Chapter Text
The whole continent was in uproar upon the news that one of the hardest dungeons located in Brixt, kingdom of Erman, was said to be finally conquered. Many dreamt of descending to the abyss and unraveling the mysterious scene lies beneath, just as many that failed. It didn’t get the title of being one of the hardest for nothing.
The first question that followed after the hearsay naturally would be; ‘Whose party did it?’
People listed many infamous party names, consisting of remarkable S-ranked and A-ranked adventurers who boasted in achievements and strength. But it was none of the above.
When they found out that only a single adventurer with his familiars did that unbelievable gig, their jaws dropped to the floor.
Yes. It was Mukohda and his little party consisting of his unique familiars; a legendary beast Fenrir, a pixie dragon, and a one of a kind slime, who paraded through the land conquering two dungeons in Dolan dan Aveling previously.
The more shocking news was, after the conquest, Mukohda apparently gained a new familiar. It was an ancient dragon, who slumbering in the deepest floor of the Brixt dungeon, and with whichever way it was, convinced into forming a contract with Mukohda.
Many people didn’t believe it. How could one man alone conquer three dungeons consecutively, emerging unscathed without as much as a scar, and still as healthy as he has ever been? And how could that one man put a leash on multiple dangerous creatures ever in history?
Regardless, the invincible party of S-ranked Mukohda leapt bounds. He gained the title of the strongest S-ranked ever in history, much to the rumored man’s dismay.
***
“I only wanted to live in peace…” Mukohda complained.
Mukohda and his familiars have already returned to their homebase in Karelina town, kingdom of Leonhardt. Currently lounging in the living room, he shared his concern with his familiars. Of course, he could see their reactions a mile away:
“Hmph. So long as they don’t meddle in our affairs, I care not for their babbling mouths.” Fel, the proud Fenrir, said in a haughty tone. As always, he didn’t bother with trivial matters as long as it didn’t invade his personal being (or his foods).
“Indeed. They already given direct orders by the royal palace to leave us alone, no? I see nothing to be concerned about.” Old Man Gon, the newest familiar of Mukohda and an ancient dragon, agreed. He resembles Fel in many ways. Maybe it is something to do with them being the legendary beasts on top of the food chain. It was akin to an eagle soaring high in the sky and won’t bother with an army of ants crawling on the ground.
《Yeah! You worry too much!》 Dora-chan, the pixie dragon, chimed in. Unlike Gon and Fel, he couldn’t yet speak the human tongue verbally, so they communicated via telepathy, something that naturally came to them as Mukohda’s familiar. 《Anyway, it’s time for dinner! Hurry and make us food!》
At the mention of food, Sui, who slept soundly on Fel’s flank, finally woke up.《... Hmm? Dinner time? Yeay, Sui is hungry!》 said the slime, starting to jump up and down in excitement.
None of his familiars shared the same distress and agony. Mukohda already resigned to his fate after taking Fel, the Fenrir, as familiar. Everything finally calmed down after people started to get used to Fel. But now with Gon, the ancient dragon added to the picture, he was even accused of having the intention of subduing the continent! Like, not a country anymore, but the whole continent, you see? Of course he’d worry! It was justified! If all of the nations banded together to seize him, what could he do? His familiars always went on and said that they wouldn’t lose, but it wasn’t like he left with anything even if he won. His longlife wish to live in tranquility and serenity would be crumbling to dust.
Mukohda decided to take his mind and absorb himself in cooking. With Gon’s portion added, he found himself making even more food than ever. Before, Fel and Sui held the title of the biggest eaters of their party. With Gon joined in, it was like Mukohda cooking for a whole army. Thanks to the new titles he gained, ‘The Solitary Chef’, and job as ‘Cook’, everything was so much quicker and easier when it came to cooking. But, taking care of four gluttons would still pose its own challenge.
Today’s dinner was a double fried karaage using rockbird, orc, and black serpent meat. After serving the nth time for Fel, Gon, and Sui, everyone found their stomach full to the brim and left satisfied. Dora-chan already sprawled on the floor with his belly facing the sky after a few servings, still had a long way into catching up with his fellow gluttons (not like Mukohda wished him to, anyway). The pixie dragon almost looked like knocked out, if not for his murmur about the delicious treat he just had. The others also shared a mutual feeling that the dinner they had just now was beyond satisfying.
