Late at night, accompanied by bursts of cheering, the other teams returned victorious as well.
The equipment of Blue Roses showed some damage, but none of them were injured.
Alongside them was a squad of soldiers, the reinforcement troops sent by the Kingdom to assist.
"That wasn't easy. As expected of the Kingdom's strongest dark organization. Those mercenaries really weren't afraid to die."
"But we were still better. With the invincible Gazef-sama leading us, whether mercenaries or Magic Casters, they all went down in a single strike."
"That's right, hahaha. We just had to cheer from the side."
The soldiers chattered excitedly, their faces glowing with triumph under Gazef's leadership.
Without any surprises, the Kingdom had achieved a complete victory in this first clash with Eight Fingers.
Naturally, a banquet followed to celebrate.
During the feast, Evileye held a wine glass and searched the hall for Naohara.
"Where's that guy?"
When she couldn't find him, Evileye went straight to Princess Renner to ask.
"Naohara-san? They finished their mission first, so they've probably stepped out."
"It seems Herohero doesn't like noisy places, so he may have gone for a walk outside."
Renner thought for a moment before replying with a gentle smile.
"Tch. Couldn't that guy at least wait for me?"
Evileye clicked her tongue. So much for her plan to have a chat with him.
"Come on, Evileye, no need to rush love. You'll end up in his bed sooner or later anyway. For now, forget about Naohara and enjoy the banquet."
A faint blush appeared on Gagaran's sturdy face as she laughed loudly, wine glass in hand, and slapped Evileye on the shoulder.
Completely ignoring Evileye's trembling body, she continued on her own.
"Oh, right. Want me to teach you a few tricks? I guarantee that once you're in bed, that guy Naohara won't be able to get enough of you."
Leaning in close to Evileye's ear, Gagaran pressed forward boldly without hesitation.
And just like that, the powder keg exploded.
"Ah! Wh–who wants to sleep with that guy?!"
Evileye slammed the table, grabbed Gagaran, and hurled her away, drawing loud laughter from everyone around.
...
The streets at night were dim.
Naohara and the other two walked along the road, holding a blueprint as they talked.
"Hey, Blackie, since when did you start acting like Momonga?"
Naohara sighed helplessly as he looked at the detailed map listing all of Eight Fingers' strongholds.
Just moments ago, Herohero had suggested that they eliminate the remaining Eight Fingers bases in advance and seize all the funds inside.
"Free money is free money. They're going to be wiped out sooner or later anyway. We might as well do it first."
For Herohero, who had obtained the memories of all the members of Six Arms, Eight Fingers' wealth could be described in just one phrase.
A fat sheep waiting for slaughter.
"What do you think, Momonga?"
"I think it's a good idea. If we secure that sum of money, combined with the dwarves' treasure, it should be enough to establish a nation."
Momonga nodded at Herohero's proposal. In truth, from his perspective, it wasn't necessary to exterminate Eight Fingers. Keeping them alive would maximize their value.
Not only would they gain a vast amount of funds, they would also acquire a brand-new intelligence network.
But seeing that both Naohara and Herohero were intent on wiping out Eight Fingers, Momonga chose not to voice his thoughts.
Fine. Then we'll kill them all.
"Is the plan to found the nation ready?"
"Where are we setting it up?"
Momonga's words immediately drew surprised looks from the two of them.
"You two… dumping all the work on me is one thing, but at least pay some attention."
"Don't you receive the latest intelligence reports every week? At least take a look!"
Momonga's frustration flared. He was working himself to the bone in Nazarick, and these two couldn't even be bothered to read the reports. He absolutely had to voice his protest.
"Ahem… just an accident, just an accident…"
Naohara and Herohero exchanged awkward glances.
"Forget it. You two are hopeless."
"Preparations for founding the nation are almost complete. As for the location, I originally planned to choose the Kingdom, but later gave up on that idea."
"After discussing it with Demiurge, we ultimately decided on the Argland Council State."
Momonga shook his head and began explaining the details.
"The Argland Council State? The country founded by the Platinum Dragon Lord?"
"It really is a good choice."
Herohero stroked his chin as he spoke.
Compared to a human-led Kingdom, the Argland Council State, composed mainly of demihumans, was undoubtedly far more suitable for Nazarick.
The only concern was that attacking the Argland Council State might attract the attention of other True Dragon Lords. After all, it was the Platinum Dragon Lord's territory.
"No matter where we establish our nation, it's going to attract a great deal of attention. There's no real difference."
"And if any True Dragon Lord dares to cause trouble, I won't show mercy."
Naohara licked his lips. Platinum Dragon Lord's meat was delicious, but after eating it too often, it did get a little tiresome. He wondered what the other True Dragon Lords tasted like.
His thoughts drifted to the Brightness Dragon Lord. Was that submission genuine?
Or was it just an act, a trap laid in advance while waiting for them to step in?
It didn't matter to him. If it was sincere, all the better. If it was fake, then that dragon could go keep the Platinum Dragon Lord company and enjoy the same VIP treatment.
"Once this Kingdom mission is over and we settle the Brightness Dragon Lord issue, we can move against the Argland Council State."
"If the Brightness Dragon Lord truly submits, we can use him to gather intelligence on the Argland Council State and avoid unnecessary losses."
Caution.
That was Momonga's strength. Even though the Platinum Dragon Lord had already been captured, who could say what hidden cards the Argland Council State might still hold?
Perhaps another True Dragon Lord was lying low?
