Onward to Grand Gruen Volcano

While Eleonora was talking to Lanzwi, the Bacherm attacked in anger. Yue used Ice Magic while Tio used Fire Magic.

Eleonora also intercepted it with Wind Magic, trying to slice apart the crimson nucleus, but with the stone moving about in the creature's body and trying defense its body, it was not so simple since she is trying to use basic Wind Magic with low output of mana unlike before; but it still doable although the damage dealt isn't that much.

Lanzwi looked at Eleonora's and the girls magic. Already past the point of surprise, he, Lanzai asked in a calm manner to the young chairman as he trying to catch his breath witnessing something incredible right now.

"I-Is it okay, Eleonora-dono?"

Eleonora nods at him in response of him.

"Mm… Yeah, it's fine. I've already caught it."

While smiling, her eye following the magic core which moved about, Eleonora responded and uses [Observe] on the magic core as she wanted to know what is that since she has no knowledge about it. She straightened her right arm and aim it to the target ahead her, her feet spread apart, and taking a stance as if she was shooting something. She was trying to use another magic beside Wind Magic. A rail gun-based magic that she just come up in a whim just now.

Eleonora's eyes calm, as if she were not worrying about a thing, as she having caught the movements of the stone completely.

The next moment. The sky was torn up with a dry explosion and a line ran straight through the magic core, ignoring its previous inertia, as if the magic and the stone were magnetically attracted to one another, or perhaps as if the stone itself moved to allow itself to be hit.

The magic core was destroyed by the impact and heat from the rail gun, and the Bacherm lost control of the water.

Lanzwi and the others gazed at the oasis as a large amount of water violently poured down.

"... Is it over?"

"Yeah, I don't sense any magic in the oasis anymore. Though I don't know if this is a purification, the cause has been eliminated."

Seeing Eleonora easily repulsed the cause of their life and death situation, Lanzwi was puzzled. To judge if it had truly ended one of Lanzwi's subordinates checked the water quality in a panic.

"...How is it?"

"... No, it's still polluted."

The subordinate shook his head in disappointment. The water would still remain polluted, even with the source of the toxin gone; that was expected. Still, he could not conceal his disappointment.

"Well, no need to be so glum. The cause is gone, so it will not get more polluted. If fresh water springs out from underground, then the polluted water will be released. It won't be too long before the oasis returns to normal."

Tio comforted Lanzwi who, in turn, pulled himself together as he thought about its revival. As for the other residents of Ankaji, they focused on Lanzwi, a sign that they all loved this country.

Most likely, their patriotism was strong because they lived under such a severe environment.

"... But what was that demon that looked like a Bacherm... Is it a new kind of demon from the water veins?"

Lanzwi tilted his head.

This is also made Eleonora curious since she don't have any knowledge about this world, she lack the information and if Eleonora had it then she would easily solve it in no time without wasting much time; even maybe help them to the furthest if she overdo it.

Although she don't want to go in business mode, if Ankaji was saved by Eleonora and Hajime's party, they will owe her a lot of things and possibility of became their ally or business partner since Eleonora now capable to travel between worlds because she hold [Kaleidoscope: Operation of Parallel Worlds] as one of her abilities.

Then, as if giving a clear answer, Hajime then answered him.

"It's probably... something caused by the Devils?"

"!? Devils? Why do you say that?"

Lanzwi was shocked by Hajime's words; however, he recovered his faculties in an instant, urging Hajime to continue on. But Hajime told him to calm down for a bit since he's annoyed about the fact of this deduction of him.

Toward Eleonora that secured water for them and got rid of the source of their problems, Lanzwi held both respect and trust; his initial suspicion was but a thing of the past.

Lanzwi right now already seen Eleonora as a goddess he want to worship so much and changed his religion from Ehit to Eleonora because of how divine and godly Eleonora's presence to him and his attendants; let's not forget about Bize who is smitted by Eleonora's beauty and appearance.

