Chapter 31

The day after arriving on Ars Island.

In the large hall of the government building, the ratmen and slimes had gathered.

In the hands of the ratmen in the front row, there were small crossbows, about a hundred in total.

"I didn't think you'd actually make them..."

As I marveled, Yurii replied with a proud look on her face.

"We were lagging behind in combat, but when it comes to forging, you can count on me!"

Yurii thumped her large chest.

Next to her, Serene was examining the crossbow in her hands closely.

"I see, you used snake skin for the bow part."

"Yes. The bolts also use arrowcrow feathers for the fletching, so even though they're small, they can fly far."

"I confirmed that during the training session. They have the same power as a regular crossbow."

Earlier, Serene had been teaching the ratmen how to use the crossbows.

I took a quick look, and the wooden target was shattered with a single shot. Additionally, it seemed that even the ratmen could aim easily.

Yurii continued.

"Today we made a hundred, but tomorrow we can make two hundred. We can also make more knives and breastplates."

The black-haired clan's forging skills were indeed impressive.

To think they could produce this much with just thirty people in a day.

"That's reassuring. But... will they fit in Lord Alex's Pandora Box?"

"A hundred fit, but..."

The crossbows and weapons made in Roburion were, of course, transported by my Pandora Box.

The food we bought at the monastery yesterday took up more space, but even then, the Pandora Box wasn't full.

Serene recalled.

"Of course, Yurii and the black-haired clan are amazing, but Your Highness's magic is also..."

"Considering how far apart Roburion and Ars are..."

Yurii looked at me with a hint of fear.

Elysia shook her head at the two of them.

"We shouldn't be surprised by such things. His Highness is still young. When he grows up, he will use even more powerful magic!"

"I do intend to master dark magic..."

For some reason, I felt itchy...

Maybe it's because before the reset, I never received such praise after being granted the crest.

Elysia and the others looked at me with a smile, perhaps thinking I was blushing.

"Anyway, we have the crossbows. Let's have the ratmen drive away the arrowcrows right away."

"Understood! I've already conveyed the plan! – Everyone, are you ready!?"

In response to Serene's question, Tia raised her crossbow.

"Sure thing! We'll avenge our fallen comrades here!"

The other ratmen also cheered loudly.

The atmosphere was incredible... This must be the effect of Serene's crest, [Hot-Blooded].

After that, we decided to head outside the government building.

Elysia, Yurii, Serene, and I continued down the street, with me casting [Invisibility] on everyone.

Serene muttered.

"You use it so casually, but that's quite a powerful spell..."

"By the way, was dark magic used in ancient times?"

At Elysia's question, Serene shook her head.

"Of course not. Anyone who used it would immediately turn into a demon. Even in my time, no one used dark magic."

So, I must be the first one...

Thinking about it made me a bit uneasy. Would I really not turn into a demon?

The demons being unusually quiet also added to my unease...

But then, I noticed someone up ahead.

An arrowcrow was scanning the street from all directions.

It might be looking for the rats it was eating. But those rats had already become ratmen.

On the other hand, the ratmen quietly entered the houses to avoid being seen by the arrowcrow.

"I see. They'll shoot from inside the houses."

"Yes. They'll attack from all directions at once. If any are missed, I'll take care of them."

Serene spoke with confidence.

She must believe the ratmen can do it.

As we watched, bolts were closing in on the arrowcrow.

The arrowcrow tried to fly away, but...

It let out a short scream and fell to the ground, with about five bolts embedded in its body.

The slimes approached the dead arrowcrow and carried it to a nearby house.

I see. The slimes are responsible for the recovery.

Serene called out loudly.

"Everyone did a great job!"

"Serene, isn't your voice too loud?"

When Yurii said this with a worried look, Serene looked regretful.

"No, [Invisibility] also muffles sound. It's fine."

"O-Oh, I see! No, everyone did a great job!"

Serene praised the ratmen loudly.

"Well, I'm not sure if it completely muffles sound... Anyway, you did a great job. It seems the ratmen and slimes can handle it on their own."

Even without my or Serene's help, they can fight the arrowcrows.

Serene replied.

"Against a single opponent, we won't lose. So, we aim for when there's only one."

"Overwhelming them with numbers, huh."

"Yes. Safety first! ...Let's keep up this pace and hunt the arrowcrows!"

After that, the ratmen continued to hunt the arrowcrows one after another.