Chapter 48
The two Lizardmen who emerged from the lake were gripping spears a little longer than the ones they had thrown earlier. So they were raring to go, huh? Then, as usual, time for 【Appraisal】!
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Race: Lizardman Lv12
Job: Fisherman Lv2
Skill: 【Fangs】
【Claws】
【Tail Strike】
【Spear Arts】
【Throwing Arts】
【Strength Enhancement】
【Aquatic】
【Night Vision】
【Lightning Vulnerability】
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These stats pose no problem at all. There are any number of ways to fight them, and it would be harder to lose than to win. I could even experiment with some new magic while I was at it. Now, how should I fight?
"Intruder, eliminate...!?"
"You shall not pass any farther... nnngh!?"
Should I exploit 【Lightning Vulnerability】? No, that might degrade the quality of the materials. The newly added 【Light Magic】 consists entirely of defensive spells, too...
Oh! That's right! Since the opponent appears to be a warrior, why not try testing the Slow effect of 【Curse Magic】? How about experimenting to see just how much it weakens the enemy? I do believe that is an excellent idea.
"W-wait! O you who await the coming of great power!"
"Izam!? Wait, wait!"
"Then, right away... huh?"
When I pointed the tip of my staff at the Lizardmen, I found that something strange had happened. For some reason, Iris was standing in front of the Lizardmen, and the Lizardmen themselves were prostrating themselves before me.
Huh? What? What is going on?
"...Finished thinking? Don't know what happened, but these guys did this the moment they saw you."
"Izam, did you do something again?"
No, I have absolutely no idea what she means. And what is this 'again' supposed to mean? It makes it sound as though I am always engaging in bizarre behavior! How rude!
Still, the Lizardmen really were prostrating themselves before me. I should not have any item or Skill that could make them obey me. Very well, since I do not understand it either, I shall ask them directly.
"Lizardmen, would you raise your heads?"
"Y-yes, sir!"
...I cannot read the expressions of reptiles, but I could tell that their voices were obviously giddy. What is with this reaction, like that of an elementary school student who happened to meet their favorite athlete?
"I would like to ask you something. Why do you prostrate yourselves before me?"
"What are you saying? Are you not of the Dragon bloodline?"
"It is only natural that we should prostrate ourselves!"
Ah, right! I did have a Title like that! I obtained it when I evolved by incorporating the bones of a Lesser Small Naga!
However, its description only says that it greatly increases the favorability of dragon-type monsters. It does not say anything about affecting Lizardmen. How does that make sense?
"We worship the great Dragon Lord, Agnasrelim-sama, who protects this lake."
"Therefore, it is only natural that we hold all members of the Dragon bloodline in awe."
I see. Unlike humans, the Lizardmen worship Dragons rather than deities. So, as far as the system is concerned, they respect me as a lesser branch of the Dragon race.
I understand that much, but Agnasrelim, the Dragon Lord, huh? That must be the master of this lake. The object of the Lizardmen's worship must be monstrously powerful. I must avoid attracting its attention.
"I understand your circumstances now. In that case, I would like to ask you something. Our destination is the summit of the mountain on the other side of the lake. Would you allow us to pass through Lizardman territory without stopping us?"
"That is..."
"We are only fishermen, so we have no authority to make such a decision. Besides, we have quite a lot going on at the moment..."
Hmm. The negotiations failed. No, since they lacked the authority, it was not even a negotiation to begin with.
Besides, they seem to be dealing with some sort of trouble themselves. I must not force the issue. However, it would be nothing but a nuisance if every Lizardman we encountered while traveling through their territory reacted the same way. Now, what should I do...?
"Then, Bone Dragon-sama, would you honor us with a visit to our village?"
"I believe the village chief will be able to arrange everything smoothly."
Oh? They have a village? No, when I think about it, that is only natural. Lizardmen seem to be a race that forms societies and lives communally. There is no way they live only in family units. We can consult the village chief.
But what interests me even more is...
"What is this 'Bone Dragon'? Are you referring to me?"
"Yes. I thought it was a name befitting you, but..."
It is true that I am not a 'Dragon Bone,' but rather a 'bone that has absorbed a Dragon factor.' 'Bone Dragon' may be an unexpectedly apt expression.
There is no need to deny it forcefully, so I shall let them call me whatever they wish. Having them repeatedly call me a 'Dragon' may also prove useful when we encounter other Lizardmen.
"I see. Call me whatever you like."
"Yes, my lord!"
...I feel as though I have become the protagonist of a period drama. It is honestly embarrassing, but I must stick to the role-play here! I have to carry myself with dignity!
"I would like to ask this in advance: would it be all right if I brought my companions along as well?"
"Of course!"
"If they are companions of Bone Dragon-sama, then they are all welcome!"
...Really? Well, I am reasonably confident that we could deal with any trouble that arose.
"Then, let us go."
"This way."
This way? Hey, wait! Why are you going into the lake!?
"Wait a moment. I should ask this first. What sort of place is your village?"
"Ah, yes. It consists of several small islands floating on the lake."
