Arifureta Vol 4 Chapter 4 (1/2)

Chapter 4 : Elders’ Conference

They advance in the dense fog guided by Gil, the tiger-like demi-human.

Their destination is Faea Bergaen. They have walked for an hour with Hajime, Yue, Haulia tribe, and Alfrerick surrounded by the other demi-humans. Apparently, Zam the messenger was using a lot of instant movement.

After walking for a while, they suddenly arrived at a place where the fog was cleared up. Although not all of the fog cleared up, it formed a road that resembled a tunnel inside the fog. If you looked closely, crystals as big as fists were buried at the side of the road that give of blue light. It seems to have the ability to ward off the fog.

Alfrerick who noticed Hajime was focused on the blue crystals starts to explain.

“That was something called Faeadrain crystal. Even though we  don’t know the reason, fog and demonic beasts won’t come near it. It was also used to surround Faea Belgaen and its surrounding villages. Well, it was “relatives” for the demonic beasts.”

“I see. Well, it’ll be depressing to be inside the fog all the time. At the very least I would want to dispel the place where I live.”

It seems there won’t be any fog in the town inside the Sea of Trees. It was a good news because they had to wait for ten days inside the Sea of Trees. Yue, who feels the fog is depressing, seems happy after hearing the conversation of the two.

In the meantime, before their eyes a huge gate can be seen. It was made by thick trees intertwined forming an arch, while a pair of wooden doors were placed at a span of 10 meters. The natural wall of trees were there at the minimum height of 30 meters. It gave off the magnificence suitable for demi-human’s “country”.

Gil gave the signal to the demi-humans who seems to be the gatekeepers then the gate opened slightly with heavy sound. From the top of surrounding trees, piercing glances were directed at Hajime and the others. It seems they can’t hide their agitation for the fact that humans were coming. Without Alfrerick, they’ll surely get into trouble with only Gil’s a.s.sistance. Perhaps, the Elder came out by himself after predicting that this would happen.

After pa.s.sing through the gate, there was a different world. There are lot of huge trees with diameter of tens meter, inside the tree was the dwelling and from opened s.p.a.ce of tree trunk that looks like windows was overflowed with light of lamps. Dozens of people can be seen walking on the corridors made of thick intertwined branches of trees. On the big vines of trees, there are elevator-like things using the pulley also there huge wooden waterway that set up to hang between trees. The trees itself has the height around 20 stories.

Hajime and Yue were mesmerized with open mouth, fascinated by the beautiful cityscape, the sound of cough “gohon” were heard. Apparently, they didn’t notice that they are stopping Alfrerick tried to bring back their consciousness.

“Fufu, it seems you’ve taken a liking to our hometown, Faea Belgaen.”

Alfrerick loosened his expression in joy. The surrounding demi-humans including Haulia tribe looked somehow proud of it. Hajime who saw their appearance, honestly praised the city.

“Aa, it’s my first time to see such beautiful town. The atmosphere is good, truly a town which splendidly harmonizes with nature.”

“N… … beautiful”

Having heard such straightforward praised without any falsehood, as expected, it made the demi-humans a little surprised. However, having their hometown praised surely made them happy, all of them, tried to avert their face with a “hmpf” while their beast-ears and tails were vigorously moves.

The residents of Faea Belgaen were looking at Hajime and his party with curiosity and avoidance, there are various gazes filled with hatred or perplexity, while they continued to go toward the place that Alfrerick had prepared.

“… … I see, trial to gain age of G.o.ds magic, also about the G.o.ds’ game…”

Currently, Hajime and Yue are talking to Alfrerick. The topics were about “Liberators” and the age of G.o.ds magic that Hajime heard from Oscar Orcus, also about how he was from different world and is trying to complete the Seven Great Dungeon so that he can get the age of G.o.ds magic that able to return him to his world.

Having heard about this world’s G.o.ds, there is no change in Alferick’s expression. Hajime who thinks it was strange then asked “This world doesn’t treat demi-humans well, even now” was the answer he heard. It seems even if the G.o.ds didn’t got mad, the treatment to demi-humans wouldn’t have changed at all. This place weren’t under the influence of the church neither they have any faith. There is only the appreciation of nature.

After Hajime’s stories were finished, Alfrerick start to talk about laws of the Elder position of Faea Belgaen. It was an oral tradition that is if someone who bore the crest of Seven Great Dungeons appeared then don’t be hostile to them, and if that person were liked then take them to their destination.

The creator of Great Dungeon of “Haltina Sea of Trees” were called Luluo Haltina, the existence who called herself as “Liberators” (she didn’t told them what kind of beings “Liberators” was) also she told them the name of her comrades. It was endlessly told the one tribe that lived before this country was named Faea Belgaen. They must not be hostile because it was advised they must know that those who pa.s.sed the trial of Great Dungeon are someone who have extraordinary abilities.

Also, Alrerick was able to reacted to the crest of Orcus’ ring because there is a stone monument in which seven crests were carved at the root of the Great Tree where he saw the same crest as that one.

