＜Infinite Dendrogram＞

□■Armored Pilot: Hugo Receps

The day the second and final war between the kingdom and the Empire began.

I was in the desert north of Cardina... in an area close to my destination, Winter Orb.

Before entering the city, I plan to meet the person in charge of collecting the pearls here.

Once again, I helped, and the main collector was Cardina's master.

However, this time, it wasn't a master, it wasn't Mr. Manigord, it wasn't someone from < Cephiroto >.

They are involved in battles in the South and other major quests, and it is said that another person is responsible for the Winter Orb beads.

If so, Master... [Shot Down King] I was wondering if it was necessary for me to be involved with the AR, I, and CA disciples, but I actually asked... it seemed necessary.

The feeling of exploring the [Gate of Hell] of Cuco and counting the number of homelands destroyed is thought to be a counter to the...... of the nominees involved in the retrieval of the pearl.

A probe, an effective weapon against them. That's where I stand.

[Princess of Murder]... Emily was taking action, but she couldn't revive herself. [Devil God] Rascal the Black Onyx fought back with Niala's help.

However, as a result, it was seen as a fighting force that could be used against [Super] in a limited way.

(I don't think it was a favor to not be sent to the south during the battle with Granbarroa. Or...... I don't know if I have any secrets that I don't want to show you.)

There was also information that could not be taught by other countries, such as his super powers and abilities.

In fact, although Gran Ballore's "Seven Embrios" information indicates that there are "seven people", some of them have their names and abilities pushed aside.

I'm sure Caldina has that kind of confidential information.

(...... if I had actually been asked to do a quest in the South, I would have refused)

I can't decide how to join the war between my sisters and friends, but I'm here... and I don't deserve to do anything in an irrelevant war.

Still, I refused the Pearl Recovery Quest.

I don't think it would be wrong to oppose Cortana and other local incidents.

However, apart from how to deal with it... the recovery quest itself had raised questions (...).

"Hello, you must be Hugo."

While I was thinking, I heard a voice from someone who seemed to have approached me at some point.

Ah, yes.

I'm Zachariah, and I'm going to be on the same quest as you this time.

"... this is Hugo Receps."

The opponent is the person who will help me in this quest, but I was a little bit embarrassed when I met him.

This time, it wasn't the people at Cephiroto, but the people at Zachariah.

Huh? Isn't your Cui Ko-chan with you?

”She's been feeling a little sick lately... and she's asleep in her seal”

"Oh my... I wonder if it's okay?"

"Yes. I feel tired when I'm awake, but I don't have any problems when I'm in battle... I've been able to move this far and I think I can move in quests."

"Yes, that's good."

Zachariah, who worries about us with her hands on her cheeks, is so beautiful that she's about to sigh.

However, according to the documents I received in advance... Zachariah's gender is male (...).

Ms. Zachariah's tone and appearance were that of a woman. However, since I don't dress as a woman, I wonder if the old way of saying it would be "mane type"?

She's tall and doesn't wear women's clothes, but she looks more beautiful than a typical woman with her makeup and hair taken care of.

... at least she's more beautiful than the Hugo Avatar (me) and the Real Yuri (me).

"Ah. Did I surprise you? I'm sorry."

Zachariah smiled, saying that he was accustomed to seeing my reaction.

Once upon a time, my friend told me that the atmosphere of the clan would be harder, so I'm talking like this.

Apparently, it was part of character building. I (Hugo), when it comes to making characters, I feel a sense of closeness because it's about making characters...

"My clan gathers weirdoes, so it seems like it's easier for everyone to do weirdoes like me, too..."

The way you put your hands on your cheeks and let out a sigh of beauty, it's a bit realistic for me to lose confidence.

However, it is not his work that counts, but the content of the story.

"Clan...... Major Arcana, right?"

Yeah, I'm glad you know that.

That's the name of Cardina's third clan.

The number one clan that gathered < super > under the chairman, < Ceffiroto >.

The second largest clan in Caldina, the Pentagon Caravan.

The clan that follows them is Major Arcana.

A clan that gathered a semi-authority under the chairman and was established before.

The first owner was Fatum, who moved to Cefiroto and became the clan owner after him. I hear that Zachariah... is the "world" Zachariah.

"I've heard rumors about Hugo too." She's a natural enemy of [Princess of Murder], and she's a brilliant fighter who defeated Rascal of [IF] and Curtis of the Dori orthodox government. "

"Because I was helped by others..."

