A NEET’s Guide to the Parallel

World: Healer, the Strongest

Cheat? - 181
Pascantin, as a country, focused primarily on industry. Factories were
in different places all over and no matter where you looked you could
see a cloud of toxic smoke. All of the slaves who worked the factories
usually died early and with mysterious illnesses. Although they died
their deaths meant nothing to the people of this country as more slaves
were brought in from all over, most of them were beastmen but there
were some humans as well. Either way after coming to this country
they rarely lived for longer than 6 months.
“They live their lives surrounded in a cloud of smoke, treating others lives
as though they are just tools to be used and disposed of. Because of those
sins, we shall end Tonpearl’s life now.”
Ankh preached about the country’s wrong doings to the other members of
the charitable bloodline. Those in white trembled in anger and sadness as
the looked toward the country where those who were captured were being
forced to work themselves to death.
“Lord Ankh….I was wrong…..We cannot afford to leave this country be,
we must do something right now.”
The voice that spoke sounded femenine.
“Indeed Alicia, I cannot save this country. Normally our highest priority is
to rescue our brethren, however I want you to put that out of your minds
this time.”
The charitable bloodline normally had a way they went about things but
now and was telling them to abandon it.
“Let us be charitable and clean! Hahahahahahaha!”
His laugh echoed out around them.
“Now, who would like to volunteer?”
▽
“It doesn’t feel good! Not at all!”
Tonpear was sweating in a large bathroom, there were several beast women
around him of various races such as dogs, cats, bears and foxes. However
he seemed to be finding fault in everything a certain fox girl was doing.
“How many times do I have to say the same thing!? I have repeatedly told
you that it wasn’t enough!”
“Kyaa!”
Tonpearl slapped her across the face and she fell on her but with tears
streaming down her face. It seemed that Tonpearl was not satisfied with
how she was washing his back, he is a picky man.
“If you were not as pretty as you were I would have given you the death
penalty long ago! You should be a little more thankful shouldn’t you!?”
“Yes, I’m sorry.”
The woman apologized but Tonpearl raised his hand again causing her to
close her eyes in fear.
“King Tonpearl!”
“What!?”
Tonpearls expression changed as a messenger arrived.
“It was just about to get good!”
The king was furious as the messenger tried to catch his breath.
“The country is under attack!”
“Huh?”
That was Tonpearl with the snappy comebacks.
“The country is under attack! Multiple factories are on fire and we have
confirmed that the slaves are running away!”
“What is going on!?”
Finally realizing what the messenger was saying Tonpearl left his slaves in
the bathroom and put on a robe. He then headed out onto his balcony, from
there he could see a factory that had already burned to that point that even
the chimney had collapsed.
“What happened!?”
“I don’t know. But one of the soldiers said that he saw people dressed in
some sort of white costumes.”
“White costumes?”

"
"
The messenger didn’t have any more information as that soldier was the
only one to come back and was still heavily injured. He died soon after
giving that report.
“My king, this is dangerous! Please flee from here immediately!”
The messenger was urging Tonpearl to abandon the castle and escape.
“Don’t say things like that. I am the King am I not? King Tonpearl!”
“But-”
“Be quiet!”
Tonpearl interrupted him, each room of the castle had something inside that
Tonpearl had spent great effort into collecting.
“I will protect this place with my life, whatever may happen!”
▽
Ankh led the charitable bloodline into the factory area of the Pascantin.
There were no residencies in this area as pipes extended between the
factories that took up the rest area.
“There is no need to split up! Prioritize your lives and save our
companions!”
Beastmen, Dwarves and Humans, the people dressed in white called out to
any slaves working in the factories and helped them Evacuate outside the
country. After the factories were empty Ankh used a strange power to
destroy them, there was no way to tell if it was a skill or if it was magic.

“Leave none of the factory workers behind! Rescue them all! We will select
those who will join us later, for now prioritize evacuation!”
Ankh roamed around the country checking each of the factories and
releasing the slaves. The corpses of guards and knights littered the ground,
however they were the ones that were killed by Ankh’s subordinates.
Anyone who was killed by Ankh himself was turned into blood and
disappeared without a trace.
“{Magic Pierce}!”
The magic reduced friction against the sword as it glowed blue and allowed
it to pierce straight into a guards stomach.
“Goha!”
The guard vomited blood as the person dressed in white swung the sword
upward.
“Hyaa!”
The sword cut through the body as easily as a hot knife would butter until it
eventual came out the top of the guards skull.
“Hya, Hyaahyaahyaahyaa!”
The body was cut up and blood was everywhere.
“You trash human!”
The man was cursing the guard in front of him but at the same time there
was another blade coming at him from the back.
“Uwaaaaa!”
The person dressed in white was aware that the blade was coming but was
unable to react. However the moment before the blade hit them the guard
was turned into blood and disappeared.
“……”
The expression of Ankhs follower could not be seen due to the mask that
they were wearing but one could see that they were upset.
“Lord Ankh…..”
Ankh was watching everything and was keeping an eye on all of his
followers making sure that none of them died.
“Don’t let your guard down. Rescue is your top priority.”
Ankh addressed the follower that had allowed their personal feelings to
distract them from the mission. However Ankh never got angry.
“My apologies!”
“There is no need to apologize.”
“Thank you!”
The follower bowed their head and went off to kill more of the humans.
It’s about time for us to start moving. Hurry and finish the evacuation,
once it is complete we will begin the evacuation.”
As Ankh issued this command a knight wearing black steel armor with a
strange helmet that looked like a distorted human appeared in front of him.
The knight was holding a large greatsword in both hands.
“Are you Ankh?”
There were not many who knew about the Charitable bloodline or paid
attention to them so it could be said that this knight was quite unique in this
regard.
“You clearly look different than the others here. Who are you?”
“Archwarz Gertart, Captain of the great wall corp.”
“Isn’t that the unit that is under the direct control of the king? I think some
of the corpses around here said they were part of that group as well.
Kukukuku.”
Archwarz began to cast magic, the expression on his face wasn’t visible but
there was strength behind his words.
“{Protection}{Fire sword}{Strengthening}{Fast legs}!”
Archwarz’s armor began to give off a red colored aura and his large sword
was wrapped in flames. He continued to cast magic as his muscles bulged
and his legs became bathed in blue.
“Oh, getting serious are we? Either way it’s useless, to me it just looks like
you’re playing around.”
Archwarz ignored Ankh and continued to cast his magic.

“{Twelve wave length balls}”

Twelve magic bullets were now floating around the knight as if to protect
him.
“I will protect this country! For those who died I will do my best to defeat
you so feel fear and tremble as you understand the mistake you have
made!………what!….”
Suddenly the knights rage disappeared off his face and was replaced by a
look of confusion.
“W…ha..t…. Happened?”
All of his magic had been erased.
“Did I mishear? It kind of sounded like you were proud of yourself just
now.”
“A……Ah…..”
Archwarz dropped his sword, unable to speak. He was so upset that he no
longer had the will to fight, the strongest skills and magic that he had spent
his entire life training had been taken from him as if they were toys.
“Do you get it now? Pride means nothing, it has less use than a rancid pile
of garbage coming from you, or did that pig brainwash you?
Fuhahahahahahahahahaha! It’s really fun squashing you fools who have
nothing but your own pride! Fuahahahahaha!”
The greatsword that was lying on the ground slowly rose up into Ankh’s
hand.
“Allow me to teach you how a knight should use a sword.”
 Ankh placed the tip of the sword against the knights stomach as he
stood frozen with fear.
“Imperial style {Rigid Blade}”
The large sword pierced the knights stomach.
“Gofu!”
Blood flew from Archwarz’s mouth just before his body burst, his armor
cracking open like an egg. But it didn’t stop there, the force behind the
thrust that pierced the knight continued on until it hit the main gate that
protected the royal castle. It smashed it open destroying the garden behind it
and several pillars.
After that there were no more knights around, it was only the charitable
bloodline and the slaves. Ankh surveyed the country, he gazed at the castle
as well but there were still several factories that had yet to be taken care of.
“I’m going to infiltrate the royal castle now. Alicia-”
Ankh seemed to be in a bit of a hurry.
“Here!”
One of the followers appeared in front of the white army.
“Finish rescuing your brothers from the factories and guide everyone
outside of the wall. I am going to take Romero and Lana with me into the
castle first, once you have finished come and join us. Make sure you keep
in touch using telepathy, once we finish we will quickly move on to
Utopiya.”
“Understood. Alright everyone, search the factories!”

"
"
The charitable bloodline moved out following Alicia’s command.
“Romero, Lana, let’s go.”
Two people lined up on either side of him.
“Lord Ankh, everyone looks tired.”
The voice sounded mascaline.
“They will be able to rest soon. I have already sent someone to do
reconnaissance in Utopia and I should be able to get us all there myself.
Once we’re finished I’ll leave everyones treatment to you.”
“Understood.”
The three of them walked through the main gate.
“Lana, even if you find that pig of a king don’t kill him right away. I have a
plan for him that corresponds with what he’s done. He can’t be allowed to
die to easily.”
“Got it.”
Lana bowed deeply, she seemed to have some kind of grudge against
Tonpearl but nobody had enough information to judge appropriately as it
could just be a general hatred towards humans.
“Thank you.”

“Don’t worry about it. I too have a lot to think about, and while it may not
be as much as you I too feel resentment.”
Several guards appeared from the shadows as the three of them walked
through the main gates. However they were only there for a moment before
they were nothing but a sea of blood spraying across the flowers in the
garden.
“Even in death you still manage to pollute the flowers.”
The three of them disappeared inside the royal castle while appearing to
have a friendly conversation.

Chapter 52 : A New Resolution

“...I suppose it’s a good opportunity now. I've talked about this a little
before, but I'm going to tell you about Kuroyume’s ideals, not just a
dream, but our goals. ...Come here.”
With that, Kiryu grabbed Kouki's arm and forced him to walk away.

Kiryu walked silently to his destination while pulling Kouki along with
him.

"Boss... where are you going?”

Kiryu didn't say a word. Then they came to the deepest room of the
Kuroyume headquarters hideout.

“...Where am I?”

The room was dimly lit and there were stone slabs all over the place. If you
look closely, you can see that there are countless names carved into the
stone slabs.

"This tablet is engraved with the names of the members who have passed
away since I started Kuroyume ten years ago…”

Kouki had not counted all of them, but there were probably more than 200
names engraved. And Yoger and Mist's names were also engraved there.

"My... no, our ideal is to change this country…”

“Change… the country?”

“Indeed. This country is much more difficult for people with gift to live in
than any other countries. The absolute number of non-gifted is
incomparable to the gifted, so the non-gifted inevitably lead the country. It's
the same in other countries, but in this country, the central government is
afraid of us, gifteds, and decided to suppress us. In a sense, the specialists
of the NDF can be said to be at the mercy of the government. And those of
us who don't do as the government says are persecuted as filth. Can you
tolerate such unreasonableness?
We, Kuroyume, will eventually take control of this country. And we will
create a nation where the gifted and the non-gifted are equal, regardless of
whether they are filths or specialists!”

To rule this country... Kouki had only been vaguely interested in

Kuroyume's existence until now, but when he heard Kiryu’s ideals again, he
was strangely able to accept them easily.

"So, you're saying that all the names engraved on this tablet died for the
sake of that ideal?”

“...half of them, yes. Half of them knew the ideals of Kuroyume and died
for them. But the other half are the ones who died before they knew.
Like you, they all come to Kuroyume at first because they have nowhere
else to go. They have no other choice. If they were to be informed of the
true purpose of Kuroyume in their situation where they are cornered to the
wall, some of them would feel that the ideals are being forced upon them.
It might be the ideals of the organization. But that doesn't mean we're going
to force it on every member. After a certain period of time, we will only tell
the truth to those whom we feel it is safe to tell our ideals to.”

“...But there will come a day when you have to tell all the members, right?”

“...Yeah. And that day is near. Perhaps, when it is announced to the entire
organization, some members will leave Kuroyume. That can't be helped.
But, we can't stop. Not when we've spilt the blood of so many of our
brothers and sisters, and now that we're finally here. What about you? What
do you think of our ideals?”
“I…”

...He didn't have to think about it. He had already experienced the
unreasonableness Kiryu had said twice.
His resentment alone was more than enough reason to recognize the country
itself as an enemy.

However, depending on how you look at it, the specialists of the NDF are
also gifted. He thought that reducing the strength of the NDF was a little
different from the ideal that Kiryu had described.

But the current NDF is also clearly an enemy to Kouki. Even if they are
going to eventually share an equal world, he could easily understand that it
would be better to destroy it once before rebuilding it. This is probably
because he has experienced it himself.

"...change the world... That doesn’t sound bad at all. It sounds like a truly
evil organization, though.”

“We may be an evil organization now, but we will be on the side of justice
once it’s realized. It's not my intention to have gifteds destroy each other for
this reason, but most of the soldiers in the NDF, who are the dogs of the
government, have an ingrained sense that they are better than filths as
specialists. So, even though they're the same people with the same abilities,
they won't change their minds unless we destroy them once. To do that, I
need your help. Do you understand?”

Kouki was not completely over the fact that his existence had been written
off as dead. But he is still alive. Even though he is dead in the registry, Suou
Kouki is certainly alive. He was also excited at the thought of being able to
use his power for the organization, for the many people with circumstances
similar to his own, and also for himself.

...because it was a longing that the truly dead comrades whose names were
engraved on the stone monument in front of him could no longer do even if
they wanted to.

“A country where people with gift are equally valued... If such a country
had already been realized, I might not have gone down this path.
If that's the case, I'll... no, we'll create such a country! And I'll definitely
make a world where people like me don't have to suffer!”

Until now, even when he gained power, his purpose was vague, and he
spent his days tormented by guilt. But finally, Kouki found the place where
he should wield his power. He finally found the place where he should
wield his power, his purpose, and his belief.

Kiryu didn't say anything, he just grinned. As if he had already predicted

Kouki’s answer.

“Then you have two options for your future. Do you want to completely
abandon your public face and live only as Darkflash Bright?
The other is to take on the identity of a completely different person from
Suou Kouki and live two lives at the front and back like before? That's it…”

“A completely different person? How is that even possible?”

"...I thought you would have talked about this with Teaser for sure. Just so
you know, it's not impossible to get a new identity.”
Teaser had never told about how she got into Kuroyume, but when he
thought about it, it was unusual for a high school student to be in
Kuroyume.

Afterwards, Kiryu told him something that he could not believe.

The government does not usually force people to join the NDF. If there is a
job suitable for your abilities, they will help you find it.

However, those with useful or strong gifted abilities will be semi-forcibly

encouraged to join the NDF. Those who refused to join, or those who once
joined but caused problems and possess gift that could become a threat to
the NDF in the future, will be eliminated by the government.

“The same goes for Teaser. She refused to join the NDF after high school
because she doesn’t like killing others. She has a gift for manipulating the
weather, a gift that, if trained, would allow her to manipulate the weather
within a one-kilometre radius, with the potential to attack anything within a
one-kilometre radius. That's why Teaser was erased from the country.”

"Erased? But isn’t she living her life as a high school student just fine
now?”

"Rumi Amami. Her current name is fake. The girl with her real name is
already registered as dead.”

Rumi is actually an alias, and the person who was originally Rumi has been
treated as dead. This fact at least upset Kouki.

“I was the one who saved her from being hunted down and dying in the
hands of NDF. And it was Kuroyume who gave her the name and
citizenship she has now, after publicly announcing her death.”
"Wha... so Teaser's family is...?”

"Family? Ahh.., they'll think their daughter is dead. But if Teaser go ahead
to meet them, there would definitely be consequences for her parents. I feel
sorry for her, but Teaser will never be able to see her parents again.”

Teaser---Rumi had always been someone strong. But knowing that she hid
such a tragic past behind her smile, Kouki was indignant. He now knows
her pain of being unable to meet her parents even though she’s clearly alive
and fine.

But if the filths are allowed to exist, and an equal world is realized...or so he
imagined.

"...I understand. ...Then I don't need a new identity. I will continue to live as
Darkflash Bright. And one day, when I have restored peace and order to this
country, I will proudly go meet my family and friends.”

That way, he could see his family again. Both himself and as well as Teaser.

"...Are you sure? You're still at that age where you want to enjoy your
youth, right?”

“It’s fine. I’m just floating around in school without any purpose anyway
and it’s not like I have many friends. I don’t want to make my parents
worry, but I believe there will come a day when we will be able to meet
again as parents and child.”

"I see. I suppose I'll have you work at your full capacity from now on. Aah,
and I know I said that earlier, but I have to give you the credit for your
actions this time. I didn't expect you to defeat two of the Nature Stranger.
As a special bonus, I'll clear your debts.”

"...Are you sure?! Yes!!”

The sadness from his own existence being written off had not disappeared.
Still, Kouki smiled, determined to live a positive life.

Because he has a new goal to strive for now.

There is no time to grieve. He had already made up his mind.

[The Black Sword]

A line of blood trailed down Sanuki’s cheek.
There was no lighting in the place called the Central Laboratory, rows of
capsules filled with turbulent cultivation solution emit poisonous
fluorescent light illuminated the room.
“Man~. What on earth are you, to posses such a ridiculous strength.”
“Well, I think you’re plenty strong yourself. Much stronger than my
disciple.” (Sanuki)
Sanuki returned a smile of praise to the young man who cut his cheek.
Currently, there were three people facing the ‘Sword Saint’ Sanuki
Shoichiro.
“――――nh.”
The name of the girl who was silently holding up a silver trident was
‘Asanaga Ayako’.
With slightly sweating, lifeless white skin, her large and round eyes were
opened unblinkingly so as not to overlook any moves of the ‘Sword Saint’.
The color of her beautifully trimmed bob-cut black hair was fading and
became whiter toward the tips, giving off an eerie impression.
However, if one had to point out Asanaga’s most striking feature, then it
was probably the upper body of a skeleton growing from the back of her
head and nape.
It covered her head like a helmet, with its arms stroking Amanaga’s cheeks
lovingly.
Sanuki felt a strange sense of discomfort at the skeleton that had been
showing no behavior other than cherishing her since the beginning of the
battle.
“Ngg~slurp! Seriously, please cut me some slack~slurp! In the first place,
why is the ‘Sword Saint’ entered this kind of place~slurp?”
‘Pygmalion don Troll’, a man who keep collecting the saliva that leaked out
the edge of his mouth every time he spoke.
He had dark gray-colored obese body that swelled so much that he looked
like mass of body fat and an ugly pig-like face that seemed inhuman.
Each of his arms were holding a large semi-circular shield, which shone
mysteriously as if illuminated by moonlight, even though it was indoors.
At first glance, he looked like nothing but an obese guy, inviting his
opponent to lower their guard, but in Sanuki’s eyes, his body was but an
extraordinary giant lump of muscles, so to speak.
In fact, the obese guy was sturdy and agile. He had the ability to intercept
and block the sword slash of the ‘Sword Saint’, which Yang could not even
perceive.
“Geez, this is totally out of the script…!”
And finally, a young man wielding a two-handed sword and breathing
shallowly, ‘Nanashino Katsumi’.
He was the best fighter in the ‘Black Sword’ and the only swordsman who
was able to respond to Sanuki’s surprise attack and counterattack him.
Dressed in a simple rider suit, he tied his long gray hair around his nape and
let it flow down his back like a tail.
It was no exaggeration to say that his sword technique was at master level.
Although it was with the help of his companions, he had the skill to make
his blade reached the ‘Sword Saint’.
On top of that, he was the centerpiece of the enemy side’s teamwork,
Sanuki thought that among the enemies he had faced so far, his degree of
troublesomeness was among the top.
“But well, including my disciple, the youngsters nowadays sure are
brimming with talent that it makes me jealous. Oh, the kid over there.
What’s your name?” (Sanuki)
“No way I’m telling you. We’re members of an evil organization, y’know?”
(Nanashino)
“What a pity, ain’t you usually give out your name in a situation like this?”
(Sanuki)
“Ah~, in stories, this is when the enemies introduce themselves, so that was
rude of me, huh.” (Nanashino)
“Nn~slurp! Hey, hey, stop right there~slurp. We’re actually in a bit of a
serious pinch, I tell you~slurp?” (Pygmalion)
“Isn’t it okay, it’s just names. Right?” (Nanashino)
“Ah~…hmm…but…” (Asanaga)
“Nn~slurp! Please don’t pull her into this~slurp. Please, please be aware
that this is your bad point~slurp!” (Pygmalion)
While having a casual conversation, the three powerful people swapped
their standing positions with each other.
That mere change in standing position created diversity in the attacks they
released; every second, they racked their brain to find the path to victory.
(Each of them would require at least 3 moves. Though it’s doubtful whether
even 5 moves would be enough for the swordsman kid. At this rate, it’d
surely be a little troublesome to deal with all of them at the same time.)
Suppose he was in a situation where he could divide them, he’d leave one to
Sakurai, his disciple, and kill the remaining two.
He believe that with Sakurai’s current strength, even though he might not be
able to defeat Nanashino, he should be able to at least tie him down for a
while.
However, in this room where the enemies could even reach him with their
blades with their cooperation, he doubt that he would be able to divide them
by himself.
In that case, he could opt to wait for reinforcement, but the addition of the
mobs from the Thieves Guild or Sakurai who did not have the word of
cooperation in his dictionary would only make it more difficult for him to
fight.
(It sure is sad that there aren’t that many people who can keep up with my
pace even indoors.)
While suffering from the hardship caused by the fact that he was in his own
league compared to his surroundings, Sanuki swung his sword.
It was no exaggeration to say that his blade suddenly disappeared, tearing
through the air without a sound and approaching Asanaga’s neck.
“Nh!!” (Asanaga)
Facing the swung sword, Asanaga immediately hide her throat with her
trident following her intuition cultivated as a warrior, succeeding in
receiving the slash.
However, the slash was so heavy that it couldn’t be thought of as a casual
attack, her petite body was pushed over the ground in an instant.
Without missing that defenseless posture, Sanuki released a second blow
with the returning sword.
“Whoopsie! That’s dangerous!” (Pygmalion)
Responding to that, Pygmalion cut in between them.
Pygmalion, who jumped in while joining the shields in both of his hands,
tilted the shields slightly at the moment the slash made a direct hit,
diverting off Sanuki’s slash. That ability to receive the slash of the ‘Sword
Saint’, with agile movements that did not match his obese body, was
nothing short of spectacular.
Frontally, Sanuki might not be able to break through the defense without at
least 3 power oriented, two-handed slash.
“——Ss!”
“Oh, you’re coming?” (Sanuki)
Nanashino Katsumi, holding a two-handed sword, emerged from the back
of Pygmalion.
Stepping on the shoulder of Pygmalion, holding up his shields, Nanashino,
adding the momentum of Pygmalion expanding his muscles instantaneously
to his own velocity, challenged the ‘Sword Saint’.
1 blow, 2 blows, 3 blows, crossing over 4 blows and still hadn’t stopped.
The number of sword clashes during the blink of the moment finally
exceeded ten, and the scattered sparks covered them like rain.
Inwardly, Sanuki was astonished at Nanashino who was able to cross blows
with him, even though from outside, he looked to be not that different in
age from Sakurai.
At that age, Sanuki should have been a few steps below Nanashino.
In terms of talent, he felt that it would not be an exaggeration to say that
Nanashino was heavens above him.
At that moment, Nanashino jumped out of the spot.
Seeing that, Sanuki, without moving his gaze away, immediately swung his
sword backwards following the presence he felt.
“…Guh! Ngh!”
While the six-layered defensive barrier surrounding her shattered in an
instant, Asanaga managed to stop Sanuki’s slash with the handle of her
spear.
Enduring the impact without being blown away while clenching the back of
her teeth, Asanaga activated binding magic that she had set up behind
Sanuki, surrounding him, through the thread of magic power that extended
from herself.
In addition to the chains of magic power coming at him from all directions,
Nanashino, who had retreated, made a 180 degree turn and rushed back at
him.
Pygmalion entered to back Asanaga up while making use of his huge body
to block Sanuki’s escape route and create a situation where he had no
choice but to receive Nanashino’s attack.
“Not bad.” (Sanuki)
One-on-one, the ‘Sword Saint’ would definitely win.
However, on top of facing three people by himself, the opponents were
cooperating seamlessly, thus multiplying their power.
Nanashino attacked with a sword, Pygmalion defended with shields, and
Asanaga destroyed with magic.
However, depending on the situation, their role might changed in an instant,
if Amanaga were to suddenly strike with her spear, Nanashino became the
one receiving the slash, and Pygmalion threw his shield and broke Sanuki’s
rhythm.
It could be said that the cooperation that displayed each of the three having
his/her own role was a feat that was only plausible because each of them
was powerful and had a solid understanding of what each other could do.
However, the ‘Sword Saint’ was not so weak that he’d collapse just because
of that.
“Remnant Flash of Fire.” (Sanuki)
At that moment, Sanuki stopped moving. Leaving behind an afterimage, he
disappeared.
By the time Nanashino noticed it, Sanuki had already entered his bosom,
gently putting his hand on his abdomen.
“Ignition Strike.” (Sanuki)
“——Gah goh!?” (Nanashino)
Along with the shock as though his abdomen exploded, Nanashino’s lungs
were crushed, and he was blown back horizontally with air forcibly exhaled
out of his mouth.
Destroying cultivation capsules which contained ‘failed product’ on his
path one after another, he smashed into the wall, creating a small crater.
Still, was it because of his will as a swordsman that he hadn’t let go of his
sword?
“Nn~slurp!” (Pygmalion)
“Oops.” (Sanuki)
Not missing the opening when Sanuki had finished releasing his skill,
Pygmalion charged at him with his shields raised.
The mass and speed of the hitting matter were crucial factors that decided
its destructive power.
The heavier its mass, the faster its speed, the greater its power.
If Pygmalion’s giant body with a mass surpassing human understanding hit
a person directly at a speed equal to 270km/h, becoming a lump of meat
would be the least-worst of the person’s end.
“‘Coiling Fire Guard’.” (Sanuki)
“Hoh!? Fhoah!?” (Pygmalion)
However, the ‘Sword Saint’ also surpassed human understanding.
At the moment when Sanuki, who made a posture as if catching a blade
with his hands, hit Pygmalion directly, the flames overflowing from his
hands swirled and warded off the huge body.
Pygmalion, whose even reaction disappeared when hit, stumbled backwards
while making lifeless voice, and collapsed abruptly.
The assault created by Pygmalion’s giant body and speed would certainly
work wonder even on Sanuki if hit directly, but for Sanuki who had used to
deal with monsters living slightly away from outside the wall that used that
sort of moves, being able to counter it was natural.
Rather, the fact that there were no shockwave that gouged the surrounding
ground resulted from the attack was, to tell the truth, nothing short of
amazing.
Sanuki assumed the stance of holding his sword on his waist without
looking at Pygmalion collapsed in the ground.
His eyes laid on the figure of Asanaga.
She kicked off the floor and jumped away while releasing a chain of magic
power from the magic circle she had drawn around her.
That was a support for Nanashino and Pygmalion disguised as an attack to
keep Sanuki away.
If the chain hit Sanuki, it’d act as a restraint, and if he avoided it, she’d be
able to pull Nanashino or Pygmalion to herself.
In addition, based on her observation on him so far, Asanaga had measured
the approximate range of the sword of the ‘Sword Saint’.
If he did not take at least two steps forward, his invisible slash would not
reach her, and even if he did step forwards, at least, Nanashino would come
back and launch a pincer attack at him.
If he could deal with that, Pygmalion could use that opportunity to come
back to the battlefront.
No matter how it turned out, they would be able to rebuild the collapsed
battlefront.
“‘Hunting Fire-Bolt’.” (Sanuki)
After she blinked, Asanaga was preyed on by a ‘snake’ that appeared before
her suddenly.
Her whole body was lit up and burned, and shortly after, a roaring sound
that teared through the air reached her ears.
It showed the fact that the snake shot by Sanuki exceeded the speed of
sound, unlike his disciples’ ‘Fire Snake’, his was cladded not only in flames
but also lightning and thunder.
The thunderbolt-like ‘Fire Snake’ released by Sanuki.
It had instantaneously burned off everything in a straight line before his
gaze, including Asanaga.
“Oi, oi, Jou-chan. Haven’t you learn that the straight line of a swordsman is
dangerous?” (Sanuki)
Sanuki called out to Asanaga, whose whole body was burned and white
smoke rose from the charred parts.
It was because be believed Asanaga would not die from that level of
injuries.
And in fact, Asanaga’s injuries began to regenerate as if time had rewound.
The skeleton of on head caressed her cheeks and head excitedly as though
pleased by it.
“——Bastard!”
“Remnant Flash of Fire.” (Sanuki)
Nanashino, who was hoisted up by the chain released by Asanaga and made
use of the momentum to close the distance in one bound, attacked Sanuki
from behind.
However, the sword he swung down only manage to slash Sanuki’s
afterimage; Sanuki reappeared beside him and gave him a kick, blowing
him away, but Pygmalion who had been lying collapsed on the floor
appeared to catch him.
Feeling pain coming from his abdomen that hadn’t recovered yet,
Nanashino frowned slightly.
“Phew~. Iyaa, you guys sure are strong. It would definitely take some time
to finish this if I just keep swinging my sword around.” (Sanuki)
“Nn~slurp! In that case, how about you just overlook us this time~slurp?
Our strength can’t hold a candle to you after all~slurp!” (Pygmalion)
“Listen here, should you guys obediently explain to me about whatever was
going on here, I won’t offer you to my sword… though given the state of
things here, letting you guys scot free is, of course, kind of difficult.”
(Sanuki
Sanuki knocked a nearby capsule.
In the cultivation solution, the upper body of a man whose left half turned
into a wolf’s head and something like a gooey dissolved flesh like melted
ice cream were floating.
It was the end of a pathetic subject who became a sacrifice for the research
of demonization because he was not compatible with the monster.
“It’s one thing to try various means to become stronger, but y’know, this is
a lil bit too much.” (Sanuki)
“Nn~slurp, even if you find it unpleasant, as an adult, shouldn’t your
response be to support the effort~slurp? Besides, at any age, isn’t a
technology that leads to the future always stems from an idea that goes
beyond common sense and defies it~slurp? I believe that this means will
lead us to a better future~slurp.” (Pygmalion)
While Pygmalion attracted Sanuki’s attention with his meaningless chatters,
Nanashino tried to recover even a little by relaxing his body a bit.
At the same time, he gave instructions to Asanaga at the back and shared
information with Pygmalion by making a certain set sounds of ‘footsteps’
while pretending to be adjusting his standing position.
“Well said, that’s exactly the kind of drivel I expected from men doing this
kind of deeds. Even your eyes said you don’t believe a thing you said.
Anyway, since I hold a seat in the Adventurers Guild, I can’t pretend not to
recognize you guys making use of monsters to do human experimentation.”
(Sanuki)
“By the way, what would you do if you don’t belong to the Adventurers
Guild?”
“Well, I’ll beat up you guys out of righteous indignation.” (Sanuki)
“Nn~slurp? Don’t you actually just want to have a fight~?” (Pygmalion)
In response, Sanuki re-grasped his straight sword, which had been chipped
slightly due to the clashes with the two-handed sword of Nanashino, and
looked at the appearance of the executives.
Originally, an adventurer was a profession where you were expected to fight
against ‘monsters’, while anti-personnel combat was under the jurisdiction
of the knights who protected the domestic order.
Therefore, adventurers whose main sphere of activity was outside the wall
exerted their true power in open places such as outdoors, and the ‘Sword
Saint’, Sanuki Shoichiro, was no exception to this case.
In the first place, the ōdachi he carried on his back was his main weapon,
and the straight sword he held currently was nothing but an ordinary sword
for self-defense that he had prepared so as not to cause damage in the city
as much as possible.
On the other hand, Nanashino’s two-handed sword was a boorish yet
reliable high-quality sword that seemed to embody simple robustness, even
though he was called the ‘Sword Saint’, Sanuki was not able to completely
negate damage from accumulating on his sword itself when the blades
clashed.
(If the sword I’m using now breaks, I’ll be hard pressed to prevent them
when they’re trying to escape. Well, even though I can’t go all out, keeping
them here should be good enough.)
If he pull out his ōdachi and fight with all his might, he would surely be
able to kill at least two people.
However, if he did that, the collapse of the building would naturally spread
to the surrounding area.
In addition, the wider the scale of the battle, the more escape routes the
enemies would have, so his ōdachi now only served as a decoration, a dead
weight.
As a person holding the nickname of ‘Sword Saint’, which signify him as
the strongest individual across all occupations, Sanuki naturally had an
extraordinary fighting power, however, the underground facility was too
small for him.
His time limit was until the sword broken.
If he could capture at least one person within the time limit, it would be his
victory.
Sanuki Shoichiro quietly readied his blade with an ‘adventurer
(acquaintance)’ floating in the capsule beside him.
LDM 504 – The Town of
Kuromaku
Narikin party has arrived in Kuromaku.
I [possessed] the little bird, Tran, and rode on Narikin’s shoulders to see the
town. The town of Kuromaku was lined with black square buildings
decorated with black cloth. Those clothes were probably sculptures or
something because they didn’t sway when the wind blew, but they were
very frilly. On the other hand, the clothes of the people on the street were
white, a common sight in the Holy Kingdom, and they looked like they
were wearing curtains.
I feel as if I’ve wandered into a monochrome world.
((Kuromaku… the black curtain, yeah, it’s suited its name well.))
“Yeah, it’s also meant a curtain that painted black, ah, the dye is this town
specialty product.”
((I see…, it also serves as promotion for their unique product.))
((Rokufa, what is that?))
“Eee, I don’t know. Is it a… stall? Narikin, do you know anything about
it?”
Just so you know, Rokuko has also been possessing Shiva and rides on
Rokufa’s shoulders. She has also learned telekinesis. I noticed this quite
late, but it’s easier to [possess] the bird and rides on Narikin and Rokufa
shoulders than to possess them.
And just beyond my line of sight, there was a tent with fluttering cloth that
could easily be mistaken as a fortune-telling hut, but the interior looked like
a store of some kind.
“umm, from what I see, it appears to be a general store selling accessories,
madam.”
“Ah! He is right, Rokuko-sama.”
((Accessories! Jewelry is an essential part of the culture. Rokufa, I’m going
with Kehma later, so lend me your body.))
“Yes, with pleasure.”
Rokufa nodded at Rokuko’s request.
It seems they already decided to switch bodies later, without even asking
about my schedule…. well, I didn’t have any in particular, though, not even
a scheduled sleep at Beddhist church. Rokuko… you understand my
schedule a bit too well.
“What shall we do, Master? Should we stop and choose a present for
Madam for now?”
((I will do that when I possess you later, For now, take care of lodging first,
we need to secure an inn.))
“Ack, you’re right. I shouldn’t let my wife sleep on the camp.”
“Well, you know… I wouldn’t mind camping out with you.”
“That won’t do, this is an unfamiliar place, and we are not on the road. How
can you not take shelter when there is one? It’s only natural for a Beddhist
believer to seek for a comfortable place to sleep.”
Narikin and Rokufa then huddle together. They really look like a married
couple, aren’t they?
But since Rokufa face is a complete copy of Rokuko’s, it gives me a
complicated feeling. And then, Rokuko jumped up and came to stand next
to me on Narikin’s shoulder.
((The two of you are so close, aren’t you? We can’t lose this Kehma!))
((Are we competing?))
Shiva (Rokuko) rubs her body against mine. Her feathers are soft and fluffy.
She’s a bird, so there’s no sex appeal in this, but she’s cute. Um, Rokuko,
stop… Rokufa is grinning at us, and Naana is staring at you in disgust.
In the end, we managed to secure an inn. We use one for aristocrats or
wealthy people because they’ll allow you to bring in small pets, but as
expected, if the animal is too big, it will have to go to a stable, but if it’s a
small bird, there’s no problem.
((The inn design is also… black cloth.))
“Ah, Master. I’ve heard that this is actually made of hardened cloth.”
((Oh, is that so?))
I landed on Narikin’s hand and stabbed the cloth with my beak, and it made
a light and solid sound. I was wondering if it was made by soaking it in glue
and letting it harden.
“It’s this town special product, a dye that hardens in response to magic., and
there are even cloth armors made of it. They say it’s light and strong.”
((Hoo, interesting.))
“I’ve heard that the dye is only available in black because the raw material
itself is black.”
((That’s a little disappointing, though the black is still a good color.))
Sturdy cloth, huh? Maybe we can incorporate it into our cloth clothes
golem.
……
If I make black knee-highs or black tights with this dye, I can easily get a
mold of someone’s feet.
Nah, it will be too hard to take them off. Let’s forget that.
We exchanged bodies in the inn room and came to the jewelry store.
“Now, Kehm… darling! let’s see what they have for sale.”
“Yeah, it would be bad if we messed up with each other name… What do
you usually call her?”
((These days I call Rokufa as ‘my dear wife.’))
“My dear…”
I looked amazedly at Narikin, who now possesses the little bird on my
shoulder. This guy is really…
“Well, let’s try this, dar–ling?”
“….ma-my dear wife, shall we go then?”
“~Yes!”
And Rokufa (Rokuko) crossed her arm with me. Feeling soft in all sorts of
ways, I entered the tent of the jewelry store.
“Welcome.”
The inside of the tent looked like a normal accessory stall, with several
cloth-covered wooden boxes on a simple table at the counter. Rings,
necklaces, earrings, and other accessories lined up inside.
The boxes were divided into two categories: those with jewels and those
without. Hmmm, a flat rate of one silver coin for the ones without jewelry
and five silver coins with jewelry.
“Can you show me your goods? Let’s see. I’m looking for something that
will suit my wife.”
“Something for a couple would be good.”
As Rokufa began to look at the items, the male shopkeeper came to assist
me.
“Mr. Husband, are you looking for a gift for your wife?”
“Yes. Do you have any suggestions?”
“Well, all of our goods are top-notch… if you don’t mind me asking, how
many other wives do you have?”
Ah, right. The Holy Kingdom is a polygamous country.
“I don’t have any other wives at the moment.”
“I see. Then this one is… Ah, but I guess it also a wise choice to buy a few
more of these in case you get another wife.”
“E? Is that so?”
“Yes, even though some women say they don’t care it, inside, they DO care
about it, so buying some in advance will save you a lot of trouble. How
about this one? Isn’t the color of the magic stone is brilliant?”
Magic stone? It seems that the jewel was a magic stone, so it was doubling
as magic tools?
“Does this have any effect?”
“Ah—I’m sorry! Mr. Husband is a traveler? I’m sorry, I thought you were
from the Holy Kingdom judging by the clothes you wear.”
Is there something in our conversation that pointed out that I’m a traveler?
“…why do you think I’m a traveler?”
“Because There is no such thing as an accessory with a magic stone and has
no effect. By the way, you can exchange magic stones in any town.”
“I see. Normally I would have asked what effect, instead of is there any
effect?”
“It’s also rare to find a couple of two if they’re not tourists. In this country,
there are many couples of four or more, even among the commoner.”
Is that how it is? I knew it a country with a polygamy system, but was it
really that common?
“I was amazed at how people in other countries can take care of their
children with only two people. Tourists are usually surprised when I say
this, but all adults are married to multiple partners in our village. Of course,
some couples get along particularly well.”
“Oh, I see. It’s much common than I imagined.”
While we chatted, I bought some accessories that Rokuko wanted.
These earrings with red fire magic stones are also said to be an offensive
magic tool that explodes when thrown. They are disposable, but they are
popular because they are easy to use in times of emergency
Chapter 170 - The warrior's sword
grows faster and stronger with the
courage of his comrades
Unarmed, I walked up to the enemy army.
The 10,000 demon soldiers gave me sharp, cold stares. I can't move. What
should I do? In front of the enemy soldiers were captive dwarves with
blades pressed against their necks.
They were the remaining citizens of Big-Gear.
Young and old, male and female, dressed in rags, their faces are tired and
full of despair. There were about a thousand of them, and no matter how
fast we moved, we could only save a few.
Many will be killed if I do something stupid. Even with my physical
abilities, it's impossible.
Grrrrr.
In addition, five small evil dragons are looking at me.
"You're the leader of the rumored Manyu Brigade? You seem to be a
random human."
A large thin man in armor approaches me and looks at me minutely.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Mappa, one of the three new Demon Generals."

