Sousetsuka

8





Undersecretary Yeteria asked.

"I do not doubt Amamir-shi's judgment, but allow me to confirm several things as part of my duty. Did what Lecan-dono perform was truly such a high level craft?"

"Not one person I know could replicate the act shown by Lecan-dono on their own, including me and guide Skalabel himself."

"What."

"Stamina restoratives are ordinarily made by boiling in pot. With normal water, nevermind Pure Magic Water. What Lecan-dono just showed us was an advanced technique of the highest form of medicine making only taught to the very few best disciples."

"So it was."

"Usually you have seven helpers assisting you during the process. Three experts in <Control>, three experts in <Ignition>, as well as a mage who can cast <Origin Water>. And the process is done in mixing plates, doing such by making them float in the air is a superhuman feat. And doing all of the procedures alone means no sync issues, affording one a total control over the whole process. And yet the precision was truly something to marvel at."

"I see. I understand that Lecan-dono is an outstanding apothecary. He did show a fascinating control over magic earlier. But how do you know that he is a fellow disciple. He might have learned it from another skilled apothecary."

"You are aware students tend to catch specific habits from their masters, even in swords and bows, aren't you. These habits show up a little in stances, procedures and such. And in a serious match with your life on the line, these habits come out in full force. Lecan-dono medicine crafting is of the exact same school as guide Skalabel."

"Then perhaps Lecan's master was a student of guide Skalabel."

"You can easily tell the difference in impurities found in a river source and in a mountain foot stream. Lecan-dono's craft is by no mean a stream. Moreover, this may have cleared a longstanding suspicion."

"A longstanding suspicion?"

"Rumors about Apothecary Winegem and Apothecary Rokisimam being fellow disciples of guide Skalabel have been around for quite some time."

"So it is said, are they not then?"

"I did not believe they are. All three schools may share commonality in the main types of herbs used, but the protocols slightly vary in high level crafts."

"Hou."

"Winegem-shi and Rokisimam-shi are no longer in this world, and guide Skalabel had never said anything about his master until now. Hence no one could ever ascertain whether the rumor is true or not."

"I had no idea."

"Witnessing Lecan-dono's techniques was a revelation. The main protocols are the same as Guide Skalabel's but there are also traces of Winegem- school and Rokisimam-school in some of the steps. Lecan-dono's craft is probably the closest to the source of the river, while guide Skalabel, Winegem-shi and Rokisimam-shi all have their own variations added by themselves."

"Understood. Then I shall ask you, first class priest Amamir, once again. We can reconsider apothecary Shira-dono as guide Skalabel's master now then."

"Indeed."

"Then, apothecary Lecan-dono does possess the qualification to assert himself as apothecary Shira-dono's official substitute."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"I no longer have any doubt in that."

"Umu. We can now proceed then. Lecan-dono, pardon us for all the trouble, but we have now formally recognized you as apothecary Shira-dono's substitute."

"Yea."

"There is something we would like to show you. Guide Skalabel has entrusted it to his excellency prime minister so it could reach apothecary Shira-dono's hand."

"Hou."

Undersecretary stood up and urged first class priest Amamir to do the same as well. Then the two secretaries move their sofa to create a space between the table and the sofa where they put a small decorated box and then opened the lid.

There was a huge magic stone inside. The size rivals Dungeon Ninane's boss's magic stone.

Some sort of spell art has been engraved in it.

One of the secretaries recited a spell.

"<Reproduction (Tutor)>."

A soft light emerged out of the magic stone before forming the shape of an elderly man.

The elderly man is transparent. This isn't him in person, the magic stone must have this shape sealed within.

The elderly man wears a fluttery robe.

You can tell at a glance that he's quite at an advanced age.

He's thin and tall. His color is exceedingly white, giving off the impression of a sickly man.

The top of his head is bald, but a long hair hangs down from the area bit above his ears. Both his hair and his long beard is pure white, with a luster that makes it look nearly argent.

The undersecretary and his guard, his whole group bowed their head toward the elderly man.

The priest, temple knights, and priest officials are kneeling on the floor.

This elderly man must be <Herb Saint> Guide Skalabel.

Guide Skalabel bent over and knelt down to make a bow once before standing up.

"Master. O Master. Long have I dearly missed you. Tis' I, Skalabel. You might not recognize me with all these wrinkles withal. Master. O Master. Are you alive and well. There is no greater joy than such knowledge. You are going by the name Shira-sama now, I believe."






Previous Chapter

7





"Hou. You're saying I'm lying then."

"Just how many crafts do you think involved in the making of this one medicine. You are not gonna know half of them at your age. Nay. It is not an issue with the number of techniques. It's a matter of proficiency. One must have spent a considerable amount of time to master all the arts to create something this grand. And on that note, this is not something that can be produced by one person alone."

"Fumu. Hold on a bit."

Lecan stood up from his sofa, turned around and walked to the wall side.

He took his <Overking Bear> overcoat from <Storage> and put it on.

Then he went back to his seat, pulled up his overcoat collar and took out mixing platters from <Storage> onto the table. He got the tureen out too.

He put all the necessary herbs on the ten platters. The tureen is empty.

He held both his hands over the tureen.

"<Origin Water (Sogshoot)>."

First class priest Amamir stared in amazement.

The third class priests behind him sounded surprised.

Once the tureen had enough Pure Magic Water in it, Lecan recited another spell.

"<Move (Torim)>."

Lecan can't afford to follow how the people in the room react anymore. The procedures he's going to attempt demands his full concentration.

Three kinds of herbs and a small quantity of Pure Magic Water floated in the air, mixing together as they spun.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"<Move>."

Two kinds of herbs and a bit of Pure Magic Water floated up and mixed together while spinning mid air.

"<Move><Move><Move><Move><Move>."

Each of the herbs got mixed together with the Pure Magic Water.

Right now, seven spherical objects soaked in Pure Magic Water are spinning neatly in a line between Lecan's held out hands.

Lecan focused on a big sphere of water on the leftmost and then he recited a spell.

"<Ignition>."

There is no flame. It simply generated a tiny amount of heat. Maintaining that level of heat requires a precise control.

Lecan poured his mana on the remaining six water spheres. Wrapping the Pure Magic Water in mana will dramatically increase the efficacy of extracted herbs.

Lecan skillfully yet carefully extracted the herbs' composition and mixed them together. Among the ten type of herbs, he returned three types back to the small platters as they had been extracted out. The remaining seven types have completely dissolved in the Pure Magic Water, forming the medicine itself.

He's finally got to the most important part.

"<Recovery>."

You can make stamina restoratives even without casting <Recovery> here. Moreover, the effect of <Recovery> ultimately doesn't linger in the finished medicine.

The reason for this <Recovery> is to turn Pure Magic Water into Magic Water. By doing so, the leftover herb extract will get instantly dissolved, raising its quality two-three times higher.

The heat got raised even more here. Losing its moisture, the extract turned into a mud-like matter, then it got heated once again to solidify it. Doing this ensures a long shelf time for the completed medicine.

Lecan slowly put the completed Stamina Restoratives in the tureen.