Without Nialla, it would not have been possible to defeat Curtis Eldona or defeat the UBM that was created by his death.

"And about Emily..."

"I guess? I don't think that's all." Is there also a plane finished by Calluto this time? It's perfect as a partner in a quest. "

"... thank you very much"

The [White Rose] renovation by Callute was recently completed.

I also completed the actual machine test... but in many ways, it was a Tondemonai aircraft.

If I took this plane, I could fight the [Eltrum] encountered.

We're all set.

but......

Um, I just wanted to ask you a few questions about this quest...

What is it?

That's after accepting the quest and receiving the material...... the question that arose while reading it.

You must ask Zachariah, the quest manager, before starting the quest.

"That's..."

Is it necessary to collect the recovery beads in the Winter Orb?

It was a need for the quest itself.

By arrangement with the Yellow River, the ownership of the pearls has passed to Cardina.

You don't have to collect it and return it or negotiate it, so you can do as you please in Caldina.

Not only did Cardina retrieve the beads, but so did this Winter Orb.

According to the documents, the recovery bead is like a recovery item that doesn't lose its use. Unlike eel, humanization, and the earth beads that are the cause of the conflict with Gran Baloa today, it seems that it is difficult to misuse.

In fact, it is written that no problems have occurred since the inflow of the beads.

Rather, many people have been saved... "

Earlier, accidents and disasters occurred continuously in the Winter Orb, and the medical system collapsed.

It seems that many lives were saved as a result of taking advantage of the sudden beads to surpass the rush.

And even now, the shortage of doctors and priests has not been solved, especially for seriously injured people, the treatment by beads has become important.

When I read this information on my way here, I thought:

"If it is only used as a medical instrument, it is okay to leave it to the winter orb."

Hugo isn't convinced by this quest, is he?

…………

The decision of the Cardina Congress is the recovery of the beads.

The Cardina Council should know where the Winter Orb stands if they have the materials.

"But, Hugo-chan." Even if there is no problem at present, the pearl is a pearl. "

Zachariah shifts his gaze away from me and turns to the city of Winter Orbs beyond the desert... and answers my question with denial.

"I don't know when UBM will be released in the city, but it doesn't change that it's a dangerous thing."

"That's right, but..."

It was involved in the bypass, and on the contrary, it lifted the anxiety of releasing < UBM >.

Although there was a danger, there was also the idea of "Is it right to deprive the people of the city of the tools used to treat them?"

“The material that Hugo and I saw came from Winter Orb." There are problems with the medical environment these days and we are using the beads ", along with the message" As soon as the situation has settled down, we will handle it properly ". I just can't swallow that stuff and the words. There are also examples of Cortana."

…………

The mayor of Cortana used the beads privately to gain immortality at the expense of many human lives.

It cannot be said that the same thing has not happened with this winter orb.

"Above all, my ability as a bead is really calm, but the main body is not necessarily the same." You must have seen first-hand what kind of danger De Wermis was, which was said to be a bead of rejuvenation. "

A massive collection of reeds that emerged in the heart of the city.

It was an ugly nightmare-like monster that turned every wound around it into a maggot.

[Hades King] Without Veneto Nash, I don't know how much damage would have spread.

"Maybe some kind of tragedy is budding behind the treatment." Pick the buds of tragedy that may happen beforehand. Doesn't Hugo think it's better that way? "

"... yes, that's right."

Indeed, it is too late for the tragedy to happen.

Rather than end up like that, we should strike at it in advance.

Even if it takes away one of Winter Orb's medical means.

"............"

However, this decision is reminiscent of the past.

Tolerate minor tragedies before major ones.

After all... it seemed to overlap with the old incident.

--It's a club of tragedy... but "I can't help it", "I have no choice but to do this",

― ― The deception is overflowing from my voice and attitude, and I'm depressed.

The words of the silver-haired [Master] that were opposite that day were refreshing in my head.

Things were different then and now. It shouldn't be the same.

That's what I think, but the brakes are on my heart.

I'm not sure what to do, and I can't step in without answering.

…………

Suddenly, she remembers a mobile device that her sister hadn't contacted her on.

After all, I couldn't move on my own. I didn't have a choice.

I... I wonder how much I've changed since then.

"... but..."

"If I went on a journey to change, to choose..."

One day, your heart will have to take a step forward.

