Chapter 94
──Thor's Perspective──
"The 'Robot Vacuum' seems to have somehow found traces of a demon beast."
After confirming that Unit Commander Isaac's group was moving away, I emerged from behind the trees.
I had kept my distance, so I don't think they noticed me.
I told General Raizenga, "There are three large cats in the forest, but please don't worry about them. They sometimes walk on two legs, but please pretend you didn't see that." I also had Princess Sofia pass the message on to Isaac. There shouldn't be any problem.
I am here for user support.
I couldn't simply leave the golems—the 'Robot Vacuums'—after making them.
In case they encountered a malfunction or operating problem in the field, I decided to secretly support General Raizenga and Unit Commander Isaac.
"Thank you for coming with me, Mabel and Agnis."
"Meow."
"You can take off your hoods now."
When I said that, Mabel and Agnis removed the cat-ear hoods from their 'Matching Pajamas.'
Their transformations came undone with a pop, and the two of them returned to human form.
Incidentally, I was wearing black 'Cat Matching Pajamas.'
Mabel and Agnis were wearing white and red pajamas, respectively. However, their designs differed from the ones they had worn before. The clothing artisan at the Demon Lord's Castle had upgraded them to suit each of them.
Mabel's pajamas had pointed ears and a longer tail. Agnis's had rounded ears and a shorter tail. They were both cute. The clothing artisan had brought out their charms to the fullest.
I couldn't make something this cute.
I was still inexperienced when it came to beauty of form, regardless of the 'functional beauty' of magic items.
When it came to adorably dressing up the two of them, I couldn't compete with the clothing artisan at the Demon Lord's Castle...
...Thor-sama?
...Is something the matter?
"I was reaffirming just how inexperienced I still am."
"Why did the conversation turn into that!?"
They looked surprised.
"The 'Robot Vacuums' Thor-sama made brilliantly captured and pursued the traces of the demon beasts! Why did this become a discussion about your inexperience?"
"The 'Spider Type' and 'Snake Type' both moved like living creatures. Thor Kanan-sama made perfect golems!"
"I can make golems. I'm an alchemist, after all."
I had more or less understood that golems could be made with 'Creation Alchemy.'
By making the 'Body Pillow,' I had acquired the technique to trace the shapes and forms of living creatures.
Thanks to Mabel and the others, I had awakened 'Pseudo-Life Perception.' I had become capable of making items that imitated actual life.
I had thought that applying those techniques would allow me to create golems.
The only question had been how to reproduce the movements of spiders and snakes, but I solved that by incorporating demon-beast materials into the 'Robot Vacuums.'
I had already confirmed through the 'Body Pillow' that magical power contained personal information. This was an application of that principle.
When I incorporated materials from similar demon beasts into the 'Spider Type' and 'Snake Type,' they began moving like spiders and snakes, respectively.
All I had to do after that was add a function to seek out the target's magical power, like a 'Magic-Power Detector,' and a function using 'Wind Magic Stones' to suck up dust and garbage.
The problem was──
...I couldn't figure out what sort of movement to give the 'Spherical Type.'
It was certainly Chancellor Kelv's idea.
How high a hurdle was that man going to set for me? Honestly, he was making things difficult.
If Mabel hadn't stopped me, I would have worked through the night and made them without a break.
"In the end, I made the 'Spherical Type' move in coordination with the other two."
"So that's what the Link function is for, Thor-sama?"
"Yeah. I tried imitating the 'Wi-Fi' from another world."
"Dividing a large magic stone into three equal parts and incorporating one into each 'Robot Vacuum'... It truly is a new technology."
"That way, all three would contain the same magical power. I thought the magical power would resonate and link them. I'm glad it worked."
...Only Thor-sama can divide a magic stone into three parts.
"That's the power of 'Material Synthesis.' It lets me process materials into any shape I want."
The 'Robot Vacuums' each had one-third of a Light, Dark, Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind Magic Stone incorporated as their power source.
Although they had merely been divided into thirds, all the pieces came from the same magic stones.
