Chapter 393: Kraken (4)
Only the elite of the elite were deployed for the Kraken hunt. Those who would engage in close combat were all of knightly rank.
The peninsula’s knights were mostly free knights seeking their lord and reputation. In race, equipment, fashion, and swordsmanship, Eastern and Western influences were mixed, giving each one outstanding individuality.
The only common element was the expression etched by financial pressure and the desire for advancement.
The knights from the East, on the other hand, were relatively relaxed. They had signed long-term contracts with trading companies, accompanied their lords on business, or had come to enjoy a vacation.
“This is where we’ll lure it.”
Eugene led knights of every description and a ranged support unit to the beach beside the city.
“We can hide our presence easily here.”
“Once the Kraken comes ashore, it will be difficult for it to escape this terrain.”
The knights were pleased with the terrain favorable for battle, and the Veros council was satisfied that combat would occur outside the city. It was the optimal win-win location.
Eugene pointed to the idol, the core object of this operation.
“This isn’t just a decorative shape. Mages from various locations have imbued it with curses.”
“Curses… you say?”
The knights grimaced. Not only were they performing a bizarre ritual with a grotesque idol, but curses had been added to it as well. Their reaction was decidedly uncomfortable.
Still, they were more flexible and accommodating than Western knights. Western knights regarded everything except refined steel and trained muscle with suspicion. Their reaction would have been far more troublesome.
“The moment the Kraken’s tentacles wrap around this idol, they’ll be stuck as if glued.”
“That’s truly incredible magic!”
“If we can hold it for just a few minutes, we can slaughter it easily!”
Hearing the effect, even their discomfort evaporated entirely. The nuance was clear: as long as it held the monster’s legs in place for a glorious feat, anything was acceptable.
“The curse won’t last long against the Kraken. We must charge at full force and kill it while it’s startled.”
At Eugene’s words, the knights raised the monster-hunting lances they had each prepared.
Having come ashore, its massive head could only get closer to the ground. It was actually easier to target vital points than with other giant monsters. The only difficulty was the tentacles making approach hard.
In terms of raw power, deploying ballistae would be better, but the Kraken had already grown wary coming ashore. Siege weapons and the large crews needed to operate them couldn’t be hidden.
The ground was relatively dry, but it was still a beach. Operating heavy, cumbersome siege equipment was difficult.
“Let me say it again: this is not an octopus. Never let your guard down.”
Ogres, hydras, and even dragons appeared in legends as roles slain by heroes.
But there was no folklore of a hero eliminating the Kraken, the disaster of the sea. No matter how much imagination storytellers employed, they couldn’t conceive of a way to kill it in naval combat.
Eugene had worried that the subjugation force’s morale might be too low, but the knights’ spirits remained intact. This was due to reports of the Kraken retreating after being sprayed with ink and hearing the principle behind how the idol lured octopuses.
They kept saying ‘octopus,’ and the atmosphere had become one of treating it as easy prey.
“Jokes are jokes and battle is battle. Even if a real octopus appears, there will be no carelessness. A lion gives its all even when hunting a rabbit.”
“It charges from the sea, that’s the problem. If we fight on land, courage and fighting spirit will be enough to handle it.”
This was sufficient for their combat readiness. The problem was what came after.
“Don’t rush in the moment a single tentacle is wrapped. We attack in unison when at least three are entangled. No matter how advantageous it looks, retreat when ordered. Fights with giant monsters can end in ridiculous deaths by the slimmest margin.”
“We may have gathered from different regions, but we all acknowledge that the king is our commander. We will gladly follow orders.”
‘The words are smooth, but these guys’ eyes are…’
Eugene had no trust at all. Every single one of them had ‘I’ll deliver the killing blow!’ burning in their eyes.
This was no ordinary monster — it was a Kraken. If they could claim credit in subjugating this legendary creature, they would be sought after everywhere. Even the Caliph’s personal guard knight wasn’t out of reach.
No matter how much Eugene was a king, he couldn’t control these knights by force.
When he had gone on the Midgard expedition in his true kingly state, there had been more than a few knights who did as they pleased. How much worse would it be when collaborating with a foreign king?
“Your Majesty aims to minimize casualties, and we understand. But it can’t always be perfect.”
Cassandra consoled him.
“With eight tentacles, it will trouble Your Majesty too. If they serve as meat shields and分散 the Kraken’s attention, that’s fine in its own way. They’re not our family.”
“I don’t care if they die or get hurt. My concern is that they might rush in before the Kraken is properly restrained.”
“That can’t be helped. Let’s trust in their selfishness. No matter how obsessed with glory, they won’t be stupid enough to ruin the entire operation.”
As Cassandra said, the assembled knights watched each other with wary eyes. Not because they saw each other as competitors for credit.