He waved his arm, and chains flew up from the ground and bound me.
"Why am I losing my power...?"
"These chains are a valuable relic possessing a skill called energy reduction.
Even a high-level person can't get rid of them. It's a weapon Rudra-sama
was preparing to use against Roswell."
This isn't right. I'm running out of power.
How come there's a relic like this in a place like this?
"Don't worry. Your defenses are good enough to withstand something like
this. Besides, we don't want you to die so easily. Those who face Rudra-
sama will have to be tortured before tasting death!"
With those words, he punched me in the face. However, I did not feel any
pain.
"Kukuku, you won't get away with this."
"........."
"Impossible! How have you not taken any damage! Mappa-sama's level is
1521!"
I took several hits after the first one, but still felt no pain.
"I see you're quite resilient. Well, it's time for you to feel more fear."
Mappa then uses electro shock magic.
I felt numb. The amount of magic power is directly related to magic
resistance.
I have a ridiculously large amount of magic power, so even magic that
would make a normal person scream gives me no more than a small tingle.
"I know you're feeling pain, come on, don't hold back, I'm just getting
started."
"Ku..."
How long do you plan to continue this? I feel an unpleasant tingle. I'm not
suffering any physical damage, but the mental damage is greater.
It is very unpleasant.
"Why aren't you screaming!? Hey you, bring me a whip!"
One of the soldiers approaches Mappa, hands him a whip, and he
immediately starts hitting me with it.
Why hasn't he realized yet that none of his torture techniques are working
on me?
If this keeps up, I have no doubt that they will find a way to hurt me that
will really make me feel pain.
But before that happens, we have to free the hostages.
"Well, I guess physical harm doesn't work on you. But luckily, I have a
mental damage ability, for example..."
"Ughh!"
Pain that I hadn't felt for a long time starts coursing through my body.
No way, this is not physical pain. It's mental pain, it's an illusion. I have to
be strong.
"Agh, agh, agh..."
"Not even the best trained man, and with the greatest stamina can resist this
ability, it won't be long before you'll be begging me to kill you. I want you
to feel pain! Feel it! Feel all that pain coursing through your body! Come
on, start crying! I want to laugh at you!"
The pain makes it hard for me to think clearly. If only they would let the
hostages go.....
Toph toph toph toph
The enemy soldiers around me start collapsing one by one.
Huh?
What's going on?
But Mappa still doesn't notice what's happening to his allies, and keeps
focusing on me.
"Get ready. I'll make you feel the most intense pain of your entire life!"
"Uggh!"
His whip violently strikes my body.
More enemy soldiers continue to collapse. After this an unusual situation
continued happening for a while, the rest of the soldiers noticed and started
to move.
A strange tail-like object emerges from the shadows of an enemy soldier,
and instantly pierces his head. In addition, dog-like creatures emerged from
other shadows one after another and mercilessly attacked the necks of the
soldiers.
In the blink of an eye, the enemy army was in a state of confusion. They
could no longer afford to pay attention to the slaves.
"Don't separate from the slaves! Return to your positions!
"Mappa-sama! That's it...!"
One of the soldiers points his finger in the distance. When I looked in that
direction, there was something running fiercely from the horizon. It was a
man in armor, and he was also accompanied by a large number of people
behind him.
At the head of the mob were Kaede and Frau, both riding a rock rat.
"Master ～ We've come with reinforcements ～!"
Really?
Thank you... Thank you very much...
But, according to the meeting we had before we made this attack, there
weren't going to be any reinforcements. It was then that I looked around
clearly, and saw some familiar faces.
"I can't believe I'm about to save Toru-sama! I must write this in my diary!"
Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Luvue, who was leading Galbaran's army, attacks the enemy's left wing.
By the way, Galbaran's army was hoisting the "Kaede Love" flag. We got
the biggest boost from all the reinforcements.
"Prepare to attack! Make them tremble before the joint attack of the elves
and dark elves!"
Monica, who was on top of Bechjiro, gives out orders. A black and white
snake carrying a dark elf pierces the enemy with its fangs.
Likewise, the elves who were riding on the snake's body use spirit magic to
attack the demonic race from a distance.
Was that giant snake summoned with magic?
"Hold your position here! Our forces will actively defend in the face of this
attack!"
"Grrrr!"
A large shadow was cast on the ground. Next I looked up, and saw a swarm
of fairies who were carrying a huge object, which landed right in front of
me.
The earth shudders under its weight. With the weight of the creature.
"A B-Behemoth.... Why is it here!?"
Mappa said trembling.
"Guruwaahah!!!
"Ueeeh!"
Mappa shuddered at the roar. The person riding Ichiro was someone I was
familiar with. Marianne, daughter of Count Roane.
"Ah, we meet again, Toru-sama. It seems I've arrived just in time."
She got off Ichiro and untied the chains that bound me.
"I'll tell you the details later."
"Sounds good to me."
I cracked my neck and turned to look at Mappa, who had managed to get to
his feet.
"Now the roles are reversed."
"It's not fair to call in reinforcements!"
"Ironic that you should say that."
Mappa hit me hard with his whip. After receiving about thirty lashes, he
staggered and flinched at my lack of a reaction.
"Why doesn't it hurt you?"
"Oh, I forgot to tell you, I'm level 3000."
"I-Impossible..."
I jabbed Mappa with my index finger, causing his head to explode.
Kaede and the others approached me after I took care of the general.
"Master! Master, master, master, master~!"
"Hey hey, stop crying."
"My Lord～! Hueeeh!"
"Don't wipe your nose on my clothes!"
My two pretty slave girls hugging me while crying made me feel relieved
and my expression, that had been stiff, finally relaxed.
I didn't want a guy like that to kill me. However, I wasn't willing to abandon
the hostages.
If I have a chance to help them, I have to take it. That was what I was
thinking at the time.
"Gaaaaaaaah!"
Countless fairies clung to one of the evil mini dragons and attacked it from
all directions. It's body was writhing in pain.
The four remaining groups of reinforcements continued to attack and made
sure that no demons would come near us.
"Kaede, Frau, let's end this battle."
"Yes!"
"As you command!"
I ordered Chupi, Rosuke and Kuratan to help the reinforcements.
Kaede handed me my sword, and I climbed on top of Ichiro to head for the
main gate.
"Let's finish off that dragon!"
Ichiro jumps up, and a flash appears after I wave my sword. The evil
dragon's body is cut in half. The evil dragon has an amazing regeneration
ability, though if you block it, the fairies will easily be able to take it on.
"Let's go get the other two!"
Ichiro heads towards the direction I pointed out, and this time I took it upon
myself to cut them both down.
"Good job, Ichiro. You and I make a good team. Now there are only two
left."
Ichiro roars with joy, and we head towards the final two dragons. In the
blink of an eye, I cut them both in half, and they lay dead on the ground.
One of the dragons was dripping some kind of mucus, and the other had its
snout open. It was about to swallow me.
Umm...
The inside of an evil dragon has a magnificent view in a sense. Well, it's a
sight you don't get to see every day, so it's fascinating.
As Ichiro and I went inside of the dragon, I wielded my sword and started
slashing all over the place to make sure it couldn't regenerate. We came out
the other side of the dragon bathed in blood, chunks of flesh stuck to my
clothes and its fur.
"It's time to face the Demon Lord."
"I'll follow you, Master!"
"Frau too!"
Ichiro burst through the city gates with his body and ran vigorously through
the city.
We arrived at the palace of Big-Gear.
We were alarmed by the eerie silence.
Inside the palace there were several corpses of demons and signs of a
violent struggle. It is probably the work of old man Hansel.
"I can smell Hansel's scent from here. And also the smell of blood."
"We should hurry."
Relying on Kaede's sense of smell, we advanced through the palace.
The closer we got to our destination, the more intense the smell of blood
became and the louder the sound of clashing weapons grew.
Let's go into battle.
"Hansel!"
"It's the Manyu Brigade! They've finally arrived!"
Hansel continues to dodge his enemy's curved sword with a swiftness not
expected from his appearance. With his bulging muscles, imposing height
and vicious face, he fends off his attacker.
The man still attacking him is the Demon Lord Rudra.
In the room lay the soldiers who had accompanied him. Some were dead,
and others were badly wounded, unable to move.
"Nugu!"
Hansel defends himself with his spear, but the power of the curved sword's
swing is tremendous and he is knocked backwards against the wall.
"Hansel! Are you okay?!"
"Please defeat him, you're the only one who can do it."
"Kaede, take Hansel away!"
"Yes, master!"
Frau and I draw our weapons and prepare to face Rudra. He holds up his
curved sword with a thin smile on his face.
"I have been waiting for you, Hero. When my generals did not return, I
knew you would soon be here."
"I am not a hero. I'm just a warrior."
"You think you have cornered me? I am Rudra-sama, I am a powerful
being, do not make me laugh. I'm nothing compared to all the weaklings
you've faced. No matter how strong you are, you can never defeat me."
"I told you I'm just a simple warrior."
"But, honestly, you surprised me. I was convinced that no one would dare
approach the center of the continent. The only one I thought would possibly
do something like that was Roswell. It was a miscalculation not to have
thought of someone like you."
"Aaah... I told you, I'm a simple warrior."
"How dare you hide from me for all these years!? Don't try to fool me,
Hero!"
Why doesn't this guy listen to me when I tell him I'm not a hero? Why does
he keep talking about it? Maybe he's confusing me with Zig?
"I'll tell you something important you should know before we fight. This is
a rare relic called [Cloak of Darkness], and it prevents the hero's unique job
skill from lowering my level if you're near me."
"Hmm, really?"
"You don't need to pretend to be calm. I can tell how worried you are."
You're wrong, that's not what has me worried. I'm more concerned about
this guy's level and skills.
I've come this far thinking I had a chance of winning, but there are many
things you can't be sure of until you see them up close. I turn around and
ask Kaede a question.
"What's this guy's level?"
"2472, master. He doesn't seem to have any remarkable skills."
"My Lord, look at that!"
When I looked at Rudra again, I saw a worm-like creature sprout from his
body, fall to the ground and begin to swell up.
Is this the origin of the evil dragons? Now I get why I could understand
what they were saying the first time I saw them. This guy created them.
"This is my errand boy, created with forbidden magic. Isn't he simply
beautiful? He is the alter ego of Rudra, whose soul, flesh and magic are
made from my own."
"It's disgusting, really disgusting."
Frau uses a hammer to smash the 30 cm worm.
"My familiar... How dare you!?"
My greatsword and his curved sword clash. At close range, the demon king
headbutted me, and I immediately responded with a headbutt of my own.
"Hueeh, why do you have such a rock hard head!?"
"Sorry, I should have warned you."
"Haah?!"
I stomped hard on the hem of his cloak, causing Rudra to fall. He
immediately uses fire magic as fast as he can, but I blocked it with one
hand.
"Impossible, how can you counter a Demon Lord's magic with your bare
hand!?"
"Umm... I think Lisa was stronger than you."
"Stop, stop!"
"See ya."
I stab the tip of my sword into Rudra's heart. Next I shake off the blood
stuck on the blade, and put the sword away in my sheath.
With this, the King of Big-Gear's request has been fulfilled.
"Demon Lord! My precious Demon King!"
I turned to the source of the voice and saw Zig standing nearby. His two
companions were also there.
"Manyu Brigade! You again! That was my prey!"
"Why do you always show up wherever we go, are you following us?"
"Shut up, I have to pretend I defeated him!"
Zig pushes me away and turns to the Demon Lord. Then, he pulls out his
sword and thrusts it repeatedly into his chest.
"Hey you spoiled brat! You should apologize to the Lord!"
Frau gets angry at Zig's attitude.
Kaede, who was still taking care of Hansel, is silent about the situation, but
she clearly wasn't happy at all.
"Hahahahaha, it was me who defeated the Demon Lord. This guy was still
breathing. I killed him just now."
"If you want the credit, you can have it. I'm not interested in any reward I
get for it."
"What's with the attitude? Are you trying to insult me? The hero of these
lands?"
"That's not what I meant-.... You're just as incomprehensible as last time."
I don't want to get involved in this, so let's quickly treat the injured and get
the hell out of here. The moment I looked back, I heard an unpleasant sound
like meat being pierced clean through.
"Huh? What is this...?"
"Zig!"
A sword blade protruded from Zig's chest. A gurgle of blood comes out of
his mouth.
"You are no longer needed. Thank you for your work."
"Aide, what the hell do you think you're doing...!?"
The one who had stabbed Zig was the man in jet black armor, the one I
assumed was his partner.
"This is a betrayal, obviously. Your guard was down because I was acting
like a friend you could trust all this time."
"Why...is this all because I didn't break the seal?"
"No, no. I gave up on that a long time ago, and I don't care anymore.
Besides, I didn't get as much pleasure out of stealing as much as I thought I
did. After all, you can't rely on comfort."
Aide's tone of voice is different from before, and it's strangely soft. That
tone of voice, that way of speech, it's the same as his....
No... That's impossible....
He was sentenced to death... He shouldn't be here.
"Celtina, help me, Aide... Aide has betrayed us..."
Zig looks for his other companion.
"It's sad, Zig ☆ But it's okay, because Aide will take care of everything now
☆"
"What are you talking about?"
"Zig is no longer the best ☆ He's second best now ☆"
Aide takes off his helmet and throws it on the ground. A loud sound echoed
throughout the room, causing his face to be revealed.
"Thank you for your help, now I have your face."
"You! You copied my face after all!!!"
"Hahaha, relax, the bleeding will get worse every time you get angry."
"Don't be an asshole! How come... How come you've changed your face!
You had a totally different one!
"Ah, you mean this?"
Aide's face suddenly changes and becomes a completely different person.
He was laughing with his tongue hanging out.
"Thank you for the food."
"...What are you talking about?"
" Yum!"
"Ce… Celtina..."
"Oh yeah, that face, it feels good!"
Zig saw Aide kissing Celtina, and his face grew red, an expression of anger
on it.
Aide laughs, his sword still embedded in Zig.
"Give me back my face!"
"You know, that wasn't the only thing I stole."
Aide walks up to Zig and whispers something in his ear. That seemed to be
enough to make Zig very upset.
"That can't be...!"
"Yes. I have your stats now. You thought it was just a dream, but it wasn't."
"But nothing has changed..."
"It was just an illusion. Check again."
Zig opened his status to check it. He immediately let out a small scream.
"I'm level 10!? Why did all my skills disappear!?"
"They didn't disappear, I stole them from you. By the way, it was nice of me
to leave you some experience. Call it pity."
Aide's laughter echoed in the room.
I can't understand the situation, but it's obvious that Aide is evil. I want to
help Zig, but I can't move in a roundabout should he be used as a hostage.
"Your ability to induce mental imagery is excellent, because if you use it
well, you can create an illusion like this. It has made me stronger.
"Damn you..."
"Hahaha. You know, I've always liked you. You're a lot like me. Especially
how you've been at Toru's mercy. So I've been able to reflect objectively,
calmly and deeply on my former self, and I'm grateful for that."
"Who the hell are you!? Give me back my stats!"
"Huahahahahaha, I'm not going to do that!"
Aide laughed and carried on with his conversation with Zig, though not
looking away from me.
It was as if his gaze was telling me; "move and I'll kill him."
What should I do?
How can I save Zig?
Aide shifts his feet slightly.
"Don't try anything. I know you've got your mind set on saving this guy, it's
so typical of you."
"Tch..."
He's reading my mind, I knew he was watching me closely.
"Toru, I have been reflecting for a long time. In the past, I was so caught up
in my pride and greed that I did not see reality clearly. In that state, it's no
wonder my thoughts were narrowed and my thoughts were merely selfish."
"So it is you after all..."
"You're very insightful in a way that doesn't matter at all, Toru."
Aide's face changes again. And the one who appears now is Sain, my
former best friend who was supposed to be dead.
"You thought I was dead? Of course you thought that. You must have
wished for it."
"How are you still alive?!"
"This thing..."
Sain punches his jet black armor.
"It seems Lisa didn't know it, but this armor and this demonic sword were a
set. Combining the two, it activated the 'Six Revival' skill in me."
"So, if you die, you'll come back to life..."
"Yes, I want to thank Lisa from the bottom of my heart for giving me this
amazing equipment. Now I can enjoy six lives when I should only have
one."
How far do you plan to go to keep tormenting us?
A fierce anger that had been sleeping inside me began to roar.
"Oh yes, that's the face I always wanted to see."
"Saiiiin!!!"
"It's over, Toru. I'm done. I decided to stop being a hero. To be true to
myself and be evil. And guess what, I feel incredibly refreshed. It's really
stupid to sacrifice yourself for other people."
An evil aura arises from Sain. It was a cold, dark and frightening air, it was
also hard to breathe.
"This is a new declaration of war. I'm going to kill you with my bare hands.
I'm not going to go around cuckolding you in secret. I will crush you with
my bare hands. What I want most right now is to take your life."
"Then let's do it right now."
"I'll refrain from that for now. I'm not strong enough to compete with a level
3000 opponent yet."
Then Sain muttered; "Out, Gwail."
The seal on his right hand glows, and a black creature appears in front of us.
It looks like Panda, but is covered in black fur and has a large menacing eye
that stares at us.
"My familiar!?"
"Isn't the power of this armour incredible? The armour of the usurper. It can
take away other people's levels, skills and familiars. It's a shame it can't
steal jobs, but it's still a wonderful thing."
Gwail shoots a beam of light from his eyes.
The light passes through my left thigh with ease. My knees buckle in pain.
"It would be a nuisance for you to follow me. With this, I've got one foot
out the door."
"Don't run away! Fight me!"
"I don't want to. It would be suicide to fight now. You really are a scary guy,
Toru. You were supposed to be a burden, but my position is completely
reversed compared to yours. I admit, you're the worst enemy I've ever had
in my life. Come on, Celtina."
Celtina destroyed the wall behind them with magic.
She summoned more monsters.
"Before I go, Zig, there's one more thing I have to tell you."
"Aide! Give me back my stats! I'll never forgive you for this!"
"Oops, well, don't be hasty, I have something else you'll like."
"...No, no way, you..."
"That's right, your favourite girl, Tanya.... She's in love with me."
Zig's face flushed with despair. Sain spat at him and laughed.
Finally, he pulls the sword from his chest. Zig lays on the ground as if his
soul has been drained.
I swear I'm going to kill you with my bare hands, Sain.
Come on! I have to move! I can't let him get away!
As I tried to get up, he threw some smoke balls.
Damn it, is this for real? He's a fucking coward.
"Master!"
"Where is he? Where's Sain?!"
Kaede dispersed the smoke with her magic, but Sain was already gone.
I can't believe he's still alive.
"Are you alright, Master!? You need healing immediately!"
"Don't worry about me. It's nothing serious."
The one I am most worried about now is Zig. The other wounded were left
in the hands of Kaede and Frau, while I rushed to help him.
I gently held Zig in my arms. This wound cannot be healed with high
potions.
I will have to use an elixir.
I will use a very valuable relic, please don't die.
"This will help you. Drink it."
"No, it's alright, just let me die..."
"Come on, man. Are you seriously going to let this beat you?"
"Tanya... I'm in love with her. I was planning to go back to her when this
trip was over, as the hero who defeated the Demon Lord."
He suddenly grabbed me by the chest.
"Kill him! I hate you, but I beg you! I'll never forgive him for everything
he's taken from me!"
I understood exactly what Zig felt. I have experienced the pain of being
robbed.
He is like me... Like the old me from that fateful day.
"This time I will kill Sain. I promise."
"Swear it."
"Yes, I swear."
Zig took a sip of the elixir.
This will help the wound close. Still, he should rest for a while, just in case.
"Can you walk?"
"Who do you think you're talking to? I'm the hero, of course I can."
He replied in an overbearing manner, but his eyes were as dark as if there
was no life in them. It's clear that his attitude is just exhausted energy.
He walked with me, leaning on my shoulder, tears dripping from his face.
"Thank you. I'm so glad you're here. I was wrong, I was wrong about
everything."
Zig was crying with a runny nose and a face that didn't look like that of a
hero.
I entered a room that was guarded by a Big-Gear soldier, who greeted me as
soon as he saw me and let me enter without any problems.
The interior of the place is simple. Just a bed, a table, a chair and a window
with blowing white curtains.
Zig was on the bed, looking at the sunlight through the window.
"How do you feel?"
"As good as you can see."
Since that battle, he has lost the will to live. He is like a hollow body
without a soul.
For his treatment, Kaede has been throwing healing vibrations at him, but
I'm not sure there's any improvement. That's how deep his wound is.
"Only a few know about this place. So don't worry."
"...It's okay."
"He won't touch you again. Wherever he goes, I'll find him and kill him."
"How will you do that? If you kill him, he'll come back to life.
Zig was still looking out the window, not looking away, he simply replied.
"All I have to do is kill him five times. It's as simple as that."
"Easy to say, but Aide can now change his appearance freely. He can run
and hide all he wants."
"No, you're wrong. I know because I was his best friend. He's stubborn, and
he hates to lose. He can't stand the idea that someone like me, whom he
always saw as baggage, is now better than him. He'll come to me."
Zig remains unfazed, simply listening to me. The huge hole in his chest, the
enormous sense of loss, was freezing his emotions. His energy was pouring
out of him like a container with a hole in it.
It is natural for this to happen once everything that supported you has been
taken away from you.
"You shouldn't go back to your country for a while. If they find out you are
alive, they will try to kill you again."
"They are trying to impersonate me. I don't think the original should be
alive."
Zig looked at me with hollow eyes, just staring at them, like he was trying
to absorb me with his eyes.
He's going to take refuge here in Big-Gear while he tries to get his body and
soul back together. But I don't know how long he will be in this state.
"If there is anything you need, tell the men outside. They'll bring it to you
right away."
"Why do you care so much about me?"
He looked out the window again.
"Because I see myself reflected in you. In the past, I was also betrayed by
that guy."
"I see..."
I didn't like Zig back when I first met him. To be honest, at first I thought he
was like Sain.
But when I saw the way he despaired when something important was taken
away from him, I felt he was like me. Maybe it was just a moment of
weakness from my past.
Even if it was just that, I couldn't leave him alone.
"I never knew what it was like to love someone. I never knew the pain of
having something taken from you."
The words seemed to be directed not at me, but at himself.
I quietly get up and leave the room.
I walk through the soldiers and continue down the light-filled hallway.
Then I step out into the courtyard and catch my breath.
Sain's face flashes through my mind. Not only did I never imagine he could
be alive, but the chances that he was also on this continent were nil.
How did he do it, was he transferred here too, or is there another way?
I don't even know how he was able to steal Zig's stats.
"Ah, damn it!"
I scratched my head.
I don't know what to think
Let's focus on what we have to do right now. I'm not smart enough to
multitask.
"Chupi!"
Chupi perches on a tree branch. She seems to bring a message from Kaede.
"Master, the king has entered the palace. Come back as soon as possible."
After delivering the message, Chupi leapt off the branch and flew away.

