sorry, but none of us will flee. We intend to follow General Noble and Vice General Sakuri to the very end!! Besides, with General Noble’s strategy and Lady Sakuri’s ability to supply us, a number like that is nothing to worry about!!"

"You’re well-liked, Noble."

"You too, Sakuri. ...Phew. Very well, then there is none who can stand against us!! Prepare for battle!! Draw your swords, ready your spears, nock your arrows, mount your horses, and raise your shields!!"

" " "Oooooooohhhhhhh!!!!" " "

Everyone understood that this was their place to die. Yet, not a single one retreated...

"With this difference in numbers, tactics are meaningless. We will charge in and tear them apart! After that, everyone can fight their own battle. If we do that, we win!! Let’s go... Charge!!"

" " "Woooooooaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!" " "

And so, we were annihilated.

Now then, I think you’ve seen their beginning, but don't go saying, "Isn't that person the cause of all this?" just yet.

There is one more chapter to go.

Once you read that, I believe your concerns and suspicions will be cleared up.

What I want you to understand here is that these people were honest and straightforward souls.

I bet you could make a grand historical drama out of their story alone, couldn't you?