To use a living creature as an analogy, it was as though they shared nerves and thought circuits.
When I operated them in that state, their magical power resonated and caused them to link together.
"The 'Spherical Type' is characterized by its high speed. It receives information from the other two and is designed to move as quickly as possible. It also spins at high speed to support the Spider Type and Snake Type."
"The 'Spider Type' is durable and strong, isn't it?"
"The 'Snake Type' can have options attached to its tail."
The strongest of the three was the 'Spider Type.'
The most versatile was the 'Snake Type,' which could have options attached to its tail.
The 'Spherical Type' moved quickly and supported the Spider Type and Snake Type.
...I hoped they would find the new species of demon beast and its summoner.
"All right, let's follow the 'Robot Vacuums' as well. We'll keep our distance from Isaac's unit so they don't notice us."
"Yes, Thor-sama."
"Let's go!"
For the sake of 'user support,' we decided to follow the joint unit from the Demon Lord's territory and the Empire.
──Later, at a fortress southeast of the Demon Lord's territory──
"Grand Duke Charon and the Holy Sword Princess are approaching. Hurry the preparations for escape."
The commander made this declaration to the soldiers in the fortress courtyard.
This fortress had originally been built to prepare for invasions by other countries.
Long ago, many small nations existed in the northeast of the Empire. Those countries had repeatedly engaged in skirmishes while dragging the Empire into them.
But that was a thing of the past.
All the small nations had been annexed by the Empire, and the only foreign territory surrounding the fortress now was the Demon Lord's territory.
The fortress had become a place where a small number of soldiers were stationed to subjugate demon beasts in the surrounding area. Both the fortress's soldiers and its commander held minor posts within the Imperial army.
That was why the fortress was ideal as a base for raising a top-secret unit.
The members gathered there consisted of people loyal to the nation and mercenaries hired with money.
They had begun research to find a 'trump card' second only to the Heroes.
As a result──despite several failures, they had finally succeeded in taming a new demon beast.
They had been planning to report to their superiors and conduct a practical test on the battlefield, but──
"Who would have thought Grand Duke Charon would take notice of this fortress so soon? He truly deserves the name 'the former Emperor's right-hand man.'"
The fortress commander muttered in a calm voice.
The person his superior had been most wary of was Grand Duke Charon.
However, the Grand Duke was ultimately a vassal of the Emperor. It was not difficult to keep track of his movements.
They had already devised a way to deal with him.
"Therefore, we will execute Plan B."
The commander, wearing a robe, announced this to his assembled subordinates.
The soldiers gathered there began to murmur.
Plan B──in other words, 'abandoning the fortress.'
On hearing those words, the soldiers looked at one another. They must have realized just how dire the situation was.
Those at the front were the commander's direct subordinates. Their loyalty was strong, and they would obey his words without question.
At the rear were the mages hired with money. As long as they were paid, they probably wouldn't betray him. As a precaution, he had also assigned them overseers. They should be manageable.
"──Did you say we were going to use Plan B, Commander Geralt?"
The representative of the hired mages suddenly spoke up.
"In other words, we are abandoning the fortress and fleeing?"
"That is what the unit will do. I will remain behind as the fortress commander and speak with the Grand Duke."
The man called Geralt nodded.
"We will take all the documents with us. We will move the 'trump card' along the established route as well. Without evidence, even Grand Duke Charon will be unable to say anything."
"If we use that 'trump card' on the southern front, won't the Grand Duke become suspicious?"
"The Empire cares only about results."
The commander spoke.
"We will achieve results and convince the soldiers on the battlefield. Then it will not matter even if the Grand Duke complains. The Grand Duke has no power to change the course of the war, while we do. Besides, we are a top-secret strike unit. Even the Imperial soldiers do not know our true identities."
"Is that your so-called superior's plan?"
"Watch your tongue."
"I show my employer respect. But if we abandon the fortress, what will happen to the 'trump card' we went to all this trouble to summon? If we drag something like that around, won't the Grand Duke catch up with us?"
"I have already sent scouts. We know the Grand Duke's position. We can escape beyond his reach."
