Volume 2 Chapter 23 (1/2)
I was in my crystal room, the deepest part of the dungeon beneath Avalon. As I watched the holograms being projected, Rorono, the silver-haired Elder Dwarf, restlessly typed in environmental parameters.
To modify the dungeon, the Demon Lord book and the crystal were both needed. And the form of the interface to input the new information varied depending on the user's perception of it. In her case, it was a computer's keyboard.
”Master, I have completed the basic design. Making the third room itself was no problem but to accomplish master's plan, we need more explosives.”
”I'll make more materials via [Creation], then. The question now will be would we have enough by the due date?”
”Basing on the current rate of production… Mhm, we'll somehow just have enough by then. But are you sure? It seems so short-termed.”
Elder Dwarf and I were discussing about the plans for the third room. To realize these plans, both of her knowledge and technical skills were needed.
I would make the materials using [Creation] and the Skeletons would untiringly assemble them into large amounts of explosives. Some of these explosives were to be used by the griffon's bombarding unit while some were to be placed in the third room.
”It's alright since we're only concerned about efficiently annihilating the enemy.”
”Mhm. I understand. Also, it seems the traps are hard to detonate despite the window of opportunity to do so being quite short.”
”It requires some strength, huh. Let the golems detonate them. It'll sacrifice the golems but they can be replaced. Such can't be said about you guys.”
For this war, unlike the exhibition I participated in, one wrong step and any which one of my monsters I love would die, never to come back.
All of them, Kuina, Rorono, Ancient Elf, and of course Wight, Griffon, the Mythological Foxes, the Dwarf Smiths, and the High Elves, were important companions. Companions I've shared laughs and smiles with. I didn't want to lose a single one of them.
”Understood. I am pleased with master's feelings and as a [Monster of the Covenant], I will do my best so as to not disappoint Father.”
With new found determination, she examined the once finished plans for the third floor and searched for ways to improve it.
Ever the reliable child.
At any rate, I hated the time the war would start. It was because the soonest I could make my [Creation] medal for this month was while the war was ongoing, or 10 hours after its start to be exact.
If I made the new monster to be able to grow, I wouldn't have enough time to level it up to the point it could serve as a part of my fighting force, even despite being an S rank.
On the other hand, making it to have a fixed level was wasteful.
Whatever it might be, I had to decide as soon as possible.
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While we were in the middle of work, a blue bird perched itself on my shoulder.
This bird was [Wind] Demon Lord Stolas's monster. The one she uses to send letters to me.
”I'll be there soon. Please prepare some tea as you wait.”
So it said.
I wondered if she even received the letter I sent her.
For her to come so soon, she really was a good person.
◇
Rorono had finished her work on the plan and we were chatting as we ate some sweets. But then, the outside grew noisy so I went out wondering what the cause could be.
As I stepped outside, I noticed the noisy adventurers looking up in the sky.
I looked at the sky myself and saw a gigantic Griffon approaching my house.
From the magic power I could sense to its size and color, I concluded it wasn't any ordinary Griffon but one at the top of its lineage.
When the gigantic griffon landed, a determined green-haired beautiful girl jumped off of its back and rushed her way to my direction.
Needless to say, the adventurers were dumbfounded.
Humans that could tame monsters and travel using those monsters were rare but nonetheless existed. However, for a human to tame an A rank monster such as this superior griffon, they had to be in the same class as a hero. Thus, the adventurers' surprise at her was justified.
”Here I am, Procell. Things have become really serious, haven't they?”
”Thank you for coming so soon. We've got a lot to talk about so why don't we so inside?”
All around us were the adventurers and I didn't want any of them to hear our conversation where words like Demon Lord and War would undoubtedly come up a lot.
”Yeah, I guess so. Is this your house? It's quite grand, isn't it?”
”This is the house and city I boast. This way please.”
And like so, I invited Stolas inside and into a guest room.
◇
As I—seated in the guest room—was about to sip on the prepared black tea, Stolas voiced her many concerns.
”Procell, I've read your letter and knew of your [War]. And with three people, nonetheless.”
”Yes, that's so. You've warned me beforehand of an alliance but I was still surprised to have three Demon Lords declare war on me.”
I had guessed as much as two but three was wholly unexpected. Moreover, I would have never fathomed it would become a war with such a disadvantageous rule.
Evidently, I was still so naïve.
”I'm glad you wrote to me. I was worried since the information about your war was transmitted to all Demon Lords, you know.”
I glanced up and kept my vision there. What she said sounded troublesome.
”Can it be that this war as well will be broadcasted?”