They were worried that someone might act rashly before the idol’s restraint activated properly. At this level, if someone tried to cause trouble, the others would naturally restrain them.
* * *
As dusk fell and only a few hours remained before execution, an unexpected visitor and ally arrived at Eugene’s tent.
“Hassan? Didn’t you say you would rest until just before the main ritual?”
“Y-Your Majesty.”
Hassan had been working beside Eugene since their meeting at the gambling hall. He always maintained the composure born of intellect and experience.
But now his face was so tense he seemed like a different person. This was because an existence more dangerous than the Kraken was present here.
Pop!
A wind completely different from the sea breeze struck, extinguishing all candles inside the tent. Even the steam from the boiling kettle vanished without a trace.
The only surviving light source was a single candle of the Vanas faith. The goddess had asked Eugene to provide it in support of his knight before the great battle.
The sacred candle flickered precariously before the breath of the External God but held firm.
[Impressive.]
A completely different voice emerged from Hassan’s mouth. It borrowed his lungs and vocal cords, but the energy that vibrated the air had originated from far, far away.
“Ugh!”
Hassan, having returned to his senses, shook his head violently. Eugene immediately intuited what had happened.
“Do you remember what just happened? For a moment, your body’s control was taken by the contracted being.”
“…I remember.”
“Isn’t seizing the body without permission a contract violation?”
Until now, Hassan had demonstrated a cautious attitude and stable mental state. He had mentioned being heavily indebted to his contracted being, but he probably wasn’t in the desperate state of Gaius, who had been completely taken over.
If so, this meant the contracted being had occupied Hassan’s body on its own.
“Until yesterday, it was a violation. But not for today.”
“Hassan, you didn’t…”
“I formed an additional contract. My patron… has great interest in the battle Your Majesty will fight.”
Hassan, prostrate before Eugene in Eastern etiquette, spoke with a trembling voice.
“He wishes to personally observe Your Majesty’s battle with the Kraken through my body. I humbly accept the punishment for my unauthorized actions.”
Hassan was terrified by what he’d done without consulting Eugene. But Eugene had no intention of scolding him for an additional spectator. He was merely curious.
“So in exchange, he’ll forgive part of the debt? Something like that?”
“Yes. But Your Majesty! Please believe me. I didn’t accept this deal for personal gain. The amount of debt forgiven isn’t even that much.”
“Honestly, it’s a hard situation for me to believe. You know that, right?”
Hassan nodded readily. He would be equally suspicious if the roles were reversed.
“My patron is starving for stimulation. Cold and calculating at the same time, yet also mood-driven. With nearly eternal time at his disposal, he’s not the type to spare his pawns.”
“He can wait indefinitely for a new patron, so he wants one big stimulation at a time. Something like that?”
“Exactly. A great battle between numerous knights, a hero like Your Majesty, and the Kraken! For my patron to witness it directly through mortal eyes is a temptation he can’t resist.”
Mages found it very convenient to talk with this ruler. Hassan licked his dry lips, thinking the same.
“So what benefit do we get?”
“It will be an intense battle, so my patron will surely be entertained. In that case, he might provide unexpected assistance.”
“Couldn’t he also interfere? I know well how fickle beings from other worlds can be.”
Conversing with summoners sometimes made Eugene feel like he was attending a lawyers’ gathering.
This clause and that paragraph of the contract. Adjusting or evading contract terms, fulfilling obligations at minimum cost. Getting revenge on a spirit who had tricked him. They discussed these things regularly.
The summoners who had gathered under Eugene’s command weren’t just there to enjoy the king’s support and Moving Castle’s facilities. It was also convenient for exchanging legal consultations.
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
When Hassan rolled up his sleeve, a strangely shaped brand was revealed. It was a binding that enforced specific rules when an External God descended into the mortal world.
“There is a clause prohibiting words and actions that would harm Your Majesty. Here, ‘Word’ encompasses all acts that vibrate the air.”
This meant it included all spells that required incantations and even minor lies.
“Did adding that clause reduce the amount of debt forgiven?”
“Your Majesty, what exactly…?”
Hassan was astonished by a king who could deduce three things from being told one. But Eugene had seen similar cases from summoners many times before, so he’d easily guessed.
“Khaf!”
Hassan clutched the arm bearing the brand and grimaced in pain.
“He… my patron asks that you please extinguish the candle.”
“The church’s candle? Why?”
The answer came from the External God who had again taken over Hassan’s body.
[How impressive and yet unpleasant. A firefly that seems about to go out at any moment withstands my breath.]
The External God’s voice was riddled with static and its pitch was unstable.
[Young champion of the god. Extinguish the candle. Create a place for me to dwell. That light shines upon Hassan, and even residing in his body suffocates me.]
