Chapter 109: The dungeon
Sorry, the R18 comic won't be ready until mid June. The artist said they just experienced an earthquake.
Reminder Who's who:
It's been a while, so I gotta have this section:
Mu: The feminine, completely human looking chimera that fought Uri
Qwan: One of the Chimera.
Wei Ying: One of the 12 Heavenly General of Yin Empire. A dragon kin. Wants to make Ryuu hers.
Kuron: The Yves, father of Tina, who Kibadios rescued from the Yinese group.
Falkor: A beastman, looking for his wife.
「Mu nii sama… Mu nii sama… Muuu niii!!!」Qwan, the shota chimera with a fiery set of hair, shouted.
「Qwan?」The most normal looking chimera among the group slowly sat up, letting the thin blanket fall down onto the bed, revealing his tanned naked body.
「Did I interrupt your sweet dream, Mu?」The boy could notice the way Mu discreetly wiped away a rolling drop of tear from his cheek.
「 Does it matter?」
「What did you dream this time?」
「...」Mu remained silent as he put on his clothes.「About how our family would be like had our mother not been a captive of the Yin empire.」
「If that's the case, we wouldn't be born.」reminded Qwan.
「It's just a dream… a fantasy. It doesn't have to follow logic.」Mu smiled tenderly.
「In that dream, was Kailos our dad?」
「Uh huh.」
「And our big brother was there?」
「Yeah… how did you know?」
「I heard you call his name right before I woke you up… It must have been a nice dream.」Qwan walked with his chimera brother to the tent's entrance.
「Indeed.」
「... Mu…」Qwan stopped.「What do you think about Big Brother? Maybe if it's him…」
「Qwan, don't let your hope up.」Mu quickly dismissed his brother.「No one can rescue us and mother from our fate… Sooner or later, the Yin empire would crush this place. Our big brother and his kins will perish. Given how he's a rare demihuman with an incredible power, he might even face a fate worse than death when Wei Shimin finally catches him. It's our job to end him quickly. That's all we can do him.」
「...」
「Now, let's go to the war room meeting. Hou Yi won't be happy if we're late.」
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「Wei Ying, you're late!」Hou Yi sternly scolded the dragonkin Heavenly General who just casually walked into the meeting.
「So? Don't be such a stickler for rules, Hou Yi. It's just a meeting. Not like I'm late for the battle itself.」Wei Ying finally found her seat around the large circular table.
「... At least wipe the blood off your face.」
「Sorry, one of my mates wasn't meeting my standard during sex so…」
「I don't want to hear about your debauchery.」Hou Yi cut her off.
「Hey, I'm working hard to serve the Empire.」Wei Ying growled while sensually touching her stomach.「You should know what an asset any of my hypothetical offspring would be for the Empire?」
「The chance of you getting pregnant by those mates of yours is close to 0 since none of them are dragonoid.」Hou Yi pointed out.
「Which is why I keep trying.」Wei Ying shouted back.「Once I catch and tame that dragonkin appeared in Alsen, though…」The Heavenly General licked her lip before glancing at the group of chimera sitting across her seat.「With him as my obedient little mate, the chance for me to conceive another dragonoid baby would be much higher. And a few of my children would be enough to make your Chimera Corp obsolete.」
「That's a lot of ifs I'm hearing, Wei Ying.」Another voice, emanating from the floating tetrahedron in the middle of the table, reminded the woman everything she said was simply hypothetical. A holographic picture of a young, feminine looking Yinese slowly appeared in front of the group. The red-haired man possessed a much more gentle look, in complete opposite to the fearsome reputation he had accumulated.
「Wei Shimin… I didn't know you're on the line.」Unlike the arrogant attitude she was showing to Hou Yi, Wei Ying was now much more reserved in her response.「... Anyways, How's Ka'shinu?」The dragonoid tried to change the conversation.
「I expected more from them.」Wei Shimin answered.「We're currently setting up a garrison here to put these demihuman in their place. In two days, my army and I will depart to join yours. Then, we will recommence our assault on Alsen and put an end to this campaign once and for all.」
「That's it? I thought you'll be more disappointed at your right hand man for not being able to capture the city on his first try.」The dragonoid smirked as she shot Hou Yi a look.
