Dark Knight Kroki

　The banquet in honor of the brave man of light, Rage, began in the early afternoon.
　So it's still bright outside.
　I look at the outside from inside the thin silk-covered canopy.
　There are many people passing by on the large ship that is tethered a short distance away from the ship that I and Kuna are on.

''Mu～～～～''

　To my left, Coona is growling at me.

'What's wrong, Kuna?　Isn't the food good?

　A lot of dishes are laid out in front of us.
　All the dishes are served at a banquet.
　It is true that some of the dishes are not so good.
　For example, the meat of this haggis is frankly not very good.
　Haggis are highland animals with beaks and hairy, round platypus-like bodies.
　It is said to be very difficult to catch a haggis because of its long, three-legged legs and its ability to move around quickly.
　The reason why this meat is served at parties is simply because it is so rare.
　By the way, it is said that people who eat this haggis are not to be trusted.
　But that's not why Kuna is in a bad mood.

'Not so, Kroki!　Why is Shirone there!

　Coona says, looking at Cyrone, who is right next to her.
　Sirone is clinging to her right arm.

'I'm sorry Kuna-sama ....... Chiyuki-sama asked me to take care of Shirone-sama, so I had no choice but to bring her here.''

　Regena bows her head apologetically.
　In the first place, the reason why we are here ourselves is because Regena invited us to a banquet.
　It's a good thing that you are able to eat good food for free, that's why I came here with Kuna.
　The plan was for Regina to come here after she and Rage and the other high ranking people in the country to greet them.
　However, it's a good thing that you're not going to be able to find out the truth about your own personal life.

Kuroki's idiot ....... Where have you been~. I was worried about you~

　Syrone breathes on the stench of alcohol.
　It smells so bad.
　I want to say, "How much have you drunk?
　By the way, I don't drink alcohol. The cup in front of me is fruit water.
　In front of the cup is a spirit made from fruits similar to date palm, but I don't want to drink it.
　By the way, there are spirits in this world too.
　Spirits are often made by the followers of Nectar, the god of wine, but they are also made in the temple of Phanakea, the goddess of medicine and herbs.
　This is because spirits are sometimes used as medicine.
　It can be said that medicine and food are closely related to each other in this world as well.
　After all, medicinal herbs are used in both cooking and drinking.
　But, as with most things, too much is better than too little.
　Even if alcohol is the best of all medicines, one must not drink too much.

"Hey!　White!　Get away from Kuroki.　I'm sure Kuroki is in trouble!

　Coona looks at Silone with cold eyes.
　In fact, Cuna tried to scratch her neck in her sleep when Syrohne was brought in.
　It can be a little difficult to stop that.
　Well, I managed to ask her to give me a break.
　Then again, it's not like I'm having any trouble with Sirone being attached to me.
　I can feel the soft touch of Sirone on my right arm, so I'd rather leave it at that.
　But as expected, I'll let go of Cyrone because I think she's going to be in a bad mood.

It's a good idea to get rid of the problem. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your beautiful dress wrinkle.

　I manage to let go of Silone myself.

'Hmmm ....... The dress is ...... okay ....... I'll take it off.

　Saying that, Cyrone takes off her clothes.

'No, Sirone!　If I take it off here!

　I'll stop Shirone.
　I'd like to see it so much, but that would be bad indeed.
　You can't take advantage of being drunk to humiliate a girl. So I'll stop.

What~. Kuroki.

　Cyrone grimaces as he is stopped.

'Here, Sirone. Lie down. You've had too much to drink and you're not feeling well.'

　I lay Shirone down on the soft sofa.
　It will be hard to sleep, so I take off my hair clip.

''Hey, this hair clip: ......''

　Look at the hair clip.
　This hair clip was worn by Shirone.
　She took it off because it was in the way of putting her to sleep.
　And this hair clip was a gift from me to Sirone in the previous world.
　It looks like she's taking good care of it.

