From here on, we celebrate the defeat of the Kraken with a Squid Festival!

　The host's voice, spread throughout the surrounding area by wind magic, announced the beginning of the festival, and the people gathered in the harbor cheered.

''Through the cooperation of the Ship's Union and the Adventurer's Union, the Kraken has been successfully defeated!　It's all thanks to those brave adventurers and sailors!

　Everyone assembled applauded at the moderator's words.

'And look!　This is the wretched form of the Kraken who trampled our seas!

　With the moderator's words, everyone's eyes were drawn to one spot in the harbor.
Normally, shipping cargo and materials would be placed there, but only today, it was an empty square.

No, only one huge object wrapped in a large cloth sits there.
　And when the sailors waiting in the square pulled the cloth, it revealed a large stake stuck diagonally into the ground.
And in the middle of the stake was the cruel figure of a Kraken that had been pierced through the middle of its body.

''Oh!　That's the Kraken!

It's so big.

　The townspeople speak of the Kraken.

'And to celebrate this day, we would like to serve you all some Kraken food!　

"'Ooh!'

You can eat a kraken?

Is it safe to eat a demon?

　When they hear of Kraken food, the townspeople scream in agitation.
　Well, people are wary of things they've never eaten before.

''However, some of them are worried that they can't really eat Kraken meat!　To answer your fears, the head of the Adventurer's Guild, Mr. Ronzen, will actually poison the Kraken food in front of you!

" " " " " " "

　With the MC's words, Mr. Ronzen appears in front of the Kraken.
A number of wizards then appeared and cast fire magic on the Kraken, burning its surface.
The sauce coated on the Kraken's surface beforehand is burned by the magic, and the smell of burning is wafting around.

'Ooh, it smells so good, it's really fragrant...'

Yeah, this looks good.

　The townspeople choke involuntarily.
　Then the cooks dismantle the deliciously grilled kraken.
The townspeople shout with excitement as the large piece of meat is taken apart in a flash.

The meat of the Kraken is cut in advance to make the dismantling process easier.

　Then a table is set up in front of Mr. Ronzen, and a plate of Kraken meat is placed on it.

'Now, Mr. Ronzen, I'd like to have a real taste of the Kraken meat!

　Nodding at the moderator's voice, Mr. Ronzen took a wild bite of Kraken meat in his arms.

''........''

　The townspeople watch with bated breath as Mr. Ronzen silently continues to chew his Kraken meat.
　And then Mr. Ronzen-san looks up and announces, ".......it's delicious!

'....Delicious!

　At Ronsen-san's words, the crowd gathered in the harbor cheered.

''Well then, we will now open up the Kraken's food!　If you'd like to eat, please line up in front of the flag-carrying staff member over there!

All right!　Let's take the Kraken meat challenge!

I'm coming with you!

"How dare you roam free in our waters, you Kraken!　I'm going to feast on it!

　All the people in town start lining up for the Kraken meat.

I hope this is the end of the Kraken fiasco.

　We muttered to ourselves from our vantage point as we watched everyone happily line up for the Kraken meat parade.

'I'm pretty sure they do this festival in other towns, too.

　While eating the Kraken food that was prepared for me in advance, Liliella-san, who is sitting beside me, asks me a question.
　Mmm, that's a hungry smell.

''Gulp, gulp, gulp.''

　It looks like Fluffy Moffy is busy devouring chunks of Kraken meat, too.
　Let's both of you focus on the festivities for a bit.

''Yes, all the Kraken will be purchased by the adventurer's guild in each town and offered to the townspeople as proof that the Kraken has been defeated in their respective towns.

　After defeating the Kraken, I was asked by the guild leaders to sell an entire Kraken to each of the towns, and I decided to sell it to the townspeople, outside merchants, and travelers.
　They wanted to show the townspeople, outside merchants, and travelers the proof of our defeat of the Kraken.