「And what purpose does disappointment bring, Wei Ying? Does being disappointed in Hou Yi would help us capture the city any sooner?」Wei Shimin asked.「And speaking of disappointment, should I be disappointed in you too, since you were unable to neutralize the strange dragonkin?」
「I…」
「My lord…」Hou Yi finally spoke up.「Asides from appearance of the strange hybrid and the dragonkin, there's one more person… and the barrier she constructed was the reason why he had to retreat, despite us being outnumbered them almost 3 to 1.」
「Who was that?」
「The former princess of the Kingdom of Yue and one of the two teachers of your brother, Yue dono.」
「What?」
「Currently, both her brother and she are traveling with the strange hybrid. Using her Runecraft, she was able to construct a one way barrier that blocked our soldiers from entering but allowed those who were inside to escape outside… Such large barrier almost immediately demoralized our troops.」
「Yue, huh?」The Supreme Commander paused for some time.「...Hou Yi, you are to send a messenger to the city of Alsen right now, letting them know that unless Yue were to accompany the messenger back to us, we will exterminate every single person living in Alsen the moment we take over the city, down to the last demihuman.」
「...」Hou Yi was hesitant of the idea since he doubted it would work.
「Yue has been staying inside the Forest of Vernys and outside of our reach all this time, but now she has suddenly shown up here… We have to do whatever it takes to convince her to come with us. 」
「... You want to use the princess as a gift to "convince" that person to side with you?」Wei Ying quickly deduced.
「Exactly.」
「Heh… If you're successful, we will both gain power and your brother, our emperor's force will be depleted. Two birds with one stone. Maybe Lady Luck is really on your side.」
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「Ryuu chan, you have to take my place and protect this city for the next 2 days, understood?」said Kibadios.
「Of course, Master. I will turn those Yinese invaders into minced meat if they try to attack us again. If you like, I can crash their camps right now and massacre everyone there, at your command.」Ryuu grinned, his tail was wagging nonstop.
「Ryuu chan, I know that you're powerful, but do not underestimate your opponent.」Reminded Kibadios.「The enemy also has a dragonkin with them, on top of several chimera that all possess Arte. It's never wise to attack your enemies without first thoroughly studying their strengths and weaknesses.」
「Kibadios sama, all of us will be here too. We will die defending this city before letting it fall into the Yin Empire's hand.」Haden swore to his lord.
「Don't worry about Hou Yi's army for now, Kibadios.」Kailos chimed in.「We have been monitoring their movements and they're still remaining idle at their camps for the past two days and showed no sight of any imminent plan for attack. I think they're waiting for Wei Shimin's army to join them, which would take at least another week for them to arrive.」Kailos looked at Yuusei.「Despite still recovering from his injury, Teran is out scouting their force right now. If there's any new development, we will be warned in advance.」
「Thanks, Father.」
「...So, the 3 King Candidates are finally all here with us...」With a shaking hand holding tightly onto her staff, an elderly woman slowly proclaimed. Despite her soft voice, the chatterings from the crowd gathering around the Dungeon quickly died down. 「Let us commence the Trial of the Eor Dungeon to select our next King, who will unite us and lead us through this trying time. As dictated by the Ancient Scrolls, each of the Founding Houses of the City of Alsen and Ka'shinu would offer their own candidates to take part in this Trial. Unfortunately, with the city of Ka'shinu fallen to the hand of the Empire, none of their Candidates can be here today. That means only Lord Ectharen of the House of the Mane, Lord Wylan of the House of the Eyes, and Lord Kibadios of the House of the Horns, are eligible. Is there anyone here in Alsen that opposes them taking the Trial? 」
The crowd remained muted. The elderly woman paused for a minute, slowly looking left to right. After confirming that no protest was made, the woman held out a large orb.「The 3 King Candidates and their retainer who will accompany them, please step forward.」
Kibadios stepped up. The muscular Gyo, who was holding onto a large, heavy hammer, quickly followed the hybrid, since he was the one retainer that Kailos had recommended. As it turned out, Kibadios had previously made acquaintances of both the other King Candidates' retainers since they were no other than Falkor, the beastman who helped Kibadios rescued the captives just a few days ago, and Kuron, the father of the Yves child named Tina. Apparently, during the past two days, Kibadios had learned that Falkor the beastman was actually a close friend of Ectheran, which was the reason why the beastman and his missing wife were trying to get to Alsen. Kuron the Yves, on the other hand, was Wylan and Gyo's cousin. Haa, It's like I'm a character in some fiction since every person you meet is related to every other person somehow , Kibadios thought to himself. Such coincidences like this would never happen in real life… statistically speaking.