''Ummmm.''

　Cyrone opens her legs wide.
　Therefore, the blue underwear is sometimes fully visible.
　By the way, underwear is also in this world. Moreover, there is even a bra.
　However, I hear that there is a place where there is no underwear depending on an area.
　And it seems to wear a loincloth type, a waistcoat type, and a strap-on type in the place where underwear is available. There seems to be other types, but they are not common.
　Men tend to wear a loincloth type, and women tend to wear a thong-pan type.
　However, the strappan type has a type that is fastened with a clasp as well as the type that is tied at the side.
　The underwear that Raina was thought to have dropped was the clasp type.
　I still keep that in my possession.
　And the one that Sirone is wearing is the type that ties the side with a string.
　Sirone generously opens her legs to show me those underwear.
　I want to dive into that triangle, but I resist.
　Nevertheless, it is ruined even though she is wearing a beautiful dress.
　Her mouth is open sloppily, too.
　In the original world, a man who cares about Cyrone wouldn't be able to see her like this.
　Even in the original world, I think that Shirone was a bit of a slacker.
　That attitude towards life doesn't seem to have changed in this world either.

I'm sorry, Regina. I'm sorry, Regina, let's put something on Cyrone.
Yes, sir.

　Ligeena puts a white cloth over the white cloth from the neck down on Silone.
　Now you won't be able to see your underwear.

'Mmm!　What the hell!　This guy!

　Coona looks at Cyrone with an angry face.
　Her angry face is cute, too.
　I hold Kuna in my arms.

'I'm sorry Kuna. I'm sorry you had to put up with me attacking Cyrone.

　I'm sorry to have to put up with Kuna.

'Coona is separate ....... I don't mind having Cyrone by my side. Just as long as Kroki is by your side the whole time .......

　Coona says, resting her back on it.
　Eh, she's a good girl. I can't help but cry.
　I pat Kuna's head and she looks happy.

''Kyaaaaaaaaaaaah!

　It was then. A loud scream rises from a short distance away.

'What?　Now the scream is ......

　The place is from outside. Something seems to have happened.




The black-haired wise man, Chiyuki.

　When I ran to where the screams were coming from, I found men dressed as satyrs causing a panic.
　They were the comedians called in to liven up this feast.
　The people who play music in the back of the house when they put on a play also dress like this.
　The reason why they dress like this is because it is said that the theatre in this world was originally started by satyrs.
　The reason why they dress like this is because this world's theater is said to have been originally started by satyrs.
　Satyrs are said to be a cheerful race that loves to sing and dance.
　They are not as powerful as the Minotaur in terms of strength, but they use powerful magic and spells.
　All of them are fair-skinned and love beautiful women and boys.
　They have a lot of fun with women, and they will attack you with their magic, so be careful.
　The black satyrs inhabiting Nargol are also quite fearsome.
　Their appearance is closer to that of a goat than other satyrs, and their magical powers are higher.
　They serve the Demon King and sometimes come to the human world to seduce human women to make their wishes come true.
　I've heard that they look like Sabbat.
　It is said that women who are loved by the black satyrs gain inspiration and become witches.
　However, since the woman here is just a human in the guise of a satyr, she will not be turned into a witch.

'Chiyuki!　Crabs!　There's a giant crab!

　Rage shouts.
　I looked and saw a huge crab crawling up to the deck of the ship.
　The crab was huge, about five meters across, and the scissors on each side were nearly one meter long.
　It was a fossilized crab called chalkinos.
　They are called "Chalkinos". The Chalkinos are spitting out bubbles to human beings.
　These bubbles seem to be very viscous, and some of them seem to be trapped by them and can't move.

Haha ！！！！

　Rage summons his own sword and slays one of the karkinos.
　However, there are five Kalkinos in all.
　Each one is about to attack a different ship.

'Someone help me!

