Motoyasu got his explanation when he got into town, now knowing an absurd plant was growing all over the place. He remembered this plant from Emerald Online, but he didn't know it would be so problematic in this world. "Thank goodness I didn't handle the famine quest…" He was lucky Orion was there to heal the people who had been infected by the plants. He probably wouldn't have been able to figure it out without Orion there.
Orion summoned an axe as he cut through vines. He apparently had been the owner of the Vassal Axe in his world before he inherited the Legendary Weapons from his heroes. He was in human form, having left his metal body in carriage form as not to scare the locals. "As it has been said, the path of wrong is paved with good intentions."
Akame was in dragon form, swinging her tail at plant monsters that were growing all over the place. She was absurdly strong, killing the monsters in one hit. "It makes tasty fruit though!"
"Well eat up, because feeding you is using up all my money…" Motoyasu slashed down another enemy.
Buddy supported from behind, always ready to defend them with some magic. He had gone through a lot of magic books, so he was becoming quite the caster.
Orion left the fighting to them while he cut them a trail. He didn't like fighting, so he left it to them. Plus he didn't need the experience points anyway. "We're nearing the origin."
Akame changed into her human form as the path got harder and harder to navigate. "Good food, but plants bad…"
Motoyasu stopped as he heard a light cracking sound. "Now? Really?"
"What is it?" Orion asked worriedly.
Motoyasu held up the slime egg given to him. "It's hatching."
Orion brightened up as he switched to his Siderite Shield. "Shooting Star Shield!" He made a barrier around them to keep them safe so they could watch the slime hatch.
The egg cracked and let out a really small slime. It was a golden yellow color, like honey. It had angled, angry eyes and a mouth shaped in a jagged fashion like it had teeth. The slime looked up at Motoyasu then turned to focus at Motoyasu's pocket. "RAAAAAH!"
Motoyasu stumbled a bit when it already started being loud. "Feisty, isn't it? Is it hungry?"
"Yes. When a slime hatches, it needs to start generating its own energy. Whatever it eats first will define what kind of energy it will generate," Orion explained.
"A certain kind of energy?" Motoyasu realized the slime was looking at his pocket, so he reached into his pocket and dug out the holy crystal he had pulled from the dragon boss in the last Wave. "I guess it was destiny that I got this." He gave the slime the large crystal to eat.
The slime swallowed it whole, growing a bit bigger from eating in.
Orion waited a moment, staring intently at the slime. "No metal excrete. This young one won't harm your world…" He seemed so happy now. "My species…has a future after all."
Motoyasu set the slime on his head, the slime immediately hiding in his ponytail. "I'm happy to hear that, but…hopefully this one doesn't grow until I can pay for Akame's food at least."
Buddy nodded in agreement. He had been writing magic books to sell, and even he wasn't generating enough cash flow to keep Akame fed.
Akame tilted her head curiously. "It can eat these plants with me!"
"Rah!" The slime seemed to already agree to eating more food.
"We'll…work on that." Motoyasu was already thinking of how to make this slime another powerful party member. "Do slimes get to adapt to what they eat?"
"They can choose to. It's quite useful since we're not picky." Orion dropped the barrier before switching back to his axe and cutting down more vines.
"…so if there was a dragon corpse buried after the previous Wave…could I feed it to this slime?" Motoyasu asked.
"Yes. That would be a major growth and power boost."
Motoyasu seemed to get excited, thinking of feeding the rest of the dragon to his new slime. "Then I will name the slime Jaw. Because it will bite everything."
"Master Motoyasu! How will we feed two dragons!?" Buddy panicked.
"Somehow. Because if we do, our party will become much stronger," Motoyasu told him.
Orion stopped them when he saw the final tree where all the plants came from. "Get ready to clean up the area. I can't let this stand and harm more lives." He switched to the Legendary Sword. "Flame…SWORD!" He swung his sword once, creating a wave of fire that burned the tree away in one shot. "Whirlwind Slash!" He then spun with his sword, creating a gust of wind that blew out the flames before they spread too far.
