Sousetsuka

538 Turf War

I suppose this outcome was only natural, inevitable even. It must have been days or weeks since griffon left this area.
Nature being a cruel mistress, of course a new creature would come and claim it. Which is what showed up before us.
Another griffon who had taken ownership of this turf arrived to defend it.
This griffon is a thief from the point of view from the previous master of this turf. But we are the intruders from its POV.
The law of nature states the two creatures must compete in a turf war in this case.

"Kururururu~ guwaa! "Kieeeeee!" "Gurururu! Guwa!" "Kuee! Kue! Kueeeeee!"

The two griffons growl(?)ed at each other. It's shrill beyond word.
They raised their upper half to threaten, attack and sometimes clash violently with their claws.
After around a minute it's obvious they're both equally strong, this battle would be a protracted one.
Thus, I decided to interject. While the two were facing off against other in the open space, I walked in between them.

"Ah, sorry about this. This place was originally this griffon's. Mind withdrawing? But I know you won't back down no matter what I say. So I'll take you on instead. Let's settle this."

My griffon cried out 'Kue, kuwa! kue kue... kuwa!' as if interpreting my words to the other griffon.
The other griffon responded with 'Kuwa~, kuwa~!'
But I could understand that it was a cry to demean me.

(But how~. I dunno how it works, I just know that I can understand the emotion behind those cries. And no it's not me making things up, I really do get it.)

My griffon got mad at the response, and growled back, 'Kuwa! kuwaa!'
How? Is this another effect of the 'God's Power'? Like 'Listening-hood' or something?

While I was reminiscing that old tale from Japan, the other griffon raised its foreleg and swung it down on me.
There was no starting signal or anything. Such is the law of the jungle. The strong lives, the weak dies. A plain and simple world.
I'm not against its action. You have to accept the way of nature if you want to live in it.

"But I don't want to abuse animals. I won't kill you."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
I stopped the incoming foreleg with a finger. My clothes would get torn to shred if the claws reached me. I can't have that.
Dodging would be boorish. This is a contest of strength. The opponent won't get it unless I demonstrate an overwhelming difference in power and break its pride.

"Ah, this doesn't really hurt me but my legs are sinking into the ground... It'd be a pain to remove all the dirt if it gets deep inside my shoes."

In order to avoid that, I grip the foreleg and push the griffon back.
The griffon was powerless to stop me as I kept advancing on. With it still in my grip of course.
The griffon tried to wriggle out and take its claw off me but my grip wouldn't budge.
Unable to either push or pull, the griffon opened its beak and made an attempt to bite me.

This feat I showed should have been more than enough to prove my strength. Yet this griffon still wouldn't relent, quite admirable.
The willingness to die to defend your home is rare even out in the mother's nature.
This is a contest of strength, not a deathmatch. That might be the reason I feel like this griffon is still making light of me despite its fluster.

(It's as if it was saying, "I haven't gotten serious yet!")

I let go of my grip and struck the incoming beak with a backhand fist.
Bako! That sound echoed hard as the griffon's head got swung sideways.
Did I put too much strength? The griffon fell down. Did that kill it? I timidly peeked at it.
That hit seemed to have knocked it out, its eyes lost focus. It appears to be suffering from a concussion.
I kept observing and waited till it came to. Tens of seconds later, the griffon's eyes blinked open, then it got as far away from me when it saw me. All while sliding on the dirt.

"Ku... Kwee~", the griffon begged pathetically like saying, "Please forgive me~"
Looks like it's my win. I stayed still and let it fly away.
I turned my line of sight back to my griffon which looked dumbstruck, seemingly surprised about me.
Its beak is wide open as it stares me.

"Hm? What? What's wrong, what is it? Got something on my face?"

The griffon finally came back to its sense, cried out 'Kue!' and prostrated before me.
Bowing deeply in that pose. Keeping its eye on me with its chin on the floor.
Apparently griffon was under the wrong impression about my 'strength' which it had renewed after this.
Oh right, this griffon never saw me fighting.
It must have thought of me as nothing more than its 'lifesaver'.
I petted griffon's nose and told it.

"Just act the way you've always been. You acting like that is only gonna throw me off. Come back to normal."

Griffon stood up and licked my face as a sign of affection.

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Side Story Practice Peeking

This chapter is from Hero's POV

"Alrighty, that concludes our training today~. Make sure you have a good night sleep tonight and get ready for tomorrow~."

"A, agagaga..."

"U, uh, I died, so many times again..."

"...I'm used to it."


Hello there, good evening. It's me, the final hope of the world that will save mankind from Demon King, the hero in the flesh.
That final hope has been dying again and again day by day. The amount of deaths easily exceeds triple digit when we fight these instructors. What is this place, hell?

'Sword King' Dukeris fights us head-on with a wooden sword without resorting to trickery.
He also uses 'Mana Blunt' to increase his wooden sword's durability, yet it still boasts more than enough power to deal a killing blow. What's even blunt about it... Ugogogo...

'Archmage' Lunatiara shoots elementary spells with the same firepower as Advanced Magic spells cast by Mages and Sorcerers, a direct hit will kill you instantaneously.
Even if you manage to get past her magic bombardment and engage in a close quarter combat, she possesses superior strength and techniques over us, killing us with a whack of her staff. This game is just impossible.
Aina-san was so gentle with us... Hindsight 20/20. Come back Aina-san.

Training with these two is just terrible. Dead. I'm gonna die. Heck, I did die. Countless times.
We died so much that by nighttime everybody looked dead on the inside. H, how long must this go on...


"You guys alright? Sure don't look well."

"You guys are being way too hard on us just because we can get revived..."

"Even if the body is sound, the mind..."

"Dunno how much shock you get when you die, but I see it's gotta be quite mentally draining huh."

"You simply get used to it... Fufufu..."


Olivie, are you alright. Your eyes are unfocused even though you're laughing.
As she's usually very meek, getting driven to the corner like this might be risky for Olivie...


"Are you making other groups go through the same life-threatening practice as ours? Somebody might die at this rate..."

"Nothing this dangerous, course'. Unlike you guys, it'd be like putting the cart before the horse if any of 'em died."

"So our training is the harshest huh..."

"There's an exception, but yeah that's about right."

"By that you mean Kajikawa-san's group?"

"Yea. Oh right, he hailed from the same land as yours huh. Him and you, you otherworlders sure have some incredible latent power. We musta look like common people by your world's standard."

"No, that person is just abnormal. Ordinary people don't fly in the sky without any gear."


They pin their hope on Kajikawa-san's group huh. Guess that's only right.
Though not even that Kajikawa-san managed to land a hit on these two.

Their daughter, Alma got a successful hit on Instructor Lunatiara the other day though.
Did she get past that barrage of death and squeezed a hit in melee range? How?
...Was instructor going easy cause she was up against her daughter? Considering their usual antics around Alma, that sounds plausible...

I think tomorrow is Kajikawa-san's group turn.
Tomorrow is our rest day and all, maybe I should go and take a peek.
Kinda curious how they're dealing with these two, I might even catch a hint or two.
...Honestly, half of it is motivated by the thrill of watching something scary.




<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >



The day after.
I went to look for a nice spot to peek at their training with Ultimate Martial Art Skill 'Clairvoyance' that allows me to see afar like a telescope from a safe place but there were preceding visitors already.


"...The hell you doin' out here, okama bastard."

"...That's my line. Ain't this your leveling day, why'd you all be here."


That damned brat, Alancyan or something was already standing by.
Not just this brat. Every members of the other groups are all here too. What about your training, guys.


"Look who's talkin' on the high horse. Ya ain't no better."

"Too bad~. Today is our group's rest day~. Our free time, unlike you~. Can you not lump us together puhlease~."

"You're such a pain in the arse, wanna die?"

"Ah, you mad~? Are you mad~? M'bad, wanna try killing me~? I'm just gonna get revived right away though~."


I do think I'm being quite a pest myself, but I can't stand this guy calling me okama either.
Guy looks easy to provoke and he's frowning hard, but he's being patient prolly because he wants to watch Kajikawa-san's group. NDK? NDK?


"...I got no time to play around with ya bastard. Piss off if ya got no business here."

"Who the hell wanna stays next to you. This is the only good place to peek from."

"You guys, shut it. Keep it down if you're here to peek."


Green hair, Radiasta, was it? Warned us with an 'I can't believe you guys' look. Soz.
Oh? His previously Martial Arts Lv9 has evolved to Ultimate Martial Arts Lv2. He got that up so quickly.
His base level also went up from 35 to 40. It's only been around a week since we started the training too. That's an amazing pace.


No wait, I'm curious about him but I gotta focus on Kajikawa-san's group.
Gotta learn how their training goes.
Activating 'Clairvoyance' and start watching.



...And, once their training started, all I could see are two black shadows swaying around, what are those even? Who? What are they doing? What's happening?
I can't even make out their outlines. Are those human beings? Or are they straw men bending back and forth?

<<...Err, those are Alma-san and her Papa-san exchanging blows at super high speed. They're moving too fast your kinetic vision can't catch up it seems Neora-san.>>

Wait you mean Alma-san wasn't at her full speed during the tournament!? I can't make heads or tails where she's moving now!
I mean, Papa-san's speed is no joke either. It's as if I'm watching an anime high speed battle.
I take back about them taking it easy on their daughter, he's going at it far faster and stronger than with us.
Papa-san was actually holding back against us... Uwaah, I feel pitiful about myself.


"...What, are they doing?"

"Alma and Duke-san are sparring it seems... They're too fast nobody can tell what's going on."

