Volume 9 Chapter 11 (1/2)

~Procell's Point of View~

While worrying about everyone that was transported to the other transfer points, I ran as fast as I could.

When I looked at the tablet pc, it seemed like Kuina was the first to reach the exit point at the center of the dungeon room. This was likely due to the fact that Kuina was my strongest monster, and that the Mythological Foxes and the Abyss Howls that composed the rest of her group were highly mobile monsters.

As they had been instructed, her group was now heading toward Aura's location.

”Master, we're soon about to reach the exit point as well.”

Even though we were being attacked every now and then, we were making good progress toward the exit.

In order to preserve ammunition, I had prohibited the Avalon-Ritters from using their guns, and ordered them to use their swords instead.

The Avalon-Ritters had two standard weapons: their heavy machinegun and their magic swords. These magic swords were the more streamlined, easier-to-use version of the prototype weapon that was given to Fel.

By adding in a limiter, even the Avalon-Ritters were able to form rather stable magical blades. In exchange for that though, the power output was far inferior compared to the prototype.

Even so, that was more than enough to stave off the monsters sent our way.

”Any news from Kuina and Aura?”

”Mhm, they've just sent a message. It seems Aura has eliminated most of the enemy battalion sent their way, and Kuina's group, while on their way to Aura, was able to take down those that managed to escape. Their two groups have joined together and are now heading toward the exit.”

”Is that so? Aura pulled that off?”

That was a fortunate miscalculation.

I had thought Aura's sniper corps would perform poorly in a fight against a large number of enemies, but it seemed like that they managed somehow.

”Mhm, but I have some bad news as well. Aura's fine, but she's exhausted and can no longer fight in the meantime because of that.”

”Understood.”

Not having Aura was a serious blow to our war potential, but she had already done her part. Instead of making her feel guilty, she should be praised to the utmost.

”How about the others?”

”Every group is advancing favorably. It doesn't look like any group other than Aura's has faced against a large number of enemies. There's no need for concern.”

This was a hurdle and once we were over it, things might all at once go easier.

◇

We had reached the exit point.

It looked like we were the third group to make it here, with my other monsters soon to follow.

After a while, Kuina arrived with Aura, the latter being supported by a High Elf.

I had heard Aura was exhausted, but she looked worse than I imagined.

”Great work, Aura. I heard you defeated a large enemy force. Thank you for that.”

”…Master, I'm sorry. As one of your [Monster of the Covenant], I should be fighting 'til it's over, but if I continue like this, I would just be a burden.”

Aura apologetically murmured so.

She was a very wise kid. Moreover, she had the ability to be objective about herself. If she herself said she couldn't fight anymore, then it truly was impossible.

In terms of physical health and magic power level, she seemed quite fine, so perhaps the reason behind why she could fight anymore was that she was mentally exhausted.

”Well, thanks for your hard work. I'll have an Abyss Howl transfer you back to Avalon. If you rest by the golden apple trees, you should recover much sooner.”

”Yes, I'll do just that. Master, may the fortunes of war be with you.”

”Leave it to us. You've done more than enough. For which, a reward is in order… hey, look at me, don't torture yourself. You did great work, Aura.”

She looked apologetic again, so I decided to brush her head. When I did so, she smiled a beautiful smile.

”I'm happy to be praised, of course, but I still can't help being frustrated at myself. I promise, next time, I'll fight until all the fighting ends.”

”I'll be looking forward to that, then.”

After that, Aura went back to Avalon through a Transfer array prepared by an Abyss Howl.

Being soaked in the golden apples' Ki would surely hasten her recovery. In case of a prolonged [War], she might be called back to action again.

”The fighting within Avalon should have also started. I'm kinda curious on the status there… but whatever, we have Duke and Ruhe over there. There's no cause for concern at all. Duke losing isn't even a remote possibility.”

That was how competent Duke was. He was my most dependable monster, after all.

◇

~At the same time, in Avalon~

Present in the operation headquarters located in the basement of Procell's estate were Duke and his Dwarf Smith lieutenant.

”Report: the Mithril Golems in the first dungeon room have been annihilated.”