"What if, by some chance, we can't?"
"In that case... we will use one of the 'trump cards' to hold the Grand Duke back."
Commander Geralt twisted his lips into a smile beneath his hood.
His subordinates cried, "Oh!"
"That person told me to do so if we were about to be exposed."
Commander Geralt continued with satisfaction.
"We acquired three 'trump cards.' We will send one of them toward the Grand Duke's unit. The unit will escape during that opening. That is the plan."
...Where is Grand Duke Charon now?
"He is more than two days away on foot. We have ample time to collect the documents and leave this place. Remain calm and deal with this appropriately. Our chance to prove our worth as a top-secret unit is only beginning."
"Oh..."
Geralt answered the questions that came one after another.
His confident manner caused his subordinates to let out relieved voices.
"Our 'Nameless Unit' has only just been founded. Our opportunity to distinguish ourselves lies ahead."
The man who called himself Geralt declared this.
"Our summoning magic will become a strength of the nation. Together, let us break through the stalemate on the southern front. As the unit hidden in the Empire's shadow, let us show everyone that Heroes are obsolete."
"──I have one final question."
The hired mage who had spoken earlier raised his hand again.
"Besides Grand Duke Charon, isn't there something else we should be wary of?"
"Something else? Go on."
"The Demon Lord's territory and Princess Sofia's unit."
His words caused a stir around them.
The giant spider summoned in the first experiment──the one called 'Demon Beast Galgarossa' in the Empire.
The giant centipede summoned in the second experiment.
'Demon Beast Galgarossa' had been defeated by the Demon Lord's army.
The giant centipede had been defeated by both the Demon Lord's army and Princess Sofia's unit.
"What a foolish question. How could the Demon Lord's territory and Princess Sofia's unit possibly come here?"
Commander Geralt said this.
"Grand Duke Charon must have noticed this fortress using information from the Imperial Capital as a clue. But that is impossible for the Demon Lord's territory and Princess Sofia's unit. There is no chance whatsoever that they will come here."
...Perhaps.
"If you are satisfied, get to work. Everyone must begin preparing to leave at once. The mage unit that controls the 'trump cards' has top priority. My direct unit will handle disposing of the documents──"
"Reporting! Imperial soldiers and demon beasts are approaching the fortress!!"
A scout suddenly rushed into the courtyard.
"Imperial soldiers!? Which unit are they from!?"
"According to their banner, they are Unit Commander Isaac Myura's unit stationed in 'Noza Town'! Ten soldiers! Several large men with their faces hidden beneath hoods are following behind them!!"
"Princess Sofia's direct unit!?"
"There are small demon beasts ahead of them──no, are those really demon beasts...?"
The soldier clutched his head and shouted.
"Reporting! The demon beasts are roughly one meter in size! There are three of them! A spider, a snake, and a mysterious ball!"
"What do you mean, a mysterious ball!?"
"A mysterious ball!"
"I know that! I'm asking what kind of demon beast it is!"
"I cannot explain it. Please see for yourself, Geralt-sama."
"A-all right. The rest of you, hurry your preparations for escape!"
After receiving the report, the commander left the room.
Following the soldier's guidance, he moved to the fortress's high ground──
'Kasa-kasa-kasa-kasa-kasa!'
'Shu-shu-shu-shu-shu-shu-shu!'
'Rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble──!'
"They're too fast! W-wait for us──!"
He could see the spider, snake, and mysterious ball approaching the fortress.
About ten Imperial soldiers were chasing them. Several large men with their faces hidden followed behind them.
They were desperately pursuing the demon beasts.
Most likely, small demon beasts had appeared in the area they were guarding.
The unit from 'Noza Town' must have judged them dangerous and come all the way here to subjugate them. It had to be so.
"As fellow Imperial soldiers, we should support them in subjugating the demon beasts, but..."
Cold sweat trickled down Commander Geralt's forehead.
The fortress's──ostensible role was to subjugate demon beasts and maintain public safety.
If fellow Imperial soldiers were pursuing demon beasts, they had to support them.
