Sousetsuka

Chapter 28 Settling Scores of a God is Somewhat Different! (To that Village)

 

We arrived at a village located in a plain in the evening.
--The village that had put sleeping medicine in our food, and tried to catch Celica and kill me.
I haven't forgotten the disgrace of being pursued by them.

I perk up my shoulder with my hands on my tachi as I walk.
Celica and Lapisia are walking behind, joining their hands.

"Y-you're!?"
A middle aged man said like he was threatening me.
I push the 【Emblem of Hero】 on my neck at the man.
"Any complaints?"
"H-Hero...sama!"
The man's face became pale in an instant, he fell on his backside with trembling legs.
--You shouldn't have attacked us in the first place then.

I went to the village elder's house while glaring at the surroundings.
Celica followed after me while looking worried, Lapisia also did the same while looking around curiously.


The village elder's house is a big two-story mansion.
"Celica and Lapisia, go to the courtyard. Take anything that looks useful in the shed."
"Yes, I understand.... Let's go over there Lapisia-chan."
"Okay!"
After seeing off the two going to the courtyard, I went into the mansion without knocking the door.
Walking down the corridor.

A female servant went out to the corridor along the way, her eyes rounded up when she saw me.
"Y-you're....!!"
"Shut up. See this?"
She screamed 'hiii' when she saw the 【Emblem of Hero】 and pushed her back on the corridor's wall.
I passed right by her.

I entered the nearest room.
I strain my eyes--<<Senrigan>>.
Eyes that see through everything.
My eyes caught various junk.
--I've always wanted to try this house-hunting thing.

I found 【Material - Spider Thread】 and 【Material - Worm's Fang】 inside a drawer in the first room, so I took them.

I found several silver coins in the second room during my search, so I took them.
The other one was a miss.


I went up the stairs to the second floor.
The first room seems to be either a study or a work room. There's a bookshelf with many books and documents.

There's an old man with white hair and white beard. It's the village elder.
He was writing on the desk before turning his face up.

"Y-you're!"
"Yo. Been a while eh."
I greeted and showed him the 【Emblem of Hero】.
The village elder opened his eyes wide in surprises.
"H-hero-sama!?"
"Remember what you tried to do to me? You tried to kill and chased after someone who becomes the hero. I'm checking this place up in case you're an underling of the demon king."
"No, that's.... No way!"
His white beard moved up and down, but he couldn't make a single word.


I ignored the village elder and searched the study.
There wasn't anything useful, but I found a pouch hanging behind a painting.
"Oh. Found gold coins. You sure hoarded a lot. I'll be taking this secret stash cause it's necessary to defeat the demon king."
"Aa....aa....!"
The village elder trembled like he had gone senile.
Well, on top of attacking the hero, he would be cut down as a demon king's underling if he resisted here.

I put several big gold coins into my pocket and speak to the village elder.
"Oy, village elder. If you value your life, gather all the villagers who attacked me in the courtyard."
"Eh... No...."
"Can't you hear me, make it quick!"
"Y-yes!"
The village elder almost stumbled as he went out of the study.


Afterward, I searched the mansion and found a 【Power Fruit】. It's a small red fruit that looks like a cherry. Of course I'm taking it.
Eating 【Power Fruit】 adds 1-5 strength.
It's better for Celica to eat this than me. Since it'll increase my stats by 100 fold.
I'll give it to her later.

Hmm, still.
The hero's 【Permission to locally procure necessary supplies】 is really a demonic authority.
In exchange of only getting 50 gold coins from the king, I got this authority.

Of course it only lets you snatch things needed to defeat the demon king, you can't snatch things that are essential to someone's livelihood like a blacksmith's hammer or a fisherman's ship.
Even so, all money that exist belongs to me. Secret stash and herbs found during a search belong to me. It's still awful enough.


Under the evening sky.
Villagers have already gathered in the courtyard when I went out. Around 50 men at the center of the courtyard. All of them are pale faced and trembling.
Women and children are peeking with worried looks on their faces from behind the wall and the mansion.
There's around 100 people in total.

I hold up the 【Emblem of Hero】 in front of the villagers.
"Remember my face? You were trying to kill the hero. You guys are suspected to be demon king's underlings."
"N-no, that's", "It's a mistake...."
The men objected hesitantly.

I scowl and shout.
"Shut up! As a hero, I say so! Or are you saying that it's fine for you to attack me as I was not yet a hero at that time!? Celica might be a Sinner. But I hadn't done anything wrong. The fact that you guys attacked an innocent traveler doesn't change! It's a devilish deed!"
"""Uu...."""
All the men looked like they were about to cry.
There were some who put their hands together asking for mercy.

"I can throw you all into jails or execute you right now--"
"Hii", "Help meee", "I'll do anything!"
The men apologized unanimously. Half of them cried.


And then Celica approached me with swaying blond hair.
She pulled my sleeve while looking sad.
"Keika-sama.... I've heard what happened. I think there are some parts that cannot be helped. Please shower your mercy to these people."
Even though she was the one who got attacked.... I'm impressed by Celica's kindness.
Besides, I'm not doing this to kill the villagers.

I think threatening them this much should be enough.
"First, every one of you kneel on the ground and apologize."
All 50 men kneeled at once, hitting their heads on the ground, raising cloud of dust.
"We deeply apologize Hero-sama!" "Please forgive us Hero-sama!"
All of them repeatedly apologized desperately. Trying to show their sincerity while putting their heads on the ground.
The women and children who were watching also kneeled on the ground while apologizing.
"Please forgive my husband, Hero-sama!" "I'm sorry", "Forgive my dad!"
Making children cry, even me would feel hurt.


I put my hand up to stop them.
"Don't make a mistake and attack innocent travelers ever again okay?"
"Of course!", "Absolutely won't happen!", "I'll carve it in my heart!"
"It's easy to just speak out whatever you want."
"""Uu...."""
The villagers hold their breath.
As I thought. There are some guys who thought they'd be let go just by apologizing here.
Apology is free after all.

However, Celica pulled my sleeve and shook her head. The evening light reflected on her blond hair looks seemingly sad.
I nodded to tell her that I understood.


And then I speak loudly.
"People forget things easily. You should impart it to the future generations not to repeat the same mistake! Don't you think so? Of course you're not allowed to argue back."
"Yes", "That's exactly right", "We will obey hero-sama."

The village elder stands up and asks me with disarranged white hair.
"But then what should we do?"
"Umu. About that. Is there a festival in your village?"
"Festival is it?　At spring and fall, we hold festivals to pray for good harvest and gratitude for the harvest to the earth god."
Fumu. Festivals for the mother earth goddess Rupelsia huh. I guess they can't do without a harvest festival.


I grin and declare.
"Then change the spring harvest festival to 『Hero Keika Festival』! Grandly celebrate me to show your gratitude for my benevolence! And thus, you guys will be reminded of your mistake every year even if you don't like it, and control yourself right?"
"""EEEEEEH!!"""
"But.... The traditional festival that has been continued on for many years is--"

I glare at the village elder with god's coercion.
"....It appears you haven't realized your situation huh? I can end this village right here and now if I want!"
"W-wa, hiii!"
The village elder could not stand up and fell down.
The men who were kneeling down screamed something while looking down. Some wet their pants.