Even more impressive, there was a warm and comforting bath awaiting after dinner. Soaking in the lukewarm water with a refreshing yuzu bath salt added, they could doze off straight away with how blissful it felt.
“Ahh, wonderful. It is truly a wise decision to be my liege’s familiar!” Gon entered the master bedroom. He was the first to get out of the bath, but he wasn’t the first to reach the bedroom where they would sleep.
Fel, who already took his usual spot in the master bedroom, hummed in agreement. He was the only one who didn’t join in for a bath, as always. Despite being a powerhouse who was feared by humans and fellow monsters, his weakness lay in his vehement hatred towards baths, or especially, getting wet. “I couldn’t agree more. But, I must say, your willingness to be his familiar was beyond my expectation, old one.”
That’s true. Actually, it was true for both of them. He, an ancient dragon, and Fel, a Fenrir, were both legendary beasts which could bring down a nation at a whim. They prided themselves as creatures above humans. Bowing down to one would be akin to a disgrace and humiliation, and the notion never crossed their minds before. That is, if not for the situation they had.
“I did have my doubts. But, say, I trust you in that regard, Fel.”
Fel was confused. He raised his head to look at Gon, who put himself on corner room across from him. “Me?”
“Someone like you wouldn’t carelessly declare yourself as a human’s familiar, no? Especially since most of them would vouch so low as to benefit us for our power with their boundless greediness. Even if you were lured in by his meals, if he turned out to be a despicable human, you’d soon chew him out and go somewhere, am I right?”
“Hmph. But of course,” Fel raised his snout. “Before anything else, I observed him from afar. The first time I met him, he was traveling with a party of five humans, seemingly hired as his escorts. He was even more of a weakling by then, but his cooking smelled delicious as ever.”
《Oooh, you’re telling a story when you first met him?》 Dora-chan chipped in. He entered the room with Sui in tow, bouncing behind him.
《When Uncle Fel met Master?》 Sui jumped in with curiosity.
“I see, I am his first familiar after all. So, let’s hear this tale when I met him.” Fel said, seemingly proud. He patted his paw on the floor in front of him, a gesture for Dora-chan and Sui sat in front of him. They obliged with excitement and anticipation.
Gon was bemused by the sight. The Fenrir he fought once was mighty enough to rival him in strength, more so until they were forced to call it a draw. Never in his wildest imagination did he see the same Fenrir patiently told of the bygone days of him in such a manner like this towards his two other companions.
“That night, I was around the area where they passed through. Our path didn’t cross, and I hated getting sighted by humans, especially adventurers, since they raised such a huge ruckus even when I did nothing but pass by.”
The last sighting of Fenrir was 300 years ago, and it wasn’t by coincidence. Since Fel could sense other creatures’ presence including humans, he chose to slightly detour his path if possible, and not travel on the main road where humans would use.
“I was just brought down another worthless enemy, a giant deer, and fed on his raw flesh since I'm hungry, when I suddenly smelled something delicious wafted in the air.”
《Oooh! That’s him! I know it!》 Dora-chan lit up.
《Master's cooking! Smells yummy!》 Sui jiggled happily in his place.
Gon could imagine it, as well. The very first time he smelled the garlic steak that Mukohda cooked in front of him, too marvelous to be described, it almost brought his drool even just to remember it. “Indeed. The smell never fails to bring out my appetite.”
Fel nodded. “Naturally, I was drawn in and followed it to the source. I could sense the presence of humans ahead. But as far as I know, when they travel, all of their rations are tasteless garbage like hardened bread or dried meat. That was the first time I saw a human cooking a fresh meal in the wilderness, with such appetizing aroma, no less.”
At that moment, the main topic of conversation, Mukohda, who had just finished with his bath, passed by the master bedroom. “Huh? What’re they talking about?”
He saw all of his familiars circling around discussing something. Even Sui, who is usually quick to out of light after a bath, listened to Fel attentively. They looked so engrossed in their activities it brought a smile on Mukohda’s lips. Unfortunately, today was the day he would take the order for the Gods and Goddess’ offerings.
He was tempted to join in, but who knows what would await him if he postponed the meetings with the gods and goddesses? They would be sure to cause a ruckus, especially a certain disappointment of goddess who loves sweets above all else, Ninrir. He bet she had finished all of her Fumiya cakes already.