　Suddenly, I hear a woman's voice.
　It must be a dancer who has come to this event.
　The dancer is looking out at the sea from the edge of a boat.

'What's the matter?!'

　Me and Rage run up to the dancers.

'My friends are at sea!

　I look at the sea and see a man in the form of a satyr falling into the sea.

'What's that, man ....... Chiyuki, I'll take care of that one. I'll hit the other crabs.

　With that, Rage heads to the other crabs.

'Already ....... You don't have to be picky, do you?

　I complain and pull the man up with my magic hand (magic hand).
　The man dressed as a satyr is unconscious. I lay him down on the deck and he spits out seawater in a gulp.

Hey!　Marcius, get a grip!

　The dancer runs up to the man.

'Shenna!　You're safe!

　Decius, who came running in after her, ran up to the dancer.

''Brother!

　The dancer calls Decius his brother.
　It's rare for a priest of Odis and a dancer to be brother and sister.

'Chiyuki-san, are you an injured man?

　Sahoko comes to us.

"Yeah, you seem to be doing okay, but just in case you need some healing magic.

　Sahoko casts a spell on Marcias.
　Marcias' face becomes calm.
　I look around.
　It seems that all of Kalkinos has been defeated by Rage and the others.

'Then why is Kalkinos ......?'

　Decius mutters.

'I don't know, Sir Decius: ....... But I can tell you one thing.

　I say this and everyone in the room looks at me.

'We're having a crab dinner tonight,'




Black haired wise man Chiyuki

　We dismantled the chalquinos on board.
　It is big enough to be eaten without a lot of prep work, so we leave it with the ship's cook.
　It is normal to eat seafood in this world.
　That's why crabs, shrimps and octopi are usually served on the table.
　However, he didn't eat huge crabs like kalquinos, and the cook's face was tense.
　There is no soy sauce made from soybeans in this world.
　Instead, we have fish sauce.
　The fish sauce can be used to make Japanese style dishes.
　Sahoko, who is a great cook, uses fish sauce to create a Japanese style dish for us.
　There are no potatoes or tomatoes native to the Americas, but there is a turnip, which is similar in texture to a potato.
　Sahoko's niku-jagaa (garlic potatoes) with turnip was very tasty.
　I think chalquinos would be delicious too if I grilled it with fish sauce.

What was it?　Who are these crabs?

　Kyouka says, looking at the crabs.
　There are us here now, except for Syrone, and Eulia and her crony girls, Siszfe and the others, and Decius and Shenna's siblings.
　Krasus goes to call for the head of security. Nakius has gone to check on the guests of honor.
　And Turia has left the place to have somewhere else to go.

'Probably Kalkinos, who escaped from the arena. I didn't know where he was going, but I didn't know he was here.

　In the list of demons that escaped from the arena's, Kalkinos' name was on the list of demons that escaped.
　The same number that escaped.
　So there's no doubt about it.
　However, these Chalkinos attacked as the feast was beginning.
　I feel the artifice of someone.

'Lord Rage. We have brought those from the Temple of Triden with us.''

　General Krasus brings a warrior in the service of Triden, the Sea King.
　He is a middle-aged man with a trident and a net, just like Triden's warriors.
　Nephim, who was called the "Water Hero", is said to have had no nets, but originally, Triden's warriors were called net fighters or net fighters, and it was common for them to have nets and trident.
　The net blocks the opponent's movement and stops him with the trident. This is the fighting style of Triden's net fighter.
　He has arrived with a net on his shoulder.
　General Krasz said that he was in charge of security this time.
　Since this is a party on board, the net fighters belonging to the temple of Triden were guarding the party.

'Sorry!　It's our fault!

　Men bow their heads.
　And Triden's warriors are about as rough as the warriors of Tolls. Their language is coarse.

''That's fine. I'm aware of your situation.