However, all the villagers ultimately agreed to my suggestion.
"Can't be helped", "It's still a harvest festival anyway", "We were wrong after all."
--Now my name will be left behind!
It's important to spread your name in order to become god.
I endured myself not to grin and laughed out loud.


The village elder speaks.
"We understand Keika-sama. We will hold a festival to appreciate your benevolence."
"Umu. In exchange, I will protect you as long as you continue to honor me."
"Eh, hero-sama will give us his protection!?"
The village elder was surprised.
I gotta have to give them this much grace at least.
I'll make us of the carrot and stick principle well.
"Of course. I'll widen the monster barrier and increase your fields. And I'll have my mansion built here."

Celica was surprised the most by this.
"Ke-Keika-sama!? How about the journey to defeat the demon king!?"
"Of course I'm doing that. But, I'd like to have a base. While we're journeying, I want to have a place for other people who are troubled in other places to send their requests and wishes in."
"Then wouldn't the royal capital be better for that?"
"There's too many people over there. This place takes half a day to reach. Trivial requests like searching for a lost cat won't reach here, only people who really need my help will come."
"I-I see.... As expected of Keika-sama. You think thoroughly of everything."
"And so, elder, go build a mansion with shrine-like atmosphere, I don't mind if it's small. It can be a one-story building. Notify Kimmerick Inn at the royal capital once it's done."
"I understand."
The village elder respectfully nodded.


I grinned inwardly.
I've been thinking of securing a base for a while now.
As a place for the believers to gather.

I decided it to be here since all the villagers had a debt for me.
Even if I'm a hero, forcing my way through an established community is not easy.
Yet, being high-handed will only stain my fame. I can't be unreasonable.
However, since I hold the life of this village in my hand, they have no choice but to obey my order like slaves.
It's just right to propagate my name through their festival.


I survey the men.
"Is Bailey here?"
"Ah, yes. It's me."
A man with beard stood up.
He approaches while protecting his wrist.
--Ah, I did threatened him by binding a string. I forgot.

"Back then you chased me with a Bu Horse, are you good with it?"
"I work by plowing field with a Bu Horse and as a delivery to the neighboring village. I also care for them."
"Really. Then spread a rumor saying that Hero Keika is staying in this village."
"He... I don't mind. --Err, Keika-sama, this."
He held out his wrist, I tore off the string.

Bailey breathed out in relief.
"I felt more dead than alive."
"You could have just tear it. I didn't put any magic on it."
"Eh... Why."
"Cause it'll be troublesome if you're hurt."
"--I really can't win against you."
Bailey said with admiration. His voice was filled with trust.


A middle-aged woman drew near and said.
"Um, Hero-sama. We've prepared your meal."
"Ah, right, I'll have them. You guys can dissolve now."
"Thank you very much", "We apologize", "I'll do my best in the festival."
Etc, they gratefully smiled at me with tears on their cheeks.

I went to the mansion with Celica.
Celica looks up at me with a light of tremendous respect dwelling in her blue eyes.
"Keika-sama is amazing. Thinking such a method to prevent the villagers from making the same mistake. It was a good idea unthinkable by me."

I couldn't help but smile awkwardly since I can't tell her my true objective.
"I-Is that so.... Ah, right. Have this fruit."
I took out the 【Power Fruit】 from my breast pocket and gave it to her.
"What is this? Oh my, isn't it a Power Fruit, how unusual. Shouldn't Keika-sama eat it?"
"Celica eating it will be for my sake too."
"Really.... Then I will gratefully accept."
Celica opened her small red mouth and ate the power fruit.
His Strength increased by 3. My Strength automatically increased by 300.
Good. My strength surpassed 90,000 now.


And then Lapisia jumped out with rattling sounds.
She ran to us with fluttering white dress when she saw me. She's holding a vertically long box that looks big enough for her to enter on her hand. There are covers on both its sides. I guess it's a vertical trash box.
Looking at it with <<Senrigan>>, it was just a normal wooden box.
"Lapisia wants this!"
"What's that?"
The middle-aged woman who's guiding us speaks.
"Ah, that's the box to shove sticks and brooms in. We're not using it anymore, it should be fine."
"Yaay"
After smiling delightfully, Lapisia got inside the box from her head in.
There's a gap on the location of her eyes, and then her slender ankles and calf came out of the box.
She looks like a box man or Medjed.

"Do you like that box Lapisia?"
"Un! Like!"
Her golden eyes are peeking from the gap. Squinting gleefully.
I thought of stopping her, but it'd be annoying if she got into a bad mood.
"It's dangerous so walk carefully okay."
"Okay!"
She walks briskly with small steps like a penguin.
It brought about an indescribable sense of weird cuteness to it.

"I wonder why do children like to get inside a box."
"Maybe they feel calm inside a cramped place."
"Perhaps it feels like being wrapped by your mother huh."
Well, she's probably going to lose interest in it soon enough, I'll let her play for a while.


And then I did a bit of work after dinner.
I extended the range of Monster Barrier installed at the fields.
The villagers thanked me while looking like they couldn't believe it.

Looks like you usually have to pay a large amount of money to a barrier specialist to do this.
My believers increased just by doing such a simple work.
It was 16 people before I came to this village, it's 33 now.

Alright, I'll keep spreading my name like this and increase my believers!























Previous Chapter

Chapter 15-Intermission 3. At the Eastern End of the Continent (2)

 

"Niisan, what do you think that white thread is?"

One day when we got close to the black dragon mountain range, my little brother said that.

"Where?"
"Look, it's between the peaks over there."

It must be very thin.
Unfortunately, I can't see it with my eyesight.

I could only make out silhouettes of countless wyverns flying near the summits.

"That's the world tree."
"That?"

My brother and the guards were dumbfounded since they didn't understand the term [World Tree], but I knew the name from the title of a game I played in my previous life.
Even though it was a used game I bought for 100 yen in a bargain sale, I remember playing it for around a year.

The fox girl died young in her previous life so she doesn't have that kind of memories.

Now then, putting that aside--.

"Mize, I know you're telling us to cross that mountain range, but shouldn't we prepare some countermeasure for the wyverns?"
"Everything's fine. They will be driven away by the master of the mountains. That's why I've brought those with me."

The ratkin warrior Mize glanced at the 10 goats tied to the horse.

"Niisan!"

I turned around at my brother's warning, and then a black shadow appeared in front of us.
The thing that appeared while being accompanied by several tornado and shaking that equaled earthquakes was a monster that makes the kaijuus in monster films looks cute in comparison.

『Dragon?』

The taciturn fox girl is looking up in rapture.
Unlike us who couldn't even move an inch, apparently this girl is very daring.

"It is an honor to meet you black dragon-dono!"

Warrior Mize talked to the black dragon while still on his horse.

His voice is shaking.
He's probably afraid of the black dragon too.

"We have prepared these goats for black dragon-dono's tribute! Please have them!"

The black dragon seemed to understand Mize, after roaring once frighteningly, it began to catch the goats with its huge hands and greedily devour them.
The sounds of the goats screaming and the crunching sounds of the bones made me hallucinate my own future.

The black dragon finished eating the goats in a flash, and then it looked at Mize as if it was urging something.

"We're very glad to see that you like it. We have a business to do at the other side of the mountain range. We would like a permission to cross over black dragon-dono's territory."

――ＲＷＵＬＯＯＯＵＵＵＵＮＮ！

The black dragon shot a flash after replying Mize.
A black ditch of several kilometer long was carved on the mountains, raising white steam.

