Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (無職転生 ～異世界行ったら本気だす～)

You know, this is some place.

I'm told humans entrenched here to resist a demon invasion during the war.

In the end, their strength gave out, and the fort fell.

Wow.

Perugius, the Armored Dragon King, is a hero of the Laplace War.

With his twelve familiars, he repaired an ancient flying fortress,

and he and his companions sealed Laplace away.

After that, people started using the Armored Dragon Calendar in his honor.

Miss Nanahoshi, you have my thanks for permitting us to accompany you.

I owed Sylphie a favor.

We're here.

What do we do now?

Call our ride.

I don't hear anything.

There he is.

Almanfi the Radiant, at your service.

This guy.

I was worried I might run into him when Perugius's name came up.

There aren't too many of us, are there?

Numbers won't pose a problem.

However,

the demon must stay.

Can't you make an exception?

King Perugius is magnanimous, but he detests demonkind.

It's all right. I'm used to this sort of thing.

I'll bring you back a souvenir.

A hug when you get back is enough for me.

What's this thing?

Simply hold onto it.

Wait a moment. It won't be long.

Isn't this all rather thrilling?

I know what you mean.

Huh?

Was that Perugius's teleportation magic?

Hey, look over here!

Does the view from our flying fortress please you?

I am King Perugius's first servant, Sylvaril of the Void.

Permit me to guide you all through the flying fortress Chaos Breaker today.

It's good to see you again, Sylvaril.

And you, Miss Nanahoshi.

How have you— Not well, I see.

Oh?

Is something the matter?

No, nothing of consequence.

But may I ask you one question?

What would you like to know?

Does the name "Man-God" mean anything to you?

No, not a thing.

Then does hearing that name arouse anger or animosity in you?

No, it doesn't.

Not in me, either.

In that case, I have nothing more to say.

III

Mushoku Tensei

Jobless Reincarnation

Are you prepared?

King Perugius is magnanimous, but please take care to show him no discourtesy.

I am the Armored Dragon King, Perugius Dola.

It is a pleasure to see you again, Your Majesty.

Ah, Nanahoshi.

Since you've returned,

I take it you've discovered something concerning summoning from other worlds?

I have, although I don't know if it is the result Your Majesty desires.

Results mean little.

The pursuit of knowledge is the destiny of the dragon race.

I hope that you will instruct me in this world's summoning magic, as you promised.

Very well.

Incidentally, I see you've come with quite an entourage.

I have. They assisted me in my research.

They wish for an audience with Your Majesty as a reward.

Oh?

Permit me to introduce myself.

I am the second princess of the Asura Kingdom, Ariel Anemoi Asura.

It is an honor to make your acquaintance.

Ariel Anemoi Asura, is it?

I hope that you will think well of me.

Have you come in hopes of securing my aid?

No. I merely wish for a glimpse of a world-renowned hero.

You cannot hide your motives from me, Ariel Anemoi Asura.

But you have come here. That, too, is fate.

You may reside in my fortress.

I a-appreciate your generosity.

Now, who are you?

It's a pleasure to meet you.

My name is Rudeus Greyrat.

Rudeus Greyrat.

Teleporting you proved somewhat taxing.

I doubt I could have done it if you had resisted in earnest.

I am sorry I put you to the trouble.

No matter. But your mana recalls Laplace.

It disgusts me. Do not think of using it in my halls.

Of course. I would not dream of defying you.

Your Majesty, he has contributed a great deal to my research.

Would you please treat him a little more kindly?

Very well. I'll show him kindness.

Nanahoshi's collaborator, what do you wish of me?

Wealth? Or power?

Since you asked, I do have one request.

I see. Your mother's illness.

I have heard of ancient labyrinths trapping people to serve as their hearts.

Those who become hearts are altered by mana.

They lose their memories without exception

and come to possess mystical powers.

What kind of powers?

Those of the ones you called Cursed Children or Blessed Children.

I know no more of them.

But I do know of a woman who met a similar fate.

Elinalise Dragonroad.

Did my friend not rescue you from the Bau Labyrinth some 200 years ago?

I suppose he did.

Why have you not told him?

You have come here together, so I presume you know each other.

Well...

Forgive me, Rudeus.

I couldn't bring myself to tell you, though I knew I should.

Please tell me the whole story later.

What of the rest of you?

May I ask a question as well?

And you are?

I beg your pardon.

I am Zanoba Shirone, third prince of Shirone.

Do you want support in a squabble for the throne as well?

No, I care nothing for such things.

This crest bears a striking resemblance to those on your outer gates and walls.

Do you recognize it?

I do. It belongs to the Mad Dragon King, Kaos.

Oh! And wh-where might I find King Kaos now?

He's dead.

I-Is that so?

He died decades ago.

I know not if he has a successor.

But tell me, where did you find that?

In Sharia, the City of Magic, beside a marionette that moves of its own accord.

I see. An autonomous puppet.

Was it of magnificent workmanship?

Why, naturally!

The craft that went into its smallest details takes my breath away!

It bespeaks the craftsman's love for marionettes!

I see you understand art.

Very well. I have several pieces by Kaos in my store of treasures.

I will show them to you later.

Oh! I would be delighted!

I'd— May I ask you something, too?

And you are?

Bodyguard to Second Princess Ariel of Asura,

and wife to Rudeus Greyrat.

Sylphiette Greyrat is my name.

Both husband and wife, then.

Before you ask your question, answer one of mine.

Do the two of you have a son?

Huh? No, only a daughter.

If ever you do have a son, bring him to me.

I will bestow a name upon him.

All right.

Now, what is your question?

I'd like to ask you about the mass teleportation.

Who ultimately caused it?

I am not certain.

At first, I suspected Laplace or his allies,

but not even I could have summoned Nanahoshi.

In which case, no one in this world could have done so.

Meaning what?

That was no man-made disaster. It happened by chance.