Chapter 27

After departing from the dwarven settlement, Alice and I traveled through the forest in the golem car. We proceeded briskly, blasting hard rock from the installed speakers. I let out a low chuckle as I watched the monsters skulk away into the distance.

‘It’s so much easier when they don’t bother attacking.’

The current golem car had been upgraded with dragon materials. Its overall color had shifted to a dark blue, and the frame had grown about two sizes larger. I even added rear seats, though I had no plans to take on any other passengers. Perhaps because of the dragon components, the monsters didn’t dare launch an assault. They were likely sensing danger instinctively. I was glad they were making such wise decisions.

I had handed over the leftover dragon materials to the dwarves. They were incredibly grateful, even going so far as to tell us they wanted us to visit the settlement again. In return, I received some of their prized liquor and ingots of a special metal. It seemed we had made a very favorable impression. Well, I suppose that’s only natural since I killed the dragon for their sake. Even so, they were truly good people. I’d like to see them again if the opportunity arises; our drinking sessions were a blast.

Eventually, the golem car emerged from the forest and reached a hilly region. The view was clear, with lush green grasslands stretching out before us. A gust of wind brushed past my hair. In the distance, I could see structures resembling fortresses. Long walls had been built along the hills. A bit further away, there was something that looked like another city.

‘So that’s the Independent State of Eurea…’

Since it was supposedly comprised of a cluster of city-states, it made sense that towns of that scale were scattered about. It was an interesting format. I had heard that four representatives governed their respective territories. Even though it was called a “state,” it was probably safer to assume the internal reality was quite different.

Now that the goal was in sight, I needed to organize my immediate objectives. First and foremost: killing that Japanese man who was likely in hiding. That was non-negotiable. I intended to search for clues to his whereabouts.

Additionally, I had to figure out his ability. If I confronted him as I was now, there was a high probability I’d be defeated without a chance to fight back. During the summoning, everyone’s status was checked in the audience chamber, so I knew the Japanese group had fairly high levels. However, I hadn’t paid much attention to their specific skills, so they remained a mystery. From the reactions of those around us, I vaguely understood that they were impressive, but I hadn’t really grasped the significance at the time. Looking back, I should have paid at least a little more attention.

Well, there’s no point in regretting it now. I just have to move forward. To put it bluntly, no matter what kind of ability he has, I just have to blow him to hell. I already managed to take out Koji, despite his reflection skill. I can definitely do this. Ideally, I’d uncover his ability through preliminary investigation, set up countermeasures, and then launch my attack.

My other objective was to continue gathering information regarding the return summoning magic. This was also a vital matter. I hoped to find some kind of lead in Eurea. I also wanted to get to work on studying magic and manufacturing new bombs. Both were indispensable for the future; neglecting them would only lead to trouble later. It was better to get them done now. I had a mountain of things to do, but I’d tackle them one by one.

“Is there anything you want to do while we’re living in Eurea?”

“I want a workshop. A place where I can research magic. It would also serve as a base of operations. I don’t know how long we’ll stay, but it shouldn’t hurt to have one,” Alice replied, munching on some nuts.

I agreed with her. Securing a base was a priority.

Finding a new inn every single night is a pain. If we can secure a permanent base, it’ll save us all sorts of trouble. For a long-term stay, it’s practically a necessity.

‘Right then, I’ll start by scouting for a base. After that, I can move on to my other objectives.’

I mentally organized my schedule for the coming days. The golem car sped across the hills, drawing closer to the fortress-like city. Its exterior was made of rugged stone, and looking closely, I could see its surface glowing faintly. Geometric patterns were carved into the walls. Magic, I assumed. Some kind of defensive system was likely active.

People were streaming in and out of the wide-open main gates. Unlike the previous cities, there weren’t any guards stationed there. It seemed complete freedom of passage was permitted. Good. It meant no being held up by soldiers for questioning. Just as the rumors said, this place had a liberal atmosphere. It couldn’t be more convenient for us.

I drove the golem car into the fortress. Beyond the gates lay a sprawling, chaotic cityscape. I saw members of all sorts of different races. There seemed to be a higher percentage of demi-humans here than in other towns. Perhaps because of that, the scenery felt several degrees more lively and bustling.

I navigated the golem car through the crowds. The streets were packed, so I couldn’t pick up much speed. We were crawling along at a snail’s pace, barely faster than walking. The congestion was terrible. Apparently, the concept of separate lanes for vehicles and pedestrians didn’t exist in this city.

“Well, I guess we’ll just have to be patient.”

Switching gears mentally, I focused on observing my surroundings. The pedestrians cast strange, curious looks at the golem car. Even compared to other vehicles, this thing was a total monster machine. Integrating the dragon materials had given it a look that was both sleek and savage. Given its striking appearance, it was only natural that it drew eyes.

Well, as long as no one picks a fight, I don’t care. Let them stare.

Just as I thought that, a roar came from behind us.

“Move it! Get out of the way!”

Someone was clearly irritated by the traffic. It seems no matter what world you’re in, that type of person always exists. Not that I could move even if I wanted to in this gridlock. I ignored it and kept looking at the shops.

“Don’t you hear me!? I said move this piece of junk!”

It was the same voice. Persistent bastard. Checking the side mirror, I saw the voice was coming from the vehicle directly behind us. A man wearing a white coat stepped out and approached. He stomped up to the driver’s side and glared at me.

“You… don’t you understand when someone tells you to clear the path?”

The man was huffing with rage, speaking in a high-strung, nervous tone. Then, he started kicking my door. I almost laughed at how short his fuse was. Just what kind of hurry was he in? I rolled down the window to address him.

“Can’t you see the traffic jam yourself? Shut up and wait. Your lack of character is showing.”

“Wha— Why you…!”

The man’s face turned beet-red, and he abruptly drew the sword at his waist. I felt a surge of bloodlust instantly. He actually intended to cut me down in broad daylight. The rumors about the poor public order seemed to be true.

“You dare mock me!? Fine, your blood shall stain my blade—”

“Hey now, don’t go throwing a tantrum in the middle of the street. It’s a nuisance to the neighbors.”

I violently kicked the driver’s side door open. Just as I intended, the edge of the door slammed hard into the man’s chin.

“Gugh-ack…!”

I felt the satisfying crunch of his jawbone shattering. The man collapsed, spraying blood. A few broken teeth skittered across the cobblestones. The people nearby began to whisper and stir. A scene had broken out only minutes after entering the city. What a pain.

Letting out a sigh, I grabbed the unconscious man and tossed him toward his own vehicle. He slammed into the windshield, the weight of his body shattering the glass.

“L-Lord Dalles…!”

The driver of the vehicle looked on in horror. Judging by the “Lord,” he was probably the guy’s subordinate. Not that I gave a damn. I stepped back into the car and closed the door.

“Is that… okay?” Alice asked.

“Of course. I just moved a pebble out of the way.”

Answering Alice’s concern, I started the golem car forward again. It looked like life in this new city was going to be quite entertaining.