Phew, Lecan breathed out.

The tension in room loosened up.

However, first class priest Amamir alone kept staring at the medicine inside the tureen with his eyes wide open.

Lecan pushed the tureen toward Amamir.

Amamir took his wand once again and pointed it at the tureen.

"<Analysis>."

He checked the medicine for a while before putting his wand away and made a gesture like he was pinching his eyes with his right hand. As if he was wiping tears.

Then he suddenly stood up, moved diagonally behind Lecan, put his knees on the floor with both his gripped fists bent over forward and his head down.

He's bending down with his knees on the ground.

The room was astir with buzz.

The two third class priests also hurriedly followed after Amamir and bend-kneeling behind him at Lecan.

Lecan stood up and turned toward priest Amamir.

"O Shishuku. I humbly beg your pardon for my impoliteness. You are indeed a master apothecary who has studied the ways of school. And some of the crafts you have kindly shown me are not among what Guide Skalabel have passed down to me. Here onward, I shall venerate you as Shishuku."

There are customs where ranks in a school of practice resembles family designation.

Master is akin to father, called Shifu. The master's fellow disciples are akin to uncles called Shihaku, his junior disciples are called Shishuku.

First class Amamir calls Lecan Shishuku. Recognizing him as a junior disciple under the same master as Skalabel. Meaning he has admitted that Lecan's master, Shira is also Guide Skalabel's master.

Lecan has no idea about the meaning of the word 'Shishuku', but he's quite bewildered to see Amamir revering him.

"Priest Amamir. Raise your head. I only learned wound salve, remedy, cold medicine, antidote, stamina restoratives and also magic beast ward potpourri from Shira. You probably know how to make medicine for all kinds of illnesses. I'm not a worthy enough apothecary for you to revere."

"Having mastery over wound salves, remedy, cold medicine creations alone can save tens of thousands people. And you have also mastered antidotes and magic beast ward potpourri on top of that. And above all, the secret art of Stamina Restoratives has remained an art that never gets passed down, you truly are a Shisuku."

"Stop calling me that, call me Lecan. I haven't learned how to make Mana Restoratives yet."

First class Amamir raised his head.

"Are you initiated in the art of Mana Restoratives as well?"

"She's gonna teach me how once Tago Grass can be gathered on month nine or ten. That'll mark the end of my apothecary study as well. Just, stand up.

"My goodness. So you will be receiving two secret arts then."

"Go back to your seat. Letting an elderly sit on the ground doesn't sit right with me."

"Hahahahaha. If you'd excuse me then. Then I shall take a seat, but Shishuku, no, Lecan-dono should assume the seat of honor."

"You're the companion of this envoy from Royal Capital. You sit there. You sitting here will just worsen the town lord's headache."

"Hahahahaha. Then please don't mind if I do."





Previous Chapter

18-6. Tales of Hero Hayato (3)

 

"Man this is so awesome. Definitely would get a spot in the World Heritages list."

Once we overcame master Burume's special training course, we went to the [Dungeon of Heroes] located near [Temple of Heroes] where I got summoned.

I'm not using a wooden sword this time, instead the holy sword Arondight which has been lying in my [Inventory] since my summoning is in my hand.
Same with other equipment, I'm wearing holy armor and holy shield I got together with the holy sword instead of training equipment.

Feel like I'm finally getting promoted from soldier-in-training to hero now that I've got these hero gear on.

"World Heritages?"
"The heck's that?"
"Make no mistake, Hayato. This is a property of Saga Empire bestowed by Parion-sama."

Subac and Zayan replied with whatever, while the serious knight Jerid corrected me with his serious face.
This guy is a third son of a duke house, he's got a road paved in gold ahead of him yet he's chosen to be on the frontline and volunteered himself as a hero attendant.
Befitting of someone who volunteered to such a dangerous job, he's a model knight who excels in both offense and defense, I've stolen this guy's shield art plenty.
As for swordsmanship, I learned both this guy's Saga Empire's formal school and Zayan's practical combat swords styles.

"Don't make a racket now folks. This place is no training grounds, you hear me?"

Master Burume brought back a slender beauty, a stern hot old man, and a cheeky-looking girl.

"These guys are coming with you on your dungeon expedition today. Go on now, introduce yourselves."

"Nice to meet you hero-sama, I am an archer by the name Shyaryi--"
"Geh, it's Ogre Bow."
"Fer' real, ain't she went off somewhere looking for whales or something?"

Subac and Zayan turned their faces away while whistling when the beauty glared at them.
I noticed something when I saw the well known woman.

"Long ears--are you an elf!?"
"No I'm not. I'm a longearkin (Booch)."

Shiaryi smiled wryly as she corrected me.

Apparently, elves in this world have slightly pointy ears, unlike the image of elves being small girls with long pointed ears prevalent in Japan, those would be longear-kin, a different race altogether than elves.

"Asking elves-sama, 'Aren't elves supposed to have long ears?', is the highest taboo to them, so please be careful. They rarely leave their [Forest], but there are always exceptions, like Diva Shiriltoa of Shiga Kingdom's capital, and Sebelkea-sama the [Mountain Crusher], who assumed the position of an attendant of the previous hero."

The princess warned me.

"I'm Rokos. An A-class adventurer working as a scout. And this girl--"
"I'm Seina! A B-class adventurer, also a scout!"

The hot old man is 44 year old, at level 42.
The boku girl Seina is on the short side for a 18 year old, but her breasts are above average. She's quite high leveled at 39 for someone so young.

"B-class? Are you sure we should be taking a second-rate here?"
"Yer' Rokos's pupil, aintcha? Go forge yerself first."
"What did you say! Don't you make fool out of me!"
"Quit it, Seina!"

Seina who overheard Subac's complaint snapped, Rokos stopped her by grabbing her on the nape.

"This girl might be a B-class, but that's not due to her lack experience or skills. It's her age. Adventurer Guild doesn't accept A-class adventurers under 20 year old."
"Oh right, think they got that rule or sumthin'?"
"They do! It's cause first hero-sama said things like [A-class starts once you're an adult], they changed the rule to 20 year old, and it's still on even now!"

Seina howled.
I agree, getting barred because of age restrictions sucks.

Subac looked confused, "Ain't adult 15?", but the first hero probably set it on Japan's standard.

"I got it. I have no issue if she can handle herself. Welcome to our group."

Man, can't get used to this way of speaking.
Can't wait to pile up achievements and go back to my usual style.


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



"Elevator in a dungeon?!"

There was an old-style elevator at the end of a gas lamp lit passage.

"Elevators are everywhere in hero-sama world, aren't they?"
"They are, Loreiya-san."

Priestess Loreiya said with a gentle voice.
It's apparently rare in this world, everyone besides the princess and knight Jerid looked nervous as they boarded. Master Burume? That granny is the same as always.

"It's quite, deep."

The elevator is taking us to a deep floor.

"That is because floors up to floor 20 in [Dungeon of Heroes] are intended to nurture attendant candidates. Hero-sama and his attendant candidates will be using floor 21 and below."
"Both I and Maryest-sama have had experience on upper floors for knight training purpose during winter slack farming seasons."

