Chapter 1[แก้ไข]
Part 1[แก้ไข]
[No Name]s Base of operation, Entrance Hall.[1]
After that, the Senior Group who had their lunch and the maid group gathered in the Entrance Hall of the Headquarters. The duo who were also worn out from Leticia’s Maid Game had also obediently joined the lines.
Upon confirming the attendance of everyone, Jin took a step forward to announce the arrangements for the days to come.
“I guess you would already have heard……Percher and I will be setting out to Outer Gate number 54545 which is managed by [Salamandra].”
“And written in the extended invitation to us is as such: ‘Please join us in the [Floor Master]s’ Convention’. Of which such an act could be said to be an unprecedented treatment to us, [No Name]s.”
Hearing Leticia’s supplement to his words, the Senior Group children were thrilled.
The Convention was to be held in the far off North Side territories but the people attending the event would be slightly different from the previous Conventions.
The Strongest Master, Shiroyasha had already resigned from her post two months ago.
The motives of the mysterious enemies known as the Demon Lord Alliance were still unknown and it seems that only rumors of its existence had spread. Hence, to decide on their course of action from now on, the Masters of the different sectors had decided to host this Convention. And since the [No Name]s had crossed paths with the Demon Lord Alliance twice and had also defeated both Demon Lords sent their way, they were also invited to join the Convention.
“Three days ago, Izayoi-san and the others had already left for Outer Gate number 54545. And we also plan to meet up with them later in the day. The expedition this time might be the longest one yet and I hope that everyone will be prepared to protect our Community.”
“‘ “‘ “‘ Understood ! ! ! ‘” ‘” ‘”
After the response that was loud enough to cause ears to ring, the Senior Group had noisily departed to start their tasks for the day. Seeing how energetic those children were, it gave them a little reassurance that it wouldn’t be much of a problem with their departure. Only when Jin and Percher had seen off the last of the shadows of the departing children did they turn back to face Leticia and Shirayuki-hime who were also in-charge of looking after the house.
“Leticia-san, Shirayuki-sama, we will ask of you to look after our house.”
“Roger that……But with Shirayuki-san accompanying me, it wouldn’t be a problem no matter how many intruders try to infiltrate right?”
“Well, that’s difficult to say. After all by participating in this Convention, we of [No Name] would most likely become the target of the Demon Lords. At least until the return of Gry-sama who’s out on a mission, please do not let down on your guard.”
The two from the Maid group exchanged a glance and nodded to each other.
Feeling much at ease with them in-charge, Jin turned towards Percher.
“Well then, it’s time for us to make a move.”
“……let’s go quickly. It’s almost the time for the Astral Gate to close and there would be congestion with last minute stragglers.”
Percher who didn’t like crowds urged Jin to hurry up as she started to walk ahead.
While Jin followed behind with a wry smile on his face as they left the Community’s Territory.
Part 2[แก้ไข]
—Little Garden, Outer Gate Number 54545, [Kouen, City of Brilliant Flames][2]
Having made their way through the Astral Gate of the East Side, a warm wind brushed their cheeks.
The huge chandelier that hung from the city’s centre swayed violently as the hot winds generated from the ironworks refineries blew at it from below.
The huge chandelier, which was fifty meters in diameter, drove off the cold in the North Side and kept it warm while dyeing the whole city in the color of dusk with the warm glow that it emitted.
“It never fails to astound me no matter how many times I’ve seen it. With just that chandelier, it’s able to prevent the cold from invading the city.”
“……Yeah, just what could that be made of?”
A voice echoed his thoughts from behind.
For her, who had once fought against the [Salamandra] forces to be able to set foot in the Territory of [Salamandra] once more, was all thanks to the achievements obtained by [No Name].
“Saurian Demon King of the East Side seems to have scheduled his arrival at the Convention tomorrow. So what are we going to do during the wait?” Percher gave a little stretch as she asked her Master to confirm the schedule for the next day.
“Well, there’s nothing much to do currently and it’s still in the preparation phase tomorrow. And the time for all the other Masters of the other regions to assemble would still be a week away, so there’s no problem with taking things slow.”