"That's Alma and his dad? For real?"


Radiasta and the damned brat muttered with their mouths agape.
Yup, their reactions are normal after watching that. No ordinary human can move like that. Weird.
They're way too incredible their training is no use as a frame of reference. Is there even a point to watching them?


"Ah, they finally stoppe...!? Alma-neechan's sword turned gigantic, she thrust that forward and then it multiplied!? And that guy just casually dodged them all!"

"How many times did they swing their swords just now...? I couldn't tell at all..."

"They never showed their true strength against us. Not Duke-san, not Alma..."

"Like that time at the tourney."


....Yup. Honestly, somewhere in the corner of my mind, I knew that already.
They were holding back against us so we don't lose heart from too lofty of a goal.
In fact, I'm kinda losing my confidence after watching this... I gotta get stronger than that? Aren't you asking the impossible?

Just as that thought crossed my mind, the damned brat stood up and walked away.


"Oy, where you going?"

"...Leveling. I've seen it all. I ain't gonna waste any more time."

"Yeah?"


He's going to work harder instead of losing heart even after seeing this huh.
Or perhaps, he's the type that gets fired up the taller the wall to scale.
...I hate him, but I gotta learn from that undaunting will.


"R-Reina!"

"Eh? ...!?"


Radiasta suddenly called out the name of that blond little girl.
What's wrong with her? I used Clairvoyance again and then...


When I turned my sight back at Kajikawa-san's group, a humongous giant of flame visible with bare eyes even from this distance showed up.
W-what the heck is that thing...!?

<<That will be Advanced Spirit Magic 'Cthuga'. The apex of all flame spirits... Instructor Lunatiara summoned that. Is she planning to kill Reina-san...?>>

...Wha? She summoned that monster against Reina!?
No no no, that's just way absurd! I can feel the heat even from all the way here! She's gonna get burned just getting close to it!

<<No, looks like that's not quite right, see? ...That girl is just as abnormal.>>

Wha?


....


Y-you're kidding me, she's barely managing to dodge that giant of flame's assault...!?
Looking again, I see that she's staving off the attack with an ostrich-like big golden chicken. They're training as a pair huh.
They're two different species yet they're fighting like a pair of combat veterans, complementing and covering each other splendidly.
...Was that chicken Reina's tamed beast? No, I think it was Kajikawa-san's, yet they're so in sync...

Ah hey, Instructor Lunatiara is following up with more magic. Is she a demon.
Reina entered a gigantified shadow alongside the chicken, but they got chased out by the flame shining on it and ate instructor's magic directly.
A-are they alive? That was a direct hit.

Ah, they are alive. Barely at that, they slumped down while shaking.
Both Reina's and chicken's HPs are at 20. That could have killed them, no...?

Kajikawa-san ran up to them in a hurry.
He held his hands over them both, then their wounds got healed and their HPs went back to full.
Kajikawa-san's HP decreased instead. Is he able to share his HP...?

<<Looks like he can also control his life force on top of mana and stamina. Common sense really doesn't apply to that man...>>

...I'm used to him being extraordinary. I ain't gonna get surprised anymore, no matter what.
The girl and the chicken went up against Lunatiara again once they were fully healed. Can't believe they didn't lose heart after experiencing that.


"...Can't afford to play hooky now, can we."

"That missy's the real deal. Ain't she an item with ya? Someone's gonna be on a tight leash."

"Y-you're wrong! What are you talking about Baredo!"

"Fufu, oh it's nothing to get all flustered about."

"Nobody's flustered! Let's go and level up, now!"


Baredo and Rasfin who were peeking next Radiasta teased him, to which he responded by standing up with a reddened face.
He must have gone to peek at Reina only to get all competitive when he saw her undergoing a much severer training regime than him.
Well, guess you gotta get stronger than the girl you want to show off on. Do your best.


I stayed around and watched for a while only to see Alma, Reina, and the chicken re-challenging the two instructors over and over again to the point of exhaustion.
...Our group didn't have it the harshest. It's this group's.

They can't get revived yet they have to constantly deal with attacks that could get them killed by a hair.
All of them manage to get by such a severe training even if just barely. Their gutsiness is on a whole other level.

Heck, what's Kajikawa-san doing anyway?
All he's been doing is healing them whenever. Is he not gonna train? Well I mean, guess he doesn't need it when he's already that strong...


Oh, they're all taking a break. Good work~.
...Hm? Both instructors are walking to the training ground with Kajikawa-san, what's wrong?


...Eh, why are they taking combat ready poses?
Why're two instructor facing off Kajikawa-san.
That makes it look like they're gonna fight in a two-on-one.

<<That appears to be the case. What an elaborate way to kill yourself~. Oh wait, those two suggested this?>>


....
Well, uh. Live on. I'll make sure to pick up your bones if things went sideways, Kajikawa-san.

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537 Bountiful Forest

Initially I was planning to lead a self-sufficient life deep in a remote forest somewhere.
But I believe everybody craves for convenience. I want my house built properly, and I don't want to eat only to sustain myself and indulge on good food.
I needed a huge amount of money to that end. Money makes the world go round.
After all, I lack the knowledge and skill to do those feats all by myself. As such, I gotta rely on the power of money to hire people who can.
Consequently, my house can't be that deep in the forest and must be reasonably close to a city by this world's standards.
Transporting building materials would have been an ordeal otherwise. No one would accept a commission to bring them to an unexplored region.

I have money thanks to the Black Card now. This particular problem is pretty much solved.
Next up is picking the right place. This journey has that purpose in mind. Bringing in no end of trouble along the way.
So I thought to myself I might as well enjoy the ride and opted to go all the way to this coliseum.
I liked watching combat sports in my past life but I don't know why anything I do draw in trouble like this.
I'm fed up already. Hence, I stopped exerting energy on this.
Dealing with these guys is just a waste of time.

(It's not that I'm being patient. I am interested in this coliseum but I'm not that desperate. I can always come back later.)

"Alright, griffon. Fly in that direction. Let's get away from this place."

I jumped on griffon's back and said that.
My action came as a surprise to the Administrative Office folk, they had this dumbfounded look all the while.
My irritation eased up a bit seeing those expressions. I ignored them as they watched griffon climbing higher and left the place behind.

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

I picked a random direction but once we got far enough, I asked griffon.

"Hey, I'd like to visit your turf if you don't mind. It's a bountiful forest right?"

Griffon cried joyfully at that, 'Kue, kuee!' and changed direction.
Looks like it's willing to bring me there. It seems to have a sort of homing instinct and shows no hesitation in the trajectory it's going.

After around 15 minutes. I dunno the exact time due to lack of clock. We were flying at high speed.
We arrived. A vast sprawling forest lies there before my eyes.

"Green as far as eyes can see even from this high up... Just how huge is it..."

Of course a forest this vast gotta be bountiful.

There's no way to even imagine the sheer amount of flora and fauna inhabiting it. Jungle? Amazon? There's a big lake with a river too as water sources.
A paradise for living creatures. The forest looks to have anything you ask it of.

Griffon slowly lowered its altitude. It's probably heading to its nest.
After a bit, we came to an open space just big enough to fit griffon.
Griffon landed there like it was used to it. 'Kue!', then it crouched down to let me get off easily.

"Ou, thanks griffon. This is a pretty nice place alright. The air feels so fresh. There's a hint of sweetness too I think?"

I looked around and found multi-colored flowers blooming. Their fragrances are filling the air in this place, wafting a nice aroma deep into your body.

But this belated moment only lasted briefly. Just as I stretched my body, that thing appeared.

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Fantasy Romance First Taste

"Ah~~ Hiyoko you're so fluffy~~~"

『Cluck...』

"...Fluff fluff..."

"M-me too! I wanna fluff fluff too!"

『C, cluck, cluuck!』


Post the sparring sessions, we were all lying down all beaten up so I decided to heal myself with Hiyoko who had evolved into Golden Cock the other day.
Hiyoko is as big as an ostrich now, boasting a superb feel to the touch. I had no idea this wonderful cushion existed in this world.
Alma and Reina got lured into lying on this raw futon as well. Hiyoko protested at all the weight.


"Ah, it's the best. This is on a whole other class than some low grade cushion."

"It's so soft, and warm."

"It's been getting a bit chilly lately too. Well the training warms you up real fast though."

『Cluck! Cluuuck!』

"Oh don't be like that. It's important to experience some skinships every once in a while. Besides, you're gonna get smaller in another evolution, gotta make use of this chance while it lasts."

"Eh, Hiyoko won't get bigger with the next evolution?"

"Yeah. The next one is Platinum Cock, a normal chicken-sized magic beast with a platinum colored feather. Hiyoko's parent was like that."

<<Hiyoko has met the conditions to evolve into 'Platinum Cock' as well as 'Rage Cock', and 'Night Fowl'.>>

"Eh, whazzat. What's going on?
Did the options increase cause Hiyoko got specific Titles or Skills?

<<Affirmative. As for the detail, Rage Cock is bigger size-wise, with greatly bolstered STR, DEF, and HP, however AGI, DEX and INT do not rise as much. Night Fowl is around the size of Meadow Cock, with higher AGI and DEX than Platinum Cock, and low STR and DEF.>>

...Neither sounds that compelling. Rage Cock especially, even bigger than this is gonna make Hiyoko an easy target.
Night Fowl having important stats like STR and DEF low is a bit... Guess Platinum Cock is the safe choice here, it's fast as heck already anyway.
Hiyoko could probably get more options if it obtain more Skills and Titles but there's the time constraint to consider.
Well, there should be plenty of room for growth, just gotta chip at it little by little.


