Unification of the South

by Hyougetsu

  All of this meant it was unlikely human pirates were behind this incident. After ruling all the other possibilities out, all that remained was the Island Kraken.

  When I brought my conclusions to Garsh, he held his head and groaned, “Oi, oi, are ya kidding me? We’ve got a monster like that in our sea?”

  The books that Melaine had compiled her report from were currently being transferred to a vault, so she’d sent her own drawing of an Island Kraken in place of the book’s. Her drawing made it look cute, but there was nothing cute about it. The Kraken had its tentacles wrapped around a three-masted ship and was in the process of dragging it under.

  “An Island Kraken assaulting the Storm Petrel, one of the first immigrants’ ships,” her caption read. Garsh’s subordinates exchanged terrified glances.

  “Ya know, I’ve heard stories about this thing. They say when our ancestors came to Beluza, this monster sunk half our ships.”

  “I thought that was just an exaggeration, but...”

  “You louts, did you think our ancestors were a pack of liars?”

  “I mean, aren’t you a huge liar, Boss?”

  It appeared stories of the Island Kraken had been passed down here as well. I had no idea if this was the same Island Kraken that had assaulted Beluza’s ancestors centuries ago, but I had no doubt it was an Island Kraken behind this incident.

  I asked Master to investigate further into the Island Kraken, and she came back with more details. Apparently, while it looked like an octopus, it was anatomically closer to shellfish than cephalopods. It had a boulder-sized shell on top of its head, and often camouflaged itself as a coral reef to attract prey. Small fish would be attracted to the safety the fake reef offered, and larger fish would come to prey on the smaller ones. Then the Island Kraken would prey on those larger fish. It was quite an ingenious hunter.

  No one knew why the wind and tides calmed around it, but Master hypothesized that it was related to how the Kraken manipulated mana. Similar to how the werewolves’ instantaneous transformation was a unique skill that didn’t correspond to the normal rules of magic, many monsters had special powers as well.

  As for why a mist always surrounded Island Krakens, Master believed that was because they spewed water from spouts, similar to whales. Chances were, the reef the mermaids had been living in before had actually been an Island Kraken in disguise, which was why so many of their number had gone missing.

  The only thing Master hadn’t been able to explain was why it was attacking human ships. Even if it could eat sailors, not enough ships passed by for it to make them its primary food source. Besides, ships were much larger and harder to destroy than large marine animals like sharks or dolphins.

  Lacy, who’d been reading Master’s report over my shoulder, tilted her head and asked, “Are you sure this is what’s attacking Beluza’s ships?”

  “If it attacked Garsh’s ancestors, there’s at least a precedent for it.”

  Master’s notes had mostly touched on the Kraken’s biology, while Melaine’s had detailed its history. I mentally compiled all the information I’d received and came to a conclusion.

  “I think normally Island Krakens don’t attack ships. But the one inhabiting the waters around Beluza acquired a taste for humans after eating them in the past. That’s what I think.”

  Chances were, the first immigrants to Meraldia had accidentally grounded one of their ships against the Island Kraken, and it had decided to eat them because of that. Humans were slower than fish in the water, so it wouldn’t have been hard for it to catch fleeing sailors after crushing their boat. While humans weren’t the largest animal around, a couple dozen of them made for a filling meal. Since the Kraken was cold-blooded, it likely didn’t need much food anyway.

  After tasting human flesh for the first time, the Kraken had probably gotten hooked, and started looking for more. In the end, this was all speculation, but I felt like I had a decent amount of evidence to back up my hypothesis. Now we just needed to come up with a way to slay the beast. I figured that would be the simple part, but everyone else in the room looked oddly glum.

  “The terror of the deep... I can’t believe we’ve gotta fight that monster.”

  Lacy turned to Garsh and said in an apologetic voice, “I don’t think the demon army or even the Meraldian Federation could handle something like this...”

  Even my werewolves were losing hope.