Knight Jerid supplemented the princess.

"Slack farming seasons? What's that got to do with ya nobles and royalty?"
"Well. This dungeon is created by god Parion's miracle, however the monsters roaming its inside are created by surplus mana collected from cities. It's only usable during times when there are extra mana around to be used like in during slack farming seasons."

I don't really get it myself, but it seems to be quite an interesting for everyone cuz they're listening attentively.

"It's not in the season now tho'?"
"That is because hero-sama is present. His majesty the emperor has collected mana from the empire cities just enough to run the deep floors."

Is emperor like the mages' boss or something?
I imagined him like a Roman's emperor or America's president myself.

"The time for talking is over."

As master Burume said that, the elevator also stopped.

"Oh lookie, our welcome party's here already."

A group of bizarre pig-nosed creatures with bloodshot eyes gleaming in the dark were crowding in the opposite side of a hall the elevator brought us out to.
My analysis skill tells me they're monsters called Demi-Orcs.

"Orcs huh--eh just small fry."
"Don't let your guard down. We are on floor 30. Those must be a greater variant of orcs."

Subac and Zayan cracked jokes while readying their weapons.
I too took up my weapon and proceeded ahead with the two.

These demi-orcs' levels range from 28 to 31.
Numbering in more than 10 from what I could see.

"It's a mixed group of Demiorc Butchers and Demiorc Berserkers. Butchers will throw their kitchen knife-shaped swords at you, watch out. Berserkers will come slashing at you and their allies. Don't let up now."

Scout Rokos and priestess Loreiya put themselves in a formation to protect the princess.

"Subac, Zayan, get into those demi orcs and make sure hero-sama deals with only one! Your highness, refrain from using magic, Loreiya use only recovery. Shyaryi, stop any orc that slips through Subac and Zayan from approaching the hero!"

With master Burume's order, we moved out.

Getting pampered is mortifying, but I'm not childish enough to complain here.
I'll overcome this trial and make them know this kind of treatment is unnecessary.

Thus how I silently fired myself up as I drank my saliva to quench my dried throat.

"Let's go!"

I run ahead as a vanguard after shouting that.
Once I got close enough, I activated the skill I recently learned [Flickering Steps] and closed the distance to the demi orc, ambushing it.

--Uwoo.

Its hatchet sword grazed my face as it began swinging without warning.
I reflexively jumped too far away when I dodged the attack, Master Burume's rebuked me.

"Don't piss in your pants now, hero!"
"I won't!"

Riding on the momentum of my yell, I swung my holy sword diagonally from shoulder down.

After a peculiar sensation of forcefully cutting steel, a gross feel of cutting meat came next. I was assaulted by a sudden impulse to throw the holy sword away, but I put more strength into my navel to bear it.
Warm red blood spilled out of the cut orc, splashing my face, dyeing my vision red.

"Don't let the blood get you! Lots of monster blood is toxic. Dodge those blood spills like they're attacking you!"
"Master... Not even a word of praise for your pupil's first campaign?"
"I see you're doing fine if you can talk back. As for Subac and Zayan who needlessly get blood on them, look forward to a double special course once we're back."
"Master?!"
"Dangit, I'm taking Jerid and Hayato with me!"

Subac and Zayan shouted like they were about to cry at master Burume's heartless ultimatum.
The scene was so familiar I ended up smiling with tears in my eyes.

"Hero-sama, please do not suppress your feelings. Let it all out when you need to."

Priestess Loreiya's bountiful chest hugged my head.
A soft feeling wrapped my head. Subac and Zayan were wailing noisily, but for me her hug gave me a mysterious sense of relief like a mother's embrace than anything perverted.

"Sorry about this, Loreiya-san. I'm OK now."
"Yes, Hayato-sama."

Loreiya finally called me by name just like the guys.
I felt a bit shameful but she might have felt closer to me after I showed a weak moment.

"--Those monsters' bodies vanished?"

The weapons the monsters were carrying also vanished.
Only blood left on the ground assured me that they were no illusion.

"This dungeon is a special case."
"Monsters outside and in other dungeons usually leave behind their bodies and belongings."

The princess and Loreiya taught me.

"Did you not teach him during the lectures?"
"I'm sorry. I had forgotten to give that lecture."

The princess bowed her head when master Burume asked her.
Well, it's obvious at a glance anyway, no problem at all.

"Burume-dono, the next group of monsters are approaching."

Rokos who had gone off to scout ahead warned.

"Alright, for the next one, just fight like usual."

Master Burume's haphazard order signaled the start of the fight.

My first battle was pitiful, but from this fight on I recalled my time in master Burume's rigorous training and did better than before.
By my fifth fight, I could easily cut down the enemy.

By the tenth, I finally had enough leeway to observe the surroundings.

--Seriously, these attendant candidates are all freaking monstrous.

The longearkin Shiaryi accurately shot through monsters' eyes in the heat of battle, the princess's lightning magic mowed down groups of monsters, the scout Rokos found every trap without fail and saw through all the enemy's advances.

"Feels like Seina and me are the only normal people here in this party."
"Hey, Hero-kun. Don't lump me together with you, okay."

Seina seemed annoyed at me lightly hitting her head, she brushed my hand away as she protested.
This girl just made a blunder of bringing along a huge group of enemy during her scouting.
I was trying to cheer her up because she seemed down in the dump from Rokos's scolding, but that was uncalled for it seemed.

After several failures and learning moments, I experienced my first level up by the time we cleared the very first floor.

"My body feels kinda ticklish."
"That's a level up."
"You've got it already? As expected of hero-sama."

I could only shyly grin back at everyone who congratulated me.

These ticklish level ups increase your basic stat points and skill points, but unlike the people of this world, heroes can choose where to allocate those points.
Since master Burume warned me to postpone that until after we get out of the dungeon, the level up doesn't really feel real to me.

We cleared floor 31, then I got my second level up after many more fights on floor 32.
As my base level was 50, level up doesn't happen frequently.

But still, I can't get over how my exp bar so easily gets filled just by defeating monsters when doing that extra hard training barely adds any.
The training I did under master Burume and the sparring matches with the guys should have been richer experience-wise.

"Congratulations, hero-sama."
"You're incredible, Hayato-sama. Oh god Parion, your hero is growing up well."

The princess and Loreiya-san were the first to congratulate me for my level ups followed by everyone. Master Burume included.

Except for one person.

"I can't accept this! How could hero-sama level up twice when my level is lower than him! Don't higher level people require more experience to level up?!"

Seina the scout was pouting.

"You can't accept it, Seina?"
"Rokos, did you not explain about hero-sama to this girl?"
"Nah, I did. This stupid pupil of mine simply forgot about it."

Scout Rokos and master Burume looked at each other.

"Listen well, Seina. Heroes are loved by god Parion which accelerates their level gains compared to ordinary persons. Even us ordinary persons have a varying rate of learning between individuals, don't we? It's the same principle."
"Master Burume, an ordinary person?"
"Must be another kind of ordinary than the one I know."
"I can hear you guys!"

