Ch.130Reinforcement Troops Deployed

In just one day, news of the recapture of the second and third underground floors spread, causing the residents of Nidavellir to cheer loudly and rush toward the mine.

The Korkas Mine had been abandoned for three years after a humiliating retreat forced by monsters.

While cleaning and repairs were underway to restore it to its original state, we took time to eat, rest, and regroup on the surface.

“I think it would be safer to start cleaning and repairs after completely reclaiming down to the fourth underground floor.”

“Can’t be helped. This is their livelihood they’ve reclaimed after three years. The Aqua Kings said they’ll guard the elevator entrance, so nothing should happen overnight.”

“I agree. While we shouldn’t let our guard down, enemies focused on defense have no reason to send up a small force just to sacrifice them meaninglessly.”

I actually share Jessica and Phyllis’s opinion on this matter.

Our presence, which overturned a three-year stalemate in just one day, must have been like a bolt from the blue for the Dragoons. That’s why they executed a massive retreat using extreme tactics like barriers and self-destruction.

Their destruction of the elevator and lighting fixtures on the fourth floor clearly shows their intention to delay our pursuit even slightly.

‘What bothers me is why those retreating from the third floor were stalling for time…’

It doesn’t seem like they sacrificed troops to secure strategic supplies, and since they didn’t use anything immediately, it probably wasn’t something that would help in battle.

If they were biological monsters, there might have been eggs or offspring, but Dragoons are classified as golems…

The only way to find out is to go down to the fourth floor and check.

“Anyway, let’s all get plenty of rest today. About half the Dwarf craftsmen are working on mine maintenance, so we’ll need to wait until tomorrow afternoon for enough replacement scales to be made.”

“Then I guess I can stay up a bit late tonight.”

“Eh?”

Jessica’s comment about staying up late drew immediate reactions from Seti, Mina, and Phyllis.

Phyllis had the most intense reaction.

“J-Jessica! Even though we’re in someone else’s house… well, I suppose the city lodgings are also someone else’s property.”

“Hmm~ This house only has one bedroom, so I wish you’d consider me, the single one here.”

“I’m ready whenever Will wants. Oh, but if Fatum comes by, he might smell it.”

“Eh? What are you all talking about…!?!?”

Jessica, finally realizing what the three were implying, waved her hands frantically with a reddened face and explained:

“N-No! That’s not what I meant!”

“What? It wasn’t? I was secretly looking forward to it, thinking that’s what you meant.”

“Come on, Will! There’s no way we could do that in a house with poor soundproofing and open windows.”

“Then what were you planning to do late at night…”

“Magic study! Since obtaining the Fragment of Omniscience, I’ve started seeing ways to improve existing formulas. Even if I can’t modify them right away, I need to organize the ideas that come to mind.”

“Hmm…”

It seems the passionate night with the three will have to wait until we return to Atelier.

The Northern Fortress lodgings have a military barracks-like structure with no privacy, making it uncomfortable even without other guests…

No, no, the mine reclamation operation isn’t even finished yet, so I shouldn’t let my mind wander.

I need to resist Seti’s temptation as she stares at me while licking her lips. Yes.

Despite the distant sound of hammering throughout the night, it surprisingly didn’t disturb my sleep much.

Perhaps I’ve grown accustomed to adventure enough that moderate noise doesn’t bother me, or maybe I was just tired from clearing two floors yesterday.

Rising leisurely around 9 AM, we finished breakfast and visited the blacksmith, where we received 150 replacement scales, four neatly repaired shields, and three additional spare shields.

“I apologize. If everyone had worked on it like yesterday, we could have made about 200, but many of our people are out working on mine maintenance…”

“Don’t worry about it. Combined with what we left behind yesterday, we have 180, and if that seems insufficient, we can always retreat early and prepare for another day.”

“Thank you for understanding. Please take good care of the Korkas Mine.”

“Ah, just wait patiently.”

After completing our preparations and approaching the mine entrance with Ancestor, we found Fatum surrounded by Aqua King youths, looking troubled.

About a dozen Aqua Kings were raising their voices, making it difficult to understand what they were saying, but from the atmosphere, they seemed to be questioning Fatum about something.

“I’ve told you many times! This isn’t something I can decide on my own…”

“You’re the leader of the warriors here, Fatum! How can you say you have no decision-making power over our village’s problem?”

“What kind of warrior—what kind of Beast King—leaves everything to outside adventurers and just sits around doing nothing?”

“If we just had those shields, our side would be much…”

“Hey! What’s all the commotion about today?”

As I shouted while approaching, the attention of the noisy Aqua King youths turned toward us.

Fatum, seemingly just noticing us, bowed his head in greeting.

“Why is everyone gathered at the mine entrance? Did you discover some treasure left behind by the monsters?”

“Well, actually…”

“Today we want to participate in reclaiming the mine!”

“That’s right! We can’t just let the adventurers take all the glory!”

“We’ll show you the true strength of the Aqua Kings!”

When one of the Aqua Kings surrounding Fatum expressed his intention to enter the mine, the others around him chimed in enthusiastically.

Interestingly, they said they “will participate” rather than “would like to participate.”

Combined with their earlier talk about decision-making authority, it seems they don’t consider us to have command over the Korkas Mine reclamation at all.

While their enthusiasm could be helpful, it would be best to clarify the chain of command.

“We’d be delighted to have your help with the reclamation. However, Fatum is fighting under our command—can you accept the condition that you’ll follow our instructions rather than his?”

“Why isn’t Fatum the leader?”

“The reason is simple. Our party includes a Felinid warrior, so we understand beastfolk fighting styles, but you’re not familiar with our guns or magic. Isn’t it natural for someone who knows their own hand to command the battle?”

“Hmm…”

“If that doesn’t sit well with you, you’re welcome to form your own team and act separately from us. But in that case, prepare your own protective gear. The shields and scales we have are specifically prepared for those who will follow our strategy.”

My demand was simple: either follow our instructions or form your own team and prepare your own scale shields.

The effect was tremendous. Their sudden enthusiasm stemmed from confidence that with scale shields, they could reclaim the mine without our help.

But no matter how skilled the Dwarves are, they can’t instantly produce shields and scales, and they know that going down without scale shields would only repeat the disadvantage they’ve experienced for three years.

If they want to participate in the Korkas Mine reclamation and gain merit, their only option is to come under our command.

“Fine. If you insist, we’ll follow your instructions. But I hope you won’t treat us as mere porters or Fatum’s replacements, making us just follow behind you.”

“How could we waste the Aqua Kings’ strength like that? By the way, besides close combat weapons, who’s good with bows or throwing weapons?”

“Every warrior here. We can imbue spears, throwing axes, and arrows with magical power to deal effective hits against monsters.”

“Excellent. Then we’ll wait here while you each bring your preferred weapons. Let’s go in together and sweep through the fourth floor.”

“Heh, now you’re talking.”

After hearing my instruction to bring their weapons, the Aqua King youths dispersed with satisfied smiles. Once they were far enough away, Fatum apologized in a low voice.

“I’m ashamed. As the leader of the Aqua Kings, I couldn’t control the warriors, causing disruption to the operation…”

“No, this actually works out well. I’ve been thinking about those monsters.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll explain slowly. Fatum, Mina, could you go down first and ask Director Kelly to hand over all the dynamite remaining in the mine?”

“Got it. Let’s go, Fatum.”

“Ah, understood.”

As Mina and Fatum headed into the Korkas Mine, I began refining the plan forming in my head while waiting for the Aqua King youths with Jessica and Seti.

‘Get ready, Aqua King friends. I’m going to squeeze every last drop out of you, making black companies look tame in comparison.’