Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken novel Chapter 13
As Rigurdo had declared, the preparations were complete by noon.
Choosing the expedition party was also uneventful.
Rigudo's son Riguru was in the top five candidates. Of course, Ranga came along.
Oh, oh! Should I make Riguru the commanding officer?
I was a little uneasy about it, but he himself agreed.
Rigurdo also seems to have regained his youthful vigor, so maybe I worry too much.
And so, after I had picked up the baggage, Ranga had me get on his back.
*Boyoyooon!* I was buried in his fur.
And while the surrounding fur seems to have secured me in place, I still feel the need to use [Sticky Thread].
It's times like this that make me regret not having arms or legs, but I guess I can manage with abilities.
You see, I secretly practice manipulating the string.
To defeat an enemy with a web! Isn't that every man's dream?
Whether I'll be able to learn those techniques, I do not know; but I decided to keep practicing regardless!
That aside, the baggage held our money and provisions.
Food enough for three days.
If the trip takes longer, the plan is to hunt the rest of the way.
We could have taken more, but I'd rather avoid bringing a caravan worth of food.
Well, I could carry nearly an infinite amount inside of me...
But spoiling them is a bad idea.
Since I do not eat anyways, that was my decision.
For currency, we brought 7 silver and 24 bronze coins.
Which, of course, is a meager amount.
I don't expect much.
If it's not enough... we'll figure that out later.
Now then, time to go!
At a goblin's pace, the trip to the Dwarf Kingdom takes about two months.
"Through the forest runs the vast Ameld River.
Beyond it, a mountain range reveals itself.
And it is in those mountains that you will find the Dwarf Kingdom." They said.
Other than by the Empire to the east, the Jura forest is surrounded by many countries.
And yet bordering no state, stands the Canaat Mountain Range.
Thus, there are only three trade routes leading to them.
One goes right through the Jura forest.
Another, the harder, traverses the mountains.
The last is a sea route.
Currently, the Jura forest route is by far the shortest and the safest, but, for some reason, it's generally avoided.
And so, the harder mountain route had been the norm.
As for the sea route, the cost and the powerful sea monsters steer sailors away; thus, it is the least used route.
For now, we have no business with the Empire.
Thus, rather than heading east, we headed north to the mountains.
Nor do we need to ascend to the mountain summit.
The Dwarf Kingdom spreads all the way to the Ameld River.
Their capital is a beautiful city carved inside a natural giant cave.
Such is the Dwarf Kingdom.
So as intended, we continued north along the Ameld river.
Since following the river prevents us from getting lost. Though just to be safe, I have opened the map in my head.
As for our guide"he was sent as a messenger to the kingdom before, so we left it to him.
But man... the black wolves (storm fang wolves) are fast! And show no signs of getting tired.
Since we started the journey three hours ago, they have yet to take a break. And let's not forget to mention their 80 kph (50 mph) running speed.
They don't even care about the uneven terrain, and while running in a way as to prevent motion sickness!
It's unnaturally comfortable, to say the least.
At this pace, this probably won't even take a week.
Well, there's no need to rush. Certainly I want to figure out the clothing and housing problem soon, but it's fine if it takes some time.
Oooooi! You don't need to push yourselves this much!
Is what I called out.
But for some reason, the speed increased.
At first I thoroughly enjoyed the breeze generated by these faster-than-a-motorcycle wolves, but that got boring soon.
More so considering that it's difficult to have your words heard at this speed, but I have [Telepathic Communication]!
Might be good to continue the journey with a conversation.
So I connected to their thought network.
What will I hear...?
Riguru-kun. I always wondered, who named your brother?
Ay! Though for someone like me, don't bother with honorifics! As for my brother's name, he said a traveling man from devil race named him.
Oh? A devil named a goblin?
Yes, though this happened more than a decade ago. I was but a child then... but they say he stayed a few days and was pleased with my brother.
Heh.... Must have been a good brother.
Yes! I was very proud of him. To the point of saying "I want to one day serve under Devil Gelmudo-sama, too!"
The devil didn't take your brother with him?
Yes. Brother was still young, but he departed with a promise to come back when I got stronger.
Is that so. Wouldn't he be surprised if he sees the village now!
Certainly! However, I now serve Rimuru-sama. No matter how glorious the Demon Lord's army is, I can no longer join Gelmudo-sama.
The Demon Lord's army...? I think I've heard of them. But never mind that, how come you believe him?
As you say. But whether it was faith or conviction, I don't know. Though my brother received a name from the devil, he didn't evolve to this extent.
Clearly, the degree of evolution is different. Never expected to hear the "Voice of World" in my entire life!
The surrounding hobgoblins would only join in with a "That' right!"-kind of phrase.
Is it really as he says?
When you receive a name, you evolve. And, the evolution depends on the power of the giver...
If I get a chance to experiment, I'll try it out.
More important: Demon Lord's army.
It actually exists in this world!
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