Chapter 68

"Now, I guess I'll start by finding the plunderers' hideout on the map..."

Arriving in our labyrinth vacation home via teleportation, I met up with Satou, who had already transformed himself into his Kuro disguises. He has already completed his search for the location of the plunderers and found they have four major bases and more than ten smaller ones. Adjacent to the location where we apprehended Ludaman, there was an area housing the captured women. Based on their arrangement, it seemed likely that we would need to confront the nearby plunderers prior to rescuing them.

"Looks like trouble."

Satou muttered before explaining the base turned out to be more intricate than initially anticipated, featuring paths that were challenging to access but simple to retreat from. The landscape comprised slopes and ledges that allowed for effortless descents, while infiltration would necessitate arduous uphill traversals.

Given the complexity and defensibility of the plunderers' hideouts, it's understandable why the labyrinth army has struggled to apprehend all of them. Direct confrontations would prove futile, resembling attempts to breach an impenetrable stronghold. The plunderers can effortlessly deploy expendable minions to divert attention while dispersing through a maze of escape routes, making seizing them exceedingly arduous. That doesn't matter to us, though, since we could fly.

We used 'Return' to teleport to the closest seal slate to the hideout. It was a corner of a partially underwater area where I'd planned on levelling up everyone next. The swiftest path ahead would involve retracing our steps through the areas where we previously saved the Labyrinth army soldiers. As we journey, we strive to bypass and disregard any creatures we encounter along the way.

Proceeding through the second zone, my curiosity sparked at the sight of unknown monsters. However, fuelled by the need to stay on track, I resolutely resisted any temptation to interact with them and continued my advance.

"Ooh, a natural golem."

It looks like I am not the only one getting distracted. But the golem wasn't interested in Satou. Its surface, smooth as a billiard ball, bore no hint of articulation. Yet, with sinister malice, it propelled itself towards me, its fist poised menacingly to strike. But the golem wasn't that strong compared to me, and its body shattered after I dodged the fist and sent a kick into its stomach.

Still, I couldn't help but admire the golems as I ran away with Satou. Numerous golems were predominantly crafted from earth or rock, while others appeared as if they could be transformed into bronze or iron. A few were even constructed from crystal, though none were found in silver or gold. I wonder if Satou could find some like that later.

"We should be in the plunderer area soon..." Satou said once we cleared the golem area.

Avoiding the slopes and cracks with "Skyrunning," we arrived at the point of the plunderers' lookout. Using all our stealth and spying skills, we warped soundlessly through the passages. We tried to find a plunderer lookout but couldn't see him anywhere.

"Oh, over there," I whispered.

The plunderer was perfectly camouflaged against the wall. I used "Warp" to land directly in front of him and knocked him out before he even noticed I was there. This seemed to deactivate the camouflage, revealing almost greyish skin. He was totally naked, too. I guess the camouflage didn't work on clothes.

I wasn't particularly keen on witnessing a naked man, so I draped him in some cloth and bound him. I could hear Satou grumble about it not being a beautiful woman, but I feigned ignorance. His face resembled a chameleon monster, likely due to demonic concoctions similar to Ludaman's. I used Magic Hand to lift the captured looter and proceeded, knowing I could have left him, but I didn't want to return to a half-eaten corpse courtesy of some beast.

"Ooh, so this is the trap level?"

As Satou muttered my keen 'Trap Detection' skill whispered of impending hazards. Beyond lay an array of insidious traps, while in their shadow, a slumbering plunderer, his defences down, lay sprawled across the narrow passage. Or is he bait for another trap? Before him loomed a translucent creature, dubbed a 'wall slime,' which seemed to have been tamed by the plunderer.

"All right, we can't be wasting time here," Satou said, and I nodded.

Satou used Magic Hand to push the plunderer from behind, sending him right into the wall slime. Obviously, he panicked and started flailing around inside the creature's goo. In the meantime, we crossed over the traps with "Skyrunning," then Satou used a pebble to shoot out the oil slime's core right as it extended a tendril toward him. Subsequently, I retrieved a Thunder Rod from my inventory. I employed it to shock the plunderer within the slime's residue, effectively paralysing him.

"...Ew."

I couldn't help the sound that escaped me. The man twitching on the ground was sticky with slime. If I touched him, I would definitely get some on me. With no other option, I used Magic Hand to strike the chameleon plunderer's head against his, then tied him up with the same spell.

"This one's face is warped, too..." Satou said, looking closer.

The upper half of the man's face was covered in murky blue crystals. It looked like more people had been transfigured by demonic potion than I realised.

Stealthily, we traversed a corridor guarded by a formidable areamaster-class monster and swiftly employed 'Warp' to navigate a treacherous passage teeming with venomous bugs and ethereal shadow monsters. Finally, our arduous journey culminated as we reached the perimeter of the plunderers' first base.

"Looks like the real fight starts here," I said, and Satou nodded.

There were two lookouts armed with bows and oblivous to Satou and me approaching them. According to Satou's information, there are ten plunderers at the outpost; one was in the 30s, but the rest were all level 10 and below. Our plan of attack was simple. Once we deal with the lookouts, Satou will deal with the plunderer with skills like "Sprinting" and "Off-Road Running" before he escapes while I take out the boss.

I put down the two plunderers I was carrying with Magic Hand in a nearby hole, and then Satou and I landed right in front of the two guards with "Flashrunning."

"Wh-?"

"Ү"

Before they could complete a word, we knocked them out with a few swift punches.

With no apparent walls, the outpost afforded a clear view of the scattered plunderers. An eagle-eyed plunderer detected our presence and fled in earnest. But before he can get far, Satou acts. He intercepted the plunderers with 'Warp,' swiftly dispatching the rabbitfolk with 'Sprinting.'

"What the?"

As the remaining plunderers drew their arms, our nimble movements orchestrated their demise. One by one, we felled them with precision strikes. When I hit one of them, he emitted a red light, a special side effect of overdosing on demonic potion.

"Boss!"

Among the plunderers, whom I initially believed Satou had incapacitated, one was rising and shouting. Satou delivered another strike to the surprisingly resilient assailant, ensuring he was knocked out for real this time.

"Never seen you before. Are you two garnet-badge explorers?"

A man in his thirties, clad only in minimal attire, emerged confidently from the darkness, exuding an air of self-importance.

"Your Wolfsbane, comrade."

A fully naked individual appeared from behind the barely undressed figure, extending a spear with a dark, black-hued blade. The name of this enchanted weapon, it seems, is 'Wolfsbane.'

"Think you can just show up and interrupt my fun? I'll be killin' you slowly, lass," He stares at me before glancing at Satou. "Your friend, though, will be entertaining me tonight before I kill him."

The half-naked man swallowed what appeared to be a demonic potion. Red magic circles glowed on his body for a moment, then disappeared as jet-black scales grew over his arms.

"Demon Armor-Black Scales."

As he uttered what must have been an activation phrase, a pair of bumps on his forehead grew into two horns.

"Bwa-ha-ha, cower in fear! For he is none other than the right-hand man of Plunderer King Ludaman: Demon Warrior Kurse!" The naked man sneered as he introduced the half-naked warrior.

"So he's just as weak as that crybaby," I sigh, stepping forward.

"Keep talking bitch," Kurse spat. "Come at me, user of the black arts! But paralytic poison won't work on the likes of me!" I take a step forward, cracking my knuckles. "I'm going to make sure this hurts!"

Kurse brandished his Magic Spear and bucked his horns intimidatingly. It's stupid. Even Liza was more intimidating than this when we first met. I'm sure she would have a field day with this guy. I can tell he lacks the skill with a spear despite not using one myself.

I sighed and stepped in reach of his spear, but he wasn't attacking me for some reason. Does he have some kind of defensive skill? With my curiosity piqued, I decided to discover that skill. I'm sure Satou will step in if it is something deadly.

I haven't had to move so slowly in a while, but I managed to trigger that skill Kurse was counting on. It seems to be an automatic counterattack skill.

"Bad move, lass! Demon Wolf's Fang!"

Shouting some kind of attack name, the man unleashed a counterattack. Black mist whirled around his spear, spinning like a drill as it zoomed toward me. But he's too slow. I duck under his spear and deliver an uppercut, causing Kurse to hit the ground a few meters away. The red light around the man's body disappeared, and I acquired the 'Counterattack' skill. It seems useful so I quickly max out the skill.