Akame clapped excitedly as she watched Orion fight. "Grampa Orion! You're so cool!" Her bikini top was flung off by the wind.
Motoyasu quickly caught it, blushing brightly as he got a full view of Akame's bust. He quickly went to tie it back onto her. "Watch your clothes, Akame…" He grumbled in annoyance.
Jaw hopped out of Motoyasu's ponytail and started eating what remained of the vines, apparently enjoying a cooked meal.
Motoyasu saw the remains and started absorbing what he could into his spear. "I should probably send some of this to the other heroes…"
"Allow me." Orion switched to a shield that opened up, putting some of the material in before closing the shield. "These drops should now be in their list of monster drops."
"A delivery weapon?" Motoyasu asked curiously.
"Yes. It's very handy for when the heroes split up. There are also communication-based weapons that are good for keeping in touch," Orion explained.
Motoyasu thought for a moment. "I hope to unlock those soon. With how well I have been working with Naofumi and Ren, it would be a big help to be able to communicate."
"Indeed. Perhaps ask the scraggly man in Melromarc to help unlock those for you?" Orion suggested as he started adjusting the plants in the area. "I have modified the remaining seeds to focus purely on making food and not mutate or attack. That should resolve all problems left in this village.
Jaw suddenly extended vines from his body, turning into a plant humanoid. He blinked before turning back into a tiny slime.
"The little one is evolving fast," Orion said with a smile. "I'm sure he is in good hands." He looked around before nodding to himself. "The job is done. I need to be on my way. There is much to do."
"Of course. Just come back safe. I'm sure Ren and Itsuki will need help with their subclasses too," Motoyasu told him with a smile.
Orion bowed his head politely before running off into town to get his carriage and go.
Motoyasu picked up Jaw. "Let's go back to the village and collect our reward."
"Yes. We do need it badly…" Buddy commented as he watched Akame eating fruit from trees that had already started growing.
"And…we can get an extra reward for Orions modifications on the fruit. I know just what to ask for," Motoyasu said with an excited smile.
They didn't spend much time at the village getting their rewards. Money, old books, and most-importantly, reading glasses for Motoyasu.
Naofumi smiled as he collected the gem from the dragon corpse. He had handled it without anyone getting hurt this time, so he wouldn't need to worry about Raphtalia being cursed. He had beat the dragon to death with his new brawler subclass, which allowed him to keep it focused on himself.
"Looks like things will turn out ok," Raphtalia said softly.
"We need to bury it first." Naofumi punched the ground, making the ground under the dragon split and bury it. He checked his loot drops from the dragon, blinking in surprise when he saw an icon like a present.
Legendary Hero (Irio) has given you a gift box!
Accept/Toss
Naofumi accepted it, happy to see loot drops from Motoyasu's quest. "Then we're all set."
"For what?" Raphtalia asked.
"…to meet someone. Also, it is about time we all return to Melromarc to prepare for the next Wave."
With Akame pulling the wagon, going to Riyute didn't take much time at all.
Motoyasu chuckled evilly as he dug out the holy dragon corpse from the last Wave. "World conquest is not something someone should consider fun, but this…does bring a smile to my face."
Buddy tilted his head curiously. "World conquest?"
"It's a reference to a fictional character in my world."
"Ah…"
Motoyasu pulled out Jaw and set him on the dragon corpse. "Eat up, Jaw!"
Jaw got right into it, starting to make the dragon corpse disappear at a scary speed.
Motoyasu then sat back against a nearby tree and pulled on his reading glasses, popping open a book. His reading lessons ramped up immediately after he got glasses. In fact, he enjoyed it very much. He did it to distract himself during shaky wagon rides.
Akame meanwhile was in dragon form and chasing her own tail like an energetic dog would. "Come back, tail! Come back!"