  “Claws and fangs aren’t gonna be enough for that thing...”

  “Yeah, this is too much for us.”

  Monza and the Garney brothers scrunched up their faces. I hadn’t expected everyone to be this scared. Man, you guys are hopeless. I promptly put together a plan in my head.

  “It’s just a monster, guys. Let’s hurry up and kill this thing so the mermaids and the people of Beluza don’t have to live in fear.”

  Everyone turned to me in shock. I guess that was a little extreme, considering the mood. Parker asked the question on everyone else’s mind, “Am I imagining things, or are you not scared of this beast? You do realize it’s a creature large enough to sink ships, correct?”

  “Well, yeah, but it’s gotta be weaker than the Hero.”

  Arshes’ strength had surpassed the bounds of mere mortals. I’d been through my fair share of tough fights in my time, but it was only when fighting him that I’d felt real fear. Compared to that, this Kraken was just an oversized octopus. It shouldn’t be too hard to cut it up and make takoyaki out of. If we combined Beluza’s naval might with the strength of the demon army and its magic, we’d have no trouble slaying it.

  “The demon army was able to defeat the Hero. And I don’t think this giant octopus is stronger than him. So we should be able to kill it too. I don’t see any reason to be hesitating.”

  Everyone’s jaws dropped open, but after a while, my werewolves nodded in agreement.

  “Y-Yeah, you’re right... If that’s what you think, boss, then let’s do it.”

  “We do have the man who killed the Hero on our side...”

  I knew I could count on my brave werewolves. However, Garsh was unconvinced.

  “Oi, do you really think we can win?”

  “Nothing’s ever certain, but I do believe we have a chance. I have a plan. And just in case, I’ve come up with an alternate strategy if we’re up against something that isn’t an Island Kraken. However, the demon army possesses no boats. We’ll need to borrow some of yours.”

  Garsh folded his arms and muttered, “Ships, huh? Truth is, we built some new warships without Meraldia’s permission cause we thought we might have to fight you guys.”

  “Then we’ll use those.”

  Warships in this world were about as advanced as ancient galleys. In other words, they were oar-powered. Garsh gave me a troubled smile and replied, “To be honest I thought we’d be fighting you in those, not giving them to ya... Well whatever, it doesn’t look like we’ll be fighting anymore. You can have the whole arsenal. But you better bring my ships back in one piece, ya hear?”

  “I can’t promise they’ll return intact, but I’ll do my best. I’d also like a few of your trade ships, if you don’t mind.”

  “For someone who’s offering to help, ya sure are greedy. What’re you gonna use them for?”

  “I was thinking of loading the demon army’s latest weapon onto them.”

  Most trade ships were powered by sail, but they could hold more cargo. Garsh contemplated my request for a few minutes. Finally, he smiled.

  “Well, why not. If you can clear up our trade routes for us, a few ships is no big deal! Take whatever ya need!”

  What a generous fellow. Warships and trade ships were far more expensive than fishing boats, so I knew Garsh was investing a lot into me.

  “Though, if possible, I would prefer to at least get my warships back in one piece, okay?”

  Well, even he doesn’t want to throw money away. While Master’s notes had given me a great idea, I needed a few other people and some spe
cialized equipment to make this plan work.

  “Contact Thuvan’s factories and Ryunheit’s ballistae team. Also, Lacy, I’ll be training you personally.”

  “Why me!?”

  “Your illusion magic will be the key to victory. I’ll be whipping you into shape until the day of the operation.”

  “Oh no...”

  Sorry, Lacy, but I’ll need you if I want to bring Garsh his warships back. I’m counting on you.

  While Garsh was getting his ships ready for us, the people and equipment I’d asked for started arriving.

  “Yoooo!”

  The first to appear was none other than the demon army’s strongest kentauros. Firnir arrived with such a bang that her clothes nearly fell off. Literally.