"Guuuuuh!"

Kurse unleashed an animalistic yell as he picked himself up. I thought that attack would knock him out, but he was tougher than I thought. He thrusts his spear towards me, but no matter how many times or how fast he attacks, I dodge every thrust while stepping forward and forcing Kurse back. Eventually, his back hits the wall.

"Looks like you're out of room to run," I smile, placing a hand on Kurse's shoulder.

"I will ki…"

I cut the man off with a punch to the gut, sending him crashing into the wall, causing the stone to crack and shatter. I wondered if I should have held back, but it wasn't enough to take him out. This is going to be annoying. I delivered several more punches rapidly, causing his body to sink deeper into the wall.

"B... Bwuh..."

Desperately attempting to convey a message, his words were stifled by a relentless barrage of blows pounding against his cheeks. The force of the assault gradually drained him, and as his ability to communicate waned, his consciousness succumbed to oblivion.

"Let go of him!"

The naked man raised a scimitar and charged at me. It looks like he is the last plunderer, and Satou is almost finished tying up the others. At least this guy was easy to deal with, which is likely why Satou left him alone. With one swift movement, I knock his weapon out of his hand, and another strike knocks this naked dude unconscious. My new skill made it much easier to judge the timing of my attacks.

"It would be a pain to carry all these guys around..." Satou said once we had gathered everyone up.

A sliver of bare earth caught my eye in the labyrinth's confines. However, The labyrinth's design rendered a traditional pit trap impractical. So we decided to make a temporary jail. We disarmed the men and collected them all on the patch of earth. Just as Satou was about to use the Earth Magic spell 'Wall', I heard a battle cry from one of the plunderers.

"My slime is the strongeeeeest!"

A sinister realisation dawned on me as my gaze shifted to the vanquished slime plunderer. He had somehow freed himself from our bindings, his body writhing in renewed vigour. A crimson glow enveloped him, indicating a potent elixir coursing through his veins. The claws on his fingers, now sharp and crystalline, had sliced through the ropes easily, a testament to the demonic enhancements he had gained. Slimy tentacles sprouted from his mouth and nose, startling me into making a strange noise.

I didn't want a hand-to-hand fight with this sticky weirdo, so I repeatedly used my 'Remote Stun' spell until the plunderer was out cold again.

"You're not getting away!"

The chameleon man tried to escape while I was dealing with the slime man, but Satou swiftly used a stone spear from Storage to pin him to the wall.

"Kwaaaaeo!"

Satou hit the chameleon man harder than before to knock him out, propped him up next to the other plunderers, and started making a prison with 'Wall' to trap them in. Even these superhuman freaks shouldn't be able to bust through a fifteen-foot-thick earth wall. Kurse was already recovering, and I heard him cursing through the small air hole. But Satou and I left the plunderer outpost behind without giving him much thought.

We finally arrived at the main hideout after taking down several more lookout posts. It took about a half hour, but at least no one noticed what we were up to. I have heard that security is one's greatest enemy. As the guard on duty at the main hideout yawned, I stealthily approached him from behind and rendered him unconscious.

But this is where Satou and I split up. Satou blocked off escape routes while taking care of the lookouts outside the base. Meanwhile, I was wandering around the base, attacking plunderers as they slept and tying them up.

"Wh-what the?!"

"Those labyrinth bastards are serious this time!"

"A wall?!"

It looks like they finally noticed. But their panic only works to my advantage as I use "Flashrunning" to take out the plunderers one by one.

<Title Acquired: Attacker.>

"W-we're under attack!"

"Is it other plunderers?!"

"No, only a demon could do something like this!"

One of the plunderers tried to escape through a secret exit, but Satou quickly cut him off. The plunderer whipped out a sword from his belt and slashed at him. It must be a cursed weapon black blade emitted a red light and was covered in miasma. Still, Satou had no trouble parrying the blade with a dagger he pulled out of storage. That's what I would like to say, but the dagger broke with a sharp clang. But I don't need to worry about Satou even with a development like that.

"Damit, that masked guy is strong,"

"Grab that brat and use her as a shield!"

Thanks to that last shout, I have no shortage of company. A man with lizard scales covering the left half of his body tried to grab me. Still, I effortlessly threw him to the ground and used a few extra 'Remote Stuns' than I normally do just to be safe. The other plunderers started bellowing and charging at me, but I took them all one by one without breaking a sweat.

These guys all had strange physical traits, like an insect- or crab-like carapaces on their limbs or animallike fur. One was even a snake from the head up, but that was because he was a race of beastfolk called "snake-headed folk." But none of those traits did them any good against me.

"Take thiiis!"

As the plunderers attacked from all sides, I leapt into the air. The plunderers were so focused on me that they ended up running into each other, and I couldn't help but giggle as they picked themselves up.

"Use the drugs, boys! No holding back now! Don't let this bitch or that crazy masked bastard get away alive!"

"This'll be easy. When we've had demonic potion, we can take on an enemy above level ten no problem!"

Their leader looks confident. He's flashing a smile with a fang-like dogtooth sticking out of his mouth.

"Rrrrgh!"

"Here gooooes!"

As the drug's potent brew wreaked havoc within their bodies, the cursed group succumbed to its effects. Eerie crimson incantations spread insidiously across their flesh, deforming their humanity with grotesque transformations. Horns protruded from skulls, jagged blades erupted from upper limbs, and grotesque wings of feathers or leathery scales unfurled. The grotesque amalgamations resembled a macabre fusion of humans and monstrous horrors.

"That's freaky," Satou muttered.

"Heh, someone who's never taken demonic potion wouldn't understand this all-powerful feeling!" an effeminate man boasted.

"Here comes Red-Blade Garon, the Plunderer King Ludaman's number one warrior!"

"I'm the top warrior here! Black-Blade Ashiro- special move Armor-Piercing Blade!"

"Already?! Fine, then I'll use my secret technique, Triple Lava Attack!"

It's funny. I can't believe they think those attacks will work on someone like Satou.

Clashing blades, the enigmatic leader wielding a pitch-black blade and the androgynous companion with a crimson blade exchanged witticisms amidst their potent strikes. Fueled by the elixir of demonic essence, their movements shimmered with an ethereal speed. The leader's blade arced through the air, a relentless torrent of slashes, while his companion's weapon danced with lightning-fast thrusts.

It still wasn't good enough to even come close to hitting Satou. Zena was right when she called Satou 'Nimble'. I watch his body twist, turn, step, duck and jump away from every attack.

"Sixfold Rapid Attack."

It was a special move Satou learned from Hayato, Hero of the Saga Empire, in the old capital and later taught to me. Struck in six quick flashes of Satou's spear, narrowly avoided directly piercing the plunderers, who were sent flying with a spray of blood. It was a gruesome sight, but their lives weren't in any danger.

With a thunderous crash, they shattered through the building's weakened wall, sending a shock wave that effortlessly felled the remaining plunderers as Satou's spear crumbled in his hand. Then, with a loud crash, the building collapsed, too. Satou only narrowly escaped getting crushed by that. The Hero's move was a sight to behold, leaving an indelible mark on the battlefield.

While the initial plan had faltered, the unexpected paralysis of the plunderers provided an advantage. Utilising the formidable 'Remote Stun' ability, I swiftly dispatched them, ensuring a favourable outcome amidst the turmoil. Immobile in their contemplation of the desolate building, the plunderers overlooked the torrential downpour of 'Remote Stuns', their slack jaws hinting at the extent of their shock.

As the 'Remote Stuns' rained down, the Demonic Body's crimson glow shielded its bearers, preventing their full incapacitation. Retreating into the shadows, these adversaries fueled by demonic potions posed an annoying foe. But Satou swiftly took those guys out with powerful punches and kicks, so most of the plunderers were knocked out with serious injuries.

"I'll go on ahead," I told Satou as he tied up the forty or so plunderers.

"Be careful,"

"I'll try,"

<0 >

This place really would be a problem to attack. The corridors twists and turns so much that I would have gotten lost if I didn't have a map Satou drawn from me. Looking at my own map, I wish it showed more than just the places I have visited.

