Rainer went to Fuziaze, and now there are only two of us here… I’m glad I can depart without any worries thanks to Rainer, but I’ll also feel a little lonely…
Rainer’s departure, someone I relied on in the labyrinth, honestly makes me feel a little uneasy.
However, there’s no doubt that this has removed all my worries.
For Rainer’s sake, neither Titty nor I would ever hang our heads. Instead, with our plans clearly set, our will to press forward is stronger than yesterday.
“Well then, Titty… shall we go…!”
Calling my travel companion’s name, I left the room we’d borrowed, flung open the inn’s door, and stepped out into the dazzling sunlight. A cool breeze swept through the dry, crisp air. The weather was perfect for a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose.
And then, I was about to sprint off, declaring my new goal—
“Now, we’re heading for the mainland! To the ‘North’ where Aid and the others are waiting—”
“Indeed! This is the start of your breakup trip!”
“Stop calling it that!”
Titty, standing beside me, unmercifully stated the stark reality with a smile. I shouted back, more forcefully than I intended.
No matter how much I told myself otherwise, hearing those words made my eyes water a little.
“Wh-what?! Wh-wh-why are you crying! It looks like a child is bullying you! What’s with this, you’re giving off such a refreshing vibe, but you haven’t truly let go at all!!”
It seemed Titty hadn’t expected me to become so flustered. She waved her hands back and forth, trying to soothe me.
“I-I’m not crying! I’ll confess properly when I get back, so I’m not upset at all just because of a slight rejection! I’m full of hope thanks to Sera-san!”
“Th-that’s right. Kanamin isn’t crying. You haven’t even shown your true strength yet.”
Comforted by Titty, I rubbed my eyes and decided to start anew from the beginning.
…
Alright.
Yes, now I need to focus on moving forward.
My top priority is to reunite with my companions, rescue Dia and Hidaki, and then, with full preparation, head to the cathedral to get my revenge from yesterday as soon as possible.
Looking up at the blue sky, the white sun seemed to bless my new beginning.
In other words, I have absolutely no lingering worries!
“—Alright! Then, let’s hurry to the port! Titty, we’ll head to the mainland by ship!”
“Ah, that won’t do. Didn’t Rainer just tell you to take your time?”
“Just hurry up and let’s depart already!!”
Honestly, as long as I’m in these Allied Nations, I can’t avoid the memories of my failed confession. My true desire is to leave as soon as possible, return as soon as possible, and try confessing again.
“But still. Didn’t Rainer act like a nagging mother, telling you not to rush?”
I recalled Rainer’s words as we were deciding on our future plans.
“He did tell me not to rush, and I think preparation is important… though I also received similar advice from Sera-san. I’ve also received various letters of introduction for that purpose. It seems Rustiara used her position to pull some strings for me.”
“Just as he said, the basic principle of combat is preparation. Neglect it, and even a sure victory can turn into a defeat.”
Perhaps having seen my intention to leave on impulse, Titty stopped me with the dignity of a king.
“—And so, as per Rainer’s last will and testament, we’ll first thoroughly shop around in these ‘Allied Nations’. Oh, and by the way, this is the memo Rainer entrusted to me.”
“Rainer isn’t dead, so stop calling it a will. If anything, it’ll be yours that becomes a will… and you’re saying you have a memo? Since when… Let’s see…”
The existence of such a memo made me wonder if Rainer had foreseen this situation even before we headed to the inn.
I took the memo and began to read the jumble of characters.
—0. Under no circumstances are you to leave today. If Christ tries to rush out, Titty is to knock him unconscious. Then, show him this memo and thoroughly complete the following items.
1. Magic enhancement. Collect magic stones inscribed with magic circuits. You have an introduction to Fuziaze, so use it to visit shops. Not only Christ but Titty should also drink it.
2. Purchase supplies. Stock up on preserves so you never have to worry about food again. Next, clothes and equipment. Get a full set from famous stores. Especially, absolutely replace Christ’s shoes.