I arrived at the King's Chamber and found that the King was reluctant to sit
down on his throne.
"Please, Your Majesty, sit down. We wish to see you on the throne."
"It has been a long time... I made my people live through hard times, but
now.... Now we've got it back."
The king slowly sits down on his throne. He closes his eyes, feeling the
comfort of the seat. There was a long moment of silence as he recalled the
journey he had made.
"My people, I have returned."
"Long live the king!"
More than a dozen of his subjects celebrated his return.
The king clenched his fists and bit his lip as if he were holding something
back.
"Step forward, Toru-Dono!"
Following His Majesty's voice, I took a step forward.
"What you've done is truly amazing! You defeated the Demon Lord and
reclaimed our homeland.... None of this could have been accomplished
without the Manyu Brigade."
"You're exaggerating... I only helped."
"Don't be modest. Everyone in this room recognizes your power."
I scratched my cheek embarrassedly. I don't like to brag, but I don't dislike
being recognized either.
"If there is anything you want, you can ask for it. I'll do my best to fulfill
your wishes."
"In that case... I would like the reward that was offered to me from the
beginning."
After my words, the king raised his voice.
"What do you mean? After all you've done for us, you're going to take the
money and leave? I won't let you do that, Hansel wouldn't allow it either!"
"Exactly, Your Majesty. All the people of this country are very grateful to
the Manyu Brigade. We can't just let something like this go! We will give
you anything you ask for!"
Even if they say so, I really don't want anything.
If there is anything I had to ask for, it would be a good meal, and a day of
rest. I've been through a lot and I'm mentally tired.
Well, I guess I'll make that my reward.
"I want good food and drink. Not just for us, of course, but for all the other
soldiers outside in the city."
"Very well. That was my intention all along. But it's still not enough. You
have to be greedier. Say what you really want. Selflessness is a problem for
me."
The king and Hansel frowned and seemed to want to say, "We'll provide it,
even if it's something unpleasant."
If I were a normal guy, I'd probably ask for a title, land or something like
that. But in my case, I'm an adventurer who doesn't care to stand out at all,
so I can't think of anything really greedy or extreme I could ask for.
"This is my offer. Toru-Dono will be made a border knight and you will
have enough land to live the rest of your life on."
"Wait! I'm afraid I can't accept that."
"Why not? I think it's a good reward."
"I don't intend to stay here, and even if I did, it will be too much for me.
Especially since it's too flashy, and I don't like that."
"Hmm, then how about I give you the title of hero?"
"I'll refuse that too."
The king and Hansel make a bewildered face, as if to say, "Who the heck is
this guy?"
I know what they're thinking, but I can't accept it. I don't want to become a
nobleman.
"Since you don't want a title and you don't want land. I'll give you time to
think about it."
"That sounds good."
I gave him a perfunctory reply and left the room.

"Master!"
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
When I came out, Kaede, who was waiting, ran towards me. Most of the
fairy army seems to have returned to the forest, but some troops led by
Naomin are still in Big-Gear.
By the way, Naomin is said to be the princess of Ainowa. Even now that I
know the truth, I suspect it's some kind of joke.
"Where are Marianne and the others?"
"They are checking out the building that will be the research team's base. It
seems they are planning to expand their research into these lands."
Can we continue to travel around the continent and use this country as a
foothold? That sounds great. It's like I finally have a place to come back to.
Suddenly, I hear the voices of Frau and the others approaching.
"I'm serious, I've seen the black version of Panda."
"I'd like to have one like that for my bed."
"In some ways it looked fluffy too, but also overwhelmingly better. Laser
beams were coming out of his eye. Panda can't do that."
"Kyui!"
Panda's eyes widen and he puts his all into it.
But there is no sign of any laser beam coming out of his eye.
Completely depressed, Panda shouted and flew towards Kaede.
"Even if you can't use those kinds of powers, you're still really strong,
Panda, so don't get depressed."
"Kyu～"
"That's where you're wrong Kaede, Panda does have a great ability: Being
Frau's bed!"
"Kyui!!!"
Angered, Panda rams Frau with his body.

Chapter 179 – Flag

While looking at the building towering in front of her, Akari said.
“Isn’t this the headquarters of Yoizuki? If you said you have a matter to
attend to here, that means you are…”
“As you can guess, I am a member of this guild. By the way, Hana too.”
“Hana too?! Which means, she is also an adventurer?”
“Aa”
When I nodded and replied, Akari showed a slightly surprised expression.
But that was just for a moment, before she went back to her usual self.
Towards such a her, I continued to say.
“If I’m not wrong, Hana also should be here today. Since you already came,
how about you meet her too?”
“Of course, I wanted to meet her, but… is that fine? I’m an outsider to this
guild, after all–.”
“We don’t really mind, you know?”
“Whoa”
“Kya”

"
"
Suddenly, a dignified voice echoed from behind, which surprised us. When
I turned around, Claire stood there.
In front of us, who were bewildered with her sudden appearance, Claire
turned a soft smile towards Akari.
“You are Rin-kun’s acquaintance, right? If you’d like, please come inside”
“Y-yes…”
Unlike when she talked with me, Akari expressed her affirmation in a small
voice, much quieter than usual. Looking at this, Claire smiled before she
opened the door and invited her to come inside, saying “Please come in”.
Then, the moment I tried to enter while expressing my gratitude toward
Claire, Akari suddenly grabbed my collar and brought our faces closer.
Wait, wait, she is too close.
“Nee, Rin. Who is that person? Or rather, why was such a beautiful person
calling you ‘Rin-kun’? Tell me properly.”
“Don’t have a strange misunderstanding. We don’t have that kind of
relationship that you are currently thinking about. She is Claire, a member
of Yoizuki–”
“Claire?! If we’re talking about Claire from Yoizuki, isn’t she the genius
who is the youngest person to become an S-rank?! I didn’t notice it as her
face didn’t appear in the media, but that’s her, right? According to someone
who has seen her fight, it is rumored that her appearance, freely
manipulating swords and magic, is indescribably beautiful…”
“You sure are in high tension.”
“Isn’t that inevitable! She is the person I admire, you know?!”

What a shocking fact. To put it differently, from Akari’s point of view, she
now feels like she just met the star she admired for a long time. If that’s the
case, I kind of understood why she is in high tension. In the first place, the
reason Akari wanted to use swords and magic might be because there is
someone like Claire in her generation too.
Still, we can’t just stay here forever. As follows, I looked away from Akari,
whose eyes were shining, and looked forward. Then, I saw Claire who was
staring at me, still with a smile on her face— but, I wonder why. Even
though it was her usual smile, it felt unnatural. Somehow, it feels like it
could make my spine chill.
“… You two sure are very close.”
“Etto… Claire. Perhaps, do you have something in mind?”
“You sure said something strange, Rin-kun. I don’t particularly have
anything in mind, you know? Fufu…”
“A-ahaha…”
I felt like it’s bad to dig more than this. Thus, I, who intuitively understood
that, entered the guild while pulling Akari in, just like what should have
been done since before.
After that, we headed to the guild’s leisure room. There, we saw Hana, Rei
and Yui who were chatting merrily. Looks like they already came here long
before us. Even Hana seems to have come directly from her school. Well, I
guess something like this would happen sometimes.
When I was thinking like that, Hana, who noticed our arrival, looked at us.
“Ah, Onii-chan. You finally come… Eh?”
And with that flow, she noticed the existence of Akari who stood beside me.
The moment she saw her, Hana opened her eyes widely.
“Don’t tell me, Akari-chan?”

“Ee. Long time no see, Hana. How are you?”

“Un! I never thought I would meet you at this place. I’m surprised!”
Probably because this is the first time they met in a few years, they seemed
a little awkward at first, but soon they started talking happily. Rei and Yui,
who seems to feel like they’re being left out by the two, displayed a
bewildered expression on their faces. And then, they immediately asked me.
“Rin, who is she?”
“I-I’m also curious! She even comes here together with Rin-senpai and
seems to know Hana-chan too…”
“Aa. She is Kurumizawa Akari, a friend who lived next to us until a few
years ago. They are probably hyped up because this is the first time they
meet after a long time.”
“… Lives next to you?”
“Doesn’t that mean…”
“She is their childhood friend. I see…”
Hearing the words of the two, Claire said at the end. The moment they
heard the words ‘childhood friend’, Rei and Yui looked at each other.
“R-Rei-chan, what should we do? To think a childhood friend-san suddenly
appeared…”
“It’s okay, don’t need to worry.”

“Rei-chan!”
“It has long been decided that the childhood friend will lose in the end1.”
“Rei-chan?”
“But, it is also true that recently, the number of works that have them
winning is increasing recently. Now, what should we do….”
“W-what should we do, Rin-senpai! I couldn’t understand what Rei-chan
was saying from a while ago!”
“…. No comment”
“Why?!”
The leisure room became very lively because of that. And in the middle of
that, “Gohon.” Claire cleared her throat.
“I’m sure you have many things to share with each other, but let’s finish our
matter first for the time being. I have something to talk about with Rin-kun,
so, can you follow me?”
“Aa, understood”
Thus, while feeling grateful over Claire’s suggestion, I went to follow her,
as if escaping from this place.
Chapter 180 – Next Destination
When I arrived at the Guild Master’s room, I saw two familiar faces inside.
They’re the Guild Master and Yagami-san. Speaking of which, I think it’s
been a while since I met Yagami-san. To be precise, since the battle against
Cain. It’s a great coincidence meeting him here as I would like to express
my gratitude because I pushed the dealing of the aftermath to him quite a
bit.
However, faster than I could express my gratitude, Yagami-san opened his
mouth.
“It’s been a while, Amane. How are your injuries?”
“Yes. For the time being, I can already walk like this. Besides that, I heard
that you were the one in charge of explaining about that event to various
places. For that, thank you very much.”
“… It’s not a big deal compared to what you did for us. You’ve saved the
lives of my friends more than once, after all. That’s why, from the bottom of
my heart, thank you very much.”
“Tsu.”
Yagami-san bowed his head deeply as he said that. Then, in front of me,
who was still surprised by his unexpected action, Yagami-san continued.
“And then, in this opportunity, there is something I have to apologize to
you.”
“Something you have to apologize for?”
“Aa. It’s about my attitude towards you during the joint capture. I’m really
sorry for that time.”
That joint capture, huh. Even though it should be less than a month since
that event, it feels like something that happened a long time ago. Indeed, at
that time, I remembered that Yagami-san was wary of me. I had completely
forgotten about that until now, though.

Although I didn’t particularly mind his attitude at that time… there is

something I had been curious about.
“By the way, why were you so wary of me at that time?”
“…. Do you remember the dungeon collapse that happened in Kenzaki
Dungeon?”
“Yes”
Of course, I do. I was there after all. But, is this related to the reason?
“After the dungeon collapse ended, your name appeared in the report we
got from the member of our guild who was waiting at that place, saying
there is a person who broke off from the restraint and entered the dungeon.”
“……”
“That, without a doubt, was a very mysterious act, as it was a decision that
deviated from the regulation of an adventurer. It was precisely because I
knew this that I couldn’t understand why such a person gained the trust of
the Guild Master and Claire. Hence, when I heard that you’re going to
capture a dungeon with us, I was wary of you.”
…. I see. Indeed, at that time, it was a B-rank party from Yoizuki that came
to the rescue. It’s no wonder that my mysterious action was shared with the
members of their guild.
Considering that, the attitude that Yagami-san took towards me is quite
natural. If anything, it can be said that the responsibility was actually on
me.
At any rate, after knowing Yagami-san’s thoughts at that time, I finally
came to understand.
“So it was like that”

"
"
“Aa. But now, I can guess why you entered the dungeon that time. The one
who defeated the boss and saved Kurosaki was you, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“… As expected. Just like your fight against the High Ogre… more than
that, after seeing your fight against a person from a different world, I’ve
come to understand that you must have fought many powerful enemies and
saved many lives, right? No wonder Kurosaki and Kasai openly praised you
many times.”
“… Y-you’re welcome?”
Without knowing how to reply to such heartfelt words, my response became
a little flat like that. Subsequently, when I was still a little embarrassed by
Yagami-san’s words, another voice spoke.
“Now, since you two are done talking, let’s talk about the future. Claire,
please explain it.”
“Understood.”
Claire began to speak while receiving the stares of the three of us.
“There is only one matter. It’s about Rin-kun’s condition. Although Rin-kun
is currently in a state where the external injuries of your body are healed, so
you have no problem in daily activities, you still cannot fight monsters.
Indeed it only takes about a month for it to be naturally healed but, if you
used a certain method, it could be cured in about three days.”
“Is that true?”
“Yes”
Hearing my words, Claire nodded. If that’s true, I will be able to capture the
dungeons again sooner. Therefore, if possible, I wanted to try that method
as soon as possible.

Perhaps because my feelings were transmitted through my facial

expression, Claire smiled a bit before giving me the answer.
“That method is to request my acquaintance.”
“Acquaintance?”
“Ee. She is someone who is good at healing magic, and can heal not only
external injuries but also the current state of Rin-kun. If I say her name is
Nanami Shizuka, then Rin-kun should recognize who she is, right?”
“Nanami Shizuka… that S-rank adventurer?!”
“Yes, that person”
When I was still surprised upon hearing such an unexpected big name,
Claire continued.
“When I asked that person, it seems she is willing to treat Rin-kun.
Therefore, I know this is sudden, but we’re going to visit the guild
【Classion】 where Nanami-san serves as the Guild Master tomorrow.”
“That’s really sudden… But much appreciated”
Needless to say, I am happy that my body could be healed sooner but, I’m
also delighted to be able to meet another S-rank besides Claire. Because
meeting her might be useful for future reference.
“By the way, for now, only I and Rin-kun will be going there. Yagami-san,
we will be leaving this town for three days, so I will leave the rest to you.”
“Ee, I understand”

Hearing Claire’s words, Yagami-san nodded. I see. The fact that Claire will
accompany me to the Classion guild’s headquarters means the strongest
force of Yoizuki will also be gone from this place for three days. And
among the members who were here, the strongest one is the A-rank party
led by Yagami-san. This was probably one of the reasons Yagami-san was
here, joining the discussion, as there are some arrangements regarding that.
At any rate, with this, my matter has ended. Yagami-san, who said he has
another matter after this, excused himself first. Claire, the Guild Master and
I also left the room, heading to the leisure room together. Then–
“That’s what I’ve been telling you! I want to change to another job besides
a tank!”
— we heard Akari’s shout from inside the room.
Hearing that, the Guild Master tilted his head.
“Whose voice is that? I’ve never heard of this one.”
“Rin-kun’s acquaintance is currently inside the room. It seems they’re
excitedly discussing something…”
After that, the three of us entered the room and discovered the figure of
Akari who was being surrounded by three people, which were Rei, Yui and
Hana. What the heck are they doing? I did have a guess, but…
At that moment, Akari, who noticed me entering the room, shouted.
“Hey Rin, please help me here!”
“… What happened?”
“For God’s sake! The moment these girls knew that I am level 2000 and
used to be a tank, they directly requested me to join their party…”
 "
"
It seems it was as I expected. Even so, to think her level had already
exceeded 2,000… I was genuinely surprised. But well, since she tried to
challenge the Nameless Knight with a sword which was supposed to be an
unfamiliar weapon to her by herself, I already thought that her level was
about 1,500… This just made her the perfect person for Hana’s party. So, it
is unsurprising that they don’t want to miss this chance.
When I was thinking about such a thing, the Guild Master next to me
muttered, “Hou”, with great interest.
“I heard from Claire that you wanted me to recruit a new tank but, in the
end, Amane brought one himself, huh,”
“I wonder. It seems the person herself is not very enthusiastic about that…”
“Well, our guild also couldn’t invite her without knowing her ability first,
but…”
After staring at Akari’s face, the Guild Master nodded as if convinced about
something.
“…. She has good eyes. Claire, I’ll leave the rest to you”
“…. Eyes? Again, huh. Sigh, understood”
After sighing, Claire slowly walks toward Akari. And noticing this, Akari’s
body trembled.
“E-etto….”
“I apologize if this is sudden, but… may I call you Akari-san?”
“Y-yes! Feel free!”

“Thank you very much. Feel free to call me Claire, too. Does Akari-san
currently belong to a party or a guild?”
“I don’t belong to any right now…”
“Then, I have a suggestion. Would you like to join Yoizuki?”
Upon hearing that suggestion, Akari opened her eyes widely.
“Join Yoizuki!? A-although that would make me very happy, if you are
inviting me as a tank, I don’t think I can answer right now….”
“Then, how about temporary joining? We would like to help you in your
adventuring, including any plans Akari-san has for the future, by continuing
being an adventurer.”
“…Uh”
Claire’s words clearly took Akari off guard. She was probably interested in
temporarily joining the guild, but she couldn’t make the final decision.
I guess I should aid her here. But when I was about to help, Hana looked at
Akari with a lonely smile.
“… I’d be happy if Akari was here too.”
“Uh. P-please don’t look at me with such eyes… Haa, it cannot be helped.”
Then, Akari exhaled as if she had given up. It seems that the part of her that
was weak to Hana also hasn’t changed since long ago.

In the end, it was decided that Akari will be temporarily joining Yoizuki.
She will be in the same party as Hana for some time, while trying different
weapons.
…. At this point, I feel like I could see her failing, though.
As the discussion had ended, and we were about to part, Claire suddenly
muttered “Ah!”, then she looked at Akari and the others and asked.
“Since this is an excellent opportunity, do you all have any plans for the
consecutive holidays tomorrow?”
In response to this question, the four looked at each other and then shook
their heads. Looking at this, Claire went on to make a certain suggestion to
them.
The next day.
Having arrived at the guild 【Classion】, the sight of the building in front
of us took our breaths away.
“… I see, so this is a high-ranking guild, huh.”
Before us stood a large building that could be mistaken for the office of a
large company. Classion is a large-scale guild and a place where many
talented adventurers belong to. That is likely why they have that much
money.
“Well then, shall we go?”
Only Claire, who seems to have come here many times, could go inside
without hesitation. And the rest of us followed her after looking at each
other.
After talking to the receptionist, we were escorted to the room where the
Guild Master is waiting. When we entered the room, the sight of a
monotonous room surrounded by white-colored walls entered my eyes.
From the size of the room to the design of the interior, this room is probably
a training room or something.
However, if there is one problem about this room, then it must be–
“It seems there is no one inside.”
“Un. Maybe she has not arrived yet?”
Hana and Yui gave their straightforward impressions towards the place.
And I actually had the same question as them. Because the receptionist
clearly said the Guild Master has been waiting for us. Naturally, there is a
possibility that she hasn’t arrived yet, just as Yui says. Or rather, that’s more
likely to be the reason. However, the room felt somewhat strange.
… Something is hiding?
The moment I thought so,
“-!”
Feeling that something was approaching us rapidly, I hastily stood in front
of Hana and the others to protect them. At that moment, the figure of Claire,
who didn’t take any action, reflected in the corner of my field of vision.
… I see, so it was like that.
Then, in front of me, who had comprehended the situation, it appeared all
of a sudden, showing its red color. It was a red-colored spear, which
approached us at a vigorous momentum as soon as it appeared.
“——hiss”
“Get down!”
At that moment, I found that Rei and Akari respectively summoned their
sword and shield at an astonishing reaction speed. The two then tried to
intercept the spear, but they couldn’t make it in time and–
“Onii-chan?!”
“Rin-senpai!”
As if responding to Hana and Yui’s voices, who noticed the situation late,
the spear stopped moving right before it reached my throat. And within a
second, it disappeared without a trace.
“It disappeared…?”
“What was that just now?”
While the four except me and Claire couldn’t understand the situation, the
sound of applause was heard out of nowhere, causing us to reflexively
direct our gaze at the direction where the sound came from. In the center of
the room where no one was supposed to be there before, a woman appeared.
From her elated and joyful expression, she gave me the impression of a
lively person.
The woman approached us while laughing.
“One person able to react to the disturbance of magic power, two able to
reach when they saw it and the other two unable to react to it… Un, I think
I can roughly grasp your abilities”
Then, Claire responded to the woman.
“… Nanami-san, you sure have a bad hobby as usual. Moreover, I should
have explained Rin-kun’s situation in advance to you. What would you do if
he used his magic power, making his condition worse?”
“I would have had to apologize if that really happened. But then, he is a
person whom Claire took interest in after all. So, I believe that would never
happen. In fact, he not only noticed my attack, but could also look at your
reaction and grasp the situation.”
“… Sigh, Nanami-san sure doesn’t change.”
“Of course, people don’t change that easily, you know? However you…
don’t seem to be so.”
“? Did you just say something?”
“Nope, I just said that Claire-kun’s silver hair sure is beautiful, no matter
how many times I see them. May I thoroughly touch them later?”

“… That’s a bit creepy, so, no.”

“Fumu. Looks like that indifferent part of yours didn’t change either. But
well, let’s talk about it later and…”
At long last, the woman directed her gaze at us. Then, once again, while
displaying a fearless smile that in a sense could be called wicked, she–
“Yaa, nice to meet you. My name is Nanami Shizuka, the guild master of
【Classion】 and at the same time, the 10th S-rank adventurer in Japan.”
–The woman who ambushed us on our first encounter (not a typo)– Nanami
Shizuka said while giving us a wink.
“Best regards from now on.”
For me, she is the second S-rank– an adventurer whose level was over
100,000, that I encountered.
A group of more than a hundred dwarves approached nervously. They were
about the same height as me, yet their shoulder width was more than double
mine.

“A-ahm, ‘cuse me…hello, I’m Dolan…”

“…and I’m Luke, the chief of this village. A pleasure to meet you.”
He had a beard and rough-looking features…but for some reason, he spoke
very softly.
His appearance and his speech definitely didn’t match.

I thought he might just be an exception, but I quickly confirmed that wasn’t

the case.
The other dwarves, all of them, were acting all nervous and were even
fidgety. They weren’t at all like the hearty dwarves I’ve heard of.

“We used to live in the mountains over there…”

“Isn’t that place full of monsters though?”
“It is, but we have our own cavern…”

This cavern was apparently at the foot of the mountains.

It had only one entrance, and its inner structure was very suitable for their
defenses.

They said they stayed in the cavern almost all of the time, so I wondered
where they got their food.
Apparently, their staple food was a special kind of potato that they grew
inside of the cave.

“We also eat the insects and the bats inside the cave…From time to time,
beasts and monsters would also wonder inside, giving us meat.”

…that didn’t really sound like a great way of life to me.

Much like the elves, the dwarves have also interacted with humans in past,
but have stopped doing so.
Do they live in this remote place because they were persecuted as well?
“No, in the dwarves’ case, it’s their divine punishment. Back then, they
used the powerful weapons they made to expand their empire. But that
attempt to conquer the world incurred heaven’s wrath, leading to the
collapse of their empire. They were separated from one another, living only
in small groups. …of course, this happened before I was alive, so this is all
based on the story handed down from generation to generation. I mean, it’s
been more than a thousand years since it happened.”

A thousand years…
Having only lived a decade, I couldn’t even imagine what it was like back
then.
Even so, I couldn’t help but wonder what exactly Philia-san meant by
divine punishment.

“I myself don’t know the details, but that made my ancestors settle in that
cavern. We’ve been living there until recently…”
“I see. You’ve been living in a gloomy cave until your personality’s gotten
gloomy as well. Not that I’m complaining that you’re quiet, of course. By
all means, dwarves should continue living in dark, gloomy caves.”

Maybe it was because they were dwarves, but Philia-san was being a bit
harsher than usual.
There might be some truth to dwarves and elves not getting along.

“But then, why have you come to this wasteland?”

“Actually…”

Dolan-san told me that a few days ago, a ferocious monster appeared in

their cavern.
The entrance to the cavern was sealed off that time and there wasn’t any
indication of it being forced open, yet the monster still appeared and
rampaged within.

“…i-it’s a monster that could be said to be both like a giant snake and
hornworm…”

A few dwarves were eaten by that monster. After getting full, it retreated.
However, because it appeared seemingly out of nowhere again, the dwarves
had little choice but to abandon the cavern they called home for generations
and flee to the wasteland.

While telling us of their story, Dolan-san’s face was ghastly pale.

“And that’s when we saw this place…we have nowhere to go, no food…if
at all possible, please consider granting us with food…”

Dolan-san timidly requested like that.

“Giving you food won’t be problem. We’ll also provide you with a place to
live in.”
“R-really…? We’re of a different race, yet you’re showing us so much
kindness…ha? I don’t suppose the compensation you expect from us is
labor to the point of death, can it?”

