Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest Vol. 8 Read online

  “Y-You lazy little—”

  Shizuku, who wasn’t privy to the background behind their fights, fumed at his response. Just then, one of the fighters asked for her assistance.

  “Shizuku-chan, I’ll leave the vanguard to you!”

  “What!? Why do I have to get mixed up in all this!?”

  And so, Shizuku was smoothly integrated into their quarrel. Seeing that Kaori had enlisted reinforcements, Tio decided to find some of her own.

  “Come, Princess. We shall wade into battle together! You are a master of barrier magic, are you not? I shall need yours and Suzu’s assistance!”

  “Wait, you want me!? Why!?”

  “Did you just include me!?”

  The perverted dragon grabbed the two crying girls and hauled them into the fray using her monstrous strength. She looked almost like a mother disciplining her children.

  “Even though I’m the princess... no one listens to me...” Liliana mumbled sadly. She looked to her maid for salvation, but Helina simply cheered her on.

  “Go for it, Liliana-sama! This is your chance to make yourself his wife!”

  It appeared not even her maid understood her. Liliana once again reverted to looking at the ceiling with dead eyes.. Suzu, too, beseeched Kouki and Ryutarou for help, but they both awkwardly averted their gazes. They had no desire to get in the middle of a fight between these girls. It wouldn’t do for guys to butt in, after all.

  “Are you really abandoning me!? You are, aren’t you!? I won’t forget this!”

  Poor Suzu was doomed to the same fate as Liliana.

  “Shea, be my vanguard.”

  “Roger! I won’t let anyone get close to you, Yue-san! I’ll turn them all into mincemeat!”

  Shea was raring to go. Her bunny ears stood straight up and her lips curled up into a fearless smile. She smacked her fists together, causing a shockwave of mana to ripple outward. Yue smiled at Hajime, much like a wife smiling at her husband before marching off to war. Wasn’t it supposed to be the other way around, normally?

  “I’ll be going, Hajime. It’s time to teach them the difference between us.”

  “Yeah, have fun. Just don’t break anything.”

  “Will you give me a reward when I come back?”

  “Yeah, so don’t take too long.”

  “Okay...”

  Their little exchange riled up Kaori and Tio even more. They could hardly hold back their bloodlust. The group filed out of the bridge, taking their unwilling conscripts with them. Above the clouds, the weather was always clear. Which made every day a good day for fighting. Before long, the sounds of rumbling thunder and exploding breath could be heard outside. Kouki and Ryutarou both jumped every time there was another bang. Is it really okay to leave them alone like this?

  “They sound like they’re having fun.”

  However, Hajime remained utterly unconcerned.

  “You’re fine even after hearing all that!? Ngh, so this is the difference between me and Nagumo.”

  “Uhh, I don’t think that’s quite it. Just calm down, Kouki.

  Kouki ground his teeth, frustrated that he was getting worked up while Hajime continued lying on the sofa. Meanwhile, Ryutarou just sighed. His voice carried through the bridge which had been emptied of all but the guys.

  The sea of trees came into view around the same time that Yue and the others’ bout came to a close. The beastmen, terrified by the sounds they’d been hearing for the past few minutes, eagerly crowded near the front of the gondola. Oddly enough, a few of the beastmen could have sworn they’d heard the emperor’s screams during the fight, but they chalked it up to their imagination.

  They arrived just as the sun was finishing its trek below the horizon. Verbergen’s streets were filled with warm, natural light emitted by torches placed at regular intervals. The torches were created from a wood that burned easily and last a long time. There was also a plethora of lamps that used caged phosphorescent insects for light.

  Thanks to Kaori’s assistance, Verbergen’s recovery had progressed quite smoothly. It now resembled the same fantastical city of fey illusions that Hajime had been awed by on his first trip to the city. At a glance, it almost seemed as if the demon army’s invasion and the empire’s assault had never happened. One would have expected that all of Verbergen’s residents had returned to their former, peaceful lives and were happily spending time with their families. And indeed, that’s how it should have been.