　It's a great way to promote the fact that the impact of defeating the Kraken will be etched in everyone's mind, and that from now on the Inner Sea will be safer to sail on.
　The townspeople will be reassured, and merchants and travelers will be able to talk about their experiences with Kraken meat when they visit other towns, to advertise that the Kraken problem has been solved.

　Well, in any case, most of the ingredients of the kraken are meat and organs, so there's not much use for them other than for food.
It's the only thing that makes Kraken ink a very good dye for making water-attribute magic circles.
　When I was wondering what they were going to do with the internal organs and such, the guild leaders said they were going to make them salty and use them as a snack.
　It seems they're going to offer it to the bar at night at a festival.
　It's this kind of challenging spirit that leads to the discovery of new ingredients.

''Well, thanks to you, we've made quite a bit of money.

　After all, we were able to buy the stake made by the Elder Plant that pierced its body as proof that we defeated the Kraken.

''But it was quite an expense for the guild, wasn't it?

What Liliella-san was trying to say was probably because the rewards for defeating all the Kraken greatly exceeded the rewards that each port town had originally expected.

After all, I knew that every town's guild had more than one Kraken, but that number was seven, which was more than expected.
So I'm sure the cost of two of them was quite a burden.

However, according to the guild leaders, it seems that the budget can be obtained from the government.

　After all, securing sea routes is a lifeline for the management of a nation facing the sea.
　If the country has a budget for that purpose, they can't say they don't want to.

　In fact, the guild leaders even said that if the Kraken's absence makes the seaway safe, it's an amount of money they can get back in the not too distant future.


"Also, they are planning to hold an annual Squid Festival to commemorate the defeat of the Kraken.

What's that?

They're going to make it the new specialty of the town, and it's going to be a cooperative festival with all the port towns.

'Why work with another town?　Why not just do it in our own town?

　It's no wonder Liliela-san is nodding her head.
　It's true that the extermination of the Kraken itself was a joint request by the guild leaders of each port town, but there was no need for them to work together to deal with the aftermath.
　But that's only if you think about it on a town-by-town basis.

''If anything, I think this is the country's intention. I think it's a ritual of good friendships to ensure that we don't violate each other's territory and waters, and that we share the inner sea fairly.

　Well, this sort of thing has happened in previous lives.
　They defeated a common enemy, and now they're ready to let their past feuds go by the wayside.
　Although the two sides never completely get along with each other, the fact that the two sides have overcome hardships still creates a sense of solidarity in its own way.

It's kind of a sloppy mess for a festival, isn't it?

　Liliella stared at the scene of the festival with a dumbfounded look on her face.
　I'm sure she would see the festival scene in a different color in her eyes.

''Well, but thanks to that, I got an extra reward, so it's fine.

'Extra money?　What's that, I didn't hear that?

　Yeah, well, this is something that he asked me to keep secret, since I defeated the Kraken.

''You know, at the beginning of the festival, you said the Kraken was defeated by the Adventurer's Guild and the Shipping Guild in cooperation with each other.

Yes, you mentioned it.

That's because I was originally going to be in there as a meritocrat, but I turned it down because I didn't want to stand out.

What?

　For some reason, that "huh? I feel like there's more than one meaning to the

It's also a kind of ceremony, but they said it wouldn't be much fun if there weren't any merit performers, so I suggested that it should be a guild-wide achievement. In fact, there were adventurers and fishermen who protected their ships from the Kraken, even if only temporarily, as they worked to eliminate the Kraken.

'So, what's the additional reward for that?　I think that would just cost Mr. Lex a lot of money one way or the other.

''No, that's why they told me that I couldn't take this much credit for free as a guild leader, so they asked me to at least return the favor in a different way, so I received an additional 1,000 gold coins from the guild leaders' pocket money as an additional reward.

Even if we divide it up among 5 people, there are still 200 gold coins. There is money where there is money, isn't there? .........And yet, the money keeps piling up.

I spent the money to build you a house, remember?