"Dragon Breath...."

To think the otherworld dragon was such an out-of-ordinary being....

――ＲＷＵＬＯＯＯＵＵＵＵＮＮ！

The black dragon flew to the horizon after roaring once.

Guided by Mize, we crossed the mountain range through the warmth black road, arriving at Boruenan Forest.
We did not get attacked by monsters even once during our trip in the black dragon mountain that was said to be perilous.


◇


"Purple fur is it degozaru...."

We met an elf who was speaking with [Gozaru] as we arrived right before the barrier of Boruenan Forest.

"The ratkin over there can go inside the village since you have a letter of introduction from Yuya, but the weasels and the fox people cannot."

After the gozaru elf said that, another elf behind him muttered weakly, "If only the matter with Touya didn't...."

"Elf-dono, we would like to learn about agriculture. Would you please allow my little brothers and the guards to enter?"
"Niisan!"

If the problem is with the purple fur, then it should be okay if I and this fox girl just not go with them.

Fortunately, there's a lot of wild beasts at the foot of the black dragon mountains.
I should be able to live alone until they've finished their study.

"What should we do degozaru?"
"--All right."

At the gozaru elf's question, the elf behind him contemplated with folded arms and then he nodded.

"If you want to learn about agriculture, I'll introduce you to the gnomes of Borueswen. Our agriculture cannot be replicated by anyone but elves. Although gnomes use earth magic for it, it should be similar enough to general agriculture."

Thus, we will be staying at Borueswen with the elf's introduction, while warrior Mize will be training in combat at the Leprechaun's training site.

『Ui fight too.』

The fox girl who had learned the basic of swords from Mize during our trip went with Mize to the Leprechaun's training site.
Thus we spent three years, and obtained useful skills like Compounding and Alchemy besides Agriculture.
It was thanks to the skill points I saved up during our journey.

We could have led a comfortable live with a permanent residence at Borueswen, but even though it was a wasteland, that place is my second birthplace.

Above all, my little brother wants to go back to our homeland.
I don't want to part with my little brother after he's kept me company this far.

We bid the gnomes who took care of us farewell and went toward the Leprechaun's training site to say goodbye to Mize and the fox girl.


◇


"Master!"
"I-is that you?"

The fox girl who had grown rapidly in just three years appeared.

--In a macho way that is.

"You look like you can even hit a bear to death."
"Ui, cut that once."

Since the fox girl leveled up from 1 to 12, she can seemingly kill a normal bear easily now.
She's swinging a heavy looking bronze great sword buzzingly.

"You've really worked hard."
"Ui, worked hard!"

The fox girl who's purring like a cat looks heartwarming befitting of her age.

"Is that you Tarou-dono, is your farmwork going well?"
Warrior Mize showed up.
His level only increased by one, but the aura around him looks sharper than before.

"Yeah, my master has given me a permission to go independence."

They've shared us resilient seeds and seeds suitable for our homeland's climate, we just need to raise them next.

"Is that right. I will pray to the god of this land for the development of Tarou-dono's homeland."

My face was going to reflexively warp at Mize's words, but I can't show such a rude behavior in front of our benefactor, so I endure it.

"No need for prayer--Mize-dono's words are quite enough."

I overwrote the true intention I spoke out with good words.

"Master, where are you going?"
"Ah, back to my village."
"Ui will go too! Help, master's trip!"

I had never been yearned so defenselessly like this so I inadvertently nodded at the fox girl.

"Stay safe."
"You too Mize-dono, be in good health--"

We parted ways with our benefactor and went straight to our homeland.

There were times when we got chased by people who saw my and the fox girl's purple fur, but we were somehow able to safely reach the familiar-looking wasteland.


◇


"Niisan, the village!"
"Let's hurry!"

We arrived at our homeland after four years, it's become a ruin of burned buildings.

"Looks like the lizards invaded."

Those rotten arms under the ruin must be of the brown scaled lizardkin.

"Master, something smelly over there."

While having a bad feeling about this, I quietly walked toward the place the fox girl pointed at.

"Ni-Niisan."
"Yeah, those damn lizards...."

The bodies of weaselkin women and children have been thrown inside a deep hole.

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOO"
"GAIE, ZOIOAAAAAAAAA! Damned lizards, I'll kill every last one of them with these hands."

The two guards wailed, it seems they caught sights of people they knew among the bodies.

"Niisan, those are."
"Yeah, it's father and brother."

Father's and eldest brother's heads are decorated inside a small hole at the edge of the big hole.

I don't know the type, but this small shrine is something to worship a god.
I saw something like it in human villages during our trip.

"Serves them right."

I was planning to scrape off the patriarch's social status with my own hand as a revenge for my little sister, I'd never thought that the lizards would get to it first.

"Young master, it seems the lizards are going to attack the lionkin settlement nearby while taking our brethren along."
"Then these were sacrifices for their victory in war huh...."

My little brother who heard the guard is looking at the bodies of our brethren with a pained look.

"--Should we go help them?"

I said that after a careful calculation.

I actually was fully intending to abandon them, but if I chose that here, I would likely lose not only my brother but the two reliable guards.
Besides, we'd need manpower to create a new agriculture-based village.

"That's a suicidal act deesu."
"Who's there!"

A man wearing yellow overcoat suddenly appeared behind us even though there wasn't any presence before.
His skin is dark brown, nearly ocher-colored, but his face is unmistakably that of a human.

I use [Status Check] which I don't use often since it's tiring, to check the man's info.

--Demon?

This is the first time I saw this race.
It might sounds nefarious but most races in this world are terrible anyway, so there's probably not much difference.

"I'm just a passing by nice demon desu."
"D-demon?!"

The guards and my little brother seem to know about it.

"If you answer my question, I can compensate you with your wish desu."
"Are you saying that you can fulfill the compensation even if I tell you to exterminate the lizardkin?"
"Killing all the lizardkin in this world would require too much efforts desune. I can help if it's just annihilating the lizardkin who attacked this village and is at war with the lionkin deesu."

--Alright.

"Pay it in advance. I'll answer anything you want after we've confirmed it."

I don't care even if the demon is the same devil from my knowledge.

"Okay deesu. If you don't, I'll be having all your lives for it desuyo?"
"Yea."

I'll sell even my soul.

"Nice resolve you have there desu."

The next moment after a mysterious roar reached my ears, our bodies are already flying in the air.

"Uwaa"
"I'm not good with wind magic, you'll fall if you struggle desuyo?"

Despite being not good with it, he could fly up this many people in an instant, astounding.
Even among gnomes, there wasn't any who could use magic this well.

"Before that, I'll be destroying an eyesore that is the monument of foolish god deesu."

A fireball shot by the yellow clothed demon smashed the small shrine.

"You, do you hate gods?"
"I loathe both the foolish god and the god of pestilent deesu. I only believe in my lord nanodesu."

Looks like I can get along with this guy.


◇


The result, it was an infringement.

My vocabulary cannot express just how dreadful the being called demon is.
The yellow clothed demon's fire magic was vividly striking enough that I could imagine him fighting against that black dragon.

We saved the female hostages and freed the soldiers that had been enslaved while his fire magic was reducing the lizardkin and lionkin armies to ashes.

"Tarou-sama, we have annihilated the enemy forces and captured the lionkin's women and children. What would you like to do with them."
"Kill them, but do not torment them. Do it in a single stroke."