…what an extremely pessimistic dwarf…

Trash skill Gacha – Volume 2
Chapter 23
Goblia, Rufina, Orphe, Livia and I let the village together. Once outside we
took another look at the village. …Yup, that wall is looking pretty solid
there.
Orphe pushed the wooded wall with all his strength, but it didn’t budge. “…
Amazing. We won’t be invaded easily with this on our side.”
“Looks like it.”
“…I’m seriously glad I’m under you now Crest, given you can make such a
thing. It would have been really tough trying to protect the werewolves
without you.”
“…You could probably have figured things out.” I don’t really like when
they say they’re underneath me. I mean, I thought I would be temporarily
on top of things beside Orphe and Livia.
“…Now that we’ve finished inspecting the wall, will we head out to find
that new monster?” Asked Livia.
“…I guess so. You saw some to the southwest, right?” We were heading out
in search of a new monster. They mentioned finding a praying mantis type
monster. I checked my gacha window after they mentioned it, but my points
only went up by 100.
…It’s probably not really a strong monster, but if I hunt 25 of them, adding
on to the 7500 points I have right now I’ll be able to do twenty two gacha
rolls. If I can earn all those points, then I think I’ll roll the gacha tonight.
“Well then, let’s go.” We started walking with Rufina and I taking care of
detection.
“Wah, there are a bunch of fruits around here!” Marvelled Livia.
“…You’re right.” Now that I think about it, I haven’t planted any crops
since I got back to the village. Considering the future, I should probably
find somewhere to grow crops. …It would be a bit much to rely on the
monsters for food forever.
“I really like them… Mind if I take a bite?”
“Go for it.” Livia happily grabbed an orange and took a bite. Orphe and I
had wry smiles as we watched her blissfully put a hand on her cheek.
Goblia also seemed to want one, but they were all too high up for her to
reach, so I picked one for her and handed it over.
“Do girls just like fruit?” Pondered Orphe.
“I wonder… I’m pretty sure a lot of humans like sweet things too.”
“I really like them. M, may I have… another one?”
“Take your time.”
“Thank you very much.” Livia took another fruit. We had a lot of time to
relax, so this would probably be a good break.
“You got any foods you like Orphe?”
“…I guess. If I had to pick I guess I’d say meat? Well, I can basically eat
anything though.”
“That makes sense. Basically with your current lifestyle you care more
about what you can eat rather then what you like then?”
“Yeah. Also it would take up a lot of my time otherwise. I’d rather focus on
my hobby of training.”
“Training is your hobby?”
“Yeah, isn’t it fun to forge your body? Want to join me sometime Crest?”
“Nah, I’d rather not…” I was good with just swinging my sword, I had no
intention of ‘forging’ my body.
“Alright.” Orphe seemed a little disappointed. Once Livia finished eating
she joined back up with us and we started walking again.
…As we were walking, Rufina reacted to something, so I appraised our
surroundings. …There I found a praying mantis. It was blending in with the
trees.
It wasn’t that big. It was about the size of a human head. …Well, it would
certainly be considered big if compared to a normal preying mantis, only
that much. It was called a chameleon mantis apparently.
“…Gobu!” Goblia raised her hammer.
“Well Rufina, Goblia. You guys want to try fighting it just with you two?”
“Gobu!”
“Aroo!” Answering like so, the two of them sprung into action. …In the
end, the chameleon mantis was squashed by Goblia’s hammer without even
being able to flinch. …Well that was certainly weak.
No wonder it only gives 100 points. The fact that it blended in with the
environment so well was pretty annoying to deal with though.
“Well, should we all split up then?” Couldn’t really fight them together.
Didn’t really see any other monsters around here either.
“But the only ones who can sense them are Rufina and yourself, Crest.
What should we do?”
“Well in that case, let’s split into two groups with me a Rufina. The other
members can be whoever.” When I answered, Livia glanced over to me.
“W, well then… May I go together with you lord Crest?”
“I don’t mind.”
“Thank you very much.” As Livia said this, Orphe’s expression softened a
bit.
“In that case I’ll go with these two monsters. This should balance out our
fighting power right?”
“…Yeah, I guess so.” Orphe… you were definitely being considerate right
there. Livia and I don’t have that sort of relationship. We just sleep together.
That might sound a bit misleading…
“Well then Livia, let’s go hunt some monsters.”
“Yes, right behind you.” Livia adjusted the katana on her waist.
Livia and I set out to find some chameleon mantises to kill. We could easily
kill them as soon as we found them, and they were unable to harm us since
they couldn’t get the drop on us.
Rather, I felt a bit bad about it due to how one-sidedly we were obliterating
them.
“Oh right, were Goblia and Rufina the first monsters you made into
companions, lord Crest?”
“Yeah, they were.” It took quite a long time before I met those two. …Now
I have a lot of companions though.
“Do you plan on finding more from now on?”
“…I guess so. My original plan was to find a nice peaceful spot and find
more companions. Monsters like Goblia and Rufina of course.”
“Yes.” Livia listened to me with a smile.
“But things have changed now. I’d never really expected there to be
monsters with enough intelligence to speak like werewolves and goblins.”
“Is that right.”
“Why did you want to ask about that?”
“I think there are various monsters living south of the village that would be
helpful for lifestyle improvements, who you would be able to collect things
like milk and eggs from if you tamed them.” Livia saying this was
surprising. That was exactly the same thing I was thinking, how taming
monsters like cows and chickens would provide a lot the necessary
ingredients I need for my lifestyle.
If I wanted to tame them, then I could just kick back and raise some
livestock. “You’re right. I’d been thinking about doing that.”
“I see, as expected of you.” That was exactly the reason I started by
learning to control Goblia and Rufina. Once I’ve gathered more monsters
they can act as their leader. That was my plan.
We continued hunting chameleon mantises as we talked, racking up some
points. Like that I reached 10000 points. Since I now had enough points for
twenty two gacha rolls we could stop hunting there.
“…We’ve killed enough now. Let’s go find Rufina.”
“Understood.” Livia and I met back up with Rufina’s group. When I saw
Goblia and Rufina, they caused evolution technique to react. …Looks like
they can evolve now.
“…Looks like you can evolve. Want to?” Goblia and Rufina nodded in
agreement. …Well of course they would. Evolving will make them
stronger. Evolving showed no drawbacks at the moment.
I’ll start with evolving Goblia. For some reason I was a bit concerned about
it.
I activated evolution technique, and evolved Goblia. Her body shot out
light. Once the light died down, a more human-like Goblia was standing
there.
As if to confirm that she was in fact female, she looked more feminine than
before.
Goblia (goblin) +1
Master: Crest
Strength 234
Stamina 143
Dexterity 50
Agility 123
Magic 20
Intelligence 40

Goblin technique lvl 1

I tilted my head when I saw her status. …What is that? Apparently Goblia
has acquired a new skill called goblin technique.
“Hey Goblia, could you give goblin technique a try for me?”
“Gobu!” As I watched Goblia use goblin technique, I examined the skill
with appraisal.
Goblin technique
A body strengthening skill available to the goblin race.

…I see. Goblia’s body was definitely giving off the faint glow of magic
from using it. Not sure how much it strengthens her.
Her status didn’t change after she used it either. But Goblia did look really
really happy as she moved her body around. It probably strengthened her in
its own way.
As Rufina was watching from the side, she gave my clothes a tug. …Looks
like she wants to evolve right away. Although Goblia and Rufina got along
quite well, they still seemed to view each other as rivals.
She probably doesn’t want to lose. I used monster evolution technique on
Rufina right away.
Rufina (wolf) +1
Master: Crest
Strength 180
Stamina 125
Dexterity 89
Agility 220
Magic 30
Intelligence 100

Olfactory technique lvl 1

Looks like Rufina acquired a new skill too. Rufina charged her body with
strength. Looks like she’s trying out her new skill right away.
I also took a look at her skill with appraisal.
Olfactory technique
A skill available to the wolf race. Sharpens sense of smell, and
increases range including objects buried under ground.

…Even under ground? The moment I though this, Rufina moved to a spot
nearby and began digging into the dirt with her paws.
Then she pulled out an iron magic ore.
“Aroo!” Rufina brought it over to me to show it off. …I see. Guess she can
find unusual things buried beneath the earth.
“Thanks Rufina.” I pet her head. Rufina looked content being pet as usual.
Orphe and Livia exchanged glances when they saw this.
“…Guess we need to hurry and evolve so we can get a bit stronger.” Said
Orphe.
“You’re right… But still, to think you can get a skill from evolving. I didn’t
know that was possible.” Hearing Livia say this, I tilted my head.
“…Is it unusual?”
“I myself have never heard of it happening. It may be happening
specifically because of you, lord Crest.”
“I haven’t heard of anything like that either. Skills have always just been
something you’re born with.” Is that so.
“Oh yeah… us humans get our skills from god, but who gives monsters
their skills?”
“I’ve heard that we are also bestowed skills from god.” Explained Livia.
…So god just gives everyone skills equally then? …No, perhaps god just
doesn’t recognize monsters as harmful.
I’m living together with monsters like this. Although they’re monsters, that
doesn’t mean they can’t coexist with humans. I’ll accept this explanation
for now.
I was quite surprised when we got back to the village. …The goblins and
werewolves in the village were also causing monster evolution technique to
react.
…I should probably evolve them all systematically. Of course there was the
factor of obtaining new skills, but mostly it was just nice to be able to
increase our war potential.
…I’ll start with the goblins. I checked their statuses before evolving them,
and then again afterwards.
Everyone gained +1, and their statuses all went up about 30 points. There
were also differences in their strengths and weaknesses.
For example, Rufina easily raised her speed, but struggled to increase her
magic. In Goblia’s case she could easily raise her strength, but probably
struggled to raise her magic.
Like so, the other goblins also seemed to have strength and weaknesses.
Additionally, a lot of goblins managed to acquire goblin technique. But
among them, three of them acquired different skills.
Smithing technique, hand to hand fighting technique, and land working
technique.
It seems goblins aren’t guaranteed to receive goblin technique. They could
acquire different skills at a fixed probability. I got that much. Everyone got
their skills at level 1, but that still meant I no longer had to do everything
around the village.
“…Excuse me while I go hunt some monsters for a bit.” Perhaps jealous
that everyone was able to evolve, Livia rushed out of the village with a
smile. As a side note, Darkle was feeling pretty down that he didn’t
manifest any skill.
Next up were the werewolves. I evolved them while continuing to record
their data. Their statuses went up the same amount as with the goblins.
Same with the stats they could easily raise.
But the werewolves acquired werewolf race specific skills.
Werewolf technique
A body strengthening skill available to the werewolf race.
Particularly strengthens sense of smell.

…Like so. Perhaps every monster has its own technique which it can
acquire by default.
Four of the werewolves acquired different skills. Cooking technique,
tailoring technique, cultivation technique, and construction technique.
…How is cultivation technique different from my cultivation skill? I
examined the skill out of doubt.
Cultivation technique
Allows for the cultivation of high quality vegetables. Cultivation
technique is fundamentally a passive ability and has a much weaker
effect than cultivation.

…I guess that’s how it is. It seems that things with ‘technique’ on them are
less powerful. That means there’s a chance I might pull cultivation
technique from the gacha some day.
Once Orphe saw the werewolves evolve, he too said, “…I’m heading out to
kill monsters for a bit.” Before rushing out of the village. …No, but it’ll be
dark soon. Well, I guess Orphe and Livia are pretty strong. I don’t really
need to worry about them.
For the time being I taught the goblins and werewolves who acquired
different skills how to use them.
“I’ll start with smithing technique. Does any writing appear in front of
you?”
“Th, there it is!”
“You can make the things written there. Right… how about you try making
a hoe? The materials are important so watch out.”
“…Y, yes! Umm, it seems I need iron magic ore.”
“Yeah, use this.” I handed them the iron magic ore Rufina dug up. …Well,
we still have a bunch in the storehouse.
“U, understood! …Done!” A hoe appeared before our eyes. The
surrounding goblins and werewolves shouted a bit in surprise. There were
also envious voices mixed in. The goblin who made the hoe looked happy
but let out an exhausted sigh for some reason.
“You alright?”
“Y, yes… It just took a lot of magic power… You were alright after making
so much Crest…? That’s incredible!”
“Well, you should get better as you use it. Make the same things, take
things apart, and just get used to it little by little.”
“You’re right! So what should I do with this hoe then?” I took the hoe and
handed it to another goblin. It was the goblin with the land working skill.
“Alright, follow me.”
“Okay!” The goblin nodded cheerfully.
I let them to the spot I planned to use for a field before telling them, “Try
swinging the hoe down while thinking about your skill.”
“Okay! …Haa!” They stated digging their hoe into the dirt. Thanks to the
land working skill it turned into good quality soil. The goblin was happily
swinging away, but then they stopped halfway.
“I, I’m tired… This takes quite a bit of magic…”
“Well, I guess so…. But you’ve made a field now. …Alright, use these
seeds.” …I didn’t notice it at all, but apparently that takes a lot of magic.
Do I have a lot of magic in comparison? I gave a werewolf some fruit seeds
and wheat.
The werewolf nodded and began sowing the seeds. Even though they were
just planting seeds, the werewolf stuck their tongue out in exhaustion and
panted. “This takes a lot of… magic power…”
“…I see. But if you goblins and werewolves all cooperate, then you’ll gain
a new source of food! They’ll finish growing after a few days, and then you
can collect the seeds and use the rest as food.”
“Whoa! Hooray! We won’t have to rely on monsters anymore!”
“It’s thanks to Crest’s help! Thank you so much!” The goblins and
werewolves hugged each other in joy. …Well, relying on hunting every day
is pretty unstable. Since they can use cooking technique now, they’ll be able
to make bread once they harvest the wheat.
…Trying to make bread for everyone by myself would take a lot of time.
Everyone was laughing happily. I grew happy myself from watching them.
The monsters I’d yet to explain their skills to looked to me expectantly.
Guess I’ll teach the rest of them.
The remaining skills to go over were cooking technique, tailoring
technique, and construction technique.
“Oh right, here’s a word of advice. If you grow crops a lot in the same spot
then the earth will grow fatigued.”
“The earth… can get tired?”
“Yeah. Plants suck nutrients from the dirt in order to grow. That will fatigue
that dirt, causing plants grown in it to lose their flavor.”
“…I see.”
“So make sure to use land working technique there.” I looked at the goblin.
“Eh? Why?” The goblin tilted its head, so I gave explained why.
“Land working technique also has the power to restore the earth. That
means you need to plow once with land working technique after each
harvest. Do you follow?”
“I get it!” …Now I can leave the goblins and werewolves to produce food
entirely on their own.
“Alrighty then, next up is cooking technique… so we’ll be using some
wheat I’d grown a little bit before to make some bread.”
“B, bred?” The werewolf who had cooking technique tilted their head.
“Try focusing on cooking technique. Did some writing appear in front of
you?”
“Y, yeah!”
“I’d like you to try making bread with that. Here’s some wheat for that.” I
passed some wheat and fruit extract I’d kept in the storehouse to the
werewolf. The werewolf nodded their head before activating their skill.
Then some bread appeared in the werewolf’s hand. It was mixed with
momon, so it gave off the faint fragrance of momons.
The werewolf looked to be feeling very moved as it held the bread, but soon
noticed that the bread was quite hot, so the moved their hands to hold it in
such a way that it wouldn’t burn them.
“You can give it a taste.” I used the remaining wheat and fruit to make a lot
more bread and passed out enough for everyone to have a bite.
“D, delicious!?”
“W, what is this!?”
“So this is bread.” I took a bite as well. Yup, it was pretty good. Of course it
was quite inferior to the stuff I’d spent all that time making before, but it
was satisfactory.
“B, bread!”
“C, can we eat this every day!?” The werewolves’ and goblins’ eyes were
sparkling. …I expected them to be bigger fans of meat, but they were
unexpectedly hooked.
“That depends on your effort there. There’s a chance that convenient skills
like this might pop up in your future evolutions as well. It would be tough
only having a single one of you with cooking technique, as well as with
land working technique. Work hard from now on everyone.” As I told them
this, everyone returned deep nods to me.
…Looks like their tastebuds really moved them. All that’s left is cooking
technique and construction technique. The goblin and werewolf who held
those were looking at me with anticipation in their eyes.
“Tailoring technique in…” I explained how they should use tailoring
technique, and then construction technique. The goblins didn’t seem to be
very interested in tailoring technique. No one really cared much about their
clothing after all.
But I did hear happy voices from a few of the female werewolves.
“…Unexpectedly, do you guys want to dress all fancy?”
“Wha, Crest. We are girls after all.”
“Right~” …they said. Some of them were interested in it. Finally was
construction technique. I had them make a building with some prepared
lumber.
“…Whoa! I can build something like this!”
“Yeah. You can even build a base when you’re far away. It’s pretty nifty.”
Of course preparing the materials is quite the chore. …It was the skill that
helped me the most. For example, when I was building the fence to protect
the village, I had to adjust its position by myself.
That was quite the pain. That would change it I could split the work
between the two of us. Although the others didn’t really get that, I was
pretty happy.
“…Really though, Crest is really amazing!”
“Seriously! I’m so glad I can follow him!”
“As expected of our boss!”
…No, I’m telling you your leader is either Livia or Orphe. I buried those
thoughts. Now was not the time.
Eventually I’ll move to working behind the scenes. Then I’ll live my life
comfortably in the safe village.
I gave a sidewards glance to the monsters before checking my status once
again. …As I thought, it went up again. Before I started evolving everyone
my stats were around 310.
Of course I had my strengths and weaknesses as well, so it varied a little.
My current status had shot up to strength 370, stamina 345, dexterity 328,
agility 354, and magic 412.
The power of summoner seemed to tie the rise in my own stats to my
increase in companions. …Essentially it’ll go up as I get more. The more
evolutions I do, the higher my own status becomes.
Being able to raise my status so easily is nothing but a boon.
“Alright, let’s leave dinner for tonight to the girl who learned cooking
technique. When you have cooking technique, it even improves your
normal cooking as well.” I glanced to the werewolf. Everyone excitedly
started getting the place ready for dinner. …I also helped teach the
werewolf how to cook as we made a hot pot together.
We finished adding all the meat and veggies. A hot pot is the easiest thing
to make for feeding so many people. Cooking technique properly taught us
the proper amount to seasoning and such to add. …Well, it was the proper
amount for a human like myself in any case. The goblins and werewolves
didn’t seem to have any complaints though, so I guess our tastes were close
enough.
The finished pot was served to the goblins and werewolves.
“Ohh, that’s some good stuff!”
“I guess cooking technique might be related to why the food always seems
much better than usual when Crest makes it…”
“It’s amazing how Crest can do anything…”
As everyone was chowing down on their food, Livia got back.
“I’m sorry I was late.”
“…No, I don’t really mind.”
“H, how is it? I went on quite the monster hunting trip so… do you think I
can evolve now?” She looked towards me expectantly.
…I looked at her to check but, “Not yet it seems.”
“…Is that right.” She hung her head in disappointment. When Orphe came
back later, he also wasn’t ready to evolve causing his ears to droop.

The last day of the exchange program.

Today we were to have a match in the morning and leave Central School
after having lunch.

The elementary, middle, and high schools would play their games at
different venues.

Due to time constraints, each match was limited to 20 minutes.

If the time was exceeded, the game would end in a draw.

There are only the players and a few teachers at the games, as the rest of the
students are in class.

“Oh, Owen, ……. Go easy on me, please.”

My match is first.

“Thor. Be prepared for anything.”

“Oh, no. ……. What did I do?”

“Ask yourself this. I’m here to beat the shit out of you today!”

I pointed a finger at Thor.

“Eh, that’s …….”

That’s not good.

Thor was not in combat mode, so he was out of sorts.

We face each other, keeping our distance.

“And now, the first game of the exchange! Start!”

As soon as the referee gives the signal, I use my body enhancement.

As I was strengthening my body, Thor was approaching me rapidly.

But it was okay, since I was able to follow him with my eyes.

I bent my arms to protect my body.

“It Hu-“

My right arm ached from the impact of Thor’s fist.

Without pausing, I used my arms and legs to defend against the incoming
attacks.

Monet’s training had helped me to keep up with Thor’s movements.

However, there were still a few things that I couldn’t prevent.

In just a few seconds of attack and defense, damage was accumulated on

my stomach, legs and arms.

“Hey, hey! You can’t keep defending yourself!”

Thor came in with a sharp kick from my right leg.

I kicked out my left leg to catch it.

“Kuh. ……”

Since my magic power was concentrated in my eyes, my arms and legs

have the least amount of magic power.

If things continued like this, I would run out of energy.

“Ha~ weren’t you going to hit me? That’s the extent of it, dude!”

Thor raised his right leg and drop-kicked me.

I avoided it by turning around.

Thor immediately turned around and came at me with a spinning kick

around his left leg.

When I stopped him with my thigh, he twisted his body further and kicked
me with the heel of his left foot.

The blow hit me directly in the side.

“…… Gah!”

I was only an amateur at close quarters combat.

And the level of physical enhancement was different.

I could barely follow Thor’s movements with my eyes, but my body

couldn’t keep up.
Thor thrust his right fist up from below.

“Gahhh ……!”

He punched me in the stomach.

For a moment, I couldn’t breathe.

I had to resist the urge to fall to the ground.

I can’t fall down here.

Thor pulled his right shoulder to close his shoulder blades, creating a
fighting stance before punching me.

‘There it is ……!’

After confirming the movement, I put my magic power into my right hand.

I have learned something from my fight with Monet.

Whenever Thor is about to strike, his movements become larger.

This was the only chance I had.

I took a step forward, enduring the pain in my stomach.

“Iron fist!

The palm of my hand goes into Thor’s stomach.

At the same time, Thor’s right hand hit my face.

“Guh ……”

“Gaha……”

We both hit each other at the same time.

I was blown backwards and rolled around on the ground a couple of times.

‘It huuuuurts.’

My head was spinning around.

But there was no way I was going to get a shot in at Thor unless I did this.

This was what I call a cut-to-the-flesh, cut-to-the-bone strategy.

Thor was also dazed, as if my blow had hit him too hard.

“You ……!”

He gave me a strong look, his gaze wandering.

Fuhahaha

“How’d it go? I gave you a punch!”

It hurt like hell, I was in tears, and I felt like a fool.

But I was satisfied.

I landed a blow, and that was enough.

Now it’s time to fight on my turf.

“Now it’s time for the real thing.”

“The real deal ……? You mean you’ve been slacking until now?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m a magician, and my fighting style is to use

magic.”

Then he kicked the ground and fell back at once.

And then.

“Great Fireball ……!

I aimed at Thor.

“Oraaaaa!”
Thor waved his right arm to stop it.

“Ifreet!

I fired more magic.

It’s a short chant, so it’s not very powerful.

However, it would be enough of a check.

Thor bent down to avoid it, kept his posture low, and rushed forward.

“Blast!”

The magic exploded near Thor, creating a cloud of dust.

Then, in rapid succession.

“Ifreet! Burn them with the flames of hell!”

Before the dust settled, I released it.

But…

“Uraaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Thor’s roar could be heard.

Immediately after, I saw the hellfire being drowned out.

Then Thor emerged from the dust, burnt in places but still battle-ready.

“Let’s do this!”

Well, he’s strong.

Using magic, I could finally have a good match.

It seemed to be just what Ren-sensei was hoping for.

“You’re the strong one.”

“It’s obvious. Isn’t it?”

Thor lifted the edge of his mouth.

I liked it.

It was worth it.

“Let’s show them what we can do.”

I put magic power into both of my arms as I said that.

The match between me and Thor was still going on after 20 minutes.
Basically, I kept my distance and released my magic, and Thor stopped it.

A couple of times he got close to me, but that time I used gravity magic to
escape into the sky.

Both of us had a hard time, so we decided to call it a draw.

“Owen! Let’s do it again!”

Thor, in battle mode, said at last.

And the whole match was over.

By the way, the record was three wins, one loss and one tie.

Berg, Natalie, and Kaisaf were victorious.

The results were much better than in the recent exchange games.

The students of Central Academy seemed to be disappointed.

Especially Monet, who lost to Kaisaf again this year.

“Next time, I’m going to beat you!”

Monet, who had lost to Kaizaf again this year, had tears in her eyes.

After the exchange game, we had an early lunch.

In front of the gate of Central Academy, the students who had interacted
with each other said their goodbyes.

Natalie and Berg had become good friends with the students of Central
Academy without my knowledge.

That was amazing.

When did you guys get along?

Was it at the first party?

“Hey, Owen. How was the exchange meeting?”

Monet came to greet me.

“It was fun.”

“You’ve been training all day, haven’t you?”

“Yes, I did. You’ve been doing nothing but training.”

Thanks to Monet, I was able to give it back to Thor.

“Fufufu If you need anything else, just let me know. I’ll help you.”

“Oh. Hey, sis. Did you hang out with Owen when he was training?”
Thor, who was behind me, tugged on Monet’s sleeve.

“Yes, I did. Wasn’t he strong?”

“Yes. I have to work harder too.”

Thor nodded his head.

“Can’t you do something about the way you change when you go into battle
mode?”

“I’m sorry. I just get a little carried away.”

That was not just a little bit.

It was a different person.

I was convinced that it’s a double personality.

“Oh, ……. You should learn to control yourself a little better. You’ve got
talent.”

“Uh-huh. Sorry.”

“Owen, you’re going to have to be good friends with Thor. He doesn’t have
any friends because of his personality.”
It was true that he had a troublesome personality.

I was sure he was a pain in the ass. He’s usually friendly, but when it comes
to fighting, he changed.

“S- Sister…”

Thor blushed in embarrassment.

“I will continue to have friendly competition with Thor.”

He had the ability to compete with Berg and Natalie.

He would be my rival.

“Unh, let’s get along.”

“Owen. Likewise.”

After greeting Monet and Thor, I went to see Ren-sensei.

“Thank you for five days, Sensei.

“Owen, huh? Thank you for your hard work. Did you learn anything?”

“Yes!”

“That’s good to know.”

 “Speaking of which, Ren-sensei has known Katherina-sensei for a long
time, right?”

“What was your relationship with Katherina-sensei?”

“We were seniors and juniors. Just a little closer.”

Ren-sensei narrowed his eyes nostalgically.

“She taught me how to be a wizard.”

“How to be a wizard?”

“I don’t want to deny that in itself. There is a clear difference between those
who can use magic and those who can’t. For some people, this is called
discrimination. But I don’t think it’s discrimination to use magical talent as
a criterion for evaluation. However, in this kingdom, there is excessive
favoritism. There are times when I feel discriminated against.”
Ren-sensei continued.

“In Sanzar Academy, there is a tendency to think that the amount of

magic power is everything. People with comparatively low magic power,
including myself, have felt squeezed in. The reason I’m here as a teacher
is because I want to prove that magical power is not everything.”

I could feel the strong will in Ren-sensei’s eyes.

At first I thought he was a sarcastic person, but he wasn’t such a bad

person.
Chris-sensei called out to everyone, “We’re about to leave.”

“Speaking of which, I need to correct something I said to you earlier.”

“Correction ……?

“You have exceeded my expectations and Katherina’s approval is well

deserved. I’m sure you will become an excellent wizard. Keep up the good
work.”

“Thank you for your help, even if it was only for a short time.”

I bowed.

Then I left Central Academy.

It’s been a while since the exchange program ended.

Winter was approaching, and more and more students were wearing thick
clothes.

Incidentally, the school had uniforms, one for summer and one for winter.

At that time of the year, most of the students wore the winter uniform.

It wasn’t so cold in the classroom, so I took off my cloak and went to class.

“Good morning, everyone.”

The person standing at the podium was Maurice.

He’s the deputy homeroom teacher who took care of Class A when Chris-
sensei wasn’t here or when he’s fighting off demons.

He was an intellectual with glasses and gave the impression of being

serious.

“Today we’re going to talk about how to use magic stones. Magical stones
were usually used as a source of energy.”

Maurice-sensei took out a magic stone from his pocket.

“This is an unprocessed magic stone, which is indispensable for the

development of magic tools. The magic stones used for magic tools cannot
be used in this state. They must be melted to a liquid state or crushed to
powder before they can be used. Today’s class is not about magic tools, so
I’ll skip this part. If anyone wants to ask, please come and ask after class.”

The class on magic tools was an elective class available in the middle
school.

“I’ll explain how to extract the magic power from the magic stone. The
magic stone is useful as a reserve magic power for emergencies. In order to
extract energy from a magic stone, you need to put your own magic power
into it.”

It was very important to have a magic stone in case you run out of magic
power.
Magic was everything to a wizard.

In fact, if you’re in a tight spot and you lose your magic power, it was bad.

You couldn’t do anything.

The most famous wizards had several magic stones that contained their
magic power.

“You can’t put magic power into something like that. How can you put
magic power into something like that?”

One of the students asked.

“That’s right. A magic stone contains magic power from the beginning.
Pouring your own magic power into it is like pouring liquid into a container
that is full of water. In addition, when you pour magic power into a magic
stone, you have to do it all at once. Incidentally, the best ratio of magic
power contained in the magic stone to the person’s magic power is 2 to 8. If
the ratio is higher or lower than this, the energy efficiency of the extraction
will decrease.”

Maurice-sensei continued.

“The magic stone is so pure that there is very little room to put magic power
into it. If you are a skilled magician, you can only put in about one tenth of
your own magic power.”

“Wow. It’s not as easy as you might think to use a magic stone.”
The boy’s shoulders slumped with disappointment.

“It is useful if you learn how to use it properly. If you put magic power into
it, you can finally create your own magic stone. For example, this one.”

Maurice-sensei took out a green magic stone from his pocket.

“The color of the stone will change when it is filled with the person’s
magical power. The color of the magic stone depends on the magical
properties of the person, so the magic stone can be completely unique in the
world. Today, we prepared a small magic stone. Let’s use it to make your
own magic stone.”

I looked at the magic stone that was handed to me.

The size was quite small, less than a centimeter in diameter.

“The trick to putting magic power into it is to press it in tightly. Now, please
begin.”

I put the magic power into the magic stone, but the magic power didn’t
penetrate very far.

I felt like the magic stone was not accepting the magic power like oil
repeling water.

As Maurice-sensei had said, I strengthened the magic power and tried to

force it in.
Then, I put the magic power into it for a while, but I couldn’t get any
response.

The color barely changed, and what had been clear only became slightly
cloudy.

That was difficult.

After that, I tried several times with other magic stones, but the results were
not much different.

“I’m sure you’ve just done it, but it’s difficult to put magic power into a
magic stone. This requires experience, so please keep up the good work.
That’s it for today’s class. By the way, the final exam starts next week, but
we won’t be covering the material we covered today.”

As Maurice said, this was the time of year for the final exam.

The first test was between the high orc battle and the social event, and I got
a good grade in the written test, using my knowledge from my previous life,
and almost a perfect score in the practical test.

I was sure I’ll get a high score on the final exam as well.

This was what I call a reincarnation cheat!

Wa-ha-ha.

Well, if you think you can get away with that, you’re going to get your feet
stuck in the sand.
The coming winter season was upon us, and more and more students were
wearing thick clothes.

Most of them wore winter uniforms at this time of the year.

The winter uniform had longer sleeves and thicker clothes.

However, it was cold enough on its own, so nowadays, students wear a

cloak for commuting to school.

It was not so cold in the classroom, so I took off my jacket and went to
class.

Chris-sensei looked at everyone in the homeroom.

“You have a final exam next week. Make sure you study hard.”

With these words, the classroom became noisy.

“—I hate tests. ……”

“—What should I do? I’ve already forgotten the contents of the midterm
test.”

The test itself was given twice a year, and the first test was right after the
Battle of High Orc.

I did well in the written test, using my knowledge from my previous life.
As for the practical test, I did better than the written test.

‘I’m sure I’ll be able to get a high score on the final exam as well.’, I
thought to myself.

‘This is the reincarnation cheat! Wahahaha.’

…… If you’re that carefree, though, you’re going to be in trouble.

And so a week passed, and the final exam began.

There were three days of exams.

In the first two days, there was a written test, and all the questions were
easy.

