Chapter 48 - Beg and Beg Again (6)

"Seventeen ships sank overnight! Seventeen!"

"There were holes in the bottoms of the ships, so it couldn't be helped."

"Are you really saying that right now?!"

"Did I not warn you, Lord. That if left alone, something terrible would happen. You are the one who refused to listen."

Windhand chuckled as he watched the Archmage back the Lord into a corner. The Lord glared at him, but he couldn't care less.

He had received temporary immunity, and he also carried a message from the Lord of Zakrati.

As long as he had those, the Lord of Gruh Telz couldn't treat him poorly. It would be a different story if no one was watching, but it was especially true now that a Sage of the Magic Tower was protecting him.

"Deploy your troops even now."

"T-Troops?"

"The troops to be used for the Sea Dragon hunt. Ah, apart from that, there are other things you must provide..."

Yesterday, the Archmage was someone he really wanted to kill, and he still felt that murderous intent even now.

But as long as they were on the same side, there was no better negotiator. Thanks to that, Windhand comfortably observed the situation. The Archmage easily wrung out everything he had asked for.

"They say there's always a way out even when the world turns upside down, so this is going much smoother than I thought. Honestly, I thought it was all over."

The first mate standing next to him quietly whispered. He agreed. Even just yesterday when he heard the details, he too thought Zakrati was finished.

He had even considered pretending to cooperate and then fleeing in the night. Stealing a ship from the port was much more doable than being mobilized for a dragon hunt, after all.

Of course, doing so would mean making an enemy of the Adventurer's Guild, but perhaps that would have been better. If the Adventurer's Guild sent people to chase him, he could just lure them in and make them fight Bipurit.

Though there was also the possibility that the adventurers might join forces with Bipurit.

"Tell me about it. It would be nice if we could settle this within three days."

The reason he abandoned that thought was because of the Dragon Tooth Warriors that appeared yesterday. After all, even if he stole a ship and fled, he would just be buried at sea the moment he ran into them. Dying without accomplishing anything was absolutely unacceptable.

Plus, there was also a slightly calculating reason.

Now that those bastards had appeared in the city and even sunk the ships, the Lord would never just sit still.

With things like this, even if they couldn't catch the dragon in half a day, things were bound to get moving within three days at least. As time passed, more ships would sink, and the Lord's losses would only grow larger.

"Three days? Nonsense. Two days will be enough. We might even finish the job before the troops promised to be dispatched to Zakrati in advance."

So when the Archmage smoothly interjected and guaranteed it, he momentarily forgot the unpleasantness of the situation and smiled.

"That kind of breach of contract isn't so bad."

Only if they survived, of course, but regardless.

And if by some chance this succeeded... he would be able to return to Zakrati with even more help than he had originally aimed for.

It was quite literally a gamble.

A gamble using his life, the comrades he had spent half his life with, and the lives of the family... waiting in the city as stakes. Offering the city's salvation in return.

Windhand rubbed his face at the sudden weight of the burden on his shoulders.

Was this really for the best? The question he couldn't bring himself to voice tormented him. He almost missed the days when he navigated storms on a single boat. Back then, he only had to worry about his own life.

"More importantly, I wonder where the Demon Knight went."

"Demon Knight?"

"Come to think of it, you haven't been properly introduced. It's the nickname of the man you initially tried to recruit."

"Aha. I see. He acted so high and mighty, and I'm only just now hearing who he is."

Demon Knight. As someone from Yabad who shuddered at the mere mention of demons, it wasn't exactly a pleasing nickname. It would be better if the 'demon' part meant he had slaughtered enough demons to earn it, though.

"... I admit his temper makes him somewhat unapproachable, but don't take it to heart. He just has his own circumstances."

"Huh? Pfft. You were worried about that? Don't sweat it. To men of the sea, a rough edge like that isn't even a flaw."

"That's a relief, then."

"Of course, I'll have some regrets if he doesn't have the skills to back it up."

"Don't worry. When it comes to skill, he's not a man who will leave you with regrets."