So, with a heavy heart, Mukohda strode to the next room. He usually does this since he wouldn’t disturb his familiars who fell asleep right after dinner and bath, and he also took his time to listen to all of the orders.
Back to the gluttonous quartet, Fel was still resuming his tale.
“As far as I can see, he was timid, and a coward to the bone. Every time they encountered a monster, even the smallest fry, he would either stand frigid or scream in futile. Such an embarrassing sight that even I should reconsider being his familiar.”
《Ah. No surprise there. He’s a wuss, I get it.》 Dora-chan commented, face full of understanding.
《Master is weak! But Sui will protect Master and pew-pew baddie!》 Sui’s intention was good, but how his Master’s heart would be so heartbroken being called weak (even if it’s true).
“At the moment, my liege’s overall status was more or less the same as high-ranking adventurers. But even with all of his skills and multiple gods’ blessing, he was still scared in front of a mere monster like a red boar or such.”
“And with double barriers from both of us.” Fel added.
Gon shook his head in astonishment. Aside from their barrier, Mukohda also had a skill called Perfect Defense bestowed from gods, which would defend him from any malicious attacks with only extremely strong attacks like death curse as exception. The barrier he and Fel set wasn’t something trivial either. If the monster didn’t have at least the same strength as them, the barrier wouldn’t break. And what chance were there any monsters stronger than them out there? Yeah. None.
“Even with such shameful traits, I can sense he is quite a decent human. When I appraised him, I found out he was most likely to be a summoned hero, which should have ample strength and usually seek to be the greatest. But alas, he had no such drive at all,” Fel said, almost sounding exasperated. “It was mine who prompted to be his familiar. Such an honor no ordinary human came across easily, and many would kill for the opportunity alone, and you know what? That foolish a of human almost rejected my idea. Twice !” he continued, fumed.
Gon laughed. “Grahahaha! That’s my liege for you!”
“How audacious! But, since he might be a hero from another world with no clue of how this world works and how much might I hold, I let that ignorance aside.”
《Come to think of it. He actually never agreed to us being his familiar, no?》 Dora-chan wondered, only now starting to realize this fact.
Either it was Fel, Sui, Dora-chan, or Gon, all of them basically thrust themselves into Mukohda to take as familiar, regarding his approval or not.
With Fel, Mukohda didn’t know much about Fenrir and whatsoever since he just got summoned recently. He judged his decision by how the members of Iron Will,who escorted him back then, struck in horror when they encountered Fel. He deduced that Fel was too much of attention grabbing and would bring trouble, which is why he almost refused Fel’s proposal of being his familiar (even though failed).
With Sui, since the slime was practically born the day before and had no means to communicate, he only wished to be Mukohda’s familiar since he showed him kindness and let him eat. And Mukohda, unknowingly, accepted his feelings. With Sui, though, he didn’t regret it as much since he found the slime was cute and good-natured (unlike Fel).
Meanwhile with Dora-chan, it was almost the same; Dora-chan couldn’t communicate in human language and wanted to be Mukohda’s familiar after he tasted his delicious cooking. He launched himself at Mukohda to form the contract, which was successfully accepted by the latter (accidentally). Since he is a dragon, Mukohda lamented for yet another striking familiar in his party. But, he thought it was quite alright since Dora-chan is a pixie type of dragon, which is small, and his color is close to pink and thought that he is kind of cute.
And lastly, Gon. Mukohda definitely refused him. Unlike Dora-chan who is pocket-sized, he was a fully-fledged dragon, as big as twelve storey building in his actual size (and the similar size as Fel when he traveled with Mukohda), with black scales to boot. In summary, he was intimidating and fearsome thorough and thorough. Non-adventurers tend to mistake Fel as a giant wolf and not Fenrir, but in Gon’s case, he was a dragon and dragon only. Veteran adventurers, though, could tell he is an ancient dragon, the pinnacle even in the dragon ranks.
“It is true… I should thank my liege for being soft-hearted, because I’m now his familiar.”
