Chapter 21-22

Chapter 21 - The warrior who is forced to do a quest

There was a cup of coffee served in front of me.

"I didn't expect you to stop our transport vehicle by yourself! You must be a very famous adventurer!"

"I'm not that famous. It's true that until a while ago I was a member of an S-rank party, but now I'm just an unknown traveler."

We were in a room inside a large company. We had a meeting with a man who referred to himself as the "Vice President."

It all started when we stopped the Ceratops-drawn carriage.

There was some damage to the carriage, but the gentleman was safe, the cargo was mostly intact and the Ceratop was unharmed.

A person from a transport company who got word of the commotion brought us here to talk when he heard the whole story.

Now we are drinking coffee together.

It is a delicious coffee. The aroma is good, and the bitterness and acidity are just right. It is similar to the taste of the high quality beans I used to drink.

"So what did you want to talk to me about?

"Oh, right. It's about a reward. Thank you very much for stopping our transport. It may not be much, but please accept this."

He placed about twenty silver coins on the table. It's not like I helped him because I wanted money. But since he is giving it to me, I will gladly accept it.

I will use this money to take Kaede out for a delicious meal.

"Master, aren't you going to ask him?

Kaede, who is standing next to me, whispers in my ear.

I was a bit startled by her nice, clear voice.

What should I ask?

"The letter."

"Ah."

Well, this is a transport company, isn't it?

If this man is in the same business, he must know where I can find this Jonathan guy.

"If I may, there's something I'd like to ask you. Do you know where I can find someone named Jonathan?"

"Yes, he's my boss."

"I see. In that case, I would like to speak to him, I have a letter from Count Roane that I need to deliver to him."

"Sure, let me check."

I handed the letter to the vice president. He checked the corners of the letter and then handed it back to me.

"There is no doubt that this letter is legitimate. Please wait a moment."

He got up from his seat and headed for the living room.

This is a great coincidence.

The carriage I helped a moment ago turned out to belong to a company owned by Jonathan.

I was lucky I didn't have to get in trouble with strangers in order to find him.

Knock knock.

There was a knock at the door and a man entered the room.

The man who entered had a plump figure. But the next man who entered the room was a thin, middle-aged man with long red hair and a nice mustache under his nose.

They sat on the couch in front of us.

"I am Jonathan Rockbell, the president of this company. I understand you have a letter from the Earl of Roane, may I see it?"

"Of course."

After receiving the envelope, he checked the sender and addressee, then removed the seal.

Several sheets of paper came out from inside.

After reading, he smiled slightly, perhaps because the content was interesting.

"You seem to have performed quite admirably in Einark, Toru-Dono."

"I don't think it was anything that impressive. I just did what I had to do."

"Hmm, you're a very modest fellow. No wonder the Count holds you in high regard."

"What, does he hold me in esteem?"

"There are many compliments about you written in this letter."

He waves the letter with a smile on his face.

I want to read what it says, but he probably won't show me.

However, I've had a few conversations with Count Roane and felt no affection for me at any time.

After all, you can't read the emotions of aristocrats.

Or am I insensitive?

"All right, I'll do as the count asked. Anything for an old friend."

"What was it that he asked you?

"I can't say it here."

And where can you say it?

Everything is becoming more and more confusing.

"You'll have to excuse me, but I need some time. I would appreciate it if you could come back here in the evening."

"So tomorrow you'll explain everything to me?"

He responded to my words with "I promise."

What the hell does that mean?

Do you want me to come back tonight?

You're being selfish, Jonathan.

I decided to come back tonight, feeling puzzled inside.

As night fell, Kaede and I stood in front of the transportation company. There was a carriage parked there, as if waiting for us to arrive.

It was a black carriage, and had a very atypical decoration.

It seemed to be something that aristocrats would use for stealth at night.

The window curtains are closed so as to not let anyone look inside.

Criiink.

Jonathan opened the carriage door and stepped out.

"I've been waiting for you, come in."

As we got into the carriage, we realized that he was the only one inside.

Then the carriage began to move, as if it had a predestined course.

"Never tell anyone about where we're going."

"Is it a dangerous place?"

"No, but it's a secret location. The place you are going to see is one that commoners cannot know exists. Only aristocrats can rub elbows with each other in such a place."

Rub elbows? You don't say. We're gonna…

My expectations were correct. The carriage was headed to a palace that was located on the outskirts of the royal capital.

"Roane's request is for you to meet with someone important. I'll keep the details to myself for now, but it won't be a bad thing. In fact, I'm sure it will be something beneficial to you."

"I can agree to that."

As we pass through the magnificent gates and vast gardens, we stop in front of a huge structure.

Jonathan exited the carriage first, and Kaede and I went down next.

At the entrance, a young man who looked like a butler greeted us and led us inside the palace.

"Wow."

"It's unbelievable."

The high-ceilinged entrance is a masterpiece.

The facade of the building has a staircase that spreads out its rails and is decorated all over.

Being a rich man is not the same as being born to be a rich man.

Even high-ranking aristocrats cannot own such a building.

I already had an answer for where I was.

We went through a room on the second floor and sat on the couch.