Having a memory of a previous life was quite a cheat, wasn’t it?

Then we entered the third day, and the practical exam began.

There was a section in the exam where you had to use your best magic.

I used gravity magic, because …… this magic was synonymous with me.

“Oh my god! Owen is flying! How do you expect me to show off?”

“Gravity release…”
I float to a height of 10 meters and drive through the sky.

But that was boring, so let me show you something.

I did a backflip in the air and moved fast as well.

“—Good, good, good!”

“—Ohhhh!”

The crowd’s cheering felt good.

And I landed on the ground, flying happily.

“Owen ……. The practical test is not a game. Points deducted.”

Oh my gosh! Chris-sensei got mad at me.

I think I got too carried away. …… I’ll try to control myself.

Next, Berg showed a sword technique using body enhancement.

Body enhancements are not magic, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem.

It seems that he did an Iai slash, but it was too fast for me to see his
movements.

What? I heard a sound afterwards.

It was just my imagination, right?

Then Natalie used lightning magic and Farren used holy magic.

Finally, it was …… Dominic’s turn.

Dominic stood silently in the middle of the training center and — quickly
turned his palm toward me.

‘What are you doing ……?’

I instantly went into a state of alert. Then.

“Fireball ……!”

Dominic unleashed his magic.

“Earth wall!”

I quickly used my defensive magic. But…

—— boom!

The wall was easily destroyed, and a fireball came at me…

” Manifest, ice shield!

The moment I thought this was bad ……, a shield suddenly appeared in
front of me.

I was protected by it.

That was not good …….

I almost got burnt to a crisp.

But what was …… the power of …… now?

I thought Dominic’s magic would be enough to deal with earthen walls, but
it was shattered easily.

“Hey–“

The moment I was about to call out for Dominic.

“What are you doing, Dominic?”

Chris-sensei gave Dominic a reproachful look.

“Oh no, Chris-sensei, ……. It was just a slip of the hand, you know. —
Please don’t be so angry.”

“It looked to me like you were deliberately targeting Owen. ……?”

“No, of course not. And how can you prove that I targeted Owen?”
“…… Okay. But I will lower your points, because you couldn’t control
your magic”

Dominic had always been a violent guy, but …… he would have been quiet
in front of Chris-sensei.

You’re a rebel, you bastard.

I glared at Dominic in annoyance and he gave me a …… condescending

look in return. As soon as the practical test was over, I confronted Dominic.

“What the …… hell do you think you’re doing?”

“What do you think you’re doing, small fry?”

“What do you think you’re doing when you just unleashed your magic!?”

“I told you, it was just a slip of the hand. ……. You’re a persistent bastard,
aren’t you?”

Dominic pushed me in the chest with a bang and moved away.

“Damn ……, what the hell?”

I was getting frustrated. I had been in a bad mood all day.

And then, when the exam was over and I was changing my shoes in the
shoe box, I said
“Owen, ……, I need to talk to you.”

Farren called out to me.

“Hmm ……, What is it?”

Since she hadn’t consulted me since our previous conversation, I thought

she had forgotten about …… me.

Or maybe you don’t need to talk to me about it.

“It’s a little hard to talk about it here. ……”

“Okay. Hey, let’s go for a walk.”

We walked in silence to the back of the school building, where there was no
one around.

The test was over, and most of the students had already left.

If there were any students left, they won’t be in the back of the school
building,……, and as you might expect, there was no one here.

“Can you …… talk to me?”

“Don’t you think he has been a little weird, Dominic, lately?”

“Call him weird, but he’s always been weird.”

I was getting …… pissed off remembering today’s events.

He had always been arrogant, but lately it had become more pronounced.

I did not expect to be suddenly attacked by magic in the practical test.

“You’re right, aren’t you?”

“Are you talking about Dominic?”

“Yes, ……. I’ve been wondering about Dominic’s recent behavior.”

“I don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about.”

I didn’t really want to get involved with Dominic.

If you get involved with a guy like that, you’re just wasting your time.

“Actually, I recently …… happened to see Dominic with a senior student.

The upperclassmen were acting kind of strange. ……”

‘Does that mean he has started tangling with the Yankees? And that’s the
influence of …… the fact that he shot out magic today?’

You’ve got to be kidding me.’

It was not something that other people should be concerned about.

“It’s Dominic’s business who he hangs out with.”

Because of what happened with Dominic today, I was really irritated.

“No, it’s fine to be with whomever you want. I just don’t know if it has
anything to do with …….”

When Farren was sure that no one was around, she lowered his voice.

“There is something in Dominic’s magic that can cause …… harm to

people.”

“Bringing …… harm ……?”

“I can’t say for sure, because I’m not sure yet. But it’s not something
humans should be dealing with.”

“How do you know that?”

“Think of it as one of the saint’s abilities.”

A saint’s ability is so useful and broad.

‘But if it really causes harm, isn’t it something you should discuss with your
teacher rather than me?’

“You haven’t told Chris-sensei yet?”

“No, I haven’t said anything yet.”

“Why are you going to ……?”

If you talk to Chris-sensei, he’ll be able to handle it better than I can.”

I said I’d consult with you, and I’m not going to say no. ……”

“I don’t have any proof, so I’m not going to say it. …… In addition, if you
tell Chris-sensei about this, it will make Dominique’s position worse. If
possible, I would like to …… solve the problem on my own. So, Owen. I
know it’s selfish of me, but could you please help me?”

“Who’s that for, ……?”

“It’s for me.”

Farren looked at me with clear eyes.

If you say so, I have no choice but to cooperate.

If it was for Dominic, I definitely would have said no.

I don’t think I’d do anything for that guy.

“What exactly do you want me to do?”

“I was wondering if you would be willing to follow Dominic with me

tomorrow.”
Tailing. …….

It sounded like detective work and I’m a little excited.

“Sure.”

I nodded.

“Thank you very much. You’re the only person I can ask to do something
like this.”

Oh, ……. If you said it like that, I would do my best.

In addition, …… Dominic’s magic was powerful.

If Dominic had the power to cause harm as Farren said, …… then I will
…….

The next day after class we followed Dominic.

Dominic was heading towards the commercial area.

Secretly, we played detective to follow him.

Every once in a while, Dominic would look back, and we would quickly
hide in the shadows.
It was true that Dominique was doing something…… suspicious.

Dominic suddenly started scurrying around, and then swooped into an

alleyway.

“Farren, let’s go!”

“Yes!”

We followed Dominic into the alleyway.

The alley was about three meters wide between buildings.

After a while, we came to a dead end.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know, ……. Where did Dominic go?”

Dominic had indeed walked in here.

It was a single street after entering the alleyway and …… there was no door
to enter the building on the way.

There were only bricks in front of me.

“Hmmm …….”
I put my hand on my chin and thought.

There must be some kind of hidden door in this situation.

…… I mean, I hope there is!

That would make it more exciting.

If I put magic power into my eyes, I should be able to see some traces of
magic!

I tried doing that but there was nothing.

It seemed that even if I put magic power into my eyes, I wouldn’t be able to
see any traces of magic.

“Owen. I’ve got a bad feeling about this from …… over there.”

Farren then pointed to the bricks that made the dead end.

“I don’t feel that at all, but ……”

“I can feel the same disgusting magic …… that I felt from Dominic, and I
can feel it from this back here.”

“Oh, you can feel that too?”

“His magic is very specific.”

I think Farren might be a good detective.

I touched the bricks with my hand.

You think there’s a secret room ahead?

The only way to open a secret door is with a spell.

“Open sesame!”

It didn’t open….

“Owen ……? What are you doing?”

Don’t …… look at me like I’m some pathetic child.

I knew I wouldn’t be able to open it with a password like that.

I just wanted to try it.

“Are you sure …… Dominic is in the back here?”

I said, regaining my composure and putting on a serious face.

“I don’t know that. It’s just—there’s a good chance he’s there.”

I nodded a single word, “Okay,” and touched the brick.

“Can you shut up for a second?”

“Y- yes …… What are you doing?”

“Eavesdropping.”

I put magic into my right hand.

“Let the wind guide your words.”

Magic that transmitted sound through the wind. That type of magic required
magic control techniques to send the magic from a long distance.

But the amount of magic power required itself was small, so it would be
easier to handle than something like attack magic.

You could imagine it like sending a voice message over wifi.

I know what a telephone is.

I am comfortable with talking to people far away.

I used wind magic to eavesdrop on the sound behind the bricks.

The target was Dominic.

I manipulated the wind magic, making sure to reach Dominic.

After a while, I heard a noise.

And then.

“……d…………sa……”

At last, the wind magic seemed to have reached the target.

But the accuracy was so bad I couldn’t hear anything at all.

“Ah ………… no …… no longer ……… …”

You can just barely make out a voice that sounded like Dominic.

I knew he was in there.

I managed to increase the accuracy of my wind magic.

“Domi …. I can’t stand it …. It is dangerous”

“Dangerous ……? I’m not sure what to do. You …… are …… with me.”

“Hey, don’t get on the …… too …… much, you’re just a first year ……
away.”

“What about the year …… in which I’m the ………… and the ……
Marquis. I’m not a …….”
I don’t know what he’s saying, I can’t hear him that well.

Farren, who was sitting quietly next to me, was also tilting her head.

You’re doing something dangerous …….

I can’t get any detailed information.

And then.

“What are you doing here!”

The next thing I knew, there was a boy standing behind me.

He was a little older than us – probably a middle school student.

I stopped my wind magic and looked at Farren.

“Let’s run!”

Using gravity magic to escape was a bad idea.

I’m the only one in the school who can use gravity magic, so I’ll be
exposed.

Well, I don’t know what the problem is with being found out, but …….
It’s not going to make a good impression.

“Who the hell are you people? What have you been doing here?”

Of course, I wouldn’t answer that honestly.

If I wanted to escape without using gravity magic, I needed to strengthen

my body!

“Let’s go!”

I pulled Farren’s hand and then took her in my arms.

It was something like a princess carry.

“Kya……!”

Don’t make cute noises, …….

I almost let go of her.

Next, I concentrated magic power in my legs.

I bent my knees and kicked the ground as hard as I could.

“Wha-!

I jumped over the boy’s head.

When I landed on the ground, I started running with Farren in my arms.

“Hey, wait!”

The boy chased after me, but he couldn’t seem to keep up with me when I
was using my body enhancements.

Even with Farren in my arms, I could still move faster than a normal
person.

I ran for a while after passing through the alleyway.

When I was sure that there were no pursuers, I slowed down.

“Um, …… Owen-san, ……?”

Farren looked down in embarrassment.

“Yeah. Sorry.”

I put Farren down and checked behind me again.

“I don’t think they’re following us.”

“Yes, I agree… is Dominic doing anything dangerous?”

“I don’t know.”
Maybe he’s just giving a cooking class in his …… secret room.

Well, I don’t think so.

There’s too much …… information about what Dominic is doing and for
what purpose.

“I’d like to find out more.”

Farren said, pulling on my sleeve.

“What’s in it for me—?”

I don’t see the point in trying so hard. There’s no benefit to …… it.

It would be a wonderful thing to be able to sacrifice myself for the sake of

others.

I would find a lot of things that I could do to help others.

—I could even risk my own life.

But I’m dealing with Dominic.

I can’t help it.

“It’s all for my own satisfaction. If he’s doing something dangerous, I want
to save …… him. It’s for my own good.”

“I’m sure Dominic wouldn’t want that.”

“Even if he doesn’t want it… I want to do it.”

Farren said with the determined eyes she had shown before.

Those were some dangerous eyes.

“I get it. I’ll help you.”

How could I say no to that?

If something happens to her, it would be a good wake-up call.

And …… I said I’d help in the beginning.

I’ll keep my word to the end.

“Thank you very much!”

Farren’s expression brightened quickly.

Chapter 36: The Seeker of Popularity

Yoori: “Igni, what’s wrong? You look dazed.”

Igni: “.......hm?”

It was the next day after the intense fight.

Igni and his friends were attending school just as usual.

It didn’t matter if the day before, Igni just survived an intense life or death
battle or whether he fought an [Extreme] - regardless, the next day started
and continued without pause or change.

Yoori: “Are you okay? Are you still experiencing Magic Exhaustion?”

Igni: “No, I’m okay. It’s really nothing.” This man…is a liar.

Although he said, “It’s nothing,” in his mind, he is replaying “that” moment

with Alicia. He replays it over and over and reminisces on how “soft” it
was……… Igni is drowning in his own thoughts.

But as he drowns, he also had a parallel thought running simultaneously.

In short, “Does Alicia like me?”........that was his hypothesis.

But….is this something he could talk about with Yoori?

NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT!

There’s no way he could do that….!

Iris: “Sir Igni! Good morning!”

Igni: “Good morning, Iris. How are you doing?”

Iris: “Yes! Sir Igni, did you sleep well last night?”
Igni: “Yeah, I was able to <SLEEP REALLY WELL>.”

There was no way he could tell her, “I just fought an [Extreme]".......there’s

no reason to tell her, and she wouldn’t believe him anyways.

No, if it’s Iris, maybe she would believe him?

Yeah, she would believe him.
Iris: “Oh, so there’s big news today!”

Igni: “Big news?”

Igni tilted his head at Iris’ comment.

Iris: “Yes! 'That' Alicia moved into the dorms!”

Alicia: “What? Are you saying that I shouldn’t live there?”

Alicia sat on her broom and smiled.

Even though she went through so much yesterday, she’s her usual self
today.

Igni: “Isn’t that a good thing? Now all four of us can walk to school
together.”

Yoori: “Igni! You’re sharp as ever today!!”

Igni received a compliment from Yoori.

And as they all talk about this and that, they head to the school.

Iris: “Can you believe it, Sir Igni? My parents sent a letter over to me
immediately after the Tournament and was asking if they could meet you!!”

Igni: “What did you tell them?”

Iris: “I told them that they were the WORST for only contacting me after
seeing those results! I told them about how you saved me before, and they
said nothing! Isn’t that crazy?!”

Igni: “Hmmmm…..yeah….”

Iris: “That’s why I hate my dad!”

Iris pouts and puffs her cheeks. She’s cute.

She’s cute, but right now, Igni is being distracted by something completely
different………..!!
Inside Igni’s mind, he can’t help but set his attention on the witch riding on
her broom……!

Yoori: “Are you okay after yesterday, Miss Alicia?”

Alicia: “Thanks for your concern. I got a letter this morning saying that my
sister apologizes and wants to see Igni, and please relay that message to
him.”

Yoori: “Are you going to tell him?” Alicia: “Of course not.”

………….I can hear a pretty intense conversation over there.

But Alicia’s sister is the [Extreme] of [Life].

Igni tilts his head as he couldn’t recall what he did that would prompt her to
want to meet with him.

……...wait, maybe she fell for me?!

This man…he lost his memory from when he started suffering [Magic
Exhaustion] and up until the point where he fainted. He does remember
using his <MAGIC> to corner Celia, but that’s it.

But he did come to the correct conclusion.

This is a classic example of the saying, “Even the blindman will eventually
hit the target if you give him enough bullets.”

Igni: “Hey, Alicia?”

Alicia: “What is it, Igni?”
Igni decided to just ask Alicia directly.

But her response was so ordinary that…

Igni: “.....how’s life in the dorms?”

Alicia: “I love it. I especially like that they serve breakfast.”

Igni’s words were easily brushed away.

Igni: (............is it my misunderstanding?)

ーー[Misunderstanding].

From the beginning of history, many men and women have been eluded by
this one word.

One man misunderstood and thought the woman liked him, and confessed
his love and was rejected.

Another misunderstood and thought the woman had no interest in him, and
he held secretly onto his feelings until he reached his grave.

For those who seek the path of popularity, [misunderstandings] are blood-
sucking pests, the deadly virus, the subtle miscalculation in a beautiful
equation……

Something that absolutely must be removed……..!!

……….and of course, this is not something those who seek to master the art
of popularity can readily ignore……….!
Igni: (..........oh!)

At that moment, images of the past flashed into Igni’s mind.

<<<<>>>>

[Oye, Igni. So you’ll be going to school from now on.]

[I have no problem with that. You’re the one who taught me that
Adventurers don’t have fateful encounters.]

[I’m sure that you will follow the Ultimate Secrets of Popularity rules and
will be able to indulge yourself with many women.]

[.................!]

Hope ignites in Igni’s eyes.

For 2 years, he scraped at the bottom of Hell, and now his efforts will come
to fruition.
[That is why, Igni. There is something I must tell you.”

[Something….you must tell me…….?]

Before Igni is an [Extreme].

He is the representation of the heights man can achieve. Igni waited

patiently for Lucas’ next words.

[Listen to me. I’ve made this mistake countless times and was resented for
it……….]

[Resented…….?!”

[Oye, Igni. To be popular...is to entice women with your charm. Once they
fall for you, you cannot just cut them off there and say, “That is the
end”.......! No, it’s actually the opposite!!]

[The opposite…….?!]
[To be popular…...! It means that any woman who falls in love with you,
you must <CONTINUE TO MAKE THEM FALL IN LOVE WITH
YOU>...........!!”

[.....................!!]

At that moment, Igni wanted to punch himself in the face for being so
naïve.

[Listen. Listen to me, Igni. You are now a student. You are also young. You
will meet many women, and you may have enjoyable moments with them.]

[*Enjoyable moments…….!!]

[But….even so, Igni! Just because you were intimate once with a
woman…..a man who suddenly thinks of himself as her
boyfriend………...he will inevitably be rejected!!]

[Whー......! WHーWHAT?!?!]
<SLAP!!>

[WHー?! WHY DID YOU SLAP ME?! WHAT DID I SAY THIS
TIME?!?!]

[I CAN READ THOSE NAIVE THOUGHTS OOZING OUT OF YOUR

NEANDERTHAL BRAIN!! IGNI, JUST NOW...YOU THOUGHT THAT
DOING THOSE ENJOYABLE THINGS WITH WOMEN WAS THE
GOAL, DIDN’T YOU!!!”

[.......................!!]

[NO!! NO, IGNI!! DO NOT MAKE THAT MISTAKE!! DO NOT MAKE

THAT YOUR END GOAL!! NO…...THAT IS ACTUALLY YOUR
STARTING POINT!! ……….IF YOU DO NOT CHANGE THAT WAY
OF THINKING……...YOU WILL BE
ULTIMATELY………..REJECTED………..!!!!!!!!!!]

[...........WHー?! WHAーーT?!?!?]

[SUDDENLY ACTING LIKE HER BOYFRIEND…….! FROM HER

PERSPECTIVE, YOU’RE JUST A FOOL WHO
MISUNDERSTOOD……….!! HOW EMBARRASSING……..!! YOU
MUST BE ABLE TO READ THE DISTANCE…..IGNI!!!”
[OーOkay, I understand, Grandpa]

[Well, I’m sure you only understood about half of what I said, but one of
these days, you’ll understand what I mean.]

With that, Lucas gleamed a wild, manly smile at Igni.

<<<<>>>>

Is it this……..?!

Is this what Grandpa was talking about……..?!

That was close……! From just one kiss…….!

I misunderstood her feelings because of a kiss to the cheek and thought she
liked me…...how embarrassing….!

A lifelong shame……!

But this is just the beginning…….!!

The path to popularity is a path of barbs and thorns……!!

Iris: “Sir Igni, are you okay?”

Igni: “Hm?”

Iris: “It’s just….you looked like you were deep in thought.”

Igni: “Yeah, I’m fine………..I just needed to remind myself that I still need
to work even harder from now on.”

Iris: “What?! Already?! You truly are something special, Sir Igni! It’s just
the day after you won the Tournament!!”

Yoori: “Igni, I really do admire that stoic personality of yours.”

Igni: “Thanks.”

Igni couldn’t hide his self-satisfied smile flooding over his face.
And this would be very typical, but no one noticed the slight blush that
appeared on Alicia’s face as she peered at Igni.

Elenoir: “Hey, Igni～”

Igni: “Yes, Ms. Elenoir?’

This was during the lunch break. Igni was with his usual friends eating
lunch together when Elina and Erumi barged in on the group, and Alicia
and Iris were making a big fuss. That’s when Ms. Elenoir called him over,
and they were speaking in a meeting room.

Elenoir: “It’s about this～”

With that Ms. Elenoir pulls out one piece of paper.

Igni: “What’s this?”

There was a piece of paper with his name, age, and other information
written down.
Elenoir: “We got an Official Quest Request for you～”

Igni: “A Quest? You mean, the same thing the 3rd Years are doing?”

Elenoir: “Yu～p. But because you won the [Tournament], someone directly
requested for you～”

Igni: “They requested for me? So…..they requested me directly by name?”

Elenoir: “You’re exactly right～ Gold star for you～”

Igni: “How long will this take?” Elenoir: “It will start about one week from
now, and might take…...about a week?”

Igni: “1 full week. That’s a long time. What would I do about my classes?”
Elenoir: “You’ll have official leave～ And depending on the contents of the
Quest, you’ll receive additional credit for courses～”

Igni: “What kind of Quest is this?”

Elenoir: “It’s a request to transport a [Weapon]～ You’re being asked to
protect an Elves’[Weapon] through the Kingdom all the way to the
Principality.”

Igni: “Principality…..oh, you mean the Lilitalia Principality. It’s right below
the Holy Nation of Santaruman.”

Elenoir: “That’s right～”

Igni thinks about this.

He doesn’t have any problems with taking on this Quest.

But will this Quest help him become more popular? That was his only
concern.

Elenoir: “If you don’t want to, you don’t have to accept～ You see, the
Elves dislike humans so～ Stuff like this rarely happens～”

Igni: “They dislike humans……..”

It’s true that Igni has heard several rumors that Elves in general disliked
humans.

Igni: “But what about Ms. Mira then?”

Elenoir: “She’s special～”

Igni couldn’t argue with that.

Elenoir: “To be honest～ All the teachers are pretty surprised～ No one
thought the Elves would request a Quest from us and on top of that, they
requested a student～”

Igni: “.......hmmmm”

Igni thought some more.

Igni: “Would that mean that I would be the first ever to receive a Quest
from the Elves?”

Elenoir: “Yup～”
Igni: “I’ll do it.”

The allure of being the first caught Igni’s attention.

Elenoir: “Really? Thank you～”

And with that Ms. Elenoir hugged Igni.

Elenoir: “You’re such a good kid～”

Igni: “MーMs. Elenoir?!”

Since Igni won the Tournament, Igni felt the distance between him and Ms.
Elenoir was much closer than before.

Elenoir: “Okay then～ I’ll let them know that you accepted the Quest
～ They also wanted two others to go with you, so I’ll take care of that
part～”

Igni: “It’s okay if I don’t choose?”

Elenoir: “Well～ So you have to get used to performing Quests first～
And then you’ll start selecting your party members～ The most important
thing～ about doing Quests is to make sure you complete the Quest
objectives～ So if you choose students who are not used to Quests～
You’ll find yourself in a difficult situation～ So I’ll help choose people
who will help support you～”

Igni: “I see. If that’s the case, thank you for your help.”

Igni immediately understood what Ms. Elenoir was trying to say.

There were no objections from him.

Elenoir: “So yea～ Do you have anyone who you can’t work with or
don’t get along with～? I’d appreciate it if you let me know now～”

Igni: “Oh, there’s no one like that.”

Elenoir: “Great～ Then I’ll go ahead and make my choices then～”

Igni: “Thank you again.”

Igni bows politely.

Elenoir: “You’ll know in about a week～”

And Igni leaves the meeting room with that.

<<<<>>>>

1 week has passed.

Igni arrived at the school gates 10 minutes before the meeting time.

Iris: “Sir Igni! Over here!!”

And Iris is hopping up and down trying to get his attention.

Igni: “Iris? Why are you here?”

Iris: “Ms. Elenoir asked me to come! She said for me to help you on this
Quest!”

Igni: “So you’ll be supporting me? I’m grateful, Iris.”

Iris’ compatibility is [EARTH] : [S].

She doesn’t have Igni’s firepower, but she’s more geared towards
<supporting him by manipulating the battlefield>.

Igni: (Thinking of it that way, she’ll be a solid member to this party.)

Igni is attack-oriented with supreme firepower and has the ability to
respond to any situation.

Alicia is also a frontline attacker.

Iris is a mid-line supporter.

Yoori is a back-line supporter.

And if a Healer joins the group, they have a well-balanced party.

Iris: “Sir Igni! I’m so happy that my first is with you!”

Igni: “I’m also glad that my first is with you too.”

Iris: “Really?!”

Iris grabs hold of Igni’s arm and holds him tightly.

But it’s a little sad. Iris is a little thin.

But as soon as the word “thin” crosses his mind, simultaneously, a painful
memory erupts in his cheeks.

It was an unforgettable moment 1 year ago….

<<<<>>>>

[Grandpa, I don’t want to be popular with anyone without breasts]

<BAGON!!> (*sfx super heavy impact)

[YーYOU PUNCHED MY FACE?!?!]

As Igni screamed in protest, Lucas’ fists flew at him.

[YOU FOOL!!]

[?!]

[A FOOL OF A FOOL! YOU ARE THE BIGGEST FOOL THERE IS,

IGNI!!]

[Mーme……? I’m a……]

[YOU’RE WORDS ARE THE WORDS OF THE WEAK……!! YOU’RE

JUST A **** HEAD KID WHO DOESN’T EVEN KNOW THE VALUE
OF A FLAT CHEST…….!!]
[Wーwhat’s so good about a flat chest?!?! Having a big chest is so much
better!!]

<SLAP!!>

[Yーyou’re slapping me now…..?!]

[There is no dignity in discriminating by size.”

[...........whーwhat are you….]

[I’ll say it again! THERE IS NO DIGNITY IN DISCRIMINATING BY

SIZE!!!]

[......I, I DON’T GET IT, GRANDPA!!]

<SLAP!!!!>

Lucas slapped Igni so hard that Igni thought his head came off.
[Igni, you are only looking at the breast]

[............?!]

[But is that truly where the value of the woman lies?]

[Thーthat’s…..]

[The value of a woman is not limited to just that, am I right?]

[.........oh….OH………!!]

[Are you looking on the inside? How about her face? Her clothes? Is she
kind?]

[..........OH…...OHHH………!!]

[OYE, IGNI!! OPEN YOUR EYES ALREADY!!!]

[................!]
[LOVE HER!! LOVE HER JUST AS SHE IS!!]

[Grandpa……….Grandpa, I was wrong…….!!]

[I’m glad you understand.]

[But grandpa]

[What is it?]

[I’m more surprised that you gave such solid advice]

[..............................]

<<<<>>>>

Yes, to only love big chests is something only a 2nd rate would do.
NO, A 3RD RATE……….!

You’ll be scraping at the bottom as a man………..!!

What you need to do is love every part of the girl…her whole being….!

You can’t just go around ranking breast sizes………!!

Iris: “Then let’s go, Sir Igni! Ms. Elenoir said she’ll walk with us for part of
the way there!”

As Iris tried to pull Igni away from the school gates, a voice called out from
behind.

“Hey, wait wait!! Don’t leave me behind!!”

Igni: (...............................hm?)

In Igni’s mind, it was just going to be him and Iris, but when he turns
around…
“I’m here too! Don’t forget about me!!”

Igni: “Edward?!”

There stood Edward.

Edward: “Of course it’s me! Don’t worry! I’ll patch you guys up if you
guys get hurt!!”

Igni: “..........hm? Patch us up??”

Edward: “Hm? Of course. I’m a Healer Wizard.”

Igni: “.......oh, ohhhhh yeah. That’s right………”

Igni couldn’t tell him that this is the first time he’s heard.

Edward: “My compatibility is [A] so I can restore lost limbs if it comes

down to it! But don’t overdo it and get hurt, got it?! Do you understand?!”
Iris: “Hey! What are you talking about?! Like Sir Igni would ever get
injured!!”

Edward: “That’s true.”

Iris: “Of course it’s true! Sir Igni is the best!”

Edward: “Yeah, Igni really is something else.”

Igni: “Um, hey guys....that's enough. Let’s just get going……….”

Igni learned of Edward’s skills as a Healer Wizard and was unable to deal
with the shocking realization.

Igni: (........hーhe might……….Edward fits into my party

formation………..?!?!)

And suddenly dread overwhelmed him.

Chapter 38: The Rumor and the Wizard
“Hey! Thanks for coming, Igni!”

Igni: “Sure thing.”

It’s been 5 hours since they got onto the carriage.

Inside a forest far away from the Capital, Igni and his group met with the
Elves.

“My name is Lura. I’m the Captain of the guards for this mission. Well,
there’s only two of us though.”

Lura smiled as she said this.

Her green hair almost melted into the background.

Igni: “It’s nice to meet you.”

Igni bows his head politely.
Lura: “I watched your fight at the Tournament! I was so moved!!”

Igni: “Thank you so much.”

Igni puts on a warm smile.

But also dances excitedly inside his mind.

Lura: “I can’t believe you can do so many things with just {FIREBALL}!”

Igni: “It was the result of a lot of effort.”

Lura: “That’s still amazing! That’s the first time I was so moved by another
person’s Spell!!”

Igni: “Really?!”
Igni’s ears prick up to the words, “First Time.”

It’s a guy thing.

Lura: “Yes, really! It’s only until we get through the Kingdom, but thank
you for your help!”
Igni: “Yes, no problem.”
Iris: “Um…...is there anything that we should be doing?”

Iris asks as she hides behind Igni.

Lura: “Yes! Great question! I need you to protect the carriage!”

The carriage she is referring to is a carriage that has been next to Igni and
his friends this entire time.

It looks more like a carriage for a noble than something that is transporting
any goods.

Igni: “I understand. Please leave it to us.”

Igni offered his hand for a handshake.

And Lura obliges and shakes his hand.

“Captain Lura, are we really going to rely on these humans?”
But as they were shaking hands, a voice comes up from behind Lura.

Lura: “What are you saying? We already decided on this! And you saw
Igni’s amazing Spells too!!”

“Yeah, I saw it, but he’s <ONLY> used {FIREBALL} the entire time!”

