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The path to the Beltlin Mountains was something the Count’s knights should be quite familiar with. Even if weak specimens among the lurking monsters from the Demonic Realm were making their way here, they were still merely weak by the Demonic Realm’s standards.

As the route to the mountains was well-maintained for regular purges, the vanguard of the expedition arrived swiftly at the mountains.

‘We could go further, but it’s better to rest here.’

Now, we were not only the Special Mission Team with excess stamina but also in the company of the expedition members.

The distance between the Count’s House and the Beltlin Mountains was considerable. Thus, the stamina of the horses hauling materials for the development base was a concern. While our mercenaries had exceptional stamina, the artisans gathered for the construction definitely needed a break soon.

“We’re going to take a rest here!”

With Diolia’s shout, the much-awaited break arrived.

I naturally checked the condition of the Special Mission Team and the expedition members before heading over to Shione.

The problem was that even though I had asked her to check, she seemed absorbed in a simple table map, ignoring my presence.

As I observed her connecting certain points on the map with her finger, lost in thought, it looked like it would be quite difficult to draw her attention away from this trivial matter.

“Hmm… Would it be better to go this way? That means we’ll have to detour a bit more…”

Approaching quietly, I swiftly grabbed her arm, causing her to let out a small, adorable voice.

“Princess Shione?”

“Whooooa…!”

“I just checked on everyone.”

“Ah, you startled me! When did you get here?”

“Just recently, but you were so focused on the map.”

“…If that’s the case, you should’ve called me quietly. You’re quite mischievous, you know.”

As she glanced down at the low table, stretching to relieve her cramped muscles, she asked.

“So… how is everyone doing?”

“The Special Mission Team is good, and those in the vanguard just need a little more rest. We should be fine to restart soon.”

“That’s a relief. We still have many places to cover. Ray, can you come over and take a look at the map?”

“Then please excuse me for a moment.”

I moved closer to her and took in the map.

The map focused on the Beltlin Mountains and the Demonic Realm we had explored, with each area between the boundary zone and the Demonic Realm marked by small symbols indicating its characteristics.

‘These must be the potential development sites.’

It would be a base for the construction and a foothold connecting the Demonic Realm and the Count’s House.

Relying only on the maps from previous explorations would be troublesome, so getting a firsthand look at the options with the vanguard team would certainly be beneficial.

Shione seemed lost in thought on how to approach those areas efficiently.

“These two candidate sites are the problem. Both seem pretty good, but checking them both will take too long. I want to cut down the time as much as possible.”

“It would be better to discuss this with Commander Diolia later. Even if it takes a bit more time, it’s essential to confirm details for efficiency. Once we secure a location, we can expedite the development of the Demonic Realm down the line.”

“Yeah, that’s true. I shouldn’t rush the Demonic Realm exploration and make a mistake. We’ll need to discuss it in detail when Diolia arrives.”

Diolia, who frequently came to the Beltlin Mountains with Siabel, would bring invaluable experience that could aid us more than just staring at the map.

To be honest, I had very limited knowledge about the Beltlin Mountains, aside from nearly losing an arm to a gigantic spider. Shione also had her debut fighting there, and neither of us had revisited the mountains much since then.

It wasn’t that I didn’t have experience stumbling around dungeons enough to choose a spot, but selecting a location for a base where so many were gathered was another matter entirely. I didn’t want to accidentally choose a bizarre spot and receive everyone’s cold glare.

Thus, we were left struggling with this decision.

“By the way, I really want to start exploring the Demonic Realm soon. It’s not just about finding the forgotten city; there must be something critical hidden in the Demonic Realm.”

“Something we need to find?”

“Stories I heard directly from the World Tree at the Great Forest.”

“The World Tree… Oh, I remember now. It mentioned finding a special weapon west of the Beltlin Mountains.”

The reason exploring the Demonic Realm was so vital for me was the message from the World Tree, Eriantina.

I had momentarily forgotten, but the World Tree wasn’t just a giant tree adored by fairies; it was a revered existence that had attained divinity.

Having struggled to catch a demon in the past and almost decaying due to one wielding poison, it wouldn’t be a lie that a god with deep hatred for demons would not mislead me.

“Indeed. Besides, that weapon would be highly useful in confronting the demon we faced at the Marquis Family’s estate. So, it would be best to locate it quickly.”

Thanks to my conversation with Adelhaite, there was some pertinent information.

It seemed that the Demon of Deception and Dream was currently in the Empire.