Hajime guessed the Oasis Bacherm was a new demon created by Age of Gods Magic which the Devils used. Though this was a unique creature, it was also a fact that they aimed at Aiko in Ul and the Hero Party in Orcus.

Most likely, the Devils were preparing for battle. They were now trying to eliminate any dangerous elements prior to war. The fact that they aimed at Aiko who greatly increased the food supply and the Hero's group from a different world was good evidence of this.

As for Ankaji, it was a relay point for the marine products and food supply from Erisen; naturally, it would have a significant amount of both food and fuel. Furthermore, with it being in the middle of the desert, support could not be easily called for.

It was hardly a strange thing that the Devils would aim for this.

As Hajime spoke with a bitter expression, Lanzwi let out a low groan.

"I had heard about the demons acting oddly. I had investigations done, too... to think it would lead to this... was I naive after all?"

"Well, it can't be helped, right? Even in the Capital, they probably don't have information on new kinds of demons. The Hero's group was recently attacked as well. There might be uproars happening all over the place."

"So they're finally moving full scale… Eleonora-dono... Though you introduced yourself as an non-adventurer... you have such powerful magic, you're strong, and Kaori-dono..."

Eleonora simply laugh nervously; Lanzwi stopped investigating further.

Regardless, Eleonora had saved Ankaji, no matter her circumstances. It was rude to scrutinize their benefactor so thoroughly. Lanzwi owe a lot to Eleonora and Hajime's party after all, it's their right to keep their privacy and all.

"... Eleonora-dono, Hajime-dono, Yue-dono, Tio-dono, Shizuku-dono. As Head of Ankaji Dukedom, I thank you in the name of the country. You have saved us all."

As he said this, Lanzwi's subordinates also bowed deeply.

The lord was not an existence which should easily lower himself; even so, whether Eleonora was an "Apostle of God" or not,

Lanzwi would have bowed. Though they had known each other for such a short time, it was clear he had strong feelings for his country. For that reason, none of Lanzwi's subordinates tried to stop him from bowing toward someone who introduced himself as a mere person who isn't even an adventurer. In this sense, his gestures, speech, and behavior were precisely like his son's.

Eleonora smiled with her entire face.

"Yeah, but make sure you show your gratitude fully to Hajime-san and others. Also since I'm not an adventurer and just a mere businessmen and world traveler, then I wish to establish cooperation with Ankaji with my own company in another world."

She simply expressed her desire for something in return.

Despite expecting something along these lines, Lanzwi had a difficult expression, expecting something along the lines of "No, don't mind it, I'm just doing what any person would do,"humbling himself while holding an ulterior motive, causing Lanzwi to have a blank face for a moment.

He did not mind, but this was an unexpected straight ball.

As for Hajime, since this was Kaori's request, and there would be a need to entrust Myuu to them, Ankaji needed to be safe, so he did not see a particular need for anyone to express gratitude.

However, having helped people in an emergency, she wanted to help them since she can do that. Though she also has expected to have a cooperation with Ankaji since she knew that for Lanzwi, who was sincere, he would keep his promises.

"Y, yes. Of course. Our generations following will remember this... But there are still many people suffering here... can I ask this of you as well?"

As a politician, or perhaps a noble, who was used to probing for the intentions of others, Lanzwi was at a loss by Eleonora's blunt words. Eleonora smiled wryly and nodded. To save the infected, she would have to collect more [Seiyou Stone], but she can just heal them with her spell, though it would resulted bad since

"No problem, since I originally had business in Grand Gruen Volcano. How much should I collect?"

"So you will do this... Hey, get me those documents."

Lanzwi pat his chest in relief and had his subordinate bring a document to him with the number of people affected and the quantity of materials needed. It was a large amount.

"A lot is needed. Will you be able to carry it all?"

"No, don't worry about it. I have a spell that assists in mass transport on me."

"... It looks like you have everything. Perhaps this is the guidance of God as well."

Lanzwi was amazed. What can this woman before him not do? He could only laugh dryly.

