In Dona's workshop, a different mechanical dragon, separate from the one that defeated the giant, stood proudly.
"So, what is this?"
"What was prohibited was the mass production of mechanical dragons. This is a new model that significantly upgrades an existing mechanical dragon. In other words, it’s not mass production, so it wasn’t prohibited. And to be clear, I have no intention of mass-producing this new model."
Dona spoke quickly, her words tumbling out.
Clearly, her eyes were darting around, and it seemed like she understood that her excuse wasn’t convincing.
"Mass production is a no-go, but even this new model is a problem. Plus, enhancing its power? The original mechanical dragon was already a dangerous weapon that could easily defeat that giant."
"...Is it really that serious?"
Dona looked up at me with tear-filled eyes.
"Even if you look at me like a sad, abandoned dog, it’s still not allowed."
"..."
Dona’s shoulders slumped, dejected.
It may be a tough decision for her, given her "Weapons Craftsman" gift.
But, as it stands, the military power this village possesses already far exceeds that of a single country.
If we push any further, even friendly nations might start seeing this village as a threat.
"Alright, I understand. So no more making mechanical dragons."
"Yeah, yeah, I’m glad you understand."
"I’ll make a new weapon that surpasses the mechanical dragon."
"You probably don’t understand at all, do you!?"
"Eh? You want to borrow the power of this village?"
That day, I received an offer from some adventurers.
"Yes. Actually, we’ve been active in the Kingdom of Loda for a while now, but recently, a town has been completely swallowed up by plant-based monsters. Adventurers, and even the knights, have been unable to do anything, and the local people have had sleepless nights."
It turns out that they formed an adventurer party in this village. However, recently, they left the village in search of new lands to help those in need through their adventuring activities.
...Lately, there have been too many stories like this!
"Even if the reward is small, we wanted to do something that would help the people."
"Uh-huh, I see."
"(In truth, they’re not just an adventurer party, but a group of missionaries! They’ll help the people in need, and once they’re thanked, they’ll preach that it’s all thanks to Lord Luke! This way, they’ll keep gaining more followers! This is the plan of Holy Mother Milia!)"
Hmm, I wonder... something about this whole sequence of events feels like there’s a hidden agenda behind it...
It seems like they’ve already made arrangements with the Kingdom of Loda. Since Loda is already within the village's territory, we can instantly teleport to the target city.
So, with almost the same members from the Rich monster hunt, we head to that city in the northern part of Loda.
"…This is more than I expected, it's completely overtaken."
Originally, it must have been a fairly sizable town. But now, the buildings are completely hidden under a mass of plant vines.
"Now that I look closely, the vines are moving."
"Yeah, and it looks like they’re still growing, heading outward."
Selen and Philia were observing the vines closely.
"If we try to enter the town, these vines will attack. We suspect that all of this is one massive plant-based monster."
Anie, the adventurer who asked for our help, explained.
"Wait, you’re telling me this is all one monster? How big is it? I’ve never heard of anything like this."
Alex was stunned.
"But plant monsters are weak to fire, right? I’ll burn it all down with my fire!"
"No, wait, Hazena. If you do that, you’ll set the whole town on fire."
"Ah... So what should we do then?"
At that moment, our usual troublemaking samurai yelled out.
"Leave it to me! I’ll cut, cut, and keep cutting these vines! Haaaah!"
With great enthusiasm, Akane dove into the thick vines. As promised, she began hacking away at them with incredible force.
"AAAGH!"
Ah, she’s back.
Upon closer inspection, it seems she was being chased by a massive spider monster.
"I... I’m not good with bugs!!"
...Looks like she won’t be of any use again.
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