『Cluaaack!!』


...Either way, we shouldn't get overzealous with making Hiyoko a cushion.
That thought crossed my mind as we all got blown away by an enraged 'Qi Path Open'-buffed Hiyoko.



Tonight we're having a steak party to commemorate Alma's first hit on Alma Mama.
I was just wondering the best time to feast on that meat, and this occasion fit right in.

I took a thick block of meat and sliced between lean and fat meat.
I heated up Mountain Bull's tallow on a frying pan before putting in the meat.

Then I dripped in a blend of beef tallow and butter oil I had in Item Screen into the pan little by little.
This is kinda cheating in a way but I'm gonna use everything in my disposal. It's handy and all.
Once the color changed to a nice brown on both sides, I sprinkled in a bit of salt and pepper and took it off the heat.

I let the cooked meat rest for 2-3 minutes and the steak is done.
I'll be serving it with stir-fried cabbage and rock onion as garnish and nutrition balance.

The meat by itself should be flavorful enough but I've also added pre-made sauce.
Chopped Rock Onion with red wine, soy sauce, sugar, lemon juice, grated garlic and a little bit of water.

I also prepared aro rice and white bread to pick freely.
Can't have me decide all the time. Though nobody seems to mind.


"It's done. Help me carry them in."

"Hawawawawa, t-that's real super thick slices of steak...!"

"...Extra, vagant."

『Pii...!』


Everybody seemed a bit bewildered at the grand feast before them.
Must be cause steak has this image of being a rich folk's food... Right?

Alma's parents look calm, they must have inferred what meat is it.
Well, it's these two after all, they're probably used to eat so much of this stuff, they're tired of it already.


"Mwu, this aroma... Must be, that meat eh?"

"Yes. The tail meat of 'Black Dragon' I cut off around a week ago."

"Dragon's, meat...!?"

"Eh, this is the tail of that super scary Black Dragon!? Hiee...!!"

"...Huh? Haven't you eaten dragon already, Alma?"

"Mom and dad treated me to one when I was smaller, but that's it... I still remember how incredibly tasty it was even now."

"Ufufu, Alma-chan was going all bubbly saying yummy yummy, you wouldn't see her acting like that ever again. It sure takes me back~."


Fumu, it was tasty enough to get an overreaction from a young Alma huh.
I can't wait to have a taste myself, let's get to it already.


"To celebrate Alma's first hit, as much as I loathe to do it, let's not forget to thank Black Dragon for tendering the meat, bon appetite."

""""Bon Appetite.""""

『Pi.』

"...You're not even trying to hide your anger at Black Dragon..."


I am grateful for the meat.
But that's a separate matter. I'm gonna beat it up one day.


