Banished from the herd, I was actually a member of a very rare species. ~With the unique skills that only I can use, I can grow and evolve quickly. I will become an unrivaled monster~ - Episode 120: The Bustling Town

Episode 120: The Bustling Town

(Note: Special for this chapter the MC’s dialogue is written in ‘…..’)

On the third day since arriving in the underground kingdom, we ventured into the streets. We were accompanied by Xanthos and Krissa, surrounded by the city’s lively commotion.

‘We’re really standing out.’

“Katsu, you’re big, after all.”

As we walked through the streets, I felt a bit uneasy. The citizens, while watching us from a distance, didn’t approach. In fact, they were careful not to step into my path. It allowed us to move smoothly. I started feeling bad about it.

Even though I had used a spatial expansion bag to shrink my size, I was still as large as a small elephant. Of course, they’d avoid me.

“It’s not just that, though. It’s their first time seeing someone from outside, so they’re extra cautious,” 

The green-haired girl, Krissa, said so with a laugh that I couldn’t quite figure out.

After several awkward interactions, Krissa’s attitude had eventually settled into something like this.

‘Well, it’s convenient that they’re clearing the way. For now, just take us to that place you recommended.’

“Roger that!”

With Krissa leading the way in high spirits, we began exploring the city of the Isa Kingdom. It was my first time seeing a city in another world, and even Fisu seemed fascinated by the foreign architecture. Although the region she came from was also built primarily from stone, the materials and architectural styles were different here.

In particular, since the sun here never moves from its place in the sky, the structures are adapted to that unique environment. Additionally, the foundation of this city is based on artifacts.

For example, they use a device to till the fields that looks like a dragonfly but with its head replaced by a rotating blade. Livestock are monitored by pseudo-magical constructs shaped like haniwa statues. The elderly move around using something akin to self-driving chairs.

(Note:

Haniwa Statues)

Even the floating sunstone in the sky is an artifact. It seems to also function as a furnace that amplifies mana. During the night, when it stops glowing, it sends the |Mana| stored inside to the various |Mana| storage facilities around the city, which powers the larger artifacts.

“And that’s how |Mana| is sent from the sky.”

‘Wow, I didn’t know there was a method like that. It’s well thought out.’

“I’ve never heard of that either. So that’s how it works, huh.”

Tanasis, our guide, was explaining how the artifacts worked. Although the others are residents of the underground kingdom, it doesn’t mean they know everything about artifacts.

“Since there are no artifacts on the surface, it’s understandable that this is all new to you. By the way, how do people on the surface—”

Tanasis frequently asked about the surface world, which was a bit of a hassle. But considering how important this was to him, I couldn’t blame him. I passed the questions to Fisu where possible, answering only what I could.

‘Still, the city is full of energy. Everyone seems really busy. Is this how it normally is here?’

“At the end of this month, we have a festival. It’s the Earth God Festival, held once every five years. Everyone is excited and busy with preparations.”

“……”

“The word ‘god’… doesn’t sit well.”

‘Hey, hey. I understand how you feel after the whole Demon Cult incident, but you shouldn’t say that out loud.’

I cautioned her, worried about offending the locals by disrespecting their beliefs. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice or care.

We continued our tour of the city, eating mysterious sweet treats—apparently made from a unique local crop—along the way. For lunch, we had roasted frog, which surprisingly tasted good. We also tried thin, crunchy snacks made from fish caught in the underground lakes. 

—

‘There really is a forest here…’

“Yeah, it feels strange, being underground and all.”

‘The power of the Sunstone is pretty amazing.’

On the fourth day, we ventured outside the city. Opposite the grasslands where we had fallen was a forest, known as one of the major habitats of magical beasts in the underground. The guards patrolled daily to keep the numbers under control.

“This forest wasn’t here originally. It was created through the use of artifacts and reforestation efforts.” 

‘I see. So, were the grasslands made the same way?’

“Yes, that area was developed primarily for grazing livestock.”

Tanasis continued to share interesting tidbits of knowledge. Now that I thought about it, there had been small magical beasts around when I first fell.

Meanwhile, Xanthos and Krissa were keeping watch. With Xanthos at the front and Krissa at the rear, they were on the lookout for magical beasts.

‘But why did they let the magical beasts breed so much? They wouldn’t have just suddenly appeared one day, right?’

“They did it to create a place for people to <Level Up> and to produce high-quality magical beast materials. The materials from {Evolved} magical beasts often have unique properties.”

“──Magical beast up ahead.”

Xanthos, leading the way, raised one hand. Tension rippled through the group.

“The sound of those wings is likely from Cave Bats, a type of Lesser Beast. There are three of them, and they’ll make contact in about twenty seconds.”

When I had suggested that we head to a place where magical beasts appeared, I was briefed on the types of creatures that frequent this area. The Cave Bats are a type of magical bat with sound-related [Skills].

“Got it.”

“…Is Lady Fisu really going to fight?”

“No problem.”

Fisu, who stepped forward, was dressed differently than usual. She wore light armor designed for agility, commonly used by the kingdom’s Senitnels, and an artifact gauntlet. The gauntlet on her right hand was designed for artillery, with a hexagonal attachment at the end.

“””Kiikiiie!“””

Three Cave Bats flew towards us, weaving through the sparsely spaced trees. They were about the size of regular bats but with slightly larger bodies and glistening, elongated fangs.

“Activate, shoot.”

Fisu infused her |Mana| into the gauntlet, and a |Mana|-infused projectile shot from the artillery device on her right hand. It flew at a speed comparable to an arrow, but the agile Cave Bats dodged it with ease. The second and third shots also missed.

“Though I’ve had her trained, it’s hard to hit evasive creatures like Cave Bats—”

“—I’ve gotten used to it.”

With the fourth, fifth, and sixth shots, Fisu skillfully shot down all three Cave Bats in quick succession. Silence settled over the group.

“…That’s crazy.”

“I thought this during the test shots as well, but Lady Fisu’s talent for shooting is terrifying.”

“It’s just because the weapon is good. I barely even used any |Mana|, yet the power was amazing.”

Fisu gently stroked the red Mana Crystal embedded in the magic cannon attached to her right gauntlet.

“When you use high-grade Mana Crystals, the output of the |Mana| release increases as well. Normally, only captains of the defense force are allowed to carry such weapons, but… thanks to Katsu-dono, we were able to make an exception. We are deeply grateful for the donation.”

‘Fisu helped discover that Mana Crystal vein too. And besides, there’s no point in hoarding it. I’m the one who should be thanking you guys for making all of this possible.’

We had discovered a cave filled with high-quality Mana Crystals just before our battle against the “Earth Splitter”. We donated a portion of those crystals to the Isa Kingdom in exchange for having artifacts made for us.

The production of artifacts was overseen by the kingdom’s Sage, apparently the ruler of the kingdom with Immortal Attribute and a disciple of the Great Sage. Tanasis had gone to great lengths to secure permission from them for us. I was beyond grateful for all the effort he had put in.

“The dissection of the Bats is complete.”

‘Thanks. Alright, let’s find the next target!’

“Yeah!”

And so, our exploration of the forest continued.