Published at 24th of July 2021 08:10:36 PM

379. Conversation and Conditions

I call out to Magiatite Heart whos currently stuck on the wall.

Hey, Magiatite Heart.

Ill overlook the fact that you attacked us first, but youre going to answer my questions.

Youve lived a long life and developed intelligence, right?

I want you to tell me all about the dangerous monsters living in this mine.

The Magiatite Hearts core that was stuck in the wall falls back to the ground.

Then, it turns up, as if facing at me.

To ensure that it doesnt escape, I stand closer to it and stomp my foot near it.

Even Treant went closer to the Magiatite Heart while moving his branches in a (kind of?) intimidating manner.

Whered he even learn those moves.

I already surrendered, I wont dare to think about escaping. Two-headed dragon, you should leave this place too

The Magiatite Heart tells me.

Hm?

Why? Is there something past here?

The dragon sleeping underground has awoken. I admit that I have the skills to avoid it even if I encounter it, but Id rather leave than live together with something so dangerous

He says that like hes proud of his capabilities of escaping or something.

Where does that arrogance and self-confidence of his come from?

For the time being, at least I dont sense any hostility coming from him.

I guess he really did attack me first just for the sake of dashing off while Im distracted.

As a mediator of the monsters in this mine, I was planning to stop the underground dragon from unnecessarily killing everything in sight. But, that blasted dragon forget mediating, it didnt even listen to me

I'm not sure if his story is real, but at least hes not a bad guy.

Im glad Partner finds him disgusting. Otherwise, shed have gobbled him up by now.

The underground dragon tried to eat me, thats why Im escaping

I dont think that was the case.

Maybe you were just nearby and became its target of violence.

Theres even an adventurer here. Even though the humans have already left this place that human must be after that dragon. No, its not just hunting dragons. He has already reached the level of a hero

T-The level of a hero?

The only one whod match the power of the late Hero would be the Saint, but then why would Lilyxila intercept with my destination before me.

Besides, I thought it would take her time before she catches up to me in the royal capital.

Since that person came here to hunt the underground dragon, maybe it could be someone else?

It was a tall half-naked, silver-haired man. I didnt think thered come a time when Id run away from humans. He had an intimidating aura within him

Magiatite Hearts core vibrates, as if shaking in fear.

So, it isnt the Hero then

I mean, of course its not, I killed him myself. Plus, the appearance doesnt match.

If I remember right, the Hero had blonde hair.

When Partner said she smelled a human earlier it mustve been that silver-haired man.

But is it really possible for a human to instill fear into a rank- monster, outside of having sacred skills?

That would mean that person is even stronger than Adofu or Azalea.

Other than the Hero, or the Saint, or a rank A monster, nothing else is coming to mind

Is that all your questions?

When Magiatite Heart started to move, Nightmare steps in and stops him from his tracks.

Nice.

This is a rare specimen.

I feel bad for Magiatite Heart, but were not done here yet.

W-W-What more do you want? I knew it, you plan to eat me-

Are there other dangerous monsters here?

Other than the underground dragon and the tall adventurer.

Other dangerous monsters? Well, theres the magic metal giant golem, Gordogigan, who destroyed the magical ant, Adamant

T-Theres a monster like that here?!

It sounds strong and I dont want to fight it, but I definitely want to see it!

If youre here for that its unfortunately not here at the moment. Other than the underground dragon, youre probably the strongest one here. No one here can match your rank

So, this old lump of metal was the strongest in this mine until I came

I-I guess that makes sense. Being rank- and all, Im sure hes unmatched against normal human opponents.

The royal capital wouldnt be here today if there were many rank B monsters near them anyway.

Even in the Lithuvar forest, the strongest there was the rank+ Mother.

Anyway, what exactly is that thing?

Eh? I-I dont know. I am just a helper. I have no actual ties with this place

What do you mean?

I thought you wanted to escape from me and go somewhere else?

I dont know. I dont want to know

Visit readel.me for extra chapters.

Hes acting strange.

He mustve felt actual fear when he faced them.

Oh well, its not like Im that interested, so I wont ask anymore.

He doesnt seem to be lying.

Really? Then, if youll excuse me

Magiatite Heart begins to move around.

Treant blocks its path.

Then, a small dent is formed on its surface, and from there, a purple smoke is expelled.

Treant, after making contact with the purple smoke, bends over his trunk and is struggling to stand on his roots.

Its thePoisonskill.

I pin down Magiatite Heart with my open claw.

Hey! What do you think youre doing to our precious walking tree?!

Partner! Heres your lunch!

I-Im sorry! Im sorry! For some reason, I just felt an inexplicable annoyance and couldnt control myself. I swear I held back!

When Nightmare blocked his path, he stayed still, but when its Treant, he starts acting up, I see how it is!

While being cautious, I slowly lift up my claw.

Partner heals Treant withHigh Rest.

Treant weakly gets up.

Alright, although he assaulted Treant, he makes a point that I have no use for him now.

Since he himself doesnt want anything to do with us, there should be no harm in letting him go no, wait.

Hey, Magiatite Heart.

Care to make a deal?

What deal?

Ill kick the adventurer out of the mine and beat the underground dragon for you.

W-Whats in it for me?

I want you to protect Treant while were away.

What?

Uhh, you know, if it werent for the underground dragon, youd still be the strongest around these parts as the peacemaker for monsters, right?

If its you whos guarding Treant, then Ill feel reassured.

I dont want to keep worrying about him when we leave him all alone here.

That Treant, you say I dont mind. But only if you satisfy your end of the deal

ThanksSteel Sage.

You understand things quickly.

Now lets go take out that pesky dragon.

As I walk back up the shaft, Magiatite Heart pondered for a while as it looked at the sight of me climbing up the slope before catching up to us.

Let me just tell you that there is absolutely no merit in settling in a place like this

Magiatite Heart says as I look back at him, with his core looking more down than usual.

There was a hint of sadness in his tone.

Could it be that he knows whats happening in the royal capital?

But looking at his condition right now, it doesnt seem like hes in the mood to share it.

I could always just threaten him and get him to say it, but if its possible for us to have a good relationship, then Id go with that.

Besides, since hell be looking after Treant for us, Ill have my chance to ask him when we get back.

For now, lets just focus on getting rid of that underground dragon.