Dark Knight Kroki

　He transmigrates with Tona to the land of Gypseal.
　When we make the transition, we exit with a black room.
　The magic circle of transition is still glowing at his feet.
　The walls of the black room are densely covered with sacred hieroglyphics.
　I can feel the heat in the air of the room.
　This is already a desert country.
　Magic is really useful.

Tona. Is this, is this the Kingdom of Ptahja?

　I ask myself of Totoona.
　The gods of Gypseal dwell in the golden city of Arnak.
　However, for defensive reasons, they cannot directly transfer to Arnak.
　Therefore, Totona decided to go to Arnak from the Kingdom of Puthaha, where it is possible for her to transfer.
　The Kingdom of Ptah has a population of about 10,000 and is also known as the land of crafts.
　The reason why it is called the land of crafts is because most of the inhabitants are dwarves, the people of crafts.
　Most of the inhabitants are dwarves, the people of crafts, and the king (Pharaoh) is also a dwarf.
　The reason there are so many dwarves in this country in the first place is because this land was given to Heibos, the god of Elyos.
　In fact, among the people of Zipshir, the gods of Elyos, Heybos, Ishtia and Totona are also worshipped as gods by the people of Zipshir.
　I think it's interesting that they are believed to be gods outside of the world by nature.
　Incidentally, from Nargol, the great witch Herkert is worshipped as a god of medicine.
　In the kingdom of Heket where many frogmen (toadmen) live, there is a great temple of Herkert.

So Kroki. This is the kingdom of Ptahja. And it is also the Gypsir branch of the Society of Magicians.

　Tona nodded her head in agreement.
　The Kingdom of Putaha is sometimes famous for having a Gypsir branch of the Society of Magicians, in addition to crafts.
　Totona, the goddess of knowledge and books, is also the god of sorcerers.
　The Great Sage Magus, one of the founders of the Society of Magicians in Saria, is her apostle.
　Seven hundred years after its founding, Magus is still alive and well, and we hear that he is involved in the running of the Society of Magicians as an honorary president.
　Seven hundred years after its founding. The sorcerers who studied in Saria spread around the world, communicating with each other and establishing chapters in different parts of the world.
　The branch of the Society of Sorcerers is located in the Kingdom of Putha in Gypsiel.

'I see. So this is where the famous Gypseal sorcerers are located?''

　Tona is a little surprised when she says that to herself.

'Heh, Kroki. Familiar.
'Yes, Tona. The Gypsir sorcerers are renowned for their excellence.

　The Gypsir Mages Association is second only to its headquarters, Saria, in fame.
　In other parts of the world, only human sorcerers can become members of the Society of Magicians.
　However, the Society of Gypseal's sorcerer's society allows non-human species to become members as well.
　In addition, there are few restrictions on the study of sorcery because there is less influence from the Odis and Felians, who dislike dark magic and necromancy.
　The study of magic in Gypsiel is more advanced than in other areas of the world, perhaps because of its wide open door policy and the lack of restrictions, and it has produced some of the most talented sorcerers in the world.
　The magicians of Gipsyll are becoming synonymous with excellent magicians.

''Yes. The sorcerers here are very good. And the head of the branch is my disciple as well.''

　Now I'm surprised myself.
　The head of the branch here must be pretty good at learning directly from Totoona, the god.

'Kroki. Apparently he's come for us. Good thing we're in touch.

　Someone emerges from the shadows at the entrance of this room.
　The moment you see the figure, you are almost surprised.
　The reason for this is that the person who appeared is a policeman with a black scarecrow's head.
　The policeman has a sorcerer's staff. Does that mean he is a magician?
　There are pollies under Coona's command, but I don't think I've ever seen any of the kogamushi pollies.
　I've never seen them before.

'Welcome, my dear sir. My master, Lady Tohna.

　The policeman crosses his paws in front of his chest and bows his head.

'Long time no see. Kepler. And then there's Kroki. I'd like to introduce you to. This is Kepler. He is a Huncologasi sorcerer and the head of this sorcerer's society. He is also known as the Golden Sage, a very talented sorcerer.
'No, no, Lady Tona. I am ashamed to call you the Golden Sage. I am not a wise man, and I am still a young man.

　Kepler, the Huncologasi man, ducks his head with his paws in embarrassment.

'No, Kepler. Your study of magic is very impressive. You should proudly call yourself a wise man.

　Kepler is bobbing his paws. He must be very happy.
　And then Kepler looks at me.

"By the way, Lady Tona. How are you over here?
"Uh... he...