But if the subjugation took time, their escape would be delayed.
They might lose the time needed to flee from Grand Duke Charon.
"Then should we leave the demon beasts alone? No... that won't do either."
If they left the demon beasts alone, Isaac Myura's unit would become suspicious.
After subjugating the demon beasts, they might come to the fortress to complain. If Geralt had to deal with that, their escape would be delayed all the same.
If they entered the fortress──there was also a chance the 'trump card' would be discovered.
"That person trusts me and entrusted me with this task. I am good at missions like this. Therefore, I know my priorities."
Commander Geralt muttered as though reminding himself.
The highest priority was delivering the 'trump cards' to their destination.
At worst, one of the three could be used to hold Grand Duke Charon back, but the other two had to be secured.
That was the unit's mission, after all.
"The direct unit will prepare for escape. Mercenaries, attack the demon beasts with magic from here! Do not let them approach this fortress!"
Commander Geralt shouted.
If they subjugated the demon beasts, Isaac Myura's unit would have no reason to come here.
They should also be able to turn them away at the entrance.
"Even so... what are those demon beasts?"
It was impossible for different kinds of demon beasts to coordinate with one another.
Something vastly abnormal might be happening. He had to remain alert──
Thinking this, Commander Geralt issued his orders.
"Cast attack magic along the demon beasts' route. Once they are thrown off, fire a volley of arrows! Do not let them approach the fortress!"
"Understood!!"
"Select 'Flame Wall' for the spell. Create a wall of fire in front of them. Demon beasts have no intelligence. Once they realize they cannot win, they should flee. We can then claim to have caught the unit from 'Noza Town' and the demon beasts in a crossfire."
Following Geralt's orders, the mage soldiers began chanting.
The demon beasts continued approaching the fortress in a straight line.
At the very rear was the snake demon beast. It moved while swiftly twisting its body.
In the center was the Spider Type. It bore some resemblance to 'Demon Beast Galgarossa.'
The spherical creature running at the front──that was impossible to understand. It could only be described as a mysterious ball.
Commander Geralt concluded that the demon beasts' identities were irrelevant.
What mattered was keeping Isaac Myura's unit from approaching the fortress.
He had to escape with the documents and the 'trump cards' before Grand Duke Charon arrived.
"The demon beasts are within spell range. Now! Fire──!"
"'Flame Wall'!!"
The soldiers activated their magic, and a gigantic 'Wall of Fire' appeared in front of the demon beasts.
It was several meters high and several dozen meters wide.
Ten mage soldiers had arranged the 'Wall of Fire' according to Geralt's instructions. Their placement was flawless, creating a huge barrier that blocked the demon beasts' path.
Once the demon beasts saw this, they should turn back──
'...Kasa-kasa.'
'...Shu-shu.'
'...Rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble.'
"──What?"
The demon beasts changed their movements.
The three creatures, which had been running separately, began lining up in a single file.
The ball-like creature was at the front. The spider demon beast increased its speed, while the snake demon beast slowed down.
Then the spherical demon beast jumped.
It flattened against the ground and bounced high. Then, while expelling air──it leaped.
Before the commander and soldiers' eyes, the spider jumped after the mysterious ball demon beast.
It used the mysterious ball, spinning rapidly in midair, as a foothold──
Kasa-kasa. Boing!
"What in the world!?"
Using the momentum of its rotation as well──it easily leaped over the 'Firewall.'
"Impossible! A demon beast has that kind of jumping power!?"
"The ball demon beast became a foothold...?"
"Why are demon beasts of different species coordinating with one another...? I don't understand..."
They did not know.
The creatures they called demon beasts were actually 'Robot Vacuums' made with reference to the Hero's world.
They did not know that the alchemist had read the line in the 'Mail-Order Catalog,' 'This Robot Vacuum can easily get over steps!' He calculated the steps in the Hero's world by estimating a Hero's jumping power, making them considerably larger than ordinary steps.
Nor did they know that, under the theme of 'surpassing Heroes,' he had envisioned steps fifty percent larger than that.