Just as a kingdom could not have two kings, a table could not accommodate two divine powers.
Even if it was just a single candle, with a champion as a medium, the power of Vanas left no room for another External God in this tent.
“Your Majesty. Please!”
“If I leave the candle lit, you’ll be in violation of your contract, won’t you? I’ve promised you a full day’s entertainment.”
Eugene pinched the flame with his fingers and extinguished it. A new wind swept into the tent. Unlike the previous one, this was an extraordinarily gentle breeze.
“Don’t worry. This isn’t my first or second time experiencing something like this.”
A wind like a caress full of affection. It brushed past Eugene’s neck and cheek, then disappeared. Meanwhile, Hassan, having regained his body from the External God, let out a sigh.
“Tonight, the Kraken will definitely come ashore. My patron has promised to provide assistance free of charge if he’s entertained from his VIP seat.”
“The ‘if I do this, then that’ kind of promise is hard to trust.”
The VIP seat naturally referred to Hassan’s body.
“So what exactly does ‘assistance’ feel like? An External God personally casting magic is intriguing.”
“Ancient power that a mortal body could never wield.”
Hassan, who had maintained a tense expression throughout, showed other emotions for the first time today. Pride, longing, anticipation, and a hint of fear.
He was, after all, an Occultist through and through.
“How should I entertain the patron? Would tentacles twitching on the beach after being chopped be enough?”
Even Eugene, who feared nothing and dared everything, was at heart a magic knight.
Pop!
The extinguished candles all reignished. These were otherworldly light sources ignited not by natural fire but by the External God’s power.
“It seems His Majesty’s proposal pleased him.”
“A simple expression of opinion.”
Unlike Eugene, who was ambivalent, Hassan believed with sincerity that things were going well. Patrons who contracted with Occultists were extraordinarily stingy. Them doing something for free was exceedingly rare.
* * *
Now night had fallen.
“Hey. The color of that sea over there…”
“It really came. It really came.”
“Shh! Quiet!”
As Hassan had predicted, the Kraken appeared from the far side of the dark sea. Its massive body broke the surface, and its tentacles quivered.
The idol’s design was absolutely perfect. Eight arms protruding at the ideal angles for tentacles to wrap around. Living pigs and calves hung from it in chains.
Below, the altar piled high with fat and offal released a savory scent on the wind. Unable to resist the temptation, the Kraken drooled, and the knights got a proper look at its oral structure.
“It really is different from an octopus.”
“Horrifying.”
Ordinary cephalopods had a single small hole at the center of multiple legs. But the Kraken’s mouth was far larger in both proportion and scale. Appendages reminiscent of a spider’s chelicerae writhed by the double digits.
Knights who would bravely charge even at a dragon’s maw couldn’t bring themselves to rush toward the Kraken’s mouth.
Splat!
Squelch!
Each time the Kraken crawled forward, it made grotesque sounds. Now, its body’s center of gravity was more on land than in water.
‘I’ve heard they have extensive monster-hunting experience. Was that not nonsense?’
Contrary to Eugene’s worry, the knights held their breath and waited for the signal with sharp eyes.
-The Kraken is sensitive to light reflection. Whatever hits it, it’s a one-shot kill anyway.
The knights removed their metal armor, blackened their weapons with soot, and sprayed the alchemists’ scent-masking agent.
“The Kraken hasn’t noticed the ambush.”
“It’s obviously lost its mind over the offerings.”
Both Hassan and Eugene raised the corners of their mouths in satisfaction. The Kraken had lost nearly all the cunning it typically displayed.
This was a ritual prepared with intent by a wealthy city. It was incomparably superior to the crude worship of foolish merfolk. It was like someone who had lived on hard black bread and barley water their entire life tasting a freshly baked croissant with the finest wine.
Squeeeee!
Mbaaaah!
The sows and calves, marinated in special sauce throughout the preparation period, screamed in terror. Their bruised skin was slick with sweat, and they urinated in streams from sheer terror.
The Kraken’s tentacles wrapped around the idol’s arms and seized the sacrifices like picking fruit.
“???”
“It noticed.”
The Eastern mages detected the Kraken flinch as it embraced the idol. As the contact area increased, it sensed the curse’s magical power hidden deep within.
“Activate the great spell!”
At Hassan’s cry, the mages chanted in unison. The curse that had lain dormant within the idol activated, and the thick tentacles were firmly locked in place.
Kyaaaaa-!
The panicked Kraken screamed and thrashed. Part of the curse was already breaking, and the idol wobbled dangerously, but the binding still held.
“Now! Charge!”
“Half its tentacles are tied down — it can’t even dodge a head thrust! If we stab the brain like this, we win!”