It's finally the time to eat dragon meat. Yay, drum stick, roll.
Oh, it's chewy yet so easy to slice with a knife. The texture gotta feel nice in the mouth.
Well then, bite, chew chew, and...


~~~~~~~~~~~~!!!

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

[News Flash] it's a, K.O.


I quietly struck my lap with my palms before I realized what I was doing.
It's too good.
Way too good.
I have no word for it, only that reaction.

Even the Crimson Scale we had back then has nothing against this.
I can probably eat three servings of this easily even with zero flavoring.

Strong umami coming out with every bite, the wild game taste of a punch that doesn't stink at all, the juiciness that lacks any hint of dryness are all violating the inside of my mouth mercilessly.


It's beyond, no, unlike anything I could have expected.


"...So delicious."

"Wau...!"

"I-I have no more regret in life...!"

『Pihii...!』

"Hahahahaa! You got the exact reaction we had when we tasted our first dragon. Sure takes me back."

"Fufu, you all look like you're on cloud nine."


This meat probably tastes like heavens no matter how you cook it.
And yet the sauce only adds to the flavor without subtracting anything from the meat. It's such a flexible flavor.

...I'll say my heartfelt thanks to Black Dragon just once for this. Thanks for the treat.
Let me fetch more of your meat, thank you.



"...I'm in heaven."

"What a bliss... Ehehehe..."

『Pi...』

"Umu, that Black Dragon's meat is as tasty as you would expect from a high level dragon."

"My, that's not all you know? The way it's cooked as well as the exquisite control of heat and flavoring and the sauce combine so well. You have my thanks for the treat, Hikaru-san."


You're welcome. I'm glad they all look satisfied.
...I wanna eat more dragon meat someday. No, I'm absolutely gonna make it happen. Eating so much it's gonna pop my belly open.


"Sure would be nice if we could have dragon meat for Alma-chan's birthday too."

"...To that end, I have to get strong enough to defeat Black Dragon."

"Are you still mad with it?"

"...Yea."


I might be being too obstinate, but I seriously can't forgive Black Dragon and its handler for causing harm to Alma.
I'mma tear off more meat off Black Dragon from end to end and make a rag cloth out of his handler's arm. Tremble in your sleep.


"Ah, my bad. It's your celebration party and all and I've made the mood awkward."

"...I didn't land that hit on mom through my power alone."


Alma suddenly gripped my hands and spoke.
Eh ...Eh?


"I'm only here because dad taught me on swordsmanship, mom on magic, Hikaru on magic swords, direct control and Reina and Hiyoko coming to my rescue. I want you to depend on me more as your strength."

"O, ou?"

"So please ask me anything if you need my help. If you're having trouble coming up with a way to get stronger, let's think about it together. If you want to beat Black Dragon, let me fight alongside you. Haven't I been telling you, don't hold it in to yourself."

"Y, yup..."


Ah, is she cheering me up because I was feeling down from failing to hit Alma Papa?
...Well, it's true that's been weighing my mind, but I didn't expect her to go at this so strongly. She might be thinking about it harder than me.

Heck, how long are you gonna keep gripping my hands.
I'm kinda happy, but also embarrassed, my face is burning up up up up...!


"Ara ara, ufufu."

"Ahem...!"


Alma Mama looked at us warmly while Alma Papa forced a cough.
Don't look here. I'm begging you look away. Please.

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536 Standards of Values

I have a low boiling point. Being made fun of due to my age is acceptable. I don't get mad over that.
But is there a need to stay on the line to a group of people who keep looking down on you even after showing them the certificate? The certificate is proof that you've been approved by a third party in charge.
They ignored that and kept their unpleasant gaze directed here.
They seem to be under the wrong impression that I'm under griffon's claws.
That might be the standard of 'strength' or whatever in this coliseum city. Or perhaps hubris.
But I'm not obliged to obey them. People have their own sense of values. I have mine as well of course, and I'll be the judge of that.
Is it selfishness perhaps? Or perhaps more akin to pride, and obstinacy.

And it's obvious these people have ill intents. They're looking at griffon with a repulsive gaze.

(I won't forgive that. I saved this life and all. They don't even have any idea about our circumstances, and they dare put such evil looks on even after I showed them the certificate. They had admitted they'd kill it even after knowing it's mine. They're no better than all the dregs I took care of so far.)

I no longer care what happens to these guys.
But that doesn't mean I'll go through it right away. It would make a wanted man.

"A warning. I'm strong enough to have a griffon follow me. I recommend taking back your word and apologize if you don't want to get hurt. You don't just speak threatening words like killing easily. Especially not in front of the person concerned."

These Administrative Office guys started laughing at my reply.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"What? You sayin' your griffon won't listen to you now?"
"That certificate must be fake yeah?"
"Heck. Did he say he's strong? Pfft! What a laugh!"
"I told you to show your strength. Aren't you a tamer? Your tamed beast is your power, no?"
"You're not allowed inside this city if you can't do that here and now."

It's true that I need their approval if these guys are really in charge of inspecting people wanting to enter the city.
But what if they don't have the authority to do that and that it's in another department's hands instead?
Agreeing to them without checking first would just end with me beating them up. It's a waste of effort that only gonna worsen my mood. Although it's not like that's a lot of effort.

And so, I asked again before going there.

"Do you guys even have the authority to pick who gets to enter this city? And is a test of strength for that the 'law' of this city? I'm just here to tour the place, I have no idea how stuff works inside. Mind telling me?"

The reply to my question was unfortunate.

"We value strength above all. You gotta convince us first if you wanna enter. Course we have the authority. Or what, maybe you wanna go in alone and keep that magic beast outside?"

They're definitely going to attack griffon if I did that. What will happen next is just like Binota's story which is obvious from seeing their faces.

"Fine, I don't need to go in."

And thus, I made my choice.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Close, Long One Step

"Kajikawa-san, let it go already~"

"..."

『Pii...』


Hi, hello there.
After sparring with Alma Papa, I'm now in a sitting position watching Alma's sparring with Alma Mama while drawing a 『の』 character on the ground and sulking.

I went all out using all those nasty tactics and even blew myself up with him in the end, but none of it worked.
...Who could've guessed he'd activate 'Qi Path Open' to get himself out of the bind and Ground Shrink-ed away from the explosion.
Then he struck my head with his wooden sword. I couldn't land a single hit in the end.

I'm not sure if I should be satisfied getting this far even without a Skill or lament at the upper limit of my current strength.
...Damn, it's so frustrating.


Ah, but when was the last time I felt frustrated again.
Maybe that time my boss got angry with me while I couldn't talk back due to my position.
No, I don't mean sordid kinds of frustration like that, so maybe it was that time I didn't get to enter my first pick of high school.
Or maybe that one time I lost a fight when I was super young.

...Gotta stop weirdly reminiscing the past. Not like I'm getting senile from old age.


"Your goal is weird to begin with. We're not training to win against those two. We're here to get stronger, aren't we.  Trying to land a hit after one or two sparring matches is just weird."

"Yer' righto..."

"What's with that accent. Well, now you know how we feel whenever we spar with you Kajikawa-san, serves you r... ahem, I mean, I'm kinda glad about it."


Your inner monologue is leaking! What? Is it that frustrating to spar with me?
Well I mean, I never let them get a hit on me sure.

Hmm, now that I think about it, I guess Reina got quite the stout heart.
Though it's probably way less mortifying than living in the slums.


...Reina is right, I can't stay down in the dump forever.
Thinking about it calmly, there's no way a technique I randomly thought up would instantly work well. My opponent is an over Lv90 veteran that has dozens times more combat experience.
He must be used to fighting multiple enemies at once. It would be weirder if he never found himself fighting against opponents that tried to destroy themselves together.
I've still got plenty of chances to spar with him. I should be more patient.



"Haaaa!"

"!? T-that's amazing Alma-chan!"


O, oou...!? Alma struck down the barrage of Alma Mama's fireballs with [Grand Blade].
Normally those fireballs should have blown up when her sword hit them, but she had enveloped the blade with 'Mana Blade Draw' as a cushion and bounced them back.
That let her send back the fireballs to simultaneously defend and attack back. I never knew that she managed to copy my Mana Repel.
...Heck, isn't she better than me at it? I'm losing my position here.

She attacked with multiple offensive spells using 'Double Tongued' while simultaneously repelling those fireballs and closing in the distance.
Alma Mama has been maintaining the distance between them with Ground Shrink and Quick Step but Alma is moving slightly faster bolstered by Energy Control.


"Oooh! You're almost there! Just a little bit more, Alma-san!"

『Pipi!』

"Alma, keep at it!"

"Don't lose, my daughter! Beat her to a pulp!"


When her sword almost reached Alma Mama, all of us reflexively cheered for her.
Alma Papa even joined in. Won't Alma Mama get mad at you later? You sure it's okay?


"Fu, fufu, ufufu ahahaha! I'm so happy! It's only been a year and a half since you came of age and look how far you've gotten!"

"『Little Gnome』! 『Ifrit』!"

"Even Spirit Magic! How far will you impress your mama!"

<Scaaary! Who the heck is this woman, she's real bad news!>

<M-Miss Lunatiara. She hasn't been summoning me as of late. Who knew we would meet again this away...>


Alma increased her number of moves by summoning spirits, leaving the fireballs to Ifrit and putting Little Gnome on obstructing Alma Mama duty.
Hm? Ifrit sounds like he's familiar with Alma Mama? Which means...


"【Cthugha】"

"...Eh."


...!!?


I felt an enormous amount of mana coming down from the sky as Alma Mama murmured.
Something's, descending...!?



If I had to describe the thing, I'd say it's a giant made of flames.
A super sized giant over 100 meter tall. It's even bigger than Minimum Jormungandr.


It possess a massive amount of mana that makes Mid-class Spirit like Ifrit look like a baby.
That thing can probably solo Black Dragon no issue.


<<Advanced Spirit Magic 【Cthugha】, a spell that summons and controls the apex of Flame Spirits. There's only a very limited number of people capable of using Advanced Spirit Magic in the whole world. It's an extremely powerful spirit capable of burning down a capital sized city in mere seconds.>>


Alma Mama is getting way too much into it!!
That ain't anything you summoned against your daughter is it! She trying to kill her or what!? Are you gonna kill your daughter!?


"It'll be fine. I'll adjust the power so you won't die... That is if you can block it, Alma-chan."

"...!"

"...Show me, Alma. All the power you hold within you! 【Cthugha】!!"

<Are you sure? ...Very well then.>


The flaming giant let out several dozens flaming tentacles that all went toward Alma.
I can feel incredible heat from every single of those tentacles. Even one of them will incinerate Alma to ashes if it so much as touches her.


"...Haaa...!!"


Alma struck down all the tentacles with a combination of Spirit Magic and Double Tongued-cast multi spells.
Fireballs, water balls, icicles, thunderbolts, shine balls, wind blades, dark tentacles, rock bullets, colorless mana balls mixed into rainbow colored balls, and Intermediate Spells like flaming bombs narrowly managed to do it.
She boosted all the spells she could use to even stop the attack. A moment of lapse would've pushed her back.