　Tona looks at me as if she is troubled by the question.
　She seems unsure if she should tell him who she is.
　I'm sure Rage is here, too, and I want to hide my identity as much as possible.

'It's okay. Tona. If you're the one I trust, I trust myself.

　But Kepler, the Huncologasi man, seems to be someone Tona trusts quite a bit. Then I'll trust him myself.
　He won't tell on us.

"Kepler. This is Kroki. He is the Dark Knight of Nargol's finest.

　Kepler is surprised when Tona introduces him.

'My God!　The black god of storms who plunged the Republic of Ariadia into the abyss of terror!　And that's with the Lady Tona?　This is amazing!

　I don't know what it is, but it seems that I'm getting my own thing across to this gypseal.
　However, it doesn't seem to be in a good way.
　How the hell does it get through to me? I'm a little concerned.

'There's a lot going on. Kepler. For that matter, is there somewhere we can talk in peace?
Well, we have a reception room in the association. We won't be questioned there.

　With that, Kepler turns his back on us and leads us away.
　Along the way, they meet humans and cat people, as well as lizard people and hippopotamuses.
　When they meet them, they bow reverently and open the way.
　They are not bowing to Totona.
　They keep Totona's arrival a secret, except for Kepler, so as not to make a scene.
　In other words, they are bowing to Kepler.
　From their demeanor, it is clear that Kepler is highly desirable to the people, or rather, to the humankind.
　When they arrived at the reception room, Kepler instructed the association's staff to have a private conversation with the guests and not to let anyone approach them after they brought the tea.
　The reception room of the association branch is quite large.
　The floor is covered with a soft carpet. The walls are decorated with furniture, and the chairs are covered with soft cushions as if they were filled with feathers.
　The Society of Gypsies' sorcerers seems to be quite wealthy.
　A staff member brings me a cup of tea.
　There are two teas brought in.
　It is served in front of you and Tona. Kepler probably doesn't drink it.

"Huh?　What's this?　Coffee?

　You can't help but look at the tea.
　The black color, the good aroma. It's like coffee when it's brought in.

'Kuroki-sama. This tea is a bean tea made from the seeds of a red fruit called Nepenthes. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time with us. Please have a cup of it.

　Kepler explains with a laugh.

'Right. ....... Then I'll take it.'

　I sip my bean tea.
　It has a more unique aroma than the coffee of the world I was in.
　But it's definitely coffee.
　I didn't think I could drink coffee in this world.

"Kepler. It smells better than the bean tea I've had before. What does that mean?

　Tona tilts her head.

'Oh? Have you noticed that? Dear Tona. This bean tea is actually made from the undigested seeds from the scented cat's pussy that ate the red fruit. Apparently, the scent is better with these undigested seeds, Lady Totona. I was surprised that the seeds I happened to discover while I was eating would be as fragrant as this.
Yeah, Kepler. Great find. Very tasty.

　Tona and Kepler laugh at each other.
　It seems best not to think too deeply about how they could have discovered it by accident.

'Well, Kepler. I'll cut to the chase. I want to go to Arnac. Can I borrow a ship owned by the Mage's Society?

　Totoona says and Kepler shakes his head.

'That's it, Lady Totoona. The Association used to own the ship ....... It's gone now.'
Funny?　It must have been there before. What do you mean?　Kepler?
'Actually, Lady Tona. There have been a number of unexplained disappearances recently.
Mysterious disappearances?
'Yes, many troop merchants have gone missing recently. And just recently, there was an incident in the nearby kingdom of Taueleth that went missing, and we sent the Society's sorcerers on a ship to investigate it. ...... That entire ship has gone missing.

　Kepler scratches his head like he's in trouble.
　There's no point in having someone who's been sent out to investigate a missing person's case go missing. Kepler's head must be hurting, too.
　But still, what's going on?

"Tau'eret Kingdom. The Kingdom of Taueleth, which I believe has a large population of horsemen.
'Yes, Lady Tona. And the people of the Sphinx have been busy, too. There may be something going on that we don't know about.

　Myself and Totoona looked at each other.

'Yes, we might find out if we went to Arnac. But I'm in trouble for not having a ship. We might have to just keep flying by magic.

　Well, at worst you'll have to do it.
　I've flown from the Republic of St. Renaria to Nargol in the past.
　So there's nothing I can't do if I want to.

I wish Glorious had been able to bring him with me. ......

　If Rage and the others found out, there would be a fight.
　That's why I didn't bring Glorious, who was conspicuous.

