The Final Trial: Departure

Narikin received the streaming magic tool.

Exactly one month had passed since they'd said they would prepare. He suspected they'd been making last-minute adjustments to the dungeon right up until the deadline.

"Alka-dono. The equipment has finally arrived."

"Oh my, that was fast."

And so he reported to Saintess Alka… but judging by her reaction, it seemed there had been room to stall for more time. Narikin, who had been about to use the equipment adjustments as an excuse for needing the full month, swallowed his words.

"… Does it normally take longer?"

"Considering the distance from Daido, that's quite fast. And the fact that they actually kept to the schedule… isn't that wonderful?"

"They must consider you quite the important person, Narikin-sama," Alka said with a smile.

Apparently, if someone wasn't important, schedules would easily slip and cause delays… Though he felt being a Papal Candidate should make one an important person by default.

"Has Alka-dono had experience with delayed schedules?"

"I have. Even as the Saintess, there are power dynamics between nations. And requests are often refused, especially when it comes to destroying dungeons."

Well, of course requests to destroy dungeons, which were essentially infinite resource mines, would be refused.

"But once Narikin-sama becomes Pope, you'll be able to destroy other nations' dungeons as well, won't you?"

"I cannot guarantee that. Other nations have their own religions. Forcing those with different doctrines is not to my taste. Only through mutual respect can healthy international relations exist."

As they talked, now that the necessary equipment had arrived, the streamed dungeon conquest would begin.

They set up the equipment in the plaza they'd used before, tested it, confirmed it was broadcasting properly, and departed with their prepared supplies.

This time, since there was no need for the Saintess to revive on-site, there was likewise no need for attendants.

If they failed the conquest, they would fail the trial. In that case, only the Saintess would revive at the altar in the main temple, which could even be said to save her the trouble of returning.

Though if both of them died simultaneously, they wouldn't even be able to recover Narikin's body to attempt resurrection…

Still, not a single person, not even Barakdo who'd issued the trial, thought Narikin would fail. Not the Saintess, not High Priest Magni, and certainly not Narikin himself.

"… Hm?"

"My. Did word spread while we were preparing in the plaza?"

People had gathered along the road to the gate. They lined both sides of the road so as not to obstruct traffic. The center of the main street was completely clear, with not a single carriage running.

It was the path Narikin and his party would take.

"Everyone adores you, Narikin-sama."

"Indeed…???"

Narikin and company walked proudly down the road flanked by people.

Despite the sudden departure, it was a grand send-off. Though this was supposed to be a send-off for just Narikin and the Saintess, it was like a parade.

The citizens waved enthusiastically, cheering them on. Whether from embarrassment or bewilderment, Narikin simply raised his hand to return their greetings. The Saintess smiled.

There was an air of dignity about them.

This was less an expedition and more an emperor's personal campaign.

The people already felt that Narikin was the new Pope, and that this was merely a ceremonial journey.

And so, the parade of just two continued until they passed through Kuromaku Gate and were no longer visible from the outer walls.

"… Well then."

Once the send-off was out of sight, Narikin broached the subject anew.

He had to take the Saintess to the dungeon. But he didn't want her to know its location.

For this, he decided to use the plan his Master had provided.

"Alka-dono. Actually, just between us, the dungeon is in quite a… sensitive location."

"A sensitive location?"

"… It's in a place that could cause international problems. So it would be convenient if you, as the Saintess, didn't know where it is. In fact, it's in a place that no one but me should know about."

"I see. If Narikin-sama says so, then so be it."

Alka accepted his words easily. Once again, Narikin was caught off guard.

"Then, shall I wear a blindfold and have Narikin-sama lead me by hand?"

"Ah, no. If possible, I'd like you to enter my [Storage]. That would be the quickest method."

Items placed in [Storage] had their time frozen. It would block her senses more completely than any blindfold or earplugs.

However, that was essentially treating her like goods. Or a slave.

"… Hmm. Putting me, the Saintess, into [Storage] as if I were an object?"

Would this wound her pride? Perhaps he should move to the next plan… he thought, but looking at the Saintess's face, she actually seemed pleased. She kept catching him completely off guard.

"Very well, Narikin-sama. I shall entrust my entire being to you."

"… I appreciate your cooperation, Alka-dono."

It went too smoothly. In fact, it was unsettling.

Was Saintess Alka scheming something? Were there any shortcomings in his words or actions according to the Church of the Light God's standards? Narikin became anxious instead.

Since he'd brought it anyway, he showed the Saintess the luxurious human-sized box he'd prepared for his backup plan. It was meant to persuade her by framing it as being treated like a treasure.

"I've also prepared this, just in case. Please enter if you'd like."

"My! What a lovely coffin! Come to think of it, I've never been in a coffin before. Is it alright if I get in?"

"???"

The Saintess seemed delighted for some reason. There shouldn't be anything about this in the Church of the Light God's teachings, but perhaps there was some anecdote he didn't know about.

"There's a tradition about putting dead companions in coffins and dragging them along, you see."

"Is that so? I've never heard of it."

"It's not from the Church of the Light God, but from adventurer lore brought by heroes. I've always admired it. Since I revive at the altar even if I die, you see."

Was that how it was? Well, in any case, he had the Saintess enter the box, then stored the whole thing in his [Storage].

… Now then.

"Alriiight, time for Soto Express delivery!"

"I'm in your hands, Soto-ojousama."

At last, the conquest of the renovated dungeon would begin… He'd been given the walkthrough information in advance. He'd been told everything. But precisely because of that, Narikin couldn't suppress his tension about the conquest ahead.