3. Check history books at the library. You’ve received an introduction for this as well, so investigate non-public documents. Have Titty select ones that seem closely related to a thousand years ago and focus on them. Use Christ’s Dimensional Magic to read until you’re satisfied.
4. Dive into the labyrinth again to improve your basic abilities. I understand you’re in a hurry, but solid training is also important. Since a year has already passed, it’s fine to dive into the labyrinth for about a month. The recommendation is to conquer up to the 69th floor together before heading to the mainland—
“—This is too long! There are over twenty items! Some parts are even about how to greet people in cold regions…! Is he my mother!?”
“He seems to be very worried about you two. After all, Kanamin is a ‘Foreigner’, and you are the ‘Thief of Principles’ from a thousand years ago. It seems he thinks you lack common sense. He was truly heartbroken to have to separate.”
“Haa… How much of a worrier is he…”
However, Rainer’s feelings were undeniably conveyed through his desperate handwriting. He must still be worried that I’ll rush and fail.
“…It can’t be helped. For today, we’ll tour the Allied Nations and focus on preparing for battle. I’ve learned firsthand that rushing leads to nothing good.”
“Indeed. That’s for the best. Before the coming battle, it’s time for some shopping!”
Understanding Rainer’s feelings, we decided to postpone our departure by one day. Now that it’s decided, I intend to make it a perfect day.
Immediately, I began to construct today’s schedule in my mind.
“If I set up Connections in various places, can I speed up the time…? Okay, first I’ll go to Griad, and then to Laura Via.”
“Understood.”
My maximum MP is currently 1275. By simple calculation, I can place about twelve Connections.
I’ve already placed one at the tavern, so that leaves eleven more.
As Titty and I head south through Valt’s town, I consider not only the plan but also how to use my MP.
From when we went to Fuziaze yesterday, I’ve realized that crossing borders within these Allied Nations can be done in a short amount of time. The Allied Nations stretch clockwise from Valt to Griad, Laura Via, Eltralyu, and Fuziaze.
The journey from Valt to Griad was quick. We arrived at the bustling port town and immediately found a secluded alley to place a Connection. Then, we moved on to Laura Via.
Titty seemed to find this curious.
“Hmm? Isn’t this Griad a rather fine country? Aren’t we going to buy equipment here? There seem to be many good shops.”
“We’ll go in later. But the first place we need to go is Laura Via. After all, that’s where— a place that could be considered my former base is located.”
As we walked, I explained the plan I had devised to Titty.
Soon after, without taking much time, we arrived at my old base.
It was the headquarters of the guild ‘Epic Seeker’.
Located in the center of Laura Via, it would undoubtedly serve as a relay point for anything we needed to do.
However, the headquarters looked a little different from when I was there. It had undergone renovations over the past year and was now much larger. This indicated the prosperity of ‘Epic Seeker’.
Although I was the guild master in name only, I felt a surge of joy at seeing my own guild grow. I walked through the entrance of the new building and offered my returning greeting.
“Umm, excuse me… Or rather, I’m home?”
However, the inside of the guild, which I hadn’t seen in a while, had changed dramatically.
This wasn’t just about the interior decorating; it was something more fundamental.
“—Huh?”
Instead of a welcome, my greeting was met with suspicion.
There was a long counter at the entrance, unlike anything there when I was last here. Several adult explorers stood around it, glaring at me, the visitor.
I was surprised and confused to see unfamiliar faces. According to my plan, I intended to greet familiar faces and be directed to Glen’s location.
As I hesitated about how to approach them, the gazes around me intensified, and they began whispering amongst themselves as they looked at me.
“…Hey. Who is that?”
“Not one of ours. Though, he looks familiar somehow…”
“He looks familiar? At least, we don’t have anyone like that here.”
“Not recently… but a long time ago… not here, but somewhere else…”
“Well, he’s suspicious. Should we block his escape route?”