Just how strong was he for even a Sage of the Magic Tower to guarantee it?

Windhand looked around as he left the castle. And quite by chance, he witnessed a portion of the sea at the port splitting open.

It was the work of a terrifyingly pitch-black mana.

"The Demon Knight is over there."

"... Is that the Demon Knight's doing?"

"Need you even ask."

Goodness. If that really was the man's doing, then his arrogance wasn't exactly unjustified.

Because no one he had ever seen, not even knights, was capable of such a feat.

* * *

Although it was delayed by a day compared to what had been promised to Windhand, the previously sluggish progress at least moved forward at lightning speed.

Good lord, I had no idea it was possible to set up a military camp in a single day. I tagged along to Gamak Bay to exterminate the Dragon Tooth Warriors and only came back with pure astonishment after watching the barracks go up in a flash.

Aside from that, since I had no part to play in building the camp, I rested comfortably after taking care of the Dragon Tooth Warriors. We had so much free time that the people boarding the ship even gathered to introduce themselves.

Of course, given that we had to cooperate to lure the dragon, getting acquainted and assessing each other's combat strength was probably a given. It's just that I hadn't been able to (or hadn't bothered to) do it until now.

"There is a high proportion of Mages."

"What can we do when there are so few warriors capable of firing off slashes?"

A Mage dispatched from the Magic Tower said that while looking at me with a burning gaze. Because of the Archmage's previous warning about the Magic Tower, that look was especially grating. I didn't know why they were looking at me like that.

Or were they upset that I fired off slashes at the port the day before yesterday? Since I couldn't just stand around as melee DPS, I was just testing the maximum range of the only ranged skill I had. I didn't even damage the port.

"Ahem."

But when the Archmage, who had just approached, let out a loud fake cough, the stares subsided quite a bit. It was much better.

"Didn't I tell the Mages to wait inside."

"But Archmage."

"What department did you say you were from..."

"I'll go inside."

It was even more comfortable after the Archmage kicked them down to the lower deck. The stares were piercing my cheeks so much that I was seriously debating whether I should throw a temper tantrum.

"Still, it's not like there are none. We can also cooperate by throwing harpoons."

"Well, yeah. Though I have no idea if harpoons will work on a dragon."

"Every single one has been reinforced with magic, so wouldn't they have some effect?"

"Maybe."

... Wait, hold on. They weren't normal harpoons? I broke about three of them earlier when I threw them for practice.

Was that why the Mages were looking at me so passionately??

"Everyone who's supposed to board is on, right? Then we're departing."

Anyway, it was finally time.

Twenty Mages from the Magic Tower, five adventurers, sixteen from the Temple, and thirty-three sailors. Plus the four of us.

A crew formed strictly for the sake of luring it out began to set sail for the sea.

"Urp."

Of course, my seasickness kicked in less than a few dozen minutes later. Even though it was the largest ship I had boarded so far, I guess it still wasn't enough to help.

"Wait, what's wrong with your complexion?"

Still, there were a lot of people around, so I desperately tried to hide it... but Windhand was the only one quick enough to notice again. No one else seemed to catch on, so I had no idea why it had to be him of all people to spot it.

"Y-You?"

Thanks to that, Windhand gave me a look overflowing with a deep sense of betrayal. I understood how he felt, but it still felt a bit unfair.

Do I look like I want to be seasick? What am I supposed to do when this character's body is built this way!

"He fights just fine even like that, so don't worry."

DeB, who had ended up tagging along after agonizing fiercely over whether to stay on land or not, answered on my behalf. I don't know why he followed along, but I was grateful he spoke up for me.

"Damn it, is he really going to be okay like this?"

Actually, no. As long as I'm on a ship, the seasickness will absolutely not be okay. But the ship has already set sail. Turning back now is completely out of the question.

"I brought some tea."

Suddenly, the Inquisitor chimed in. Windhand, who had learned of the Inquisitor's identity as of yesterday, instantly stiffened his face and backed away, but she paid him no mind and held out the tea to me.