Perhaps they possessed a World-Class Item?
No matter what he did, Momonga always prepared for the worst-case scenario. The capture of the Platinum Dragon Lord did not make him careless about attacking the Argland Council State.
On the contrary, it made him even more vigilant.
Naohara and Herohero had no objections.
With the Platinum Dragon Lord captured and the Brightness Dragon Lord defecting, events had already strayed far from the original storyline. Even Naohara had no idea what would happen next.
The butterfly's wings had already stirred. The original plot could now serve only as a loose reference.
...
"Then let the Pleiades handle this Eight Fingers operation," Herohero suggested as the topic returned to its starting point. "With Shalltear and Sebas in the Kingdom, it'll be foolproof."
It worked out nicely. Solution had been saying recently that the maid corps needed more tasks, so they could offer their humble efforts to the Supreme Beings.
"Alright. With Shalltear and Sebas there, it shouldn't be a problem."
After another round of discussion to make sure everything was in order, the three of them started back, planning to play a few rounds of the intense and thrilling Supreme Summoning.
But before they had gone more than a few steps, startled cries rang out from several miles away.
"Don't let them escape!"
"Catch them!"
Looking into the distance, they saw several cloaked figures fleeing. One of them was carrying something on their back, likely a girl.
"The Kingdom really is a mess."
Naohara and Herohero exchanged a helpless glance. Even in the middle of the night, there was a pursuit underway.
Having spent some time in the Kingdom recently, the two of them had seen scenes like this countless times.
Most of the time, they treated it as entertainment. Unless they were in the mood, they rarely interfered.
"Let's watch."
The three stood at ease, observing the chase from afar.
The pursuers wore armor. They were burly men holding vicious-looking weapons, their expressions fierce.
If they had to guess, they were probably the private troops of some noble.
"Hm?"
Herohero, who had been casually watching, suddenly seemed to notice something. His expression shifted slightly.
"That's…"
His gaze fixed on the black-robed figure bringing up the rear. More precisely, on the staff in that person's hand.
It felt strangely familiar.
"Ninya!"
Herohero cast a spell, revealing the face hidden beneath the black robe. He froze for a moment in surprise.
So she had come to the Kingdom as well, and judging by the situation, she had gotten herself into serious trouble.
"Never thought we'd meet like this."
Naohara was equally surprised. To run into her here of all places. Was this fate?
He glanced at Herohero.
"If you want to go, then go."
Both Momonga and Naohara understood that Herohero held a certain special concern for Ninya. It had been obvious before.
Maybe it was because he had devoured hundreds of her hearts.
Maybe her experiences had stirred something in him.
Or maybe her heart just happened to suit his taste.
Watching Herohero's figure vanish, Naohara shook his head. Just like always, completely incapable of being honest.
Several miles away.
Ninya, clad in a black robe, ran at full speed, sweat sliding down her forehead.
Peter and Dyne helped interfere with the pursuers, though their efforts had little effect.
"Sorry, everyone. It's my fault for using up so much mana."
Ninya spoke apologetically, her gaze falling on the figure being carried at the front. It was her sister, whom they had just rescued from a noble.
If she hadn't exhausted so much magic to pull her back from the brink of death, they wouldn't be in this situation now.
"It's fine. Worst case, we'll stay behind and hold them off."
Peter grinned as if it were nothing. Even having experienced death once, he felt no fear.
"Yeah. Then you just have to work harder in the future and learn more resurrection magic."
With his golden hair, Lukrut, the team's ranger, spoke in his usual light tone.
"Hm?"
Just as Dyne was about to say something, he seemed to notice something and paused.
The soldiers chasing them were gradually veering off course.
Though they were still shouting, their eyes looked unfocused, as if they couldn't see Ninya and the others at all, charging straight into empty ground.
"What's going on?"
Ninya and the others felt a surge of relief at first, followed by unease.
This clearly wasn't the enemy letting them go out of kindness. Judging by their state, the soldiers seemed to have fallen under some kind of illusion magic.
"Is someone helping us?"
Just as Ninya and the others were lost in speculation, a calm voice suddenly echoed beside their ears.
"You're too weak, Ninya. You still can't protect anything."
They turned around instinctively, but saw nothing.
Only a magic scroll lay quietly on the ground.
Ninya bent down and picked it up. Feeling the sealed magic within, a complicated expression appeared on her face.
Sixth Tier: [Blessing of the Goddess of Life]
"Herohero-sama, thank you."
Silently putting the scroll away, Ninya bowed deeply toward the empty air. She would never mistake that voice.
Peter and the others quickly followed suit, bowing as well. This was the one who had saved them. Twice.
Saved again. I'm still too weak.
Ninya felt a pang of shame, and her resolve to grow stronger became even firmer.
Soon, the group disappeared into the night.
Behind them, Herohero, still invisible, quietly watched the scene. Naohara and Momonga stood beside him.
"The Realm of Heroes, huh? Who would've thought that little girl would become a powerhouse without us noticing."
Momonga stroked his chin. He wasn't particularly surprised by Ninya's strength. After all, she had the magic items the three of them had given her.
"What's the point? She's still weak," Herohero replied.
"Even with the magic items we left behind, Ninya will be fine. But those teammates of hers will probably die again," Naohara said.
"If you can't even protect your companions, that's weakness."
Leaving that behind, Herohero walked off on his own.
Naohara and Momonga exchanged a faint smile and followed after him.
What do you do when you run into something unpleasant?
Play a round of Supreme Summoning.