"...How do we get there?"
"We swim there, but...?"
The Lizardmen looked as though they could not understand why I was asking such a thing. But for us, this was a major problem. After all, Ruby was the only one among us who could swim!
They probably had no one nearby who could not swim in their environment, but we were land-dwellers. We simply could not swim due to the system. I might be able to acquire the optional Skill 【Swimming】, but I could not force it on the other three, whatever I might do. There was no helping it; I would have to decline politely.
'You look like you're in a bind. Shall I lend you a hand?'
Huh? Whose voice was that? I thought I heard it coming from the lake...?
"W-wait! Everyone, a huge shadow is approaching from the lake!"
"What!?"
Good grief, what now!? There had already been far too much happening since yesterday, so I refused to let anything trivial surprise me anymore! Come on, then!
Splaash...
'You may ride on my back, my new kin and your companions.'
"Wha...!"
A gigantic Dragon emerged from the lake.
Its beauty and overwhelming presence caught me off guard, and I froze with my mouth hanging open.
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"The publicity is working wonderfully."
It has been a while. I am Ifa, the Goddess of Death and Chaos.
My promotional campaign following the other day's event has received a tremendous response. Apparently, being able to take the same form as a boss that mows down countless players is quite appealing.
In reality, the instant someone becomes a boss, their stats receive bonuses, so their performance is not exactly the same. I stated that openly as well, but everyone assured me that they did not mind, which was a relief. This world will become even more entertaining—and more chaotic—to my liking.
"Sorry to interrupt while you're in such a good mood."
As I was smirking cheerfully to myself, Grunale, the Goddess of War and Victory, came by. However, she seemed a little strange.
"What is the matter? You look troubled."
"That damn bitch."
There is only one being Grunale could call 'that damn bitch': Aruru, the Goddess of Light and Order.
"That woman is applying to Father for permission to grant revelations to her believers across a wide area."
"To Father...?"
The person Grunale calls Father, and whom I revere as my own Father, is the president and CEO of New World Software, the company that operates FSW. FSW is the world he envisions, an electronic otherworld created by him. That is why we goddesses were given personalities, and why we are not reprimanded even when we act according to our emotions.
Father believes that even the game itself falling apart would be acceptable. As long as it remains profitable, that is—but... the employees must be getting ulcers.
Our prime directive for maintaining it is to let each of us use whatever means we believe are right. That is why Aruru's human-first actions are also tolerated.
However, matters that could have a large-scale impact on the game as a whole do require Father's permission. Still, since he is one of my kind, I expect he will approve it immediately.
"She's definitely going to pull something. What are we gonna do?"
"Even if you ask me that, there is nothing I can do about it, at least."
If Aruru issues a revelation, it will have a tremendous impact on human society. On the other hand, only a tiny handful of humans deeply worship me, and most of them are fools who do not correctly understand my hobbies—or rather, my doctrine. Consequently, I have no way to influence human society.
"I'm no good either. My followers are either combat idiots or war nuts."
"This is going to cause a huge uproar."
Those who worship her, the Goddess of War and Victory, are inevitably concentrated among people who live by the sword. Most of the human nations in FSW are ruled by kings or people in equivalent positions, so her followers are generally members of knightly and warrior orders.
It would be possible to grant them a revelation and encourage them to stop Aruru's scheme, but in a country with many of Aruru's followers, that would make a clash with the priestly faction unavoidable. The result would be an immense amount of bloodshed.
Grunale, the Goddess of War and Victory, has no qualms about gaining something through bloodshed. She would probably watch with a laugh as soldiers ravaged villages and cities, considering it the 'true pleasure of war.'
However, she dislikes starting a civil war for a god's convenience. That would contradict her doctrine: 'The purpose of war must always be for oneself.' Therefore, Grunale will not issue a revelation. How unfortunate.
"...Hey, were you just thinking it would be more interesting if a civil war broke out?"
"Of course. I am the Goddess of Chaos. But would it not be interesting if events on a global scale were set in motion beyond the players' sight?"
Civil wars breaking out across every human nation in the world... Ah, would that not be truly chaotic? However, if such a major incident were to occur, I believe it should be caused by the players, not by the goddesses as administrators or the residents as NPCs.
"Oh? A player is in contact with the Dragon Lord?"
"Huh? Wait, that's Izam and the others!"
Let me see the logs... I understand. As a result of the evolution that followed the modification of Izam-sama's skeletal body, the Lizardmen's favorability went through the roof. No wonder, given that he bears my blessing.
"And if they have that very map and someone with 【Linguistics】, then...?"
"That is what it means. It looks like we will be getting busy in all sorts of ways before the second wave of players arrives."
It has not been long since the service began, yet you already seem to have had some remarkably intense experiences. I have high hopes for you, Izam-sama—you have entertained me this much in such a short time.
"Please go on a rampage as though you intend to repaint this world to suit your tastes."
I murmur this too softly for even Grunale to hear. Well, it is certain that things will be getting busy from here on, so shall I start preparing now?