Everything is brilliant and disturbing.

I was a little nervous.

As an adventurer I have seen and been to many places, but never something like this.

The door opens without warning and two knights, along with an elderly man, enter the room.

The old man sits face to face in front of us and the knights stand on either side to protect him.

"This is a private hearing, and I'm not supposed to meet with you. You should know that."

"Huh?"

It was the old man who initiated the conversation.

Jonathan responds briefly and bows slightly.

"Well, I allowed you the visit tonight because there's something I want you to do, and that's incumbent upon you, adventurer."

Hey, do I have to answer?

Jonathan, what do I do?

He nodded his head as he noticed my reaction.

"What do you need me to do?"

"Well, the truth is that the royal capital is in danger. If the situation escalates, the country will soon be destroyed. I want you to solve it."

"I regret the crisis the royal capital is going through, but… Can you be more specific about your request?"

I don't like beating around the bush in a conversation.

If there is something you want me to do, say so clearly.

The old man paused and then replied.

"Let's get straight to the point. I want you to defeat the Ant Queen of Death."

I could not understand his words. It took me 1 minute to respond.

"You want two people to defeat a monster that requires an army of tens of thousands of people?"

"To be precise, just defeat the queen. I'm not saying kill all the monsters."

"But the queen is locked in her hive, and the result is the same. Why don't you take care of it yourself instead of asking me?"

" ......"

Why the silence?

Wouldn't it make sense to have your army available for this mission?

Or are they in a no-win situation?

"The soldiers of our army have all died. We have failed."

I was speechless.

So he blew it. He resorts to what power he has left to ask me for help.

He no longer has that kind of power to figure it out on his own.

Ah, now I'm beginning to understand everything.

Count Roane thought that I, the one who had defeated one of the leaders of the demon race, could save the royal capital from imminent danger. Otherwise, they would have no choice but to abandon the capital.

Death Ants are ruthless monsters with voracious appetites that are capable of wiping out a town or city in a matter of days.

When separated, they are not as strong, but when in a group, they become extremely dangerous.

They top the list of monsters you should never face carelessly.

"I want you to tell me whether or not you can do it."

"I can do it."

"Oh!!! Wonderful!"

Not only was the old man in front of me shocked, but also the knights and Jonathan were stunned."

Kaede was the only one who looked natural.

"If you succeed, I'll give you a special title, and land you desire! I'll give you the title of Hero!"

"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in that kind of thing. If I had to ask for something, it would be money."

The interior of the room was noisy again.

It seems that my answer was unexpected for them.

The old man in front of me was mumbling, "Hm, money."

"Okay, I will pay you if you comply with this request."

"How much will you give me?"

"300 million."

That is outrageous. It's a very small price to pay when the real capital is in grave danger.

Of course, I have every right to decline that offer.

This was all Roane's idea.

But I don't feel comfortable overlooking people who are in danger, especially if I have a power that can solve it. It's a hassle, but I'll follow my heart and deal with it.

"I'll ask again, do you really not want the title of 'Hero'?"

"I don't like to stand out in a crowd. I'd rather you didn't mention my name, I don't care about such things."

Once the conversation was over, we stood up.

As I was leaving, I heard someone behind me say something like, "I hope they don't give you a title."

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Chapter 22 - The Defeat of the Death Ant

In a forest not far from the royal capital.

Kaede and I were being guided by Jonathan.

"To the public I'm the president of a shipping company, but in reality I'm a secret agent working directly for His Majesty. There are only a few people who know that, and Count Roane is one of them."

As we went deeper into the dimly lit forest, the sunlight filtered through the curtain-like trees.

Monsters watched us in the shade of the trees and grass, and slimes and insects fought for power in the trees.

On the other hand, the aroma emanating from the flora and fauna was quite relaxing.

If there wasn't chaos waiting for us ahead, I could have taken a nap with Panda as a pillow.

It is also good to take a break while using Kaede's lap as a pillow.

"Master… Are death ants really that dangerous?"

"What?"

I am surprised by what she just said.

I can't believe there is a person in this world who doesn't know of the Death Ants.

It has always seemed to me that Kaede is a bit unbalanced.

She has the air of being well educated, but doesn't know things that are considered common knowledge.

Even children should understand the dangers of death ants.

How did she become a slave in the first place?

Was she kidnapped from somewhere?

When this is over, we should talk properly.

"Stop. This is ant territory."

"I guess this is the part where you'll go back."

"Don't feel bad. Unlike you, I'm not strong enough to stand up to them."

After that he said, "I'll be waiting for you outside the forest."

It is not normal to bet the fate of a nation on just two adventurers.

What on earth did Count Roane write in his letter? If I had not lived up to his expectations, this country would be finished.

And the king too. How dare he put me in a situation like this?

Besides, this is the work of a hero.

I am just a simple adventurer. I simply want to travel and recover from my traumatic past.

Why didn't they go after Sain?

…Well, it's not worth complaining at this point, I've accepted it.

"Master, are you feeling bad?"

"Don't worry, I was just thinking about how we're going to kill the ants."

"Kyui"

"I see you're worried about me, too."