I had determined myself to do that even while holding the Japanese sense of guilt.
If I showed mercy here, the lionkin would go after the weaselkin afterward.

"The grief and resentment of the innocents are pleasant deesu."
"What bad taste."
"That's the kind of existence demons are desu. More importantly, I'm here for the reward deesu."

I face the yellow demon.

"Do you know the location of Troll Rock desuka? It looks like this desu."

A hologram of a strangely shaped rock floated in front of the yellow clothed demon.

"I do. That's the one in the bottom of the ravine."

In our village, there was a rumor that you'd get cursed or go missing if you got close to it.

"Most excellent deesu. After four hundreds years, the shape of the land has changed from the battle between the foolish god and the god of pestilence, how very troubling desu."

I guided the yellow clothed demon to the rock.
When the yellow clothed demon touched the rock, one part of the rock disappeared, showing a set of stairs.

"Your eggs would break if you do not strengthen your mind desuyo."
"Eggs?"

I went down the stairs in confusion.

--Fear.

A fear that felt like an icicle piercing my heart bound me down.

"That's the troll demon lord desu. He's the most ancient of demon lords, sealed in this land, he's recording the secret of the world on those slates desu."

Knowledge is power.

"I also want to read that language."
"You can call me whatever you like desu. Incubating the eggs is one of my jobs too deesu. I could make you the king of the world if you wish for it dyesu."

I sold my soul to the devil, and obtained various knowledge from the yellow clothed demon.
I obtained an ancient artifact called Screw, capable of manipulating monsters, at Rumooku Kingdom, and researched the development of robot-like heavy machinery golems, rapidly gaining power.

Most importantly, now that I got a gigantic resources called monsters after securing the power of Screw--I had gotten a hold of an abundant of materials for both food and arms.
After securing plentiful food and enough forces to repulse foreign enemy, we gathered our brethren who were living in the surrounding nations, and rallied ratkin and foxkin people who lived in poverty, and the weaselkin village eventually grew to be called a country.

And then--.

"A pleasure to meet you, King Tarou and Crown Prince-dono, I'm Touya who will be assisting you per Yellow Clothes-dono's request."

--With the wisdom and tactics of the black clothed Tactician who called himself Touya, we annexed the once eastern big three countries of the lionkin, tigerkin and lizardkin, and our country became known as an empire.

"You're not going to dispatch troops to the ash ratkin and the longhair ratkin countries?"
"Yeah, that place is our benefactor's homeland."

I wouldn't be here without warrior Mize.

"Even if I obtain the world, I won't meddle with them if the kings of those lands do not wish to be under our empire."
"Is that right, then I will abide by my emperor's wish."

Tactician Touya bowed like a retainer.

"Touya, what's your and Yellow Clothes-dono's goal exactly?"
"I am not aware of Yellow Clothed-dono's goal. My goal is to beckon my lord to this land and exterminate the foolish gods."

I thought he was speaking nonsense to flatter me, but Touya's eyes were bereft of any lies.
Apparently, he was a comrade called in by my [Luck] all along.

"What are you going to do after exterminating the gods?"
"After that huh--the owner of this body, Trazayuya wants the elves to lead mankind into a calm gentle world--"

Tactician Touya burst into laughter in the middle of his words.

"That'd be nice if possible, but this world cannot endure a battle that would destroy the foolish gods. The god of pestilence refereed by Yellow Clothes-dono--the dragon god can even crush a planet."

I could easily imagine the myth that Tactician Touya heard from the long-living High Elves.
According to the records in the Slate Room, battles between gods during the age of gods destroyed many continents, people were driven to the brink of extinction.

As I thought, there is really a need to beat the gods with our hands as people.

"Only dragons and demon lords can reach gods."

However, the [Golden Wild Boar King] revived by Yellow Clothes-dono and his cohorts and the [Dog-Head Ancient King] revived by Touya's master were both destroyed by Hero Nanashi.

That person just might be able to win against gods.

Judging from the Star Fall at the Dragon's Valley, he is powerful enough to challenge the dragon god and survive, he's even destroyed the Demon God's Offshots at Shiga Kingdom.

"Tarou, only a fool relies on uncertain elements."
"You're right. Relying on uncertain elements is like praying to god."

We will do what we as people can do with our own hands.

Before the gods destroy this land--.



































Previous Chapter

Chapter 5 Strongest Sage, Fight His Father

 

"I'm gonna leave the territory?"

I asked my father before I realized.
Just what was my effort to deceive them earlier for.

"....This might be too soon to talk to you about Mathi, but you're the third son after all. You can plow fields in the territory if you want, but if you can use magic--no, I mean, if you can use a sword, you can choose to go outside. I'm sure it's more fun that way."

Ooh. Looks like I can automatically leave the territory if I can use a sword.
Isn't that the greatest ever! Hurray for third son!

It looked like he was going to say magic... is magic no good?
Now's my chance. Let's ask.

"Why not, magic?"

"O...of course magic is fine too. But I think the way of sword is better myself!"

Hmm. Evasive. Is there something with magic and me?
Could it be that this territory really regards the Fourth Crest as a failure--.
Can't be. It's impossible if you think about it. Since the Fourth Crest is difficult to handle, that situation might happen if the average age of the territory is 10, but of course there are more adults in Hildesheimr Territory.

It's impossible for any crest but the first crest to be treated as a failure.
Even that First Crest has its strength in something other than combat. I don't think there's any reason for it to be treated as a failure though... well, it is a failure in my particular case.

◇

Next day.
When I got up in the morning, my father Castor and big brother Reich were already swinging swords outside.
Even though father is not using Physical Reinforcement or such his swordsmanship is very clean. His sword swiftness isn't bad either.

This territory is underdeveloped in term of magic, but it seems that's not the case with swords.

"Good morning, father, Reich-niisan."

"Hi Mathi. Good morning."

I went outside and greeted my father and brother who were doing a practice-swinging.
He told me that we'd begin training from today on, but he didn't specify the time. I might be late.

"Is that you Mathi. You're an early bird eh. Were you looking forward to training with swords?"

It appears I wasn't late.

"I wanna leave the territory and become an adventurer."

"I see I see. Normally you'd want to become a knight, but adventurer isn't a bad choice either! Alright, it's a bit early but let's start!"

After saying that, Castor handed me a wooden sword.
It's heavy despite being made of wood, makes me think there's a weight inside.
Castor also takes the same wooden sword in his hand. He was using a real sword during the practice swinging, but we're not going to use them in a practice it seems. Well, it's dangerous without healing magic after all.

"Now, come at me! You win if you can hit me with the sword!"

Castor pointed his sword at me while saying that.
....Eh? Combat practice so sudden?
You're really going to do that with a 6 year old?

"What's wrong! You can use any trick. Try swinging once!"

In my confusion, Castor called me out.
It sounds like he's going to lunge instead if I remain silent.
It's said that Hildesheimr House's swordsmanship training is hardcore, but it seems that's still being modest.

This house's sword education will keep on living in the future.
--I'll do the best I can now.

"Here I go!"

"Ou!"

After declaring that, I purposely moved close slowly at a walking distance to him, without using the physical reinforcement.
An unshapely movement unbefitting of being called martial art.
And then I very slowly rush in and swing my sword from below.