「Since the dungeon's entrance has been sealed, the only way for the six of you to enter is for the Candidates to place your hands onto this orb. The Candidates' retainers are linked to their Lords through the unique silver rings that you were asked to wear. Once you enter the dungeon, it's a race between the Candidates to reach the lowest level. There, you will have a chance to obtain the Proof of Kingship. According to what remained of the ancient records, the path to the destination is filled with horrors beyond your comprehension. They will test your power and you have to push your limits in order to survive and advance forward. But fear not, for even if you receive a fatal wound within the dungeon, the power of this Orb and the Rings you're wearing will transport you back to this entrance, fully healed. But that also means you're disqualified… May the Will of Zaeryn be on your side.」
Ha, what's with this RPG save point system… The dungeon can only bring you back fully healed if you're still alive or can it revive the participants?... Wait… why is this system so familiar? Right! This is just like Ramiris' dungeon from Tensei shitara slime datta ken… This is just a coincidence, right? Kibadios thought to himself. Besides, the description of the "Proof of Kingship" is so vague. Though I'm sure it's not their fault since father did say even the Elders and the Houses do not know what this "Proof of Kingship" is or how to obtain it once we arrive there. Of course, Kibadios did not fail to notice his name from the previous reincarnation was used to invoke a prayer, either. The hybrid had learned from his father that since the majority of the inhabitants of Monas Kye were demihumans and considered to be enemies of the Astral and the Oracle, it was natural for the demihuman to, in turn, worship the Archenemy of the Astral, Zaeryn. Contrary to most of the outside world, where his old name was a taboo, the use of his name in Monas Kye was ubiquitous. Though, as a sign of respect and reverence, no individuals in Monas Kye was to be named Zaeryn so his name would only be mentioned in prayers.
「「「We are ready!」」」The three Candidates declared before placing their hands onto the orb as instructed.
「Goodluck to you, Wylan!」Gyo, despite being on Kibadios team, cheered for his brother.
「You too, nii ch… sama!」Wylan grinned.
「「Be careful Master!!!」」Kibadios' harem all shouted, though their voices were drowned in a sea of exciting screams and cheers.
「Woohoo!」Uri also cheered among the crowd, then turned to his mercenary members「Yo, Erik, Baxley, Amaira, do you guys want to bet whether our Boss will become king?」
「I don't tend to waste my money on betting.」Answered Erik.
「Hmm, sounds interesting!」Amaira, the leopard mutant beastman, seemed to be on board. 「5 silver coins saying he will」
「Really? I was going to bet 10 silver coins on Kibadios.」Baxley grinned.
「Wait… same here.」Uri tilted his head.「If all of us are betting on the Boss, that's not going to wo….」WOOOSSHHHH
Suddenly, as the participants were transported into the sealed dungeon, Uri, the red head mercenary himself, was also sucked in together with Kibadios. The strange occurrence was not noticed by most people since all eyes were glued onto the stage in front. Only the members of Hyakki Yagyo, who standing next to the Vice captain, were left dumbfounded.
「...Wait, where did he go?」Baxley asked.
「... Inside… the dungeon?」Erik guessed.
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The warping of space connecting the outside to the inside of the dungeon reminded Kibadios of the time when he and others were transported into Ryuuji Cave where Ryuu was sealed, albeit less vomit-inducing; it was a much smoother process in comparison. Yet, as he fell down the space, he could see a blob of red falling down together with him.
