After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
While taking a few days off, we steadily continued preparing for our journey, set to begin tomorrow.
The Edright Republic is a major nation located to the east of the Kingdom of Welmeria.
Before I was born—about thirty years ago—a civil revolution took place, and it transitioned from the Kingdom of Edright to the Republic of Edright, making it a relatively young nation in terms of history.
Perhaps because the system involves electing a head of state from among the people every few years, there's a conscious effort toward renewal.
As a result, the broadcast business led by the Kingdom of Welmeria was quickly adopted within the country.
The republican form of government seems to mesh well with broadcast technology, and it’s said to be quite widespread.
Maybe that’s why a cult group known as the Seventh Order made their statement via broadcast—it could be seen as a reflection of the country's characteristics.
"Edright, huh? After Salmutaria and Vilmuren, we’re heading to another foreign country—what a thrill for an adventurer!"
"Oh, Nene. This isn’t just a vacation, you know?"
"I know that, but the more I researched, the more interesting the country sounded. Seems like the language is mostly understandable too, and there are even some tourist cities."
It’s good to see information gathering is progressing well.
We can’t get too carried away, of course, but having something to look forward to is nice.
Even though we’re going on a state-commissioned mission, traveling to another country should be a valuable experience.
"Hm, so Rune is staying behind again this time?"
"It’s a country we’ve never been to before. Sorry."
"It’s okay. I’ll be expecting souvenirs though. But when you get back, you better help with the supplemental training, okay?"
I nodded as I gently patted Rune on the head, her expressions shifting playfully.
"Yeah, it’s a promise. Maybe we can all go to the forests by Lake Ordan."
"Yay! I better get my adventure outfit ready!"
Watching Niberune cheerfully run up the stairs, I felt relieved, though I couldn’t help but wonder if a beginner’s campsite might be a bit too tame.
Not that long ago, Niberune had been a full-fledged adventurer traveling other worlds.
I never imagined she’d end up journeying alongside Simon.
Still, was that really Simon?
There’s a part of me that’s certain it was, and another part that insists it couldn’t be.
At the deserted Finis at dusk, I unleashed a terrifying spell on him.
To keep killing him forever in that place—after he became some sort of immortal monster.
And yet he transcended time and dimensions, drifted into “Glad Shi-Im,” destroyed it, and returned to this world—as the “Golden One.”
And I destroyed that too.
So Simon shouldn’t exist anywhere anymore.
But the voice we heard from beyond the Abyss Gate at the heart of Vilmuren Island—the one at the base of the World Tree—was definitely his.
And based on what Niberune told me, it had to be him.
Maybe it was a Shadow Stalker, like those figures I saw in the “Achromatic Darkness,” but something about his tone and demeanor made me feel it really was the Simon I knew.
"Yuke, what’s wrong?"
"Hm?"
"You’re making that difficult face again."
Noticing that I’d stopped preparing, I let out a small sigh.
There’s no point in worrying over something I can’t resolve, yet I haven’t been in a great mindset lately.
"Are you thinking about Rune?"
"Not exactly, but close. I was thinking a bit about the guy who used to travel with Rune."
"Simon Berkley?"
When Rain mentioned his full name, I realized I’d brought up the wrong subject.
Not just for me—for the members of Clover, Simon was someone unforgivable.
He and Thunderpike, manipulated by Bessio Salas, placed the Collar of Subjugation on Rain.
He also chased down and cut down Jamie, who had helped us.
In a way, it was Simon’s actions that ultimately destroyed Niberune’s world, even if the root cause could be traced back to me.
Maybe it's nostalgia or guilt—I might have been too naive about Simon still being alive.
I even caught myself thinking it’d be okay if he were.
"I’m sorry, I…"
"Rune was saved. That’s the truth. If you forgive him, then I will too."
"But it’s not that simple, is it?"
"It’s okay. You’re the one who suffered the most, right?"
Is that really how it is?
I don’t know.
But if he really is alive… then maybe, just maybe, I’d like to sit down and talk to him again.
I have plenty of regrets.
I’m sure Simon has his own side of the story too.
Just like how we came to understand Jamie, maybe one day I can talk to Simon like we used to.
Wishful thinking, I know—especially after leaving him with an unsolvable curse.
"I hope you get the chance to talk."
"Yeah. Though I doubt it."
Even if Simon is still alive, he’s still beyond the Abyss Gate.
The chances of us reuniting by luck aren’t very high.
Still, I can’t help but hope—if he’s alive, that’s enough for now.
"By the way, Rain… What do you think about Marina lately?"
"Hmm… She might be acting a little weird?"
"Yeah, I thought so too."
Since that incident—or rather, ever since we noticed it at the Adventurer’s Guild—Marina’s behavior has been a bit strange.
Sometimes she seems normal, but then she’ll look like she’s deep in thought, or just seem unusually low on energy.
Marina, who’s usually so cheerful and full of life, being like that throws everything a little off balance.
I’ve asked her a few times, “Is something bothering you?” but she just brushes it off in that typical haphazard Marina way, and I haven’t been able to get a straight answer.
I don’t want to pry into things she wants to keep to herself, but part of me worries—maybe she doesn’t trust me enough, either as a leader… or as a man.
"I tried talking to her too… but, no luck. It’s probably nothing serious—because it’s Marina—but I’m a little worried."
"Yeah. I’ll try asking her again tonight. We’re heading to the Edright Republic tomorrow, after all."
"Mhm. Do that. I’ll let you stay out overnight this time, if you must."
Rain gently touches my forehead with her index finger, smiling softly.
I know exactly what she’s implying, but I don’t intend to ask Marina out in that way.
This is purely a conversation I want to have as the party leader.
"That’s not what I’m going for."
"But if that’s what Marina wants… be kind to her, okay?"
"Well… yeah, I mean…"
"Sometimes, just that much is enough for a girl to feel better."
"Is that really how it works?"
"That’s really how it works."
With a soft giggle, Rain walks away from me.
As I think over what to do, I also start figuring out how to approach Marina.
With Rain’s blessing, maybe I should take the chance and invite Marina out for a tavern date.
If we eat and drink a lot together… maybe she’ll open up and tell me what’s on her mind.
"Alright, let’s go with that."
Satisfied with that plan, I resumed preparing for the journey.
Comments
Post a Comment