A movement that goes against gravity on top of not using physical reinforcement. The speed of the sword is so slow that you won't feel any pain even if it hits.
It's not like I underestimate him. Looking at the practice-swinging, I understood that Castor was not someone I could underestimate.
In fact, you can even say that he's not someone the current me can win against. The difference of our fundamental body strength is too wide.

I had started muscle and magic reinforcement (similar to muscle strength, your magic quantity will rise every time you use it) yesterday, but that's still not enough to win against a well-trained adult.
That's why, I employed this tactic.

My father Castor tried to block my sword. Looks like he's going real easy on me. His movement is slow compared to what he showed before I got here.
When I see that, I--activate the Physical Reinforcement that I have saved until now, and raise the output to maximum at once.
It's show time from here on.





















Previous Chapter

Chapter 4 Strongest Sage, Bring Food to the House

 

"Today's dinner is a feast! What's the occasion?"

During meal.
Castor was in wonder before the sumptuous amount of meat on the dining table.
Only two birds are used in the dinner, but that's still quite an amount for our household of five.

Looking back, after reincarnating, I think the only time we had this amount of meat was during Reich's 15 year old birthday (this country deems adulthood at 15.)

"I think it's Mathi's birthday today.... But I don't think these are made to celebrate it right?"

Reich said that.
I was reincarnated when I just turned 6, so technically speaking, the first day is my birthday.
However, like I mentioned earlier, the only time we had a luxurious meal in a birthday was only during Reich's.
I don't think we've had any celebration at other birthdays.

"That's right! This guy doesn't need no birthday celebration! Rather, it should be a sad day to curse his fate!"

Biffgel made fun of me by making use of Reich's statement.

"Biffgel. Be quiet."

And then he was made to shut up.
The one who did that was our father, Castor Hildesheimr. I don't know his concrete age, but he looks around 45.

Even Biffgel can't go against the head of the family, he shuts his mouth.
His face is red from anger.... And I think his voltage is higher than in the noon, maybe he's dissatisfied. I wonder if this self-proclaimed chosen one of the magic god (14 year old) is that frustrated from losing to a trash (6 year old) who can't use magic well.

"Mathi brought this meat. If anyone has any complaint, they don't have to eat it."

Our mother, Camilla revealed the answer at the right timing.
Father who heard that asks me.

"Mathi brought this? What on earth happened?"

Well now. How should I reply to this.、
Many things could become troublesome if I answer honestly.
Even excluding this territory with its underdeveloped magic, my magic is superior for a 6 year old.
The worst possible outcome would be if I were bound in this territory.

I intend to leave Hildesheimr house sooner or later, to walk the path of a magic combatant.
Even if my name is different int his life, the things I want to do hasn't changed.
If I get known as a convenient magic user, it could be hard to realize that.

"The birds hit some trees by chance and fell down."

After thinking more, I decided to hide my magic.
It's a bit unnatural for that to happen with five birds, but I gotta follow up somehow--.

"Did they fall with their necks cleanly cut, and even drained of blood already?"

It was no use. Mother swiftly attacked.
However, I'll cut through by feigning ignorance here!

"I found some sharp stones and drained the blood myself."

"To five birds?"

"Un. To five birds."

"....Certainly, I didn't see any wound that looks to be a result of battle. It's unusual, but it might be not unlikely to happen."

Alright. Dodged the bullet there.
Next time, I should bring back fewer spoils after thinking through an excuse.
I'm not going to stop supplying the meat. Nourishment is important.

"Abnormal behaviors of birds huh. I hope it's not an omen of something strange happening. ...Come to think of it, Mathi you're 6 now aren't you."

"Yup. Mathi is 6 today."

Reich replied Castor.

"Then, I'll start teaching Mathi swordsmanship from tomorrow on. Mathi is going to leave the territory and all, so swords gonna be essential for you."

That reminds me, Reich and Biffgel have been training swordsmanship with Father.
That training started at 6 huh. That's quite hardcore.
--However, there was more important part on my father's statement.
The part about me leaving the territory.






























Previous Chapter

Chapter 11 Finally Arrived at Gramada

 

When I came to, there were two hills right in front of my eyes!
Yes, it's Nobusada. Apparently, Mitama is letting my head rest on her lap.
What bliss. I want to bask in this lingering memories, but I wonder what happens after that?
I'm sure I finished off the big boar.

"Oh, Nobu-kun, you're awake?"

Futsuno-san peeked here.

"Yea, somehow. Futsuno-san, how long did I lose consciousness?"

"About 10 minutes. Just when I thought Nobu-kun who should've fainted got up and killed the big boar, you fell again, even Mitama was panicking ya know? Don't go and act rashly k'. Nobu-kun."

"Aye, I'm sorry. Are you two alright?"

Looks like the two don't have any serious injury. They're probably anxious since I got blown away in that fashion.

"Still, how did you finish off that big boar? Hey hey, tell Onee-san 'bout it. Hey hey."

"....Nee-san, Nobu just woke up, don't push him like that."

"Uh, yer' right. My bad."

"No, I'm fine already, my head feels clear. I'm reluctant to part way with this lap pillow, but I'll go and get up."

I really am reluctant! But we have to do something about the killed big boar. The bruises on my body still hurt, but that's about it. I had readied myself for some broken bones from the kick, but apparently, Heal was able to heal it. Magic is amazing.
Now, let's process the big boar and the fresh meat.

"Let's dismantle this big boar for now. Would you two help me?"

""Un""

We can think up other things that need to be done while we're working on this.
Helped by the two, I dismantle the big boar. It doesn't have Soul Stone since it's not a monster.
More importantly, meat! Fresh meat!
I diligently process the fresh meat before me while enduring the pain on my body.

After peeling off its fur, I drained its blood and cut the meat by body parts. Looks like they fetch a good price if I bring them to the right place in the town. I wash the intestines with all the water in the water sack and preserve them. I divided the meat into three parts using the cloth I bought. It still weight too much, my rucksack can't hold them all.
Oh yeah, the two were surprised when I told them about the magic rucksack. Since it seemed to be quite expensive, in desperation, I told them that it was a keepsake from the grandfather who raised me.
Thus, we decided that I would carry the expensive parts.

Yet, even after doing all this, there's still too much left. As expected of a big boar. Ah, I've put away the bear trap behind a rock. It was bulky and dented all over, I deemed it unusable.

Can't be helped, let's barbecue the meat that we can't hold! Yes, we're having a barbecue party right now.

"Fuhaa, so good. The boar meat I ate back then smelled gamey, but this one's not too bad at all. Why's Nobu-kun cooking this good?"
"Delishlish"

I wonder why? The benefit of Housework skill? I feel that the meat here tastes better than the one I made in earth back then. Or maybe it's cause this big boar is tasty?
Well, whatever. Right now I'd rather enjoy this meat than thinking that deeply. It's simply salted with sauce made from fruits. I also made a few tempuras from the boar meat. With this I used up all the oil I bought. I couldn't bother with the vegetables so I just chopped them up and made them into meat roll.

"Ah, meat IS nice. Compared to fruits and black bread, eating this feels like power is swelling up in me somehow."

*Nod nod*, Mitama nodded at me in agreement while stuffing her mouth with the meat. Umu, eat to your heart's content. We have a lot more.



How terrifying.... It was a good meat, but the amount was something I'd never have thought could be eaten by three people. Futsuno-san and Mitama seem very satisfied. Usually Mitama looked like she wasn't satisfied.

