NOVEL NEXT Chapter 33 - Episode 33: The Hero Meets the Great Sage
Episode 33: The Hero Meets the Great Sage
Mishiri and I appeared in the center of the teleportation magic circle.
Have we arrived at our destination?
Where are we?
Then, a girl stood before us.
“Oh? Guests are rare. But, wasn’t this teleportation circle supposed to be prohibited by the soldiers of Mekonderla?”
Who is this child?
“You have no business here. I am the hero, Cea. I came to meet the Great Sage.”
“What did you come for?”
“I told you, I have no business with a kid like you.”
“Your choice of words is rude.”
What’s with this girl? Despite her appearance as a young girl, she has a creepy way of speaking.
“I am a hero. It is the hero’s job to bring peace to this world. That’s why I came to meet the Great Sage. If you know where he is, tell me.”
“Is that the way to ask someone for something?”
“You, acting like a kid, have no purpose here. I want to meet the Great Sage. Is he here?”
“Well, he is.”
“Then, let me see him. You’re just a kid, but you’re awfully cheeky. You should think more about your manners when speaking to your superiors. You should use honorific language to those above you. Fool. Or should I educate you? You see, I, as a kind hero, have no hesitation to hit arrogant people, whether they are children or elderly. That’s the kindness I possess as a hero. Should I force you to kneel down? Hmm?”
“Forced?”
“Using force.”
“Oh? How would you do that?”
“Hey! Cea, stop it! Leave this child alone!”
“Shut up!!”
“Scream!”
I pushed Mishiri away.
If you teach children incorrectly, they’ll grow up to be impolite adults.
For this child’s sake, violent education is necessary. This is my kindness!
“Hehe. I’ll knock you down. Educational guidance!!!”
I slapped the girl.
Suddenly.
A tremendous wave of light hit me.
What!?
I crashed into the wall.
“Gyaaaah!?”
“You lack manners.”
W-what!?
Before I could think, my body floated in the air.
Then, I floated gently towards the girl.
“Educational guidance isn’t just a slap.”
With that, she repeatedly slapped my cheeks.
Slap slap slap slap slap slap slap slap slap slap slap slap slap!
“Ooogh!”
“Educational guidance.”
S-so strong!!
What is this kid!?
Let me check her status!
“Geeeh! Level 220!?”
“I am Caphrodyte. I am the Great Sage you wanted to meet.”
“Eeeeeh!?”
I can’t believe this child…
Come to think of it, it was said that the Great Sage uses eternal youth magic and never ages.
“I am, indeed, 1,100 years old. Older than you.”
“I-I’m sorry!”
“Strange. According to the contract with Mekonderla, you shouldn’t be able to teleport without defeating the Archduke… With your status, you definitely can’t defeat Zaus.”
“What!? Do you know about Zaus!?”
“I know… he’s a prospective son-in-law… cough cough… never mind. It’s nothing. Anyway, I know a lot about the Archduke.”
“Then it’s simple! Help me! I want to defeat him!”
“Hmm…”
“I want to defeat Zaus and bring peace to this world!”
“Oh.”
“Please! Become my ally! Let’s create a peaceful world together!”
“Peace has various interpretations.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“The form of peace differs from person to person.”
“Huh? Peace is peace, isn’t it?”
“Then, what does peace mean to you?”
“Well, it’s a world without demons. A world only for humans.”
“Hmm… That is also peace.”
“Then, please join me!”
“But my peace is different.”
“What!? What do you mean?”
“My perception of peace has changed recently.”
“Hey hey. How did it change?”
“I cannot say.”
“Huh?”
“It’s still in the research stage. I am seeking true peace.”
Hey hey.
What’s with this kid?
Is she trying to confuse me with complicated talk?
“If there are conditions for becoming allies, tell me! I’ll do whatever I can!”
“That’s not possible. I am busy with my research.”
“What!?!”
☆
~Great Sage Caphrodyte’s Perspective~
Things have become troublesome.
I never expected the hero to come here…
Zaus arrived here just two weeks ago.
I replied the next day.
“Zaus! The contract is complete!”
I ended up becoming one of Zaus’s followers.