I should be getting close, at least. According to the map, the captives were being held in an area several rooms away. Just then, I heard footsteps approaching. Quickly darting into the shadows, I waited, hoping to ambush the plunderers and take them out before they could drink their demonic potions.

"Let go of me, you brute!"

"You got grit, eh, noble girl? I like that."

But it wasn't a pair of plunderers. While one was a plunderer, while the other… I heard their voices and the sounds of something being dragged getting closer.

"Maybe I'll just have a taste right here?"

"If you lay a hand on me, you won't get your ransom money!"

"Bwa-ha-ha!"

"What's so funny?!"

"Yer parents have already given up on you, girlie."

"Th-that can't be!"

I clench my fists. I have been dealing with too many jerks lately.

"I like seeing that look on a high-class girlie..."

"Wh-what do you think you're doing?!"

"Heh-heh, just havin' some fun while Ludaman's away!"

I heard the sound of fabric tearing and quickly sprung out of hiding, seeing a plunderer kneeling over a woman with her chest exposed and arms pinned above her head. The plunderer didn't notice me until I tapped him on the shoulder.

"Wh-who are you?! There ain't no woman as flat as you in our…"

I didn't hold back much when I punched him. Just enough to stop him from dying, but that jerk should still be in a lot of pain right now.

"Who…"

The woman looked up at me in surprise, but the jerk returned before she could finish what she wanted to say.

"Die!"

The jerk took out a knight and charged. He didn't seem to be using a demonic potion, so I just hit him harder and finally knocked the plunderer out. I quickly tie him up, and with him taken care of, I turn to the woman.

"Are you okay?" I ask as she stares at me.

"Y-yes…" She stutters. "Th-thank you for saving me." The young woman I'd rescued, who was blond and around twenty years old, covered her exposed chest as she thanked me. "I am Eluterina Rondorbell. My father is a baron, and my grandfather is Marquis Kelten, who has great military clout. I'm sure he can grant any wish you might have as thanks."

Although the prolonged captivity had taken a toll on her appearance, the young noblewoman's true beauty still glimmered beneath the grime and faint odour. I take out one of Nana's spare tops and hand it to her. It's a bit loose in the chest area but covers everything it needs to.

"So please, could you rescue the women being held captive inside as well?"

"I already planned on saving everyone here, so don't worry. I won't leave anyone behind,"

"Th-thank you…" She smiles softly. Her smile is nearly as beautiful as Sara's. "M-might I ask your name?"

"My name is Kura. I'm a knight in the service of Count Seiryuu and a hero of the Shiga Kingdom,"

"The Hero...?"

Behind her, I saw that jerk twitch a finger. I guess I still didn't hit him hard enough.

"Just a moment."

"A-all right..."

I hit him with 'Remote Stuns' not stopping until I am sure he is down for good. The young woman gasped as I made the plunderer float in the air thanks to the 'Magic Hand' spell.

"Kuro," I contact Satou thanks to the 'Telephone' spell. "I'm sending one more your way." I use the 'Magic Hand' spell to send the plunderer towards Satou. "I'm about to reach the captives, so can you contact Lelillil and ensure she is ready."

I take a breath. I can already see that Lelillil will contact me soon and complain that Satou is bossing her around again. But that's a problem for future me. I take another breath and turn back to Eluterina.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," I say. "Let's go rescue the others."

"O-of course. I'll show you the way."

She started to take the lead, but I put a hand on her shoulder.

"I have a quicker way," I tell her, grabbing Eluterina's hand. "Sorry. This may be a bit scary initially, but it's perfectly safe." I placed Enchant: Physical Protection on her for safety, then asked. "Ready?"

"Um… yes… I guess…"

She sounds nervous but I still start to move. Eluterina lets out cute little squeaks whenever I use 'Warp' to move us. I try to go a bit slower than I normally do. Still, even then, Eluterina is gripping my hand tightly and shaking. Using Satou's map, I kept us moving forward, and we arrived in a matter of seconds.

"Is it on the other side of this boulder?"

In a barely audible, incomprehensible manner, she spoke, her head spinning from the rapid pace. Clearing the path of a massive boulder and a sturdy steel bar, I entered the dimly lit room where the women were confined.

The fields beyond were filled with plants resembling black-grained barley and dark-red wheat, which I recognised as the notorious ruination weeds and destruction stalks, the primary components of a demonic potion. The living quarters of the captives appeared to be deeper within the premises.

"Eluterina!"

"Leader!"

Upon entering the chamber, two young ladies approached the Eluterina with enthusiasm. One had a rich chestnut mane, while the other boasted fiery red hair. These adventurous companions seemed to share a bond, both hailing from distinguished lineages.

"I'm here to save you. Bring everyone here. If there's anything you want to take with you, grab that, too."

The girls eyed me suspiciously, yet they erupted in jubilant cries upon witnessing Eluterina's affirmative nod. Their voices attracted the attention of the women congregating at a distance, prompting them to join the gathering. In total, there were forty-three women present.

"Is this everyone?"

"There are also four doctors and one alchemist. Polina went to get them, so they should be here soon."

"I see."

Nodding at Eluterina, I looked around at the rest of the captives.

"We really get to leave?"

"I'll finally see my family again..."

"We're saved. I can't believe it..."

Beyond the initial group of confident young women I had encountered, the majority of the girls appeared bewildered rather than jubilant. Recognising this contrast, I decided to inform them of the plan.

"I'm going to get you all out of the labyrinth." I waited for them to understand before I continued. "But I can't return you to your families right away." At this, some of the girls started crying or wailing. I quickly went on. "Before I release you, I must rescue the people kept in other areas. Please just give me a few days."

In truth, my previous statement was not entirely accurate. Fearing that the authorities of the Shiga Kingdom might seek their execution upon discovering their illicit cultivation of demonic potion ingredients, I sought to gain some additional time to address that matter discreetly.

"Who are you?"

Just then, the ladies turned as Satou… or Kuro, in this instance, makes his appearance. He must have already finished taking care of all the plunderers. They didn't have weapons, but a few of the stronger-looking women looked ready to attack.

"It's okay, he's one of my followers," I reassure them, getting between the woman and Satou. "Kuro here is going to teleport you all to a safe house above ground now."

"W-wait!"

"Please, not yet!"

A muscular girl and the blond noble both cried out to stop me.

"What is it?"

"Polina isn't back with the doctors yet."

"Don't worry. I'll come back for them," Satou replied, putting on an act and macho voice.

Then, I turned from Eluterina to the muscular girl. "What about you?"

"The bodies of some of my friends, and theirs, are in the torture room over there. I'd at least like to bring back their explorers' badges or locks of their hair..."

"Dangerous monsters patrolled the route there, including some with paralytic poison or petrification abilities," Satou informed me over the 'Telephone' spell.

"The path to the torture room is too dangerous. I can go there for you and get what you need."

"Please take me with you! I want to say a few burial rites for them..."

I tried to go alone, but the muscular girl pleaded to come along, so I relented.

"All right. But I can only bring two of you."

"Then I will come with you, Elder Sister." Eluterina stepped forward.

The other captives appeared to refer to the muscular girl as "Elder Sister." I looked to Satou, and he nodded before teleporting away with everyone but me, Eluterina and the muscular girl.

"Don't move ahead of me. There are traps up ahead," I tell the two ladies, and they nod.

<0 >

I headed to the torture room with Eluterina and the muscular Elder Sister.

"This is the torture room?"

"Must be. I've never been here myself, but you can tell from the smell of blood."

I am starting to see that employing a torch as our illumination could have been an unwise decision. The blood-stained torture devices, the putrid stench, and the pit teeming with buzzing flies all contributed to the chilling ambience. The flickering shadows cast by the torch flame only accentuated the horror-like environment.

The sight was so bad I even got the "Madness Resistance" skill just by around the room. I had to put my last seven skill points into that skill just so I could enter the room without feeling like I would have a heart attack.

"Garth, Zahana, Bodorina...you can pass on knowing we have been saved."

From afar, I observed Elder Sister as she gazed solemnly upon the bodies within the pit, her voice soft and tender like a gentle breeze. I respected her need for solitude, choosing not to intrude upon the profound farewells she uttered.