As a result, he had added a propulsion function using 'Wind Magic Stones' to the 'Robot Vacuums,' allowing them to clear steps that a Hero might be able to jump over──
"Archers, shoot the spider demon beast! Mages, attack the snake demon beast and the spherical demon beast!"
"Understood!!"
The archers fired their arrows all at once.
However, the spider demon beast easily dodged them.
Its movements were abnormal.
It moved left and right with a kasa-kasa sound, avoiding the incoming arrows as though it were viewing their trajectories from another perspective. It continued approaching the fortress.
"W-what is that demon beast!?"
"Can it see our movements? It's just a demon beast!"
"The arrow grazed it... but bounced off!? That demon beast is made of metal!"
As the archers shouted, the mages cast spells at the snake and mysterious ball demon beasts.
They chose explosive and bursting spells with powerful sounds and impacts, which would also serve to intimidate them.
But the snake and mysterious ball did not waver. They were not frightened by the sounds or vibrations.
They veered left and right and began going around the Wall of Fire.
The snake hid among the grass, while the ball rolled rapidly across the ground, both approaching the fortress in a straight line.
"──It cannot be helped. We will prioritize subjugating the demon beasts."
Commander Geralt made his decision.
They would leave through the gate and finish off the demon beasts in close combat.
If they stopped preparing for escape and all attacked together, the battle would end quickly.
That should also eliminate the need to let Isaac Myura enter the fortress.
Those demon beasts were not normal.
Of course. Anyone could understand that with a little thought. What kind of demon beast would charge into a fortress guarded by elite Imperial soldiers?
If there were such a creature, it would be a demon beast running wild after losing control of itself, a familiar, or a newly summoned species.
But they controlled the summoning magic.
That meant the creatures were demon beasts in a state of rampage. It had to be so──
"Everyone, prepare to intercept them! I will speak with Isaac Myura. If demon beasts have entered the fortress, it is our duty to defeat them. We will not allow the stationed unit from 'Noza Town' to interfere."
The commander made his declaration, and the soldiers began moving again.
The fortress bell sounded an emergency.
Leaving the interception to the field commander, Commander Geralt stood atop the wall surrounding the fortress. After confirming that Isaac Myura's unit was approaching, he called out.
"Halt, soldiers of 'Noza Town'! I am Geralt, commander of this fortress!"
Commander Geralt shouted.
"We will take responsibility for subjugating the demon beasts you were pursuing! This area falls within our fortress's jurisdiction. You will wait there!"
"I am Isaac Omawarisan Myura, a direct subordinate of Her Highness Princess Sofia."
The unit from 'Noza Town' stopped several dozen meters before the fortress.
They raised a banner showing that they were Imperial soldiers and looked up at Commander Geralt.
He could see the face of the man at the front.
There was no mistake. He was the heir to the House of Myura, a prestigious family that had produced successive Ministers of War.
"Under Princess Sofia's orders, I have come for that spider, snake, and... mysterious sphere──"
"Those demon beasts have already entered the fortress's security perimeter."
Commander Geralt interrupted Isaac Myura.
"Therefore, we will subjugate them. Afterward, we will hand them over to you. That is all."
"Please wait."
"What is it, Unit Commander Isaac Myura?"
"The creatures we were pursuing appeared to be heading straight for the fortress. Is that correct?"
"That is correct. Those demon beasts were recklessly trying to attack the fortress. As you said, they came straight toward us."
Geralt continued.
"But we are elite soldiers. We should have no trouble defeating the demon beasts."
"However, it is far too strange. I would like to confirm something."
Isaac Myura persisted.
What a persistent man──Commander Geralt looked exasperated.
For Imperial soldiers, subjugating demon beasts that entered the area they guarded was only natural.
Since those demon beasts had charged toward this fortress, they had the right to defeat them. Isaac Myura could not interfere.
But the other man did not seem to understand that.
Then Geralt had to explain it in a way he would understand.
"What do you wish to confirm, Unit Commander Isaac Myura?"
"Isn't it possible that the spider, snake, and sphere merely grazed the fortress's defenses, or passed through without touching any buildings or people at all?"
