221 # 208 Free Tier Zombie Countermeasures Conference.txt (1/2)

We managed to get back to the freetia. Once again, I thought, this event is on the level of a management event.

The players in the town of Fast are cheering at the completion of the event and are impressed by the first time they see Freetia.

''We managed it for now, but the problems are piling up...''

Tristan-san says that and the atmosphere around him becomes dark. Yoichi-san asks Ruin-san.

'The problem is that we don't have any weapons for the undead. Do you have any idea, Ruin-san?''

''Unfortunately, there's only one chance at an event with a luminous stone... do you have any idea, Tact-kun?''

Gaze attacks from all of us. You can't get anything out of that stare.

''Unfortunately, I don't know. I do have an idea about the fire-attribute material, though.''

'Yes... but if there's any chance, it's only in the new area. Have you ever seen silver in the Izzy mines?

Ah, you're right, silver is definitely an image of a weapon for the undead. But we haven't explored it much, have we?

''Not so far. However, I haven't explored it at all, so if I explore it, maybe I'll find it.

The same could be said of the Yellow Ossa Mountains. Then a carbuncle comes over to us with a plate.

”Squeak!

Yes, yes, I promised you dinner. Do you have any requests?

You have a sweet tooth and a penchant for meat.

Now I'll give you some grilled rabbit meat in honey.

What about Lily and the others?

I know you ate this morning... but I tried.

I'll see you at work.

Everyone is pleased. In the meantime, Carbuncle finished the meat and feasted on it. That's very clever.

Then he goes up to Harrison's brother's head and bashes his head around. What was that?

I know, I know. I'll give it to you. Calm down.

Harrison's brother took the citrine out of Inveritri and gave it to Carbuncle, who snatched it up and ate it.

'Um...what's this?'

'It's the price you just paid... the carbuncle has the ability to release the power of the gems in your body. However, when you release it, the gems in your body are gone and they will beg for the gems.

As I thought, powerful techniques have a reasonable price to pay, right? That's where Tyrol lost his patience.

''Ah, um!　May I touch it?

'I'm good... but I don't think it's good enough for free,'

That's not true. Come here~

Carbuncle's face is pouty and he offers his hand to Tyrol as Tyrol approaches, saying so. He says, ”Don't give me things.

Tyrol freezes for a moment, but it looks like Tyrol has a plan. Tyrol pulls out a brush.

'Here - I'm going to brush you!

But Carbuncle is appealing over things. Apparently, jewelry is better than brushing.

At this point, Tyrol's carbuncle-moffing plan has failed.

Then I get a text message. It's Princess Sarah. She wants to talk to you about your communication. I'm guessing it's a zombie thing. I'll explain it to everyone and then use communications.

It's tact.

''I'm sorry to be so abrupt. 'I'm sorry to come to you like this, but the alchemist told me what happened. The refugees will be taken care of by us. Since it's an emergency, would you mind allowing Mr. Tact to speak to me in person at the royal castle?

I understand. Would you mind if your fellow adventurers joined us?

I can't authorize many, but I'll leave it to Mr. Tact to decide.

Oh....that's a lot of responsibility. Now I can't take people I don't know at all.

''And please bring Aura-san's valet with you.

Harrison's brother was confirmed as Aura's valet.

'I understand. I'll be on my way.

Please.

So me, Ruin, Mel, Tristan, Full Moon, Yoichi, and Harrison's brother will be coming to the royal castle with me.

Lisa and the other players and even players who weren't involved have been complaining about it, but since they've been nailed down, there's nothing I can do about it. This is what happens when you're a small and trustworthy member of a small group.

I showed my guild card to the gatekeeper, and when I entered the royal castle, the maid showed me the way. Somehow, this was the first time for me to appear outside of Lily and the others.

And the room I was shown to was filled with royalty, dukes, marquises, counts and knights of the Kingsguard. Garou-san and Brass-san are naturally there as well. On behalf of them, Princess Sarah speaks.

''Thank you for coming. Since we don't have much time, I'll greet you later. First of all, adventurers, let me ask you about the zombies in the Fast Forest.''

We all talk about the identity of the enemy, its size, how to deal with it, and what to expect in the future.

'Are you sure it's coming to this country...'

We can't be sure, but we're almost positive. I've been warned by Nebelos. If I were the only one who wanted to go after me, I'd leave the country, but I don't think it's going to be that easy.

Mr. Brass adds to my words.

'I suppose. Zombies are basically unintelligent beings. They will only attack creatures that are nearby. And the city of Fast is the transportation hub of the five countries. In terms of proximity, it would be Wantwerk first, followed by Reich and Fretia. If Wantwerk is targeted, then Vaneleaf and Gones are next.

When Princess Sarah hears this, she makes a decision.

''What we need now is information. Since the information network has been broken, we have no choice but to go and check it out in person. Airtis, please turn the Lesser Gryphon squad to the town of Fast immediately. There will be no fighting, and intelligence gathering will be strictly enforced.

'Ha!　I will arrange it at once!

Airtis walks out of the room. That guy was pretty good. The image of the Libina battle is stuck in my mind.

'Was it Mana's influence when you say you had your intelligence network cut off?

'Yes... just in case there's an emergency, I have these items here.

Lady Sarah took out a red ball. I'll try to appraise it.

Communication ball:?

?　?　?

Oh, I can't appraise that. Well, judging by the name, it's a long-range communication ball, isn't it? Then I heard a familiar voice.

'Oh!　God!　Zombies, buzzing with zombies!　Collect beautiful girls like Lily and the others!　Take a lesson from Mr. Tact!

Only Aura would say something like this...

You look good.

”Oh, a message in a comms ball. Princess Sarah, how are things going in there?

There are no further attacks. Can't you still come to our aid?

'I can't... that demon Nebirosse has sealed my magic and sorcery and the return items... and now I'm fighting with my bare hands!

What are you doing? This guy.... well, I'm a summoner too, and I use swords and fight in combat, so it might not make much difference...

What's that cat doing?

'Grammas would be fighting a horde of skull dragons and zombie dragons with his bare hands.