The distinct scent of herbal medicine wafted up. It smelled more fragrant than bitter.

"They said you'll feel a bit better if you drink this."

Would it really have any effect?

I accepted it half in doubt. Gulping it down with my eyes closed, my stomach felt like it was churning even more, yet at the same time, it felt a little better.

"The main sail is changing direction!"

Right then, a sailor shouted vigorously. Windhand's head snapped in that direction before taking a deep breath.

"What are you doing, lower the center sail!"

"It's a storm!"

However, taking advantage of that brief gap, reports poured in left and right. The sound of an unnatural wind filled the ears of even laymen who knew nothing of the sea, and the sailors began to move even more frantically.

"Don't panic and brace yourselves like usual! We haven't even reached the Dragon's Cry Gate yet!"

Windhand shouted as such before glancing over at me.

"Hey, if you can't kill the dragon, I'll kill you myself, so keep that in mind."

I felt like if we failed to kill the dragon, we'd all be buried at sea before he even got the chance to kill me... but well, talk is cheap.

"If I fail, it will only be because the ship couldn't withstand the storm."

With that thought, I just spouted whatever came to mind as well. Windhand snorted and left to do his job.

"..."

The Inquisitor, who normally would have flared up and asked what a criminal thought he was saying, remained completely silent. Her gauntlets scraped together, making a creaking sound.

"Ahem."

Around then, DeB let out a fake cough. His eyes were darting back and forth, reading the room.

The squabbling between those two had practically vanished since yesterday evening when Windhand joined up. Though it had only been two days.

"Sir Knight, do you really think we can slay a dragon?"

A plan is a plan because it can fall apart, and the future is the future because it cannot be predicted. Because of that, my insides churned whenever a question like that came my way.

"If you're going to spout such weak words, piss off."

There are few orders as malicious as 'do it because I told you to,' but there are also few phrases used quite as often. Regardless of the odds, we simply had to get it done.

"It's a tidal wave!"

"Idiots! A tidal wave of that size won't capsize the ship! Stop making a fuss and stay put!"

"Hey, if you've got energy to spare, come help with this!"

In the meantime, the wind and waves grew stronger, and the clouds that had already begun to gather in the sky multiplied. It reached the point where even the sun was no longer visible.

*CRASH, CRASH. * The massive ship began to list. Shoving the Mages inside beforehand was a stroke of genius. If those frail sticks had stayed up here, they would have been blown right off.

"Anyone who came up, get back below!"

Getting pelted by the rain that had started to fall, the sailors chased the people on deck—mostly adventurers—down below. The reason being that they were getting in the way, and we were no exception.

"Do not interfere with me."

But was I going to follow that order? No.

I forced myself to stay out because I felt like I would genuinely hurl if I went inside. The terrible stench inside the ship was no joke. If I went in now, I would throw up, one hundred percent.

"I'm not taking responsibility if you fall into the sea!"

Well. Wouldn't it be more dangerous for you guys swinging back and forth on the mast using ropes woven like a net than for me?

I gripped the railing tightly and put strength into my legs.

"Waaah, this wind is no joke!"

"So weak!"

"I already told you I'm not a superhuman like you guys!"

"Then go inside!"

"It looks safest right next to you guys!"

Since I didn't go inside, the Inquisitor and DeB stayed behind as well. The Inquisitor didn't seem to have any trouble holding her ground thanks to the added weight of her armor, and DeB had his arms and legs wrapped tightly around the rear mast.

PATTER, PATTER.

To make matters worse, it even started to rain. The tense shouts of the sailors and Windhand's orders melted into the downpour, mixing thickly together.

CRASH!

As I clung to the railing with my eyes closed, a sudden chill washed over me. The waves crashing against the side of the ship had breached the hull and poured water over us.

Of all places, the spot we were standing in didn't have a very high railing, so I was drenched head-to-toe by the seawater.

It wasn't a big deal since my body was going to get soaked by the rain anyway. Except that the freezing shower snapped my mind wide awake.