BAMMM!!!
Kibadios quickly found himself crash-landed with his back onto the earthen floor of the dungeon. Though, before he could stand up, the blob of red appeared above him and just in seconds, landed on top of him.
Shit, am I in a romcom anime or what? Kibadios asked a rhetorical question as he found Uri on top of him, crotch first right onto his face. The hybrid could clearly feel a soft bulge pressing against his mouth. Having his fated pair being so close to him in such a sensual pose, the hybrid's mouth started to salivate, pulse of heat course through his body, though he tried his best to suppress them.
「Boss?」It took Uri a few seconds before he could realize he was sitting on top of Kibadios' face.「Where am I?」The redhead hybrid turned his head left and right to look around.
「Kibadios sama? Are you alright?」Gyo, who crash landed in a much more dignified pose, rushed to his Lord.
「Yeah… I mphhhmm gu..ess.」Kibadios' answer was somewhat muffled by Uri's still unmoving crotch. The hybrid tried to move his head.「Yo, Uri, stop looking around and get off of my face?」
「Oh, shit! Right! Sorry Boss!」The redhead Vice captain hurriedly got away from the hybrid, his face was also blushing red since much like Kibadios, Uri, too, was fully aroused the moment he noticed his bulge was pressing against Kibadios.
「So, now, why are you here?」Kibadios asked while trying to sit up.
「Uri dono? How could you enter the Dungeon?」Gyo asked the same thing.
「I don't know.」The Vice captain shook his head.「At one point, there I was, standing next to Erik and the others trying to make a bet on whether you'll be successful or not, then the next thing I know, as you and Gyo were transported into the Dungeon after touching the orb, I was also sucked in together with you guys.」
「You were transported inside the dungeon with me? I wonder if it's because we're a fated pair so our biological signals were similar. This would cause the powerful spatial magic enacted by the orb to mistake us for one another and treat us as the same entity… That's just my hypothesis, though.」Kibadios made a disclaimer.「Gyo, would Uri's presence here cause us any problem, with regard to the fairness of the Trial?」
「I really don't know.」Gyo shook his head. 「It's best that Uri dono does not accompany or help us in any way though. Or else I can see the other Heads may protest the outcome of this Trial if you were to win the Kingship…」
「Boss!」Suddenly, Uri shouted out, followed by Gyo「Kibadios sama!」
「I know.」The hybrid was now fully aware of the threat surrounding them, for the ground began to rumble and crack. From the depth below, hundreds of giant black centipedes protruded out from the ground, with their leader appearing to be as large as the Elder Centipede from One-punch Man.
「Shit, we've landed right in the middle of their nest?」Gyo asked, his grip on the hammer tightened. The Yves raised his arms up before mercilessly slammed his hammer down, smashing the head of an incoming centipede monster into pieces. In one flowing motion, Gyo flexed his muscle and swung his heavy weapon sideways, knocking another attacking arthropod monster and sending it flying.「Kibadios sama, we need to get out of here!」
「Shit… Shit… Shit!!」Since he was told not to help his Boss in anyways, the Vice Captain merely tried his best to agilely dodge the angry swarm of monsters launching at him without counterattackings.「Boss? Can I at least strike back at these pests?」
After transforming into his real form, with three pairs of incubus wings spreading wide, the hybrid was now fully ready to take on the humongous centipede and its horde.「I'll take care of this.」Kibadios' shadow spread out from where he stood, covering the ground beneath them in darkness and confused the aggressive arthropod monsters. Two small black disks quickly elevated Uri and Gyo midair while the sea of darkness under their feet slowly transformed into a sea of black flame.
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「ARGHHHHH!!!」The centipede boss, which Kibadios'd guessed to be their mother, screamed out in hatred before swinging itself at the hybrid, its jaw wide open, ready to devour him whole.
「Sorry, but I don't want to waste my time on you.」Before it could reach him, the hybrid swung his large scythe, creating a crescent blade made of pure black flame. The attack slid past the monstrous centipede horizontally, easily bisected the monster into halves.