　The net warriors belonging to the Triden temples of each country in the Gulf of Ariad are understaffed due to the fact that they were hit by the mermen.
　Therefore, they couldn't seem to be alerted to the sand.
　But even if they had enough manpower, they could not do anything about it.
　Their opponent was the chemical crab Kalkinos. I don't think they were able to deal with a mere human.

''Thank you for saying that to the black-haired wise man.

　The web warriors bow their heads again.

'But more importantly, can you tell us about Kalkinos?　All I know is that it's a big crab.
Is this about Chalkinos?　I don't know much about it either. But I heard that in the western inland sea, Merman's guys sometimes control Chalkinos: ......

　I think that's a lot to say about a web warrior.
　I've heard that merman, who are known as the people of the sea, can control a powerful sea monster.
　It is said that in the past, merman used these magical beasts to destroy the Hattie Kingdom located on the banks of the Red River.

''I see, so it's possible to control the fading crab. Did you notice anything unusual before the feast began?''
'No, not particularly: ....... It looked like it was diving in the sand and we couldn't find it.

　The web warrior shook his head.

'Okay, but I'm pretty sure it's true. Kalkinos was being controlled by someone. Even Nao didn't know it was there until before Kalkinos started moving. He must have been lurking in the sand the day before. And when the time was right, he moved Karkinos.

　I assure you.

I see. So, it looks like there are still remnants of that evil spirit left in the world. And they're still trying to turn on us.

　Rage, you nodded at your words.

'No doubt about it. You're using Kalkinos, who escaped from the arena.

　We don't know what they want. But I'm pretty sure they're trying to turn against us.
　Then I look at Eulia.

"Um, ....... What's that?

　Eulia looks at me anxiously.

'Eulia, do you know anything about this?'

　I ask and Eulia shakes her head.

'No, I don't know anything about it. If I did know, it would be Atrana.'

　Eulia says curtly.
　It seems that Atrana was a female evil god in the form of a spider, whose real name was Atranaqua.
　However, she was captured by Shirone's childhood friend, Kuroki, and sent to Nargol.

'Kaya, have you heard anything?'

　I ask and Kaya shakes her head.

'No. ....... But it is conceivable that Master Kroki did not hand over Atranaqua with me in defence of someone else.
Covering for someone else?
"Probably a demon that was being fought in the arena. He was sympathetic to the demons he fought in the arena.

　Kaya replies nonchalantly.

'I see. ......'

　Indeed, some of the demons that escaped from the arena are missing. If he questioned Atranaqua, he might have found out their whereabouts.
　It could be said that he hid those demons.

''Huh, Kroki-san is still very kind, isn't he?

　Kyouka is nodding yes or no beside me.
　Kyouka isn't sure if she thinks quite highly of him or not.

'But I'm sure there are people out there who have been victimized by that. Just because they were forced to fight in the arena, there's no way they can just leave it at that. It's possible that they've been harmed because of it.

　Rage interjects from the side.
　I guess she doesn't like him. He was seriously injured, so it's not surprising.
　But if Shirone hears this, she'll be sad.
　But it's true that Rage has a point.
　The demon that escaped may be attacking people in hiding. If that's the case, it will need to be exterminated.

''Well, but what's done can't be helped. I think it's more important to know what we're going to do now.''

　I'll change the subject a bit. He helped me. So I don't want to say anything bad about him.
　Besides, he may be on the side of the Demon King, but I felt his will in his actions to help me.
　Maybe Cyrone is right and he's not completely manipulated. So we'll have to find out for sure about his situation once.

'Of course we'll smash the remnants. I'll tell you who you've been fighting with.'

　Rage sneers.
　I knew it was going to happen, I hold my head up.

'But Mr. Rage. How are you going to find the killer?　There doesn't seem to be any clues.