We began to walk again after having the meal took up large portion of time. We wasted a lot of time due to the unnecessary battle, but since we departed faster as the result, it seemed to be ultimately a zero sum. Looks like we should be able to get to Gramada before nightfall at this pace.

I look at my status I missed to see after defeating the big boar.

Name: Nobusada Izumi - Gender: Male - Race:General Human?
Class: Fighter Lv7
Title: 【Moss Ball Killer】
HP: 39/70 MP: 30/82
【Skill】
Etania Native Language - Differing Soul Communication Lv1 - Magic Development Lv1 - Houseworks Lv5 - Agriculture Lv3 - Swordsmanship Lv2 - Throwing Lv1 - Magic Clad Lv2 - Holy Magic Lv 1 - Evasion Lv1 (New!) - Elemental Magic Aptitude Lv2 (up!) - Disguise Lv2

【Inherent Skill】
Discerning Magic Eyes Lv2 (up!)

Ooh, my level increased by two in one go. My skills leveled up too! Looking at this, it seems I can regard that Class and Skill are leveled up differently. The Elemental Magic Aptitude leveled up even with Fighter class whose MP doesn't increase after all.
Oh, looking at the race.... I wonder what the '?' after General Human is.
I thought something would happen with the increased level of the Discerning Magic Eyes, but it's more like the liberation of an entry of information?
It probably leveled up when I saw the big boar with it.





The trip advanced smoothly without any trouble afterward. The highway also gradually became wider and better looking. As I was sensing such small changes, I saw some kind of rampart in the distance.

"Nobu-kun, that's Gramada y'see. The whole town is covered by a huge wall. Only the Avaoak Fort at the westernmost can equal the sturdiness of that. It was made to be sturdy cause it's very close to the demon lord's territory."
"Hohou, considering they made such a secure wall, does that mean this town is that important?"
"Yeap, the territory around here is under direct control of Duke Azbel, it's also a center of distribution of goods. Order of knight is permanently stationed here and it also has security guards, the public order is quiet nice."

Duke Azbel. It seems to be the duke who rules the area around here. His political skill is apparently quite formidable, Gramada has been under good government ever since he came in charge of the town. Futsuno-san doesn't know the inner details, but it seems the ease of living in Gramada has no particular fault. I can expect many things.

We made it to the line for the inspection to enter the city. We're also quickly lining up at the end of the queue.

"You'd need to pay 200 Mani to enter the town. If you don't have an ID, then they'd issue a provisional registration card 'ere. You'd need to deposit 2000 Mani. After you've registered at whichever guild and got yourself a guild card, you could get the money back."
"By 'whichever guild', are there more than one of them?"
"Yeap, the big ones are the Adventurer Guild and the Commercial Guild. There's also some intermediate guilds for each jobs. Nobu-kun's gonna register at the Adventurer Guild rite'?"
"Let me see, I don't have a connection after all, so that one seems to be the safest bet."

Our turn came as we were talking.

"Oh, the 『Tail of Wind』 pair. You two are safe."

The sentry lightly talked to the two. He seems to be in the middle of his twenties. Comparatively good looking.

"Kyle-han, good work. We managed somehow."

"Everyone's gonna be sad if anything happens to the prominent beauty sisters of the guild. In fact, I'm one of those peeps. How 'bout it, wanna have some drink with me after work?"

"....No."

Mitama, so prompt.

"Not possible, we gotta report to the client and guide this guy. Now, get back to work."

"Mumumu, a man! Where is this guy."

"Me, me. Nice to meet you, Kyle-san."

"Wait, you're just a kid. Ya surprised me."

I'm technically 15 though.... It's probably partially because of my oriental face looking young, but this height is the root of all problem!

"I'm not a kid. I left my hometown to become an Adventurer you see."
"Haha, saying that means you're still wet behind the ears. Well fine, got an ID?"
"I don't have anything like that since I was raised in the forest. Futsuno-san told me that the Adventurer Guild could issue the Guild Card, so I'm going to make one there."
"Right right, it's the provisional registration card then. Wait a bit."

After saying that, Kyle went to the guard station and came back carrying a small crystal ball.

"Put your hand on this. This thing is called 『Crystal of Conviction』. It'd show us if you have any criminal record in the past through the joint information from the guild. Well, you should have no problem if you lived honestly."

I put my hand on the crystal ball as urged. There's no change on the crystal ball.

"Alright, looks like you have no criminal record."

After saying that, he filled out a ticket like thing. By the way, I was told later that if you had a criminal record, the crystal ball would float.

"Okay then, the toll will be 200 mani, and the provisional registration ID will be 2000 mani. We'd reimburse that one if you came back here after you got your ID issued. Once you've your Guild Card, you'll be exempted of future tolls."

"Okay, here you go."

I took out 2200 mani from my rucksack and handed it to him.

"Got it. This is the provisional registration card, don't lose it you hear me?"

"Thanks."

"Welcome to Gramada, high adventurer-to be. Well, just take care not to get yourself hurt."

He seems flippant, but he's quite good at taking care others. He doesn't seem to be a bad guy. Lemme look at the stats.

Name Kyle - Gender: Male - Race: General Human
Class: Fighter Lv 12 - State: Healthy
Title: None
【Skill】
Swordsmanship Lv3 - Spearmanship Lv2 - Life Magic

I wonder if these much is the standard for guards? He should be able to deal with something like that big boar somehow?
Nevertheless, Kyle? You're a guard, but your eyes have been chasing after Futsuno-san's and Mitama's asses for a while now..... Do your job, guard (laugh).
We set foot in the town with Kyle's leer. Hey Kyle, you're seeing us off while looking reluctant and all, but is that really alright? The people accumulating at the line are looking distressed you know.


"Then let's go until the guild together. Unfortunately, from there we gotta report the quest completion to the client. Truthfully, I wanted to go with you until the end."

"No no, I wouldn't have been able to get here this fast alone, you two are really a big help."

"Really? Come talk to us if you have problem later 'kay. Our regular lodging is the 『Dog of Flame』 inn. You can contact us by sending messages to the innkeeper."

"....The food there is good."

As expected of Mitama, she's unflinching!


"Ah, also, you can sell the big boar's meat and fur at the guild okay? Nobu-kun can have all the one you're carrying."

"No wait, we should divide it into three equal parts...."

"S'fine, you'd need all the money since you're starting up as an adventurer. It's a farewell gift from onee-sans 'k."

"....I have no problem, I like the meat part myself."

Gunuu, this is a huge shock. So that was why they put the expensive parts like the fur in my baggage. I'll definitely return this debt! In good meaning!!

"Well then, c'ya."

"You two, thank you."

I part way with the two in front of the Adventurer Guild. Now that I'm by myself, it feels lonely somehow.
Alright! Gear up, here I go!


























Previous Chapter

Chapter 27  Angry Celica is Cute too, Likely

 

Morning.
I woke up to the chirping of small birds.
I got up and yawned.
And then Celica who was sleeping beside me moved slightly and opened her eyes. Bright blue eyes.
"Good morning."
"...Good morning."
Celica raised her body while rubbing her eyes with her slender fingers.

The sheet fell.
Her big breasts shook, her nude white body got exposed.
She's looking at her own body in astonishment for a while.
Only the disordered red skirt hides her white body.

But then she suddenly took the sheet as her face reddened.
"Au.... Yesterday, it's um...."
Seemingly embarrassed, she hid her shapely face behind the sheet.