From the hero’s perspective, I am on the enemy’s side.
Zaus is an extremely kind demon.
The people in Zaus Town live happily.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Zaus is the savior of this world.
True peace is when Zaus becomes the ruler.
The demons and humans living together peacefully. That could be considered my definition of peace.
However, this is still a far-reaching idea. I can’t speak about it yet. By the time I can publicly declare it, I’ll be… Zaus’ bride…
No, no. Thinking about Zaus makes me lose myself. But, it’s troublesome. I can’t say such things to the hero. What should I do?
“Please! Become my ally!! I really need your help!!”
Sigh. It’s hard to refuse such a passionate request.
Fine.
“I’ll cooperate.”
“Really!?”
“We can’t become allies, but I’ll let you observe my magical research. And if there’s a suitable item, I’ll give you one.”
It’s better to entertain him and send him away. Maybe I’ll give him some random magical item… Or perhaps an elixir that fully restores health would make him happy.
I guided the hero to the research facility. He was greatly impressed.
“What amazing magical research!”
“Heh. Of course. I’m a genius.”
My power is too great. Therefore, I ended up under the surveillance of Mekonderla territory. Conducting research on this isolated island is the result of that.
“This is the ‘Decree of Halving.’ It’s an item that weakens any opponent to half their level.”
“Wow…”
“And this is the ‘Collar of Magic Sealing.’ When worn, it completely nullifies magic.”
“What’s that big giant over there?”
It’s a huge statue about 30 meters tall.
“Hehe. That’s my greatest masterpiece. The Ultimate Ultimate Rock Giant Golem. It’s the strongest giant at level 999.”
“What!? Level 999!? Invincible!”
“But, its power source hasn’t been found yet. It requires a special power. Neither my magic nor the powerful magic of the Archduke Zaus could make it move.”
“Wow…”
He’s so impressed he’s almost convulsing.
☆
~Hero Cea’s Perspective~
I’m on a roll! Everything’s going my way! Coming here was the right choice! With these three items, I’ll become unbeatable. The Collar that nullifies magic, the Decree that halves levels, and the level 999 Rock Giant Golem. With these three items, no one can stop me. I must take them by any means necessary.
“That concludes the tour of the research facility. Here. Take this universal elixir and leave.”
Haha.
“Do I really need this junk?”
“What did you say!?”
In an instant, I put the collar on Caphrodyte.
“W-what is this!?”
“Hehe. It’s the Collar of Magic Sealing. How does it feel to wear the item I made?”
“N-no… I can’t use magic!!”
“Haha! Even at level 220, a sage with zero magic power is worthless! Powerless against my muscles!”
“T-this collar!”
“Oh, I can’t let you take it off.”
I grabbed her neck with one hand.
“Ugh…”
“Haha! How does it feel, Great Sage? Earlier, you were so proud to slap me, weren’t you? Now, I could easily snap your neck. What do you want me to do? Haha.”
“S-state your purpose…”
“Haha! I want the powerful magical items here. The Decree of Halving and the Ultimate Ultimate Rock Giant Golem over there.”
“T-the Rock Giant Golem won’t move. Its power source hasn’t been found yet.”
“Haha… Don’t underestimate the hero.”
The back of my right hand glowed pale blue, resonating with the Rock Giant Golem.
“T-that crest…!?”
“Haha. It’s the Hero’s Mark.”
I can feel it. The guidance of the gods. And above the Rock Giant Golem’s head, there’s an exclamation mark. That mark indicates an event will occur.
Haha. The unknown power source. It’s the power of the hero generated from the Hero’s Mark. I’m the only one who can move that Rock Giant Golem. Haha… I’m invincible. Even if Zaus’ llevel is at the maximum of 999, I can halve it with the Decree and defeat him with the level 999 Rock Giant Golem.
“You… The Rock Giant Golem is resonating with the Hero’s Mark. Was your power the power source…?”
“Haha. That’s right.”
Haha! I won! Victory is mine! Absolutely!
“The final victory belongs to the hero! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!”
I will definitely win! Wait for me, inferior Archduke! I’ll crush you to pieces!!