Things actually seemed much more peaceful now, but they didn't know they were being watched.
One of the pope's Shadows was watching intently. He pulled out some sort of rare, expensive crystal meant to act like a phone. "The holy energy spike is from the Spear Hero's pet slime. Its energy is off the charts. It could definitely fuel the Legendary Weapon Replica."
The pope was silent on the other side of the call for a moment. "Can you take the slime from him?"
"Not currently. The Spear Hero is a lot more powerful than anticipated. Also he has a powerful ally he can call when in danger," the Shadow replied. "I'm falling back."
The pope was back in his luxurious room, living probably as well as royalty. "I want that power. That power will be mine. IT WILL!" He slammed his chair's armrest like the elderly manchild he is.
The crystal he was using to talk to his Shadows suddenly turned purple as a new voice came through, deep and evil. "That slime is an abomination in my species. I want it gone too. I can help you handle that, but I don't do things for free."
The pope widened his eyes before replying, "If we both want it gone, why charge me?"
"Because you want the slime alive for its power. I want it dead to clean up my bloodline. If you are to keep it alive and use it, I demand compensation."
"…who are you?" The pope asked worriedly.
"I am Overlord Duant, but your species knows me as Overlord Draco. I am the strongest of my kind. It is wise to obey me. Adhere to my will, and you will be allowed to die of old age."
The pope widened his eyes from the threat. He could tell by the confidence of the voice that the being was powerful. "What is it you want?"
"To start with? A human body. That way, we may properly speak face to face."
The pope was silent for another moment before calling to one of the nuns who waited outside of the room to serve him. "The one that died of their curse. Bring her before the city. It is time I performed a miracle of god."
The nun widened her eyes and bowed her head excitedly. "Y-yes, sir!"
The pope got back on the call after she left. "It's time for a presentation. Work with me, and we will grow together."
"I will allow this presentation. Do not fail me," Overlord Draco told him firmly. "I want a body with potential."
Ren had gotten back to Melromarc, and he had plans to stop by Clyde's place and get new equipment and upgrades before the Wave, but right in front of Clyde's mansion a whole stage had been set up.
The pope stepped onto the stage, a big grin on his face. "People of Melromarc! It is my time to show my power gifted by god! I have saved it for years, and now I intend to use it to save a life." He gestured for a small coffin to be brought up.
The coffin was brought up and opened, showing a ten year-old girl's corpse that was covered in curse burns.
"False heroes have emerged, and their cursed weapons have cursed this girl! They killed her!" The pope continued.
Ren grit his teeth. None of us did that. That had to be a part of the Dullahan quest Itsuki took a while ago. Dullahans curse anything they can find!
The pope gave the crowd a soft smile. "Today though… Today I bring a child back to live. I am afraid her parents are gone, but I am sure they would be happy to see her live on for them." He raised his hands to the sky. "Oh lord! Use the power you have given me! Bring back this poor girl!"
Red slime emerged from under the girl, flowing into her.
The girl then sat up, her eyes and hair turning red as her curse burns faded away. She was silent, looking around curiously.
"You have seen my power!" The pope said excitedly before suddenly pointing to Clyde's mansion behind him. "This building is where the false heroes gather! Before they take more lives, they must be burned! Burn the demons! BURN THE DEMONS!" The pope started rallying his large audience he had gathered.
Ren widened his eyes, going to stop the people as they started rushing at the mansion.
Éclair stopped him quickly. "We can't stop them without hurting them. Remember our duty to protect them."
Ren clenched his fists. "But what about Clyde and Angel!?"
"They're fine," Keel said as she seemed to pop up behind them. She was taller than Ren now but still looked like a boy. She gave them all a smile. "Clyde wanted me to tell you that his new place of work is open. You have all been invited." She then sneered at the pope. "Clyde knew the pope wanted him dead for a while, so…he just left."