'Kepler. Do you have any other vehicles? Are there any hippogriffs living nearby?
No, Lady Tona. The hippogriff is not here.
Anything else?
'Yes, ....... Speaking of which, the chimera has been popping up in this neighborhood lately: ....... But in the chimera, it's .......
The chimera?

　I couldn't help but squeal at Kepler's words.
　The chimera is a demonic beast with the head of a lion, a goat, and a dragon, with a tail that is a snake, a composite of various animals.
　I wanted to meet the chimera once because it has a very unique appearance.
　Some of the chimairas have dragon wings, so they can fly.
　If we catch them, they could be vehicles.

'Yes, a chimera. At first I suspected that the chimera was the cause of its disappearance, but as far as I can tell from examining the case, there is something that doesn't seem to be a chimera, so I'm looking for another cause.
'Lord Kepler. Where is this chimera?
Are you trying to catch the Chimera? It is dangerous. Although not as dangerous as the higher level dragons, the chimera are vicious. We are planning to send out a strike force soon. It would be better if you don't do that.

　It doesn't matter if they aren't as good as the higher level dragons.
　Besides, I'd rather catch it than be defeated.

It's okay. Kepler. Kroki is strong.

　Tona said, and Kepler looked at him intently.

'Well, if he's as good as he's rumored to be, I suppose it's possible: ....... 'I understand. I can show you the areas where the chimera are found.

　We have a deal.
　Let's get the chimera.
　But before we leave, I have some things I need to do.

'By the way, Tona. Maybe you'll meet the brave men of light. I want to hide my identity as much as possible because it might lead to a fight. ...... Can you prepare something to hide your face?

　Totoona is surprised when he says that.

'Kroki is strong, but you're refraining from being brave enough to be a brave man of Lena? But I like the part about trying to avoid a fight. Kepler. Can you get Kuroki some clothes or something to cover up in?
'Yes, Lady Tona. As much as you can provide in your association. However, if you are going to hide your identity, I think it would be better for you to take off all the clothes you are wearing at the moment. Since there are so many snooty people in the Gypsies.

　Kepler offers some advice.
　The Beastman (Beast Man) certainly has a nose for it.
　Some of them may know the scent of Nargol.

'I understand, Lord Kepler. Would you mind keeping the clothes you are wearing now here?

　I'm currently wearing the ubiquitous shirt and trousers from Nargol.
　It's not a problem to take them off, as long as they're not wearing the ring that matches the Coona.　

It's an easy task. Then I'll have them bring you some clothes and other things.

　Kepler calls a staff member and tells him to bring the costume.
　A few minutes later, the staff member comes over with a lot of cloth.
　I look at them and pick them up.
　Every one of them is just a white cloth.

"That Lord Kepler. What is this?
'I had a man in the Society bring you something to wear. Do you not like it?

　Then I remind myself.
　Most of the men I had met before coming to this room had only one piece of cloth around their waists.
　The sorcerer-like person was not wearing a thick robe, as Toni now wears, but rather a simple piece of white cloth wrapped around his waist.
　In other words, this is the only kind of clothing we have.
　Besides, as far as I can see, there is nothing that looks like underwear.
　Perhaps there is no custom to wear underwear.
　If you think about it, beastmen basically don't wear clothes.
　Centaurs are always exposed.
　Perhaps that is the custom of the entire Gypsies.
　What do we do?
　It's like women wear dress clothes, but I'm not comfortable with women's clothing.
　It can't be helped. Let's take this huge piece of cloth and put it over the top and make a hole just for the eyes.
　That should hide your face.

"No, Mr. Kepler. Thank you, Mr. Kepler. Now we will drink it.

　Take a large piece of cloth, cut a hole in the eye and put it over the top.
　I can't see it myself, but it would be a rather unusual outfit.

'Kroki. It's quite an interesting outfit.

　Tona laughs a little.
　But I can't help but laugh at her.
　There might be other ways to do it, but as long as she hides her face, it's inevitably fishy.
　If that's the case, this curious outfit would be fine.

'Please don't laugh. Tona. And then, if you can, can you call me by a different name? They'll know who I am.

　No matter how much you hide your face, if they call you by your name, they'll know who you are. There's no point.

A different name?
Yes, it's a different name. It's what's called a pseudonym. Can you name it whatever you want?

　Tona thinks for a moment as she says this to herself.

'All right. Kuroki. Then how about the one who beats you (Medjed)?

　This is how I came to call myself Medjed.