In The Desert Nation

To escape the Holy Knights, we came to the desert elf country of Fotiatuyah.

At the request of Prince Brockes, whom we met on the ship, we ended up tackling the mysterious dungeon that appeared in the royal capital.

Thanks to my magic potion, the ship quickly arrived at port.

“Uuuh… it’s hooot…”

The moment we reached the island, an intense heat struck us.

The air was completely dry, and simply hot.

“…Fotiatuyah is a southern country. I heard it was hot, but not to this extent.”

Knowledgeable Zenith-chan seemed to feel something was off.

Prince Brockes shook his head and spoke.

“No. It is usually hot, but not this much.”

“Hm? So this is abnormal?”

“Yes… it is the dungeon’s influence.”

While riding Chi-chan toward the capital, we gathered information from the prince.

According to him,

Since the dungeon appeared, the climate had become strange.

Many fire monsters existed inside.

Experts believed something greater than fire monsters might dwell as the dungeon’s master.

“Greater than that?”

“A demon god.”

“A demon god, huh…”

Zenith-chan tilted her head and asked.

“…I’ve heard demon gods were the remnants of evil gods that once wreaked havoc on the surface. But a being called the Witch of the Underworld sealed them away…”

“Oh, knowledgeable as always, Zenith-chan. But those seals are getting fragile and they revive from time to time.”

Zenith-chan and the prince widened their eyes.

Huh, what?

“H-How do you know that?”

“Well… I’ve encountered them several times while training with my master. Actually, he travels around partly to reseal them.”

He was always a wanderer, but not just wandering aimlessly.

“S-So Seyi-dono has defeated a demon god before?”

“Well, I can’t beat one barehanded, but with potions equipped… huh? What?”

The prince knelt and took my hand.

“Thank you! Your visit must be divine providence!”

“That’s exaggerated… I haven’t done anything yet.”

We weren’t even sure a demon god was inside, but if one appeared, potions would handle it.

I’d need to replenish magic potions, but with Sui-chan, magic water was easy to obtain.

“…Your Highness. Please step away from Seyi-sama.”

“That’s right! Back away!”

“….” hiss!

Zenith-chan, Daphne-chan, and Sui-chan stood protectively in front of me.

Toka-chan and the robo-maid didn’t join since they were piloting Chi-chan.

“Big sister belongs to us!”

“….” nod nod!

“My apologies.”

The prince stepped away with a wry smile.

After snorting, Daphne-chan clung to me.

“What’s wrong? It’s hot, right?”

“It’s hot, but I must protect big sister!”

“? Thanks…?”

No idea why…

But since they were cute clinging to me, it was fine.

“…Seyi-sama. What is the plan once we arrive?”

“First gather materials, replenish potions, then head into the dungeon.”

With a capital city, materials should be easy to get.

I’d either hunt or browse the merchants and stalls.

“You all wait outside the dungeon.”

“““Eeeeeeeeeeeh!!!”””

The slave girls including Toka-chan shouted.

Oh? Surprising?

“The dungeon is dangerous.”

“…I cannot allow you to go alone!”

“Daphne goes too!”

“….” nod nod!

“How could retainers wait outside while our master enters danger? We accompany you!”

They were worried about me.

They’re such good girls!

“May I wait outside? Over.”

“If you don’t come, who carries the potions?”

Magic potions spoil easily.

Without the robo storage function, I couldn’t carry them long.

“I may overheat in this temperature. Over.”

“I’ll adjust you later.”

“Tch… over.”

This rebellious robot…

“However, Seyi-dono, besides the demon god, the dungeon is dangerous. Bringing these fragile girls is risky.”

The prince agreed.

“Well, it’ll be fine.”

At that moment—

Daphne-chan’s rabbit ears perked up.

“Big sister! Monsters! Moving under the sand!”

“Nice, Daphne-chan.”

Her hearing detected enemies faster than anyone.

Very useful child.

“Cherge. Snipe where Daphne indicates.”

“Such rough robot usage. Over.”

“Hurry. And scatter that too.”

Cherge pulled a long tube from storage.

A magic rifle used for long-range attacks.

She fired one shot into the desert.

“GISHAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!”

A giant shark burst from the sand.

“A sand shark! A vicious monster that swims through sand!”

“Big sister, many sharks!”

“W-What!? Multiple!?”

Judging by the prince’s reaction, they weren’t common.

“Why…?”

“…Likely the dungeon’s influence. Data shows nearby monsters become active when a dungeon appears.”

“Then we must warn the guards and fight!”

The prince panicked.

“It’s fine. Only A-rank.”

“What are you—”

“GISHAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!”

The sharks leapt toward us.

But—

“““!!!!”””

The sharks stiffened midair.

They plunged back into the sand.

“Big sister, they’re leaving!”

“Impossible… why!?”

“…I see, you spread a Repellent Potion.”

Sharp as always, Zenith-chan noticed quickly.

I had Cherge apply Repellent Potion onto Chi-chan.

“With this, weak enemies won’t approach. The dungeon will be easy.”

“Oh… what amazing power! Seyi-dono is incredible!”

The prince looked impressed.

Being amazed over a Repellent Potion… honestly.