Subac and Zayan's honest impression raised master Burume's eyebrows.
Since I had the same impression in my head, I bent over along with them.

"Level ups for heroes-sama are said to be three times as fast as the average. In exchange, it takes a huge toll on their body, thus please tell me immediately if you don't feel good, Hayato-sama."

Loreiya said that with a motherly smile.

We kept making good progresses on the dungeon and by the third raid on month three, we finally arrived near the last floor.
Maryest-sama, Shiaryi and the other members even call me by name now.

All of it thanks to the stupidly high capacity of hero's [Inventory].
Even I couldn't believe my eyes when ten months worth of food and water for 10 people went inside it just like that.

Our days in the dungeon finally came to a close when I reached level 60.

"That much should do so long as you don't go up against greater demons or demon lord outright."

Master Burume gave her approval.

"And since other members have broken through level 50 as well, it's time to proceed to the next phase."

Master Burume declared so and took us to Parion Temple.

"Miko-dono, we're here for the ritual."
"Understood. Hero-sama and his attendants, please get on the circle line in this magic circle. Everyone connected by the circle."

Urged by the oracle miko, we got on the circle as pointed.

"O exalted little goddess. Grant your blessings unto your servants, hero of salvation and his attendants."

A light blue light pouring down from heavens wrapped me and the guys once the prayer was recited.

The guys held out their hands, then talismans manifested in those hands.
Analysis skill tells me those are [Divine Talismans].

"Congratulations. God Parion has recognized you all as hero Hayato-sama's attendants."

With this, 'candidates' finally got struck out of their titles, and we had a formal ceremony to inaugurate them at the Temple of Heroes.
I smile at the friends I will entrust my back on from now on.

"We're all in this together now!"

With them, I can even fight demon lord.
At the time, I had absolutely no doubt in that conviction.





Previous Chapter

6





That first class priest Amamir spoke.

"Lecan-dono."

"Yea."

"You can call me Amamir. I am a priest in charge of the medical division of Royal Capital's Elex Temple."

"I see."

"I consider myself as Guide Skalabel's best pupil if I do say so myself. Hohhohho. I'll be straight with you, the impetus for all this hubbub is none other than me."

"Hm?"

"I heard about awfully effective medicines sold at town of Vouka, so I used my connection and got my hands on some. There were three types of medicines from best to worst, but every one of them had impurities in them, thus I ordered more later on. Along with information on the apothecary who made them. And they were indeed very well made."

"Ah. I see."

"Then one time Guide Skalabel was visiting during our medical division's council, I showed him the medicine and talked about the maker, Apothecary Shira."

"I got it now."

"The guide stared at the medicine for quite some time before he suddenly stood up and shouted out loud. 'This medicine is made by my master', so he said."

"So that's how it went."

"At first I thought I misheard things. The skill of an apothecary who made that wound ointment must be like a baby's first walk before the guide's expertise, however there are things you could learn even from a medicine made by that baby-like apothecary, or so I interpreted the guide's emotional outburst."

"Your personality sounds like a pain."

"Hohhohho. But then, the guide inquired me further regarding that apothecary and he would go on saying something like, 'So she was alive', 'To think she's been making medicines in that town.'"

"And."

"As there were many apothecaries present at the place, we could do nothing to stop rumors from spreading. On the other hand, the guide used his connections to temples to gather more information about Shira-dono."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Connections to temples?"

"The temple at this town is Ceres's, is it not? Royal Capital has Ceres Temple as well. And Ceres Temple is among many who regard Guide Skalabel highly."

"Ah. I see."

"He asked Ceres Temple to find out more about Shira-dono, get more medicines she made, and investigate more before two months eventually passed. The next thing the guide said caused a huge stir."

"What did he do?"

"He went straight to the king at the royal palace and said this to his majesty. 'I'm going out to Vouka town for a bit'."

"What's so bad about that."

"Hohhohho. There are rules that require the royalty's permission before this country's treasure, Guide Skalabel, could leave the capital, ya see. It has been put in place to ensure the guide's safety, established by previous kings, I have heard instances of the guide visiting the neighboring cities in the past."

"Then it's only natural that he's looking for permission."

"Those kinds of things should have been communicated through the Prime Minister Office, not directly to the king, ya see. And the king gave his permission to boot. The guide immediately started preparing like he was going to depart the day after."

"This old man sure is very active for a centenarian."

"Prime Minister Office was thrown into chaos. No, so were temples. Everyone rushed to the guide, asking him to reconsider. However, his determination was resolute. A royal charter was even issued."

"So then, you asked for a new decree with the prime minister assuming the responsibility, and you guys working toward arranging the visitation."

"Exactly. As we proceeded, we found out there were many adjustments to be made which took quite some time to sort out. Does that clear up our situation to you."

"I think I got the gist of it."

"Good to hear. Then, it's my turn now."

"Hou."

"Even if Guide Skalabel says that she is his master, I do not think of her as one."

"Really."

"However, I am here to help the envoy appointed by the prime minister tasked with arranging the guide's visitation in his quest to meet apothecary Shira-dono who is supposedly his master."

"Gotcha."

"And please do not take it the wrong way, but I don't know if you're really a pupil of apothecary Shira-dono either."

"Well, I don't blame you."

Vouka town lord spoke.

"Ah, no. Lecan is unmistakably Shira-dono's pupil."

"This is not about how it's known publicly. I'm talking about whether he's truly a learner, whether he has been taught on the arts of apothecary."

You can't argue against that. The town lord could only hang his head down.

"Neither do I know if that apothecary Shira-dono is truly that impressive an apothecary."

"Fumu."

"Had Shira-dono was present here, town lord-dono could affirm her identity, and we could ascertain her truly being Shira-dono, then we would not mind entrusting Guide Skalabel. And yet, the person herself isn't present, with nary a clue to her whereabouts."

"You're not the only one confused."

"As her substitute, I'm wondering how would you prove yourself as one to us."

"Will this do as proof."

Lecan hid his breast pocket with his left hand and used his right hand to take out his handmade Stamina Restorative from <Storage>. It must look like he was taking it from his pocket from other people's perspective.

It's the one he just made yesterday.

He handed that over to first class priest Amamir.

Amamir put that pill on his left hand and closely stared at it for a while before taking a wand from his pocket with his right hand.

"<Analysis>."

Gone is his gentleness from earlier, replaced by a stern glare at the pill.

It's as if he's probing at an invisible opponent that lies beyond that pill.

After some time, the priest let out a sigh.

"Wonderful. I cannot believe I would bear witness to such a superb medicine. This is clearly a pill made with our school of apothecary techniques. Although the procedures used appear to slightly differ from ours. If Shira-dono made this, then she might truly be the guide's master. And even if she is not, she must be a fellow student and an expert herself."

"I made that medicine."

A cold light emitted out of first class priest Amamir's eyes.

"Hou? Are you saying you made this medicine on your own?"

"Yea."

"Youngling. Cease with yer' obvious lies."





Previous Chapter

18-5. Tales of Hero Hayato [2]

 

"Please pardon the commotion."