"When the plunderers capture a man, they force him to choose between joining their crew after providing them 'entertainment' or being tortured to death," Eluterina explained to me softly.

Through an invisible conduit—an air vent connecting this prison to the outside world—the piercing screams of the afflicted echoed within its walls. The heartless actions of these plunderers instilled an unyielding nausea upon my weary soul.

"We women were kept in that room and forced to tend to those strange plants, but every few weeks, the plunderers would bring in a new woman and take one away in exchange," Those women's fate mirrored that of the men, condemned to the same torturous demise. The mere anticipation of her screams, a chilling reminder of their agony, added an unbearable burden to the already unbearable horror. "I hated myself for being relieved when I wasn't the one chosen."

Eluterina's tears flowed freely as I enveloped her in a comforting embrace. Meanwhile, another young woman uttered her last farewells to the fallen explorers. As she moved to descend into the pit and retrieve their badges, I intervened. With a flourish, I extended my hand. I utilised Magic Hand to gather the badges and bones into the Item Box and, unbeknownst to any observer, the explorers' entire bodies. My heart yearned for a dignified final resting place where sunlight could warm their souls.

"Lady Kura, what is this magic circle?"

As Eluterina averted her gaze, wiping away burgeoning tears, she indicated a magic circle adorned with ghastly skulls and bones. Using my 'Miasma Vision,' I discovered the room consumed by a suffocating shroud of miasma, its darkness impenetrable. To my astonishment, the magic circle siphoned this miasma and malevolent energies, preventing its transformation of the victims into undead monstrosities within the pit. This ominous symbol seemed to be the key to their inhibited undead metamorphosis.

"It's to amplify and diffuse madness. Looks like they used it to strengthen negative emotions and spread them around," I muttered to myself, getting a closer look at the circle.

I recognise the circle from the documents I recovered from the Wings of Freedom. This cult had resurrected a demon lord beneath the old capital. I felt like it was a waste of time to read through so many documents at the time, but I am glad I did it now.

According to the provided information, this magical circle was inherited by one of their forebears from a yellow-skinned demon. It appears that they employed this type of enchantment to cultivate a fertile environment for the resurrection of the demon lord until the chaos jars and malice urns were fully prepared. Maybe the yellow-robed person Ludaman had mentioned was connected to the yellow demon somehow.

"Should we destroy it?"

"Of course."

I don't want to go through fighting another demon lord again after the trouble the last one gave me in the old capital. So I take out a holy stone and let its glowing blue light wipe away the evil magic circle.

"Holy light?"

"So you really are a hero…"

Eluterina and Miss Elder Sister looked at me with eyes full of admiration. Anyone could use a holy stone, but Satou is to blame for this one being so bright and blue. He admitted to getting bored and playing around with some holy stones, seeing what he could do to alter them. As a result, the holy stone in my hand appears far more powerful than it actually is.

But once we left the torture room, another problem awaited me.

"...You don't want to leave?"

Eluterina brought me to the small room containing the doctors. The alchemist who spoke for their group gave a shocking declaration. Satou had already left again to take the muscular girl to gather the other girls at the Ivy Manor. We wanted Eluterina to leave with her, but she insisted on staying because she was worried about the girl, Polina.

"And why is that?"

"I'm from the alchemy guild, and these girls are apprentices from the doctors' guild," That didn't explain why they didn't want to leave, so I waited for her to continue. "We've been forced to make corpse potions and demonic potions here."

Upon inspecting the displayed potions, it became apparent that the group lacked the necessary proficiency to create advanced potions. While these simple concoctions were of subpar quality, the presence of superior demonic potions within their hideout raised suspicions. It seemed that Ludaman was both attempting to craft advanced potions and providing materials to an external source for the production of higher-quality potions.

"If you take us outside, we'll be publicly executed as criminals for making these illegal drugs."

In their words, they would prefer to meet their end in this place rather than confront the alternative outcome. They firmly believed that, even if they were to clarify that they had been compelled to perform the act, it would not alleviate their punishment.

"Couldn't you just flee Labyrinth City, then?"

"No..."

The intensity of their regret for their sins was such that they would have felt a profound sense of guilt even if they had managed to escape and live in freedom.

"All right, I understand. I'll try to come up with a solution, so let's deal with that once we've left here."

Without waiting for an answer, I teleported with them to the Ivy Manor. I'll figure out how to deal with their problem after Satou, and I finish rescuing everyone else. I'm sure I can put my hero title to good use, ensuring the captive's safety and freedom. As for now, since these girls definitely knew what they'd been cultivating, I had Lelillil put them in a room separate from all the others for now.

<0 >

"What the hell?! Just who do you think I am?!"

"Beats me."

A plunderer charged towards me, unfazed by the barrage of Remote Stuns I had unleashed upon him. Consequently, I resorted to a powerful punch, effectively rendering him unconscious.

Satou and I have had a busy night. After we sent Eluterina, the alchemist, and the doctors to the Ivy Manor, we started raiding the plunderer's outposts one by one until only one remained that still held captives.

"I ain't done yeeeeeet!"

The bloodied plunderer stood up; I must have held back too much. These demonic potion addicts sure are a pain to deal with.

"Just stay down,"

As the plunderer flaunted a crimson-glowing blade, I swiftly executed a 'Warp' manoeuvre, positioning myself directly in his path. I then delivered a punch, holding back slightly less than my typical restraint, causing the discomforting sound of his bones shattering beneath my fist.

"Nnngaaahhh!"

His Demonic Body effect must have worn off right before I hit him. The plunderer collapsed, his lifeblood seeping from fatal injuries. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving him to his fate, so I invoked a healing incantation to prevent his untimely demise. Even if he doesn't deserve it.

"D-don't move! Or I'll kill this human wench!"

Among the plunderers I had previously vanquished, one had regained consciousness and was now holding a woman captive, a woman he had been tormenting.

"Kya-ha-ha-ha!"

Amidst the menacing grip of the knife upon her throat, the woman's discordant laughter echoed through the air. I clench my fists, stepping closer and picturing what she must have endured to drive her so mad. The plunderers' toughness and terrible deeds were getting on my last nerve. I'd rescued plenty of people who had been through unthinkably terrible things, but that was one thing I'd never get used to.

"S-stay back! I-I'm serious!"

The man's knife bore down on the woman's throat, causing a trickle of blood. Disregarding his menacing words, I utilised 'Warp' to teleport beside him. I delivered a well-aimed punch to his face, ensuring I didn't cause fatal damage. With the help of Magic Hand, I immobilised his knife-wielding hand, preventing any movement. As the rest of the assailant's body was propelled away, his arm, still trapped, bent at an unnatural angle accompanied by a sickening snap. I felt no remorse for this outcome.

With the last bastard taken care of, Satou and I went about gathering up the knocked-out plunderers and teleported them to our makeshift jail. I could hear shouts of rage from the plunderers in several of the other jails, but we paid them no mind, returning to the last base to rescue the captives.

"The plants in this one have been picked clean, too..."

Around half of the bases we attacked had fields for destruction, stalks, and ruination weeds. However, aside from the first base I visited, Ludaman's hideout, more than half of the plants had withered, and the rest no longer bore fruit. The strange magic circle was the primary distinction between the initial hideout and the others. This magic circle probably played a crucial role in cultivating the components required for the sinister potions.

"The yellow-robed mage, huh...?"

Ludaman was the one who introduced them to the cultivation techniques. It would be wise to gather more details from Ludaman about this. As the dungeon was currently inaccessible, I opted to consult the guildmaster regarding the magic circles, with infiltration being a final resort.

"...Wh-who are you?"

The trembling voice caught my attention from behind, revealing a cluster of women who appeared utterly drained, as if they were on the brink of death. The woman who had been cackling hysterically moments ago was now as silent as a cadaver.

"Sorry, I was lost in thought. I'll bring you all to a safe place," the women broke into weak smiles. "Come here, please... Teleport."

I picked up each woman with 'Magic Hand' and used the 'Return' spell to return to the Ivy Manor.

"Lord Kuro!"

It looks like Satou is as popular with the ladies as always. Now that Eluterina has bathed and put on makeup, she looks pretty good. In addition to cosmetics, we provided the noble ladies with dresses, footwear, and other items, but nothing overly extravagant. Eluterina smiled as she stood by Satou's side, assisting with the new arrivals. A plain young woman quickly came running over to talk to me from behind her.

