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Chapter 44: The 5th Member of Black Thunder

 

After we returned to the core room in Foret Noir Dungeon, I asked Kinu and Shinku to explain the situation to Nelfie.

I also asked them to explain how I became a monster.

I don’t want to hide who I am from my friends if possible.

Next, I asked Drake and Barbaru to adjust our plan.

The four of us must arrive at Miralda by tomorrow morning.

If I don’t visit the slave trader again to prove that I am also a “victim” of the attack, it will become difficult for me to move around freely.

I want to crush those who were involved in the kidnapping immediately, but if I want to crush the nobles who are connected behind the scenes, the main slave traders, and the adventurers who were complicit in this, I need to make some preparations first.

I have made the decision to crush them to the point they won’t be able to crawl out of the ruin.

Meanwhile, I decided to start building the living quarters of the Foret Noir Dungeon.

For the safety of the liberated demi-humans and beastfolk, it is better for them to not leave the dungeon for a while. But more importantly, since the subordinate contract has been established between us, they are already my companions.

They have already been through so much hardship, that’s why I want them to live happily without worry!

In order to achieve that, the top priority is to create an environment where each race can live comfortably and in peace.

According to the information I’ve gathered, elves and dwarves want to live in a forest, while the beastfolk want to live in plains where they can run around.

In addition, elves are good at sewing and making accessories, while dwarves are good at making weapons and armor.

Alright, let’s get to it right away!

Thus, after consulting Ars and Irs, we decided that the 3rd floor would be a residential area with forests and plains, and the 4th floor would be a workshop area.

As for the dungeon points, they have increased considerably in the past month and a half, so there was plenty left.

We built two floors in about 10 minutes and had the demihumans use it as they pleased. I also told them to reach out to Ars if they had any requests.

Four people, including Barbaru, approached me when I had just settled down.

「Oh! I was just about to go meet you guys. Is it okay if we have a strategy meeting right now?」

「Nn. Okay.」

「Great. Let’s talk about our next move and how to deal with the slave traders. First, we need to convict all the slave traders at once. If the nobles evade punishment by pinning it on their subordinates, then this situation will continue to happen.」

「You are right, bro! Do you have an idea of what to do?」

「Indeed. For that reason, we have to create an opportunity to talk to the royal family and the people in the government. And that should be possible soon.」

「What do you mean, bro? Wouldn’t it be impossible for people like us to meet the royal family?」

「No. It should be fine if we make them understand that we are the strongest in this country. And the opportunity for that is just on the horizon.」

「Ah! The Clan Battle Tournament!」

「Yes. By winning and becoming number one in the ranking, our voice will have an overwhelming influence.

But conversely, we have to be careful until then. That’s why we need to go to Miralda tomorrow and make sure they don’t realize we’re the attackers.」

「That makes sense, bro! If I turn into my dragon form and fly to Miralda, we’ll get there in no time, but it would be conspicuous. So it looks like we’ll have to run there on foot.」

「Yeah. Even if we match our running speed, we should be able to arrive in about an hour. I’ll take care of things after arriving at Miralda. And finally, regarding Bride…」

「Before that, I have a request…」

「Hmm? What is it, Nelfie?」

「Could you let me join Black Thunder?

Of course I want to return the favor for helping me, but I also heard from Kinu about the goal of the [Star Supremacy] clan. I also want to help this clan.

However, all I can do is combat and espionage. I vow to be of use!」

「Of course. Actually, I was thinking of asking you to join as well. Moreover, everyone has already acknowledged you.」

「Nn. Nelfie is reliable. The previous attack has proven that she excels in both intelligence and combat.」

「Yeah! And Shinku was overdoing it in the name of infiltration. Rather, Shinku, you’ve got a lecture coming your way!」

Shinku had a puzzled expression. I guess she has no idea what I’m even talking about…

「Yes, Aun-sama. My disguise and acting were still inexperienced. I will work harder.」

As expected, Shinku’s response proves that she misunderstood what I meant. She thinks that no one will care even if she dies, doesn’t she?

I think I need to be a little harsher.

「That’s not it! I told you not to do anything dangerous, didn’t I? Cherish yourself more! Don’t ever think of sacrificing yourself!」

「Shinku…we care about you as much as you care about us. That’s why Aun and I are angry.」

Kinu admonished her gently, but you could tell from her expression that she was angry.

「A… Aun-sama, Kinu-sama! I… misunderstood… I am sorry!」

「You finally understand. From now on, don’t do anything unreasonable, okay? Also, consult with us before you act.」

「Understood! I will take it to heart!」

Shinku will probably not improve right away, so we’ll have to keep telling her this from time to time. She is already our precious family, after all.

「This is a really good clan. I’m proud to be part of this circle.」

「Yeah! I am proud to call everyone here my friends! Welcome to the team, Nelfie!」

Nelfie became a member of [Black Thunder] as well as a clan member, further strengthening our fighting power.

By doing so, things like espionage and detecting enemies, which we were struggling with until now, will become smoother.

As for the balance of the party, although it puts a lot of emphasis on the firepower, it can be said that our overall balance is close to perfection.

「Alright, let’s talk about Bride now.」

「Bro, you said you knew something about him…」

「Yeah. The red-haired magic swordsman Bride is probably one of the members of the party I formed when I first became an adventurer.

I was betrayed by them and nearly died. Since we’re already talking about him, I want to talk about that time as well.」

「Aun… you don’t have to force yourself.」

「Thank you, Kinu. But I think I should tell my friends about this.

However, knowing this could get you into danger. That is why I couldn’t talk about it until now.」

「In that case, please tell us everything. Aun is important to us… We don’t want you to face the danger alone.」

「That’s right, bro! Besides, we’re the ones who will protect your back so that you can move freely!」

Everyone in the room nodded.

I have truly good friends.

Thus, I talked about what happened 14 years ago.