------

In the hospital, Kaori was busy extracting magic into the stones with Shea.

Using a stock of [Seiyou Stone], she collected magic of everyone in a 10 meter radius all at once while simultaneously utilizing Recovery Magic.

Shea quickly carried the immobile patients with her great physical strength. She jumped from building to building as she carried carriages full of patients. It was much more efficient than having Kaori move between locations.

Those who were sick and in despair felt as if they were having hallucinations as they watched a rabbit girl, a race they typically thought incompetent, perform impossible actions.

They were too confused.

The staff of the hospital watched Kaori fire off multiple Advance Rank Recovery Magics simultaneously as if it were natural; their astonishment changed to deep respect, and they were now following her instructions.

Led by Kaori, Hajime's group arrived. The staff and pacients at the treatment center hung their heads down as they had come together with Lanzwi. He stopped them with his hand and stood before them.

"Everyone, listen here! Just now, our polluted oasis has been cleansed! Though it may take time, our oasis will return! Furthermore, we have secured enough water until that time comes. Until rescue arrives, we have enough! Furthermore, a goddess with gold rank adventurer is here and will undertake our request to collect [Seiyou Stone]. It will be a few days more. Calm down! Gather up your energy, let us overcome this predicament!"

Lanzwi's deep voice was heard by all. As expected of the noble who governs a key area in trade. His speech was powerful.

Everyone, at that moment, froze in confusion, but seeing their lord's cheerful expression, the meaning of his words soaked in.

The next moment, a large shout of joy caused the building the shake. Many people had died, and they had no safe source of water being in the center of the desert. The people wrapped in despair were starting to smile again. The patients and their families held each other, sinking in tears of relief, and the staff at the treatment center were tapping each others' shoulders to psych themselves up. Many were thanking Hajime for his cooperation.

At that time, Lanzwi glanced at Hajime for an instant. Hajime, noticing his intent, twitched.

"Lord, you..."

"Do not mind it. What, if you do not return, we will only have a little more despair than before, Hajime-dono."

He was implying.

"We will die if you do not help, right? You will seriously work hard, right? You will really come back, right?"

Though he could do nothing but rely on them, though he wished to express his gratitude, tens of thousands of people had their lives at stake. If each person here who expressed their gratitude died --- "You do not want to taste such a large sense of guilt, do you?"a kind of threat. In the end, he appealed as much as possible to prevent Hajime from escaping.

"You've got a good character there."

"A noble is someone who lacks such fine character."

Hajime smiled wryly while Lanzwi shrugged his shoulders. Hajime was not particularly angry. It was natural for this to happen.

Rather, not having any forms of insurance would mean Lanzwi was not worth the effort. Furthermore, even if he ran away, even if Ankaji fell to ruin, Hajime would simply think of it as a "sad event." This was the extent of his emotion here.

Eleonora looked away from Lanzwi and approached Kaori.

"Kaori-san, I'll be heading to Grand Gruen Volcano soon. How long do they have left?"

"Eleonora-san..."

Kaori saw Eleonora and immediately relaxed, gazing into space. A moment later, she caught herself and began thinking about her time line. She responded with "2 days." This was likely the limit she felt the patients could last physically.

"Eleonora-san, Hajime-kun. I will stay here and treat them. Please collect the [Seiyou Stone]. It seems to be a precious mineral... and we need a lot of it. I'm sorry... I know you're not concerned about this world, but..."

"It's not like I'm particularly worried about the situation. I just decided to do it myself... and I can't take Myuu to such a dangerous place, right??"

Eleonora just snorted at Hajime and decided to speak too.

"He's not wrong but since I can help them then I'll do it. Please don't worry about us, Kaori-san and focus on what you're currently do."

She said with smile as it successfully made the young maiden blushed on that until she let out soft laugh.

"Fu fu... That's right. I'll make sure to keep an eye out on Myuu-chan. Eleonora-san, please take care of Hajime-kun. He tends to be tough and difficult to care."