"Lady Kura, thank you for offering such generous treatment to commoners like me,"

"Do you need anything else?"

"No, you and Lord Kuro have already done more than enough."

This was Polina, the enigmatic bag carrier who had fetched the doctors before. Unlike her grizzled peers, her demeanour exuded a quiet dignity and refinement. Her gentle words and composed exterior contrasted starkly with the rugged nature of her profession.

"I brought you some hot water, Lady Kura."

"Oh, thanks."

Quenching my burning thirst with a steaming goblet, I glanced up at the faint mist that obscured the room. Through its hazy veil, I witnessed Miss Elder Sister, a vision of compassion, tending to the girls I had recently liberated from their sinister lair. Her graceful gestures guided them to their new rooms, providing them with a sense of comfort and safety.

"Kya-ha-ha-ha!"

"Calm down. Your suffering will be over soon."

While Miss Elder Sister's words may have carried a foreboding tone, they, in fact, alluded to the transformative and restorative powers of Lelillil's House Magic. Amidst the handful of women who had experienced a similar plight, Lelillil's House Magic skills in 'Mind Care' and 'Recuperation' provided sanctuary to their tormented minds, restoring tranquillity within their minds.

Complimenting her remarkable magical abilities, Lelillil preened with childish pride. She modestly acknowledged the magic's temporary nature but asserted its present efficacy. Recognising the girls' primary need, I underscored the importance of rest and solace they currently sought.

Entrusting Lelillil with their care, I appointed her as guardian, assisted by a capable team of young women: Eluterina, Polina, and Sumina. Eluterina possessed a keen eye for detail and exceptional communication skills, enabling her to direct others effectively. Polina showed her charisma and excelled in negotiations. Sumina's wisdom and diplomacy made her invaluable in resolving conflicts. Furthermore, Satou's five ladies, whom he had rescued from the fire, assisted Lelillil, tirelessly conveying messages and fulfilling essential tasks under Eluterina's guidance.

"Do you need anything else?"

"E-erm... The food, well..."

Eluterina hesitated, reluctant to complain, so I looked to Polina to finish for her.

"There's not enough food."

"I'll put more in the storehouse, then," I nod. "What kind of food would you like?"

Since Lelillil had lived alone in this place, it was only natural that the manor didn't have enough supplies for the nearly two hundred women I rescued. Surprisingly, most of the saved women were either explorers or carriers. Still, there were also healers, alchemists, priests, fighters, courtesans, and individuals from other professions. Most were commoners, with just over 20 percent being slaves, and there were more nobles than I had imagined.

"We were chewing on weeds down in the labyrinth. Anything edible is fine with us, even if it's not perfect." Polina smiled a bit self-derisively.

"Highly nutritious foods it is, then. You can check them over later."

At the Ivy Manor, there was a food storehouse equipped with temperature control. My plan was to fill it with rice, vegetables, a selection of sweet and nutritious yellorange fruits from the Mountain-Tree, as well as massive blocks of whale and octopus monster meat. I'm sure Satou still has loads of whale meat in his storage.

But before that, there were some questions I wanted to ask.

"Do you know what the plunderers were forcing you to make?"

"Yes, I heard the alchemist and doctors arguing about it at the base..."

"I'd seen them before in a medicinal herb ency- clopedia at the royal academy."

Polina and Eluterina confirmed but did not say the substance's name aloud.

"What about the others?"

"No, I believe it was only the alchemist and the doctors, unless anyone else overheard by chance."

"I haven't said a word to anyone, so I don't think they know."

That was a relief.

"Lady Kura…"

Polina and Eluterina turned pale when they saw me lost in thought, probably worried about what the future holds.

"Don't worry. We won't let anything happen to you."

"Lord Kuro,"

But Satou's words seemed to cheer them both up. I hope he doesn't hurt them as he has with Tifaleeza. I still don't know how he does it, but somehow, Satou has a habit of creating plenty of misunderstandings.

Anyway, if things look bad for the girls I could simply approach the elves of Bolenan Forest and request them to create a secret village for them to reside in. It might be a bit intrusive on my part, but I wouldn't be able to rest peacefully if I had sent them out into the world without any protection.

"I have a request for you two. Whenever you sense an opportunity in conversation, try to find anyone else who knows what you were growing." Satou says.

I felt bad for making them do spy work, but we had to figure out who else knew. Too bad we couldn't find an analyst among the rescued. It would have been great if there was an easy way to figure out the truth, but the only method I knew of was through an analyst's examination.

"Lady Kura! Isn't there anything I can do, too?... Wait, were you talking about something serious?"

Sumina, whom the other girls called Elder Sister, unexpectedly approached us.

"Sumina, did you know you grew gabo barley and gabo wheat in the labyrinth?"

My 'Fabrication' skill allowed me to craft a name that wouldn't evoke images of destruction stalks or ruination weeds. I then posed a leading question to Sumina, catching Polina and Eluterina off guard briefly before they masked their surprise with their usual composure.

"Huh, so that's what those creepy plants were called. Are they related to those gross gabo fruits?"

"Yeah, seems the plunderers were going to use them to create a goblin army."

"Yikes, now, that's scary."

Sumina appeared to buy the elaborate tale I'd concocted with the aid of 'Fabrication.' Her innocent expression indicated she was oblivious to their actual enterprise – cultivating ingredients for demonic potions.

"It's better if nobody else hears about this. So keep it between us, all right?"

"R-right, of course."

I didn't know how easily Elder Sister's secrets could leak. My whispered 'between us' was a fool's errand; a gossipy girl, clearly eavesdropping at the door, was bound to spread the story through the entire group by tomorrow. Perhaps that would be enough to satisfy their curiosity, even if it wasn't entirely true. After all, a half-truth is often good enough for the masses.

"So, Lady Kura, is there some way I can help?"

"Hmm, let me think..."

Recognising Sumina's willingness to assist, I enlisted her help in sorting the vast array of tools and equipment salvaged from the plunderers' camps. This bounty would allow the unfortunate explorers who'd lost their belongings to replace their lost gear or sell pieces to purchase what they desperately needed. As I efficiently unloaded the contents of the Item Box, one by one, into the courtyard, Sumina returned, accompanied by a helpful team ready to tackle the task.

"Oof, that stinks!"

"It certainly is quite the stench... Deodorant."

Satou used magic to deodorise the foul-smelling junk heap.

"Whoa! That's amazing, Lord Kuro!"

The young explorer women were delighted to find the armour and weapons clean and fresh, free from the lingering odour that had previously plagued them.

"I'm surprised those plunderers had such nice stuff."

"There's hard beetle carapace armour, labyrinth turtle shields, and even mantis armour!"

"These weapons are pretty crazy, too. Mantis broadswords, swords made from guardian ants' scythe arms, and... Damn, an Antwing Silver Sword!"

"I'd love to try fighting with a sword like this in the labyrinth, even just once."

Miss Elder Sister and the others gazed at the sword longingly.

"Me too. How am I ever going to save up thirty gold coins?"

"I once saw one at a secondhand shop for twenty gold coins."

"Secondhand stuff breaks so fast, though..."

The underwhelming grey sword one of the girls held up was apparently a coveted piece of equipment to them. I had no problem letting them have it, but unfortunately, there was only one. Still, I have the materials to make more, and I'm sure Satou has the skill to create another one of those swords.

Despite their potential discomfort with accepting free items, I considered enlisting their aid in apprehending the plunderers and securing their arrest. With that in mind, I entrusted Sumina with the temporary oversight of the situation and sought out Eluterina, who was actively providing direction at the time.

"I'm going back to deal with the rest of the plunderers, but I'll be here tomorrow morning. If you need anything, talk to Lelillil or Kuro."

"Y-yes, Lady Kura!" She looks so happy as she glances at Satou.

Having replenished the storeroom with vital ingredients, I ventured back into the labyrinthine depths. My mission was to eliminate the plunderer outposts devoid of captives. With unwavering determination, I overwhelmed numerous enclaves, capturing and confining over a hundred plunderers within the subterranean dungeons.

<0 >

"Come in."

