MV – Chapter 159: The Onodera Family and the Minor Villain

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The car’s high performance was astonishing. Despite driving, there was no shaking at all, and the seat was so soft and plush that one could sink right in. You could stretch your legs, maybe even sleep in it. It is more like a hotel than a car.

The technology used must have been the pinnacle of magical engineering. Actually, it wasn’t only magic. The Onodera family’s manufacturing techniques for cars and furniture were also in play here. It was a display of strength, welcoming the guests and treating them courteously while subtly showing the power of the Onodera family.

This plan worked this time as well. Chihiro fidgeted uncomfortably, touching the seat and grabbing onto the hem of Lanpeach’s clothes, acting jittery.

Lanpeach was deep in thought, coming up with a new urban legend to claim that a cheesecake disappearing in midair was just one of those mysteries. Perhaps a story about an invisible young girl occasionally sneaking cheesecake from the car’s refrigerator?

As for the head of the Onodera family, Onodera Bacchus, he hoped that this car would impress Lanpeach instead of Chihiro, and command some respect, but Lanpeach seemed entirely uninterested. 

He continued with small talk while feeling disappointed.

It might seem a little unfair for Chihiro to be the only one impressed, but she would soon find herself surprised again upon arrival.

Looking out the window at the passing scenery, Chihiro couldn’t believe her eyes at the building in the distance.

“Um… Lan, what is that?” (Chihiro)

She must have doubted her own eyes. And with good reason. There was a building in her line of sight that always astonished first-time viewers after all.

“Oh, that’s a signature building of the Onodera family. You could say it’s a typical dwarven dwelling.” (Lanpeach)

Lanpeach leaned casually on the armrest and explained without any hint of amazement. He’d seen it countless times in the game after all.

“Gahaha! Surprised, young lady? I’d be more amused if Lanpeach-dono were also surprised, but I see you already knew.” (Bacchus)

“Well, once you visit the Onodera family, you’re not likely to forget that building.” (Lanpeach)

“Hearing that warms my dwarven heart. Yes, indeed, we dwarves have a liking for such architecture.” (Bacchus)

Bacchus laughed heartily and turned his gaze outside, as did everyone else, and…

There stood a massive mountain of rock. On its hillside were countless doors and windows embedded into the rock face.

“That is a dwarven residential area, research facility, factory, and mine all in one; our Holy Mountain.” (Bacchus)

Bacchus spoke proudly. It was always entertaining to show this mountain to surprised guests.

Despite the name Holy Mountain, its surface was bare rock, giving it a stark appearance. It stood around 500 meters tall, about 7-8 kilometers wide. Large enough to fit a small town inside.

“Eeeh?! Why couldn’t we see such a massive mountain from afar? I didn’t notice it at all!” (Chihiro)

Chihiro gaped, astonished. She would normally play it cool around strangers, so this reaction showed just how shocked she was.

It was natural to be confused. Lanpeach, however, knew the reason.

“That massive rock mountain is actually the corpse of an ancient monster. Even in death, it still projects an invisible barrier that hides it from a distance. It’s not much of a barrier when you’re this close though.” (Lanpeach)

“Oi oi, please leave the explanation to someone from the Onodera family. Explaining to amazed guests is one of our pleasures.” (Bacchus)

“This is a famous story you would be able to learn about with just a bit of research though? Oh well, I understand that feeling, so go ahead.” (Lanpeach)

Lanpeach shrugged a bit. It is fun to explain to someone who wants to know after all. Lanpeach received a firm pat on the shoulder for letting him continue. It hurt, and he wished Bacchus would stop.

“That rock mountain may be called Holy Mountain, but in reality, it’s just a monster. Its original name was Vapula. You can imagine how massive it must have been from the size of its corpse. Its body is composed of various ores and even regenerates slowly. Since it’s just a monster corpse, no other monsters appear here. Plus, it has formidable physical and magical defenses.” (Bacchus)

“Huh… You mean you live inside a monster’s corpse?” (Chihiro)

“That’s right. It’s almost instinctual for us dwarves. We feel at home in ore-rich mountains. All members of the main Onodera family live in that mountain.” (Bacchus)

“Living in that mountain has become a status symbol. If you don’t reside there, you aren’t recognized as a true member of the Onodera family.” (Lanpeach)

“Oh, Lanpeach-dono knows us well. That’s right, residing in that mountain is a dwarven aspiration. Gahahaha.” (Bacchus) 

Bacchus laughed boisterously for some reason while Chihiro nodded like an owl.