That reaction was too amusing, I said while grinning.
"Ah, I got to enjoy it. To every corner."
"Haahn....!"
Celica shook her head while remaining hidden. Her blond hair shook under the morning light.
Celica mutters tearfully.
"E-even though it was my first time.... I don't remember anything.... It's not painful either.... Was I, a shameless woman....?"
She began to sniffle under the sheet.

I felt bad just looking at her.
I apologize while scratching my head.
"Ah, no, sorry. I got a bit carried away with my prank. I didn't do anything, don't worry."
"Eh...?"
Celica looked up at me with a blank expression.
"No well, like I said, I didn't do anything. I was just trying to surprise you. I'd never thought you'd faint."
"...After that, you did nothing?"
"Yeah, nothing."


Celica fell silent for a while.

But then she suddenly hit me with a pillow she held on both hands. Her blue eyes are turned up with anger.
"Keika-sama you're really, really!"
The soft pillow hit me. Her blond hair is prancing about. Her big unbalanced breasts relative to her slender body also sprang about.

I could only apologize while running away from the bed.
"My bad! Forgive me! I apologize!"
She hurled the pillow when I got to the door.
The white feathers scattered about under the peeking morning sunlight.
"I don't want to look at Keika-sama's face for a while!"

I don't think I can manage her when she's like this.
I went outside the room.
Running from the angry crying voice inside the room.


I sit at the counter on the first floor tavern.
The old man brought some bread, salad, cheese and the mushroom soup from yesterday.
"Mornin'. Yer' up early."
"Morning. Many things happened.... Also, I need to ask you something."
"What is it?"
"Is there any town or village in trouble in this country?"
"Hohou. Working hard as a hero already eh. Troubled town huh.... It seems Droas the port town to the south is having trouble with an increase of sea monsters. Also, I heard the towns and villages to the western are troubled with sightings of a dragon. And also, this is a bit different, it seems the number of monsters at the northern great forest area has decreased."
"The northern great forest area. If I'm not mistaken, that's the buffer zone between the demon king and the kingdom's army."
"That's right."

The northern forest was the place where I beat one of the four devas right after I came here.
Its subordinates probably had no choice but to return to the demon king after their leader got defeated.
That means, the northern part of the kingdom should be safe for a while.


I ask while biting bread with cheese.
"South and west, which one has more people?"
"You sure ask some strange thing. I think they're about the same?　 The western area has a lot of farming land. The southern Droas is a trade port, so there's a lot of foreign ships entering the port there."
"I see. Thanks."
"No worries."
The old man laughed with his squared face.

It seems the troubled villages to the west are scattered over a wide area. My name will be spread in one go.
However, it's hard to ignore the bustling trade port either.
I need some conclusive information to decide this.

--Before that, there's a place I have to settle scores with first.
Because god's grudge is tenacious.


And then Celica who has groomed her appearance is coming down the stairs.
Her long legs walk down step by step, her red skirt elegantly waves. With her charming blond hair behind, the big breasts covered by the white blouse are shaking.
However, her forehead is cutely furrowed, her cheeks are somewhat puffed.
That angry face is still beautiful enough to hang as a picture.

The old man mutters in whisper.
"Are you two fighting? You'd better take her to some place with good scenery or else it'd be baad."
"You serious.... Then it's just right."

Celica dropped her smallish butt on the farthest seat from the counter with a thud.
She glares at the old man while frowning.
"Master! Breakfast!"
"Alright alright."
The old man quickly returned to the kitchen.
Awkward silence sweeps in.


I speak while scratching my cheeks.
"Celica?"
"What is it!"
She answered with puffed cheeks. She looks quiet angry.
"I'm planning to go the northern village today, do you wanna come with me?"
"Yes! I'll go wherever Keika-sam is!"
The content of the words is sweet, but her way of speaking was very thorny.

I sigh inwardly.
--Let's not tease her again.
I realized that it's quite troublesome when she's seriously angry.



Midday sunlight is beaming down.
We're walking on the road to the north from the royal capital.
There are verdant wheat fields on both sides of the road.
The wheats are shaken like a wave by the wind under the sun.

I walk while tightly grasping Celica's hand.
Cause the old man taught me that it'd be easier to make up if I forcefully touched her.
Celica is still angry, she's turning her face away.
However, her white cheek is slightly tinged with red color.
Her joined fingers are gripping stronger than usual.

At first Lapisia also joined hands with me.
But she ran when she found a bug, she ran when she found a bird.
She chased after them while her blue twintail fluttering on the sides.
I heartily think that a child is energetic.


Lapisia ran back from afar with both her hands closed.
"Keika! Caught it!"
"What is it this time?"
"Flying bug!"
There's a big bee between her small fingers. About 15 centimeter big. The red and yellow stripes look ominous.
I frowned while looking at the bee.
--------------------
【Status】
Name: Death Hornet
Elemet: 【Fire】

Attack: 400
Defense: 50
Vitality: 30
Willpower: 20

【Skill】
Gliding Stinger: Stab one enemy.
Stinger Strike: Shoot countless stingers. Ranged attack.
Instant Death Stinger: High probability of activating instant death.
--------------------
Celica screamed, 'Hii'.
I was also surprised at the 【Instant Death】 part.
"Uwaa! It IS a monster! Let it go, no, crush it!"
"Okay! Eii"
Splat, the bee is crushed. Scattering green juice.

I looked at Lapisia's stats in a hurry, but there was no abnormality.
I guess the stinger wouldn't put any dent on a defense power of 30,000.

Celica admonishes her while washing her hands with a water bottle.
"There are dangerous bugs and animals around, you have to be careful with your surroundings okay."
"Okay!"
After saying that, she ran again with fluttering white dress.


I sigh.
"Did she really understand."
"It's worrying isn't it. She caught many things after all."
Celica also smiled in astonishment.

--O.
I felt like Celica was blinking somehow.
"Oh?"
I look at the 【Emblem of Hero】.
『A member leveled up』
『Learned a new skill』
Were displayed.

"Celica. Looks like you leveled up from the bee just now."
"Eh. Did I really?"
--------------------
【Status】
Name: Celica Rem Edelstein
Class: Princess Knight Lv23 (High)
Element: 【Light】

【Parameter】
Strength: 94 (4) Growth Limit 375
Agilty: 71 (3) Growth Limit 290
Magic: 47 (2) Growth Limit 215
Wisdom: 48 (2) Growth Limit 180
Luck: 24 (1) Growth Limit 051

Vitality: 825
Willpower: 475

Attack: 399 (259+140)
Defense: 321 (236+85)
Magic Attack: 257 (142+50+50+15)
Magic Defense: 258 (143+50+50+15)

【Skill】
Cut: Cut with a sword.
Stab: Stab with a sword.
Double Stabs: Stab quickly. Twice.

【Princess Knight Skill】
Stardust Sting: Five stabs at the same time.
--------------------

"You learned Stardust Sting."
"Oh my! It's the star-shaped stab attack....! I can't believe I learned the legendary technique of Princess Knight I read in the book...."
Celica smiled joyfully.
And then she looked down like she was stumped. With a complicated look on her face.
Looks like she's troubled whether to keep being angry or to forgive me.