"...!"

However, considering what was to come next, it might have actually been a blessing in disguise. Thanks to that, my gaze shifted toward the sea.

「A target harboring hostility exists within a 30-meter radius.」

It feels like this damn system doesn't ping until after I've already noticed things lately? How absurd.

"They're coming."

"Pardon?"

Regardless, I had to prepare. I drew my sword.

A short distance away from me, the Inquisitor, who had also been soaked by the water, brushed back her hair with a puzzled expression. I didn't bother explaining.

Once my slash cleaved into the ocean, she'd figure it out on her own.

"That's...!"

Thanks to the slash, it seemed the Inquisitor easily spotted the targets as well. She urgently drew up her divine power and formed a temporary barrier.

THUD!

The Dragon Tooth Warriors slammed into her barrier.

"A battle already?"

"T-There's something like a shark in the sea!"

"We were told they're Dragon Tooth Warriors, you idiot!"

"Captain! The protective device!"

A sailor urgently looked back at Windhand.

Dragon Tooth Warriors had a history of sinking ships, and until its installed protective device was activated, the hull strength of this ship was no different from any other.

But the minor problem was that the protective device had a time limit.

For that reason, despite having full authority, Windhand didn't easily order its activation. He had to consider the battle with the dragon later. He was the captain, after all.

"... Do you need it?!"

Instead, he reconfirmed the necessity.

"Do not turn it on."

Thus, I gave him the answer he wanted to hear.

"It is not needed yet."

I took aim at the bastards hiding in the sea. As they were blocked by the barrier the Inquisitor created, their positions momentarily became easy targets.

CRASH!

Accompanied by a metallic screech, my second sword strike shattered the barrier and bisected a Dragon Tooth Warrior. Another one had half its waist severed, spreading a murky black substance into the sea.

"You! Bring me a harpoon!"

"Stop ordering me around!"

DeB voiced his complaints at the Inquisitor's instruction but didn't actually refuse. The Thief, who had dropped down to the center deck, delivered the harpoon with precise hand movements.

"Demon Knight!"

I accepted the harpoon handed to me by the Inquisitor and gripped it tightly.

Would I be able to hit them? Even so, the situation wasn't exactly favorable for me to insist on using slashes.

Their swimming movements underwater were far too erratic, and the distance was too far. The deck also acted as an obstacle, making it awkward to fire off slashes.

So, using the knack I barely grasped during my practice earlier, I threw it.

There was no need to calculate the parabolic trajectory or the water resistance. When imbued with mana, it flew in a near-straight line.

"Hup."

Suppressing my nausea, I swallowed my breath. Just then, one of the bastards came swimming rapidly in my direction.

SWOOSH!

The harpoon shrouded in dark energy flew like a cannonball. Plunging into the murky water, it pierced straight through the Dragon Tooth Warrior's head in an instant.

SPLASH!

The Inquisitor's harpoon somehow managed to hit one as well. Although she didn't strike the head like I did, it skewered the creature's body.

The monster thrashed about with the harpoon lodged in its torso, spreading a blood-like substance into the sea.

"One's coming!"

Right then, a sailor hanging from the net-like rigging pointed to one side.

"Sir!"

DeB handed me another harpoon right on time, and I threw it the moment I received it. By a hair's breadth, the Dragon Tooth Warrior's head was skewered, ending its life.

SLICE!

Following that, my drawn sword poured out slashes, tearing apart two of the bastards that were barely alive and struggling.

The intensified downpour thoroughly soaked my hair and streamed down the bridge of my nose, cheeks, and jawline.

"I-I think they've all been taken care of!"

"Good!"

As soon as the battle ended, I briefly bowed my head as another wave of nausea rushed over me.

I'm seriously dying. It's somewhat bearable when my eyes are closed, but the moment I open them to fight, it's sheer hell.

"Straight ahead! Several more Dragon Tooth Warriors are coming!"

... Let me correct myself. Hell was only just beginning.

The curtain had risen on the Sea Dragon raid.