Otherwise, I would just have changed my status and equipment back then.

Zachariah-san.

That's why now I'm going to take the courage... to step out of myself.

What is it?

"I think it would be rude to talk about the quest policy with nothing more than support... would you give me some time to investigate (...)?"

Survey?

Zachariah tilts her neck with a hand on her cheek.

... I know what you're trying to say right now.

"Still..."

"Today, let me investigate Winter Orbs and Beads directly with my eyes."

Nevertheless, I propose myself.

"I want to check the danger level of Pearl and the management system in this city to see if there are any problems."

"... what if there's something wrong with it, unlike the material?"

“Collection is nothing more than preventing an incident from happening. I can also... move without sadness."

Well, what if there's nothing wrong with the information?

“Think twice about what to do with the Winter Orb beads.”

"... that's a great offer."

I know what I'm talking about.

I'm a super apprentice, I've been given a quest, but I'm not even Caldina.

It is trying to overturn the country's top decision.

'Go home now,' he said, saying that he had no choice but to banish Cardina.

However, in order not to repeat the imitation of tolerating a small tragedy without flowing...... this was a step to be taken.

“That's what you need to convince yourself, isn't it?”

"... yes!"

Mr. Zachariah stared at me with his hand on his cheek, not angry.

"Then he thought about it for a while..."

"... fine. I'm just taking on a quest, but... if there's nothing wrong with Pearl and the management system, I'll escalate to the chairman for further instructions."

You have accepted my foolish offer.

His words lighten my heart.

Ah! Thank you!

"Hmm. That's a good face!"

Zachariah smiled softly and patted me on the shoulder.

"If so, we'll start the investigation as soon as possible." Let's move out to gather information for the day. I'll sneak in at Embrio and find out from the back, so Hugo can gather information from people in the city. I'll meet you at the Winter Orb park tomorrow at noon. "

Yes!

Well then, I'll see you tomorrow.

Shortly after Zachariah told her to cut the story straight, she disappeared.

Huh?

It was different from logging out. There is no air movement like a supersonic maneuver.

It just disappeared like teleportation right in front of me.

"You said you were going to sneak in... but this is Zachariah's?"

Zachariah's job and Embrio information were not included in the materials I received.

Well, I guess they keep it a secret because it's a battle force immediately under the chairman. Even the master said, "The official data doesn't say half of the cards I have."

Well, I've received your offer, and I have to do my best to investigate.

The beads in the Winter Orb were either a moderate healing device or a dangerous species.

We must determine it today in one day.

"Nhh..."

Just then, a cucumber with a cage in its sigil came out.

"Cuco, are you awake?"

"... yes..."

His eyes still looked sleepy.

It's been like this since before I logged out.

I thought it was a modulation before the evolution of Embrio, but obviously it was longer and heavier than the evolution to advanced.

Could it be that the renovated [White Rose] and this one are a heavy burden for Cueco...?

Are you okay?

It's okay. So, what happened to Hatari?

“I got it. Today, after a day of fact-finding, I decided to draw conclusions."

Yeah.

I want Cueco to be on the alert with the countdown, but are you sure you can do it?

"...... I'll do my best"

With Cuco, who nodded, I entered the Winter Orb.

◇

I wonder if this Winter Orb bead is dangerous.

To make sure of that, I did a full day of exploring the city.

I gathered information about the owner of the bead, Mayor Rogue, and searched for the person who actually received the treatment of the bead, listened to the story, and checked the security situation of the clinic where the bead was located from the outside.

Inside, I thought, "It's not the pilot, it's the detective's job" or "Luke Holmes's quest again...", but I did my best to investigate.

As a result of those investigations, it seemed to me that there was no problem except for one point.

Mayor Spectral Rogue, who has ruled the city for generations, has a good reputation with the citizens and no dark rumors behind him like Mayor Douglas Coin of Cortana.

As for the effect of the beads, the person who was treated also had no abnormality that was noticeable only because the wound was healed like a healing magic. As long as the pearl itself was destroyed and the < UBM > was not released, it could be said to be safe.

The medical clinic with the pearls was always guarded by armed guards, and the inside could not be inspected without a citizen ID. On the contrary, its security is a reassuring factor.

"But..."

"Do you want to be able to do things like that?"

"... yes, that's the problem"

Even though I was talking with Cuco in my room at night, I was talking about the most important problem in the management system of Pearl... which I couldn't avoid.