But then she raises her graceful face and speaks to me with blue eyes fixated on me.
"This is thanks to Keika-sama. Thank you very much."
"I didn't do anything great--and also."
"Yes? What is it?"
"I'm really sorry for teasing you. Please cheer up."
I embrace Celica's delicate shoulders.
I put my arms around the pleasant softness, sweetly hugging her.
Celica's breastplate is pushed against me without any gap.

And then she sighed sweetly "auu" on my ears.
"Me too, I'm sorry for my childish behavior. Please don't hate me Keika-sama."
"You said you'd always be on my side right."
"Yes."

Afterward the two of us walked together.
Then Celica tied her hand on mine.
Smiling while looking slightly embarrassed.
























Previous Chapter

Chapter 10 The March of Wild Boar

 

"One~day♪ Inside a forest~♪"

As usual, we're walking on the highway.

"I cooked a hotpot~♪ Made of bear-san~♪"

Futsuno-san, what kind of song is that.

But really, the people of this world sure can walk. I know that people of Edo era were good walkers as it was normal for them to walk dozens of kilometers a day, and these people are similar. Or rather, I'm surprised that I could walk this far myself. Come to think of it I don't see many horses. Maybe cause this is a remote place.


"Me think these much firewood should be good enough."
"Aye aye, you can take some rest now~"

The menu today are boiled gyoza and steamed buns.
I had prepared the gyoza and bun's dough yesterday. Actually, it's just half of the udon's dough, processed.
The meat inside is made from dried jerky. The meat itself isn't that good, but I've dipped it in the dashi stock to change the texture. Ummu, it came out fairly well. I've made the boiled gyoza smallish to make it easy to swallow. On the other hand, the steamed buns are thickish to satisfy the stomach. I'd like to get my hand on better ingredients in the town tomorrow. If there's leftover of the boiled gyoza's soup, we can use it as our meal tomorrow morning after heating it up. Yup, if there's leftover that is....

"*mokyu mokyu*"

Yes, as you'd expect, Mitama gulped them all.
Futsuno-san also ate a lot. Are all the women in this world like them? But well, as the one who made the food I should be happy that they ate them with great relish.


We rest at the camp once we've had a satisfying dinner. That said, there's no bedding so I just lay down on the ground. Hmm, wonder why. Lying on the ground like this feels nostalgic somehow. Ah yeah, when I was little, I ran out of my house at midnight and gazed at the starry sky like this too. I did some rash things back then. I'm dozing off while recalling that. It seems I'm tired after all. Well then...good...ni...ght....




BURUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

It was a sudden explosive roar.

"Woo, w-what!?"

I woke up and checked the two immediately.

"Aa, you're awake. I was going to wake you up."

"....Some distance away. 300 meter to the north. There's something big."

"Something big? Do you know what it is?"

Shake shake. Mitama shook her head.

"I see, now then, what do you think we should do Futsuno-san?"

"'Course!! We're running away!"

Futsuno-san thumbs up at me. I don't have any objection at all, but she sure decides fast!

We get ready to depart in a hurry. We had made it so we could depart anytime. We're dressed lightly and don't have many baggage after all.
In panic, we run at full speed while being careful not to tumble in the pitch black highway.

"...This might be bad, it's coming closer. Straight here."

Mitama muttered when the morning dawn.

"Is it targeting us?"
"...I don't know, but it's going to clash with us soon. Nee-san what should we do?"
"It's obviously faster than us eh. Even if we run at full speed, we don't know if we could outrun it.... huh."

Mitama got lost in thought.
It's imprudent of me, but I thought that a beauty would still look beautiful even when she was lost in thought. Yup, gotta pull myself together. It's a matter of life and death.

"No choice but to ambush it eh. I'll wait here to receive it from the front and start casting a spell. With the magic invocation as the signal, I'd like you two to make a surprise attack from behind the rock."

"Understood."
"Got it."



THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP
GWOOSH GWOOSH GWOOSH

I understand from the sound that something heavy is coming here, but what are the gwoosh gwoosh?
I can't check it from behind the rock. I wonder if Futsuno-san alright?


"Manifest! Flame Wall!!"

Futsuno-san invoked a magic which also acted as a signal. The thing that was running made a sudden break at the wall of flame that appeared out of nowhere. Alright! It's wide open.

Mitama draws her bow. I activate the Magic Clad.
I jump out with sword in hand when Mitama has set her aim.
Futsuno-san shot out a fire arrow from the front.

I stare at the thing while rushing in....

Rampaging Big Boar　Lv14
HP:43/84 MP:0/0
Condition: Enraged
A wild boar that became gigantic after getting influenced by Magic Essence. It's not a monster but its degree of danger is authentic.
The meat is rich of protein, it also tastes good. Its fur is useful for winter clothing.

Looking closer, a steel trap that was probably set by a hunter is snared on one of the boar's legs. It was probably enraged by the pain and got us dragged into this.

As I was on the verge of coming into contact with the boar, I felt Mitama's atmosphere behind me changed slightly.

"....Weapon Skill 『Piercing Arrow』...."

The arrow shot from the bow that was drawn to its limit passed by me and rushed on the boar.
The 『Piercing Arrow』 didn't pierce through the boar completely, but it gouged its skin and got stuck in its buttock.
Well then, lemme deepen that wound with my sword!

DOSH!

I push my sword in one go and cut!

BURUAAAAAA


The big boar rampages from the pain and kicks its hind leg with all its strength toward me. However, I couldn't evade it since my sword was stuck in its body.

BAAAAAAAM

"Oh n....GUHA"

The big boar's hoof hit my body, I got blown away backward. The iron sword stuck in its butt fell down.
I couldn't even breathe due to that powerful strike, my consciousness is fading.

No! I hold my trembling knees. Hold it me! I clench my teeth, keeping my consciousness up!


"Nobu-kun!?"

"Nobu!"

The two are calling me sorrowfully. The two aren't attacking the big boar, probably because they were worried about me. Damn it, I didn't want to drag them down.

I secretly use magic without letting the two hear it.

"....Heal (whisper)"

I kept my hand inside my clothes to prevent the light leaking out. Thankfully I'm wearing black clothes.
Alright, I can still go on.
I can't be the only one lying down when the two are fighting hard against the big boar.

I don't have any weapon. However, I still have my magic.
If its skin is thick, then I just need to strike from inside!
I don't wanna get hit by that counterattack from behind again, but let's do this! Prepare for the counteroffensive! Here I go!

I brace my aching body as I run toward the big boar.

The big boar has retreated to the back to restrain the two.
It doesn't seem like it's paying any attention to me, looks like it considers me to have left the battle.
I thrust my right hand that's been clad in Magic Clad as strong as possible into the big boar's wound. The warm living flesh and slippery blood coil my hand.

BURUMOAAAAAAAAAAAAA

The big boar is rampaging at the attack that came outside its awareness, I'll finish this now!

"Eat this big guy. Wind Arrow (whisper)."

I invoked Wind Arrow from my thrust hand. The arrow of wind I pictured from Mitama's weapon skill earlier penetrated through the big boar's body from the inside.

Burua...aaaa.....

I pulled out my hand, at the same time the big boar fell down. It seems the wind arrow hit the big boar's heart.
I timidly look at my hand, but there's no obvious injury. It's probably thanks to the thick Magic Clad.

Tereretette...

Oh I guess winning against a more powerful enemy raised my level.... But, I can't anymore. I can barely hold my consciousness, maybe because I almost run out of MP due to the magic and Magic Clad.
I fell down and fainted just like that.




























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