  “Does anyone know how many supplies the western settlements have left!?”

  “Have you guys still not finished allotting everyone houses!? We don’t have any time, hurry it up!”

  “Eeek!? One of the Haulia— Oh, you’re just a normal rabbitman...”

  “Stop gushing about Kaori-sama and get back to work, you slackers!”

  The city was as busy as Fuhren’s streets on market day. Everyone, regardless of age, race, or occupation, was working on some task or another. However, while they were clearly busy, no one appeared to be panicking. In fact, they all seemed strangely hopeful. One of Verbergen’s elders, the elf Ulfric Heipyst, watched the proceedings through an open window and sighed. He let the night breeze wash over his face for a few seconds longer, then rubbed his eyes tiredly. He once again looked down at the documents in his hand, his expression unreadable. The documents were reports on how to integrate a few thousand of their brethren back into Verbergen’s cities, and requests for all manners of supplies and personnel.

  “Hey, Cam. Are all they all really coming home?”

  At Ulfric’s muttered question, a figure materialized in the room, as if it had appeared out of thin air.

  “How many times are you going to ask that question? Nothing I say will be able to confirm it for you. So stop worrying and get back to your preparations,” Cam Haulia said sharply.

  Cam and the others had returned to Verbergen ahead of time using one of Hajime’s portals. They’d needed to warn the city of the beastmen’s upcoming return, so they’d be ready to hold them all. Thanks to the telepathy stones that only the Haulia could use, they were able to quickly inform all of Verbergen and its outlying settlements. Incidentally, the reason why Cam had been hiding his presence was because it had become a hobby of his.

  Ulfric smiled wanly and said, “I know. But it’s just so hard to believe. To think the empire, of all people, would release all their slaves...”

  “Well you’ll be able to see the truth for yourself in a few hours. It’s not like I don’t get where you’re coming from. If it weren’t for our boss, we wouldn’t have been able to come this far either.”

  “By boss... you mean Hajime Nagumo, don’t you? If what you say is true, he’s saved not only my granddaughter’s life, but the lives of all beastmen everywhere. We owe him a debt we can never hope to repay...”

  “Boss doesn’t want you to repay him anyway. Now get back to work. You’ve still got a bunch of reports to sort through.”

  At Cam’s blunt words, Ulfric turned to look at him. The rabbitman was looking off into the distance, likely conversing with his comrades via Telepathy, yet he had no openings. In fact, he was wrapped in a dignified aura, befitting his status as chief of his tribe. It was hard to believe he hadn’t even been noticeable moments ago.

  To think this is the same man who prostrated himself before me only a few months ago, begging me not to execute his tribe... It was hard to fathom. His former gentle nature was nowhere to be seen. Now the air around him was so sharp it felt as though just touching him would cut you. And Ulfric had seen firsthand what happened to anyone who opposed him.

  When Cam and the others had first returned to Verbergen, the elders, Ulfric included, hadn’t believed their report that they’d defeated the empire and forced them to free all of its slaves. Their doubts were understandable. After all, it was unthinkable that a single clan would be able to take on the might of the empire and survive, much less achieve victory.

  Sure they might have taken out an elite unit of bearme
n in the past, and also saved Verbergen from the demon onslaught, but defeating an empire was on a completely different level. It was a difficult claim to believe. Most of the elders had dismissed Cam’s story and his request that Verbergen prepare to receive the thousands of beastmen that would be returning as falsehoods. Some of them even went as far as to say that the Haulia were still holding a grudge over the fact that Verbergen had exiled them and at one point attempted to execute them, and that this was all part of some elaborate revenge plot. That had been a mistake.

  Zel, the tigerman elder, had gotten heated up and accused Cam and the others of plotting rebellion. He then had unsheathed his weapon, which had led to the incident that nearly saw him beheaded. Haulia had sprung up out of nowhere, and ended the fight before it even started.