Once the knight was dragged away by Burume-san, the princess and the priestess (Loreiya) fixed their seating postures.
Even though Burume-san said us three back then, there are actually girls in maid-looking outfits standing by the walls and some full plated pro-wrestler-looking burly knights guarding the door.

Not even idiots would dare to woo the princess in this situation.

"Hero-sama, do you have any questions before we proceed to the lecture? I shall try to answer you to the best I could."

The princess suggested.
After quenching my throat with blue tea--tasted like black tea--maid-san poured, I asked the first thing I ought to confirm.

"Can I go back to my world?"
"Yes, once you have accomplished your mission, god Parion will work her miracles and send you back to where you were."

That's a relief.

Loreiya-san also added, "There are heroes-sama who choose to stay here too, you know."
Guess not all of them want to go home like me.

"Another thing, what's this mission I must accomplish?"
"It's the extermination of demon lord."

Reminds me of games I played in childhood.
That kind of topic came up a lot in fantasy themed ones like Final, Quest, Dragon.

"Won't it be simpler if you just deploy the army?"
"We don't mind doing so if a demon lord emerges in Saga Empire, but we cannot dispatch a large scale military excursion to foreign countries. It may be feasible to neighboring countries, but supply lines will be a problem if it's to a distant land."
"Won't people be united in one in the face of a world crisis?"
"A great many countries would have already been in shambles by the time we are united. We are hoping Hero-sama could demolish the demon lord before countries fall into ruin."

Looks like this world's got divided countries just like earth.

"Besides, the dragons will come if the demon lord is not fought by a few elites."
"--Dragons?"

Wonder if she meant eastern or western dragons here.

"Yes, a large-scale clash between demon lord forces and a big military assembly may attract the dragons and their curious nature. The demon lord might get destroyed by the dragons in this case, but the collateral damage will also be far more catastrophic than from the demon lord itself."

Is it like resorting to carpet bombing to weed out grass?
For now let's consider dragons are bad news, badder than demon lords.

"Are dragons not a target for extermination then?"
"Yes, as they are harmless as long as we don't try to attack them or attract their attentions."

Guess they're sort of untouchable.
It's not like I'm not fascinated by Dragon Slayer title, but it looks like I'd better left that as a mere fascination.

"Do you have any other questions, hero-sama?"

The princess asked.

--Right.

"I have a request rather than questions. Can you stop with 'hero-sama'? Please just call me Hayato. And do away with the formal speech if you can."
"...I understand. Hero-sama--Hayato-sama doesn't have to use formal speech yourself, but we cannot abide by that order. It is imperative for us to show respect."

The princess asked me use formal speech in public and before the emperor.

"I'm not good with formal stuff though--"
"Then please show it with deeds. If there come times when people respect Hero-sama even without formal speech, then we too shall speak to Hayato-sama informally."

She burned me with a super logical argument there.
I might be not good with this princess.



◇



"Hero-sama has been bestowed with all kinds of abilities besides the Unique Skills from god Parion."

The princess's lecture has started.

Apparently I've got [Inventory], [World Talker], [Analyze], [Self Status], [Hide Status] besides the three Authorities--Unique Skills I picked.

"Is [Self Status] even needed when I've got Analyze?"
"[Self Status] is similar to a lesser version of Analyze skill that applies only to individuals, but this particular skill is a special skill exclusive to Hero-sama."

The princess gave her explanation while holding a [Manual] left by past heroes in one hand.
On top of showing me my own status in numerical values, Self Status also has a hidden function that lets me chantlessly cast magic I've casted once, up to advanced level.

"--Magic?!"
"Allow me to make a demonstration. ■■■■ Mana Light."

A light appeared on the princess's hand.
It's not hot even when I'm holding my hand over it, neither can I touch it.

--Or rather.

"What's up with that spell? It's like you're reproducing a music data in high speed or something though?"
"The past generation heroes called it [Fast-forwarded Tape]."

Magic swordsman is my aspiration, but not with that spell, nope. Simply impossible for me.
Guess I'll have to abandon the idea of casting a magic that drops lightning from heavens like a certain game's hero. I'm better with moving my body anyway.

"Getting back to the topic at hand, Hayato-sama, please confirm your remaining points with Self Status."

With the instructions she had given me on the skill usage, I checked my points and conveyed it to the princess.

"That many points should be enough. Please do not attempt to allocate your points until after you are done with the lectures and basic training."
"Can't you reset or reallocate them?"
"No, you cannot do either. As Hero-sama's initial level starts at 50, it is very hard to obtain additional points, so please be advised."

Now that she mentioned it.

My level is high. It's like being strong from the start of a new game, kind like a cheat.
I feel bad for people who work on it the honest way, I've gotta be careful not to grow conceited.

After the warning, the lectures began.

I almost fell asleep at history and geography lessons, but then Loreiya would hug me with her huge breasts, rousing me up. My stupid friends at class would have been ecstatic at that, but it just felt stuffy to me. I think being a lump of lust incarnate is not a good thing even for a boy in puberty.

I wasn't into the school-like lecture much, but the lecture regarding heroes and ways to use skills and systems were quite fun, it was as if I was reading game strategy books.
I was barred from using Unique Skills inside a building, but using Analyze skill on random things as a practice was very fun.

Thus I got through a month of lectures and another month of skill practice before moving onto martial art practice where I could finally hold a sword.


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



"Hayato-sama, please use your [Hide Skill] before you proceed to the training grounds."

The princess told me as I put on the practice armor.

"Aren't we going to where my attendant candidates at? Do I really need to hide it?"
"Yes. The candidates that do not get selected  may try to sell the information. Unique Skills especially are like a lifeline to heroes. Please try to keep it only between your most trusted attendants."

Reality is a harsh mistress unlike games.

"There you are, hero."

Burume-san grinned while holding a wooden sword in one hand over her shoulder.

"First, do some warm-up. --Jerid."

Despite saying 'warm-up', Burume-san named the second highest leveled knight Jerid after her here.
This grandma is pretty feisty.

"--heavy"

The wooden sword they gave me almost feels like it had a bar of iron lodged inside, it's heavier than it looks.
I tried swinging it around, and somehow managed to get used to its weight.

"You really are hero eh. Just like that kid."

It felt like Burume-san's eyes turned kinder for a moment there, but I must be imagining things, definitely.

"You two get in the circle."

I went inside one side of a circle 15 meter away.
I take a stance with the wooden sword and an iron-reinforced shield.

"Begin!"

With Burume-san's signal, knight Jerid rushed right in front of me at inhuman speed.

--You for real?!

I parried away his slash with my shield I had reflexively raised.
Then I somehow managed to block his sword that instantly reversed its trajectory with my own.

--Heavy.

As a noise that doesn't sound like a clash between wooden swords at all resounded, my hand holding the wooden sword and my shoulders are creaking.

My level is higher than his, but his practical combat experience incomparable to me.

In order to bury that gap, I focus my mind and deploy my Unique Skills.

--Invincible Shield (Nothing Can Pierce).

Jerid's once super heavy wooden sword felt like a pillow's filling, I easily parried it away.

Jerid's face was colored with shock.