Shortly after my teleportation from the labyrinth to the mansion via 'Return', a rapping sound echoed from the threshold of the study door.

"Kura,"

Mia must have sensed my return. It didn't take long for everyone else to pour into the room.

"Welcome back, master… oh, is Satou not with you?" Arisa closed the door before questioning me. "Is there some kind of problem?"

"No," I shake my head. "I'm sure Satou will be back soon. He's just helping everyone get settled."

"He is another woman, isn't she?"

"A few hundred women, but you don't have anything to worry about,"

"He better not be cheating…"

But Arisa doesn't seem to have heard my reassurance. Satou is going to be in for a surprise when he returns. I would like to help him, but I have enough problems to deal with. Mainly figuring out a way to stop any of the ladies we rescued tonight from being killed.

Both the guildmaster and the Shiga Kingdom government consider individuals possessing the knowledge of cultivating demonic potion ingredients to be a grave threat. The extent of awareness among the imprisoned young women regarding the nature of their horticultural activities remains uncertain. There's always the chance everyone will be killed just to be sure the information doesn't leak.

These young women deserve a chance at a good life, and I'm committed to making that happen. If I could find a way to get the guildmaster to trust me and let me keep an eye on those women, then maybe…

"Problem?" Mia asks, poking my cheek.

"I've got a good plan," I tell her. "There's just so much that can go wrong." I sigh as I stand up. "And now I have to go and most likely annoy the guildmaster."

<0 >

"Sorry to visit so late,"

That night, I visited the guildmaster's room when Satou told me she was done using the city core to report to the capital. As soon as I entered the room, the battle-loving guildmaster jabbed at me with her staff, but since she was so tired, it was all too easy to dodge.

"Lilian. I'm sure the Hero didn't come here just to fight you,"

Reluctantly, the guildmaster puts down her staff at Sebelkeya's request.

"So, what are you doing here?" The guildmaster then turns back to me. "If you came here to drink, I have plenty of good choices, but I won't be sharing my stock of…"

"No, that is not why I am here," Sebelkeya is right. The guildmaster is a boozehound. "I was raiding a hideout of those plunderers infesting the labyrinth and found the fields they were…"

"Don't finish that!" This time, it was the guildmaster who interrupted me. She quickly looked to where Sebelkeya and Ushana were standing. "Ushana, guard the door and make sure no one comes near this room." Ushana quickly left the room, locking the door with a loud click. "So, were those fields what I think they are?"

"I found multiple fields of destruction stalks and ruination weeds near the plunderers' hideouts," I answer, seeing the guildmaster's gaze harden.

"How many fields?"

"One that was recently harvested and another three that look like the crops failed," I reply, sensing the guildmaster grow angrier by the second. "But I managed to recover most of the potions. Unfortunately, according to the plunders I captured down there, the rest have already left the city a few months ago."

Satou has already managed to track down several smugglers and thieves' guilds in nearby cities with our missing potions. We should be able to round them all up in a day or two.

"Tell me where this place is. I'll Burn it all to the ground myself," The guildmaster finally says after a moment of silence. "No, take me there. Since you raided those places so quickly, you must have some way to get there so quickly."

"Okay, give me your hand," I nod, outstretching one of mine.

"Sebelkeya, tell Ushana to come back,"

Once everyone was ready, I took the four of us to a field of destruction stalks and ruination weeds in the labyrinth. Sebelkeya swiftly intercepted the guildmaster's intention to incinerate the plants. Meanwhile, Ushana cautiously approached the plants to verify if they were the crops under scrutiny.

"...There's blood on the leaves. And bones in the soil, too… these are human bones," The blood was from livestock and brown wolves, and the bones were from demi-goblins. Secretary Ushana had the "Analyse" skill, but Satou did a good job with this setup. "They must be the bones of the people they were forcing to work here."

"Those plunderer bastards..." The guildmaster growled.

"By the time I got here, the plunderers were tilling the field themselves. They must have worked their captives to death."

The lie was transparent, but my 'Fabrication' skill proved its worth. The trio swallowed it whole, their trust unwavering. My hope was that they now believed the plunderers were primarily responsible for the cultivation, assuming few, if any, surviving women held knowledge of the truth.

"...No, there's no doubt about it."

"I hate to say it, but this is the real thing."

"All right, then. Let's burn it to the ground."

With the field inspection complete, the guildmaster initiated a Fire Magic chant. It was a bit of overkill, even in an open space like this, to use an upper Fire Magic spell, so I prepared a fireproof hydra-hide cloak and the Earth Magic spell 'Wall' just in case things got out of hand. Sebelkeya also started an Earth Magic chant, probably thinking the same thing.

"…Inferno Kaen Jigoku!"

The guildmaster's staff shot out a crimson inferno, engulfing the field in a blistering blaze that spread outward with alarming speed. The heat and flames surged towards our position. Still, before I could react, Sebelkeya conjured a towering wall of stone, shielding us from the encroaching danger.

"Did the plunderers here run away?"

"I'll drop them off at the guild soon."

"Sure. I'm not holding my breath."

With a heavy sigh, the guildmaster appeared resigned to the belief that the plunderers had eluded my grasp. But as the flames died down, I took a deep breath and summoned three of them over for a task that was going to be challenging.

"There's something else I wanted to show you," I ushered them into the torture room, where the chilling magic circle lay waiting.

"Th-this is..."

"Do you recognise it, Sebelkeya?"

"I don't know what it is exactly. But I can tell it's truly evil."

My hopes for additional insights waned as the trio remained oblivious to the topic. However, this unexpected development could potentially turn to my advantage.

"You know what this is?" The guildmaster turns to me.

"It's a magic circle that absorbs and amplifies miasma for that yellow-robed guy to collect,"

That yellow-robed guy is probably the demon I thought in the old capital, so I am not worried about what he was planning. According to what some of the plunderers had told me, the last time they saw the yellow-robed mage was before the demon lord appeared in the old capital.

"So it wasn't for the field…?" Sebelkeya questioned, still looking at the magic circle.

"It probably helped the crops grow, but that would only be its secondary effects,"

"Secondary effects?"

"This magic circle was used to gather miasma, and that miasma allowed the demon lord worshippers to summon a demon lord in the old capital,"

"A demon lord...?!"

"It can't be!"

The guildmaster and Ushana both exclaimed in surprise while Sebelkeya asked.

"Do you have a basis for that conclusion?"

I told them about how the demon lord in the old capital was revived with the use of chaos jars and malice urns. I presented Sebelkeya with evidence from the Wings of Freedom, the demon lord cult, revealing a magic circle similar to the one we were investigating. I explained that the yellow demon had supplied them with this information. Initially sceptical, Sebelkeya's doubts were dispelled when I displayed the authentic documents.

"The yellow-skinned greater demon... Perhaps he was the yellow-robed mage Ludaman spoke of."

"There are several stories of demons possessing or impersonating humans in the tales of the ancestral king, too."

The guildmaster's analysis aligned with my own, a view reinforced by Secretary Ushana's concurrence. The situation was unfolding according to my desired plan thus far.

"But I need to ask Ludaman about this yellow-robed mage to confirm it really is the demon I am thinking of,"

"...Hmph. Very well… I'll allow it. However, I will be accompanying you," The guildmaster nods. " But first, I'll destroy the runes that make up the magic circle."

In a cataclysmic display of elemental power, the guildmaster's magic incinerated the torture chamber, reducing it to flaming oblivion. Concurrently, Sebelkeya's Earth Magic unleashed a devastating force, crumbling the plunderer's hideout beyond recognition. Its remnants lay in ruins, a testament to the unconquerable forces unleashed upon it.

"So cultists who are trying to revive a demon lord... That sounds like quite the headache."

"More importantly, guildmaster, if what this man says is true, then wouldn't it be impossible to cultivate the plants without that magic circle?"

"They can still be grown without the magic circle, but it would be far less effective," I tell them.

"Then perhaps we won't need to make any unnecessary sacrifices," The guildmaster says with relief. Now, I could release all the girls who knew nothing about the cultivation. "There are still three more fields to burn, right?"

"Yes,"

We had a long night's work ahead of us.

"We should have brought some potions with us. We don't have enough magic to…"

Before the guildmaster could finish her statement, I used Mana Transfer.