'But you still have quite a bit left over, don't you?　That's what I'm talking about, to the point where I can live and play.

Haha.....

　It's true, Lilliera is right, I own quite a bit of money.
　But for me, whose purpose is to live as an adventurer, there's no reason for me to retire from adventuring just because I've accumulated money.

　However, it's not a good idea to keep money that isn't really used by individuals.
　As I recall, accumulating money and not spending it causes the economy to stagnate.
　In the past life, someone said such a thing and told me to spend more money.

　However, I don't want to be extravagant in any way, so I'm not sure if there is any meaningful way to spend my money.

Well, I'll figure out how to spend the money.

You didn't have to use it for anything, did you?

　What's the weirdest use for it?

　While we were talking about this, we were looking at the scene of the Squid Festival.
　I noticed that various stalls had been set up in the harbor, and various food stalls had been set up for various dishes using Kraken meat.

　Ah, I guess that stall is part of the Squid Festival project.

　On the contrary to the excitement of the Kraken Festival on the ground, the place where we are was filled with a relaxed atmosphere.

It was that time.
　Zabang!　And a very loud noise echoed through the town.

What the hell?

Don't tell me the kraken is out again!

　The harbor, which had been busy with the squid festival, was shrouded in turmoil, and everyone's eyes were focused on the Inner Ocean.

"Hey, what's that!

　Someone pointed to the center of the inner ocean and saw a large, black island that didn't exist until now.

''Huh?　Is there an island like that in the Inland Sea?

No, it's not supposed to be...

　Everyone is baffled by the sudden appearance of the black island.
　But no, it's not an island.

"Hey, hey, is that thing moving?

　Yes, it's not an island. That's why it works.

"What the hell is that?

　I can't hide my surprise at the sight of Liliera's first sight.
　But I was surprised by something else.

"Why is that guy in this place...

"Mr. Lex, do you know what that thing is?

　Lilliera-san heard my mutterings and asked me a question.

''Yes, I know,''

　Yes, that's definitely him.
　But its appearance was too small compared to the one I knew.

"That's the megalohale, the Kraken's natural enemy!

　As if in answer to my words, the megalohale squirted with a sound like a bullhorn.

''Caah!''

　The tide from the Megalo Whale falls into the surrounding ocean, creating a large column of water.

''Megalo Whale is a giant whale monster that can grow up to five kilometers long.

What's it mean, 5 kilometers?　Is it really a living thing?

I know what you mean, Rielieliela.
　You can't believe that a creature of that size exists.

You can't believe that a creature of that size exists, and that it's, um, a megalohale?　appears to be about a hundred meters in size, but isn't the size different from the story?

　Yes, Liliera-san was right, that Megalo Whale was too small compared to the Megalo Whale I knew.
　The reason for that must be........

It's probably just a newborn fry.

That's a fry?　That's bigger than an ancient plant?

Yes, look. The fish that hit the tide earlier are now floating on the surface. The tide in the Megalo Whale isn't just seawater, it's also the bone-like material produced by the body that's being washed up together with the seawater. And the seawater and bone stones that are launched high into the sky fall from above, and they hit the tide and feed on the creatures around them as they float up to the surface and grow.

The megalo whale opens its large mouth and begins to swallow the fishes that have floated to the surface of the sea.
　The scene is like a black hole in the ocean.

''Even so, it's not much for a Megalo Whale to eat. Normally, demons the size of the Kraken class are the main part of their diet.''

The Kraken are the main attraction.

　Liliera is dismayed, but the situation is quite unpleasant.

''There are no Kraken-sized creatures in the Inner Ocean. If this continues, the fish in the entire Inner Ocean will be devoured by the Megalo Whale!''

　Yes, the Megalo Whale can grow up to five kilometers in length, and the amount of food it needs to eat to maintain its massive body is considerable.
　I have no doubt that these creatures will be extinct within a few months.

