The Black Fog that Devours - CH 108

This time, it is about the aftermath and behind-the-scenes stories of the sham battle.

(Kurokiri POV)

“Well, that was a relatively simple settlement of our problems.”

Before our eyes, the alpacas carry the building materials, and the Minotamist erects the house using the materials.

“Yes, indeed. Well, neither of us had many Pawns, and we didn’t devise an elaborate strategy since it was our first time.”

In the midst of all this, the Fox Princess and I are chatting over a cup of tea.

“However, Mugi’s operation and firepower were astonishing. I didn’t anticipate that she would unleash an attack of that magnitude with all her allies in her path.”

“As if a fellow who planted Swamp Flying Fish inside the Mud Puppets can have any say in the matter.”

The subject of the conversation is, of course, about the sham battle this time.

Though that being said, there is not much to discuss this time considering the short time it lasted.

“But the toughest part was the preparation.”

“Yeah. I didn’t expect the evacuation process to require such extensive time.”

With that, we are reminded of the commotion at the time of the evacuation.

It was a real hassle at that time.

Although their reaction was not surprising, the villagers all resisted, despite our prior notification, thus it was extremely challenging to get them out of there without killing them or knocking them out.

Incidentally, the MVP of the forced evacuation operation was Ichiko. She has strength and agility that are far superior to those of human beings. On top of that, she also possesses the ability to teleport. Thanks to her teleportation ability, she was able to stun a person who was resisting her from the shadows with a single blow of her hand, which saved us a lot of time and effort.

The next in line would be the former member of the “Mercenary of the Fog”. The Kirijin and Kitsunejin, who belong to their respective dungeons, are doing well in coordination, intimidation, and persuasion.

“But given the trouble involved, I would like to have the next one in a venue where there are no humans.”

“Repairing broken articles is also time-consuming. The next one should be held in a place where no one is around before the battle.”

We both are laughing with a somewhat evil smile creeping up on our faces.

Well, the true question is that if no one lives there before the sham battle, even if any building is wrecked in the middle of the sham battle, nothing needs to be fixed, right?

Yeah, if it’s not a problem, then it poses no problem.

“What’s with that dark smile on both of your faces?”

Ichiko approaches us with a dumbfounded look.

“Oh, Ichiko. Is it over?”

“Yes. Most of the buildings have been reconstructed, and 90% of the fields have been restored to their original state.”

Following Ichiko’s words, I cast my gaze towards the village. It is certainly roughly back to the way it was before we arrived.

“How is the retrieval of materials going?”

“There is no hindrance there either. Well, we intentionally left some behind to compensate for the loss.”

Upon closer inspection, the monsters that survived this time have gathered the carcasses of their comrades and are carrying them on their backs, ready to be transported.

“So now it’s only a matter of compensation.”

“Have there been any demands from the village chief?”

“No excessive demands have been raised so far. At best, he has requested food supplies to ensure that the villagers will be able to sustain themselves for the next year or so.”

“That is, after all, within our expectations. Perhaps occasional supplies of dog meat would do the trick.”

“Then should I send them beef from my place?”

It’s not an issue since we already anticipated that level of demand, and in fact, it’s more convenient for us to have them make that level of demand later on.

At any rate, once the compensation demand has been accepted, any further demands can be brushed aside.

“Well, whatever. I’ve done what I had to do.”

“See ya.”

And so after the aftermath, each of us returns to our respective dungeons.

(??? POV)

That day was truly horrendous.

I thought my mother had knocked me awake before daybreak, yet her complexion was utterly pale.

“What’s wrong?” I asked her.

“We’re going to run away!” said my mother, and she grabbed my hand and tried to storm out of the house.

As we were rushing out of the house, a wide shadow suddenly loomed over us.

I looked above my head. Right there was a monster with a giant ox head.

“Hee… ah…!”

My mother was quivering as she held me facing the monster.

The monster extended its hand towards us.

And then the monster…

The monster took us to a place marked as an evacuation site.

“Eh?”

My mother showed a startled expression.

Most of the adults around us shared the same look.

Then the battle between the monsters broke out there, and it was beyond anything short of nightmarish.

With deafening roars, the monstrosities exchanged blows, fountains of red liquid burst into view, and a multitude of colorful lights flew across the sky, accompanied simultaneously by explosions here and there.

But what blew me away the most was the magic arrow with the white and brown marble pattern that was cast at the climax of the battle.

I felt a profound sense of power emanating from it.

Even though I have not yet awakened my skill, I hope to awaken a power as formidable as that someday.

That was my thought, despite my young age.

(Kurokiri POV)

“Hmm. As I expected, a fine collection of materials has been collected.”

While waiting for those who had gone outside to return, I mutter to myself in my private room.

“It was a challenge to link my own vision with the ‘Eye of Law Analysis,’ but it paid off.”

To be frank, whether I won or lost this sham battle, it was a positive development for me.

The purpose of this sham battle was not to prevail, but to witness as many skills as possible and analyze them with the “Eye of Law Analysis”.

And that objective has been fulfilled.

With this, my research on skills would progress substantially.

Hahaha. I’m looking forward to it.