"No."
Commander Geralt answered curtly.
"Those demon beasts were heading straight for the heart of our fortress. The fortress guards witnessed it as well. There is no mistake."
"But I cannot believe it. That they were heading for an Imperial fortress..."
"Demon beasts sometimes behave strangely."
"You are certain, then? The demon beasts were heading for this fortress? Commander Geralt?"
"Enough! Even if you are a direct subordinate of Princess Sofia, aren't you going too far!?"
Commander Geralt shouted.
"Are you using Her Highness's trust as a weapon to suspect your fellow countrymen!? I will not repeat myself. Those demon beasts were headed for this fortress. They are currently approaching us from three directions. Their destination is this fortress. It is absolutely nowhere else! Therefore, we have the right to subjugate them!!"
"...I see."
Isaac Myura fell silent.
Several seconds passed, and then──
"Then, in the name of Her Highness Princess Sofia Dolgaria, I, Isaac Omawarisan Myura, ask you this! Were you the one who summoned 'Demon Beast Galgarossa' and the giant centipede? Or was it someone in that fortress!?"
"──What!?"
Commander Geralt was rendered speechless.
The mage soldiers nearby must have heard him, because they too widened their eyes in shock.
They could not understand.
Why had the soldiers pursuing the demon beasts suddenly brought up the subject of demon-beast summoning──
"The ones heading for the fortress are not demon beasts, but 'Robot Vacuums' equipped with a demon-beast tracking function!"
Isaac Myura shouted so that his voice would resound throughout the fortress.
"They are magic items from the Hero's world, capable of following demon-beast traces. If their destination is truly this fortress, there must be clues related to the demon beasts here. We request that you open the gates!!"
"The 'Omawarisan Unit' will not permit anyone to disrupt public safety in the borderlands!!"
"We have no intention of becoming your enemies. We simply wish to confirm something."
"We wish to confirm."
The soldiers from 'Noza Town' and the large hooded men chanted together.
As Commander Geralt and the soldiers listened to their voices, they stood frozen.
A magic item that followed demon-beast traces. A 'Robot Vacuum'?
There was no way such a thing existed.
But──then what were those demon beasts?
The Spider Type had already latched onto the fortress wall and begun climbing.
The Snake Type had gone around the Firewall and concealed itself. The fortress had narrow windows for firing arrows. There were also gaps for drawing in and draining water—gaps a small snake could pass through. It was only a matter of time before it entered.
The problem was the mysterious ball. They had no idea how it would move.
If those demon beasts truly possessed the ability to follow demon-beast traces──they would undoubtedly reach the demon beasts hidden in this fortress.
But he could not believe it.
It was true that those demon beasts had passed through the forest near the border several days earlier.
Was he supposed to believe that the 'Robot Vacuums' had followed the faint traces of the demon beasts from there? Impossible. Something like that could not──
"You have no right to enter this fortress! You are guards from 'Noza Town,' are you not? This is an abuse of authority!!"
"We are Her Highness Princess Sofia's guards!"
Isaac Myura shouted.
"Furthermore, Her Highness Princess Sofia was attacked by a centipede-type demon beast before! If the person who summoned the demon beast is here, they must take responsibility! I am Her Highness's subordinate, and it is my duty to eradicate the source of calamity!"
...Grr.
"Moreover, this area is close to 'Noza Town.' If demon beasts are here, we cannot simply leave them alone. We do not know when public safety in the borderlands may be disrupted. Subjugating demon beasts to protect the area under our jurisdiction is only natural. That is surely common sense for an Imperial soldier."
He could not refute that.
Subjugating demon beasts to protect one's own jurisdiction.
That was the very reasoning Commander Geralt had brought up moments ago.
"I am not asking you to let us search every corner of the fortress. We only wish to investigate the place those 'Robot Vacuums' have reached. That is all. There should be no problem. Is that not so, Commander Geralt?"
As Commander Geralt and the soldiers hesitated before his logical argument──
Isaac Myura and his soldiers began advancing toward the fortress.