  “Heeey, Vaito! I’m here!”

  “Why the hell are you here!? You’re supposed to be Thuvan’s viceroy!”

  Firnir clopped over to me, with a unit of 200 handpicked elites following after her. She raised her spear with a beaming smile and replied, “I left Seishess in charge of Thuvan. It’ll be fine. Probably.”

  Wow, she just pushed everything off onto him, huh? I’d actually been planning on making Seishess the commander of the kentauros squad I’d asked for, but this would work just as well. Still smiling, Firnir showed me her front hooves.

  “Look, I had Master make them just as you asked!”

  “Let’s have a look.”

  I’d asked Master to create enchanted horseshoes that would let the kentauros walk on water. Though they didn’t last long, they’d be invaluable for the upcoming battle. Back when I’d first learned how to cast the water walking spell, I’d discovered that large bodies of water were like wide open plains, tactically speaking. Meaning if I could get cavalry to walk on top of it, they’d have ample room to charge.

  Had I been working with human cavalry I’d have to worry about what might happen if the human riders fell off their horses, but with kentauros that wasn’t a problem. So long as they could maneuver freely, they’d be a valuable asset. Not only were kentauros mobile, but they were skilled in all manner of weapons, from spears to swords to bows. Plus, they were fearless.

  “How well do they work? Do you think you’ll be able to fight like you were on land?”

  “Yeah, no problem! Though if we fall, we end up flipping upside-down.”

  Oh yeah, cause the enchantment only affects your guys’ horseshoes. Ideally, we’d have enchanted all of their equipment, but we didn’t have the supplies or the time.

  “In that case, why don’t you guys start practicing rescuing each other in case someone does get flipped around? We’ll need to be ready when the time comes.”

  “Aye-aye, Vaito!”

  Firnir and the others had also brought with them the weapons I’d ordered from Thuvan. Each and every one had been specially-made.

  “Here’s the ballista you asked for. But is this really gonna be any use?”

  “Hopefully.”

  It didn’t have much range, but it had a lot of power. Even if we weren’t up against an Island Kraken, this would come in handy.

  “I brought the catapult you wanted too, but is flinging rocks at a sea monster really gonna do anything?”

  “Fear not, it’s not rocks we’ll be throwing with that.”

  I’d come up with two possible uses for the catapult, but if I explained one of them I knew everyone would object, so I’d keep that one to myself for now. I can’t wait to see the looks on everyone’s faces when they see a werewolf flying.

  That afternoon, the canine ballistae team I’d sent for arrived from Ryunheit, along with some of their engineers.

  “Sir Veight, it’s been far too long!”

  “I can smell the sea breeze!”

  “I wonder what fish tastes like!”

  “Look at all that water! May we swim in it, Sir Veight!?”

  I didn’t call you here so you could take a vacation! Well, at least I know these guys aren’t scared to be fighting a giant sea monster. I’ll be counting on you. While all this was happening, the ships were being readied.

  “Alright, I want the engineers loading all these weapons onto the ships!”

  “Yes, sir!”

  Warships in this world were generally more like large transport ships filled with soldiers. Naval warfare amounted to little more than warships crashing into each other and then soldiers fighting on deck. However, we’d never be able to beat a sea monster using such ancient tactics.

  I was planning on having the warships hold the kentauros. We had 5 in total, so I could split them up into 40 a ship. As for the trading vessels, they’d be holding my weapons. While merchants ships lost out on durability compared to warships, they had much more space. It made sense, considering they weren’t designed with ramming in mind.

  The ballista would be armed with whaling harpoons. Though they were heavy, I figured we needed something sturdy to damage a monster the Island Kraken’s size. I’d brought a few backup ballistae as well, in case the first one broke. Between the ballistae and the catapults, the trading ships looked more like warships than the actual warships. Well, I guess now that they’ve got makeshift cannons on board, they’re no longer plain galleys. What did they call ranged warships again? If we had internet here, I could just look it up. There were times I missed the convenience of my old world. As I was lamenting the lack of modern amenities, Garsh walked up to me and yelled, “Oi, your stupid mutts are destroying my ships! Make them stop!”