Ren sighed in relief. "Where…is he now?"
"Share this secret with the others, ok?" Keel looked around to make sure no one was listening in. "He built a secret area right under Erhard's old shop. He said it would be just like old times."
Ren chuckled lightly. "It would be nostalgic…"
Rifana waved at Keel. "Are you doing ok though?"
Keel gave her a smirk. "I'm getting stronger and stronger! Angel has been training me. I'm about to head out with her now, so be sure to tell the other heroes where to see Clyde." She then turned and ran off, thankfully not inheriting Angel's obsession with rolling everywhere.
With everyone either distracted talking or destroying Clyde's old home, the pope left the stage with the child. "Aya, are you still in there?"
"Stupid question. I am Overlord Draco," she said firmly. "Though I guess this…'Aya' is my human name. I will remember that." She kept looking at her hands. "So weak and frail. I'll need to train it in order to combat Orion's human form."
The pope led them into an old warehouse. "Then why not learn from the great knights at the castle? I'll put in the word for you-"
"As if pathetic humans could teach me anything. I know my techniques. I ended species with my bare hands." Draco changed into a crimson slime and jumped into his giant metal body like Orion would. His body was clearly more advanced, built with a draconic design complete with jagged blade wings. "I will return to my world through the next Wave in Siltvelt, and I will train with my own species."
"But what about the Spear Hero's slime-? We had a deal that you would get it for me!" The pope asked quickly.
"Don't worry… When the opportunity arises, I have one of my soldiers ready to handle it. Capturing one abomination is beneath me." Draco opened a panel on his arm, pressing a few buttons before firing a portal out of his hand. "This won't be the last you hear of me. Because if you do prove to be useless…I'll just make you my food." He then went through the portal.
The pope just watched him go, waiting for the portal to close before speaking again. "Don't worry~ Once I have the weapon charged, I will kill you with it too~" He then started laughing as his plan was already being set into motion. "Stupid slime devil! I will cleanse you too!"
Jaw had gotten pretty darn big, but it seemed he could change size, so it didn't matter too much.
Motoyasu was just happy to get to return to Melromarc. He pulled up the hood of his armor, giving him a distinct grim reaper look. "It's time to walk to Melromarc."
"Melromarc…is food?" Jaw asked suddenly, having a deep voice expected of a stupid character in a cartoon.
Motoyasu jumped in surprise. "No, Melromarc is a kingdom. We're going to the capital city."
"City…have food?" Jaw asked curiously.
"Yes. Melromarc has good food!" Buddy told Jaw giddily. "I do miss the inn's honey-covered waffles and salmon."
"Don't get too excited. We're currently criminals there," Motoyasu reminded them.
"Quite…" Buddy put on a thoughtful look like he was planning something.
"Good food still means good time!" Akame said quickly.
Jaw bobbed in agreement like he was trying to nod as a slime ball. He was perfectly round and big enough to reach someone's hip.
"I'll make sure you all get fed if I have money." Motoyasu sighed as he checked his money. He was running low again. He needed to sell more clothes. He considered maybe talking to the tailor about working with her, nodding to himself at the consideration. She seemed ok, I guess.
"Then we should get going. If we get there by nightfall, we should be able to sneak in just fine," Buddy suggested as he went to lead the way.
Akame eagerly hopped after him before turning into her swampstomper form. "Let's go then! Don't take too long, brother!"
"Yeah, yeah. I'm coming." Motoyasu went after them.
This chapter was more to lay groundwork for the future. Overlord Draco is starting to make his own plays for this world, and the pope is working on getting the Legendary Weapon Replica online. We'll see how that turns out.
Cleaning up Itsuki's messes is in progress, and it didn't take as long this time! But meeting at Melromarc before the Wave could be a problem with a small part of the population thinking the Legendary Heroes are cursed killers.
I was going to write meeting Melty, but not much changed there. Naofumi will be returning to the kingdom with her soon enough.