Hajime shocked and Eleonora just give her a thumb up.

"Don't worry about it, Kaori-san. It's a simple matter."

Kaori smile in relief and nods her head.

Kaori, on their travels toward Ankaji, heard the story of the gods going mad from Hajime. He would give priority to returning home, even if it meant abandoning this world. If she could not accept this, she would have to return to Kouki and the others.

After hearing everything, Kaori did not change and still stuck with Hajime. But upon meeting with Eleonora, she has a slight change within her. Although not that much or different than before, she became smitten and sometimes confused in have to agreed with Hajime or Eleonora's decision; but yet she decided to agreed with both decision as long as it didn't clash to each other.

She embarrassed to herself since she cannot choose out of them at the moment.

Hajime gave up trying to protest what Kaori said like she think that he is someone who need protection or short, he kind of annoyed by the sudden overprotective of her and quickly made a decision to head to Grand Gruen Volcano.

He asked Lanzwi to take care of Myuu while Kaori took care of the hospital. Lanzwi showed a bitter smile as he looked on at Hajime's relations and happily accepted care of Myuu.

Though she had been persuaded before, when she noticed Hajime was leaving, Myuu looked down in a lonesome manner. Hajime noticed this and he threw a glance to Eleonora as she nods her head then Eleonora knelt down and looked at her while patting her head with gentle smile to cheer up the lonesome Myuu.

She already received a permission from Hajime.

"Myuu-chan, me and your Papa are heading off. Will you be a good girl and wait for us in here?"

"Uu, I'll be a good girl. Come back fast, Onee-chan."

"Yeah, we will come back as soon as I can."

Seeing Eleonora gently calm her down make them feels the wholesomeness atmosphere between Eleonora and Myuu; as if they are parent and child or precisely mother and child.

Following that, Hajime then also knelt down and patting Myuu's head.

"Hey Myuu, I'll heading off. Listen to everyone in here and protect the house. Okay?"

Myuu nods her head obediently at Hajime. She grasped the hem of her skirt as she endured her tears. Seeing Hajime gently calm her down, regardless of race, it was clear to everyone they were like a parent and child. The cold atmosphere grew warm again.

"Uum, Myuu will waiting for Papa."

Hajime smiled at her as he felt proud of her little girl that always sees him as a father figure.

"That's a good girl. Okay, we will off. Pendragon, Yaegashi, come on."

"Seriously, Hajime-san… alright. Everyone, please take good care when we're going to Grand Gruen Volcano. Please await our arrival when we finished bring the [Seiyou Stone] you all need."

Being reminded like that, Lanzwi know that her words is directed towards him since he's the one who responsible for anyone that currently stay in Ankaji; especially since Hajime beloved daughter is in their hand so the young man put his utmost trust onto them for Myuu's safety.

"You don't need to worry, Eleonora-dono. As the lord of Ankaji Dukedom, it is my responsibility to take care the safety of my citizen, even if they are temporary or not. What you do for us is already plenty and we cannot simply became selfish since Grand Gruen Volcano is filled with rivers of lava and very dangerous to normal people or even some adventurers."

Eleonora nods her head in understanding after hear that little piece of information about Grand Gruen Volcano. But what surprising her is that Lanzwi believed that Eleonora has the same strength like Hajime, which is for Hajime's case is he has to shows them his adventurer rank to make them believe on him, while Eleonora just do nothing that much.

'That's really strange, though it's more convenient like that since if that didn't happen then I have to shows them the adventurer card. Well… I can just create the fake adventurer card to make them believe me but maybe I'll do that when encountering some situation like that.'

Eleonora then stopped her thought and sees that Hajime, Yue, Shea, Tio, and Shizuku was gathered around her; they are ready to dwells to Grand Gruen Volcano. Although the main reason for Hajime to go to the labyrinth is gone, he still has another which is to retrieve as many as possible [Seiyou Stone], but if by conquering the labyrinth he can get another Ancient Magic, then Hajime simply can't let it slide; he will think of it as the souvenir he will brought from another world to his homeworld.