Her mana is gonna run dry in 10 seconds that way.
The match is over in ten seconds from now. What's your next move, Alma.


"Phew...!"

"!? F-fast!"


She undid Grand Blade and switched over to 'Tempest Blade' to zero in on Alma Mama.
Alma Mama could get dragged in her own magic if they're that close. She gotta be careful now.
She's got no choice but to engage in a melee combat. Alma's strategy is valid.


Alma finally got her blade within an inch of Alma Mama.


"!"

"Ufufu, I can't believe you'd corner me this bad."


Alma Mama blocked Alma's sword with her staff.
Ordinarily, mage-type Jobs can never hope to match melee-type Jobs in close quarter combat.
Once they lose their range advantage, they're halfway to be checkmated.

But you can't make light of Alma Mama's Attribute values.
She's Level 96 after all. Her STR even surpasses Hyula-san who specializes in melee.
Normally, Staff Arts is only good as a complementary Skill. In no way it could measure up to melee-specialized Jobs, let alone higher tier ones like Alma's.


"Haaaaaaa!!"

"The sheer weight and speed behind your attacks not at all feel like it comes from someone half my level. But, you're reaching your limit soon, aren't you?"


Alma did manage to push her in the clash, but that one step is simply too far.
Alma Mama seems to have used 'Qi Clad' to buff herself up so Alma can't push her further.
She's used up all her energy, yet this small gap in strength seems impossible to bury.
I'm chagrined. It's so close, yet so far away...



"I think it's time to end this... You did well, Alma-chan."

"...Ru..."

"...Eh?"



<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >




"...Pile, Bunkeeeeeeeeeeer!!!"


BOOM! A familiar sound reverberated.

It's something I hear every single day. The sound of a move I created, exclusive only to me.
It's a very simple move that harden your mana and push it forward, but only those who know Mana Control can deploy it.


"Kyaaaaaaaa!!?"


While they were locking weapons, Alma let out a Mana Pile Bunker from the palm of the hand that was gripping her sword.

...To think she's even learned how to use Mana Pile...! She probably managed to copy it after watching me using it for so long.
...Huh wait, I'm really losing my position, aren't I?


"...Got... you..."


She slumped down as she squeezed that word out.
Of course, she used up all her mana and energy... It took her all to even get a single hit in huh.


"Alma!"


I lifted her up, and supplied her with mana.


You did great. Really, that was great. A dazzling victory.
...It's a bit frustrating how she gained a lead on me though.


"Ufufufufu... Fufufufu..."


Oh no


Alma Mama is walking up here while rubbing her abdomen that was hit by Alma's Pile Bunker.
Her smile is so terrifying I can't look at her straight! Did she go mad from that hit!?
Hold it, Alma can't go on anymore! I'm telling you!
Heck, Alma Mama's HP barely decreased!? Even that attack barely worked!?


"P-please wait--"

"Alma-chaaaaaaaan!! You're so so stroooooong noooow!!!"


She yelled out loud with a huge smile on her face as she hugged Alma hard.


"It's been so many years since anyone other than Duke managed to hit me! That's my daughter for you! She's a genius! Super genius!"

"Err, Lunatiara-san, you're choking her. No really, she's choking badly there!"

"I won't heal this wound ever! I'll set it aside as a commemoration!"

"How do you set aside a wound..."


Alma Mama is hugging Alma as hard she could, reminiscence of half a year ago. She's gonna stop breathing again, stop that, you'll kill her, stop.
Alma Papa murmured something with a smile as well despite looking like he can't believe what he just saw.
Is he elated from Alma's growth... Or maybe he feels refreshed inwardly from watching Alma Mama got hit since he usually obeys her every whims. Probably both.

...They're gonna zoom past me if I don't pull myself together.
I gotta hurry up and think up a way to get stronger or I'm in danger.
Our party kids are way too talented. They keep catching up to me no matter how strong I get.


"Also, I don't mind you cheering for Alma-chan but we're having a talk about the matter of you telling her to beat me to pulp later, shall we, dear?"

"I-I dunno what you talking about though...?"


Ah, figured she heard that.
Mouths are the source of misfortunes. Live on, Alma Papa.



Author's Q&A
>What if Hero's resummoning altars got destroyed--

It can't be done. Those altars cannot be destroyed or moved. The goddess spares no mercy towards demons.
On top of that, demons can't enter the altars so there's no chance of spawn killing. Quite convenient, isn't it.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

535 Central Figure

"You a first timer at this city huh. Let me teach you something."

This Administrative Office's rep started his explanation.

This city was initially built as a coliseum. Its purpose was to settle the disputes between many smaller nations. Even an arena this enormous is small scale compared to wars between countries.
It's a proxy war, the Olympic if you may. Hence each nations would send their agents to compete their mettle and bring peaceful negotiations into the table.
Thus the rest of the city gradually got built around the coliseum until it grew this big.
The era entered a peaceful time where disputes between nations could be resolved without bloody wars.
But then more and more people gathered here bringing their dream of 'power', which necessitated the formation of the Administrative Office.
They kept fighting as their country proxies, as winning net them fame and prestige. That kept going on for a long time until training to reach that goal becomes the norm.
Yearning for strength, aiming for fame, and receiving prestige. Even though the original purpose of the coliseum is no longer relevant, the ultimate goal remains unchanged, turning the whole thing into a 'festival of strength'.
Even today all kinds of tournaments are being held every single day for rewards. A lot of rewards.
You can turn your life around through brute force.
It's also a good training ground for those blessed with good physiques, thugs who know their ways around combat and hardened warriors.
Despite being a magnet to those seeking strength, money and honor, there was no change to the city itself over the years.
As such this city has no ruler. There is no authority of a 'king'. However, there are definitely many groups working for many nations in the federation vying for control behind the scenes.
Yet, there's never been a huge accident. All due to 'strength' being everything here, for better or worse.
How many soldiers would a country need if they wish to occupy this city inhabited by many powerful warriors?
It's not worth it, or so they must have concluded.

Right now my strength is being questioned. But I'm here as a tourist, I don't plan to use griffon to earn cash. So I gave them my excuses.

"I'm here to tour the place though? And why should I show you my strength anyway?"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
I'm being honest. I get that they'd think less of me for asking that after saying 'sure thing' earlier.
But I just gotta ask. I mean they're obviously looking at me like I'm an easy target.

"Let's see, if you really can control that magic beast, tell it to fight us. I mean that's strength to a tamer no? We can't have that big thing run wild in our city. We gotta test your strength. Oh there's nothing to worry about, we're not gonna get serious yeah? Well we might end up killing it by mistake tho', gotta apologize beforehand."

Is it really obeying me? Am I really controlling it well?
That's how they made it sound like but in reality, these guys are eager to kill griffon.
They're just making excuses. I mean they're all grinning. All of them have the same expression.
That's no joke. Tamed animals or magic beasts are their tamer's partners.
There are probably tamers out there who see them as a commodity as well. Yet these guys are obviously looking down at me.
Saying crap that they might kill a tamed beast by mistake.
Or maybe they're saying that there's no proof if it's dead. They're probably going to loot griffon's corpse afterward. They'll just throw away the tamer tag and threaten all the witnesses around this roadside through force.

(Or maybe I'm just overthinking it. But I'm seriously fed up with their attitude.)

My intuition whispered me. These guys need a good 'scolding'.
They've gotten cocky. Believing they're  strong enough to take down a griffon. Throwing their weight around, drunk from their power.
Then I simply will show them an even heavier weight class.
I've steeled myself to stand out in this city. That's how much I hate how they look at me and griffon like we're easy targets.

(This griffon is my partner in my journey from now on. Though it's not like I limit its freedom. Nor I went out of my way to make it obey me. The gazes they directed at me and griffon feel sickening.)

"I hate your type. I'll take you all on. Griffon won't have a turn. I'm gonna kick your arses personally."

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Each Group's Training Live

This chapter is from Alma Papa's POV

--Radia's group--


"Gahha! ...I'm, not, done, yet...!!"

"...Still wanna go huh. Nice, just how I like it."


I hit Radiasta, Radia-kun on his abdomen with a wooden sword during our spar, yet he got back on his feet despite breathing roughly.
This kid seems accustomed to pain, he keeps going like it's nothing even while suffering some bruises and broken bones.

Uumu, this gutsiness can either bring him to his early grave or turn into a surprise move that decides the victor.
His style is going to bat for his opponent's vital even if it means getting hurt in the process.
Past heroes left behind this phrase, 'Flesh may be cut, bones will remain' which embodies this kid perfectly.

His only problem is how he keeps charging even if that leaves him open to a fatal strike, it ain't gonna leave him with mere flesh wounds.
This kid is gonna die early if he doesn't learn how to protect his important organs at least.

Geez, what a troublesome pupil worth the teaching.
I'll train Radia-kun into a blade that'll go straight for the throat while ignoring any and all attack once he's overcome this weakness.
This blade should prove to be an important weapon against demons... Fufufu, what a promising pupil.


"Fsh! Shaa! Dyei!"

"Whoa, that was a good move! Almost got me there!"

"You sure don't look it!"


The kid specializes in Dagger Arts and Kempo. The way he attacks with Extended Mana Blade using a hidden blade in his shoes is quite interesting.
He's gonna get even better. Can't wait to see how good he becomes at the end of this training.


"Man, he sure adopts some incredible fighting style."

"...We can't lag behind either. Let's go at it again once Radia falls."


Radia-kun's recklesness spurred Baredrai and Rasfin who'd been watching from the sidelines to challenge me again.
Their base levels may be low, but this group definitely won't be a drag.
...As long as they manage to stay alive against Lunati after my training. Survive.



--Aizawa Group--



"Uoooooaaaaaaaaa!!?"

"Now now, who said you could stop moving~? Also, you'll run out of stamina if you keep using Skill Abilities willy-nilly like that. Manage them better~."

"...Sir Sword King, ain't you worried he gonna die in that hell over there?"

"He'll be fine. Lunati ain't that poor she'd kill her pupil by mistake. I hope."

"You hope...?"


Lunati incessantly rained down a barrage of offensive spells upon Alancyan, Alan-kun.
What comes pouring isn't rainfall, but extra big fireballs. The fact that each of that is an ordinary fireball makes it all the more dreadful.

One of Lunati's Master Skill is 'Parallel Magic'.
Specializing in high firepower, it allows her to shoot any number of identical Offensive Magic at once. A rule breaking Skill that lets her reach five digit attack power if she feels like it.

She's not going to that extreme right now of course, but it must be a pain to deal for an Intermediate Job.
Her spells penetrated through Alan-kun's 'Magi Banishment' effect, hitting him directly one after another.
...It's gonna be okay, right? She's adjusting her power properly yeah? I'm seeing some burned limbs there, is this really gonna be alright...?


"Haa... That, all, you've got? That geezer's, strikes, were way worse than this..."

"Ara ara, you're such a hard worker ufufu."

"I ain't, backing down, from this much... Alma..."