“That means, I’ve pa.s.sed the qualification…”

From Alfrerick’s explanation, the reason to invite human into the stronghold of demi-humans has been understood. However, not all of the demi-humans knows of this story, so it was necessary to tell them in the future.

When Hajime and Alfrerick tried to end their talk, somehow it became noisy downstair. Hajime and the others were currently on the top floor, while s.h.i.+a and the Haulia tribe were downstair. Apparently, they are arguing against someone. Hajime and Alfrerick looked at each other then stood up at the same time.

Downstair, there were a big bear-like demi-human, a tiger-like demi-human, a fox-like demi-human, a demi-human with wings growing out of their back, and a hairy dwarf-like demi-human who looked insecure were glaring at Haulia tribe. In the corner of the room, Kam was desperately covering s.h.i.+a. It seems they’ve already been hit because s.h.i.+a and Kam cheeks were swollen.

Hajime and Yue who have came downstair sent sharp glare to all of them. The bear-like demi-humans began to speak with an insecure voice.

“Alfrerick… … you b.a.s.t.a.r.d, what’s the meaning of this. Why did you invite those humans? Those RabbitMan tribe too. To have the taboo child come here… … according to your answer, I will strip you of your seat in the Elders conference.”

He seems to desperately restrain his fury. His fists that clasped were trembling. As expected, for demi-humans, humans were their nemesis. Moreover, to invited the Haulia tribe who bore crime of sheltering the taboo child. Not only the bear-like demi-humans, the other demi-humans are staring at Alfrerick.”

However, Alfrerick only think that as wind blowing.

“What, I just followed the tradition. All of you are also Elders of various tribes, shouldn’t you able to understand the circ.u.mstance?”

“The h.e.l.l with tradition! Aren’t those kind of things fake? Even after Faea Belgaen was founded, not even once that happened!”

“Therefore, this time is the first time. That’s all. If you are Elders then followed the tradition. That’s the law. We are the one who have the Elder seat so why would we disregard the law.”

“Then, are you saying that those human youngsters are qualified! The one who so strong that we shouldn’t be hostile with!”

“That’s so”

Alfrerick only answered in indifferent. The bear-like demi-humans can’t believe Alfrerick’s words, then stare at Hajime.

In Faea Belgaen, those who become the Elder of various tribes are those who have high ability, and it seems the Elders Conference were council system used to decide the policy of this country where the Elders performs judgement in trial-like manner. Currently, those demi-humans who gathered here were apparently the current Elders. However, there seems to be a difference in the way they see the tradition.

Although Alfrerick was the type that took the importance of tradition, the other elders might be a little different. Alfrerick was from the Forest tribe, even among demi-humans they have longer lifespan. According to Hajime memory, their average lifespan were around 200 years. If that is so, there is a very large age difference between Alfrerick and the Elders in front of him, in effect, there might also be a difference in their sense of value. By the way, the average lifespan of demi-humans were 100 years.

Because of it, the other Elders beside Alfrerick were unable to endure having humans and criminals in this place.

“… … then, right now, let me test you!”

Having finished his word, the bear-like demi-human suddenly rushed toward Hajime. Because of the suddenness, the others can’t react. Alfrerick too, who didn’t think he’ll attack suddenly, was widen his eyes in surprise.

And in an instant he get in his range, the man who was 2 and half meter with great arms made of lump of muscle, swung his arm toward Hajime.

Even among demi-humans, Bearman tribe were superior in physical and endurance. That great arm was able to break a big tree into two, this destructiveness was the clear distinction that made him the representative of his tribe. Aside from Haulia tribe and Yue, the others were visioning there’d be nothing left of Hajime except lump of flesh.

However, in the next moment, they are frozen because of the impossible spectacle.

ZUDONn!

The fist that swung down and produced a sound of impact were easily grabbed and stopped by Hajime’s left arm.

“… … what a lukewarm fist. However, there was killing intent. So, you’ve prepared, right?”

While saying so, Hajime manipulate his artificial arm using magic to increase his grip. The sound of bear-like demi-human’s bones cracking can be heard. Sensing his crisis although he was still surprised, the bear-like demi-human desperately tried to distance himself.

“Guuu! Let go!”

Even though he desperately tried to pull his arm, Hajime who was around half big as him didn’t move an inch. Actually, at that time, Hajime trans.m.u.te metal plate on his shoes into spike that drilled into the floor to secure his position, the bear-like demi-human who didn’t know that only can feel Hajime was like an immovable big tree.

Hajime silently pour his magic, then the grip of his artificial arm increased at once.

BAKI!

“Gh!?”

Sound of something broken come from the arm of the bear-like demihuman. Even so there is no scream that can be heard just as expected of an Elder. However, Hajime didn’t missed him became stiffen in pain and astonishment.

His free left arm then thrusted with a Karate-like chop, Hajime immediately dashed into the bear-like demi-human’s bosom.

