First Outer World Story Series: The Black Mist that Devours - Chapter 49
Translator: MadHatter Editor: MadHatter
(Ichiko POV)
“Is that the dungeon of the ‘Crimson Scattering Spice King’?”
From time to time, the Karajin can be spotted entering and exiting the dungeon, and occasionally they brought people who appeared to be normal human beings with them.
Furthermore, when we deployed the ?Mist Cloak? to its highest capacity, our own appearance was obscured from others around us.
“Now we know their location, what are we going to do now? As far as I’m concerned, I believe retreating is sensible,” asked Mugi.
“(Why don’t we charge in?)”
Izumi also offered a proposal.
“Well…”
I mulled over each of these ideas in my mind.
If we were to retreat, owing to our relationship, we could not travel to the south where only the ocean lay, and therefore we would have to head north, but in the north was the “Sugar King of White Smearing,” and beyond that will be the battleground where numerous Demon Kings were vying for dominance.
To put it bluntly, should we advance that way, we would be constantly pursued by several Demon Kings, which would be quite unfavorable given our current strength and number of members.
Conversely, if we were to tackle the dungeon of the “Crimson Scattering Spice King,” the issue was for what purpose and how deep should we venture into the dungeon?
It was impossible for us to conquer a level 4 Demon King in our present state to begin with, so we will not be endeavoring such a feat.
Secondly, if our level rose excessively, it was conceivable that the Spice King himself will show up, similar to what the Ogre King did. In this case, failure to discern the right moment to withdraw will result in a mortal wound.
Finally, if we wished to expand our number of allies, we should search for those who were still in captivity and had yet to turn into Karajin. And I will have them become subordinates to Kurokiri by utilizing my ?The Lord Will Exercise His Power in My Path?. I guessed it was a matter of having people continue to fight on as they were. The dilemma in this scenario was what to do with the rescued people after they have escaped the dungeon.
[Oh dear, the situation looks so much more enjoyable than over here.]
“!?”
“What’s the matter?”
“What business do you have with me, Kurokiri?”
My body stiffened reflexively upon hearing Kurokiri’s voice in my head, but it was only for a brief second. However, Mugi’s words jolted me alert, and I instantly replied.
[Well, you see, things are so hectic here that I don’t even have the time to fret about them, but you guys are so fortunate to be able to worry about it. That was what I have been thinking. Therefore, Ichiko.]
“Yes.”
Kurokiri’s voice began to assume a serious tone.
[You should increase the number of Kirijin there as much as you can. If you can’t transform them into Kirijin, just make them followers of me or the Fox Princess, in any case, go harass the Spice King to a certain degree. After that, head north via the continent’s inner parts at a convenient time.]
“…I am wondering if this order of yours is really appropriate or not.”
It really distressed me specifically whether was this appropriate or not? Even so, I can tell that despite your habit, Kurokiri, you were taking the Fox Princess into consideration.
[Oh, and also, there’s a request from the Fox Princess…]
“What is it?”
[Don’t antagonize the ‘Sugar King of White Smearing’.]
Kurokiri’s tone became more solemn than ever.
“Why… is that?” I asked Kurokiri.
The first thought that sprang to me was that “Sugar King of White Smearing” possessed abilities that were either too formidable or too complex for us to handle. Another possibility was that they have struck some sort of compromise with us.
[That is…]
A faint confusion can be heard in Kurokiri’s voice, causing an involuntarily gasp to escape my lips.
For Kurokiri to exhibit this kind of emotion, there must be a fairly tricky reason for it.
[It’s because that’s where the priceless sweets come from.]
“…Huh?”
I unconsciously inquired back.
Eh, sweets? Why is that a…?
[Well, you know, after the other Demon Kings seized control of the sea and sky, every country has no choice but to fend for itself, right? And when that happens, there are bound to be a lot of things that can’t be made.]
“Oh…”
Well, that was indeed true.
[The dungeon of the Sugar King is said to be made of sweets, ranging from the monsters that emerge to the structure of the dungeon. So you know…]
“Ah, I see… in other words, a business deal?”
[Yes. Exactly so. At that time, the Fox Princess was a real terror. Irrespective of the difference in our level or whatsoever.]
There was a hint of melancholy in Kurokiri’s voice. Though I don’t really understand how he felt but…
[Well, I’m derailing a lot, but anyway, that’s the thing. Hang in there.]
“I get what you mean. I’ll do all I can to accumulate enough strength to defeat you. Well, then.”
[Goodbye.]
With that, the communication with Kurokiri was disconnected.
“Well, you two.”
I turned to Izumi and Mugi.
Perhaps both of them had some grasp of the situation from my words, but their expressions were dead serious.
“I’ve got an order from Kurokiri. We’re storming into that dungeon.”
“Even Fox Princess-sama told me so, and I’m fine with that.”
“(Understood?)”
Thus, the three of us entered the dungeon “Red Tilt Taiji Cave” of the “Crimson Scattering Spice King,” while taking caution not to be discovered by Karajin, who was guarding the entrance.