"Hm? What about Alma-chan?"


Hohou, do keep going.


"Alma, I'm gonna make her mine, this ain't enough...!!"

"My, you're aiming for Alma-chan?"


........

Umu, that's my daughter for you.
It's only natural for him to fall for her charm. Yup.


"Lunati, you're too lenient. Shoot twice, thrice that pace."

"Ufufu, of course, Let's test if you're fit to stand next to Alma-chan or not."

"F-fine by me, come...!!"



A few seconds later, I felt nothing as I watched Alan-kun getting blown up high into the air. Wonder why.

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

--Hero's Group--


All members of the group are up against me in order to train their teamwork.
Teamwork is especially important for this group. The two other groups aren't even in parties together.


"Fsh, haa! Tei! Seya!"

"Hohou, I expected nothing less from the hero. It's as if you're getting stronger every time we lock blades."

"Well thanks! Doesn't sound sincere coming from someone who's been parrying my metal blade with a wooden sword though!"

"Grave Lance!!"

"Hey now, your Master Skill timing is way off. This won't even work as a distraction."

"B-Black Bo--"

"Too slow. You move well for a mage, but it's meaningless if you slow down every time you cast a spell."

"Neora! Olivie got hit by a Farslash while she was casting and died again!"

"Get into the gear! We're gonna make it through till she's back!"


Umu, not bad.
They're working well together. Must be thanks to Aitserina-san's guidance.

I see that Olivie-kun's role is to keep moving until she finds an opening and shoots her magic.
She moves well enough but she slows down whenever she attempts to shoot magic, likely to aim.
If I just get a Farslash in there. You see the result.
She might become a menace if she could use Quick Step and Ground Shrink to shoot magic from anywhere in the battlefield, but I suppose that's too much to ask over a brief training.


Leviara-kun excels at overseeing the tide of battle.
She immediately notices the slightest change and communicates the situation in order to come up with a plan. She might be better as the leader than Neo Raifu.
Her Status are just average, yet she's a capable warrior who can surprise you with results.
Her weak point would be her lack of decisive attack. I suppose the other two are in charge of firepower, it poses no problem for a support.


As for the hero Neo Raifu-kun himself, he boasts an incredible Status belying his cute exterior.
He's got an abundance of combat Skills, excelling in Swordsmanship, Kempo and Offensive Magic in particular.
His homework is to mix all that into a combat style nobody else can mimic.
He's learned four Master Skills already, but that's not the true extent of this kid's potential.
Once he's gone through the Job Change and train further, I'm sure he'll even surpass me.


"Gaha!?"

"...Getting used to dying has made you prone to expose your fatal openings. Although that's impressive in a way."

"Not you too, Neora!? H-hey! What am I supposed to do by myself!"

"You're sparring with me one-on-one until they're back. Ah, I'll make sure you don't die too easily, don't worry."

"What do you mean by 'too easily'!?"


Good thing there's a Resummoning Altar nearby.
Now then, how many times will they die today...



--The Baddest of News Group--



Hikaru-kun's group training is the least fussy one.
As he won't die by mistake no matter how much I go at it.


"Uraaaaaaaaaagaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"

"Fufuhahaha! That's a nice yell but getting loud won't get you anywhere! Speaking of, aren't you gonna use that greathammer of yours?"


He strikes using his limbs with the strength and ferocity of an upper tier S-rank magic beast while also driving invisible mana stakes.
He's come up with a technique to boost his Attributes in a short burst by consuming Stamina. My Attributes are probably below him in a direct confrontation.

Even Lv40s Alma and Reina-kun reach Special Job-tier power level when they use this technique.
Hikaru-kun being the inventor himself,  status-wise, he likely approaches that Fierce Ogre.
But his movement is quite awkward likely due to his lack of practical combat experience.

He could overpower me in a show of force, but I simply need to alter the trajectory to parry his attacks no problem.
As for the invisible stake move Hikaru-kun called Mana Pile, all I need to do is pay attention and it's easy to dodge them.


Something suddenly exploded while I was thinking.


"Oou! That was close!"


It's not only melee attack, there's something invisible, likely Hikaru-kun's mana, all around me. He'd make it explode any time I shifted my focus away.
Its sheer firepower rivals that of Lunati's spell. A direct hit would be severe.
The need to stay focusing on multiple things at once makes fighting him quite troublesome.

Yet, it's nothing I can't handle.
Lunati would come at me with both Staff Arts and Magic whenever we got into a fight. This is nothing compared to that.

He's altered his fighting style a tad compared to the first day, but honestly, it might have not been for the better.
The biggest factor being him not wielding that great hammer.


The way that greathammer's head explodes to boost and alter its trajectory and propulsion is honestly quite a menace.
You can get a relatively comparable effect with Swordsmanship Skill [Mana Blade Gale] but the dread you feel coming from a slash from a lightweight sword is nothing compared to a fast approaching super heavyweight hammer.
He'd make the head explode whenever his momentum faded and resumed the attack, ignoring inertia altogether.
Not only it lacks the time lag from using multiple Mana Blade Gale, each swing carries serious firepower behind it. It's like a chain combo of finishers.

Fighting with only mana and energy without that weapon is frankly, a bad move. He's missing the decisive strike.
Or perhaps he's trying to train fighting weaponless?


"Shiiaaaaaaaaa!!"


Just as that thought crossed my mind, that greathammer showed up in his hand after which he immediately swung my way.
It's akin to Neo Raifu-kun and his instant weapon swap.

Looks like the story about him capable of using Menu that's supposedly hero-exclusive is true.
Wonder if the people in that world can all do this? Very convenient if so.


"Got your weapon out at last. Finally realized you can't keep fighting like that huh?"

"No, I'm basically fighting the same way I've always done."


? What is he saying?

...!?


"Haaaaa!!"

"Kuh... Hahaha! Interesting!"


Hikaru-kun attacks with bare fists while his greathammer flies around by itself, attacking me in unison.
It's as if something invisible is swinging the greathammer around. Heck, that's probably it.

Can't believe he can float something that heavy so freely.
It can even explode like usual, this is like having to fight two Hikaru-kun at once.

This fighting style is only possible to him, who can freely control his mana like an extension of his limbs.
The swiftness of bare hands, and the destructive power of the greathammer. A mixture that nets him two birds with one stone. Truly some nasty stuff.


I can tell I'm being pushed back by Hikaru-kun's fierce attack.
I was planning to limit myself to Mana Blade but now that it's come to this...!


I use Celestial Swordsmanship Skill Ability [Mana Creation Sword] to dual wield a wooden sword and a mana sword.


"Giyiiiii...!!"

"Hrng...!"


...It's only been our second spar.
I cannot believe I've got to get serious already.
It might not be long till I gotta team up with Lunati against him.


"Kaaa!!"

"Haaa!"


My mana sword clashed with his bare hands, scattering sparks while producing metallic sounds.
The fact that he can block my mana sword which has a total attack power of one and half of my base STR shows how abnormally high his Attributes are.
Meanwhile, I can't let up against the greathammer and surprise attacks either. He's really quite a tough cookie to crack.

Good grief, this group tires me out the most.
It's also the funnest one as I gotta keep my focus at an all time high.
When was the last time I'm left gasping for breath again.
...It's about time to swap with Lunati. Been a while since I got this tired.


"!!?"


Hikaru-kun and I suddenly stopped moving.
It seems he had bound himself and me in his mana.
What is he planning... Wait, he can't be.


"I'm sorry, this is the only way I could land a hit on Dukeris-san..."



A flash ran between me and Hikaru-kun.
...Who could've guessed he'd set himself up in an explosion.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

534 Power Proving How?

"Oh yeah, I haven't had meal yet. Heave-ho."

I just got myself some fresh bear meat, might as well cook them. A simple bear meat soup should do.
I gave griffon water while cooking next to it. I quenched my thirst as well before sitting down to wait for the soup.
I had cut the meat into bite-sized small slices so it was done cooking in no time.
A simple soup with nothing but meat. And a bit of salt.
I scooped out the scum turning it clear, transparent.
Yet it wafted a nice fragrance in the air.
I fetched a table and put the dishes on it. It's lunchtime.

'Let's dig in', just as I was about to scoop the soup into my mouth, someone yelled loudly.

"We're from the Coliseum Administrative Office. We have questions for you! Comply and you're good to go. Resist and we'll arrest you on the spot, or even execute you!"

If the choice is between a talk and an execution, of course anyone would choose the former. Normally that is.
But I'm hungry right now. So hungry I don't wanna do anything else before I've had my fill.
As such, I ignored the group of thirty people belonging to the Administrative Office and kept moving my spoon.
Silently, without giving a reply to their order.
I took a roll of paper from my magic bag, unrolled it and threw it down near the leader-like man who stood ahead of the rest.

Meanwhile, griffon who had its fill of water laid down with eyes closed. Must be an afternoon nap after chomping down that whole bear.
We're in an open space on the roadside. Situated right in front of the coliseum city's gate.
Meaning it's right next to queues of people waiting to get in. A magic beast showing up in that kinda place would cause a ruckus of course.
I had been doing my hardest trying to ignore all the commotion while I made the bear soup. But it calmed down over time.
After all, all griffon did was only laying down and yawning. Meanwhile, a lone man was cooking next to it.
As everybody was questioning what they were seeing, this group of people who named themselves Administrative Office showed up and asked me.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Oy! You! How dare you ignore us! ...What is this paper supposed to be? Oy! Explain yourself! Quit eating!"

They reproached me for throwing and pointing at the roll of paper. Eventually, the guy picked up and opened the paper which gave him a shock.

"No way!? This is from the Tamer Association at the federation? It's a tamed beast certificate!? You're telling me this youngster tamed a griffon!? It can't be! It has to be a joke!?"

The bear soup was so good I went for another bowl. All while observing these Administrative Office folks.

(Hm? Administrative Office huh. So like, the people in charge of this city's governmental affairs?)

The highest authority doesn't always have to be held by a 'King'. This Administrative Office must be the corresponding position in this coliseum city.
The wealthy may assert 'money' as power, but to a country, 'authority' is power. This city wouldn't be functional without one such entity.
Here I thought 'gladiators' would hold the position for their 'strength' considering the image I had about this city.
Turns out it's a prejudice. I guess you can still hold authority without strength.

"We will not pursue the crime of you causing a commotion in this city. In exchange, you have to prove your strength. If you do not comply or cannot do it, we won't let you in."

Now with a full stomach from the warm soup, I gave a brief reply. 'Sure thing'.

All thirty people frowned and glared at me. Sharp gazes that won't overlook anything.
Once they gave me back the certificate, I was about to ask griffon to do some tricks but changed my mind when I saw it dozing off so peacefully.
I had no choice but to show off my own strength.
Besides, griffon's strength is well known in this world already.
These guys must be demanding me to show the power that managed to tame such a powerful beast.