Taking that opening, I swung my wooden sword at his wrist. I was too naive. He easily parried my sword and pushed it back, I ended up blocking it with my shield.

As his sword went for my legs, I jumped above to dodge it.

"Nicely done--but!"

A moment later I got hit by a heavy blow before getting flung and crashing on the ground.

"Jumping near your opponent is just suicidal."

Burume-san told me.
Come to think of it, going up in air is like losing in fighting games too.

I stood up right away and took a stance.

My breathing was getting rough even though I'm quite confident with my motor skill.

--Unlimited Regeneration (Endless Healing).

My second Unique Skill healed my fatigue.

"That's Hero-sama for you, he doesn't look like someone who has never fought with a sword before."
"Yeah, god Parion plants the basics of fighting on heroes when they get summoned after all. He's not exactly a complete amateur."

I heard that conversation between the princess and Burume-san far away.
I see, no wonder my body felt like it moved too well.

"Don't you look away now!"

Knight Jerid yelled as his wooden sword closed in on me.

--Heavy.

Oh crap. Didn't realize my Unique Skill [Invincible Shield] had lost its effects.
I immediately attempted to reactivate it, but knight Jerid's fierce assault wouldn't give me the time of the day.
He kept pressing on me while I was panicking before eventually knocking me down.

"Well, I guess that's that, good enough for a boy who hasn't even taken combat practices."

Burume-san declared the match's end.

"He hasn't taken combat practices? What does that mean Burume-dono!"
"Exactly what it says. Today's the first time this boy's holding a sword."
"--That cannot be!"

Knight Jerid opened his eyes wide.

I wanted to say something clever here but my side was hurting from the knock down earlier I couldn't speak well.
I use [Unlimited Regeneration] which had lost its effect once again to treat the pain.

"Hero! Don't use Unique Skills whenever you want. Just endure that bruise. Get Loreiya heal that for you once you're done with training."

Now that she mentioned it, the little goddess also warned me against overusing Unique Skills in that light blue space.

"Okay now that we're done with the warm up, time to get to the real thing."

Right after I got my breathing back, Burume-san--Master Burume's training began.

The special training was so intense and hellish it lived up to its name.
I can't remember how many times I raised the white flag as she kept working me to the bone.

At first I was the only one doing the special training, but two attendant candidates who were laughing at me screaming--a muscular 35 year old war axeman, Subac of Bearear-kin, and a slender macho 29 year old great swordsman, Deerhorn-kin, Zayan, got found out by Master Burume and ended up getting dragged into it as my training buddies.

"I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die."
"Granny, yer' a demon!"
"Who the heck's your granny! Call me master!"

Master Burume's sonic sword beat the two up.
Not only Subac who complained, even Zayan who just kept saying, "I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die", got rolled up into it too.

But still, these two old men are only level 40s, yet the two could keep up with this hellish training courses enough to have a chat. During recesses between training, the two told me how they hailed from warrior races. Apparently both of them are fathers.
Their wives, who visited during rest days, were such transcendental beauties that I found myself wondering just how did these two burly men even managed to score them. In a way, it's the most shocking thing I've experienced in another world yet.

"I see that he is doing well."
"Indeed, Hero-sama's growth is quite an eye-popping matter to behold."

The princess showed up at the training grounds after a long absent.
She's together with her escort, knight Jerid. I understand how good he is at his craft now that I've gone through the hellish training. He'd have easily beaten me down in seconds even with our level gaps if I didn't have my Unique Skills.

"Look at 'im acting all high and mighty."
"Oy, let's drag him too."

Subac and Zayan had a look like they were plotting something on their faces.

"Aw yeah, let's do this!"

Looks like I've been influenced by these two old men.
Us three ran up to knight Jerid, kidnapped him and forced him to participate on the hellish training as well.

Knight Jerid who initially protested with a pompous tone ended up getting in on it after a shout from Master Burume.
Our laughter at seeing the screaming Jerid was transient as we too found ourselves on his shoes soon after.

Thus we shared pain and laughter together and gradually grew closer.

To the point that I don't feel afraid going up against demon lord if it's with these three.





Previous Chapter

5





The envoys entourage arrived way past lunch time.

Meaning they must have had lunch on their way.

Begged by the town lord, Lecan waited at the entrance to greet the entourage.

The town lord approached and asked him to take off his <Overking Bear> overcoat when he had it on him, so he put it away in <Storage>. Naturally along with any kind of weapons.

The town lord has the entire area around the entrance filled with people to welcome the entourage.

Commander Tesla went to meet the entourage outside the town gate and led the way to the mansion.

The Undersecretary and the townlord exchanged pleasantries at the entrance before they moved to the parlor.

There are five people on the town lord's side.

Town lord Crimus Ulban.

Guards Commander Tesla.

Two civil officials.

And Lecan.

"This man here will be acting on behalf of Apothecary Shira. He is also one of our town of Vouka's gold rank adventurers."

When Lecan got introduced as such, the envoys entourage that had been keeping their calm buzzed a bit.

The envoys have 12 people on their side.

Prime Minister Office Internal Affairs Undersecretary, Yeteria Wazbon.

Two secretaries.

Their escort, vice captain of Royal Knights, Zafaid Katchin.

Two subordinate knights.

First class priest of Royal Capital Elex Temple, Amamir Tarance.

His escort, temple knight of Royal Capital Elex Temple, Derston Barmoa.

Two subordinate knights.

Three third class priests.

Once they were done with the introduction, the ones that got to have seats were the town lord and Lecan on the town lord's side, and Undersecetrary and first class priest on the envoys' side. Since there were only enough sofas for the one sitting, this arrangement must have been decided beforehand.

The people left standing on the envoys side are circling the sitting ones, while the three on town lord's side are standing behind Lecan and the town lord. Since the room is not that big, the town lord must be under a heavy pressure.

It was the Undersecetrary who first opened his mouth.

"We're grateful for your time. First of all, I shall deliver a message from Prime Minister-dono. <Respecting Apothecary Guide Skalabel's wish, his majesty the king has thus decreed to carry out all necessary preparations for Guide Skalabel's meeting with Apothecary Shira. Town lord of Vouka, Crimus Ulban is to cooperate with my envoys toward realizing that meeting.> That is all."

"R-royal decree."

The town lord froze up with his eyes wide open. Is a royal decree that unusual, thought Lecan.

"Now then, we can discuss all the necessary paperwork with town lord-dono later, first we would like to see apothecary Shira-dono, but seeing it's her substitute that's present here, is apothecary Shira perhaps ill in bed? Would it be fine if we pay her a visit?"

"It has been my highest honor to be granted an audience with Undersecetrary-sama as well as first class priest Amamir who have traveled far and long. I shall do everything in my power as a town lord of Vouka to realize his majesty's decree per prime minister-sama's order. As for the present situation with apothecary Shira, as her pupil as well as a substitute appointed by apothecary Shira-dono herself, this Lecan here will give the undue explanations."

With his head hanging down, the town lord glared at Lecan. 'You explain', urging him that.

Lecan spoke while reclining on the sofa.