Having heard this information for the first time, Percher tilted her head unhappily.
“…… I guess I will also be thoroughly interrogated as well. Such a bother.” She gave a sigh as she stared broodingly at the dusk colored skies.
“That can’t be helped. You are the only one who holds some information on the enemy and being the important source of information, we would naturally need your cooperation.”
“……”
*Hmph* Percher whipped her head away. With things the way they were, she no longer had any more regrets or hesitation to sell out information on her old allies……but there was another reason that made her unwilling to tell the whole truth.
(Putting aside Rin and Aura for now…… It’s best to keep the existence of His Highness a secret.)
Percher gave a listless sigh.
That white haired teen with golden irises was the commander behind Rin and Aura and the one whom the Demon Lord Alliance members call in an affectionate way as ‘His Highness’. For her own ambitions, Percher did not want to expose his identity.
Though that might be so, if she were to receive a command from her master, she would still be made to tell the whole truth. The contract itself was just that sort of nasty curse.
Jin being her Master gave a troubled and wry smile as he looked up once more at the chandelier.
For the cold and freezing North Side that was unfortunate to have nutrient leached soils, that chandelier would be a Gift equivalent to the Sun.
And it wouldn’t be much of an exaggeration to say that it’s a Gift that represents the North Side’s Master, [Salamandra] for only a handful of Communities would be able to create such a large monument to encompass the region in its Gift.
“As expected of a Community that’s originally of the four digits. To have such a huge monument, I guess even Jack and the others wouldn’t be able to create this right?”
“Yahoho? I won’t be so sure on that.”
Appearing from the flames of the torches hung along the corridor outside the Outer Gate was a huge ball of fire. The Pumpkin head Devil — Jack-O'-Lantern gave a cheerful laugh as he appeared before Jin.
And seated on his head was the leader of [Salamandra], Sandra Doltrake. Sandra, whose beautiful red hair was lightly swaying with the movement, brightened up immediately upon seeing Jin.
“Jin, it’s been a long time! I just knew it that it’s about time you arrived!”
“Mhm, it’s been a long time, Sandra. And Jack. What are you two doing?”
“We just came from the Workroom District after listening to the suggestions on the development of the new Gift.”
“Yahoho! We were just returning after the discussion when we spotted Jin-dono! As part of my own code of conduct, I needed to come greet you guys!”
Jack cheerfully laughed *Yahoho!*.
However in the next moment, the light in the hollows of Jack’s eyes narrowed to thin but intense slits as he continued,
“Compared to that……Jin Russel-dono. Insulting the Flag of Azure Flames will be quite troubling to me! Our Community’s techniques are good enough to create a Gift bigger than that chandelier!”
“Is…Is that for real?”
“Yahohoho! If it’s faulty, we will even replace it for you……Mah…but it’s just the problem of the cost of production that prevents us from doing so.” Nearing the end of his words, Jack suddenly turned his pumpkin head away. It was unknown whether it’s an act of regret or to hide his embarrassment but it was enough for Jin to realize that Jack had a fierce pride in his creations.
Sandra had also giggled happily by the side but that smile had also vanished from her face suddenly.
Her gaze was riveted on her former enemy—Percher, and she made a show of standing up slowly.
“……Oh, right. You have come as well, [Black Death Demon Lord].”
“Uu, Mhm. In the past two months, Percher had been together with us as a guard……”
“Oh, Sandra. Long-time no see. Your spiritual power seems to have grown quite a bit during that time as well huh?” Percher gave a leisurely smile while Sandra returned a piercing glare.
The childishness from before was long gone from her face and replacing it was the expression worthy of a Community Leader.
“On the other hand, your spiritual power seems to have diminished quite a bit. It’s so meager that it can’t be compared to your former God-class spirit level.—With just a blow, I would be able to reduce the current you into a pile of ash.”
“……Well, who knows about that? Sounds like some big words to me.”
Percher easily swatted back at Sandra who had tried to show her might with that condescending tone. But in reality, her current self didn’t have the right to retort like this.
The words she had said earlier weren’t just social pleasantries—Sandra’s spiritual power had indeed increased a few times since the last time she had battled against Percher.