In their eyes, I'm the owner of this griffon, they must think I have the strength to stop it if it goes on a rampage, right?

"What kind of show should it be? At what level of power do you guys want to see?"

I asked them back concretely instead.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

A Goal to Strive For

I peeked at other groups' training sessions every day and found they all got the same treatment as us.
That is to say, by the end of the day they were all in a state of total exhaustion.


First in line, hero group. As they can get revived, this group gets the most merciless treatment.
No, I think those two were still pulling their punches yet there were already deaths on first day.
I didn't keep count but I believe it was double digit with Alma Papa, and with Alma Mama... Wonder how many times those guys died by her hand.
I only peeked for about ten minutes, and even then they kept dying like flies. Might have broken triple digit...


Aizawa group has a high average level, so they're putting up a good fight.
The couple pointed out the rough fighting styles Hyula-san and Gazanginando-san adopted, which they responded by fighting back ferociously. They still got torn apart in the end though.
Alma Papa was surprised to see Aizawa-kun's polished swordsmanship despite his thuggish mannerism. Amazing, Aizawa-kun.
But he failed to erase every single magic spells Alma Mama unleashed on him, so he took on a few direct hits resulting in him almost dying multiple times. He gotta readjust his over reliance on his Master Skill.


Radia group has the lowest average levels so the parents seem to be extra careful with them.
At first Alma Papa couldn't control his strength well and broke their bones whenever their wooden swords hit each other, but he eventually got it under control and stopped at bruises at worst.
It seemed Baredo and Rasfin didn't want to look pathetic to each other. They kept going until they couldn't move a muscle. Those two really got guts.

The problem is Radia-kun.
And no, I don't mean that he lost heart because the two were too spartan. Those who have half-baked resolve already got screened out anyway.
It's the opposite. He's too gutsy.
He kept getting back on his feet again and again no matter if his bones broke, his arm burned or he was coughing blood due to internal damage. Why's he so deadly resolute anyway. Scary.
Even the parents got slightly taken aback by this but then they'd pat his head after he passed out. They must have recognized his gutsiness.


Ah, crap. Those two are looking this way. Busted.
Gotta get back to the hunting ground with Fast Travel. They're gonna pick on me over this on training day. Nooo.


Hmm, every group is doing their very best.
Especially Hero-kun, Aizawa-kun and Radia-kun. They act like their life is on the line. They might even catch up with me if I'm not careful.
So nice to be young~. A reservist old man unit like me got no that kinda passion anymore~.
No wait, I was never that passionate even during my younger days anyway, guess it's not related to age... How am I so deadbeat~.

They have a concrete goal to strive for, which compels them to work so hard.
Hero-kun wants to defeat Demon King and builds a harem... The later motive is quite questionable, but the former is a noble goal.
Radia-kun wants to get back at his older brother who betrayed humanity for demons. And afterward, he said he would take the first step toward living for his own sake.
As for Aizawa-kun, he probably wants to take Alma for himself. Forcibly like he always does.


Yup. I get that all of them are doing it for their goal. That's a wonderful thing.
But I too have something I won't back down from.

If that's what Alma wishes, I don't have any issue of her going together with Aizawa-kun. No matter how much it hurts.
But him taking her against her will is a no go.
Therefore, if he wants to make it a show of force, I'm gonna play by that rule as well. Concretely speaking, I'm gonna physically (etc).
Guess I'll do my best for that sake too.


『Gyarururu...!!』


There was a nicely apt target near the destination of my Fast Travel.
It's holding a sword in its right hand, a shield in its left, a crimson goblin-like magic beast. It looks pretty weak at a glance.
But I wouldn't take my chance and confirmed its Status, revealing a powerful Lv76 beast with Lv6 Celestial Swordsmanship, and the evolved version of Shield Arts, Sturdy Shield Lv6.
It's called 'Goblin Emperor'. Looks aside, its Status and Name scream 'I'm strong'.

It's got the perfect balance of offense and defense with a build close to human. The perfect opponent to gain combat experience for me.

It's really nicely apt.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

『Gyaraa!!』


The crimson goblin charged at me at tremendous speed while swinging its sword.
'Ground Shrink' huh. Using Ultimate Martial Arts so willy-nilly.


It slashed at me--


『Giii!』

"!?"


No wait, it bashed with its shield!?
It's using Shield Bash as a cover while closing in the distance between us.


『Gi!』

"Wouu!?"


T-this beast hit me with 'Extended Mana Blade' it had activated under the cover of its shield.
My arm got stabbed but I suffered no damage thanks to my HP Buffer. But there's no denying I got hit.
This guy's good. Some real good moves there for a magic beast.


It tried to Shield Bash me again which I responded by punching it with an energy-buffed fist.
The shield looks pretty sturdy, but it should break with this much energy.


"Ooh!?"


The shield turned sideways into a slanted position just before my fist hit, sliding it away.
With my balance lost, the goblin unleashed a barrage of 'Mana Blade Split Strike' on me.


"Oh no you don't!"


I struck back with multiple Mana Pile Bunkers at once.
Repelling away the sword as well as the mana strike.
The crimson goblin lost its balance this time which I followed up with more pile!

But it somehow managed to perceive and block the invisible stake with its shield.
The goblin got blown 20 meters back from the hit. No, it softened the impact by leaping backward using Ground Shrink.


...Nice, very nice.
It's neither too small fry or is it too strong like Alma parents and Oni-sensei. It's just right.
It employs human-like tactics using weapons instead of randomly attacking like large magic beasts. There's no openings in both its offense and defense.


Trying to figure out how to break that apart is fun.


"Phew...!"


I blended my mana, life force and energy before discharging it.
I put around 100 of each to create some sort of a body clone. As I'm controlling it remotely, it's more like a funnel though.
This clone can use Mana Pile Bunkers just like me and probably even High Power Pile if I put in more effort.


"Gaaa!!"

『Gi!?』


I grabbed the goblin's shield with Mana Hand, stopping it on its track.
I could have stored the shield away in Item Screen then and there, but this is a training. I gotta see it through the end.


『Gyaraa!!』


The goblin thrust at me with Extended Mana Slash which I stopped by biting it.
I wouldn't have done this if I didn't have my HP Buffer, but uh, there's a first to everything.

You've got both your shield and sword sealed, what do you do now?
Let me see how you deal with my pile.

I aimed at the crimson goblin's torso but it kicked it away as if it could see the mana pile.
This thing's also an expert martial artist huh. You really can't underestimate magic beasts at this level.


Next, how do you handle my blended mana?

I used it to activate mana pile behind the crimson goblin!


BOOM!! The mana pile hit the crimson goblin's back while producing the usual booming sound.


『Gyaaruaaaaa!!!』


It seemed to have sensed the attack as it bent its body forward to minimize the impact spot.
Nevertheless it's a fatal wound. I could tell from Menu the goblin's insides are a mess.
It's gonna die in a few minutes even if I leave it alone.


Yet it's still standing strong against me.
It didn't flinch from the damage inflicted by my pile, heck, it even used the momentum to headbutt me instead.
'Iron Headbutt'. A powerful offensive skill that doubles user headbutt's attack power. Crimson Goblin's STR is 1600, hence this headbutt boasts 3200 attack power.
This could have been dangerous. But I've seen this move already~.

I buffed myself as well and headbutted back with 5000 STR.


『Gyaa!!』


Another headbutt.


『Gubee!!?』


Headbutt. Headbutt. And here's a headbutt to the face!


『Gyaba!? Babyo! Gabyaaaaa!! Ga... Bu...!!』


Crimson goblin's face has caved in. This goes beyond that even.
Ah, my level went up. Fumu fumu, I guess you get a lot of exp fighting a magic beast over 10 level higher.


...Yeah, I brute forced my way again in the end. This is not it, I can't keep going like this.
I want to create a complete style that stands out like [Swordsmanship] or [Spearsmanship].
No wait, not like doing that's gonna produce a new type of Skill nor is it guaranteed to be effective.

To begin with, there's only so much I can do.
Mana, Energy and Life force control. And then there's pseudo Kempo as well as swinging the exploding great hammer around.
Rather than trying to create a completely new fighting style, maybe I should find a way to combine all that.


Ah, I might have come up with a rather nasty style.
I'm gonna give it a try in my next sparring session with Alma Papa. Gonna test how effective it is and ask for tips.


『Gorurururu...!!』

『Giriririri...!!!』


Oh, two of the same type of magic beasts as the crimson goblin showed up.
I'm gonna kick their arse to finish my leveling session today.
But man, this hunting ground is simply perfect with all these real dangerous over Lv70 beasts prowling around everywhere.
The thought of this spot producing a Stampede gives me the chill... That's not a flag is it? Tell me it ain't.

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533 Ring Coliseum

Now then, the journey continues. The air trip has been a smooth sailing so far. Too smooth even. As nothing obstructs the path ahead, griffon's speed in the air overturns common sense in this world.
Indeed, flying magic beasts move faster than any vehicles in this world.
Well, there was that interruption from the classic event, but we're still going fast, way fast.

(Ah, the carriage back then was pulled by camel horses. They froze up when they saw griffon.)

Wonder how long till they could calm down those camel horses and resumed their journey? I looked into the horizon while pondering something completely mundane.

Then after a bit, a tall rampart wall came into my view.
I told griffon to slow down to a crawl and raised our altitude even higher.
The town is ring shaped. There's what seems to be a coliseum located in the center. It looks massive.
The scale is obvious even from far away like this.

(Must be pretty huge. So does the city... heck, this whole country...)

There must be an equal level of 'Authority' overseeing such huge structures.
And yet I couldn't catch anything that looked like a castle.
The symbol of this city is the central coliseum itself. As if asserting the enormity, power and way of life in the city.
There are five buildings half as big around this coliseum. Altogether they draw a pentagram.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Are those like points of interest? Look kinda fun. I'm getting excited now."

I'm feeling a level of excitement I haven't had since I came to this world.
I wouldn't have acted like such a child if it were me a while ago.
I got puzzled by how easily my mindset changed, but I got over it as it was beyond my control.

(I'm not this world's human after all. Mentally speaking. And now I can't even pretend this spectacle is a sight from abroad.)

The more things I see, the more I realize how narrow minded I am.
Both in my past life and in this world, I've been living in a box.

(This world isn't a game, so I can't just shut myself in somewhere. Makes everything feels all the more grander...)

I wouldn't have noticed this if I managed to lead a secluded life immediately after leaving my village.
I believe that too is a form of happiness.
Being able to realize your own growth is probably a form of happiness that enriches your life.
But it's hard to say if this moment is one.
I gotta keep living on and gain more experience before I can reach a conclusion.

"Griffon, can you get down by that roadside over there. Yep, that open space around the corner near the gate over there."

Thus the air trip came to an end. The time is near evening. The whole trip didn't even take a day.
