After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
"…So, that’s how it is. What do you think?"
After returning to the inn, I quickly apologized for making them worry and got straight to the point.
Maybe that was the wrong move, because Jamie let out a huge sigh and then furrowed her brows sharply.
"That’s not the issue, Yuke."
"I-I know. I feel bad for making you all worry."
"That’s right! We were all… seriously worried about you!"
At Jamie’s words, the rest of our companions nodded in agreement.
It seemed like I had left a lot unsaid and rushed into the conversation too quickly.
"I’m sorry. It’s my fault for being so careless…"
"That’s not what I meant. First of all, here."
Jamie spread her arms wide and waited for me.
For a moment, I was confused and caught off guard, but… oh.
I see now.
I still had a lot to learn when it came to dealing with girls.
I reached out and gently embraced Jamie.
Back in Thunder Pike, I never would have imagined holding her like this.
"Ahh! That’s not fair, Jamie!"
"Ugh, I was too slow."
"First come, first served! Now, Yuke, make sure you give everyone their fair share."
Jamie smirked mischievously as she let go and pushed me forward.
Standing in front of me, waiting expectantly, were the rest of my companions.
"Hehe, I’m next!"
Before I could react, Marina launched a surprise hug at me.
I stumbled slightly from the impact of her weight and soft warmth, but I managed to stay on my feet and hug her back.
"Ehehe."
"I’m really grateful you came to help, Marina."
"No problem! If you’re ever in trouble, I’ll always come to help!"
I gently patted Marina’s head as she smiled shyly.
Inside, I let out a sigh of relief.
If I had stayed trapped any longer, I might have had to rely on dark magic again.
That power… it came from outside this world.
If I wasn’t careful, I could end up being the harbinger of “Selection” myself.
That’s why dark magic had been strictly forbidden by those who came before.
As long as I could control it, it was fine—but relying on it too much was dangerous.
"Alright, next is Rain!"
Marina quickly let go of me and spun around.
Behind her, Rain stood with her cheeks puffed out slightly.
I knelt down on one knee in front of her and, this time, pulled her into a hug myself.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, no problem."
"I see. That’s good."
We didn’t say much, but just holding each other like this was enough.
"What about Nibelung? What will you do?"
"I’ll explain everything in a bit. Help me fill in the gaps where I miss anything."
"Okay. Understood."
After answering, Rain lightly kissed my cheek before pulling away.
For all her quiet nature, she was probably the most affectionate one in our group.
"…? Nene?"
I had expected Nene to be next, but when I looked at her, she was frozen in place.
Her ears and tail were standing straight up—she seemed nervous.
"What’s wrong?"
"Uh, well… now that it’s my turn, I just… got a little nervous, or something…"
"I see. Well, you don’t have to force yourself."
I chuckled and nodded at her, but Nene quickly shook her head.
"It’s not like I don’t want to or anything!"
Even as she said that, she cautiously approached me like a wary cat.
Rather than a feline beastkin of the Felcy tribe, she looked just like an actual cat.
I took a step forward and gently reached for her hand.
"You were the one who found me, right? You really saved me."
"I searched really hard."
"And thanks to you, I’m here now. It’s all because of you, Nene."
I pulled her close and hugged her gently.
She slowly relaxed in my arms, pressing her forehead against me as she spoke.
"I was really worried… Back home, so many people just… disappeared like that."
"I’ll be more careful next time."
"If it happens again, I’ll come find you."
As she pressed her forehead against me, I stroked her head softly and waited.
I had heard a little about how Nene ended up in Finis—how she was taken in by Mamal-san.
She grew up in a town with terrible security, in a neighborhood that was even worse.
To survive, she and her friends had to get involved with a criminal organization, and she ended up losing everything except her life.
Maybe this situation had triggered some painful memories for her.
"Nope, can’t get all sentimental now!"
Nene sniffled softly, then slowly pulled away from me and gave a deep nod.
To be honest, I wouldn’t have minded if she stayed in my arms a little longer, but I’d make sure to set up another "Nene Time" for another occasion.
"We can't just ignore the disturbances related to the Abyss Gate!"
"Yeah, exactly. So—"
Just as I started speaking, I felt a tug on my sleeve.
I stopped mid-sentence and turned around.
Holding onto my sleeve with a slightly apologetic expression was Silk.
"Sensei… you didn’t forget about me, did you?"
◆
Having exchanged a firm welcome-back hug with Silk, I moved a table and chairs into one of the inn's rooms and gave a brief explanation of what had happened once again.
"…And so, Elder Elran has given us a direct contract request."
──A direct contract.
Also referred to as a direct request, this is when a client bypasses the Adventurers' Guild and directly commissions an adventurer. However, this practice is generally discouraged.
The guild cannot oversee risk management in such cases, and disputes over payment can easily arise. Additionally, there have been incidents where adventurers exploit clients by demanding excessive compensation. As a result, the guild’s standard stance is to advise, "Take the request back for assessment first."
That being said, some people prefer this method since it allows them to avoid guild fees and referral charges. For example, certain nobles are known to directly employ skilled adventurers as personal retainers.
In this case, it seems more like a matter of mutual interest.
Furthermore, we had already received royal permission to investigate and intervene if necessary. Considering that, this might be closer to a King's Order rather than a simple direct contract.
"I'll follow whatever decision you make, Yuke!"
The first to respond—quickly and without hesitation—was Marina.
As always, I wished she'd think things through a little more. So, I decided to check.
"Did you really think this through, Marina?"
"Of course! Because Yuke always puts us first, no matter what!"
A trust too heavy to bear, paired with an innocent smile.
Yep. That’s just like Marina.
"I want to take part in the investigation. Yuke, that's okay, right?"
When I nodded in response to Rain's gaze, she pulled an item from her magic bag and placed it on the table—the Seeker’s Compass.
Its needle spun slowly, stopping and starting intermittently.
Its behavior was different from what we had observed yesterday.
"Rain, what is this pointing toward?"
"Lun's direction."
At Rain’s answer, everyone except me gasped.
"It’s been like this ever since the anomalies began. Silk, what’s in that direction?"
"…Most likely, the 'World Tree.' I’ve never been there personally, so I can’t say for certain."
"Right. That’s why I want to accept this request."
With unwavering determination, Rain stared at the erratic movements of the Seeker’s Compass.
Following her lead, Jamie and Nene stood from their seats.
"There's no reason to refuse, is there? Right, Yuke?"
"Of course we're doing this!"
I nodded at the two of them and stood up as well.
"Alright, then let's prepare. Silk and I will inform Elder Elran of our acceptance. Nene, let Captain Jules know about this. Jamie, go over our equipment and supplies."
After giving those instructions, I reached into my magic bag and pulled out a particular artifact.
"Rain, Marina, could you adjust this? I’ll help out later."
I placed it on the table—a tool that everyone was familiar with.
According to Elder Elran, it could be a key countermeasure against the current anomalies.
Yes—"Gopro-kun."
Comments
Post a Comment