The Kraken children must have escaped from the Megalo Whale and made their way to the Inner Sea. The adult Megalo Whales would have been clogged up if they entered the Inner Sea.

　Yeah, as expected, an adult megalohale can't get through that narrow seaway.

'So what do we do with that thing?'

Liliella's words made me ponder a little too.

''I guess I'll have to consult with Ronzen-san first. It's not like we're being asked to defeat them, and even if we defeat them now, I don't think we'll be able to prepare the money to purchase them, let alone the reward.

'Well, I think that's a good idea, too.

　Frankly, it's not a good idea to work for free.
　I'm not reluctant to help if my life is in danger, but Megalo Whale is a whale monster, so I'm safe while I'm on land.
　There's no need to take them out right now, since there's no request to take them out.

　In fact, if you act in good faith, you'll end up getting into more and more trouble like I did in my previous life.

　So this is the scene where we negotiate with the guild leaders as a business.

　◆

We avoided the crowded streets and followed the rooftops to the harbor.

"Mr. Ronzen!

　As we call out to him, Mr. Ronzen also notices us.

'Oh, thank you for coming!　Don't you know anything about that thing?

You're the guild master, aren't you? I started by gathering information.

"That thing is called Megalohale, and it is the Kraken's natural enemy.

"The Kraken's natural enemy!

　I repeat to Mr. Ronzen the explanation I gave to Liliella.

".........that was the reason why the Krakens escaped?

'Yes, though, as long as we're on land, we don't have to worry about risking our lives, so there's no need to panic.

　Well, there's a threat of total destruction of marine products.
　Ronzen-san holds his head as he looks at Megalo Whale.

''But hey, if we know they're going to be that bad in the future, we'll have to take them out in a hurry or it'll be too late.

　It's true that if you let it stay in the Inner Ocean for too long, this time it won't be able to get out and become a threat to the Inner Ocean.



　It's not easy for the great people in the guild.
　And that was when it happened.

''Naval Knights, mobilize!　Let's sally forth to defeat that giant monster!

　A familiar ship left the harbor and headed for the Megalo Whale.

'Isn't that a newer military vessel, as I recall!

　I guess the crew members are safe.

"Hahahahaha!　That thing doesn't have any tentacles, so you don't have to worry about them throwing your ship at you!　This time they're going to show us the power of a state-of-the-art ship!

Uh, what's this all about?

　Why are they suddenly going to take out the humans when there's no damage to them yet?

'Oh, maybe it's not good enough that you can't do anything about killing the Kraken and you're defeated, so you have to take some credit for it.

　They challenged him with a state-of-the-art battleship, and he was easily defeated.
That's because you can't make excuses to your boss without taking credit for it.

　However, even if the opponent isn't a Kraken, it's still a 100-meter-class creature.
　In contrast, even though the battleship is the latest model, it's still about 30 meters long and less than a third of its size.
　The battleship approaches the Megalo Whale while releasing attack magic.
　The Megalo Whale didn't respond to it at all.

''Is that working?''

''Megalo Whale's body is so stubborn that it could physically strike its prey, so I don't think it would hurt or itch with an attack magic of that level of power.

　Maybe it's for the purpose of restraint, or maybe it's because the magic released to Megalo Whale is strangely low-powered magic.
　You need to increase the power a little more, or your attacks won't get through, okay?

　And then the Megalo Whale moved.
　The Megalo Whale dared to make a body hit towards the battleship.
　The battleship hurriedly took evasive action, but it was impossible to avoid it at this point.

　The wizards on board managed to evade the ship by bending the ship's course quite forcefully with wind and water magic, but they still couldn't completely avoid it, and the body of the Megalo Whale collided with the side and the hull of the ship shook greatly.
　And the hull of the warship shakes even more with the waves generated by the Megalo Whale striking the surface of the water with its tail as it passes by.

　And then the Megalo Whale made a large arc and spun around once, and then dared to slam into the rear of the battleship again, which was desperately trying to maintain its position.