"After the town lord got a letter from you envoys, he went and informed Shira about the content. The following day, meaning the day before yesterday, Shira disappeared leaving me and the town lord letters."

"Lecan! Mind your words. You're being discourteous to envoys-sama."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
Undersecetrary raised his hand to stop the town lord.

"Town lord-dono. Is Lecan-dono not an adventurer?"

"H-he is."

"Adventurers have their own sets of beliefs. I shan't question how they handle their ways with words. Lecan-dono. Continue."

"There's two letters, which can be summed up like. 'I'm going on a trip. You can deal with the envoys from Royal Capital as my substitute'."

Lecan paused here and waited for the other side's reaction.

Even the Undersecetrary had a stiff look on his face at this revelation.

"Shira went into hiding once she knew you guys were coming. In other word, she doesn't want to meet you guys."

The vice captain of Royal Knights, Zafaid let out a terrifying bloodlust. Same with the subordinate knights behind him.

"Is Shira-dono accompanied by escorts?"

"No. I think she's by herself."

"Is she in a good enough condition to go on a trip alone?"

"She's the very definition of healthy, that grandma."

"That's excellent news. Guide Skalabel has been terribly worried about Shira-dono's well being all this time. But, well now, this is troubling. We are obliged to have a direct contact with Shira-dono."

Undersecetrary looked at first class priest Amamir here.

From the looks of thing, Undersecetrary Yeteria may be officially the envoy in this entourage, but it's clear that it's the first class priest Amamir who holds the biggest sway in the group. Even though he's publicly a mere companion, in reality Amamir is the most important person in the group

First class priest Amamir looks like a small elderly man with a face full of wrinkles, but the light of wisdom dwelling in his eyes will make anyone who sees him stands in awe.





Previous Chapter

18-4. Tales of Hero Hayato [1]

 

"Masaki-kun, can I count on you for it?"

Asked by my childhood friend, Tachibana Yumiri, I--Masaki Hayato went to a shrine near our school.
I was to fetch a talisman for Student Council.
Dunno why they need it now that third semester is over, but I can't say no to my childhood friend, not when she had so much on her plate already.

"Thou boy over there, pray tell what business dost thou have here?"

A cute girl with colorful hair called out to me.
She's got a weird way of speaking, probably mimicking some sort of anime or manga.

"Oh, I'm here to get a talisman."
"Umu, that is a good thing. Thou look like thou wilt have an agonizing future, do take a lot with ye."

Agonizing... What an amusing kid.
Wonder if I'm just imagining things or is her hair color different from before.

"Sorry, it's actually for someone else."

I could have played along with the little girl miko pretend, but ended up blurting out my real objective somehow.

"Fumu, well fine. This shrine's talismans possess a miraculous quality to them, use only when the need truly calls for it. It shall sweep away thine trouble, although only once."
"Was it only once?"

Shouldn't it have been thrice in that old tale?

"That is the case with three talismans. One talisman for one save, thou see."

Come to think of it.

I walked toward the shrine office while talking to the girl.

"Give this boy a talisman."
"Nn."

A little girl with almost light blue colored hair nodded, wonder if she's the girl's little sister.

My eyes gravitated toward a fortune slip cylinder while waiting.
That reminds me, I always had my fortune taken whenever I came here with Yumiri when we were little.

"Draw one."

I put small change as well as the fee for the talisman on the saucer and drew my fortune.
The fortune stick I drew had a lucky looking number of 77 on it.

"Fumu, 77 is it--a number that signifies thine fate indeed."

The girl muttered as she peeked from my side.

"Here thy go, 77th."
"Thanks."

I read the fortune slip the girl handed me.
[Hit] is written on the spot where either Good Luck or Bad Luck should be. Oh they've got something like this nowadays huh.

Person waiting, forthcome.
Journey, hardships ahead. Consult with friends.
Sought after, hindrances. Better not flustered.
Engagement, on that side. Answer sincerely.

That sure is a lot of incomprehensible words on this fortune slip.

"Talisman."
"Ou, thanks a lot. Are you helping out? What a good girl."

I took a talisman the little girl presented.
Getting my praise, the little girl nodded while puffing out her chest, "I'm, good girl". Little girls are cute. Only my little sister or the baby faced Yumiri could rival this cuteness.

"Fumu, 『Hardships ahead』 is it--go cleanse thyself at the shrine."

The girl which had a once again newly colored hair pointed at the front shrine.
I wonder if this girl is hiding lots of wigs under her sleeves or something.

Since I'm here and all, I tell her, "Yeah I'll do that." after tying up my fortune slip on a branch and go to pray at the front shrine.
It's been awhile since I put my hands together in a quiet shrine like this.

--Hayato-chan, what do you want to be like when you're all grown up?

I had a flashback of my childhood days in my mind.

--Me? I wanna be an adult who saves those in trouble!

Even today, I'm living my life true to those words I declared in my childhood.

"Umu umu, that is a good heart, a rarity among youngsters these days."
"Nn, pass."

I could hear the colorful girl and blue haired little girl having that conversation like they could read minds.

A moment later, light emerged below me.
I saw a magic circle straight from anime under the blinding light.

--Oh crap.

My instinct prompted me to get away but my body refused my command and wouldn't budge an inch.

"Keep that talisman close with thou."

My consciousness was swallowed in the magic circle's light with the girl's words as the last thing I heard.


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



<Summon><Notification><Confirmation>

When I came to, I was floating in a light blue space.

<Summon><Notification><Confirmation>

Words that feel like lumps of concepts resounded inside my head.
Looks like it's coming from a blue sphere floating in this light blue space.

<Hero><Summon><Confirmation>

The image changed a bit.
Apparently I'm getting summoned as a hero.

My mind is hazy, I can't think straight.

<I><Little Goddess><True>

An image of a little girl making a plea got transmitted to me.
This girl seems to be a little goddess who summoned me.

<Thou><Hero><Appoint>

Apparently the little goddess has appointed me as a hero.
I strive to not desert those in needs and reach out to those who seem troubled, but I don't consider myself anywhere near the level of a hero.

<Thou><Qualified><True>

A keen wish jumped into my head.
Wanting me to believe in the little goddess.

<Salvation><Yearn><Choice>

She wants me to be a hero and save the world.
Despite of that, she still gives me the ultimate choice.

But I can't just flat out refuse the plea of an innocent little girl.
Dunno what I can do to help, but I'll be sure to give it my all.

<Gratitude><Approval><Hero>

An image of the little goddess smiling broadly got transmitted to me.
Oh man, now you're making me blush looking that happy.

<Deposition><Authorities><Pick>

I see, she's lending me powers to save the world as a hero.
I hold my hands over the blue light as the image conveyed to me told me to.

First of all--the power to defeat mighty foes.
A small fragment floated out of the light and jumped into my chest.

--Strongest Pike (Nothing cannot be pierced)

It seems to be a power to pierce through everything.

Then the next power is decided.
Just like before, the second fragment of power came to dwell in me.

--Invincible Shield (Nothing can pierce)

The strongest shield that can guard against any attack.
A power I need to accomplish my mission and to reunite with my little sister and Yumiri.