"...My magic's restored?"

"That'll work, right?"

"Oh yes." The guildmaster grinned. "It certainly will. Let's destroy every last trace of those demonic- potion plants."

I brought the reliable guildmaster around to the other fields with me, and we turned every last one to ash by the end of the day. Once I'd brought the guildmaster and company home, I could just come back and use my spirit light and Holy Stones to purge the clouds of miasma. But first, I need to speak to Ludaman.

Once we returned from the labyrinth, the guildmaster led me to the prison cells despite looking so tied she might collapse at any minute. Sebelkeya was already fast asleep, but Ushana came along without the slightest sign of tiredness.

"Wake up,"

Ludaman growled and glared at the guildmaster when she poked him with her cane. The other plunderer leaders, caged in their nearby cells, unleashed rough roars that echoed savagely.

"Your throat's crushed, is it? Heal,"

It looks like the guildmaster wasn't joking around when she said she wanted the plunderer's throats crushed. I can even see a clear boot print like bruise on Ludaman's neck before I healed him.

"What's this about? Planning to off me in the dead of night, are ye?"

His jaw clenched, Ludaman's fang-like teeth gleamed, a silent challenge in the fading light.

"I have some questions for you."

"Think I'm gonna answer?"

I retrieved a dainty bottle of Shigan sake from my Item Box. As I uncorked it, a delicate fragrance of sake wafted through the air, momentarily banishing the lingering scent of the dungeon. I had preemptively purified the atmosphere with Deodorant, ensuring the sake's aroma would be fully appreciated.

"Sake? Ye be takin' me too lightly if ye think that'll buy the great Ludaman."

Ludaman's mouth contorted in disdain as he spat out venomous words, splattering scorn across the ground.

"Oh, so you don't want one last taste of sake?"

As I attempted to return the bottle to the Item Box, a chorus of angry cries erupted from the plunderers. Ludaman glared at his underlings, his lips pursing into a thin line as he clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Fine. I'll take it." Corking the bottle, I tossed it through the bars to Ludaman. "Now, that's some fine booze." Ludaman took a swig of the drink and passed it to his underlings, his gaze then shifting to me with a sharp jerk of his chin. "What do ye wanna know? About the mastermind who had us makin' demonic potion?"

"I'm not interested in that," I shook my head. "I want to know more about this yellow-robed mage who taught you how to make those demonic potions."

Despite deducing Sokell's subservient role, I harboured no interest in uncovering the true mastermind's identity. If it was a powerful noble, I highly doubted they would have recklessly divulged their lineage to a mere plunderer used as a pawn.

"Well, there ain't much to tell."

"Did he teach you that magic circle in the torture room, too?"

"Oh, he made that himself some five years back."

Ludaman's willingness to provide answers was likely attributable to my exceptional proficiency in both 'Interrogation' and 'Negotiation' skills.

"Do you know why he made it?"

"Hunh? Well..." His answer paused, cut short by the return of the sake bottle. He muttered, holding it out with a pointed waggle. "Tch, empty."

The request was bold but one I could easily grant.

"Don't get carried away, you ass."

The guildmaster's silence had been unnerving, but her sudden snap finally broke it. I quickly gestured for her to stay put, sensing trouble brewing.

"It's fine,"

I hurled another bottle his way, along with a pack of jerky.

"Heh-heh. Ye drive a hard bargain,"

The meat disappeared in a flurry of chewing, each bite punctuated by a gulp of sake.

"Well?"

"So he said that circle thing was for makin' the demonic potion stuff, but I reckon it was somethin' else," Ludaman's eyes glinted.

"Oh? And what makes you think that?"

"The jar."

"What about this jar?"

I'm pretty sure he is talking about ever a chaos jar or malice urn but I need to be sure.

"Half a year ago, ol' Yellow Robes brought some kinda strange jar, sayin' it would enhance the circle. But after that, them ruination weeds and destruction stalks didn't grow like normal."

"So you think Yellow Robes actually needed the jar?"

"Yeah, for sure. At first, he came to collect some of the plants once in a while, but then he didn't seem to care anymore. And after he left with the jar, he never showed his face again, so there's yer answer."

"Did it look something like this one?"

"Why the hell d'you have that?"

Ludaman's eyes widened as I unveiled the jar. It was one of the infamous chaos jars that was used to resurrect the demon lord in the old capital. I'd found several similar jars and urns when I raided the cult's hideout after defeating the demon lord.

"Wh-what is that?" the guildmaster asked.

"A chaos jar. It's an evil tool for reviving a demon lord."

The plunderers seemed as shocked as the guild- master at my reply.

"Have you ever seen an urn like this?"

"Sure, have." Ludaman nodded. "Yellow Robes sent a familiar to switch them out every half a year or so."

Like the chaos jar, this malice urn was a tool for collecting miasma to revive a demon lord.

"One more question. When did Yellow Robes last show up?"

"When he picked up the jar 'bout six months ago. He took all the urns, too, so we never saw the familiar again, either."

Six months before I vanquished the demon lord and the yellow demon in the old capital, it seems highly likely that the chaos jars and malice urns were used to revive the demon lord. This chronological order supports my suspicions about their purpose.

"Hey, miss. Yer more important than the old hag, right? Can't ye send me to Violet instead? If ye do, I'll tell ye who Yellow Robes really was."

Motivated by an ulterior motive, he had divulged a wealth of information leading up to his audacious request. But I lacked the authority to grant his wish. I sought guidance from the guildmaster, who reluctantly consented with a grim nod. Thus, the gravity of the mage's sinister scheme, involving the resurrection of a demonic lord, outweighed the imminent threat posed by the distribution of tainted potions.

"Go on."

"Yellow Robes was really...a demon. Not some lesser kind, either. Intermediate at least, or maybe even one o' them greater demons."

"Interesting theory. And why do you think that?"

"I tried to punch 'im while I was on demonic potion, but he stopped me with one hand like it was nothin'."

"Is that all?"

That seemed like pretty weak proof.

"That and the eyes."

"The eyes?"

"He had the eyes of someone real powerful. Even surrounded by dozens o' violent, demonic-potion-enhanced plunderers, he looked at us like we was a buncha ants."

Ludaman's body convulsed with a sudden chill, as if the memory itself had frozen his blood.

"Did he have any other distinguishing traits?"

"His face was as plain as they come. 'Cept the yellowish skin and yellow horns anyway."

Ludaman looked to his fellow plunderers for opinions.

"He spoke kinda weird, too."

"Yeah, loud and creepy, LIKE THIS."

That sounded like the yellow demon.

"I didn't see any information about that Yellow Robes, even when I used 'Analyse."

"Yeah, and didn't he have a demon familiar?"

The plunderers' words tumbled around me, leaving me speechless and unsure of where to even begin.

"He had a demon as a familiar? Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I analysed it. It was a lesser demon, round level thirty."

The older plunderer with the "Analyse" skill answered me with confidence.

<0 >

"So a greater demon is trying to revive a demon lord right here in Celivera, then..."

Emerging from the dungeon's depths, the guildmaster's face was drained of colour. A bead of sweat trickled down her forehead as she brushed it away with a trembling hand. But she is worrying too much.

"The demon lord they were trying to revive has already been defeated,"

"You seem pretty confident,"

"I already the yellow demon in the old capital. Ludaman said this Yellow Robes figure last appeared more than half a year ago. The miasma they were collecting was used to revive the demon lord below the old capital," I try to assure her, but I'm not sure how well that is working. "I'll leave the plunderers to you. I won't insist you put them in Violet, but ask about it, at least."

Though their actions were despicable, the plunderers had inadvertently solved the mystery of the yellow-robed mage, a favour I felt compelled to acknowledge, however grudgingly.

"All right. But if we can't publicly execute them, we'll at least have them stoned to set an example. If they survive that, I'll dispatch them to Violet."

"Good enough for me." I nodded.

Stoning, a barbaric practice dating back to prehistoric times, inflicted excruciating pain and typically resulted in fatal harm. However, the demonic potions consumed by these plunderers had imbued them with extraordinary resilience, raising faint hope that they might defy the grim fate that awaited them.

