Chapter 51: River Mouth Investigation and the Unsinkable Ship
A single battleship advances along the Inner Sea route.
“Hahaha, as expected of the newest battleship, it’s fast! You think so too, right, Rex-kun!”
“…Yes, that’s right.”
I barely reply to the pushy Barn-san.
“This majestic figure! My beloved ship, the Good Loser, can truly be called the ruler of the sea!”
The newest battleship with a very ominous name, despite feeling a bit dampened overall, was steadily pushing forward on the sea route.
“This ship is awesome! It’s insanely fast! The neighboring old fishermen’s boats are nothing compared to this!”
Jairo is excited by the speed of the ship cutting through the wind.
“Hahaha, that’s exactly right, young man! After all, our ship doesn’t just catch the wind, but wind mages and water mages take turns accelerating the ship! Compared to normal battleships, its normal cruising speed is 1.5 times faster!”
“Commander, please don’t easily reveal military secrets.”
The Vice Commander complains with a frown. Actually, the figure of 1.5 times is quite amazing. Moreover, if that’s at cruising speed, it means it can go even faster at combat speed.
However, a ship that is too fast puts a heavy burden on the hull due to water resistance and strong wind. The reason this ship was able to realize overwhelming speed is probably because Ancient Plant is used for much of its material.
“Light, hard, and flexible, this ship made of Ancient Plant truly has performance worthy of being called an unsinkable ship!”
Umm, didn’t it capsize just recently?
“But it really is fast.”
“Or rather, was it okay for even us to ride the newest battleship?”
“We are Rex’s disciples, so we’re practically Rex’s party.”
Mina and the others are also excited about the ship’s speed without thinking about the details.
Why did it turn out like this, why are Gyro and the others here? Everything goes back a few days.
◆
“River mouth investigation?”
Called by the Guild Master Ronzen, we came to the Adventurer’s Guild. And we were requested by Ronzen to investigate the river mouth, which is the exit of the Inner Sea.
“Yeah, the Kraken incident that troubled the Inner Sea recently, and the invasion of the Megalo Whale fry the other day. I can only think something is happening in the outer sea.”
Ronzen spreads a map on the table and begins to explain.
“The Inner Sea is an inland sea formed by a large crater and a huge fissure extending from it connecting to the sea. In that sense, it’s close to a kind of artificial lake.”
He points to the Inner Sea, traces the sea route like a thin line extending from it to the river mouth on the outer circumference of the continent, and draws a circle with his fingertip.
“So compared to normal straits, the river width is narrow for its water depth. It can be said to be perfect terrain to prevent invasion from other countries.”
It’s difficult to attack, as they say.
“However, as exposed this time, if attacked by large, moreover S-Rank monsters, there’s nothing we can do.”
The newest warship was capsized twice, after all.
“If it’s an enemy on land, there are still ways to deal with it, but if they escape underwater, we’re helpless.”
We couldn’t finish subjugating the Krakens for the same reason, after all.
“If Krakens settle near the river mouth, and Megalo Whales come chasing them, we need to deal with it urgently. At this rate, there’s a possibility that Kraken and Megalo Whale children will settle in the Inner Sea again after a while.”
True, if we want to solve the problem, we have to remove the cause.
“However…”
Here Ronzen puts a finger to his brow.
“Did something happen?”
“The sea at the river mouth is another country’s territory. So if we investigate, our country’s envoy needs to accompany us.”
“A country’s envoy?”
“Yeah, in that case, to explain the situation smoothly, someone involved in work related to the Inner Sea is required.”
Huh? Somehow I have a bad feeling…?
“In other words, a person involved with the Inner Sea in our country means…”
Just as Ronzen’s words trailed off.
“That would be me!”
The door banged open, and someone marched in.
“My name is Barn Dobag! Commander of the Tion Country Inner Sea Knight Order and Captain of the newest battleship Good Loser!”
“Newest battleship, if I recall…”
It’s the ship that was thrown by that Kraken and capsized by the Megalo Whale fry, right?