　As a matter of fact, after the incident, Nao and Reno checked the waters of the site, but so far they haven't found any clues.
　Also, they conducted a physical examination of the people in the hall, but they were all human.
　Thanks to this, Reno and Nao are sitting down after their investigation. Sahoko is taking care of them.
　If you're going to escape our notice after all that investigation, you're in over your head.
　And I don't want to think about how many demons there are like Atranaqua.
　Probably the culprit escaped as soon as he moved Kalkinos.
　That's why they weren't in that place.

'That's why we're going to have to do a very thorough search of Ariadia: ......
'I can't. Ariadia's a big place, and it's populated. Well, I'm sure they're somewhere in the country: ......

　I quickly deny Rage's words.
　Probably the remnants of the evil gods are likely to be hiding in this country or the surrounding countries.
　Because if you have the ability to transform into a human, it's easier to hide inside a city than outside the city walls.
　In particular, the population of the Republic of Ariadia is large, and there are many non-citizens who are not registered in the country.
　Therefore, it should be easy to blend in with humans.
　In a small country, if a suspicious person settles in, it is easy to find out. However, this is not the case here.
　It is impossible for us to search the Republic of Ariadia by ourselves.
　Of course it is impossible to search the surrounding countries.
　Besides, if we were to search the area, the demons disguised as humans would flee.
　Rage is going to force the search again. We don't want to get into trouble with the people of this country.

"Um, please wait. Mister Brave.

　Suddenly a voice calls out to me.

'Sir Decius?　What's going on?

　It was Decius who called out to me. I ask Decius.

"The investigation of the crime is essentially our job. Will you please leave the search for the culprit to us?

　Then Decius bows his head.
　There are usually two types of police. There are two types of police: administrative police and judicial police.
　The former is responsible for preventing crimes and maintaining public order, while the latter is responsible for investigating crimes.
　In this country, the administrative police are conducted by the Republican Army of Ariadia, led by General Krasus, and the Temple of Raina, which is the leader of the army.
　In addition, the firefighting organization, the Temple of Triden, which is a firefighting organization for the prevention of fires, patrols the streets at night, and so on.
　And the judicial police are conducted by priests and knights who serve the god of law, Odys, the god-king.
　In modern Japan, religious organizations would never have police powers. But in this world, it's common.
　So it's only natural that Decius offers to conduct an investigation.
　Also, Decius looks like a serious Odis follower. I am sure he will conduct a fair investigation.

''I see, that's certainly true. It would be easier to investigate if you are a knight of the law. And it would help us to coordinate with the temples of Odis in various countries. Mr. Rage. I think we should rely on Sir Decius for help here.

　I say and look at Rage.
　The truth is, if we're going to do an investigation, we need people.

'But hey, ......'

　But Rage is reluctant to do so.

''Of course we'll be involved in the investigation. To begin with, he is capable of controlling Kalkinos. It's probably impossible to defeat him without us. On that note, how about it, Sir Decius?

　I said and Decius nodded.

'I certainly don't think I'll be able to capture enough opponents to control Karkinos ....... We may need the help of the brave lords.''

　Decius admits.
　I don't dislike people who don't waste time with falsehoods. I like that attitude.

"That's just the way it is, Mr. Raige.

　I look at Rage.

'Yeah, I guess I have no choice: ......'

　Rage agrees.
　I guess they thought it was impossible for them to investigate by themselves.

I'm sure you'll be able to help me with the investigation, Sisyphe, too. Of course we'll pay you.

　I look at Sisyphe.

'Yes, if that's okay with us. We're all good too.

　All of Sisyphe's friends nodded.

'Well, it's settled then. Shall we all begin our investigation tomorrow?





Dark Knight Kroki

Are you Charkinos? ......

　The woman in front of me, Turia, nodded.

''Yes. 'Yes, it is, O Black Storm God.'