Panda rubs his body against my face.

I also felt a strange sensation against my legs, so I looked down and saw Kaede rubbing her tail on me.

Maybe she's doing it unconsciously. She has a motivated face.

"Master, are those death ants?"

Black creatures were hidden behind the bushes in front of us.

Their size is about one meter, and what appeared to be one of these ants was lying dead.

As Jonathan said, the nest seems to be near.

"It's hard to find a burrow when there are a lot of trees."

"Then leave it to me."

Kaede took out her two iron fans and spread them out.

"Twin Tornado!"

Two tornadoes formed and spun all over the place.

The storm ripped the trees from their roots and blew them skyward.

The death ants also flew along with the trees one after the other.

An empty, circular space was created in the forest.

"Come forth, Ice!"

The temperature dropped sharply in an instant and the surrounding ground froze.

The ants that managed to cling to the ground instantly became ice sculptures.

"Master, the cleaning is complete."

"Well, that's refreshing…"

The exposed burrow is in the center of the space.

Thanks to my lovely slave, I was saved from the trouble of looking for it.

Still, I feel she has overplayed her hand.

Won't Jonathan or the king complain later?

"It's still small. It's barely enough to get people in."

The ant burrow is a little more than one meter in diameter.

It is large enough for two ants to enter.

Hmmm, what's going on?

"Shall I cast a spell?"

"No, we shouldn't do that. It's pretty deep in there, so even if we could probably take out the upper levels and some ants, we still wouldn't be able to reach the queen at the bottom."

"Then how about using the fire magic you've been practicing? You can burn them to death from above ground."

The heat ray? No, it's impossible, I don't even know where the queen is.

It will be harder to kill them if I start casting magic blindly.

And we must obtain proof that we killed the queen.

There will be no reward for just saying I killed her.

How about using Rosuke to get in there?

However, although he is strong, his intelligence is not so high.

Even if I ordered him to kill the queen, he wouldn't be able to distinguish between her and the soldiers.

It would be trouble, but if I could confront her directly, it wouldn't be a bad idea.

"It would be easier if we could turn this den into a dungeon."

"A dungeon?"

There was something about that word that stuck with me.

I'm pretty sure I have a dungeon.

There was a similar description in the status board.

"Can I really do it…?"

I pointed my hand at the burrow and held that thought in my head.

"Notice: It is possible to capture the nest of the Death Ants and turn it into a dungeon."

Can I really? I guess I can.

To be honest, I was being skeptical.

I will turn the den into a dungeon.

Boom.

A stone box appeared on the floor, and inside was a ladder leading down.

"Notice: Dungeon owners can transfer to all levels."

For now, we have been transferred to the lowest level.

There were thirty floors, so I selected the bottom most floor in the core of the dungeon.

There, a large ant was standing.

There were ten ants that looked like soldiers wandering around, apparently confused by the unusual situation.

My dungeon has taken over the den.

This is their graveyard now.

"Blizzard Blossom!"

Pish, soldier ants freeze.

But the queen shakes her body and breaks the ice.

Wow

She snaps her mandibles threateningly at us.

Even in this situation, instead of running away, she is showing her anger.

Is it her pride as a queen, or is she simply unaware of the situation?

I draw my great sword and swing it with great speed.

The queen's head bounced off the ground and her massive body collapsed.

This is what happens when you try to fight me directly.

She may be the queen of the Death Ants, but she's no match for a level 300 warrior like me.

I sighed as I picked her head up.

"And the other ants, Master?

"That's right. Can't the owner of the dungeon do anything about that?"

Immediately after, multiple windows open in front of me.

A map of the dungeon was projected there.

It's possible to release some monsters that will devour and kill ants. If we leave them alone for a while, they will be exterminated.

"Are we going home now?"

"Yes."

Transfer to the surface.

I threw the queen's head on the table.

Jonathan smiled.

"You've done it! Just as I expected from a man recommended by Roane, you have lived up to our expectations."

"Thank you very much. By the way, can I ask you something?"

"I will respond to the best of my knowledge."

"Why were there so few ants?"

His expression tensed at my words.

"Because the army sacrificed themselves in exchange for reducing the number of ants. But it wasn't enough. I was pondering what to do, when you came to see me."

"Did the Count know?"

"Yes, he knew. He knew because I had discussed it with him. You should be proud, you have saved the city, the country even. The reward you will receive will be great."

Could it be that this was the Count's reward?

It took me a while to figure it out, but as a result I met a wealthy merchant and met the king of this country.

I will also receive a great reward.

The money was just a bonus. The real prize is to have met powerful people.

"They'll be here soon. Make sure you are prepared."

"Who?"

Tun tun tun tun tun tun

A lot of footsteps echo outside the room.

The door opened vigorously and several knights entered the room.

"Are you two from the Manyu Brigade?"

"That is correct…"

"You will have to accompany us to the palace."

The atmosphere is not very calm.

Did something go wrong?

I got rid of the ants as requested.

Suddenly, one of the knights extended his hand.

"Please allow me to shake your hand! Savior of our country!"

Ah? Aaah?

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh????