novelraw Chapter 216
Chapter 216
Chapter 216
From what could be seen, the battle between Kait and Dandariol clearly looked like Kait was being relentlessly pushed back. Seeing it like this, it was understandable why Zalt Va would use Kait's safety as a bargaining chip.
However, for those who knew Kait, the first thought that came to mind was just how unusually patient he was being. Even Emotion, his partner, found it surprising, so no matter how much he himself claimed to be patient, the public's opinion was likely far from that.
That said, Kait was unusually holding out without destroying Dandariol. The reason was obvious—to avoid damaging the Smallfolk's impression of him. Whether this consideration was comedy or tragedy, it was hard to say.
"Kadiri Ki. Is that Dandariol an important asset to your people?"
"Hm? Ah, no. Dandariol was created back when there were beasts capable of injuring Bassalem, in order to eliminate them. It seems there haven't been such beasts challenging Bassalem lately, and today is actually the first time I've seen it in action myself."
"I see. Since we already agreed to repair Bassalem, would it be acceptable if I destroyed that thing?"
"......Huh?"
Kadiri Ki tilted his head. He looked like he couldn't comprehend what Emotion was saying.
Understandably so. In the current situation, it clearly looked like Kait was at a disadvantage. It would be impossible to take Emotion's words at face value.
"Could it be, just like we can see the state of the Heavenly Prison from here, there's some way to deal with Dandariol from this place?"
"Ah, no. It's not that there isn't a way, but I don't plan to use such a method this time."
"?"
Emotion was opting for a much simpler method.
Just a single word to Kait would suffice. However, both Kadiri Ki and Emperor Zelekia La, unfortunately, seemed to think Emotion's words were mere bravado.
"Calm down. I understand you want to believe in your master, but he's clearly being overwhelmed. I think it's cruel to place too much hope on him."
That remark made Emotion snap.
Acting all high and mighty without even knowing Kait.
Yes. There was one thing that not only the Federation citizens here but even Kait himself had forgotten.
That, if anything, Emotion had a lower boiling point than Kait.
"Then, if my master loses, I shall agree to fulfill one request of yours. However, if my master wins, I will make one demand of you in return."
"W-What nonsense is this?"
"How amusing, Kadiri Ki."
Surprisingly, the one who got excited was none other than Emperor Zelekia La.
He stared intently at Emotion's sphere and presented his terms.
"Then, Emotion. If your master loses, will you swear to serve this nation and devote your power to our future?"
"Very well. Just don't say afterward that you changed your mind after seeing the result."
"Agreed."
Emperor Zelekia La turned his gaze to Zalt Va.
It was a cold, ruthless gaze. A ruler's stare that lacked all of the warmth he had shown earlier, and it made Zalt Va shudder.
"Zalt Va. Raise Dandariol's output to maximum."
"Wha...? Y-Yes, but—"
"Do it. This is our nation's chance to obtain a new Sacred Tool."
"U-Understood!"
So, they had a trump card of their own too.
But Emotion wasn't fazed. She knew a power so overwhelming that such differences didn't matter.
"Captain. Can you hear me? Captain."
***
While Kait was in the middle of battle—or rather, evasion—on the surface, he finally heard Emotion's voice again after a long time.
'Captain. Can you hear me? Captain.'
"I hear you, Emotion. How are things on your end?"
'I've made contact with the central figure of the Smallfolk. For now, we've agreed that we'll handle the repairs concerning the giant beast.'
"That's good. So, how long do I have to keep dancing with this creature?"
If an agreement had been reached, he'd really like to stop soon.
But contrary to Kait's wishes, Emotion said something outrageous.
'Apparently, that creature is called Dandariol. Captain, could you destroy Dandariol right now?'
"Huh!? Why?"
From what she had said earlier, it seemed they had managed to establish a decent relationship with the Smallfolk.
'The Smallfolk are saying that it's pathetic for you to struggle against something of that level. It was a highly unpleasant tone. Completely unacceptable.'
"Now that you mention it, you do have a short temper."
His tone was flat, but it was clear Emotion was seriously pissed off. Come to think of it, she often got angry over things Kait couldn't understand.
This time, it seemed she was angry on Kait's behalf, which made him feel both happy and awkward—a complicated feeling.
'So, I've ended up in a contest with the Smallfolk's representative. If you can destroy Dandariol, we win. If you lose, they win.'
"Ugh..."
This was strange. Weren't Emotion and the others supposed to be discussing the treatment of the protected surface Smallfolk and establishing friendly relations with the underground Smallfolk? How did that turn into a bet over Kait and Dandariol's battle?
'Also, if you lose, I'll become a vassal of the Smallfolk and work underground for their sake.'
"......You know, making incomprehensible bets without my knowledge—"
'I apologize.'
"Well, I guess it can't be helped. If you're that angry, then I must have a reason to be mad too."
It was Kait's fault for forgetting how short Emotion's temper was. That said, she probably hadn't even considered the possibility of losing. Feeling trusted like that made Kait a little happy.
If he had permission to destroy it, then there was no need to keep running. He stopped moving, deployed a barrier, and took Dandariol's attack head-on.
"Alright, let's smash it quickly. Come, Worker Bees!"
Dandariol's scythe, swung down, snapped clean off at the base.
Dandariol's insectoid head began to glow red. It seemed the Smallfolk were getting serious too. Having seen Emotion's capabilities, they now wanted her.
If they were trying to steal his precious partner, then the Smallfolk were enemies to Kait.
He abandoned the option of mercy and leaped into the air.
"Let's crush it so thoroughly they'll never even think of repairing it again."
He summoned two slightly larger Worker Bees. They were steel plates bigger than Dandariol's body. Dandariol, which leapt at Kait in midair, didn't seem capable of flight. No wings came from its back.
In other words, it was a perfect target.
The Worker Bees slammed into Dandariol from both sides with force. The unpleasant sound of crushing echoed around.
The tightly shut steel plates twitched slightly. Dandariol was struggling to escape.
"You'd better not waste your energy."
He increased the pressure. Another crushing sound followed.
Kait then rotated the two steel plates in opposite directions. The right one toward himself, the left one away.
A grating sound could be heard—something being scraped. If Dandariol were alive or had someone inside, he wouldn't use such a method. But it seemed to be remote-controlled or an artificial intelligence. In that case, it was only proper to demonstrate the difference in power.
He increased the rotation speed. Along with the scraping, there were also snapping and bursting sounds. Smoke, likely unhealthy to inhale, began to rise. Even the Worker Bees started glowing red from the friction.
"Will this do, Emotion?"
'That's more than enough, Captain.'
Melted steel oozed out from between the two plates. It was over. The steel flowed to the ground, burning it briefly before hardening.
When he stopped the rotation and opened the plates, nothing remained of what had been Dandariol.