  Zel had found himself with a short sword pressed against his windpipe, and it was only thanks to Ulfric stepping in and mediating that he hadn’t lost his life then and there. Still, the fact that a seasoned warrior like Zel hadn’t been able to do a single thing, and that the Haulia had slipped past all of the elders guards proved that the Haulia were far stronger than the elders had given them credit for.

  The elders were forced to accept that maybe there was some truth to the Haulia’s claims that they’d toppled the imperial capital. After what they’d seen, they had no choice but to believe. Besides, no one wanted to argue with the Haulia when they were that scary. More than one elder had wet their pants when they saw the Haulia pop out of nowhere.

  Regin, the bearman who’d led the ill-fated raid on the Haulia, had been guarding the hall and had broken out in a cold sweat and hidden in a corner when they’d appeared. For nights afterward, he’d been tormented by nightmares where rabbits chased him down and killed him over and over. After seeing one of their strongest warriors cower because of the trauma he’d received at the Haulia’s hands, the elders quickly bowed their heads and quietly listened to what Cam had to say.

  Just thinking about that incident left Ulfric in a cold sweat. He looked back down at the documents Cam had told him to start working on, but before he could start someone walked into the room.

  “Grandfather, we’ve gathered enough emergency rations. This is how much is left in our granaries now.”

  A gentle voice, like the pealing of a bell, interrupted Ulfric. His granddaughter, Altina, handed him another sheaf of papers. She had long blonde hair that reached down to her legs, and pure green eyes that looked like the depths of a forest. Her skin had regained much of its lost luster after she’d been rescued by Hajime and brought back home. After returning to Verbergen, she’d enthusiastically thrown herself into work, helping Ulfric with his duties. Still, Ulfric was worried the kidnapping incident had left deep scars on Altina’s psyche. She was just a young girl, after all.

  “Thank you. But Altina, it’s only been a few days since you came back. You don’t have to push yourself so hard. Why not rest for a bit?”

  “I’ll be fine, grandfather. Our comrades are coming home, I can’t just sit around doing nothing.”

  Altina gently but firmly reassured Ulfric. Seeing her dazzling resolve, Ulfric couldn’t help but be amazed. Though she’d been raised as a sheltered princess, she was far more capable than her upbringing would suggest. She possessed quite a bit of grit too. And if Ulfric was honest with himself, he did appreciate the help. It warmed his heart to see the granddaughter he’d written off as dead being so lively, but at the same time— Fidget, squirm, glance

  There was obviously something on her mind. From what Ulfric could tell, she was elated about something.

  Where did that serious expression from earlier go? Ulfric followed her gaze, and realized she was staring at Cam. He sighed wearily and made his point.

  “Altina, if you’re worried about him why not just ask Cam?”

  “I-I don’t particularly care about what Nagumo-dono’s doing or...”

  “I never said I was referring to Hajime Nagumo.”

  “Grandfather, please don’t tease me like that!”

  Ulfric grinned, but inwardly he thought, Surely she hasn’t truly fallen for him? It was a worrying prospect to consider. Thanks to her personality, status, and looks, Altina had had many suitors, but she’d turned them all down. Supposedly the reason she gave each of them was that she had wanted to inherit her grandfather’s position and devote herself to serving Verbergen.

  This was the first time Ulfric had seen her look like this. He couldn’t help but be a little concerned, and his overprotective side came out a little.

  “Mmm. While Hajime Nagumo may have saved your life, you would do well to remember he doesn’t consider you anyone special. Furthermore, the ones who actually rescued you were the Haulia, not him. Personally, I don’t think he would make a good match for you...”

  “Like I said, I’m not interested in him! Sheesh, I was just wondering when he’d come back with all the other beastmen. That’s all!”

  Altina huffed and looked away. It appeared Ulfric had touched a nerve. Or rather, Altina was just trying to hide her embarrassment at having been seen through.

  Sweating, Altina tried to sneak out of the room before her grandfather interrogated her any further. At least she’s not aware of her own feelings yet. Ulfric thought with a weary sigh. If she actually tried to chase after him, she’d have an impossible road ahead of her. Ideally, Ulfric wanted his granddaughter to pick the safer road.