"No matter how much strength you have, it's not enough in this world..."

Strong powers, special abilities. No matter how tight the guards are, when they take them away, they take them away.

That's why it was stolen from the Yellow River Vault, where the pearls were originally stored.

Sounds like you could do it?

"... depending on the internal security situation, I guess"

That's fine as long as it's as secure as it gets on Dragnomad.

However, Dragunomads are guards, including the ones who live in the city.

It's not easy to go beyond that.

"...... I wonder if Zachariah knew about this as well"

Perhaps because I thought that the words "if there is no problem with the pearl and the management system" might be as important as the pearl itself to protect the pearl.

I knew it was the worst that could happen if we didn't get it back and then the criminals took it away from us.

"Zachariah... no, if you don't have enough control to convince the chairman, you'll be recovered by the parliament after all..."

But I still don't agree with you taking that pearl out of this city.

I heard it from the people of the city, but it was true that there was a shortage of [priests] and [doctors].

The reason is misfortune and accidents during excavations in the last few years.

It is not that the municipal government was bad, but that misfortune overlapped.

A year and a little while ago, the [priests] of this city died.

There was an accident at the mining site and it was during the rescue.

At that time, the elderly [bishop] remained in the city alone, but soon died due to his life span... there was no priest in this city.

Even when this happens, they are usually dispatched from the general headquarters of the religion in the kingdom.

An unnamed state religion of the kingdom. The teachings of this religion, also known as Job and Crystal, are 'Helping people with the power of Job'.

It is the treatment of the wounded, the production of crops, and the crushing of monsters that avenge people.

Therefore, it was natural for priests to be dispatched to places where those who needed them were present.

But the timing was wrong.

About a year ago... the times overlapped with the arrival of [Gloria] in the Kingdom.

The state clergy were devastated by the Kremlin defense battle, and there was not enough talent left to send to other countries.

... I think I've heard this story before in the Empire.

Except for the Priesthood... there were a few people in the Physician line, but basically [Physician] 's skills were not as effective as healing magic or healing items.

It is effective for diseases other than abnormal conditions, but trauma types take time and energy to treat.

Excavation work and dealing with monsters coming down from the Severe Winter Mountains was a serious problem for this city with many injuries.

The results were not satisfactory, even as they fell into a severe priesthood shortage and sought support from other cities in Cardina.

Many cities were wondering how to shred the Winter Orb's wealth, which earned foreign currency from ore.

And worst of all, those sent from cities that promised me some help... no one could get to Winter Orbs.

The doctors who were supposed to be sent from other cities in Cardina and the medicines they were supposed to deliver were unlucky enough to encounter monsters and wipe them out as they traveled through the desert.

A treatment that is too short for the injured.

That was the status quo of this winter orb.

"... haa"

The hand of salvation extended to such Winter Orbs is nothing short of a recovery bead.

A bead that can be used many times and can be recovered even if it is seriously injured.

The beads stolen from the Yellow River were thought to be sent under "Suitable People to Use It", but this time they were most prominently shown.

"If the security situation doesn't ease my anxiety... should I make sure that the beads are gone?"

Even if I'm worried, I can't confirm the internal security situation.

So, let's change our minds for the time being.

"If the security is not enough, collect the beads... but instead of just collecting them, in exchange for transporting doctors and recovery items to Winter Orbs..." Winter Orbs are a city of Cardinals, and like the humanized beads trade, Cardinals must be the ants in exchange... If the monsters on the road are a risk, I'll be a part of the escort... But after all, it's a question of whether Winter Orbs and the chairman can accept it... Winter Orbs are more cost-effective than beads... even if you're the chairman, you don't have to pay for compulsory collection... I don't have the authority... but if it's left like this... "

”... nfu”

When I was worried about what to do, Cueco smiled happily with his sleepy eyes.

"Cuco? What's wrong?"

"I think you've become a bit reluctant to fool and trick me with your stupidity."

"... thanks"

... it sounds like you're being ridiculed for being a poisonous tongue, but it looks like Cuco is praising you.

Well then, I'm going to nag.

"Yeah. Good night, Cuco."

Cueco returned to the seal with a bedtime greeting.

I don't think there is anything I can do just by thinking on my own, so I thought about consulting with Zachariah tomorrow and went to sleep.

◇

And the next morning.

Detained for espionage!

I was arrested by the guards who forced me into the inn.

To be continued