The situation was unfolding far better than expected. Knights hiding on all sides charged forward, filled with courage and madness.
Dozens of light sources appeared in the air around the Kraken, as if torches had been lit. Eugene’s summoners had called forth spirits to drive away the darkness.
“Hurry, drag it over!”
“Your whip’s idle! Flog it until its skin peels off!”
Archers fired arrows while from a distance, bulls dragged siege weapons into range. Setting up and firing would take considerable time. The Kraken would either die or escape before then, but it was better than not trying at all.
The Kraken swung its intact tentacles from its awkward position. Its speed and power were reduced outside the water, but its mass hadn’t changed.
Bam!
A knight who took a direct hit was sent flying without even a scream. Everyone saw the blood spray between the darkness of night and the spirits’ light. But no one stopped.
[The first candle is extinguished. But his corpse shall become the path for others to walk.]
The patron who had taken over Hassan’s body chattered merrily. His voice was low but imbued with magic. As if he were the commentator of this battle, it echoed far and wide.
Crack!
Another knight was struck. A vertical blow from above, and surprisingly, he didn’t die.
The ground he landed on was a wet sandy area, and thanks to his high-quality leather armor, his body was nearly buried in the sand, allowing him to absorb much of the impact.
“Cough… gack…”
The knight, struggling to stand, coughed up blood while trembling. But he still raised his lance and headed toward the Kraken.
[A chill descends that drives away even pain. And still, you cannot abandon honor and wealth?]
The voice contained admiration, respect, and mockery.
Splash!
A third knight was swatted by a tentacle and flew like a pinwheel into the sea. He also didn’t die instantly but was unconscious. Left like this, he would drown.
[The sea is my domain. As payment for fine entertainment, I shall show mercy.]
Perhaps already feeling satisfied, the External God bestowed the first patronage.
The current of the waves changed unnaturally, and the knight’s body floated gently to the surface. As if body-surfing while lying down, the unconscious knight drifted toward the beach.
“What are you standing around for?! Go save him!”
Soldiers who had been firing arrows from a distance rushed over.
After that, no further casualties occurred among the knights. They were all fast and sharp, dodging this way and that to evade the tentacle attacks.
Thrust!
Thrust!
Knights who had reached striking range drove their lances deep, piercing the octopus’s head in a single thrust.
“Keep pushing!”
“Die, you monster!”
As the lances sank nearly halfway in and blue blood gushed forth, the knights roared in triumph.
-What looks like its head doesn’t just contain the brain. Important organs like the heart and liver are all packed in there too.
Everyone recalled the briefing. The most direct route was to aim for the brain near the eyes, but the Kraken knew this too and defended that area desperately.
Wounds accumulated from all sides, and blue blood streamed steadily. Sensing that this couldn’t continue, the Kraken applied maximum pressure internally.
Bwoooaaah!
Its head, rotating nearly 300 degrees, sprayed ink with terrifying force.
“Whoa!”
“My eyes!”
Even the agile knights couldn’t dodge this. The ink wasn’t venomous, but its viscosity was beyond what a person could endure.
The knights thrust their lances valiantly, but their power was significantly reduced. The ink between their grip and the lance shaft caused them to keep slipping.
A tentacle wrapped around the struggling knights and swung them through the air.
“Let go of this!”
One knight drew a dagger and stabbed at it, but it was useless. Another knight was held in a rigid position, unable to do anything.
“Aaaaah!”
A tentacle flung a knight skyward, and his scream faded like an echo. Moments later, a dull thud sounded from far away.
[In an instant, the tide has turned!]
The External God’s voice was filled with delight. It was clearly enjoying the chaos beyond measure.
But the External God realized that Eugene still hadn’t appeared. With that massive axe, he should have been conspicuous.
As Hassan’s gaze swept the area, it caught a certain figure. After the battle began, Eugene had separated to wait for Might.
With Might’s speed, he could reach the operational area with just a brief wait. Even in a muddy battlefield full of giant tentacles, the beast could fight effectively.
Dudududud!
Hoofbeats like the wind thundered past. Mud wet with seawater exploded upward, instantly revealing Eugene’s approach. The Kraken, sensing the danger, swung a nearby tentacle.
Might read the trajectory and leaped to avoid both himself and his master, and Eugene answered with the blade of Blackout.
Sliiiiice!
A tearing sound loud enough for everyone on the battlefield to hear. The Kraken’s tentacle, severed in a single stroke, flew off at the very speed it had been swinging.
The Kraken screamed, waving its half-severed tentacle. Thanks to the light sources created by the summoners, the blood gushing like a fountain was seared into everyone’s eyes.
[A magnificent blow!]
The External God’s exclamation pierced their minds.