That fact would have made the residents of this world flabbergasted if they heard it, but not me and my lack of common sense.
That's just how short it was. What should have taken several days, is over in less than one thanks to griffon. Like it's a day trip.

It really drives home the usefulness of air travels to me.

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Heaps of Corpses

Alma let go of her sword as she slumped with hollow eyes.
Reina isn't moving a muscle with all her energy and mana exhausted. She looks to have it the worst.
Hiyoko showing only white eyes with no pupils, looking like a slaughtered chicken already.
And then there's me sinking in the center of a crater looking like a dirty worn out rag.

Alma Mama, don't you have the world holding back in your dictionary...


"...A-aren't you going too far?"

"Oh dear, of course not, it would do these kids no good if I held back any further. I have to act the strict teacher and let them have a taste of their weaknesses first."


Alma Papa voiced his concern with a frown yet Alma Mama wouldn't budge on it.
Rapid firing a barrage of super high powered spells while simultaneously wielding a variety of Wand Arts that would shame even melee combatants, smiling all the way was like the personification of terror. She even got the title [Queen of Dread].


"Hikaru-kun, how're you feeling? You alive?"

"S-somehow..."

"That was a direct hit too. Can't believe you survived."

"My, you tease. I'm not so clumsy as to adjust my power that poorly."

"No uh, I mean just look at Hiyoko-kun, almost turned into a roast chicken there. You might wanna tone down the power a tad..."


I was so sure Alma Papa's training was the toughest ever, nothing else would come close. I was too naive.
Alma Papa was super attentive. He'd let us rest when we got too exhausted to move. He might hit us hard yet there was an exquisite control on the amount of force put behind those hits.

Contrary to him, Alma Mama is bad news.
She can use Advanced Healing magic despite not being a Sage, so she deems all is fair so long as we're not dead and keeps shooting all kinds of magic.
Like Hiyoko, if she was late even for a bit, we might have another chicken on the dinner menu tonight.

As if warning us that we'd die if we didn't break our limit, she kept firing all the magical cylinders mercilessly even after we got knocked down, I thought I was seeing the styx river many times.
No demons show mercy. So I get that she's doing this harsh training to corner us to our very limit, but I feel like my mind will break earlier than my physique...


"I was planning to go on a teensy bit further but seeing how worn out you all are, let us call it a day here."

"Naturally. It's just a form of bullying if you keep going any further..."

"Let's carry them away."

"Ah, you can leave that to me, no worries."


I've replenished my HP with Recovery Potion, so I can use my mana to wrap and float our party away.
They're all limp and unmoving so they kinda look like ghosts. Scary.


"...Gotta be frank, this looks eerie."

"They all have hollow eyes which makes it all the more. My, Hikaru-san, your left arm is burned."

"Ah, you're right."

"Oh let me heal that for you. Pain pain, fly away... My?"


Alma Mama cast healing magic on my burned arm.
I was unscathed during the training until near the end where my HP went down to zero and the damage got to my real body.
...Uh, I had no idea my wound doesn't get healed with healing magic.


"T-that's weird. That should have taken care of a wound this small."

"...Healing Magic doesn't work on him?"


My HP is recovered but there's no change to the wound itself.
Oy oy, don't tell me potions also don't work on me just like magic?
If I could only heal my wounds with Life Force Control, it would be a checkmate if I lost consciousness and had to rely on people to cast magic or use potions on me... Gotta be real careful.


"...Apparently this is how my body works because I was born in another world. I can heal myself as long as I have life force left though. See."

"My, it does get healed."

"How severe of an injury can that work?"

"It's capable of regrowing a lost arm but I haven't tried with more serious injuries yet. I can't exactly test it out."

"That means it's on par with the highest level healing magic, isn't it. Guildmaster is right, you're really versatile Hikaru-san."


Fumu fumu, looks like my Life Force Control is quite a capable means of recovery. Guess that 'Miraculous Healer' Title or something is not just for show.
By the way, guildmaster had already told these two about my Otherworlder status, so I had nothing to hide. Don't they understand the word 'privacy'?

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Okay, today I'm treating you all to my cooking~"

"What's for dinner tonight?"

"It's 『Katsudon』."

"...That's fine by me, but you gonna serve that to our recipe giver?"

"Can I not?"

"Oh I don't mind in the slightest. I can't wait for it."


Katsudon huh. I'm starving, so a hearty dish I can chow down like that is cool.
And most importantly, it's so nice to not have to cook myself. I love cooking but I don't have the energy left today...



Alma Mama's special katsudonburi was stupidly good.
Way better than any katsudon I've ever eaten in my life. Who could've thought I also got lectured here too...
The crispiness of the wrapping, the juiciness of the meat inside, and the exquisite saltiness of the egg... There's no end to its goodness.
It's thanks to Alma Mama's cooking skill and the super high grade ingredients used. Even the pork is meat from a Rank S magic beast.


"I'm so full I can't move no more... Ehehe~..."

『Pipii....』


The two mascots are lying face up while showing off their stuffed tummies. That's bad manners.
I made them sit down properly with Mana Control and started consulting between ourselves.


"The training today has made one thing clear; we're weak. I lack the basics since I can't use Skills. While you girls lack the base specs."

"Un. Even if we buff ourselves with Energy Control, it won't last forever. It doesn't make for a good training."

"Hiyoko-chan and I were so frail. We gotta think up a better way to pace ourselves."

『Pii.』

"As such, we should set our goal tomorrow to at least level up once. I'm gonna hunt at least five or more magic beasts over level 70. It's likely gonna be tough considering our levels now, but it should a cinch compared to those two's training menu."

"Un. I don't think there's a lot of magic beasts stronger than those two. We'll be fine."

"First, I'm gonna aim for Advanced Job!"

『Pipi!』


I'm gonna focus on fighting high level magic beasts that are around my size instead of a big one, also they gotta fast.
As for Alma and Reina, they're focusing on raising their base stats so they're gonna hunt as many as they can.
Hiyoko is Lv39 too, should evolve tomorrow. Would be cool if Hiyoko evolved into Platinum during this training period.


But man, are they really gonna put the other groups through this hell too?
Hero-kun's group will be fine since they can get revived. It's not actually fine, but it's fine.
As for Aizawa's group, Hyula-san and Gazanginando-san are Advanced Jobs nearing Special Job stage, so they should manage somehow. Not sure about Aizawa-kun though.
Radia's group... I'm afraid Radia-kun is going to die from going overboard. Baredo and Rasfin are not at all weak, but I dunno if they can keep up with this training either.
Well they all got steel wills. I just gotta hope they manage to make their way over somehow.

Heck, we should worry about ourselves first.
The training is planned to last a month and a half.
This schedule is got to do with the situations in other continents.

They still haven't been able to find the Demon Citadels on the first and second continents. The search will take more than a month at the fastest.
We're gonna train ourselves until that point and assist the raids once those citadels have been located.
The one at the fourth continent was found early due to sheer luck after which this couple immediately launched an offensive. Delicious demon tears.

Then in the end, we're all gonna pool our forces together to attack the third continent and retake the ruined cities from demons' clutches.
There are still some resistances left but most people on the continent have either been killed or taken refuge somewhere, so the demons there are throwing their weight around like they own the place.
...I'm gonna give it my all and power up to destroy those demons. Can't relish on the specialties there otherwise.

Ordinarily, it takes several years before humanity assaults the Demon King Castle even after they have defeated all the Demon Chiefs but we can't afford that this time around due to their abnormal rate of invasion.
It's said that only Hero, or rather the special ability usable only by the next Job evolution of Hero can defeat the Demon King, otherwise the feat is virtually impossible.
That's the reason this couple go out of their way to train the Hero instead of defeating the Demon King themselves. Do your best Hero, no really, I mean it.

Taking a peek at the other groups could be fun if I have time.
...Kinda scared of those two finding me out though.

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532 Sparkling

I swiftly hung the Bearuads on some nearby trees with a rope. It's to drain their blood.
Once I was done with all four, I proceeded to skin them. I cut up the meat, and dissected the entrails as I worked my way.
You gotta be fast with this stuff. If you don't drain the blood properly, the meat will taste awful like blood.
I don't have time to care for the people I saved.
The two escorts stared at me with dumbfounded looks. Seems their attention had shifted from griffon to me.

"Phew... That took care of it. Alright, we're having a bear pot tonight. Gonna sell the skin and some meat. Maybe I can present a portion to the inn and ask for a discount. Oh right, I've got plenty of other stuff to sell as well..."

"U, umm, we're thankful for your assistance... Err?"

I was too focused on sorting out my magic bag I failed to notice the female escort's call.
'Ugu!', the pained groan from the male escort lying on the ground pulled me back to reality.

"How are you feeling? Ah, is that spot... hurting? Hm? Broken ribs? Looks like it's cracked. Hold on a bit."

I approached the male escort who was lying face up. I came to that conclusion when I saw him holding his chest.
Adrenaline rush can help inhibit your pain receptions, but if his broken bones stab his entrails, his life could be in danger.
I sprinkled half of a potion I had left on the man's chest. Then I raised half of his body and made him drink the rest orally.
Then a green light enveloped the man before his pained face turned into that of surprise.

"T-this is, the highest grade potion? E, err! Thank you so much!"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
The man leaped and did a jumping dogeza toward me.
The female escort also thanked. But she looked troubled.

"We're thankful for that potion you gave, but... We, um, don't have the money to..."

Oh it's about repaying the potion. It might be a cheap price to pay for one's life, but that amount of money might be a matter of life and death to them.
I don't even know how much it is, nor am I planning to make them pay me back anyway.

"I won't ask you for money. I didn't save you with that in mind. Don't you know? Money is only a price tag attached on objects. You can't put a price tag on life. Aren't you glad you're alive."

I wonder why? I thought I said some real cliched line there yet these two teared up in complete awe. Really?

"Tha... Thank you! Thank you ever so much!"
"What an amazingly kind soul you are... I! I'll do my best to become someone as kind and broad-hearted as you are!"

They're just too pure. Yep, that must be it. Can't think of any other reason.
I inched back at the sudden sparkling eyes the two directed at me. It's disorienting.
These people are older than me. No matter how you look at it. Maybe not 20, but they should be around 18. They're probably mercenaries judging from their equipment. Or perhaps adventurers?

"Y, yeah, go at it. Well then. I'm off. Farewell."

"Kue!" the two got reminded of griffon's existence and straightened themselves up.

I put away the bear mats inside my magic bag and jumped on griffon's back. Griffon immediately flew away, leaving them behind like I was running away.

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