CH 192.2

“The weather isn’t good.” (Cry)

“If it is just this, it will not be a problem. We have a good track record of operating in heavy storms without any problems. The ship will never fall. Never.” (Franz)

“…… I am not worried about that.” (Cry)

The Emperor frowned at Franz who stubbornly said that.

The pride and joy of the Zebrudia Empire, the most advanced airship in the world. The 『Black Star』 was, as its name implies a huge, black vehicle.

The upper part of the hull, which looks like a giant balloon, is the most noticeable feature, but the boarding area is also quite large. Speaking of showing the majesty of the empire, it sure is convincing.

I have flown on Lucia’s broom, and I have been caught by a rampaging Dragon and flew in the sky, but this is the first time I will be riding on such a huge vehicle. If it is just the size, it is bigger than an ordinary dragon.

The flight principle is said to be based on the fusion of magic and science, but I can’t imagine how something so big can fly.

After watching the Emperor board the ship, Franz-san came close to me and said while baring his teeth.

“There is a weight limit. In order to accommodate your cargo, we have reduced the number of people on board. If this turns out to be useless, you won’t be able to get away so easily.” (Franz)

“No way…… Those were just for precautions. But this sure looks fragile…… Because it looks like a balloon, you know.” (Cry)

“…… Even if it is torn, an expert Magi can repair it with Magic, so there is no problem. Its shape is based on a Relic that was excavated. The real thing is said to fly without the aid of Magi, but that is just a rumor.” (Franz)

It was as I had heard beforehand. It is a common story that things based on a Relic are created through trial and error. I guess I should be satisfied with that.

However, maybe I should have reduced my luggage…… It seemed that the instructions I gave to Sytry were too messy.

“…… It seems like it won’t stand a chance if a Dragon attacks us.” (Cry)

“Hey! Don’t say something that rarely happens! We will let you bastard deal with the enemies outside. If a Magi deals with it then it should be easy, right.” (Franz)

“Un, un, that’s right.” (Cry)

It looks like I made the right decision in putting Magi together. It is more like they gathered by themselves rather than me gathering them, but I am sure Term will be able to kill a Dragon that is outside from inside the ship.

Franz-san looked at me as if he was looking at something fishy when I answered immediately.

§　§　§

I see…… It is a magnificent ship. Term Apokris groaned at the majesty of the 『Black Star』 as he sees it for the first time.

This state-of-the-art airship is owned by the Empire and for nobles only, so basically no ordinary people or Hunters are allowed to board it.

Among techniques that Magi uses, there is one allowing them to fly. Term had at least flown before, but even with that in mind, this airship was revolutionary.

As he wasn’t a specialist, Term doesn’t know why it flies or what its principles are, but the magical mechanism engraved on the hull is undoubtedly first-class. First-class Magi has taken the time to carve the Magic into the hull with the utmost care and calculation.

The Magic that protects the hull was intricately carved, ranging from defensive magic to increase in durability, weight reduction, and hull reparations if needed. Measures were taken, starting from natural disasters such as lightning or fire due to it or against the cold atmosphere.

This ship is exactly the opposite of Relics that was the embodiment of the ancient era, it is created with the best technology of modern tech.

The sky isn’t a living place for humans. Humans don’t have wings, but there are many magical beasts that fly in the sky. However, if they had taken so many measures, it was understandable why the ship had not fallen even once in all of the times it had operated.

Even for Term, someone who has the Alias of 《Still Water (Shisui)》, it will be very difficult to make it crash from the outside. It will probably need…… Five minutes if the right bunch of Dragons attacked it…… However, the species of Dragon that Kechakchakka summons cannot be specified. I must say that it will be quite a difficult task.

However, that is――Only if you attack it from the outside. Barriers are resistant to attack from the outside, but from the inside, it won’t be a problem.

Term finally understood the mysterious behavior of 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 and the intent behind his instructions.

The Empire does not think that this ship can fall. And in reality, this ship isn’t designed to fall on a mere raid.

In that sense, the 『Black Star』 was a symbol of the Empire. It is an ironclad aerial fortress. It is only on the outside that it looks fragile.

Therefore, it is worth dropping it. If the airship suffers a disaster like crashing, even if the escort fails and the Emperor dies, it will just end as an 『Accident』. With the help of the 『Fox (Kitsune)』, we can certainly make that excuse become reality.

《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 honor may take a small hit, but there is nothing better than this to show the power of the “Fox (Kitsune)”.

So this is………… The idea of the 『Thirteenth Rank』.

Term’s plan was perfect. He still thinks so, if you were planning to assassinate the emperor, Term’s plan was much quicker.

However, with the plan of this 『Thirteenth Rank』, it will have a very different outcome. His eyes were looking further and further beyond the goal Term could see. If he showed Term such an overwhelming difference between them, he could not even be jealous of him. 

There are still several things that he doesn’t understand about the 『Thirteenth Rank’s』 action, but there is probably a meaning behind it.

However, it wasn’t like he can just watch him all the time.

The 『Thirteenth Rank』 said that he would take care of all the preparations for the attack. He probably meant that he would bring them into a silver tray to him.

The Zero Knights Order of the Imperial Guard, led by Captain Franz, is a force to be reckoned with. Term might be able to overwhelm them, but they were more numerous.

Even by chance, they cannot afford to fail. Term pulled himself together and boarded the 『Black Star』.