For that broad territory, as long as the Empire could impede the demon’s passage into the kingdom and I could manage to secure the weapon, it could pierce through the demon’s vulnerabilities like a sharp spear. Surely, there was a reason that a god would share that information—not merely dealing with a lackey but delivering a solid blow to the main body of the demon.

“You’re right. The only land we have west of the Beltlin Mountains is this cursed one. Rather than a legend, it seems there was indeed a civilization, so if we delve deeper, we might find that item.”

Nodding along to Shione’s words, I agreed.

According to tradition, right after defeating the demon, due to the ensuing chaos, all weapons meant for demon slayers had been buried within that city.

If ruins appeared, we would need to scour the area like top-notch treasure hunters.

While Shione and I were engrossed in our discussion about the Demonic Realm, Diolia finally arrived.

“Princess Shione, and Deputy Commander. May I join your conversation, hehehe.”

“Commander Diolia, you’ve finally arrived. We’ve been waiting.”

“Commander, we were indeed waiting. Can I take a look at the map together?”

At her arrival, both Shione and I turned our shining eyes toward her with enthusiasm.

Diolia, seemingly pleased to capture our attention, opened her eyes wide and grinned broadly.

“It appears that I was needed. I may not provide enough help, but let me take a look.”

With that, she approached with an even bolder stride than usual.

The sound of metal clanking from her armor resonated ominously, as if her spirits were lifted, and she promptly began to scrutinize the map.

“This route can be taken this way. Ah, this area is going to be difficult for wagons to pass through, so let’s shelve that for now. The most important thing is to secure clean water for the base’s inhabitants. Of course, it can just be purified by the priest, but… let’s also hold off on places near the stream stemming from the Demonic Realm…”

It seems our commander, who devoted herself as a knight of the Count’s House above all else, was quite different.

“Given that, it seems best to travel this way. Princess Shione, what do you think?”

In a flash, she divided the priority of our potential routes, drawing lines with swift precision, leaving Shione and me nodding in captivated agreement.

“It’s best to follow your command. We’ll arrange to move in that direction.”

Thanks to that, Diolia’s spirits rose ever higher, and I saw my chance to poke her lightly.

“That’s right, Commander. You certainly don’t waste words.”

“What? It’s just basic knowledge. Deputy Commander, after a few experiences, you’ll learn this instinctively.”

“Hmm… It seems that sorting out your marriage plans will be the only challenge left.”

“…Why do you keep probing such sore spots? Deputy Commander, and regarding the proposal for a duel of substitutes, I haven’t forgotten. Once this operation is over, I’ll set up something right away.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“No, it’s not about ‘doing my best,’ you absolutely must do it! I also want a family to enjoy some time off and be happy…”

Today again, Diolia’s jab landed quite well.

*

Diolia’s choice was indeed correct.

The expedition team was able to select a suitable site between the boundary and the Demonic Realm.

A clearing beside the waterway stemming from the Beltlin Mountains allowed us to secure a means for purification, and since there was a gentle hill toward the Demonic Realm, we could set up defenses or watchtowers, providing ample time to respond if any enemies descended from the Demonic Realm.

While this site was further from the Demonic Realm compared to others, the increased safety it offered and its proximity to the Count’s House made it easy to develop roads. If all went well, this place could swiftly transform into a well-organized base.

“Priests, please check if there’s any magic nearby and conduct purification.”

“Builders, assess this ground, and carpenters, come here and lend a hand!”

“Hey, you crazy girl! Just because you’re on your tiptoes doesn’t mean you can’t be seen! It’s not wise to risk looking for treasure when further down lies the real Demonic Realm!”

Now that the grounds were determined, non-combat support began laying the foundations for a robust refuge and a new front for the Count’s House, working to break a sweat.

Meanwhile, mercenaries and priests teamed up to check and purify the surrounding magic.

Now, the one thing the Special Mission Team needed to do was simple.

“Let’s get moving soon. Commander Diolia, could you gather all the knights from our order?”

“Yes, sir.”

For the establishment of the base without issues, we would explore the area and clear any enemies we encountered.

Fully prepared for the operation, the Special Mission Team set forth without hesitation into the Demonic Realm.

Soon enough, a faint sound echoed from afar, barely catching our ears.

───!!!

And that small sound abruptly brought the entire Special Mission Team, who were acutely aware of their surroundings, to a halt.

It must have been the roar of something deep within the Demonic Realm. Even through the faint sound, we could sense the ferocity it concealed.

Shione gripped her bow tightly and said.

“…Everyone, remain absolutely vigilant.”

There’s a reason why places devoid of adaptive life are so, and now we were heading to a land untrampled by human feet for hundreds of years.

 

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