《Yeah, his soft-heartedness was the reason he accepted us, I guess.》
《Master is kind! Sui loves Master!》
Fel continued on with his story. “So in the end, I thought that I should go at it. If he was proven good enough human and wouldn’t exploit my great power, then shall I be bound to be his familiar for the end of his life. Humans’ life was fickle compared to mine, after all, it won’t hurt to serve some decades with him, if I could get delicious meals in return.” he said, and then added threateningly, showing his sharp claws while smirking menacingly. “And if he dared to scheme into using my might for his own avarice, I shall shred him and all of his party altogether. Easy choice there.”
《Man, you’re too over the top, Fel…》
Unlike Dora-chan, who casually took it without any problem, a certain slime shook at Fel’s declaration. It slightly deflated while his body quivering. 《Master…? Uncle Fel… will hurt Master?》
“Grrk! No, Sui… it’s… uhhh-”
《Uncle Fel! No bullying Master! Uncle Fel baddie!》 Sui jumped on top of Fel’s head and hit it multiple times with its two tentacles.
“No! Sui, stop it! It was just back then-”
Dora-chan laughed heartily at Fel’s suffering under their youngest. 《That’s mean of you, Fel! You deserved it!》
《Uncle Fel baddieeee!》
“Though, I also had the similar thought as you, Fel,” Gon said, having no concern of the Fenrir's distress. “Back then, you said his meal was delectable, no? I didn’t believe it, and thought, ‘If it is proven otherwise, I’ll just use my dragon breath and annihilate you all until no ashes remain’. I mean, that was the price for lying to an ancient dragon, you know?”
“Right?! You know what I feel, Gon! See, Sui?! Now get off from my head!” Fel said, before adding something about Gon’s remarks. ”But, of course, I won’t perish easily.”
“Highly doubt that. Your agility is superb, but your overall statues are below mine. Bringing you and your party back then was a matter of greatest ease.” Gon countered.
Fel’s eyes glinted at the remarks. “Oh? That’s a challenge, I assume? Shall we settle this matter so we know the actual result?”
“We can use this chance to resolve the match we had before, once and for all.”
《Sheesh. You guys on it again?》
《Fighting? Sui wants to join! But Sui is still angry because Uncle Fel is baddie!》
“Hey! You two, stop that!”
At the very least, Mukohda returned to the room. Both Fel and Gon quickly turned away from each other. They know from experience that resuming their banter would risk their meals, and it was torment beyond their capabilities to handle.
Mukohda walked closer and fetched Sui from on top of Fel’s head. “What’s wrong with Sui, anyway? It looks distressed.” he said, inspecting the slime closer with a concerned look.
《Master! Uncle Fel baddie! Sui punished Uncle Fel because Master!》
“For me? What for?” Mukohda turned to Fel, which pointedly avoided his stare and refused to answer. “What did you do, Fel? Actually, what did you do to me to cause Sui like this?”
“I-it’s only a matter of bygone. No one is harmed. Sui only misunderstood, that’s all.”
Of course Mukohda didn’t buy it easily. Something definitely up. Sui was his favorite familiar, after all. But, since he was concerned to calm Sui down more than anything, he let it go.
“Sui? I’m alright, you see? Uncle Fel is sometimes a meanie, but you should forgive him, yes? Just like Sui, he makes mistakes as well.”
Sui looked down. 《Alright… but Sui is protecting Master…》
“Sure, I depend on you a lot for that, Sui! Sui is such a good kid, always protects me from a meanie !”
“Grrrr.”
《Yes! Sui will protect Master! Sui is a good kid!》
“Thank you, Sui! And it’s getting late, let’s sleep, okay?”
At the mention, Sui was reminded how sleepy it was. 《Yeah. Sui is sleepy… let’s sleep…》
Dora-chan also let out a big yawn. 《Man, it’s already late, huh? I’m sleepy as well.》
Dora-chan flew behind Mukohda and Sui, who headed towards the bed. Fel and Gon, since their sizes were too enormous, were sleeping on the soft, carpeted floor. The mansion Mukohda bought in Karelina was a 14LDK with many spare rooms, but somehow, they always huddled together in the master room to sleep. Mukohda thought it was such a shame to not utilize all the rooms, but in the end, he thought it wasn’t such a big problem if they slept together in one room like this. The master bedroom was huge after all.
“Good night, everyone,” Mukohda said, but only got soft murmurs and steady breathing as answers. He chuckled. “I wonder what they talked about? I should ask them tomorrow morning.”
With that, Mukohda drifted to sleep, along with his four familiars.