「... Wow… Kibadios sama… I guess the Head wasn't just being a typical father when he was praising you non stop these past few days.」Gyo smiled, before turning to Uri.「Did you know your Captain is this powerful? Those were all A rank monsters, while that gigantic centipede must be a borderline S rank monsters, yet Kibadios sama dealt with it like it was a mere forest wolves.」
「...Yeahh…」Uri, of course, was aware of his boss' prowess since he had personally witnessed his boss fighting several times. On all those occasions, he was trying his best to suppress his bewilderment and admiration toward his boss for he knew there was a fine line between those feelings and the adoration that Kibadios' group had for him. Yet, this time, as he looked up at the hybrid who was donning a confident grin, he felt as if he was mesmerized by Kibadios' charming smile and charisma, to the point that suppressing such feeling was not longer an option.「My boss… is really something, right?」Uri agreed. Thanks to his bang, Gyo could not have noticed the Vice Captain blushing red.
「Now, let's see where are we!」Kibadios descended down toward Uri and Gyo, ignoring the loud crash resulting from his foe's bisected body.
「You really didn't need me to accompany you, did you?」Gyo smiled.
「No, don't think like that. I really appreciate your help, Gyo. Two people are always better than one.」Kibadios looked at Uri.「In this case, three. And Uri, if you don't have to just dodge the monsters' attacks. I'd much prefer you to fight back for real to protect yourself from the monsters in this dungeon, even if there's a possibility that you fighting would jeopardize my chance. Afterall, unlike Gyo and I, we don't know if this dungeon will transport you back if you receive a fatal wound. Your safety is more important than this title of Kingship…」Kibadios ruffled Uri's hair, in the same manner that he usually did to his harem members.「I don't want anyone to get hurt… just because of their association with me.」
「Boss…」Uri could hear a doki doki sound echoing inside his chest.
「Anyhow, where are we?」Kibadios looked down at the high cliff they're currently on, only to witness the scene of unbelievable horror. Among the group, only Kibadios appeared unfazed while both Gyo and Uri were slightly shaking. And who could blame them, for the landscape below was filled with A-rank to S-rank monsters that battled each other in a pandemonium in the midst of the forest.
「What's… with the monsters here?」Uri asked.
「Even if we drop Hou Yi's entire army to this place, it would 100% be exterminated to the last man by these monsters.」Gyo noted.
「... True. This is the first time I see so many high class monsters gather in one location.」Kibadios agreed. It's as if… someone placed them in here… artificially. But why? Who created this Dungeon? 「Those are death dragons!」Kibadios quickly looked up the moment he sensed a strong Nen aura approaching the group.「Quick, before they notice us, jump down this cliff and hide in those bushes below.」Kibadios suggested. Of course, he could deal with the pair of the death dragons with some effort, but if there's an option to avoid needless battles, he'd choose that over any other options. Both Uri and Gyo hurriedly listened to the hybrid and leaped down to the ravine below before hastily hid within the thick green bush. The noise caused by the group did attract the dragons' attention, yet, the smell of burnt arthropods caught the dragon's interest even more since nothing could distract them from free food. The pair of dragons descended onto the cliff above, then sunk their big fangs into the dead centipedes' flesh, devouring them in a frenzy.
「Phew, lucky us. Now, let's go.」Kibadios pulled Uri and Gyo with him.
「But where? We don't know how to get to the lowest level of this dungeon, do we?」Uri asked.
「Well…」Kibadios was hesitant to spell out the obvious.「We want to go down, don't we?」
「「Yeah?」」
「How can you go down below the ground in nature?」
「...」「...」Both Uri and Gyo looked at one another blankly.
「... It's a cave! We need to look for caves that may lead us further down.」Kibadios explained the obvious.
「OHHH!!!」
Qwan: (Previously appeared as a NovelAI generated character)
Appeared some time back, one of the Chimera that fought Kibadios at Alsen
Artist: Urusai_nu (https://skeb.jp/@Urusai_nu/works/71)
https://imgur.com/u2oc8j0
Wei Shimin:
Artist: Emo (https://skeb.jp/@Emo37337640)
https://imgur.com/Rmhssd7