“Yes! It’s a miracle ship made from the materials of the legendary S-Rank monster Ancient Plant to strengthen our country’s naval power!”
Well, I think it’s an amazing ship for not sinking yet.
“For this request, you will be acting together with Lord Dobag here.”
“Oops, you can just call me Barn! Since you guys will be companions on the same ship from now on!”
Wow, how should I put it… he’s probably not a bad person, but what is this? This pushiness reminds me of S-Rank adventurer Rody. He might be a type I’m not very good with.
“I’ve heard about you guys. I hear you’re maritime rescue experts who saved me and my subordinates thrown into the sea! I thank you for saving everyone’s lives!”
“Eh?”
I turned to Ronzen asking what this meant.
“Well, you know. You don’t really want to get involved in troublesome things, right?”
Ah, I see. Since I said I didn’t want to stand out at the Squid Festival, he considered that. As expected of someone in the position of Guild Master, he’s good at picking up on things like that.
“If possible, I wanted to thank the adventurer who subjugated that huge monster too, but I was told even the Guild Master doesn’t know the details about that person. They must be a very modest person.”
Ah, Ronzen averted his eyes behind him. Is this what they call ‘it’s all in how you say it’?
“That being the case, the adventurer in question was no good, but I think this guy here will be useful for the investigation.”
“Umu, since we were actually saved by him, I have no objection to incorporating him into the investigation team!”
“Umm, I haven’t said I’d accept the request yet…”
I wish they wouldn’t proceed with the conversation without me. Then Ronzen speaks to us with a serious face.
“Honestly speaking, the Kraken and Megalo Whale matter isn’t just this country’s problem. The battleship we introduced with great fanfare ended up in that state too.”
“T-That was just because we weren’t used to our newest ship yet! Once my subordinates get used to handling the ship, a Kraken is nothing to fear! Though I think attacking with many tentacles is cheating!”
That’s a Kraken’s basic attack method though.
“Because of this situation, I want at least a means to protect the crew. I won’t tell you to go out and fight, won’t you cooperate with the investigation?”
Hmmm, in other words, Ronzen means there’s no need to risk fighting and having my identity exposed. He just wants me to at least protect the crew.
Certainly, in that case, the worry of standing out badly and being exposed to the Knight Order is low.
“Understood. If it’s for maritime rescue, I’ll lend my strength.”
“Thanks, brother.”
“Ooh, I thank you, boy!”
Barn-san grabs my shoulder firmly.
“Umm, I’m Rex.”
“I’m Liliera. Well, if Rex-san accepts, I have no objections either.”
“Umu! I’m counting on you two!”
Thus we ended up going to investigate the river mouth in the form of cooperating with the Knight Order… but the story didn’t end there.
“Found you, Broooo!”
A familiar voice reaches our ears as we came out of the reception room for business discussions.
“Huh? Jairo?”
Yes, the ones who called me were Gyro and the others.
“When we came back, Bro and the others weren’t there, and there was a note left, so we hurriedly chased after you!”
“Thanks to that, we forced marched to this town without proper rest.”
“Can, we, take, a, break…?”
“Want to eat.”
Not just Jairo, but Mina, Norb, and Meguri were also there.
“Did everyone perhaps chase after us?”
I left a note just in case, but I didn’t intend to stay that long, so I didn’t think they would catch up.
“Of course! I’m Bro’s little brother!”
“We can’t leave this idiot alone, right?”
I see, Jairo started running, and everyone hurriedly chased after him, huh.
“Hmm, are these youths your companions?”
Barn-san looks at Gyro and the others appraisingly.
“Yeah! We’re Bro Rex’s little brothers and disciples!”
“No, we’re not little brothers.”
“Hoh, in other words, you are apprentice maritime rescue experts!”
“I don’t really get it, but yeah!”
“Don’t reply without understanding!”
Wow, it’s becoming a chaotic scene. Or rather, it suddenly became lively as soon as everyone arrived.
“By the way, who’s this old man, Bro!?”
“This is Barn Dobag-san, our client.”
