Chapter 84

At twilight in the capital city.

As I was minding the store, Edgar came in.

I was genuinely surprised.

No matter how excellent he is, there were supposed to be over 2,000 places to investigate worldwide.

“Huh!? Edgar, have you finished investigating already?”

“No, not quite. …But there was something that caught my attention, so I thought I'd report it.”

“What is it?”

Edgar came to the counter and spread out a map and a piece of paper.

“I was told that the large circles on the map represent strong magic, and the small circles represent weak magic, but in reality, the size of the statues was what mattered.”

“So they were just representing the size…? Wait, the busts are supposed to be small enough to hold in your hand or place on a desk, right?”

“No, the large ones were as tall as a two-story house.”

“So the smaller ones are the busts…?”

“Wouldn’t that be strange? These are items that can rival the Philosopher's Stone or the Jewel of Light, right? I think the magic is too weak.”

“Yeah, that does seem strange… Why could that be?”

“I’ve only investigated this country and the surrounding ones, so I can’t say for sure. But perhaps, like before, they don’t exist in this world, or they are hidden using barriers or seals.”

“I see… So there’s no clue, huh?”

I frowned.

I thought if we could thoroughly investigate, we would find them.

But that premise has been overturned.

Edgar grinned, showing his white teeth.

“But it’s too early to give up—look at this.”

“What is it?”

Edgar showed me a piece of paper.

It had a signature that looked like a scribbled version of the name "Scula."

“The signature is on the back or the base of the evil god statues. Not all of them, but I think it’s from the renowned sculptor, Scula.”

“Is she famous?”

“Oh, very much so. She’s famous as an artist who evokes primal fear. Her works are said to be in every museum.”

If she was working alone, it would be easier.

“So if we meet this Scula, we might learn something about the evil god’s busts.”

“Maybe she has the real thing and is just making replicas. That’s what I think.”

“I see.”

“What do you want to do? Should I go meet her? I haven’t pinpointed where she lives yet.”

I thought for a moment.

“I want you to continue investigating—but. Another urgent problem has arisen, and I want you to prioritize that.”

“What is it? I’ll do anything.”

With renewed enthusiasm, Edgar leaned forward. I briefly explained the issue with the fake puchi Eri.

His black eyes, hidden by his bangs, gleamed.

“That’s serious. It’s easy to make the bottles and the consistency look similar. It’ll be too late once the damage is done. It could even affect Alec.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought… Is there any way to prevent it?”

“All I can do is find them and make them stop.”

“But there might be others planning to make more fakes… It’s frustrating.”

“My approach is just a temporary fix. Consider it a last resort.”

“It’s frustrating because it’s not a fundamental solution… So, for now, can you find the ones who are planning this? And also, find a merchant who might be trusted with puchi Eri.”

I groaned as I made the request.

I hoped a merchant would be found, but I still felt uneasy.

I was dissatisfied, but I couldn’t pinpoint what was bothering me.

“Got it! —So, I’ll investigate…”

Before Edgar could finish, my communicator vibrated.

Pulling it out, I saw the screen glowing red.

I gasped and immediately spoke.

“What’s wrong, Kō!?”

“Warning! The enemy dungeon is attacking! It’s very dangerous! Warning!”

“Really! I’m coming right away! —Edgar! Can you close the store for me?”

“Got it!”

Without waiting for Edgar’s response, I ran to the wardrobe in the back of the store.

◇ ◇ ◇

I rushed into Kō’s dungeon and arrived at the front hall.

Sofia, dressed in a monk’s robe, was already there, holding a staff.

Then, Liricia came running from the corridor leading to the mansion, her silver flail gleaming.

“Master!”

“You made it, Liricia—Kō, how many are coming? About the same as last time?”

“No! It’s 2.74 billion power, Tier 6! It’s super strong!”

“How long until they attack?”

“Less than 5 minutes?”

“Got it.”

I drew my sword and got into position.

Then, from behind, there was a loud bang.

The door to a private room in the back hall opened.

“Kyu!”

A young girl who looked about five years old, a holy white dragon, came flying out from the back hall, her white dress fluttering as she approached the front hall.

She stood next to me, clenching her small fists and frowning. Her cute mouth was set in a determined line.

“Will you fight with us?”

“Kyu!”

“Thank you… By the way, I’ve been thinking of a name for you.”

“Kyu!?”

“What about Dodo Gon? It sounds strong and cool, right?”

I said it proudly, but the young girl frowned deeply and made a sound I had never heard before.

“Gyu gyu~i~!!”

“She really doesn’t like it…”

Liricia said in a bemused voice from the side.

“Master, since she’s a girl, you should give her a cute name, not a strong and cool one.”

“I see.”

“Kyu!”

The young girl moved to Liricia’s side, looking happy. She seemed to agree with Liricia’s opinion.

Liricia patted the young girl’s head affectionately.

I couldn’t think of a good name, so I asked.

“So, what kind of name would be good?”

“Hmm… Since she has blue eyes, how about Lapis or Lapisia? And since she has white hair, how about Whitya, Snow, or Alba?”

As Liricia thought, Sofia, with her blue hair, suggested.

“Or, how about Ran, short for dragon?”

I nodded, thinking it was a good idea.

“That’s a cute name. Ran… Ran… How about Lāna, with a slight twist?”

“Kyu!? —Kyu~!”

The young girl was surprised by my suggestion and threw her arms around me.

She buried her face in my stomach and nodded repeatedly.

“I see. You like the name Lāna, huh?”

“Kyu, kyu!”

“Then from today, you’re Lāna. Nice to meet you.” “Lāna, that’s great.”

“Kyu!”

Lāna shook her white hair joyfully.

I gently pushed her away.

“Alright, the dungeon is coming. Let’s do our best.”

“Kyu!” “Yes!” “I’ll do my best!”

Then, a tall, thin man came from the corridor leading to the store.

He fiddled with the knife in his hand and smiled nonchalantly.

“Should I help too?”

“I appreciate it, Edgar. Thanks.”

“Got it.”

Despite his unreliable appearance, he entered the hall confidently.

His messy hair swayed gracefully.

The sound of wings flapping could be heard from the sides and behind.

Liricia spread her white wings beautifully, and Sofia spread one white and one black wing.

Liricia was staring intently at the entrance to the dungeon’s corridor, while Sofia was muttering, “Sink, be still… my wing…” while holding her right hand.

—She’s kind of scary.

But now isn’t the time for that.

We need to focus on the attacking dungeon.

Kō’s voice echoed through the dungeon.

“Connecting in 5 seconds! —3… 2… 1… They’re coming!”

The next moment, a bright red light filled my vision.

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Due to a contradiction in the story, I might not be able to update tomorrow. I apologize.