Akatsuki Translations

“This is the loading entrance at the rear of Uuga. When Uuga stops, its body sinks into the ground, and its tail becomes a traversable ramp. Small to medium-sized 【mobile fortresses】 can directly board it.” -Ur

The base of the 【loading entrance】 tail is flat and wide. It has taken on a “convenient shape” for boarding. Its slightly unnatural shape as a creature is also one of the proofs that it was intentionally created as a familiar.

“From the loading entrance, it leads to the storage area, and beyond that is the residential area. The buildings are not as high-rise as those in a normal city. There is also less underground space. The accommodation capacity is not as much as it looks.” -Ur

The residential area seems spacious at first glance. Since it was originally a normal satellite city that became a familiar as is, it had a reasonable amount of space. However, this is the back of the giant familiar, Uuga.

It wasn’t necessarily superior in terms of living. Unlike a normal city, it can’t increase the living area by using underground spaces or high-rise buildings that extend endlessly. Even more so than a normal city, only a limited number of people can be accommodated here.

Anyone who sees it would immediately notice that fact.

The value of this Uuga and the small number of available seats. Those who were guided were keenly aware of the danger that these two factors could cause.

“The area around Uuga is protected by Uuga’s own hardened skin acting as a defensive wall. It’s more powerful than a simple barrier. Though, there are few monsters that actively approach Uuga itself.” -Ur

Uuga possesses the characteristics of a creature-type 【mobile fortress】. As a giant creature, it emits a strong presence, which prevents monsters from sensing the presence of humans on top of it. Although it may seem defenseless at first glance without the Barrier of the Sun, its defensive capabilities against monsters are high.

“This is the central underground control area of Uuga. It’s one of the key points responsible for controlling Uuga’s movement, Uuga’s own physical condition, adjusting the absorbed magical power, and so on. It also has communication magical tools equipped to communicate with the command tower.” -Ur

The management here has already been entrusted to magicians dispatched from Gradol, who are in charge of operation and management. There are more things that Ur and the others don’t understand, and Lynne alone couldn’t handle it all, so it’s been a great help. The magicians dispatched here were wildly excited and running around upon seeing Uuga.

By the way, the magicians involved in the construction plan of Uuga have not been dispatched from Gradol. It’s only natural, considering that most of those who were deeply involved have turned into slimes.

“And this is the area around the command tower, close to Uuga’s forehead. The ‘shell’ is also thickest here, making it the most heavily defended area. It’s equivalent to the temple district in a city.” -Ur

It’s the area farthest from Uuga’s loading entrance, located at the deepest part of Uuga. Perhaps because Aesula designed it to be his own castle, it incorporates elegant architectural styles and is particularly beautiful even among the parts of Uuga. Ur and the Nameless people living in Uuga feel a bit intimidated when entering the command tower.

“Inside the command tower, this is the command room used by those with control seals when operating Uuga. The giant farseer crystal reflects Uuga’s field of vision. In addition to the control seal holders, those who are authorized can also control Uuga’s various techniques from here.” -Ur

During these two months, Ur and the others who utilized Uuga frequently used this place. This command room, where various information about Uuga is directly reflected and each part can be checked and controlled, is literally the head and the key of Uuga. And—

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“The conference room. Well, that’s just what we call it. Across from the command room, there’s a huge table with chairs lined up for use by a large number of people. It’s the perfect place for discussions.”  -Ur

Everyone gathered in the conference room inside the command tower, the final stop of the Uuga tour. They each took their seats, grouped together by their respective factions.

On Ur’s side were Ur, Shizuku, Echelle, and Lynne. Jain was there to assist, while Rock stayed behind to hold down the fort.

On Gradol’s side were Shinra Lacretia, the Hero, Diz (and Akane), and their Sun Knight escorts.

The Envy Knights consisted of their captain, Gloria, the vice-captain, Eckstein, and their subordinates.

As for the Sloth side–

“…Black-dono, what’s the matter?” -Gloria

“Ah, there was a small shadowblade beetle sneaking into the command room. I was just admiring how well it managed to sneak into Uuga and was observing it for a bit. My bad, my bad.” -Black

Black, who had been happily observing the command room from outside, laughed and took his seat.

He was the only one on the Sloth side.

Even during this tour, he had been wandering here and there, simply enjoying the sights. There was not a shred of tension in him. He was completely like a tourist who had come on a trip.

“…Maybe we should have refused his visit after all?” -Ur

“Which is better, the aftermath of turning away a gold rank, a genuine great hero who has been given a position equivalent to a Shinra by the Temple, a living legend, or the trouble he brings?” -Jain

“What a pain…” -Ur

Ur fell silent at Jain’s warning.

Black finally took his seat, and all the players were in place.

Confirming this, the captain of the Envy Knights Strike Force, Gloria, stood up.

“Well then, first of all, I would like to express my gratitude once again to the people of Gradol and the people of Uuga for providing such an opportunity today. Dragon-Devoured Uuga, it was truly magnificent. There is no doubt that among the existing mobile fortresses and familiars, it has the highest degree of completion and is the most robust.” -Gloria

Then Gloria continued her words with a “however.”

“But does Gradol truly have the management capability for 【Uuga】 in terms of preservation? To begin with, is there really no shady aspect to the very establishment of this Uuga?” -Gloria

Here it comes, Ur braced himself. Lacretia must have thought the same. She straightened her posture and glared at Gloria.

“And if that’s the case, what do you propose?” -Lacretia

“We would like to conduct a verification.” -Gloria

Saying that, Gloria signaled to her subordinates. One of them stepped forward. Among the knights, he was the only one wearing priestly robes. He performed a gesture of prayer.

“Does Gradol have the legitimacy to possess Uuga or not? I would like to begin a debate to question that. And if, as a result of the discussion, the conclusion is that it is not appropriate…” -Gloria

Soon after, a huge 【scale】 that emitted its own light suddenly appeared in the center of the table. Some cowered, some directed hostility, and some laughed at the scale that felt almost oppressive.

“As a representative of 【Heavenly Demon Greylei】, one of the 【Seven Heavens】, using the authority granted by the Wise Heavenly King, we will confiscate the magical asset known as 【Dragon-Devoured Uuga】 from Gradol.” -Gloria

The gong signaling the start of the 【Heavenly Demon’s Trial】 rang out.