“A surname means he’s a noble!?”
Mina straightens her posture while saying ‘crap’.
“No need to worry. Feel free to call me Barn-san.”
“Y-Yes…”
He’s quite a frank person.
“But is that so. The boy’s disciples. Hmm…”
Barn-san puts his hand on his chin as if thinking about something. And seemingly having decided something, he clapped his hands.
“Very well! I’ll permit you to participate in the investigation team as the boy’s disciples too!”
“Eh!? What are you talking about!?”
“Oh, I don’t know what it is but you’re an understanding guy! That’s right, I’m Bro Rex’s number one disciple! I’ll be useful!”
“Hahahaha, what a spirited youth!”
Somehow the two of them hit it off.
“Umm, Rex-san… can you please explain a little?”
Norv, who was out of breath until just now, finally recovered and asked me for details.
“Umm, I accepted a request from the Adventurer’s Guild a little while ago. So now it’s decided that everyone will participate together too.”
“Eh? Why even us?”
“I’m expecting great things from you, especially Jairo-kun!”
“O-Ooh!? Bro is expecting things from me!? Seriously!? Have I finally reached full initiation or something!?”
At my words, Jairo-san raises a voice moved to tears. Yup, I’m expecting things from you. As Barn-san’s conversation partner!
Due to such circumstances, we accepted a new request and ended up joining by Jairo and the others.
◆
“Hey Rex-san. I have a small favor to ask.”
Liliera spoke to me as I was looking at the surrounding scenery from the edge of the Good Loser.
“What is it, Liliera-san?”
She seems strangely anxious, is she worried about something?
“Actually, there’s magic I want you to teach me.”
“Magic you want me to teach you?”
To specifically ask for it, what on earth does she want to learn?
“Yes, the magic I want you to teach me is.”
“Yes.”
“Flight magic!”
Surprisingly, what Liliera asked for was the flight magic I often use to carry Liliera and Fluffy.
“I don’t mind, but why at this timing again?”
It would be fine after returning to the house in the Royal Capital. Does she want to use this time for training since we have free time during travel?
“Because, this ship nearly sank twice, didn’t it. So, if I don’t secure a means of escape, I’m scared I’ll get dragged into it!”
“Kyuu!”
I totally understood. Yup, I certainly understand that feeling well. Honestly, I was also inwardly worried that it might sink again.
“Well, if that’s the case, it can’t be helped.”
“Yes, I’m seriously asking you! Before it sinks again!”
“Kyu kyuu!”
Isn’t it rude to think it’s guaranteed to sink?
◆
“Hey you.”
When I was talking with Liliera about future training, the crew of the Good Loser spoke to me.
“Yes, what is it?”
“We heard from the captain, but are you the ones who saved us when we were thrown into the sea after the ship was flipped over by the Megalo Whale?”
“Eh? Ah, yes, technically that’s right.”
“Ah, I didn’t do anything. Only this person saved you.”
“I knew it was like that.”
When the crew member nodded, other crew members also gathered around me for some reason. Ah, Liliera, don’t leave your seat silently! Even Fluffy too!
“We were saved thanks to you! We thank you!”
“”””We thank you!!””””
The crew members bowed their heads all at once and thanked me.
“No, well, please don’t worry about it. Isn’t it natural to help if there are people in trouble!”
But the crew members shook their heads.
“No, accidents at sea are always a paper-thin difference from death. It’s not uncommon not to make it even if you act quickly. Moreover, even more so if it’s a storm or a monster attack. We had our lives saved thanks to you being there. We can’t thank you enough for being alive right now!”
This is troubling, I didn’t do anything to be thanked so exaggeratedly.
“Also, you’re the one who caught the ship thrown during the launching ceremony, right?”
“Eh? What are you talking about?”
I don’t want to be thanked any more exaggeratedly. I’ll feign ignorance here.
“…If you say so, we’ll leave it at that. But, we’re grateful for being saved twice. So, if anything happens, we promise to lend you our strength! On the honor of men of the sea!”