“Fly”

DOPANn!

His “powerful arm” activated and gunshot came from his artificial arm that moved with a thrust. And, at the same time impact were generated from part of the elbow while a cartridge jumped out and flutter in the air. The fist that already strong to begin with were accelerated to increase the destructive power.

The fist that used mechanism to give it tremendous power were piercing the belly of the bear-like demi-human without mercy, while at the same time it generated shock wave and literally blown him off with full power. The bear-like demi-human, without even a chance to scream, with his body bent into < shape=”” disappeared=”” after=”” break=”” through=”” the=”” wall.=”” after=”” a=”” while,=”” scream=”” can=”” be=”” heard=”” from=”” the=””>

What Hajime used was a shotgun that can be fired from his elbow. The propulsion was possible by using the recoil of shot sh.e.l.l that was built-in, also while shooting Schlag he can use it to shot enemy in the back at the same time. This time the propulsion was used. His “powerful arm” demonstrated its full power.

While everyone stunned and at loss for words, sound of GASHUN! that come out from operating the gimmick can be heard then Hajime look at the other Elders with killing intent.

“Well? Are you my enemies?”

To that words, no one was able to nod.

After Hajime blown off the bear-like demi-human, Alfrerick somehow manage to intercede, so the trampling play by Hajime was avoided. The bear-like demi-human’s internals were ruptured along with almost all of his bone fractured, but it seems his life was saved. Using the most expensive recovery medicine (spending money like a faucet). However, his life as a warrior were finished…

Currently, the Elders, Zell of Tigerman tribe, Mao of Wingedman tribe, Rua of Foxman tribe, Guze of Earthman tribe (commonly called Dwarf), and Alfrerick of Forestman tribe were seated opposite of Hajime. Yue and Kam seated beside Hajime, s.h.i.+a was seated along the other Haulia tribe cl.u.s.tered behind him.

Expression of Elders, except Alfrerick, were stiff with tension. The bear-like demi-human (called Jin) who had battle prowess of number 1 or 2 was unable to attend because he was instant-killed so neither his hands nor feet can be used.

“Well? What do you want to do with us? I only wanted to go to underneath the Great Tree, if you don’t interfere then I will leave you alone… … the demi-humans was <…>> thinking if they don’t unite their intention then when the time come, won’t they be troubled if they don’t know which is good? For your information. In the middle of ma.s.sacre, to consider the distinction between enemies and allies, I am not that kind of good natured person you know.”

Having heard Hajime’s words, the Elders were stunned. They have noticed that it was implied he won’t hesitate to start war against the demi-humans.

“For our incapacitated companion’s sake, first of all this is… … is it possible for us to become friendly?”

Guze muttered with groan along with bitter and crushed expression.

“Huh? What did you say? Aren’t that bear the one who came with killing intent? I was only pay him back. Resulted with him became incapacitated was his own fault.”

“Y-you! Jin was! Jin was only thinking of his country!”

“And, is that why it’s okay to kill someone he met for the first time without talk first?”

“Th-that was! But!”

“Didn’t you misunderstand? I am the victim while that bear is the a.s.sailant. Aren’t Elders must judge the crime? Then, that’s why, aren’t that Elder of your the one who made mistake?”

Probably Guze was gotten along well with Jin. Therefore, though he understand in his head that Hajime was right but he was unable to accept it. However, to consider his feeling was not something Hajime would do.

“Guze, though I understood how you feels, but leave it at that. His is a sound argument.”

Having heard Alfrerick’s word of admonishment, Guze who tried to stand up was “DOSUNn” sit down with distorted expression. And currently, he fall into silent sullen.

“This boy, certainly, has one of the crest, his ability also made him able to completed a Great Dungeon. I have admitted that he has the qualification as said in the tradition.”

The one who said that was Elder Rua of Foxman tribe. After his slit eyes looked at Hajime, he looked at other Elders asking what they think.

Having received his gaze, Mao of Wingedman tribe and Zel of Tigerman tribe even though it wasn’t known what they think, they give their consent. On the others behalf, Alfrerick tell Hajime.

“Nagumo Hajime. We of Elder council admitted that you’re a person qualified as said in tradition. Therefore, it is our consensus to not oppose you… … as much as possible, I’ll told them to not lay a hand on you. … … however… …”

“It was not absolute… huh?”

“Aah. As you’ve known, demi-humans don’t think well of humans. Honestly, it can be said that they hate them. The is possibility of someone disregarding the notice from Elders conference. Especially, the tribe of the incapacitated Jin, the Bearman tribe’s anger can’t easily be suppressed so there is a high possibility of it. He is popular after all… …”

“So?”

Hajime’s expression didn’t change even after heard Alfrerick’s words. What’s done is done, He only do what should be done, it can be understood from his eyes. Alfrerick who can understand that, he look back with the will of an Elder.

“I want you spare those who attack you.”

“… … are you asking me to take it easy at those who came with killing intent?”