<Deposition><Authorities><Pick>

The little goddess urged me.

Looks like I can still pick another authority.
She's quite magnanimous.

<Correction><Physique><Warning>

Whoa there, I didn't say fat.
That was supposed to mean generous.

<Acceptance><Correction><Word>

Is the little goddess bothered by her physique?
I held back my laughter while having fun.

<Deposition><Authorities><Pick>

Little goddess urged me once again.
I took my pick after pondering a bit.

Several fragments float around the blue light before one jumping into my chest.

--Unlimited Regeneration (Endless Heal).

An authority that can automatically restore all kinds of wounds even limb loss without magic.
I had considered putting everything into defense since I don't like pain, but since an attack that can get through [Invincible Shield (Nothing can pierce)] wouldn't leave me unscathed no matter how much defense I put in, or so the authority told me, I chose a way to recover myself instead.

<Blessing><Authority><Acquisition>

The little goddess praised my picks.

<Wish><Use><Salvation>

The little goddess wished for me to master the Authorities she lent me and save the world.
That image came up in my mind.

Yeah, just leave it to me. I'm gonna go save the world.

<Caution><Use><Excess>

Apparently I shouldn't overuse the Authorities.
Must be too powerful for humans since they're originally gods' powers and all.

Make sense, even medicine becomes toxic if you don't follow the dosage.

<Blessing><Hero><Hope>

I left behind the light blue space as the little goddess gave her blessing to me.



◇



"We did it, hero-sama has been summoned!"

My hazy consciousness was aroused by an elderly sounding voice and huge cheers.

"Where, am I?"

I recalled the conversation I had with the little goddess in the light blue space as I murmured.
I have been summoned to another world as a hero.

I get back on my feet and take a good look around.

Surveying the surroundings. There's a gigantic magic circle drawn with me in the center inside a solemn temple-like big hall, with men and women in priest clothings outside the circle looking at me. Those priests look dead tired like they're about to fall any moment.

Then, a dazzling group of people tore open a path between those priests.

A beautiful girl around my age, a handsome young man wearing a full plate silver armor like he's that girl's protector, followed by a big-breasted priestess slightly older than me, and an elderly lady with a sharp gaze in military uniform. As for the official-looking men around them, guess the fact that many of them have got beards is the only thing worth mentioning?

Suddenly, several pieces of information came up in my mind before disappearing out.

"Hero-sama, you have our most heartfelt gratitudes for answering our prayers."

The beautiful girl knelt down and greeted me like it was a scene in a fantasy.

I found out the beautiful girl is called Maryest, a princess of Saga Empire, she's a year older than me at 16.
The knight is Jerid of Duke Orisagas house, 22 year old. Looks strong--the moment I thought that, information about how he's level 44 and all the skills he had rapidly streamed in like a chain reaction.

Not sure what's going on here, but having information that should be foreign to me flown into my head feels gross.

The big-breasted priestess behind the princess also greeted me. She's got a really strong sense of formal religious aura to her.

The knight and the military old lady were silent. Or more like, their gazes are scary. Their glaring eyes feel like they're evaluating me, quite unpleasant.

Urged by the princess, I was brought to a parlor inside the temple.
Some old men who look like cabinet ministers and officials were also going to accompany us, but the princess ordered them to disperse. She seems like quite a strong-willed girl.



◇



"I am the 21st princess of Saga Empire, Maryest Saga. By command of his imperial majesty, we have carried out the [Ritual of Summoning]."

At first I thought the little goddess summoned me, but it appears these guys were the one who performed a hero summoning ritual.

On a closer look, the princess's gorgeous blond hair is golden colored.
I've never seen such a fantastical beauty in real life.

Would have been perfect if she were a bit more cordial.

"This man here is silver knight Jerid Orisagas. He's a prominent master fencer in Saga Empire, as well as a candidate for Hero-sama's attendant. Next to him is Sword Saint Burume Julberg-dono. She is a former attendant of the previous hero, she will be in charge of Hero-sama and your attendants' upbringings. Lastly, the lady over here is Parion Temple's priestess Loreiya. She may not have a high court rank, but she's the cream of the crop in holy magic among priests."

The princess introduced me to the three in the room.
But still, Loreiya's sure got a big rack. Since I prefer younger, [that's huge] or [she's probably got stiff shoulders] were the only things that came to mind, but the guys at my class would have kicked a major fuss had they seen her.

"Would it be acceptable if I could have Hero-sama's name?"
"Ah, excuse me. My name is Masaki Hayato. Oh but I guess it's Hayato Masaki over here?"

I forgot to introduce myself till the princess pointed it out.

"Masaki? Is it written like 'Ripping Evil Apart'?"
"Oh no, it's Ma from truth, and Saki like Nagasaki--not like you'd get it though, it's written like ya-Masa and Ki from Kiseki--Princess-sama, do you know Kanji?"
"Yes, we have a few books pertaining Japanese language left behind by previous generation heroes in the Hero Study section of the library."

Come to think of it, we're talking to each other but not in Japanese.

"Now that you mention it, I'm speaking--"
"Saga National Language commonly spoken by the populace of Saga Empire. By God Parion's gift, Hero-sama can communicate with all people in every country, please don't worry."

That's handy.
Little goddess, thanks.

The princess also said, "I believe you can read words as well." and brought a bundle of documents with her.
All of them look like curriculum vitae or personal history. There's more than 100 pieces.

"These are candidates for Hero-sama's attendants. They all have been carefully selected, we would like hero-sama to pick among them. Please feel free to consult to me or Burume-dono."
"--Your highness."

The military old lady--Burume-san interrupted her imperial princess's explanation.

"Your highness will be busy with the lecture for a while, right? Now that we've named each other, I'll take my leave here. Gotta drill those chicks before they could be of use to hero-sama as his attendants."
"I understand. They will be in your care."

This Burume-san is amazing. Her level is the highest at 52 among everyone here, and she moves like someone in her 20s despite being 83. She doesn't look like someone that's older than my grandmother.

"You're coming with me."
"Burume-dono, my mission being an escort to her highness means--"
"The hero this time is a decent one. Your escort isn't needed. And her highness's taken getting pushed down into consideration anyway, am I wrong?"

The knight got mad, "How shameless!", but the princess had no comment, only smiling lightly.

"Besides, it's not like they're going to be alone. Loreiya's here too. A virgin ain't got the guts to get to threesome right away."

Even though she's speaking the truth, my pride took a beating being told that in front of beautiful girls, but since that was her way of showing her trust to me, I didn't talk back.

Seems like life of another world's hero is bit more than I bargained for.



※ The updates will be as follows.

7/5  18-4. Tales of Hero Hayato [1]
7/6  18-5. Tales of Hero Hayato [2]
7/7  18-6. Tales of Hero Hayato [3]
7/8  18-7. Tales of Hero Hayato [4]
7/9  18-8. Tales of Hero Hayato [5]
7/10 18-9. Tales of Hero Hayato [6]
7/10 18-10. Tales of Hero Hayato [7]
<TLN: Those are the raw schedule. Translations will follow.>




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