BXBX NOVEL Vol. 11 - Chapter 594 - Those who aim to become a Beast King
They would only understand what he was thinking if he explained that.
"I'm sorry, but the burden would be too heavy for me."
"The burden? You'll just be searching for shards though…"
It was basically a fetch quest, which Allen knew as the easiest in the world. And it was something to keep him busy while Temi trained. Allen could not understand why he would refuse to work on something to pass the time.
"Didn't you say the shards were to make Cecile stronger, and then defeat the Demon King?"
"Well, yes. And since Temi will be away, you'd be the one in command…or should I ask someone else?"
(Huh? He's more serious than I thought. Maybe I should ask someone else, hmm…)
Hobah had been the commander of Albahar's royal knights, and had won the Beast King Martial Arts Display before, making him the obvious choice.
"You're asking for too much, I feel like I might crumble under so much responsibility. And the same would go for everyone, right?"
Hobah glared at the rest of the Ten Heroic Beasts after saying that, his muscles tense.
(I get it now, he's trying to negotiate.)
Sophie also noticed that at the same time as Allen, and Cecile a bit later. Meanwhile Shea seemed to know what Hobah wanted to gain, and looked conflicted.
"So you're saying there's someone more suitable, who wouldn't crumble under the responsibility?"
Allen decided to go along with Hobah's act.
"Of course, I'm sure he would be able to complete this task."
"Could you please tell me who you're talking about?"
Allen continued playing along as everyone looked at Hobah.
"No one but Lord Hobah, obviously. Please bring him here, as I'm sure there's still room for him. With him we'll finally be back together, and able to find those important shards."
(That makes sense, he left his position with the royal guards to become Zew's personal guard.)
Hobah had requested for Zew to join them. When Zew headed for the S Rank Dungeon, Hobah had given up his position to travel with him. At first, the Beast King answered by saying he would not tolerate any unauthorized actions, and if Hobah really wanted to leave, he would have to beat the Beast King in combat. The fight was fierce, leaving the palace crumbling, as the Beast King left Hobah half dead. But even then, Hobah remained resolute in his decision, which got through to the Beast King. And so Hobah was rid of his position and duties, letting him become Zew's personal guard. Then they went to the S Rank Dungeon together, and all because Hobah was convinced Zew would be the next Beast King.
"General Hobah, Shea has already rescinded her claim for the Beast King's throne, focusing on fighting the Demon King's Army."
Hearing Allen, Lepe also nodded, he could not understand why Hobah was making such a fuss.
"What about that?"
"There's only one person left who can become Beast King, and that's Prince Zew. Right Shea?"
"Yes, that's correct. You can rest easy, Hobah, you're serving the future Beast King."
Hearing that, Hobah emptied his drink before standing up, then taking a deep breath.
"Being the Beast King means being the strongest of everyone in the kingdom!! And that must be recognized by all beastmen, and not just because there was no other option! I can't allow anyone to doubt that there was a better candidate!!"
He shouted everything he was thinking about.
(So if Shea continues fighting the Demon King's Army she might leave a stain in Albahar's history, as the strongest candidate who was not chosen? No, it's probably not that complicated.)
"So you want to be convinced?"
"Yes, let me see my path to the end!"
Hobah had given everything to serve Zew, so he wanted to be reassured that he had made the correct choice, regardless of the final result.
(So the issues with the elves and dark elves were postponed, but the issue with the next Beast King still has to be resolved. I wasn't expecting it to show up again here though.)
That was one of the biggest problems Allen had encountered in his adventures.
"I believe the people already trust my brother. But please listen to him, and I'm sorry, Allen."
Zew was older by 10 years, and he had been active in public offices, and was trusted by Albahar's people. Overall Shea felt bad for her personal matters taking Allen's time though.
"Got it, I'll bring him in a bit then. Also, I'll leave Temi in the magic ship, so she can head to the God of Divination Tarrot's Temple."
"Mhm, I appreciate that."
Allen quickly sprang into action.
(I guess I'll have to send some summons to search in advance, since that'll take a bit.)
Allen was able to bring Zew to the divine realm by the next day. Meanwhile the Ten Heroic Beasts had gotten ready and waited at the entrance of Albahar Village.
"Sorry for the wait."
"I appreciate that you were able to bring Lord Zew here so quickly."
As soon as he got there, Hobah thanked him.
(It actually wasn't that difficult, he was already in the Academy City after all.)
Zew had been looking over the beastmen attending the Academy City. He had a lot of work there, since Albahar was hesitant to send so many people to the Central Continent. It was a whole different problem to the beastmen that joined Allen's Army before.
All of the beastmen were going to stay in Latash's Academy City, which had been expanding a lot since Allen attended there.
Albahar had not sent anyone to the Central Continent in more than 60 years, so Zew was there to help with everything, as he was part of the royal family. When Allen came, Zew felt dubious about leaving his current post, so he called the Beast King to ask if he could go to the divine realm, and he replied shouting loudly "You have to decide things for yourself if you want to become Beast King!!" So Zew assumed he did not need permission to leave, and joined Allen.
"So Hobah caused some trouble…"
First Zew wanted to apologize for Hobah's behavior.
"Alright Allen, what is it you want us to do?"
Meanwhile Hobah showed no signs of wanting to apologize.
(Alright, time to get back on track and give them orders.)
"You'll be going together with a Tsubame and Okiyo, and there's 3 Hawks who went ahead already. Just follow the direction Temi pointed at before…"
Allen had told Zew a bit about what was happening, but gave more detailed orders now.
"How big are those shards we're searching for?"
"Not even the God of Magic seemed to know."
Allen had told Larappa to ask about that the day before, but Isiris did not know anything.
"That's not very reassuring."
"Either way, if anything happens, report to me through Okiyo."
Since they knew so little, they would have to report to Allen if they found anything interesting.
"Hmm, it's all a little sudden, but let's do it then!"
"Yes Lord Zew! We'll follow you to the end!!"
"Seriously? I really hate things like that. Maybe I should go back to the God of Music…"
"Lepe, what did you say!!"
"I just want you to shut up, Hobah!!"
After loudly arguing for a bit, Hobah loudly struck Lepe.
"...I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it, let's just focus on your training, Shea. Let's try going to Giran like Albahar said."
"...Okay."
"Allen, it's the Beast God Giran, at least try to be a little respectful."
Cecile told Allen what Shea had also thought. Allen, Shea, Cecile, and Sophie would head to the Beast God Giran's Shrine. Then they all climbed onto a Bird B summon that was twice the size thanks to Command. It was a little cramped, but Allen had to economize his slots, since he had so many summons active.
(I guess it's similar to how cars advertise capacity for 5 passengers, but it gets really cramped when 5 people actually get in.)
"Hmm, I'll keep watch ahead then."
"We appreciate that. I'll help Master Allen together with Cecile here."
Shea moved to the Bird B's neck, keeping watch. Behind her, the rest prepared some dirt and kept the Grimoire open so Allen could use Generation.
"Luvanka, do you know where it is?"
'It should be directly to the northeast from here.'
Allen's vision was Shared with Luvanka, so he could give directions from within a card.
"Alright then, go there Griff!!"
'Gururu!!'
After bringing Zew to the divine realm, Allen's group headed to the Beast God Giran's temple.