Apparently, the other Elf wanted to bring up her complaints.

Lura shrugs her shoulders.

Lura: “Have you ever heard of any Wizard who beat an Epic-Scale Spell
with a {FIREBALL}?”

“That’s…….”
Lura: “That’s the point! And it’s only until we reach the borders to the
Principality. C’mon, please get along with them just until then, Lilly.”
Igni looks at the girl called Lilly, and she immediately looks away with a
“hmph!”

Igni: (.....a *tsundere?”)

And Igni was clueless and himself as always.

Lura: “Then let’s get going!”

With Lura’s shout, the carriage began to move.

With Lura and Lilly joining Igni’s party, they set off.

<<<<>>>>

Lura: “Wait, you can only use {FIREBALL}?!”

Igni: “Yes, I was born that way. My compatibility is really low and…”

Lura: “Wo～w! Then you’re kind of like a [Ultimate Specialized

Spellcaster • Spell One]!!”

At that moment, lightning struck Igni’s mind.

………..she……….she understands……………..?!

Igni: “IーI’m actually an [Ultimate Specialized Spellcaster • Spell One]!!”

And Igni immediately jumps on her words and…

Lura: “Is that true?! That’s amazing!! Now I understand why you’re able to
cast that {FIREBALL}!!”

Iris: “Sir Igni, what are you talking about?”

They were walking down the road together and talking, and Iris jumps in
with her question.

The carriage noisily clonked down the rocky path, and it was a little
difficult to hear so Igni raised his voice for Iris.

Igni: “We’re talking about my compatibility.”

Lura: “Amazing! They actually existed! The [Ultimate Specialized
Spellcaster • Spell One!!]”
Igni: “.........are they famous?”

The term [Ultimate Specialized Spellcaster • Spell One] was only used by
Lucas, so Yuto was happy that Lura knew about it, but at the same time, felt
a little disappointed at the fact as well.

This man....he just wanted to feel extra special.

Lura: “Hmmmmmmm….I guess it’s not that famous. It’s just a rumor. The
very first [Extreme] was a [Ultimate Specialized Spellcaster • Spell One]
apparently. Well, that’s just an unconfirmed rumor, so I don’t know if it’s
true or not.”
Igni: “The very first [Extreme]? Wouldn’t that be the [Hero]?”

The [Hero] died 90 years ago.

After defeating the Demon King, they say that the [Hero] spent the rest of
his days rebuilding humanity and died being surrounded by his children and
grandchildren.

When he defeated the worst crisis to ever befall on humanity, the Demon
King, it is said that he was the first to ever use <MAGIC>.
Hence, why he is the first [Extreme].

Lura: “Yup yup! But it’s just a rumor at this point!”

Igni: “But wasn’t the [Hero] a genius Wizard said to have compatibility
with all Magic Traits?”

Lura: “That’s how his story was written. That’s why it’s only rumors.”

Lura laughs after Igni’s question.

Igni: (I see. It’s just rumors huh.)

………...rumors.

<<<<>>>>

[GRANDPA!]
[What?]

[Is that rumor true that you charmed and played with 5 daughters of a
famous noble’s family all at once, and then got tired of them and threw the
problem at father?!]

[Who did you hear that from, that rumor?]

[The servants in the house were talking about it!]

[Oye, Igni. I’m going to tell you something very important, so listen well.”
[What?]

[A man should always take care of any problems that he creates with his
own hands. He can borrow some help from others, but ultimately, he should
never completely abandon the problem itself.]

[I see………!]

[So of course, I took care of it myself.]

[Thーthen…..!]

[It’s true that I got involved with 5 daughters from a noble.]

[Wーwhoa….]

[And the scars I showed you from my “Shuraba” was made during that
time.”

[Grandpa…….really…….what are you doing?]

<<<<>>>>

Igni: (So rumors are just that. Rumors. Yup.)

Iris: “Oh, if you’re talking about rumors, you have a lot of rumors too, Sir
Igni!”

Lura: “Oooohhhh...like what kind of rumors? Please tell me too.”

Lura seems to be more interested in Igni’s rumors than Igni himself.

Iris: “Um, well. There’s a lot! Like Sir Igni is the son of a noble, and I’m
your servant! Like rumors that we’re going out! And Sir Igni enjoys forcing
girls to address him as *'Sir'! LIke that.”

Igni: (Wait, there’s rumors like that going around?!)

Igni: (Is that why there’s no girls coming to me?!)

Iris: “There’s others like he’s going out with Alicia, going out with Erumi,
and going out with Elina! Can you believe that?! None of that can be true!!
And every time a new rumor starts, Edward calls them out on it!”

Igni: “Oh, really?! Edward did?!”

Edward was caught off guard being pulled into the conversation all of a
sudden, and answered a little clumsily.
Edward: “Oh, uh, yeah. I know Iris likes to hang around Igni, and I know
Igni’s not the kind to force anyone to call him ‘sir’, so it annoyed me to
hear these false accusations towards someone I know. ……..hey, it wasn’t
for your sake! It would tarnish the ways of Nobles if I didn’t speak up!
That’s all!!”

Igni: “Thanks so much, Edward.”

Edward: “HMPH!!”

Edward hurumphs and scowls at Igni.

Edward is also Edward as always.

But a sound like a door latch comes out from the carriage as Edward spoke.
Episode 74 To the Duke of Holomel’s Domain
“I’ll take care of it.”
“You’d better do it right, because if you win over
the Duke of Holomel but I don’t get the votes of
the other two dukes, we’re screwed.”
“I know, I’ll take care of that.”
I won the battle as a defense attorney and headed
to the Duke of Holomel’s territory with a good
feeling – after the battle, Mikage said he was
afraid of the punishment for losing, but
Linnecarlo told me that even in this country,
Highlanders and Half-Raiders are valuable
human resources, and no matter how mad
Mushym is he will not give them a big
punishment! I was relieved.
We were led to the Duke of Holomel’s domain by
Arthur, who was very unhappy.
“Here Arthur, your food is ready, don’t be so
depressed, come and eat with us.”
“”I’m good……I have no appetite…….”
“You’re a completely different person when
you’re around Linnecarlo…….”
“I can’t do anything without master
Linnecarlo……Just leave me alone.”
“Don’t be a baby! Who’s this mission for? Is it for
us? No, it’s for your precious Linnecarlo! Get a
grip! Do your job and get Linnecarlo’s praise!”
When Jean grabbed Arthur’s collar and shook it,
Arthur’s eyes changed color as he said
enthusiastically.
“I see, if I complete this mission properly, Master
Linnecarlo will praise me….Yes, she’s going to
make me her personal knight.”
He’s a simple guy……
“So, what’s the deal with you and Linnecarlo?”
“Bohuh hah hah hah hah hah hah hah hah hah
hah hah hah hah hah hah……mmm……me and
Master Linnecarlo have a strong bond.”
Arthur replied as he swallowed his food in a panic
when Jean suddenly asked him that.
“No, that’s not the point. What’s your official
position?”
“I’m an apprentice knight, the second son of
Count Rickremer.”
“Apprentice knight? That means you’re half a
knight.”
“How rude! I was the top student at the knight
academy, even though I look like this, and if I
entered the civil service, I would have been a
knight in no time.”
“How come you’re not even a knight yet?”
“It can’t be helped, Master Linnecarlo doesn’t
approve.”
“So a soon-to-be knight in shining armor is
wandering around with royalty.”
“No! I’m not obsessed with the royal family! I
want to be with Master Linnecarlo!”
“What’s so great about that insane princess, she’s
just a naive person with a high Ludia value and a
lot of pride.”
“Don’t you understand that lovely beauty, that
purity of heart and modesty?”
“No, I don’t! And I’m pretty sure there’s no such
thing as modesty.”
“”Hmph, you’re a very blind man.”
“I think Linnecarlo is actually a nice and kind
girl, even if she is a bit competitive…….”
When I said that, Arthur happily agreed.
“Yes, Master Linnecarlo is very kind, sometimes
she shares her extra sweets with me, and
sometimes she gives me books that she no longer
needs.”
I’m not talking about that kind of kindness…….
It took us about two days to reach our destination,
the Duke of Hormel’s domain. By that time,
Arthur had become quite familiar with us, and he
and Farma in particular seemed to be on the same
page, and they often talked about magicrafts
together.
“I think the strongest magicraft is Yuto’s Arleo.”
“I admit that Arleo is a great specimen, but
Linnecarlo’s Odin is no slouch when it comes to
attack power!”
“Yes, but in terms of overall strength, he can’t
beat Arleo.”
“No, Master Linnecarlo……”
It’s still the same story about magicrafts, and
before we know it, it’s all about Master
Linnecarlo, but I think it’s good that Arthur is
opening up.
“What about my Arleo?”
“I’ve been a little curious about the performance
of Arleo for a while now, so I decided to talk to
him about it.”
“To be honest, I’m not sure about Yuta’s
Arleo…….As Liza said, if you just look at the
specs, it looks like an ordinary magicraft……”
“It’s hard to understand how that magicraft could
have beaten master Linnecarlo……or even draw
with her.”
“What determines the performance of a magicraft
in the first place?”
“I’d say it’s the Ludia core first, then the
elemental line, the inborn, the exoskeleton, well,
90% of the time it’s the Ludia core.”
“I don’t understand what a Ludia core is.”
“To tell you the truth, no one knows anything
about it, it’s a mysterious component that we
don’t know anything about in terms of structure
or principle, we just know how to use it.”
“It’s like a battery that works even if you don’t
understand the principle……”
“The parts of the magicrafts other than the Ludia
core can be repaired with today’s technology, but
once the Ludia core is destroyed, it can never be
put back together again, so if the Ludia core is
destroyed, it means the death of the magicraft……
Well, in most cases, the magicraft itself will be
disabled before the Ludia core is destroyed.”
It is true that magicrafts seem to be surprisingly
fragile, because just blowing off their heads will
cause them to stop working.
This ch was sponsored by squish and an
annonimous supporter. Thank you both for your
generosity!
I still couldn’t accept the fact that Emina was
dead…….Back in the imperial capital, I spent
many days locked in my room, doing nothing.
“Iron Knights……”
I mention the name of the mercenary group that I
heard from the head of the Beast King mercenary
group…… I made a report to the army, and there
was no information at all, as if they were an
unknown mercenary group.
It seems that the army, which believes that they
have already avenged Emina by destroying the
Beast King mercenary group, will not move, but I
will never forget. I had made up my mind that I
would definitely hunt down the Iron Knights even
if I have to do it alone.
Mr. Eo came to see me one day and said, “Mr.
Yuki, His Majesty the Emperor wants to see you.”
I wondered if he would be angry with me for
staying in my room forever…….With that worry
in mind, I headed for the audience room.
“Dear Ms. Yuki, you asked for information on a
friend of yours who was sold to a slave
trader……”
Mr. Eo talked to me on the way to the audience
room.
“You’ve found Yuta?”
“No……we haven’t found him yet, but we’re
starting to get some leads…….”
“Where is he?”
“It seems that your friend, who ran away from the
slavers, worked for a while on a slave trading
ship, then entered a small country called
Ludawan, and had some trouble with the
Ludawan army.”
“Trouble with the army…….I hope he’s okay!”
“That’s still unknown…….We’re sending special
forces to Ludawan right now to gather
information, so please be patient.”
Oh……Yuta……if you were with me right
now……this sad feeling would be healed a little. I
wish I had you by my side right now…….
“I heard you’ve been in a bit of a slump lately
with what happened to Emina, have you calmed
down a bit?”
The emperor doesn’t seem to be angry, and he
said so gently.
“To be honest, I can’t say I’m back on my feet yet,
but I think I’ve regained some composure.”
“It’s not a big task, but I found some interesting
information in the old archives…….It says that
there is a shrine of the legendary Great Sage deep
in the forest of Diable. I’m thinking of sending a
survey team to find out the truth behind it.”
“The Legendary Great Sage……”
“Yes, the great sage Rafishal, who, truth be told,
was the first person to build a magicraft.”
“I’m sure you’re having bad thoughts when
you’re stuck in your room, can you join the survey
team?”
“Yes, that would be a good idea.”
“I’ll leave the arrangements to Eo and he’ll tell
you the rest.”
“Thank you for your kindness.”
With that, I left the audience chamber.
“Thank you for participating in the search for the
Great Sage’s shrine, Miss Yuki.”
“No, it’s just a change of pace…….Anyway, have
you decided on the members of the survey team
yet?”
“Yes, we have three scholars, twelve riders, twenty
mechanics, and about fifty guards already in
place.”
“It’s bigger than I expected.”
“Diable is a scary place with a lot of scary legends,
so a small survey team would be too scared to go
there.”
“What scary legends?”
“It is said that in the past, it was a place where
giant beasts lived, and they ran rampant in herds
of thousands or tens of thousands. Giant beasts
are said to be extinct now, so I don’t think there
are any that survived.”
I couldn’t imagine what a giant beast would be
like, but I figured that with my magicraft, I
wouldn’t have to fear any enemy.
The riders of the survey team consisted of ten
Highlanders, two double Highlanders and an elite
group. Including me, the force was more than
thirteen Highlanders, enough to subdue any small
country, according to Eo.
“Yuki the Triple Highlander, I’m Mary, my home
country is the United States, and you’re from
Japan like Yuto.”
“Oh, yes.”
Well, not just the Japanese people transported in
this world.
“Hey, hey, hey, don’t just get along with other
Earthlings, I’m Enrique, nice to meet you, Yuki.”
“Nice to meet you too.”
At the meeting of the survey team, the two double
Highlanders spoke to me in a friendly manner, but
the ten Highlander riders only greeted me stiffly
and did not seem to open up to me. There seems to
be a huge difference in status between
Highlanders and Double Highlanders in
Elysia…….I’ve heard that there are hundreds of
Highlanders compared to only a few dozen Double
Highlanders, and I wonder if that difference in
numbers is what is making them so different…….
The Duke of Holomel’s residence was a gorgeous,
opulent mansion…
“So, Princess Linnecarlo sent you…….What can I
do for you?”
The Duke of Holomel had the appearance of a
great nobleman. He had a round, fat body, a long
beard, and narrow, sharp eyes…..He didn’t look
very friendly, even though he was smiling.
“I have a secret letter from Princess Linnecarlo,
please take a look at it.”
Arthur handed over the letter he had received
from Linnecarlo.
I’ve heard about the vote on the succession to the
throne, but I’ve never heard of……me voting for
Yudin…….In exchange, you’ll have to defeat the
brigands that are running rampant in my
territory……Hahahahaha, funny, really funny
proposal, the best deal a poor princess with no
money could come up with.”
Arthur looks disgusted by those words…He was
about to grab the duke, but Alana caught him by
the scruff of the neck and restrained him.
“Fine, sure, if one vote can wipe out those
bastards, it’s a win-win, I’ll take the offer.”
As planned, the Duke of Holomel came on board
with Linnecarlo’s proposal, and now all that was
left to do was to defeat the bandits.
“All right, the fish is on the hook, we just need to
pull it out.”
“So let’s split up and find out more about the
thieves. Me and Yuta, Jean and Emina, Arthur
and Farma, Lorgo and Nanami.”
“Hey, why is it Alana and Yuta, can’t it be
Nanami and Yuta?”
“Yes, Alana, that combination is unbalanced, what
kind of information’s are Lorgo and Nanami
going to obtain.”
“Hey, Jean, you sound like you don’t think
Nanami and Lorgo can do anything.”
“No, I meant gathering information. I didn’t say
they couldn’t do anything.”
Nanami wasn’t the only one who wasn’t satisfied
with the combination that Alana had come up
with, so we decided to be fair and use the lottery
to decide. In order to avoid any danger in a
strange place, it was decided that Alana, Emina,
and Arthur, who had self-defense skills, and Jean,
who could avoid danger with his mouth, would be
split up and the pair would be decided by lottery.
And so it was decided…
Alana and Nanami, Emina and me, Arthur and
Farma, Jean and Lorgo.
“Then we’ll meet at this square in the evening.”
I nodded at Alana’s words and we headed off in
different directions to gather information.
“Emina, how are you getting used to being in the
Iron Knights?”
“Well, I guess I’ve gotten used to it……”
“Speaking of which, do you have any hobbies,
Emina?”
“Hobbies? You’re not interested in my hobbies.
You don’t have to force me to talk about them.”
“No, it’s not that I’m forcing you, but we’re
friends and we should get to know each other a
little better.”
“”Yeah……well, you’re the leader of the Iron
Knights, so it’s not surprising that you’d think
that……. My hobby is shopping; I like to look
around for clothes and accessories.”
“Oh, really? Well, let’s do a little shopping now,
shall we?”
“What are you talking about? We have to gather
information about the thieves.”
“Yes, but we can gather information while we
shop.”
“Yeah, but……I owe you guys a lot of money.”
“Oh, right, well, if it’s not too expensive, I’ll buy it
for you.”
“Wait, wait, are you trying to get a piece of me or
something?”
“You know……well, I think Emina is beautiful,
but I have a girl I love.”
“Who is it, maybe Alana or……”
“No, I like Alana, but that’s not the point.”
“Then who is it, maybe Nanami? I don’t think
that’s a good idea!”
“No, we’re separated now…….I don’t even know
where she is…..I haven’t told her I love her
properly, so I don’t think she thinks about
me…….”
That’s right……I’m just a classmate to Yuki
Shirayuki…….I wonder what would have
happened if I had confessed to her on the last day
of the school trip…..
“I’m sure you’ll be able to find her
someday…..and then you can confess your feelings
to her then.”
Emina said softly, probably worried that I looked
a little sad.
“Then, feel free to let me shop with your money,
come on, let’s go.”
Emina’s expression brightened, but I was a little
worried about the contents of my wallet.
“Hey, I’d like to ask you about the bandits that
have been tearing up the area lately…….”
I spoke to the wives who were whispering in small
voices around the living well water, but for some
reason they didn’t answer me and went away in
disarray…….By the time I got here, I had
encountered similar scenes many times and had
yet to get any information.
“It’s funny, we’re supposed to be having trouble
with the bandits, but all the citizens are
uncooperative…….That reaction makes me think
they know something but don’t want to talk about
it.”
I guess, as Emina said, they don’t want us to find
the bandits, on the contrary, I get the vibe that
they don’t think well of us.
“Hey, you want to hear about the bandits?”
The ones who called out to me were a group of
three people who looked like they belonged in a
bad neighborhood.
“Yes, but do you have any information?”
“Oh……I’ll tell you a good story, I just can’t talk
about it here, so come with me to that back alley.”
“Yuta, don’t you think these guys are a little
suspicious?”
Emina warned in a small voice.
“Sure, they’re suspicious, but if we keep going like
this, we’re not going to get any information…….”
“All right, well, listen to me, but be on your
guard.”
I told Emina that I understood and headed into
the back alley with the three of them.
When they came to the alleyway, the attitude of
the three men suddenly changed.
“Hey! It looks like you’re doing some research on
the bandits, don’t do anything unnecessary!”
All three of them have knives…
“Does that mean you’re acquainted with the
bandits or something?”
Emina, who had quickly stepped in front of me,
put her hand on the hilt of the sword at her waist
and asked.
“That……doesn’t matter! If you don’t do what I
say, I’ll hurt you.”
The moment the man said that, Emina pulled out
her sword and in a split second, she had flicked
the three knives away – as expected of an ex-
soldier.
“Damn……how dare you!”
“Just answer the question, are you with the
bandits?”
“I’m not a bandit, but I am indebted to them!
They share the money and food they take from the
lords, and we need them more than the evil lords
who torture us with high taxes!”
Well, it seems that the bandits are sharing the
money and food they took with the people, and
they seem to be much more popular with the
citizens than that evil-looking lord.
“You can’t just take something from someone for
any reason, just tell me what you know!”
With a sword at his throat, the man shakily
replies.
“Oh……we don’t know anything……because the
bandits come without warning, hand out money
and food, and then go away.”
“You don’t even know where they come from?”
“I don’t know! Rumor has it that there’s a hideout
up on Mount Dena.”
“Hey! What the hell are you saying?”
“I don’t have a choice! I’m scared of her eyes.”
“Do you have any other information? For
example, tell me how many members there are,
how many magicrafts they own, and anything else
you know!”
“I really don’t know anything about this, give me
a break!”
“Emina, they really don’t seem to know, so we’ll
just leave it at that.”
When I said that, Emina put her sword away. It
was almost evening, so we decided to leave the
guys alone and head back to the meeting place.
Arthur and Farma were already back at the
rendezvous point, so I quickly asked what they
found.
“How did it go, Arthur? Did you get any
information?”
“Well, I did a lot of canvassing, but for some
reason the people didn’t want to talk about the
bandits, so I got nothing.”
“We’re in the same situation, and we haven’t
gotten any information, so hopefully Alana or
Jean will come back with some information’s.”
As I said this, Alana came back with a sullen look
on her face.
“Alana, how did it go?”
“It doesn’t help that the people in this town don’t
talk at all when it comes to the bandits, in fact
they treat us like we’re the bad guys for trying to
find them.”
“I guess we are.”
“I suppose we can’t expect much from Jean,
either.”
“Oh, what can’t you expect from me?”
Jean and Lorgo appear.
“Jean, how’d it go?”
“I’ve got it all, the location of their hideout, the
numbers of the bandits and even their leader.”
Both Alana and Emina were surprised by his
response.
“How did you get so much information?”
When I asked, Jean pointed his thumb at Lorgo
and said, “I used this guy.”
“Lorgo, what did you do?”
“I was just standing there……cracking my
knuckles when Jean told me to……I didn’t do
anything.”
I imagine Lorgo silently cracking his
knuckles…….Those of us who know Lorgo might
not think anything of it, but those who don’t know
him might be terrified of what a big man with the
appearance of a bear might do to him. I knew……
Jean was going to pull through.
Once we got the information, we went back to the
ride carrier to discuss our tactics.
“It seems the leader of the bandits is a man called
Lion King.”
“Lion King? Why do they call him that?”
I asked Jean.
“They say he always wears a lion mask to hide his
face. I can think of several reasons why he hides
his face, but I can guess why someone who does
something bad would hide his face.”
“What’s the reason?”
“Well, it’s possible that he has a big scar or burn
on his face that he doesn’t want people to see, but
it’s more likely that he doesn’t want anyone to
know what he looks like.”
“Isn’t it normal not to want people to know your
face when you’re doing something bad?”
“Do you think the average thug has the common
sense to not want his face to be known? My guess
is that the leader of the bandits is someone famous
in this country, or at least someone that everyone
knows if you mention his name.”
“Yeah! Wouldn’t that be a huge problem?”
“Yeah, it’s a big problem, that’s why he’s hiding
his face.”
Jean is amazing sometimes. I don’t know how you
can predict so much with so little information……
Jean had even grasped the spots where the bandits
would appear and the exact location of their
hideout.
“The cave in the middle of Mount Dena is their
hideout, I heard that they have about thirty
magicrafts, so you guys should be able to win
easily.”
“How could you get that kind of information from
people in this town?”
Alana said to Jean with admiration.
“They were so scared of Lorgo that they couldn’t
give me a straight answer.”
“How did you get the information then?”
Alana asked suspiciously.
“I’ve collected a lot of small pieces of information,
scrutinized the inconsistencies and uncertainties,
and turned them into one solid piece of
information.”
“Ugh……Jean, tell me something I can
understand.”
“The owner of the field told me that he would give
me all the fruit from one of the trees, but only one
of the four trees would bear good fruit. He wanted
me to ask the workers in the field to find out
which tree produced the best fruit, but the
workers were told not to tell me which tree
produced the best fruit. So I decided to ask each
of them a small question, one to tell me the height
of the good fruit tree, one to tell me the color of
the leaves of the good fruit tree, and one to tell me
the color of the leaves of the good fruit
tree…….Putting all this information together, I
can figure out which is the good fruit tree. That’s
what I mean.”
“I see, so they’re not comfortable spilling out the
details, but comfortable with sharing a little
information.”
Alana seemed to understand.
“Now that we know where they’re hiding, it’ll be
quicker. Let’s storm that place and round them
up.”
When I said that, everyone nodded in agreement.
Mt. Dena was a few hours away by ride carrier
from the town where we had gathered
information. Jean would take care of the
transportation, and we riders would take a rest in
the meantime.
“We’re about to reach Mount Dena.”
“Jean, shouldn’t the ride carrier wait around
here?”
“Yeah, they’re probably already on guard.”
We decided to hide the ride carrier in the forest at
the foot of Mount Dena and from there we would
advance quietly with the magicrafts.
The five of us who were going out were me, Alana,
Nanami, Emina, and Arthur, while Lorgo and
Farma were to stay behind as escorts for the ride
carrier, just in case.
“Yuta, stop.”
In a canyon about 10 minutes from the ride
carriage, Alana suddenly said – I panicked and
stopped Arleo’s steps.
“What’s up, Alana?”
“Look over there…….There are magicraft
sentries.”
When I looked closely, I could see the figures of
two magicrafts on the cliffs a few hundred meters
away.
“Sentries….”
“Should we just get rid of them?”
“No, they’ll notice if we’re not careful, and it’s
better if they don’t notice us yet if we want to
catch them all.”
“I’ll do it, wait here.”
Emina said and approached the sentry’s
magicrafts with Artemis.
With a buzzing sound, Artemis’ figure assimilated
into the surrounding landscape – at a quick
glance, it was impossible to tell where Emina was.
“Artemis’s ability to camouflage it’s awesome.”
As I watched, one of the guards’ magicrafts
suddenly fell to its knees and collapsed. The other
guard noticed this and approached the fallen
magicraft, but as soon as he did that he felt his
body stiffen and he collapsed as well.
When Artemis’s camouflage was deactivated she
appeared on the cliff and waved at us. Seeing this,
we began to move forward with caution.
As Emina moved further from the cliff where she
had defeated the sentries, toward the middle of
Mount Dena, she saw another sentry’s magicraft.
“Looks like that’s where the bandits are holed
up.”
Magicrafts are standing guard over the entrance
to the cave, the hideout is probably there as Alana
said.
“Two guards, Emina, can you do it again?”
“Copy that. I’m on it.”
With that, Artemis activated her camouflage and
blended in with the scenery around her.
“We’ll go in after Emina takes out the guards.”
“Are you sure you want to be found now?”
“I can see glimpses of infantry, so there’s probably
a limit to how much we can hide, and if they’re
going to find us anyway, it’s better to subdue them
all at once.”
Indeed, it’s impossible to take out all the infantry
without being detected.
In the same way as before, one of the guard’s
magicrafts collapsed – the moment the other
guard looked at the fallen magicrafts its head was
blown off. Artemis appeared, pointing the bow
gun attached to her left arm at the magicrafts
whose head was destroyed.
“Okay, let’s go! Ignore the infantry and prioritize
destroying the magicrafts!”
We entered the cave in the order of me, Nanami,
Alana, Arthur, and Emina, as the entrance
allowed only one magicraft to enter at once. The
cave turned out to be a large space, with a lot of
cargo in it, and a few magicrafts.
The bandits were running away, making a lot of
noise, and the magicrafts came out with weapons
to intercept us.
“Alana and Emina, you take the right magic side,
Nanami and Arthur, you take the left side, and I’ll
deal with the middle.”
We scattered in three directions and began to
attack the enemy’s magicrafts.
I hit the body of the magicraft that attacked me
with a long spear with my tonfa and crushed it,
then I kicked the approaching magicraft with a
two-handed sword and took it out of action.
I twisted my body to avoid the attack of a large
axe that rammed into me from the front, then I
crushed his legs and head rendering him unable to
move.
Enemy magicrafts attacked from both sides at the
same time, turning my body and swinging the
tonfas, I destroyed their heads almost
simultaneously.
I took out all the nearby enemies and looked
around, it seems that Alana and the others have
already taken out their opponents. It would have
been impossible to escape from the cave, which
had been conquered within minutes.
“Who are you? The Duke of Holomel’s private
army?”
While shouting this through the external speaker,
a lion-like creature appeared. It was a white
magicraft with a head that looked like a…
“No, we’re mercenaries.”
I replied.
“So, you’ve been hired by the Duke of Hormel?”
“Not exactly hired. We came to take you down in
an exchange.”
“In exchange……if you weren’t hired, that means
there’s still room for negotiation, how about we
just talk, no loss to you…….”
“I’m not going to negotiate with a bandit, you
should just surrender.”
Alana retorted to the bandit’s suggestion
immediately.
“Hmm, sorry, but I can’t let you catch me, so if
you’re not willing to negotiate, I’ll fight you to the
death.”
As he said this, the lion’s magicraft held its sword
and adopted a fighting stance.
“Alana, wait a minute, let’s just talk to him, we
can catch him afterwards.”
I was curious about what he had to say because I
had a feeling that he wasn’t a normal bandit from
what I heard about his reputation in town. When I
said that, the lion’s magic machine relaxed its
fighting stance.
“It’s not the kind of thing you want to talk about
in a magicraft, so if you don’t mind, I’d like to
come down and talk to you.”
“Fine, but it’s just me and one other person
getting off, I don’t want anything to happen to us,
so I’m going to ask the rest of you to stay in your
magicrafts.”
“That’s fine, I’ll have my men move back as well.”
The figure that came down from the lion’s
magicraft was wearing a lion’s mask, just as Jean
had informed us. After confirming that the other
party got off his magicraft and that the bandits
were backing away from the area, Alana and I got
off as well to listen to what he had to say.
“First of all, let me say thank you. Thank you for
giving me the opportunity to make my point.”
“That’s very polite of you to say to someone who
destroyed most of the magicrafts on your side.”
Alana’s sarcastic words did not anger the lion
mask, instead he remained calm and collected.
“What I have to say it’s more important than a
few magicrafts.”
“Why are you talking to us mercenaries about
something so important?”
“If I don’t, you’ll capture me, because I’ve seen
the battle and I don’t think I’m a match for you.”
“Oh, I see, you tricked us.”
“I’m sorry, but I had to do it.”
He seemed to be smiling a little at this point,
though I couldn’t see the expression on the face of
the man in the lion mask.
The leader of the bandits, known as the Lion
King, began to speak…
The story of the Lion King goes like this: once
upon a time, this area was a small country called
the Kingdom of Stogar, but 20 years ago, the king
was killed and the young and beautiful queen was
taken hostage by the young and ambitious Duke
Holomel of Meltaria, who wanted to expand his
own territory.
Eventually, the queen responded to the frantic
proposal of Duke Caron of Meltaria, who fell in
love with her beauty, and she became his wife and
bore him two children…….However, a few years
ago, she fell ill and died.
“Interesting story, but what does this have to do
with us?”
In response to Alana’s question, the Lion King
continued his story.
“The queen was loved by the people of Stogar, and
this did not change even after the country
disappeared and she became the wife of a
nobleman from another country…….The queen
loved and cared for her people. Before she passed
away, she left these words to her son: [The people
of old Stogar are suffering from oppression……
and I hope that something can be done…….]”
When Alana heard this, she seemed to have
realized something.
“You’re the son of the queen?”
“I’ll leave it to your imagination who I am, but
you can be sure I’m someone who can’t leave the
people of this land suffering under oppression.”
“I understand what you’re saying, and I
understand that you’re not ordinary bandits, but
we can’t betray our client, and in order to do that,
we need to destroy the bandits in this area, I’m
sorry, but we can’t just let you go.”
“Well, then what are you going to do, capture
me?”
“Pretend to be dead, the bandits have been
eradicated and you’ve been defeated by us, if you
do that, you’ll be fine.”
I was suggesting that, partly because the Lion
King was more likeable than the Duke of Holomel.
We just need to get him to vote for Yudin, not to
destroy them.
“If you don’t mind me asking, why are you so
supportive of the Duke of Holomel?”
“Our employer is Linnecarlo, soon there will be a
vote for the succession to the throne between
Yudin and Mushym, and in exchange for his vote
we have to defeat the bandits.”
“……Okay, we’ll pretend to be dead, but can you
do me one favor?”
“What do you want?”
“I would like you to arrange a meeting between
me and Prince Yudin, it would be possible since
you have a connection with Princess Linnecarlo.”
“Wait a minute, what’s in it for us? It’s not worth
it to lose out and then ask the client to do
something impossible.”
“First, I will pay you 200 million as a small token
of my gratitude, and I promise you another……
vote for the succession to the throne, Duke
Caron’s vote.”
I’ve heard of Duke Caron, but he’s one of the
people who will be voting for the succession to the
throne this time. If he promised me that vote, then
it looks like Alana’s right about the Lion King
being the son of the Stogar’s queen.
“Not bad. What do you think, Yuta? I think
Linnecarlo would agree if the story about the vote
is true.”
“Yeah, I’ll accept your offer.”
“I promise you won’t regret that decision.”
This is the end of my talk with the Lion King, I get
my money, and the promise of a vote, what a great
outcome.
“But if we were to report that I had destroyed the
bandits, I doubt the Duke of Holomel would
believe us so easily.”
“I have an idea.”
I explained to Alana and the Lion King the
method of reporting to the Duke of Hormel that I
had been thinking about.
“Bringing back the head of a magicraft is……a
novel idea.”
“It reminded me of how people used to take credit
for old battles in my home country.”
“I don’t know how you feel about that, but it
might be enough to prove that we took you down.”
“Fine, take as much evidence as you can.”
We cut off the heads of all the bandits’ magicrafts
and brought them back skewered on spears to
create a cruel feeling. The Lion King was to
accompany us to prepare the money for our
payment and to meet with Yudin.
“How long are you going to wear that mask?”
Alana pointed out to the Lion King as we returned
to the ride carrier and took a break.
“Huh, yeah, I guess there’s no point
anymore……”
With that, the Lion King took off his mask.
“……Lord Theseus!”
It seems that Arthur knows the identity of the
Lion King.
“The Duke of Caron son, Theseus, at your
service.”
Story of The Ancient Demon King!
– Chapter 71
After lecturing the prince, I sat on a bench in the royal castle and waited
while the prince of Alto explained the [Sword Saint] to Lilia and delivered
the reward.
He said that since she was with me, he had to admit that he approved of
Lilia as the [Sword Saint]. I can see from here that this is really a very hasty
title.
Even in my memory this process is really fast and bit abnormal. (Sure
enough, even for Demon King the speed of seven days Sword Saint is very
abnormal thing, simply outrageous, maybe this girl does hide an incredible
talent.) But I’m glad Lilia’s efforts paid off, under the armor I feel proud of
her.
If Lilia is to be followed by Kageha, who is hiding in the shadows, then I
should be able to rest easy
“……”
Ah …… feel the breeze blowing …… although I can only feel a little
through the gaps in your armor.
…… Thinking back, I think I haven’t had such a calm time since I returned
home.
“Oh, that awesome person is….”
“Hey, that’s really him?”
“Ah, it’s the Black Knight-sama …….”
The chattering noise of the maids like little birds and the sneaky words of
the soldiers came to my ears.
I listened to those voices while enjoying this elegant moment.
The soldiers who were a little frightened didn’t dare to come near this side
anyway, so it was better to take a nap while it was happening.
Just then, an oncoming soldier crossed the road in front of me.
“Uh! I’m sorry for being rude!”
“…… I don’t think there’s anything rude about what you did.”
Once again, I received an inexplicable acknowledgement like this.
“You’re in a hurry, aren’t you? Be careful not to bump into anything.”
“Oh, yes! I’m sorry!”
Then, he bowed deeply and ran towards the training ground.
…… There were sounds of admiration and somewhat exaggerated screams
from afar.
Just by doing that you can gain goodwill. Ah, this is really easy.
I want a warm cup of tea …… but I can’t drink it because I’m wearing this
armor ……
“…… Black Knight, I have something to ask you.”
In the face of such a self-conscious and lost me, Hakuto, who had been
hiding in the grass with trepidation since just now, finally made up his mind
to talk to me.
He approached with a somewhat neutral and beautiful face, somewhat
timidly.
The look of him should have a great popularity among some people
regardless of gender.
“……”
“Are you listening? Don’t ignore me! …… Please don’t ignore me!”
“Why didn’t you use any honorific? Is that how a young man who wants to
ask something treats an older person who is not from this country?”
I explained this common sense to him, who was ignored with a tearful look,
like an older brother to his younger brother.
“Ugh, I know, so please help me provide information about the Demon
King….”
“I refuse.”
“Why?”
I said, trying to hold back my gaze from being drawn to the maids in the
distance who were looking at us and whispering.
Because he said that like a begging puppy, I accidentally teased him a little.
“…… No, instead of refusing, I should say that there is not enough
information is more appropriate. Powerful, evil, with the same black magic
as me. That’s all I know.”
“… I think you both have a lot in similarities….. Do you happen to know
each other?”
…I haven’t considered this setting.
What should I do? …… If I was careless here and say it casually, it will be
very troublesome afterwards.
“…… about this point, please do not ask more ……”
“Black Knight ……”
In any case, let’s use a melancholy voice that sounds like it has some
special meaning to buy time.
I just looked at the blue sky and created a sad atmosphere.
Then, Hakuto …… who showed a serious expression as if he was ready for
something.
“…… then,…… please take me as a disciple!”
“I don’t accept discipleship …… morever now I have Lilia ……”
And then, there is a certain princess who has become a disciple without
permission.
How can I convince him? …… No, now would be the right time to tell him
something, perhaps.
…… very coincidentally, there is just the right prey is coming this way it.
♢♢♢
“…… I often need to travel to various places here and there, after all, there
are many things to do. So I can’t officially take in any kind of disciples.
Lilia is an exception because she had nowhere else to go.”
“…… is that so.”
The fact that there is a disciple like Lilia makes Hakuto has a great
expectation, but now he could not help but slump his shoulders a look of
discouragement.
“But ……”
The Black Knight, who was sitting leisurely on top of the bench, suddenly
stood up.
“…… I’ll show you the way if it’s just to get stronger.”
“The way…? What exactly does that mean ……?”
The Black Knight’s body wrapped up with a black aura, leaving the
confused Hakuto aside, and made his body face the large man who was
running towards him with bloodshot eyes.
“So you so-called Black Knight!! If I kill you, I’ll be able to make a name
for myself! Gahahahaha! I’ll see how you can stop me from doing that!”
He woke up in the training ground where there was no one left, and seemed
to have heard about the Black Knight from the maids in the passageway
when he hadn’t grasped the current situation, and then rushed over.
In his hand, holding a large sword and shield.
He intended to kill the Black Knight and take the position of the country’s
hero, and then let a large number of women to serve him.
“The so-called Hero is the embodiment of hope ……”
“……”
The Black Knight quietly said to Hakuto.
Hakuto looked at the back like a big mountain, waiting for his next words.
“Regardless of the form, you need to have power if you want to save more
people. The power you seek is probably force.”
He said that, ignoring the approaching sword, and put his magic power in
his left hand.
He didn’t use the condensation method, but just used ordinary magic power.
“There are countless ways to become stronger. Exercise, weapons, martial
arts, tactics, and …… magic power. If you combine them, the possibilities
you have will be expanded even further. That’s true, just take ……for
example”
The Black Knight, with the hand that was merely tainted with pitch black
magic, raised it towards the brawny man.
“Die, die, die, die!”
The man who made the strange sound had a heavy sword in his hand and
swung it down at the Black Knight’s raised hand.
“Black Knight!”
“Watch out!!”
Hakuto and Oswald, who was hiding in the grass behind him, were still
worried about the Black Knight, who had not made the slightest defense.
“You, you bastard! What did you do!?”
“…… just ……”
To the surprise of anyone present, the big man’s sword …… immediately
bounced off and chopped into the sky as soon as it touched the Black
Knight’s hand, which was entwined with black aura.
The big man himself also fell to the ground with a slip of his feet. His hand,
which felt numb even to the bones, loosened the sword and he could only
look at the figure of the Black Knight who had raised his hand with no
change at all.
“The one just now only manipulated the flow of magic power in my hand,
and then caught the sword and made it bounce away the moment it came
into contact.”
“……”
This is an explanation that makes people doubt their ears and deviate from
common sense.
It is unheard of to make the magic power that is lodged there operate like
that.
“Then ……”
After that, the Black Knight made the shape of a hand knife with his left
hand wrapped in black magic power ……
“What are you doing? Stop–”
He just gently jabbed at the shield raised by the big man that was wrapped
with magic power.
“Ah?!”
“……”
As a result, not only Hakuto and Oswald, but also the maids and soldiers
who were watching from afar with their breath held, became frozen in
place.
Then the big man, who had the illusion that his heart was about to be
penetrated, felt a deep fear than they did.
The black hand knife, which easily penetrated the metal shield, stopped
when the big man was inches away from his left chest.
“If you can manipulate the flow of magic power accurately and quickly,
your own body, which is more familiar with magic power than anything
else, can do this kind of thing …… alright, I think it’s enough for now.”
The magic power is on top of the hand knife and concentrated towards the
five fingers.
Then, as if to grasp something, he stretched out his fingers, further forward
to burst and penetrate the location of the abdomen of the big man armor.
“Aaaahh!! I’m sorryy!! Please stop!!! Mom, help mee!!”
“… Hey, I just grabbed your armor but I haven’t touched your body at all.
…… well forget it.”
He thus lifted up the big man who was shouting in a fuss.
“Noo!”
The huge body, which was lifted up with great strength, was thrown to the
side of the empty road very casually.
“Ugh!”
The big man was forced to lose consciousness for the second time today.
The big man, who was proud of his strength, was overwhelmed not only in
terms of strength but in all aspects.
And his purpose was not to fight, but to be able to teach Hakuto in a simple
and clear way.
“…… I’ll leave the guy who attempted to kill to the soldiers.”
“……”
Then he turned to Hakuto, who had understood that he hadn’t followed up
until now, and was still there in a daze.
“The magic power alone has a variety of uses, and if you put some effort
into magic and the strength of the magic power, the possibilities become
even broader. If you think flexibly like this….”
“Is this the Black Knight’s secret technique? ……”
“………… secret technique?”
Hakuto’s eyes glittered as the move the Black Knight used made his heart
leap.
Oswald, who was hiding in the grass, did the same.
However, the Black Knight was ……
(It’s just something I came up with on the spur of the moment, and I
wouldn’t even call it a technique. …… I’m not going to use this kind of
thing because I have a method of condensing magic power.)
The Black Knight side, just want to convey a flexible way of thinking not to
be bound by common sense.
“No, that’s not–”
“Thank you very much! Black Knight! I will definitely respond to your
expectation of teaching me this axiom!”
“No, listen—”
“Please look forward to the next time we meet. See you!”
Hakuto left with a hearty smile while waving his hands
The Black Knight watched the back of the idiot leave.
“Yareyare…… How about you?”
“Um…. me? I’m …. using a bow and arrow ……”
Oswald, who was hidden in the grass, responded thus while revealing his
figure.
He tied the green hair behind him, and carried the bow and arrow on his
back as usual.
“Is that so? With your ability, you should be able to do a lot more than just
bow and arrow.”
“…… What does that mean? ……”
Oswald asked with a heightened sense of caution at the Black Knight’s
unspoken words.
But just at this time, shaking that body maid dress Lilia desperately ran over
to their side.
Then she came to the Bblack Knight and bowed, and raised a hand…
“–Black Knight-sama, may I be with the your magic?”
“Didn’t I say that was only to be said when no one else was around?”
The Black Knight is somehow anxiously whispered reproach.
“…… I forgot. I’m very sorry. I have one thing to report than that.”
Lilia, who always feels like a kitten, felt a little sorry while quickly moving
on to the report.
However, ……
“Black Knight-sama!”
The eyebrows of Lilia who became a little cool frowned slightly.
A high ranking knight came running over in a panic and informed the black
knight before Lilia’s report.
“What’s wrong? Why didn’t you look for Lilia but me?”
“I’m sorry for the sudden request, but I’d like to ask you to attend the next
emergency meeting.”
“Yes, I understand. Lead the way.”
“……”
Asked about the taste of money, the Black Knight immediately gave a reply.
♢♢♢
“- Hmm?”
Hakuto, who was running with vigor, felt a sense of something out of place.
However, looking around …… there was no one in the area through the
garden ……
“Is it just only my imagination……?”
He started to set out again to practice the moves taught by the Black Knight.