　As expected, the battleship was unable to avoid the second assault and capsized pathetically.
　There really isn't anything good about that ship.
　However, we can't leave it alone soon enough.
　We must go to the rescue.

Can you take that thing down, by the way?

　Ronzen-san asks me if he can defeat the Megalo Whale that fought off the warship.

''Yes, they're still fry, so it won't be too difficult to defeat them.

　As you can imagine, it's a little harder when you're dealing with an adult, but they're still kids.

'Yeah, that's the thing, he's just a kid.

　And he's a stubborn child who hasn't been born very long.

'Oh no way!'

　Ronsen-san raises his voice while scratching his head.

''I'll manage to convince the rest of the guild to get the money!　Can you ask them to take out the Megalo Whale?

...Okay, okay. I'll take care of it.

　Okay, if it's an official request, that's a good reason to take down the Megalo Whale!

'Well then, let's just take them down quickly and save the people on the capsized battleship!

　I pull out the stake of the Elder Plant that had been sticking the Kraken in it earlier and jump up to high in the sky with all my might.

''Trees, trees are flying in the sky!

　The spectators who were around were surprised to see the Elder Plant stake fly up.

"Aim well........there!

　I threw the stake of the Elder Plant at the Megalo Whale.
　I'm aiming for the tidal hole!



　The stake pierces Megalo Whale's squirt hole, and Megalo Whale screams in sudden pain.
　Okay, I've successfully blocked the squirt attack by plugging the hole.
　It would be a disaster if the sailors who were thrown out to sea were injured by the tidal attack.

I'm sure the sailors are nearby, so don't use lightning- and ice-attribute attacking magic.

　I'll take it down with a straightforward normal attack here.
　I use my flying magic to fly towards the Megalo Whale.

Then I thrust the sword made from the mutant blade into the water's surface.
The sliced surface of the water blows up like a tail as it follows me moving at high speed.

　I change my path and go around the back of the Megalo Whale.

''Sonic Saber!''

He activated his wind magic sword and flew through the air while thrusting the sword into the surface of Megalo Whale's skin.
The mutant sword is a sword that is only about one meter long, just like a normal sword.
With this sword, no matter how sharp it is, it cannot cut through Megalo Whale's huge body.
　However, the wind blade generated by Sonic Saber's spell pseudo-extended its blade through the Megalo Whale's body while maintaining the same sharpness as the mutant's sword, reaching the surface of the ocean just below it, its blade running from its tail to its forehead.

The wind blade continues to slice through the surface of the water until it reaches several hundred meters away.
　At the same time as the water surface cut by the wind blade returns after a few seconds, Megalo Whale's body shifts from the middle and then splits in half.

''De, the big demon cracked inexorably!''

　The spectators watching from land are bewildered because they don't know what's going on.

　Then the cracked Megalo Whale's body slammed into the surface of the sea, causing the surface of the sea to ripple heavily.

''Whoa!?''

　The sailors who were thrown overboard scream.

'Oops, don't do it, Lifesphere!

　I cast a wind rescue spell on the sailors I see and rescue them.
　The enchanted sailors drift on the surface of the water, wrapped in a spherical wind.
　This magic protects the rescuers with wind wards, so it can be used as a boat to provide temporary protection for people who are in water-related accidents.

The only thing left to do now is to save the people who are in the water.

　I use my exploration magic to explore human reactions and save the people who need rescuing.
　In the meantime, a ship from the harbor town arrived and began to rescue the sailors.
　An hour later, all the sailors were rescued safely.

It's true, no matter what kind of demons appear, they are all puppies when it comes to Lex-san.

　What a dumbfounded tone Liliera-san says, but that's not true.
　Strong demons are really strong.
　It just so happens that the demons we've encountered so far are not so bad people.

　As a side note, I heard that the newest warship was a little scratched up, but it's safe and sound.
　Hmm, it's solid.