  To his surprise, Cam called out to Altina as she ducked under the doorway.

  “Lady Altina.”

  “Huh? Wh-What is it, Cam-san? Did you need something?”

  A knowing smile played across Cam’s lips, and Altina instantly went on guard.

  “Our boss may look like he has a harem of girls surrounding him, but in truth he’s only interested in one of them. And she’s the only one who’ll ever be truly special to him. If you want to have even a chance of reaching his heart, you’ll have to invest a lot of time and effort into gaining his trust.”

  “U-Uh... okay?”

  Cam’s lips curled even further upward, and he grinned triumphantly.

  “By the way, the person closest to becoming the next special person to him is my daughter—Shea. After all, the only reason he assisted us and made an enemy out of the empire was because he didn’t want her smile to vanish.”

  “I-Is that really true!?”

  “It is. Our boss was willing to take on an entire empire for Shea’s sake, and Shea’s sake alone. Fufufufu.”

  “Ah!”

  It was obvious what Cam was implying. “You don’t stand a chance against my daughter!”

  Incidentally, Altina was the same age as Shea, 16. So naturally, Altina felt a little angry when Cam told her she didn’t even stand a chance against someone her own age.

  “Shea-san... is that girl with pale blue hair, isn’t she? This may be arrogant of me to say, but I don’t see how I’m inferior to her in any way. It’s true that she may have spent more time with Nagumo-dono than me, but... given time I’m sure...”

  “Oh no. You see, our Shea’s more special than you think. I’m only warning you now so you don’t waste your time. If you waste your time chasing after an unattainable dream, you’ll grow old alone, you know?”

  “Well I don’t need your advice!”

  “Haaah... Cam, please stop teasing my granddaughter...”

  Ulfric sighed as he saw Cam’s childish smirk. The reason Cam had bothered poking his nose in at all was because he wanted to help his daughter out a little.

  When Shea had first left with Hajime, it was obvious to everyone that her crush was a one-sided affair. But when he’d seen them the night before the battle, the two of them had been much closer. After facing so many hardships together, it seemed their bond had grown. Their relationship had progressed to the point where another push from Shea would be enough to get Hajime to fall for her.

  And so, Cam hoped that by provoking Altina into trying something drastic, it would nudge Shea into taking tha
t final step. Of course he knew that were his daughter to ever find out she’d be furious with him, but he still wanted to support her.

  Seeing as he’d succeeded in riling Altina up, Cam chuckled to himself. The fact that he was willing to use an innocent maiden’s first love—even if she wasn’t aware of her own feelings—to further his own agenda proved that he was every bit the devil his boss was.

  Just then, the three of them heard a commotion outside. It was different from the usual tumult of people working; something strange was clearly going on. In fact, some people were even yelling.

  “What’s going on!?”

  Ulfric ran over to the window and looked outside. Seconds later, he realized what the source of the commotion was.

  “A pillar... of light?” A beam of light far brighter than any the sun could produce rained down from above the trees and illuminated Verbergen’s main square. Ulfric stared in awe, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. Behind him, Cam reassured him in a calm and arrogant voice,

  “Don’t worry, Ulfric. That light means Boss’s here.”

  The intense beam of light shining down on the city square was Fernir’s searchlight. Verbergen’s residents scurried away from the light as fast as they could. Once they were safely under the cover of darkness they looked up timidly to see what was going on. The soldiers gingerly unsheathed their weapons, determined to die in the defense of their homeland.

  Hajime’s massive airship descended on the now-empty square, snapping branches and crushing leaves as it passed through the trees.

  Naturally, none of the beastmen knew what an airship was, so they were worried that some new kind of monster had showed up in their midst. Hajime slowly lowered the gondola attached to Fernir to the ground, then with a shower of red sparks, separated it from the main ship. He then landed the airship itself next to the gondola.

  After seeing that, the citizens of Verbergen realized they weren’t dealing with a monster. But then what were they dealing with? And what did it want with them?