Vol 3: Epilogue 1
** Sixth Mine **
The Sixth Mine in the Achenbach Dudedom, Keith Gran Federation, was
destroyed by a riot of slaves and a dragon attack four years ago. But just a
year after, it was restarted with new slaves and new adventurers.
This is largely due to the fact that the Duke raised the purchase price of skill
orbs. Adventurers and merchants who sniffed the scent of gold gathered in
the dukedom, and now the excavation of skill orbs is more active than ever
before.
「It’s so delicious! You can’t find such delicious skewers even in the
capital city.」
「Are there any free adventurers?! We’ll be diving for 10 days starting
tomorrow!」
「Slaves, come over here. Don’t dally around.」
There used to be a huge cavern at the entrance of the mine in the past, and
only the top part had a hole in the ceiling, but now it has completely
collapsed. In this vast space, there were several lodgings, several general
stores, restaurants, taverns, and blacksmiths and manufacturing craftsmen.
However, the left and right cliffs remained, so–
(It’s like a dolphin drive hunt…)
One of the slaves looked up at the sky and thought so. The slave grew up in
a fishing village, so he had experienced fishing by stretching nets in a wide
semi-circle shape and driving the fish into a corner by kicking up splashes
of water from the outside.
The people who came here were sucked into the hole called the mine, and it
felt like those people were “driven into” it, just like dolphins.
Looking around, there were many slave boys and slave girls with
absentminded expressions. He heard that a skill orb with high stars was
discovered in a “Racoon hole”, which caused the mobilization of a large
number of child slaves.
(I’ve never seen more than 3-stars though…)
This slave, who arrived at the Sixth Mine not so long ago, thought so. Even
though it has only been a short period, his skin which was black in the
fishing village had already turned pale. Since he only comes in contact with
sunlight at dawn and dusk, and the rest of the time diving into the mine, it
may only be natural.
「——Is that true?」
「——Yeah. They wouldn’t be sending fake information over long-
distance communication, right?」
「——But…A huge monster which destroyed an entire country, huh…」
The slave overheard the conversation between pointy-helmet wearing mine
soldiers.
「——But the Lev Magic Empire is a small country. So it would only be
partial destruction when compared to our country. Nn, you didn’t know that
it was a small country? Well, I guess you would naturally think the country
which builds airships would be a big country.」
「——But it has no connections to skill orbs, right?」
「——Oh, you mean the incident from four years ago about a dragon and a
skill orb, huh… They’re collecting all sorts of information just to be on the
safe side.」
The words were all unknown to the slave, but he knew quite well that it was
unsettling news.
(I want to see the sea…)
His fellow slaves seemed to enjoy this environment, where the risk of death
is not zero, but food is well-prepared.
Pocket money is also given, and they are allowed to buy and eat at the store.
For boys and girls who have lived hand to mouth, this environment was
“blessed” enough.
(I miss the salty air of the sea… I miss it so much even though I thought it
was annoying back then.)
This slave from elsewhere was yearning for the sea he had once grown tired
of.
The Sixth Mine was still in peace today.
** Valhalla, the capital of the Keith Gran Federation **
A skinny old man donned a red cloak that seemed so heavy that it may
crush him under and carried a Mithril cane.
That was King Geffert, the leader of the vast Keith Gran Federation.
It was four years ago that he experienced being in cloud nine to free falling
to the ground; from good news of the discovery of a 6-star skill orb to the
collapse of the Sixth Mine and subsequently losing the very 6-star skill orb.
From then on, King Geffert became even skinnier. His beard and eyebrows
grew white at a rapid pace.
Many were hoping for his death. Because his son, the crown prince, was
already over 70 years old. He has grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and
even soon-to-be-born great-great-grandchildren. The successors to the
throne were queued up like a long line. However–
「FOOL!」

King Geffert still energetically scolded his men today.

「How dare you even propose the foolish idea of attacking and
subordinating the half-destroyed Lev country. Listen up. That country’s
importance lies not in its land, but its knowledge and the Heroic Gear that is
discovered from the labyrinths.」
「Yes, sir…」
The scolded vassal hung down his head and backed down.
The conference room, where the summer sun shone, was very comfortable
because the air-conditioning magic tools were in operation.
Federation representatives line up to the left and right of a long, long table,
staring at the withered tree-like king sitting at the head of the table. Early in
the morning, the first report that a huge monster appeared in the Lev Magic
Empire came in, and now detailed reports were being received successively
one after another.
The Keith Gran Federation is a federation, so it is not a complete monolith.
But under the control of King Geffert, the unity of the federation was rock
solid.
Therefore,
(I won’t die so easily.)
It’s no wonder King Geffert thinks that way.
「And that’s why it’s almost certain that it’s connected to the “Other
World”, right?」King Geffert asked.
「Indeed. There seems to be no “mediator”, so it’s an unexpected event
outside the “Covenant”.」
The person sitting to the right of the king was also an old man, but he was
muscular. He donned a purple robe usually worn by mages. He was
beardless and his bald head was clean and shiny. His goggle eyes, which
look like inlaid polished gems, shot judging glances to the surroundings.
King Geffert has trusted him and kept him by his side since they were
young, and his title is the “Minister of Skills”. He has no aristocratic status,
but he is placed as the head of the organization that oversees all matters
regarding skill orbs which is the core of this country.
「Minister, is something like that even possible?」
「It is not impossible. When it comes to skill orbs, the “Covenant” is
everything, but not everything in this world is limited to skill orbs. Those
who come over here from the “Other World”, very rarely, have also been
confirmed.」
「Isn’t it the same with La-Fisa, who built the “Labyrinth of 9
Emotions”?」
「I don’t know if it was planned or accidental, but that’s what the situation
looks like. But we’re not really interested in the “Other World”, after all. Ha
Ha Ha Ha…」
The minister laughed with his goggle-eyes wide open, but no one at the
table laughed.
In the first place, the information about the “Covenant” was hidden. Many
people didn’t know what it was, and they weren’t even allowed to know it.
Thus, only the king and his aides monopolized the information.
The federation representatives think it’s related to skill orbs, but they don’t
know any more than that. They don’t even know when and with whom the
“Covenant” was made.
「What about the large number of monsters said to be falling from the sky
above Lev country?」
According to the report, although the giant monster was repelled, the red
sky above was still maintained and the monsters were still overflowing out.
「Regarding that, my king. It’s very simple. The “Other World” is in
danger of perishing.」
「Is it possible to blockade the hole?」

「It would be difficult. But not impossible. If the “Labyrinth of 9

Emotions” was devised to “open up a hole” between the 2 worlds, studying
them should reveal a way to “close the hole”.」
「Hmm… I want that knowledge.」
「Ha Ha Ha… I expected that you would wish for that, my king.
Knowledge is power, after all.」
King Geffert turned to the left.
「Lord of Military. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Federation, how
many days would it take to assemble 100,000 cavalrymen without using an
airship.」
The king regarded a well-built venerable man with a handlebar mustache
who possessed aristocratic rank.
「Hmm… it will take more than three months even if we rush it. Since the
crop harvest season is just around the corner.」
「If we use an airship?」
「Should be possible within a month.」
「Alright. Let’s proceed with that.」
King Geffert decided to provide military assistance to the Lev Magic
Empire on this day without delay.
** Kruvan Holy Kingdom Earl Sillys Residence **
Earl Sillys, who has the “Magic Eye of Inquire”, returned to his home late
at night.
Nevertheless, the servants working in the mansion gathered together to
welcome the Earl’s return. As their Lord was still working hard till late at
night, they could not allow themselves to retire to bed before him.
「Welcome home, father.」
At the head of the group was Eva, the Earl’s sole daughter who inherited the
same blonde hair and scarlet eyes as him.
She took part in her first step as a full-fledged noble this year in the Sprout
and New Moon Banquet. She now has an established reputation in social
circles as a magnificent Lady of House Sillys.
Due to her beauty and loveliness, she already had many male fans, but
Charlotte of House Marquis Phrase did not allow men to approach her.
「Eva.」
The Earl smiled slightly when he saw the face of his beloved daughter, but
then–
「I have to speak with you. Come to my room. …We don’t need tea. The
rest of you please rest.」he said, with a strained look.
The servants bowed down their heads all at once.
**
They were in the Earl’s office. The chief butler stood at the entrance, and
Maxim, the chief military officer, stood as an escort in the corridor.
「How is the situation in the Lev Magic Empire?」
Eva immediately asked as they entered the room. The Earl nodded and they
both took a seat at the sofa.
It had already been 10 days since the giant monster appeared over the Lev
Magic Empire.
「Currently, the Empire is pouring in all their resources to subdue the
monsters that are falling from the sky. However, the situation is worsening,
and the Levs can’t do anything else but to abandon the city… is what I have
heard.」
「Meaning, the country will lose its territory?」
The territory of the Lev Magic Empire is only a small land sandwiched
between the Saint Knight Kingdom, the Kruvan Holy Kingdom, and the
undeveloped land “Canion”. They have a city on that land, and it is the only
city they have.
「It seems that they are fighting at the huge checking station that borders
our kingdom and the Saint Knight Kingdom as the final line of defense, but
80% of the people have already crossed the checking station and have
become refugees. Her Majesty the Holy King has decided to accept all the
Lev people and provide as much humanitarian support as possible.」
Eva felt relieved to hear that.
Even if they decide to abandon the Levs, the flames of destruction will soon
spread to their own kingdom. And there is also the calculated profit of
keeping an eye out for the Levs’ magic technology, but at the moment, Eva
thought she should just look at it as having made the most humanitarian
decision possible.
Just the other day, the predecessor Holy King transferred his throne to his
eldest daughter, the First Holy Princess, and began to call himself Duke
Grenjido.
The 1st Holy Princess is a bright and cheerful person with a temperament
similar to that of Duke Grenjido, and is someone who is naturally inclined
to care for those in need.
「The Keith Gran Federation has offered to provide 100, 000 troops to the
Lev Magic Empire.」
「100,000?! That’s a tremendous number.」
「Yes. Even if we gathered all the guard soldiers in the Holy City, it
wouldn’t reach that number. Eva, how do you see this?」
Earl Sillys began to give Eva the information exchanged at the parliament
of the Holy Kingdom without hiding it. That is to say that he deems her as
an “equal”, and in doing so he is trying to develop the genius in Eva.
「…………」
Eva put her bent index finger on her chin and thought about it.
「The idea of obtaining their territory as it is is too shallow.」
「Yes. I think so too. So what is the federation’s aim?」
「Selling a favor?」
「There will be that too.」
「Then, are they aiming for Magic Empire’s technology?」
The Earl smiled slightly as if a teacher watching over the growth of his
student—the Earl has become more displaying his emotions towards Eva.

「Good answer. If you can go one step further here, you can become a great
noble, Eva. ——What is located between the Keith Gran Federation and
Lev Magic Empire?」
「The Saint Knight Kingdom.」
「How much do you know about the relationship between the Federation
and the Knight Kingdom?」
「That… I hardly know.」
Aside from knowing the national interests of foreign countries, Eva noticed
that she didn’t know anything about the relationship between foreign
countries, and dejectedly dropped her shoulders. But that is reasonable.
What she is learning at the age of 12 is, first and foremost, domestic
interests. Knowledge regarding each and every noble.
「Don’t feel down. If you don’t know, then just learn from now on.」
「……Yes.」
「The Federation is a major power, and the Saint Knight Kingdom is a
rather medium to small nation. The relationship between the two countries
is not good, but it is not bad, either. But this time, the Federation is aiming
for the Lev’s technology. Thus, it is imperative to go through the Knight
Kingdom if they wish to send out 100,000 soldiers.」
「Diplomatic relations with the Knight Kingdom will occur.」
「That’s right. I think the Federation wants to take this opportunity to
nurture a friendly relationship with the Knight Kingdom. This situation of
fighting a mighty enemy together is exactly the kind of thing loved by the
Knight Kingdom which values chivalry.」
「Father, does the Federation benefit from improving its relationship with
the Knight Kingdom?」
「Yes. King Geffert, the leader of the Keith Gran Federation, is old. He has
only a few more years left. He probably intends to take steps to prevent
problems with the Knight Kingdom after his death.」
「Only a few years…」
「Yes. Although, it has been a few years. I was told the same thing some
years back.」
「Well……」
The Earl’s smile grew deeper as Eva attentively listened to his every single
word.
He was feeling relieved.
If this is the case, Eva will be okay. She will be fine as a noble even when
he is no longer aroundーhe thought.
(I have to thank Reiji-san.)
The Earl recalled the boy he hired. Even when turned hostile, the boy
withdrew himself in the end for the father and daughter’s sake.
That is why this important piece of information must be told to his
daughter.
「Eva. One last important piece of information.」
「What is it?」
Eva straightened her back.
「Information that came in today. Her Highness Anastasia, from the royal
family of the High Elves, was staying in the Lev Magic Empire.」
「High Elf?」
「Yes. There are two places in the Keith Gran Federation that produce skill
orbs. One is the Sixth MIne and the other is the Third Forest where High
Elves and elves live. Her Highness Anastasia was presented to the Empire
in her value as a High Elf in return for an airship.」
Eva frowned at the word “in return”.

