第８５５堀：深淵の主 (Part2)
That said, the 'world of death' is usually supposed to be the deep sea at depths of 1000 meters or more, but this place is only around 200 meters, so it shouldn't really be that kind of environment. Or rather, even though it's called the 'world of death,' a few creatures have been confirmed, so it's not actually a complete world of death, just one with few living things.
While thinking such things, Shera and the others passed through the passage and arrived at the space where the Sea Dragon was.
"Is the video feed coming through? It's a bit bright here."
"Ah, I can confirm it on this side too."
For some reason, the space was bright, and there was enough light to discern the terrain by looking around. That location had been confirmed from Call's 3D map, and while not as large as the main Blue Hole, it was a dome-shaped space about 30 meters high and 50 meters in diameter.
"So, the one floating in the middle, glaring at us, is the Sea Dragon, right?"
And just as Shera said, a snake-like creature was floating in the center of that space, facing them.
"Probably. It might even have the alternate name Leviathan."
"Or perhaps Leviathan."
The name of a sea monster appearing in the Old Testament. A monster with the same standing as Bahamut, said to have been created by God. Or rather, if it was created by God, I feel 'divine beast' would be more fitting, but that would be nitpicking with those who wrote the Old Testament. Lately, it's had a strong aspect as a summon in some famous RPGs.
"Leviathan? Leviathan? What's that?"
"What, you're a sea monster and you don't know it? It's synonymous with sea monsters!"
"Yuki. Shera was born in Weed."
"Oh, so something like that exists."
And so, in that manner, as they leisurely chatted in front of the motionless Sea Dragon...
"Hmph. To think I would hear the name Leviathan. I will deny it for now. It would be troubling to equate me, a dragon, with a rotten fish monster like that."
Those words reached them through the speaker.
"Hey, did Shera just speak?"
"No, no, my voice isn't that cute."
"Right. Shera's more on the gruff side, like an old man."
For now, suspecting a prank from the research fanatics, I looked behind me...
*Shake, shake.*
And they vigorously shook their heads to deny it. Well, there's no reason for them to do something like this. In that case, there's only one answer.
"Could it be... the Sea Dragon spoke?"
"That's the only possibility, isn't it..."
"What a cute voice, despite its appearance~"
"I can hear you. How rude. I don't know why you're speaking in human language by yourself, but you're quite disrespectful to someone who's accommodating you."
Ah, crap. From its perspective, I must have looked like a lonely fish muttering strange things to itself. And indeed, completely ignoring someone who spoke to you is rude.
"Shera. Apologize for now. It's certainly rude. Also, it only sounds like a monologue to them, so stop talking to us for a while."
"...Understood." "I am terribly sorry. No, I was just surprised that a sea monster could speak human language."
"You are also a sea monster, aren't you...?"
"..."
That's true. Shera is also a sea monster. Shera froze, having been given an utterly logical reply. And perhaps sensing the awkwardness, the Sea Dragon hastily added.
"W-well, some creatures learn to speak human language if they live long enough. You must be one of them. Such power, how many years must you have accumulated to obtain it?"
The Sea Dragon was trying to cover for her. Wow, what a nice guy. That said, Shera has only been alive for about three or four years. As for her power, it's thanks to their Spartan training. As for language, everyone around her spoke human language. Especially Aslin. Well, setting that aside, it's time to reply, reply.
"Shera. Just play along for now."
"Ah, well, I've certainly had my share of hardships to get to this point, but I've managed to live until today."
"Hmm. Judging by your current demeanor, and your demeanor from earlier, it seems you haven't come here to cause trouble."
"Yes. I have a small matter to attend to, which brought me here. I apologize for the delay in introducing myself. My name is Shera."
"Shera-dono, is it? A fine name. I am the Sea Dragon, Shi-chan."
"Pfft!?"
At those words, most of the members staring at the monitor burst out laughing. What kind of casual name is that!? To think there was someone with the same naming sense as Aslin...
"Wow, what a cute name~"
"It is cute."
"...Indeed. I think simple is good."
"Y-yes, that's right. It's a cute name."
Labyris and Shera, who calmly played along, I once again thought they were amazing kids.
The master of the Blue Hole was a Sea Dragon. Come to think of it, this might be the first wild dragon they've encountered. Also, if you complain about their naming sense, Steve and the others will get angry. You shouldn't make fun of people's names, okay?