Leaving the guildmaster to oversee the remaining affairs, I turned my back on the western guild. Despite my departure, the guildmaster's disdain for demonic potions undoubtedly extended to the influential noble backing Sokell. Their determination to probe deeper into this matter freed me from the burden of pursuing it myself.

It was late at night when I left the guild, meaning everyone else was already fast asleep when I returned. Satou was missing, but I'm sure Arisa will get answers from him in the morning.

<0 >

"Wow, new equipment!"

Oh, it looks like Satou wasn't at a brothel for once. He was telling the truth this morning when he said he spent the night making weapons for the women we rescued.

"Damn, look at this! It's a Magic Sword made from a guardian ant scythe!"

"And this one's a soldier mantis broadsword with armour to match!"

"Amazing! Who in the world are you, Lord Kuro?"

"I can try on this armour, right? I won't get in trouble?"

"Ooooh, a rosethorn spear!"

"This shield is cut from a beetle's carapace, you know!"

"This is crazy. I can't even imagine how much it would cost to get stuff like this made..."

Satou presented all the rescued women the next morning with all the weapons he had spent the night making and was met with rave reviews. Satou was looking around, looking pretty happy with himself right now.

"So pretty..."

Elder Sister Sumina was head over heels for the sparkling Antwing Silver Sword.

"So that's a real Antwing Silver Sword."

"Yeah. If you mess up the temperature, they come out grey."

Eluterina appeared at my side, gazing at Sumina rather enviously as the latter held up the sword.

"Would you have preferred that one?"

"No, no! I'm delighted with the clothes and the rapier Lord Kuro gave me!"

Eluterina and the other nobles were planning on retiring from adventuring after everything that happened. As a result, Satou gave them weapons for self-defence and, for some reason, clothing and armour that made them look like a squad of noble lady knights. He gave them light armour and steel rapiers.

"Sumina, I'll have you and the other explorers bring the plunderers to the west guild and collect the reward money. Then you can use that money to find housing in Labyrinth City until you can live on your own again."

"Lady Kura, I suppose it would be inconvenient for you if we stayed here... wouldn't it?"

Eluterina glanced at Satou in his Kuro disguise with the look of a maiden in love as she spoke, but I needed to be firm.

"Yes, it would. I have much work to do."

The girls who still needed more healing from Lelillil and those who knew about the cultivation would stay awhile longer. Still, we planned to release the others right away.

"Is it because you want him all to your… no, I guess you are busy with hero business and stuff,"

Eluterina's voice started sounding pretty scary there for a minute that it sent a shiver down my spine, but she seemed to have accepted my idea of leaving… I think. Anyway, I turned to the bag-carrier girl, Polina, hoping for less scary vibes.

"I have something to ask of you."

"What is it?"

To avoid raising suspicion, I requested Polina's assistance in crafting a plausible explanation for the women's newfound freedom.

"Why not say that we were being sheltered in the Blue People's hidden village?"

It was Eluterina who offered the suggestion, not Polina.

"The Blue People?"

"Yes. Haven't you heard of them?"

She spoke of 'Blue People,' a nickname for the rare blue-skinned humanoids rumoured to reside within the labyrinth's hidden villages. While intrigued by the tale, my real interest lay in these villages themselves. I resolved to explore them with my companions at the first opportunity.

"I've heard of them, too."

Polina hesitated before revealing the whispers that had reached her. Legend spoke of a group dwelling in the heart of the monster-infested lands. They were said to be peaceful, even approachable, as long as one refrained from aggression. But incursions into their domain were met with swift and merciless retribution. The rumours described the women as captivating in their variety, from delicate to robust, while the men were equally handsome, adorned with flowing, seaweed-like hair. It was whispered that they possessed the uncanny ability to vanish into the mist, leaving behind only the echo of their legend.

"Are you sure these Blue People aren't actually vampires?"

Eluterina was quick to refute my theory.

"Oh, no, Lady Kura. I've met someone who has been to the Bloodsucker Labyrinth in the Saga Empire, and they said vampires are bluish-black, beastly creatures who don't understand language."

"Let me think..." I contemplated their proposal for a moment. "...All right. That should work."

Having settled on our plan, I worked with Eluterina, Polina, and Sumina to finalise our cover story. Meanwhile, Satou distributed additional weapons and equipment.

<0 >

"Kura…"

"Kura, what is this?"

The next morning, Sara and Mia didn't seem happy when we went to hand over the plunderers and release the women we rescued. What was happening wasn't what I expected, but it shouldn't have been a problem, even if it was embarrassing.

"We are the Hero Kura Fan Club. Hero Kura is about to perform a miracle, so just sit and watch."

I caught Elder Sister Sumina in a heated discussion with a guild employee. I had sent her from the first area of the labyrinth's upper stratum to allow me to teleport from there. Still, perhaps I should have chosen someone with more diplomatic skills.

Ignoring what they were staying, I set about bringing out the plunderers. I used 'Magic Hand' to force the stubborn ones to move, and Pearl and Nana were ready to catch anyone who tried to escape. Still, I took no chances. I used 'Mana Drain' and tied them up with magic-sapping thornfoot ivy. That should stop them from being able to use that annoying 'Demonic Body' skill.

"Whoa, where'd they come from?!"

"Lady Kura! Excellent work as always!"

Sumina's shout interrupted the startled guild clerk.

"These are all plunderers that I captured," I called out as I stepped out of the passage. "We could use some help taking them to prison."

The clerk's initial scepticism gave way to eager cooperation as she recognised the notorious figures among the captured plunderers.

"So you're responsible for all this commotion, are you?"

"Guildmaster."

Amidst the bustling crowd, the guildmaster emerged with an air of languid disdain. Sebelkeya remained absent, but her faithful companion, Ushana, stood nearby, her presence an unwavering constant.

"These are the plunderers from the bases you saw last night. I searched for anyone who might've been working the fields, but I didn't find anyone. Most likely, they were killed by the plunderers or the mastermind behind them."

I spun a tale, drawing upon my 'Fabrication' skill. Eventually, the guildmaster would likely hear from the former captives, who would claim they found refuge in the Blue People's village. However, the girls were steadfast in their belief that they had been cultivating gabo wheat and gabo barley, not 'destruction stalks' and 'ruination weeds.'

As the sole bearer of knowledge concerning the intricate magic circle essential for the optimal cultivation of said plants, their well-being was assured. It was highly unlikely that the guildmaster or even the esteemed Shiga Kingdom leadership would risk digging too deep into this mess. If anything did go wrong, I could always step in and help the girls escape to some far-off kingdom.

Upon receiving the payment from the enigmatic guildmaster, intended as both a reward and a silencing tactic, I entrusted the funds to Sumina. With her assistance, we secured several tenement houses for our use. The influx of nearly two hundred individuals effectively transformed an entire neighbourhood into a refuge for our cause.

"I'll leave you in charge for now. Polina and Eluterina will be along later."

"Y-yes, Hero Kura! You can count on us."

Sumina and her band of forty-six explorers stood tall, radiating a sense of pride. I couldn't abandon them to their own devices. I wouldn't simply walk away. I pledged to provide them with the necessary assistance for the next few months, allowing them to regain their independence.

"Kuro will send a merchant named Echigoya along in the next few days. If you need anything, talk to him." With that, I gave them some money for their immediate living expenses. 'Echigoya' was another one of Satou's personas. "And you can sell this plunderers' equipment and use that money for whatever you need."

The armour, likely of little value, wouldn't net me much. But the monster weapons held promise. A decent price could be fetched for the right buyer. However, while potentially valuable, the cursed weapons and magic tools were too risky to sell. Their dangers outweighed any potential profit. They'd be staying with me.

Over the next few days, I planned to release the rest of the girls at the Ivy Manor in small batches. My attempt to reunite the slaves with their owners and provide shelter for those without proved disastrous. The owners baulked at the finder's fee, refusing to reclaim their slaves. Instead, they relinquished ownership, leaving the girls in my care. Much to Satou's bewilderment, most of them wanted to remain as Kuro's slaves.

Though I'd agreed to their temporary enslavement out of concern for their safety, I harboured a firm resolve to set them free once they left the tenement houses. For now, I found solace in witnessing their newfound joy, their laughter resonating beneath the boundless blue sky as they adapted to their new lives.