Not only was I not welcome, but they seemed ready to restrain me at any moment.
I considered leaving and coming back later, but they looked like they’d chase me if I turned my back. So, I couldn’t do that either.
As I stood there, one man spoke to me business-like.
“This is the ‘Epic Seeker’ guild, directly under Laura Via. If you have a special matter, you need an introduction. For general requests, go through the town’s intermediary.”
From his words, I understood that ordinary people could no longer enter this place.
Realizing that I was the one lacking common sense, I reluctantly stated my business truthfully.
“Um, I have a small matter… Can I see Sub-master, or Glen?”
“You have business with the Masters…? Did they have any appointments today? Ah, first, please present your letter of introduction. I’ll make an inquiry.”
“No, I don’t have one. I don’t have an appointment…”
“Hah? Then there’s no way you can meet them, is there? Do you know how important they are?”
“I… think I do… or maybe I don’t…?”
I knew their personalities well. But I didn’t know their current status.
Seeing me hesitate, the surrounding gazes became even more severe.
“Is this a newly arrived ordinary person who doesn’t know Laura Via well…?”
“No, if that were the case, they’re quite skilled. Their movement isn’t normal.”
“Something’s suspicious…”
“Hey, hey. Is this another spy from a different guild…?”
Naturally, the way out was blocked, and I was gradually surrounded by the members of Epic Seeker. Titty seemed exasperated by the situation.
“What’s this? Didn’t you say you were going to get money back from someone you knew? This is completely useless.”
“…This is troubling. The number of guild members has increased significantly since I was here. I never expected that none of the people I know would be at the entrance. I might have to reveal my name.”
“Then, you should just state that long name of yours clearly. Or, use your power to force your way through.”
“No, stating that to people who don’t know the original me feels like I’m abusing my power… I don’t like using force either…”
“You’re being picky. Such a show-off. It’s better for both parties if you just get this done quickly.”
“As long as I get through this, it’ll be fine. I’ll somehow find someone I know using Dimension…”
While we were whispering, the circle tightened around us.
And then, one of the men reached out to me.
“In any case, I have several questions. Please come this way—”
I resigned myself to being taken away.
However, before that, a woman’s voice echoed from further inside the entrance.
“Hey, what are you making such a fuss about at the entrance…? Huh? M-Master?”
A woman of mature age, wearing a robe so large it brushed the floor—Teiri Rinker—appeared. I rejoiced at the appearance of a reliable guild elder and raised my voice.
“Teiri-san, it’s been a while! Please help me!”
I waved both my hands and tried to beckon Teiri over.
Seeing the unusual visitor, Teiri approached me with a very amused expression.
“Huh? What? Why is everyone surrounding the Master like this? And he’s actually tearing up a little. Our Master.”
Then, seeing the comical situation, she covered her mouth with her hand and laughed.
Upon hearing her words, the guild members who had surrounded me tilted their heads.
“M-Master…?”
“Our Masters are only Teiri-san, Rail-san, and Volzak-san…?”
It seemed that because the guild had always been managed by the three Sub-masters, they had come to be treated as the Guild Masters.
Teiri shook her head and denied this.
“That’s not right. We are Sub-masters. We have one more person who can be called Master, don’t we?”
“Did we? We always seem to manage with just the three of us…”
“You have the top Guild Master.”
“Top Guild Master? Uh, uh—?”
Smiling slyly, Teiri explained to the guild members with great significance. However, it seemed to be her habit to explain things indirectly and bit by bit. It was clear from her expression that she intended to enjoy this situation to the fullest.
“He is the ‘Guild Master’ of the guild ‘Epic Seeker’. As you know, you should remember that he is the most important person. Since he is the master of his own guild, remember that properly.”
After fully savoring the guild members’ bewilderment, Teiri revealed my identity. Among the stunned faces, I had no choice but to bow my head and introduce myself.