(It’s like the high-rise apartments from my previous life. I remember that part of the lore from playing as Bacchus.) (Lanpeach)

“Vapula, huh…” (Lanpeach)

In the game, it was just a setting for an endlessly mineable area. It didn’t seem to be a problem then, but…

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” (Lanpeach)

Lanpeach muttered, eyeing the approaching Holy Mountain.

◇◇

“Welcome to Vapula, the Onodera family’s central stronghold! Make yourself at home, Lanpeach-dono.” 

They are living in a mountain, but it doesn’t mean they dwell in caves like primitive people. They created living spaces and dwellings through careful planning and precise calculations.

So, while the rock mountain was massive, the outer walls were refined with a modern research facility aesthetic, and the main entrance featured an automatic door.

They quickly went through the automatic door after stepping out of the car. The early summer air was heating up, so the air conditioning inside offered relief.

“It’s quite normal inside. Feels like a research facility.” (Chihiro)

Chihiro looked around, impressed, and gathered her hair as cool air brushed her cheeks. The interior was far different from the rough exterior.

The walls were a pristine cream color, a flat-screen TV was mounted on the wall, and the reception desk had a computer on it, with a receptionist smiling warmly.

There was even a gate to proceed further resembling a train station turnstile, likely for security.

“Gahaha, obviously. We’re not so thoughtless as to just dig a hole and live in it.” (Bacchus)

Many dwarves in suits and lab coats were bustling around, busy with work. This was quite an unusual sight, as almost everyone there was a dwarf.

Chihiro looked around curiously, while the dwarves glanced at the guests Bacchus had brought.

“Who’s that? The head himself is showing them around.”

“I don’t recognize them. Must be someone important from a prestigious family.”

“The girl’s the guest, and the man next to her is probably a guard, right?”

“He sure looks villainous. It wouldn’t be surprising if he has killed a few people.”

Minor Villain skill activated. It has the passive effect of worsening everyone’s first impression.

“They’re looking at us, Lan.” (Chihiro)

Chihiro tugged nervously on his sleeve, and he patted her head in reassurance. The minor villain seems to be trying to learn ‘Headpat’. 

“Well, we’ve got the Onodera family head guiding us. They won’t approach, so don’t worry.” (Lanpeach)

“True. I’m more curious why the Onodera head brought us here.” (Chihiro)

Trusting Lan, Chihiro nodded and smiled in relief.

She then followed Bacchus with a lighter step. 

Even though they were inside the rock mountain, the space didn’t feel cramped, likely because everything was designed to feel spacious. Even the corridors were wide enough for four people to pass comfortably.

“It must have been meticulously planned and constructed from the beginning.” (Lanpeach)

“Dwarves, past and present, love to show off their skills and are passionate about making things! It’s our nature to always seek perfection. Alright, here we are.” (Bacchus)

Bacchus, looking pleased, stopped before a large door made of enchanted wood. It seems they could finally talk.

◇◇

The parlor was tastefully luxurious, with every piece of furniture featuring intricate designs, showcasing the handiwork of master artisans.

A servant of the Onodera family carefully placed coffee cups for everyone, and Bacchus leaned back on the sofa.

“Well, that’s enough greetings. Now, young lady, please move to the dress room. The designer will be here shortly. Feel free to make as many as you like. I’ll call the jeweler as well, so you can show off your beautifully adorned look to Lanpeach-dono.” (Bacchus)

Chihiro realized from this that Bacchus had no regard for her. He hadn’t even called her by name, referring to her simply as ‘young lady’. He likely saw her as nothing more than an accessory to Lan.

(I may not like it, but I’ll tolerate it. Right now, I’m helping raise Lan’s name, and I’m just a pebble he won’t even notice.) (Chihiro)

Chihiro was dissatisfied, but she gazed at Lan with a strong resolve, determined that she would one day be worthy of standing beside him.

Lanpeach noticed her feelings but didn’t comment on them. Bacchus seemed to have business with him, and since he asked everyone else to leave, it was likely something he didn’t want overheard.

Once Chihiro and the servants left the room, Bacchus set up a barrier to prevent eavesdropping.

And then, the bold, carefree expression Bacchus had shown until now faded, replaced by a serious look.

“The reason I called for you, Lanpeach-dono, is because you are one of the most powerful forces in this Surface District.” (Bacchus)

“Huh? You called me because you need my strength? Isn’t the Onodera family’s strength enough?” (Lanpeach)

Lanpeach was taken aback by the unexpected words.

“Yes, actually, there’s a dangero—” (Bacchus)

The ground trembled beneath them before he could finish. A slight tremor shook the room briefly before subsiding.

“It is this. There have been frequent earthquakes lately. Could I ask you to investigate?” (Bacchus)

Seeing Bacchus’s grim expression, Lanpeach narrowed his eyes, sensing this might be a new quest.

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