  “Oh, they’re not destroying them. They’re just remodeling them to make it easier for kentauros to fit inside.”

  “If you take that much of the structure out, we won’t be able to put them back together again!”

  I could understand why he didn’t want me changing too much.

  “I debated just using human soldiers, but they won’t be as useful on the open sea. Also, they have a harder time balancing on top of water. Sorry, but I’ve gotta do this.”

  “Do you have any idea how much it cost me to build those beauties?”

  Garsh grumbled to himself for a few minutes, but he recovered surprisingly soon. I guess he’s the kind of guy who can adapt easily.

  “Well, no use crying over spilled milk. You better kill the terror of the deep for us though, or there’ll be hell to pay.”

  “I can’t make any promises, but I’m pretty sure we’ll be able to handle this.”

  “Man, nothing ever fazes ya, does it?”

  I’d have been more worried if we were up against some unknown creature, but I had a good grasp on this octopus’ ecology. There was nothing scary about how it looked either. Besides, I was a former Japanese. We were basically octopuses’ natural predator.

  A few days later, the dragonkin combat engineers I’d asked for arrived, along with their Azure Knight guard. Kurtz saluted me, then said with a stern expression, “Sir Veight, please follow our instructions this time.”

  “I know, I know.”

  Unsatisfied with my lackluster reply, Kurtz repeated himself, “In all matters regarding Dragon Breath, you are to obey our commands.”

  I know I hadn’t given him much reason to trust me, but he really didn’t have any faith in me. If I was being fair though, I didn’t have much faith in me either. Logically, I knew it was better to be safe when handling gunpowder, but every time I transformed I tended to go overboard. I decided to drop that particular subject for now.

  “Did you bring the items I requested?”

  “They’re used in the production of Dragon’s Jewels so we were able to procure enough stock, however...” Kurtz glared at me. “These items’ manufacturing process is a secret even more confidential than the existence of Dragon Breath. We cannot disclose it even to you.”

  They’d probably used electrolysis. The old Demon Lord had been a pretty accomplished scientist, and I’d seen Master using electricity spells from time to time. That was why I figured they’d be able to make this in the first place. It was probably best not to mention that,
though. However, Kurtz seemed to read my thoughts as he sighed and said, “Though it appears you are already aware of it... I should have expected as much from Lord Gomoviroa’s greatest disciple.”

  If anything, I had my science classes to thank for this, not Master. Kurtz scrunched his eyes against the sea breeze.

  “At first I feared you were going to ask us to pack Dragon Breath into barrels for you again.”

  “The previous Demon Lord banned me from messing with fire after that.”

  “Strange to think that feels nostalgic now. However, I am warning you now that what you asked for is just as dangerous.”

  “I know. I’ll leave handling this stuff to the experts, don’t worry.”

  I had no idea how good the dragonkin engineers’ waterproofing abilities were, so I couldn’t rely on gunpowder here. If I could use desiccation magic I’d be able to dry the gunpowder right before we had to use it, but sadly I knew no such magic.

  Thank God I’d paid attention to my science club friend back during my school days. I bet he never dreamed the stuff he taught me would be used to kill a giant octopus in another world. If you ever reincarnate into this world, I’ll treat you to some sashimi. You’ll have to eat it without wasabi, though.

  It took about half a month to complete our preparations, but now we were finally ready.

  “Attention!” I looked at the demon soldiers and Beluzan sailors lined up before me. “This will mark the beginning of the joint campaign between the demon army and Beluza’s navy. You’ve rehearsed the plan dozens of times already so you don’t need me to repeat it, I’m sure. Barring any unforeseen difficulties, this should be a smooth operation. Just remember your training, and stay calm.”