Chapter 51 - Start of Investigation part 3 (1/2)

As the four of us enter the door which leads to the underground drainage system, we stumbled upon the first (or second, if we consider the smell as problem, which honestly, it does) problem, and that's its way too dark here. Of course, I do expect this kind of situation, so the solution is quite simple, just use a light ball magic to illuminate the surrounding area and

”Heeee!” [Alice]

Alice screams as those large rodents quickly try their best to swarm us only to end up being electrocuted by my thunder magic

”Nice thinking” [Erinmorlin]

”Can't use any other magic can I” [Ash]

This is a small underground pathway, and if I have to consider the poorly maintained state of it, there's a high chance of this entire drainage system to collapse. I might survive the collapse, maybe Erinmorlin can also survive, but I'm sure the other can't. Plus, collapsing the drainage system is definitely a big no as the damage done will be severe. It's no exaggeration to day the whole city/country will be affected by it.

I can't use fire magic, there might be chances of choking due to the accumulated carbon dioxide, I can't use water magic due to fear of overflowing the drainage with water (and also chances of spreading the disease even further). Wind might be an option but strong wind magic will collapse it nevertheless. Earth is a BIG NO. Light and dark might be considered, but I have a tendency to go on a rampage when using it. So the only safe option is to use thunder magic by electrocute those monsters. Just to make it on safer side from now onward, I will be using my Scythe imbued with both lighting as well as water magic. As for the water magic, I make the composition similar to that of a sea water, because Lou Carcolh is basically a giant snail with serpentine features, so I hope my logic of snail being extremely weak to salt water will work

”Two elements imbued simultaneously, It's no exaggeration to say your level of proficiency is similar to that of court magician, plus, when you consider that it's done without any chant, it's really show your magic talent. That's the behemoth slayer for you!” [Lisa]

”The rumour also said that you can use all elemental magic, which is crazy” [Flinar]

”That weapon, it's called a scythe right?” [Erinmorlin]

”It is” [Ash]

Erinmorlin eyes glimmer with interest, I guess dwarf being stereotypically attracted to weapons is true.

As we walk to what we believe as the centre of the system (as scouted through earth sonar magic thanks to Erinmorlin), we encounter two groups of monster. Giant Flies as well as Lou Carcolh totaling around 40 I guess. Flinar and Erinmorlin ready themselves to protect Lisa and Alice, as for me

~Dash~

The Giant Flies try to shoot some nasty substances toward me, but I just slice them before they can even do that, as for the Lou Carcolh, with my Scythe, I simply destroy the hard outer shell, penetrating the soft body and electrocute it. I do notice the area stabbed shrink, as if water being pulled out and drawn into my scythe.

(Perfect, it's working) [Ash]

And in no time, the monsters are defeated. Making a new compartment inside my item box magic, I store those monsters inside to be presented as evidence of negligence

”Let's get going” [Ash]

They nodded. No question asked. I guess this show that they're trusting me.

Still...

”Alice, if this is an adventure request, what rank will it be?” [Ash]

”Let see, you have a request from the king itself, plus, you're also dealing with group of monster which I presume in this case will be at least C as evidence by the number, which will be increasing as we keep ongoing, and also the fact that this request is done on such hazardous environment and difficult circumstances, minimum of B rank will be put” [Alice]

”I see, guess Jacks will be qualified then” [Ash]

”He will” [Alice]

”I believe I already knew the answer, but still, why did you ask her that?” [Flinar]

”Simple, our current objective is to see the condition of the central water magic stone that supply the water for the whole country, monster subjugation comes second. So after seeing the water stone conditions, I'll report it to the king and ask him to request for subjugation of those monsters” [Ash]

”Thought so” [Flinar]

Plus, I can't just go and subjugate each and every monster inside, well I can but no, I won't, it's just tiring and ineffective. I'm sure I will miss one or two, and they will reproduce back in no time, which lead to the same problems once again

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.

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There's the second group of monsters. This time, the Lou Carcolhs are happily feasting upon the giant rodents and flies. Oh boy, I'm sure glad those kids aren't here, if not, they will have a nightmare seeing this scene. On other related note, I can vividly imagine Savel using this scene as his reference for his next Illusion magic

And while those monsters are feasting, I simply throw my scythe towards them first for a surprise attack, dash at them, grab back the scythe and make a full 360 degree swings to destroy each one of them. Poor snail, can't even fight back their demise

As we keep ongoing to the center, we noticed something

”The number of Lou Carcolh increase, so does their size” [Alice]

”Could they have a queen nearby?” [Lisa]

”Most likely” [Flinar]