Finished saying that, the crew members returned to their posts as if nothing happened.
“…Good grief, this is why men of the sea are so dutiful.”
Suddenly I remember the men of the sea I saved from danger in my previous life. At that time I was fighting as a hero, so I didn’t remember well who I saved, but I still remember well when I saved the men of the sea. Honestly, at that time I thought they were an overly passionate bunch, but remembering it now, it makes me feel a bit ticklish that the spirit of men of the sea hasn’t changed no matter how many years pass.
“What’s wrong Rex-san? You look somewhat happy?”
Suddenly Liliera says such a thing while staring at my face.
“Eh? No, it’s nothing.”
“Hmm. Well fine. It was a somewhat rare, or rather, nostalgic kind of look.”
Wow, she’s unexpectedly sharp. But…
“By the way, you did well to run away by yourselves just now.”
Yup, I haven’t forgotten.
“Now, let’s return to the training talk!”
That’s right. I’ll think of just barely manageable training content!
◆
“Captain! Something is coming from ahead! It’s not a ship!”
We were continuing a smooth voyage, but it seems trouble finally occurred.
“All hands to battle stations!”
Following Barn-san’s instructions, the crew members moved to various places on the ship carrying bows and long spears.
“Confirmed target’s figure! It’s a horde of monsters! …Wait, so many!?”
The lookout crew member raises a voice of surprise.
“I don’t understand ‘so many’! How many are there!?”
“I don’t know! It’s unknown how many there are because there are too many!”
At Barn-san’s reprimand, the lookout crew member also raises a confused voice.
“Captain, it’s visible!”
Hearing the voice of the crew member stationed at the bow, everyone’s gaze focused forward. There was a horde of aquatic monsters filling the river width from end to end.
“”””…So many!!””””
It’s so many that there really are no other words. Not just width, but depth is also long. The monsters are so densely packed that counting them is utterly impossible.
“What numbers!”
“More importantly, at this rate they’ll collide with the ship! There’s no gap to avoid them.”
“The monsters show no sign of trying to avoid us either!?”
As if being driven by something, the monsters are heading towards us at tremendous speed.
“No good, at this rate we can’t possibly handle interception!”
Barn-san raises an impatient voice.
“Shall we help?”
“No, your job is helping with the investigation and rescue activities in emergencies… I can’t be saying that, huh. Sorry, help us.”
“Understood.”
“Bro, we’ll help too!”
“I’ve become able to use simple attack magic too, I’ll support.”
Jairo and the others, and Liliera too seem fully motivated to fight together.
“Alright, then I’ll break the enemy vanguard’s posture with magic, so everyone focus on attacking.”
“Understood.”
“Leave it to us.”
“If there are injured people, I’ll treat them!”
“Kyuu! Slurp”
Everyone is motivated, huh.
“Everyone! We will also support with magic! We’re going to hit the enemy’s nose with a big one now, so please hit them hard when they flinch!”
“Yeah!”
“Leave it to us!”
The crew members responded by making fists.
I head to the bow and release magic to intimidate the leading enemies.
“Then here I go! Blazing Geyser!!”
Magic activates, and water columns rise from right under the approaching monsters. Blazing Geyser, it’s an attack-type water magic that generates a large amount of geysers to blow enemies away. Though well, it can only defeat small fry, and against strong enemies it’s only useful for breaking their posture or catching them off guard. But in a situation like this, suddenly being attacked from right below is useful enough to distract the opponent’s consciousness.
“Now everyone! It’s now!”
I send the attack signal to everyone.
“…Huh?”
However, for some reason no one shows any sign of attacking the monsters.
“Wait, what’s wrong everyone?”
Turning around, everyone is pointing up.
“Up?”
Looking, there are many black dots floating in the sky. And everyone pointed their fingers forward.
“Forward?”
Looking forward, there wasn’t a single monster.
“Huh?”
There are many black dots above, and the monsters that should have been in front are gone.
“Which means…”
“”””Everything was blown away so there’s no opponent to attack.””””
Yes, it is exactly as you all say.