「Her Highness Anastasia was sucked into the crack in the sky that
appeared over the Lev Magic Empire.」
「What does that mean? She was sucked into the place where the monsters
appear from?」
「I don’t know the details, but not only Her Highness, also debris and
airships were sucked in. So there is no doubt that a strong suction
occurred.」
「It’s a mysterious phenomenon… I do hope that Her Highness is safe.」
「……Eva.」
Then the Earl stared at his daughter.
「Actually, there is information that there was an adventurer next to Her
Highness at that time.」
「…………」
Eva stopped still and looked back at her father.
The purposeful word “adventurer” brought a bad premonition to Eva’s
mind.
「Reiji-san was sucked into the sky together with Her Highness
Anastasia.」
Haruto and the Four Heroes (7/7)
Two months have passed since I fought with Hero Takato. Tina and I were
flying around to save the various villages, cities and countries from the
intensifying stampedes that occurred in every place.
I entrusted the Demon King subjugation to Takato and the others. The
Demon King stayed at the Demon Continent. Takato and the others’ role
was to reduce the armies of the Demon King and crush the upper echelons.
There were approximately 1 million monsters if we included all of the
Demon King’s armies.
It would be hard for us to annihilate all of them in one go, even if Takato
was Level 300 and I could also surpass that level if I activated my skill.
If the six of us were to go to the Demon Continent in that state and launch
our attack, then there was the possibility that the monsters who managed to
escape would go to the nearby countries and wreak havoc there.
And so, our strategy was that Tina and I would defeat the fleeing
monsters while Takato and the others reduce the military strength of the
Demon King’s armies.
By the way, Takato became docile. He would shriek in fear every time he
saw me. Wasn’t that a bit rude?
I just punched his face once, but it had been really bad at that time. His face
collapsed, and it was a miracle that he didn’t die, and his arms and legs
were bent in all directions when he was blasted away.
He was a total mess, thoroughly battered enough for me, the person who
punched him, to unconsciously heal him right away. After that, Saintess
Yuri and Tina worked together, so Takato managed to keep his life.
Heroes couldn’t kill each other. When Takato regained consciousness, he
trembled in fright and prostrated himself on the ground the moment he saw
me.
It was probably Takato’s first time to receive such damage from a blow.
That event probably instilled terror within him.
By the way, I didn’t explain my Protective Skill to Takato. He didn’t know
that it would only be activated to make me stronger if the person I had to
protect was behind me.
Well, I planned to keep it a secret ‘till the end’ to prevent Takato’s ego from
being overinflated.
Takato begged me, saying that ‘I will do anything, so don’t kill me!”
I was the one who healed you, so there’s no way I would kill you, right.
That was what I thought, but since he was the one who said he’d do
anything, then might as well make him reduce the military strength of the
Demon Continent.
Even if we managed to slay the Demon King, if the surrounding cities were
attacked by monsters who escaped, then it would be meaningless.
Plus, there’s another reason why I wanted Takato to do something
separately from us. That was —
“Mmm… Haruto-sama, good morning.”
“Morning, Tina.”
Tina rubbed her eyes, then she puckered her lips for a bit. I lightly kissed
those lips.
We already kissed countless times, but both of us were still beet-red after
our kiss.
Tina and I became lovers.
I confessed to Tina on the night of the day I blasted Takato off.
Tina accepted that.
She already told me how she felt during her earlier conversation with
Takato. It actually felt like I cheated for a bit, since I already heard Tina’s
reply before I confessed.
My heart was racing despite that, and I was totally nervous. I was really
happy that we got together.
During our two months of dating, Tina and I held hands, and kissed too
before and after we slept, but we didn’t do anything else aside from that.
Tina and I decided to do the deed after we defeat the Demon King and
return peace to the world.
We moved separately from Takato and the others so that no one would
disturb our time together.
Of course, I didn’t slack off from my monster subjugation duties. The only
time I could relax was when Tina and I went to bed, during mealtimes, and
when I travelled.
Tina could already slay the monsters on her own, so we mostly went to
different regions separately. We could save a lot of people that way.
The scale of the stampede became increasingly larger, so there were times
when Tina and I didn’t see each other for two days.
I missed her terribly.
Well, Tina also felt the same, so after we saved a country, I hugged Tina all
day long at the luxury inn that was provided by that country.
Takato and the others also seemed to be doing fine at the Demon Continent.
Takato regularly contacted me, but apparently, his group already defeated
the three of the Four Heavenly Kings, the high-ranking warlocks that were
part of the echelons of the Demon King’s army.
There were four cheat-class skill holders, one of whom was a Level Counter
Stop Hero.
They didn’t have any problems even though the Demon Continent was
teeming with a million monsters. Rather than that, I received a report from
Takato that they were taking too much time tracking down the last warlock
who escaped. I could only laugh dryly.
There’s only a month left before we could slay the Demon King at this rate.
Right, how long would I remain in this world after we defeated the Demon
King?
I was a bit worried.
Well, we did listen to the request of Kami-sama to bring peace again to this
world, so he should probably listen to our request — that’s what I thought.
── *** ──
One month passed.
We finally arrived at the Demon King’s palace. The stampedes had settled
down, so Tina and I also joined Takato’s Demon King Subjugation Team.
Actually, rather than saying we arrived at the Demon King’s palace, it
would be more accurate to say that he was already right before us. We
already annihilated all the other monsters in the Demon Castle, and Demon
King was the only enemy left.
If we managed to slay this Demon King, who was the root of all evil, then
the world would become peaceful, and our journey would be over.
“Tina, I have something to tell you after the Demon King is defeated.”
I called out to Tina, who was standing beside me, as I pointed to the sword I
received from the Kami-sama.
Normally, the opponent would raise a white flag at this time, but the Demon
King glared daggers at us, and he seemed like he was about to cry.
Just a while ago, one of the warlocks declared that he was the close-aide of
the Demon King as he attacked us, but Takato slayed him with just a single
stroke of his sword. The Demon King probably realized the difference
between our strength and his.
It was like we were bullying him.
He probably didn’t imagine that he would be defeated.
“….Yes.”
Tina blushed furiously. She probably guessed what I was going to say, and
her guess was probably right.
There was a ring inside my pocket — and it was for her.
I decided to stay in this world if we defeated the Demon King.
And I would marry Tina.
—That was my plan.
“Haruto, can I kill this guy already?”
Takato asked me.
“Yeah, please.”
Takato’s face nastily contorted at that moment, but I didn’t realize the true
meaning behind that.
“Hey, Demon King. Nice to meet yah.”
“Hi-hiiii, Stop! D-don’t come near meeee!!!”
Takato vanished in thin air just when I thought he took a step towards him.
“And now, it’s goodbye.”
Takato was already right in front of the Demon King in a flash, and he
lopped off his head with a single slash of his sword.
The Demon King’s body slowly crumbled to the ground after his head was
severed. He turned into a black mist and disappeared.
He didn’t have a second form, it seemed.
— It was over.
It was a total anticlimax. So it was just something like this, huh.
I returned my sword to its scabbard, then gazed at Tina.
“Tina, it’s over.”
“Haruto-sama!? T-that’s —”
Tina was filled with horror as she stared at my body.
“— Eh!?”
My body was like a flower being scattered in the wind. It was crumbling as
it fell apart.
“Gyahahahhahaah!!!!”
Takato was laughing maniacally, and his body was also starting to crumble.
W-what washappening!?
“Tina!”
I hastily tried to stretch my hand in an attempt to touch her — my hand had
already vanished.
“N-No way, why….”
Tears overflowed from Tina’s eyes as she stared at me at my collapsing
body.
Takato’s laughter was brimming with malice as he shouted.
“Come, you’re going back to our world with us!! Harutooo!!”
Contract with the Goddess
“This is…”
Pure white space that seemed to continue to infinity surrounded me.
I had already come to this place before.
“Thank you for your hard work in defeating the Demon King, Hero.”
I whired around towards the sound, and a snow-haired old man with a white
beard, looking like some kind of deity, stood before me.
Ah, actually, it was the real deal, an authentic deity, and he was the one who
teleported me to this world.
Moreover, this deity was not an ordinary one. He was called the Creator
God, being the one who created this world, and was considered as the
greatest among all the deities.
“For you to return after slaying that Demon King in such a short amount of
time…You really did well. And now, let me send you back to your previous
world. Oh, there is no need to worry. I will send you back in time, right
before you were summoned here.”
“Ahm, pardon me, but I want to remain in this world.”
“…What?”
“It is fine even if I don’t return back to my previous world, so can you
please return me to the Demon King’s Palace right away?”
I wanted to hurry back to Tina’s side.
However —
“Sorry, but I can’t do that.”
“Wwhy?”
“I had formed a contract with the deity in the world you were previously in.
The moment you defeat the Demon King, I have to return you back to your
previous world. That was the condition for me to borrow you.”
If I knew, then I would have talked to Tina about a lot of things. We
would’ve touched more.
I wanted to give that ring to her.
Maybe we also had the choice not to defeat the Demon King. Monsters
would steadily increase if he was alive, but if we sealed that ability of his,
then maybe we could’ve prevented the generation of monsters.
And since we already annihilated a million monsters, then the warlocks and
monsters that would be born from the mana that leaked out of the sealed
Demon KIng were nothing to us.
If not slaying the Demon King meant I could be with Tina forever, then I
would have chosen not to kill him.
“You hastily requested that I teleport you right away, so I didn’t have the
time to explain it to you. Still, I was able to tell the other heroes about it.
Didn’t they relay it to you?”
Takato never said a word about that. That’s when I recalled Takato’s
expression right before he slashed the Demon King.
That expression, he was mocking me, not the Demon King.
… So that’s how it was.
I finally realized Takato’s true intention.
Takato knew that we would be sent back from this world to our previous
world. He aimed to break us up the moment he knew he wouldn’t win
against me, and he failed in making Tina his.
I gave Takato the go signal to kill the Demon King without knowing
anything. Because of that, I didn’t even have the time to say goodbye to
Tina.
“Can’t you do something about this? All I need is a little bit more time.
Please let me say goodbye to Tina.”
“It is easy for me to summon a person into this world, and teleport him to
his destination, but a colossal amount of energy is needed in order to return
them to the previous world.”
The positive emotions and desires of people, including their piety and
wishes towards the Creator God, would become energy that he could use.
Most of the people in this world wished the world would be saved from the
Demon King, so the amount of energy accumulated was enough to summon
Takato and the others, and return them to their previous world, too.
However, that energy did not have any to spare. The Creator God originally
wanted to summon Takato’s four man team.
It so happened that I was involved. Therefore, the Creator God needed to
consume more energy than the original plan, so the creator god was also in
deficit.
He did have some reserves, more or less, but he wanted to save it in case
there was an emergency crisis in the world.
“Energy… C-can you supplement it with, let’s say, my lifespan, or
something like that? Please, I…just a little is enough. Please let me return
back to Tina’s side!”
“Impossible.”
The Creator God apologetically looked at me. That’s when it hit me that my
wish would never come true.
“There is nothing I can do, but let us ask the other deities. Perhaps, an
eccentric deity would come forward.”
“P-please!”
I was prepared to do anything. If I needed to defeat the Demon King all
over again, then I would; if they needed my lifespan, then by all means. Just
let me be with Tina, that was what I wished for.
And then —
“If you are willing to form a contract with me, then I can give you enough
energy for you to meet your beloved, though it would only be a short
while.”
A goddess that would grant my wish appeared.
“Thank you very much! I will do anything!”
“Fufufu, Let me introduce myself first, shall I? I am the Goddess that
governs all memories of the world you just have been.”
“The Goddess of Memory…”
“Yes. As for the condition to grant your wish — please give me all your
memories that you have in this world.”
“My…memories?”
“Indeed. That was quite an amazingly fun journey that you had, did you
not? It’s very hard to find someone like you, a Hero who started at Level
30, nowadays. Besides, that girl, Tina, was it? I have been watching your
interactions, and it made my heart pound.”
The Goddess was blushing a bit.
Eh, d-don’t tell me she saw me flirting with Tina!?
— Yup, it seemed she watched us.
Even if she was a goddess, it was still embarrassing.
“And so, I wanted to enjoy your memory from your point of view, and not
from a third person’s perspective. By the way, once you surrender your
memories to me, you will not remember anything, so think about it
carefully.”
I was a bit torn. It would be painful to lose all my memories with Tina.
However, it would probably be more painful if I were to return to my
previous world with them, because my yearning for Tina would become
stronger.
“…I understand. I offer my memories to you.”
“Really!? Yehey! Ah, there’s one more thing, in order to obtain the energy
necessary for me to return you to our world for a time, I need to erase the
memory of your name from all the people in the world, is that alright with
you, too?”
“My name…why?”
“Didn’t you save a lot of people from the monsters? The world is
overflowing with feelings and gratitude towards you.”
I had thought that it would be better if the world Tina lived in was a bit
more peaceful, so I had done all I could, but it made me happy when I heard
that many people felt grateful to me.
“We deities do not have the power to convert that gratitude and thoughts
into energy. It’s because those thoughts are for you.”
The goddess then told me that the gratitude of the residents of this world
towards me accumulated a lot of energy, but it couldn’t be used as it was.
“A name has a huge part in moulding the existence of a person. If I receive
the memories related to your name, part of those gratitude and thoughts will
then become an offering to me.”
The goddess would then be able to convert that portion of memories
towards me into energy, apparently. I didn’t really understand, but if the
goddess said so, then it must be like that.
Anyway, I wanted to see Tina once more. I didn’t dislike the fact that
somebody felt thankful to me, but it’d be useless when I returned back to
my world. Then, in that case, there should be no problem if I put those
feelings and what not into something useful for the goddess.
“I understand. I agree with those conditions.”
Reunion and Parting
“Haruto, I’m sorry but I have to collect that ring.”
“Eh!”
The Goddess of Memory asked that I surrender the ring that I was supposed
to give to Tina. Only when I accepted her conditions and entreated her to
return me back to Tina.
“Both of your names are engraved on that ring, right? And for it to be made
from an immutable metal…”
I made the ring from scarletite, an extremely hard to process, immutable
metal to symbolize my unchanging love for Tina.
It was the first time I used the Protector skill outside the battlefield. I could
activate this skill as long as I was overcome with the strong urge to protect
someone, even if it was not during a battle.
I had poured everything I got with this skill in order to make this ring,
notwithstanding the fact that I was at Level 360, the level that defied the
logic of this world.
Tina’s ring size was already checked.
But if the size changed…
I doubted if anybody else could process this, so there was no other choice
but to turn it into a necklace, huh.
I also engraved our names in the inner part of the ring, and that was what
seemed to be causing problems.
“When I’d erase the memories related to Haruto’s name, the people’s
memories would not be the only things that I erase. The written records and
books as well as engravings and sculptures would all be removed as well.
And I’d change your name to ‘The Guardian Hero’.”
That was true. Even if the people were to forget about me, if they read my
name in the books and other publications then there was the possibility that
they might recall me.
“It is easy to erase the names written in books and in engravings, but…
scarletite is impossible, even for me.”
That would be worrying.
I tried that for a while earlier on, but ever since I entered this divine realm,
I was no longer able to use my power as a hero. In other words, I could no
longer activate the Protective skill so it was impossible for me to erase our
names from the ring.
Besides, Tina’s memories might be suspected if she couldn’t recall even the
name of the person who gave her the ring; there was also the possibility that
it would damage her mental state.
I gave up on giving the ring to Tina when I heard that.
“That is why I’m keeping this ring. Maybe you can hand this to Tina,
instead?’
The Goddess gave me a pendant with a scarlet gemstone inserted in its
center.
“They call it the Dragon King’s Eye, and it’s the greatest weapon in this
entire world. It can seal whatever kind of magic inside it, and it will
release that magic when its conditions are fulfilled. Well, its rarity level is a
bit lower if you compare it to the scarletite ring, though….”
“I-is that…okay?”
“Yes. By the way, it was originally a pair of earrings, but I thought it might
be too big for Tina so I turned it into a pendant.”
“Thank you so much for your consideration.”
“If Tina agreed to erase the memories of your adventure with her, then I
will give you another great item… How about it?”
We would no longer meet each other, so maybe it was better to clear all her
memories of me. Tina might be able to find someone else to love in the
future.
But, there was also a part deep within me that hoped she would retain her
memories about the time when we went on adventures together.
“That’s…Can I consult Tina first before deciding?”
“That’s fine.”
As expected, I wasn’t able to decide on my own, so I decided to talk it out
with Tina before choosing.
“Alright, I’ll send you now to Tina, okay. You have 10 minutes. Is that
okay?”
“Yes, please.”
── *** ──
I returned to the Demon Castle.
Tina was crouched at the place where I stood, crying her heart out.
“Tina.”
“Eh…..”
“The Goddess granted me some time, but it was only for a little while.”
I opened my arms as Tina flew towards me.
“Haruto-samaa, I-I….I..though….”
Tears overflowed from Tina’s eyes.
I hugged her tightly.
“Sorry for disappearing so suddenly without saying goodbye.”
“Y-you mean you can’t stay here?”
“…..Yeah. I don’t have a choice but to return back to my previous world, it
seems.”
I told Tina about my contract with the Goddess. Tina looked really lonely
when I told her that I would have to forget her.
“You can also surrender your memories to the Goddess, and you will be
able to forget about me too, you know. You’ll be able to get a super rare
item, too.”
I was fervently hoping that she would refuse, but outwardly, I did my best
to ask as brightly as possible.
“…Haruto-sama, do you want me to forget all about you?”
“I…I —”
I wanted her to remember.
I knew that it was so selfish of me.
Still —
“I want Tina to always remember me.”
“If that is what you wish, then Haruto-sama, I will never, ever forget about
you.”
I hugged Tina with all my might after she said that.
I would be separated from this girl who had me in her heart. I felt really
lonely.
“Haruto-sama.”
Tina closed her eyes and tucked her hair behind her ear, then she slightly
puckered her lips. She always did that whenever she wanted a kiss.
I kissed Tina.
Suddenly, she circled her arms around my neck, and I couldn’t break away
from her.
I was a bit surprised, but when Tina’s tongue parted my lips and plunged
into my mouth, I almost lost it.
That tongue swept through my mouth; exploring every inch of it
It felt really great.
I tried to touch Tina’s tongue with my own as she slipped inside.
Her body jumped a bit.
It seemed that she was shocked, but we were even.
Soon enough, Tina became used to it.
Our tongues entwined;danced and twirled around each other.
Hers tasted like honey, it was honestly so sweet.
I wanted to do it more…
I pushed my tongue deeper into her mouth, plundering it, leaving no place
untouched. Tina’s body shivered in my arms.
‘How adorable.’
Tina’s arms around my neck pulled me harder, as if she would never let me
go.
She was so irresistibly lovely.
This was the first time I ever french kissed someone, but it felt amazing. It
felt like Tina and I would melt into each other; becoming one
I wanted to continue this forever.
But, my time was limited.
“Haaah, Tina, sorry. I don’t have much time.”
“Haa…haa…Ha-Haruto-sama~….”
I pulled myself away from Tina ; only a string of saliva connecting our
lips.
We kissed each other so intensely that our breathing was rugged. My heart
was pounding too loudly in my chest.
Tina gazed at me, her face flushed red with her eyes close to tearing up, but
if we kept at it, I might disappear without saying a proper goodbye again.
“Tina, I love you. Even if I lose my memories, my feelings for you
absolutely won’t change.”
“I-I also love Haruto-sama.”
“I will return to my previous world, but there might be a possibility that I
will return to this world again.”
Tina stared at me in a daze, but I continued on.
“When that time comes, I’ll probably have a different appearance than
now.”
I felt that premonition for some reason. My intuition had been sharpened
during the three years that I saved countless people.
In order to protect them, I needed to estimate the time of enemy’s attack
and anticipate the possible places they would appear, and because of that,
my intuition had been cultivated and my probability of success increased,
although it was still not at par with the prediction of the future.
Thoughts such as ‘I don’t want to leave Tina’ and ‘I want to stay with Tina
forever’ overflowed within me as I kissed Tina, and my intuition about our
future was activated.
“I might lose my memories, my appearance might change, but I will
absolutely fall in love with Tina all over again. And I will do anything to
make you fall for me again.”
“T-then I will definitely search for you, Haruto-sama!”
“Yeah, I will definitely return.”
My body started to glow faintly.
— Time was up.
“Tina, here.”
I gave the pendant that the Goddess bestowed on me to Tina.
“This is?”
“If your life is ever in danger, this tool would activate and release the
strongest defense barrier that I could create. It would protect you in my
stead.”
I immediately sealed an Absolute Defense barrier spell inside the Dragon
King’s Eye using all the power that I had the moment I arrived at the
Demon King’s Castle.
I didn’t want to think too much, but my intuition was telling me that this
tool would be used once before I returned to Tina’s side.
“Thank you very much.”
Tina clutched the pendant carefully to her heart.
My entire body started to crumble.
“Tina, see you.”
“Yes. I will always…always, wait for your return.”
Tina was smiling as brightly as the sun, with tears still flowing down her
cheeks. That was the last image I had of her.
“Now, the winner of the previous martial arts festival, Zion, Against the
third grade, Marcott who swings his big sword lightly like a limb!”

Among loud cheers, the previous winner, Zion, appeared in the arena.
Senior Zion was a handsome guy with brown hair and was slender. There
is no end to the aura like a popular sports-universal soccer boy in the class.
Zion-senpai waving his hand around with a refreshing smile.
 He was equipped on the back of the hand in both hands, and some
chakram were hanging on the waist.

On the other hand, Marcott is a big and muscular senior. He carries a

rugged sword on his back.

“Marcott, thank you”

“Zion, I’m going seriously!”

The two shook hands with each other and arrived in place.

“Then the game starts !!”

Senior Zion takes a stance and Senior Marcott pulls out a big sword.
After glaring at each other for a while, Senior Marcott kicked the ground
and slashed at Senior Zion.

“‘Double blade! !! “

Marcott’s sword began to shake as he slashed at Zion.

Senior Zion deflected the attack with one hand.

The trajectory of Marcott’s sword is deflected and pierces the ground.

Two sword marks were engraved on the ground.

”Fighting spirit” … Probably one is a blade embodied by energy.

Even if you prevent one attack, you can hit with the second shot. It’s
simple, but when there is a huge difference in power it won’t matter.
 After that, Marcott slashes at high speed as if he was swinging a normal
sword
Senior Zion continues to deflect with one hand on the sword attack.

Senior Zion deflected Marcott’s sword in a trajectory that clearly ignores

the laws of physics.

“I still don’t feel like I’m hitting you at all! It’s okay to hit it once !?”
“Fufu! If you hit me with such an attack it would be a problem!”

Marcott, who continues to perform high-speed continuous attacks, begins

to feel fatigue.
If you swing that big sword at that speed, you will get tired.
And finally, the activation of fighting spirit became weaker, he started
fighting without it.

“I was waiting for it!!”

Senior Zion rushed out to the side of the sword passing along it.
Then, the big sword was blown off from the hand of senior Marcott, and
it flew in the air while rotating at high speed.

Senior Zion immediately slips into Senior Marcott’s flank and slams his
palm into his abdomen.

“Ghaha !!”

Senior Marcott was blown away and was sent off by being hit by a
barrier.
“Winner, Zion! After all, he’s the last winner! He shut out the attack of
Marcott, a professional user of the big sword, without even using any
tricks! He’s too strong !!”

…… I can’t see his power.

In this match, Senior Zion won with almost no power.
I know I’m strong, but I don’t know how strong he is.
As expected, of the person who won the martial arts festival in the
second grade.

“The next game will be the best warrior in the second grade, the Ice Queen
Christel! And the third grader, Golem Master Wayne! What will happen in
the competition between senior magicians?”

“Thank you.”
“Thank you”

Senior Christel, who has long light blue hair, was equipped with several
rings with embedded magic stones.
Senior Wayne is equipped with a fairly heavy cane.

“Then, the game starts!”

“‘Create Golem'”
“‘Freezing barrier””Icicle rain””
 When Senior Wayne tapped the ground with a cane, five golems sprang
up from the ground.
Each is equipped with a large sword, sword and shield, scythe, spear, and
bow, and stands out like a knight.

After seeing the activation, Senior Christel Froze the ground and made it
like a skating rink.
In addition, she shoots countless ice spears at each golem and senior
Wayne.

“What !?”Flame barrier”! “

Senior Wayne activates a flame barrier in a hurry to prevent the ice spear
from hitting him.
However, the golems were inevitably attacked because their feet were
frozen on the ground.
Freezing progressed from where the ice spear pierced, and the golems
were quickly trapped in the ice.

“Ku!”Grand Lance””
“‘Ice spire””

”Senior Wayne released the earth magic “Grand Lance ”, Which was
activated by senior Christel’s feet, who used an ice spire and avoided it.
Originally “Ice spire” Was supposed to be a magic to make a pillar in a
straight line, but Senior Christel used it for high-speed movement by
moving it freely. It’s like a roller coaster rail.

“‘Icicle rain”! “
“‘Flame barrier! “

Senior Christel moves around Senior Wayne at high speed, and from all
directions, Icicle rain was released.
Wayne used “Flame barrier”, But it is not possible to prevent the rain of
attacks with barrier magic that has a short activation time and continuous
activation restrictions.
As soon as the barrier was broken, an ice spear pierced from various
directions, and Wayne was sent off from the arena.

“The winner, Christel! The Ice Queen shut out the golem with her first
move and shut it out with a move that didn’t seem like a magician! It’s
possible that the winner will come out again from the second grade!”

Mental power, magical power, and “Ice spire” The degree of

understanding of magic is amazing.
This person, her power is hard to see as well …

I felt the strength of the opponent I was going to fight, and I got a sweat
in my hand.
“The next match will be between Sirius in grade 1 and. Rivios in grade 3!
It’s going to be a speed showdown between Sirius, who boasts a thunderous
speed, and Rivios, a twin sword fighter of Godspeed!”

When I went up to the arena, a slim handsome man with a slender

longsword appeared from the other side.

“Sirius-kun, I was allowed to see your game … you’re strong. I was

surprised that you were as fast as I was at that age….! “
“I will do my best to fight here too!”
 Senior Livios held a twin sword in a flowing motion, highlighting the
beautiful decoration that shines white.
Along with that, I also put my hand on the sword on my waist and
prepare for battle.

“Then, the game starts !!”

“Lightning Aura”

“‘Acceleration”

At the same time as I wore thunder, Senior Livios appeared in front of me

at a speed that left an afterimage.
He slashes at me with both his swords.

The venue screams at a sword speed that transcends the humans.

I keep on Parrying the sword flashes that are released one after another,
hesitating, and gradually retreating.
The sound of high-pitched metal colliding with each other echoes there,
and the light from the sparkle and electric discharge of the white sword is
flashed continuously.

“It’s the first time someone received my sword so far !!”

Senior Livios happily keeps swinging his sword while talking.

The fighting spirit that clearly reproduces the speed beyond the physical
limit “Acceleration”.
 At a speed that exceeded that limit, a disturbing sound began to be heard
from the body of senior Livios, as if something was cut off.
Senior Livios distorted his face and stepped back to a distance.

“Ku! It’s the first time that the activation time has been extended so far–“

Of course I don’t give him time to rest!

He chases after Senior Livios who is about to retreat, and pulls out
Yoruichi from the scabbard.
Senior Livios defended with a sword one beat later, probably because he
didn’t think that a chase would come, but he couldn’t stand the power of
Yoruichi’s sword speed and weight and was hit by a barrier.

“Gaha! Shit … I wanted to save this for Zion, but it can’t be helped … This
is my seriousness!”Acceleration times two”! !! “

I chased after he was struck by the barrier, but he jumped sideways to

avoid it at a speed that would cut off the acceleration.
Fragments of flooring fly from the place kicked by Senior Livios at such
a moving speed.
Acceleration beyond imagination.

――I didn’t really want to show you until the final, but I can’t lose here.

“Blitz accelerator”

In order to capture the movement of senior Livios, who is approaching

the limit of his own dynamic visual acuity,I use Blitz accelerator To super-
accelerate the body and thoughts.
 The world becomes slow motion, and the two sword flashes that are
released at different timings are reflected in the field of view.
In the world where everything is reflected late, I slammed Yoruichi’s
presence as if to sew between the sword flashes.

Senior Livios’s sword flash never reached me, and he was sent off the
arena.

One beat later, the venue was filled with cheers.

When I turned my eyes to the audience seats, thinking that I could feel a
hot gaze, it seemed that Charlotte was screaming something while
bouncing.
…… Let’s pretend to not see it.

“Well, what happened !? I don’t know what happened because they were
moving too fast! I don’t know, but it was the first grade that won the high-
speed battle. It’s Sirius !! It’s an unusual situation that both of them will
advance to the semi-finals this year! “

When I returned to the waiting room, Rose was waiting with a natural
expression.

“Don’t lose until the final”

“Oh, Rose-san.I was the winner last time, so do your best!”
“I won’t lose”

Rose laughed invincibly, but somehow smiled and her gaze was warm.

“Sirius, excuse me.”

 When I felt a sign behind me and turned around, I saw an old butler
bending his hips.

“Charlotte-sama wants to meet you… Can you give me some time?”

I did something that stands out again …

So in my heart, I had no choice but to shake my head silently under the
pressure of not saying anything.

Upon arriving with the old butler, the king and princess were chatting
over tea.
And one step back, [Kensei] Lin Sword Fair was waiting.
As soon as I entered the room, Charlotte rushed in with a shining face.

“Sirius-sama !! Sirius-sama’s brave figure … that … it was very nice …”

Charlotte stares at me while wrapping her cheeks, which have begun to

dye in vermilion, with both hands.
The princess , a beautiful girl who looks back on everyone, said that, and
answered while not realizing her inner feelings.

“Oh, thank you. His Majesty the King, Princess Charlotte, Captain Lin, how
are you doing?”
“Ah, I came to see the adventurers who will bear the future of our country
… It was an interesting battle.”
“I’m grateful for your words.”

I bow down.
“Oh, good. It’s informal, it’s like coming to see my daughter’s friend. You
don’t need formal courtesy.”
“Understood”

His Majesty is waving his hands annoyingly.

People who are not very royal, but I feel that they are also favorable.

“Sirius-sama, would you like to show me around the school festival?”

Charlotte-san dropped a bomb there.

I glanced at the fact that it would be a big deal if the princess was
wandering around.

“Eh !? No … I think it’s too dangerous to throw the Princess into this
crowd. Probably people will come together …”
“It’s okay. There’s a magic cloak with cognitive-blocking magic. It’s not
that powerful, but it’s unlikely that anyone will notice it at first glance.”

What preparation!
Looking at His Majesty the King, who grinned as planned, it was easy to
predict that this would be the storyline.

“Is it not okay……?”

Charlotte stares at the me with shining eyes.

…… This is a foul.

“… How about having my friends accompany you …?”

 To be honest, walking alone at a school festival with a princess, maybe is
fun but it is honestly nervous, and I hate it because it could be a strange
rumor if I notice it.
In that respect, I plan to reduce attention toward me by including my
classmates.

“… I Allow it.”

Princess Charlotte swelled her cheeks a little, but she reluctantly

acknowledged it.

The appearance of the beautiful girl chewing on the four crepes was very
eye-catching. In addition, a handsome knight captain, who is not a member
of the group but usually has a sharpness like a sword, enjoyed the sweetness
while closing his eyes.
Sirius and Lancelot, who are with such beautiful girls, were all gazed at
as if they were about to be shot dead by the surrounding boys.
Muskel, who is laughing in the back, is in the position of a holiday dad
despite being in the same grade, which is an exception.

When I introduced the Princess to my classmates, everyone was afraid at

first, but before I knew it, the four girls became friends because of
Charlotte’s compromise, “Please call me Charlotte as a friend.” ..
At first, they were holding back against each other for some reason, but
after the four of them went to pick flowers, it seemed that the distance
suddenly shortened.
“Did Sirius invent this !? It’s definitely better than the dessert our chef
makes!”

Charlotte devours crepes and approaches with excitement.

“Charlotte, there is cream on your mouth”

“Ah !? It’s embarrassing … Sirius, could you wipe it?”

Charlotte is blushing and presenting her face.

It looks like her lips are sticking out a little.
The beautiful girl closes her eyes and sticks out her lips, and she just
misses her face.

“Cho !! Charlotte! I’ll wipe it up! Yes, don’t move!”

Airi interrupted there and wiped off the cream with a handkerchief.
Charlotte glares at Airi, but Airi lightly dismisses it.

“Charlotte … if I’m not careful …”

The girls were staring at Charlotte with sparks in their eyes.