The Black Fog that Devours - CH 111

(Third person POV)

Here is a space that one would never have dreamed existed in this world.

All the flowers that should have been extinct are blooming in profusion, irrespective of the season or region, while the sky is ablaze with a spectacular array of stars that can by no means be observed on earth today, along with living organisms on the ground that strut around like those recounted in a children’s fairy tale.

A lone hooded girl occupies a red chair, staring at a screen hovering in front of her, in the midst of it all.

“Even though you relied on a model to guide you, you made it this far practically on your own, huh?”

The hooded girl… the screen in front of the God of Calamity shows a transcription of the syntax of the “White Binding Chain” used by Kurokiri.

“But things are still rough. With this, it will probably be a while before I can attain what I’m seeking.”

With a red pen, the God of Calamity draws the screen close to her hand and marks the syntax of “White Binding Chain”.

Only the God of Calamity herself could ascertain this, but there is a certain criteria for where the markings are made, and she is as adept at it as if she had done the same thing a thousand times before.

“Forget it, they still went straight into this domain. Specimen number 13 and 667 are superior, after all.”

A peal of laughter escapes from the God of Calamity.

Another screen then pops up on top of the screen at hand.

“Hmm. Specimen number 666’s subordinates have begun operating earnestly. I wonder what will unfold soon. This is truly thrilling.”

And then, the God of Calamity let out a high-pitched laugh.

(Kurokiri POV)

Several days after Ichiko started to participate in my research.

While in the process of conducting my research, I am also having a sham battle not only with the Fox Princess but with the Snow Sage and Dragon Sovereign as well.

“This syntax seems to be a coordinate specification type…”

“The one over here appears to have a relationship between distance and consumption.”

Now, we are analyzing the Long-distance Transportation Formation, and Ichiko’s unique skill ≪Sword of the Formless King・Weak≫ as well as the teleportation skill that the Kirijin, the kin, possess.

These analyses are being studied since they may be applicable in various ways, including distribution, upon further development of these analyses.

Furthermore, I have yet to investigate the reason why teleportation and communication skills cannot cross the boundary between the dungeon and the outside world.

What is the explanation behind this? The syntax includes a plethora of dummies and traps to obstruct analysis, which may take decades to complete at our current pace and depth of knowledge. In fact, I might perish in a fatal trap during the process.

Now, as for the analysis:

“Yeah. It would have to be a one-way process, but I suppose the distance limit could at least be removed.”

“The only problem is that the expense spikes exponentially in proportion to the distance.”

It appears that removing the restriction of the Long-distance Transportation Formation must be accompanied by a corresponding formation and the distance limitation for installation seems to be possible.

The challenge, however, is what lies beyond removing them, since both installation and activation are significantly more expendable when these restrictions are eliminated.

“Looks like I’ll have to brainstorm a skill for simultaneous utilization of multiple demonsource devices…”

“Didn’t you say they are devices that can be substituted for one’s own HP when activating a skill?”

“That’s it. Right now, only one stone can be used per skill.”

I show Ichiko two small green stones… a demon source device that stores only one MP, and I create two of them with ≪Dungeon Creation≫.

Then, while crushing both of those two devices with my fingertips, I try to create two Fogs by casting ≪Monster Creation≫ but I only succeeded in destroying one of them and only one Fog is created.

“As expected.”

“Right.”

Ichiko acknowledges the sight with a nod of agreement.

The Fox Princess has recently been able to produce these devices, and now that the public is cognizant of the demon source device, some of these devices are being operated not only for their original purpose but also as currency.

[Kurokiri!]

A transmission has just come in from Ryo. That reminds me, I’ve sent you back to your father’s place to inform him that you’ve returned after a long absence.

“What’s up?”

[There is an urgent message from the head of the humans!]

Ryo’s voice has an agitated tone to it. Apparently, the situation is dire to the extent that I have to go out there.

“What happened? For now, just tell me the gist of it and what is needed. The details can wait.”

[I’ll cut to the chase, then.]

Now, as far as Ryo’s account goes, this is what is happening:

・A massive number of monsters abruptly emerged in the Pacific Ocean.

・These monsters are presently coming ashore, ravaging settlements along the Pacific coastline.

・The local humans and kin are countering the monsters, but due to the gap in numbers and combat proficiency, they are struggling.

・Therefore, they are requesting me to dispatch monsters from “White Fog and Black Swamp Forest” as reinforcements.

・Furthermore, the devastation appears to be ongoing throughout the country, and requests for reinforcements have already been sent out to other Demon Kings.

While listening to Ryo’s story, I have already ascertained the visibility and condition of my other kin to verify that this story is factual.

“I understand. I’ll deploy them for now, but only for the surplus forces.”

[Thank you very much.]

As I communicate with Ryo, I proceed with preparations for activating the Long-distance Transportation Formation and assembling the monsters to be dispatched to various locations once the preparations are finalized.

Simultaneously, just to be safe, I release several monsters near Japan’s coast, where information is currently scarce.

“But if they are coming from the Pacific Ocean, it’s probably that guy.”

[You’re likely right.]

“I suspect it’s exactly what Kurokiri is speculating to be.”

The name of the same Demon King is presumably surfacing in the three of our minds.

“The ‘Crawling Octopus King of Chaos’. I have been expecting him one day, but knowing this is happening now… Well, forget it.”

My mind switches from research mode to battle mode.

“All Kirijin are to be notified.”

Then I open up a channel of communication in my head for every Kirijin.

“In the name of the ‘King of the Devouring Black Fog,’ all Kirijin who are competent of combat, exterminate those fools who are raging in my domain. However, safety comes first, and you should never act rashly. Non-combatant Kirijin, whether you encounter humans or Kirijin, shall also provide as much support as you can with your abilities. However, safety is also a top priority here. If you understand, all of you set off!”

[[[Roger!]]]

In response to my instructions, an abundance of replies and the noise of scrambling can be heard in my head.

“Kurokiri. I’m going too.”

“Ah. But Ichiko, I’m counting on you to prioritize the major foes, and I don’t care if they’re located outside of my territory. After all, you’re the one with the greatest experience in battles with the Octopus’s underlings.”

“Understood.”

With that, Ichiko goes out vigorously, activating her skill successively.

“Now, I hope the fruits of the sham battle will pay off.”

And I, who remain alone in the room, begin to develop a certain skill while monitoring the developments of the situation.