　The Black Storm God, apparently, is himself.
　Apparently, that's what it's called among the dwarves these days.
　A woman named Turia comes to the ship where she and Kuna are, and reports back to me.
　Kuna is not interested in talking to Turia, but she is dozing on her lap with her pillow.
　And this woman, Turia, is an acquaintance of the dwarf Dario.
　She knows herself because of her connection to Dario.
　Her husband is a dwarf and her daughter's husband is also a dwarf.
　When a woman marries a dwarf, the dwarf gives her many treasures of gold and silver, which she uses to trade.
　She uses these treasures to start a business and is said to be the richest woman in the country.
　She is also said to be involved in managing the labyrinth with the dwarves.
　I was able to get in touch with the god Heybos when I told Modes that I was going to stay in Ariadia for a while.
　It was there that he learned of Turia.
　Turia was also informed of her presence in the country by Dario, a dwarf in the entourage of the god Heybos, and she contacted him.
　And she had contacted him.
　She seems to be accommodating me in many ways while I'm in Ariadia.

'So this Kalkinos is the one that escaped from the arena? 'Thank you for letting me know, Lord Turia. But if that's the case, that would mean that there are remnants of Atrana.

　It was Atranaqua who released the demons in the arena.
　In other words, this incident was caused by the remnants of Atranaqua.

''Yes, I didn't expect that Atrana was a demon and under the control of an evil god. And that the remnants of that party are here in Ariadia: ....... How frightening.

　Turia shook her head in disbelief.
　Atrana was a member of the merchants' union.
　Naturally, Turia knew Atrana as well.
　Of course, she wasn't aware of its identity.

'As for the remnants, I know where they are, if I'm sure of Atranaqua's information,'

　I look at Turia and say to myself.

'Is it true, sir?　O God of the Black Storm.

　I nodded at his words.
　From the Atranaqua that I captured, I have gained a lot of information about myself. I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on.
　I'm not sure why I didn't tell them, but it's because it concerns Nargol.

''Yes, that's why I'm going to go over there and see what they're up to,''
Thank you, O black god of storms.
'Most likely you've already abandoned your home base: ....... Anyway, leave this matter to yourself. Lord Turia.

　When I say this, Turia looks relieved.
　But unlike Tulia, I'm feeling heavy.
　My head hurts when I think about the person who caused this incident.
　I let out a sigh while patting the head of Kuna who is sleeping on my lap.




◆Dancer Shenna.

　We parted from the heroes and my brother Decius and I headed to our father.
　He must still be on the ship somewhere.

"Brother," he said. You're going to start the investigation tomorrow, do you have any idea what you're going to do?

　I call out to my brother.

'No, I don't have ....... How's Shenna? Is there anything you've noticed?

　I don't answer any questions.
　I'm aware of some things. But I can't tell my brother.
　But I can't tell my brother because it might have something to do with the company.
　I'm sorry to tell my brother, but I can't bother Commander Midas and the others.

"Sienna ......?　What's going on?

　My brother sees me and calls out to me.

'No, it's nothing. Oh yeah, brother, can you take care of this for me?
　I hand him something wrapped in a cloth.

"What's this?

　My brother takes it and goes to take the cloth.

'Wait, brother!　Don't look inside!

　I hurriedly stop my brother.

'Shenna?'
I just want you to take care of it. Please, brother.
All right, Sienna. I don't see what's inside.

　My brother gives me a dubious look, but agrees.
　Since he's a serious brother, he won't look at the contents.

''Thank you brother. I'll take it then.''

　With that, I leave my brother.

'Shenna!　Aren't you going to see your father?!

　My brother calls out to my back.

'I'm sorry brother!　Just tell my dad the right thing to do!

　As I run, I think about what happened when it happened.
　Marcius was acting strangely at the time.
　And the flute with the black goat's coat of arms that was on the spot was probably the one that Marcias had dropped.
　It's the one he gave to his brother.
　But if the company's members are found to be involved in the incident, the company's activities might be shut down.
　That's why I can't say anything to my brother.
　If I tell my brother, it will cause trouble for the leader of the Midas group.

I have to check: ......

　I muttered and hurried back to the playhouse.