"Looks like you all are ready for the departure. Alright, let's go to the Grand Gruen Volcano."

With that, they then quickly depart and go to their next destination which is Grand Gruen Volcano. It existed about 100 kilometers north of Ankaji Dukedom. It was a massive presence 5 kilometers in diameter and over 3000 meters in altitude. It was not shaped like a typical volcano; rather, it was like a large hill which spat out lava. Only its altitude and scale were abnormal.

Grand Gruen Volcano was well known as one of the Seven Great Labyrinths. Unlike Orcus Great Labyrinth, it was rarely frequented by adventurers. Compared to Orcus Great Labyrinth, there was a wealth of magic stones which could be collected and fewer demons... the main reason people did not come was because there were hardly any people who could properly reach the entrance.

Grand Gruen Volcano had a large black blizzard around it like a massive cumulonimbus surrounding that castle in the sky. Its scale was such that it completely hid the megalith, it may have been more appropriate to call it a natural wall rather than a tornado or black blizzard.

Furthermore, there were numerous demons and sand worms lurking in the black blizzard, making it easy to fall prey to surprise attacks. It was easy to understand why most people could not get past the black blizzard.

Luckily they didn't do this on foot and decided to take on their vehicles, Hajime and his party with Brise while Eleonora was riding her motorcycle along with Shizuku as the passenger in her back. Shizuku insisted to be with Eleonora since she felt a bit sad to let the young bluish-haired girl riding alone without someone with her; though her true motive is just want to be close with the young girl.

Eleonora didn't mind it though, at least she has someone to talk rather than being alone, since it's quite hard to talk with anyone who rode on the Brise that Hajime prepared.

"It's quite impressive…"

Eleonora said it while amazed by the appearance of Grand Gruen Volcano. The group already made their way to the entrance of the labyrinth after riding for a few minutes and they also knew that it's been a well crazy little adventure when they trying to reach Grand Gruen Volcano.

As they reached the entrance they then advanced up the slope as far as they could with their vehicles. The rock was red and black in color, steam gushed here and there. This active volcano had never erupted before, but it seems to be due to the fact that it was a great labyrinth.

Once the grade of the mountain became too steep, they stopped the vehicles and prepared to move on foot.

"This is really hot."

"Uwa... h-hot."

"Mm~"

"Certainly... The heat is different from the drought of the desert... Regardless, there is a time limit, so we should quickly conquer it."

"Mm, this heat is good for me... but that my body cannot writhe in agony here... what a waste."

"... I'll push you into the magma later."

As soon as they left the vehicle, the heat assaulted them, and all members save for Tio and Eleonora expressed their disgust; since Eleonora just smile awkwardly to that. Due to the evil that was the air-conditioned comfort state, they felt even hotter. Adventurers of another world were now tasting a suffering of withdrawal from the present-age Japan... It was merely a consequence of their own actions.

Because there was no time, they quickly headed to the top while complaining. Without taking an hour, they managed to reach the peak.

It was a complex area with many large and small rocks. Some were slippery, some were sharp, it was like an exhibition of various types of stones. They also felt they were near the source of the black blizzard..

There was an exceptionally large stone arch, tens of meters in length.

And after walking through for a while, they had finally reached Grand Gruen Volcano and found a set of stairs moving further in past the arch. Eleonora looked at the stairs and fully amazed by it and this is probably giving her some challenge rather than her previous battle.

She then turned to Hajime and he nods his head as if he know what she probably thinking.

"Alright everyone, let's go. This is probably be my first time to be in this kind of dungeon. Please be kind to guide or warn me about this."

"Then, it's my turn to shows you something I already experienced so far in handling this labyrinth. You better pay attention, hear that, Pendragon?"

"Of course, Hajime-san. I'll do my best to pay my attention and safely survive from this labyrinth."