“Um, hello… I am Kanami…”
If it had been Volzak or Rail, they would have understood the situation and kept it concise. However, having been found by Teiri first, I had no choice but to reveal my name.
And with that self-introduction, the guild members began to stir with shock.
“So, this person is that…?”
“That, ‘Aikawa Kanami Christ Eurasia Valt Fuziaze Von Walker’-sama?”
“The one who won last year’s ‘Dance Battle Tournament’ and became the ‘Great Hero’?”
“The real one…? Is he really the real one?”
Honestly, I wanted to run away right now.
As someone raised with modern values, I wasn’t accustomed to being so openly called a ‘Great Hero’.
Whether she knew it or not—no, she definitely knew it—Titty, my companion, egged on the situation with a laugh, trying to use me as a prop.
“Hahaha! Behold, before you stands ‘Aikawa Kanami Christ Eurasia Valt Fuziaze Von Walker’-sama! All of you, bow down! Bow down!!”
“You’re the one who should bow down…!”
I immediately glared at Titty, but she coolly deflected my pressure.
In fact, it was the uninvolved people who were affected by that pressure.
“—! Oh, uh, yes, I’m sorry!”
The guild members immediately started apologizing.
“Whoa, seriously! He’s this young!?”
“It’s true! That day, I was in Valfala, so I’m sure of it! Though his aura is completely different from during the match!!”
“A sign! We have to get his autograph!!”
If there’s a next time, I’ll handle it better…
I know I’ll have to get used to being treated like this from now on. More than that, since it’s irreversible, I know I should think about how to use this position to my advantage.
But today, I wasn’t mentally prepared enough.
“Fuhahaha! Everyone, you must be surprised! Be careful from now on! This Kanamin here is your superior!!”
“Fufufu! That’s right, be careful next time! Kanami-kun has a big heart, but he’s our top! If you speak out of turn, you’ll get a pay cut!!”
The two who knew my personality well continued to tease the subdued guild members.
“…Teiri-san, that’s enough. Could you please escort us to a room where we can speak quietly? Really, please.”
Seeing my sincere plea to stop, Teiri reflected that she had gone too far. As expected, despite her slightly peculiar hobby, she was a remarkable person. A reliable adult woman, no doubt—but the problem was my companion.
“Fwahaha! Hmm? By the way, you there, didn’t you just accuse Kanamin of being a spy or something!? Now then, state your current feelings—Guh!!”
I punched Titty, who wouldn’t stop getting carried away, in the body, delivered a blow to her neck, and then grabbed her by the scruff of her neck to carry her away.
I quickly told the guild members at the entrance, “Don’t worry about it,” and parted ways with them. Then, guided by Teiri, we headed deeper into the building.
Dragging Titty along, I spoke to Teiri, pretending nothing had happened.
What’s important is what comes next. There’s no use regretting the past.
“But, the number of guild members has increased a lot while I was away.”
“Y-yes. It’s increased considerably in the past year. Thanks to you winning the ‘Dance Battle Tournament’, the publicity was perfect. Our growth is probably the best in the Allied Nations.”
Teiri’s face twitched slightly as she watched me unceremoniously drag Titty around like an object. I told her, “He’s tough, so he’ll be fine,” and prompted her to continue.
“Also, it was a big deal when we abolished the rule Palinkron put up that only people who love heroes could join ‘Epic Seeker’. Now we accept anyone. We’ve become the number one guild in the Allied Nations.”
“The number one in the Allied Nations? I’m a little happy about that.”
A smile bloomed on my face at the growth of the guild I was so fond of.
As we were talking, we arrived at the office. Although the building had been renovated, the layout of the room remained the same. I tossed Titty onto the bench at the edge of the room, and we sat at the central table.
“Still, it’s been a really long time, Kanami-kun. Ah, shall I bring some drinks? Drinks.”
Teiri treated me to fruit water, which was readily available.
There, I asked her about her surprisingly normal reaction.
“Teiri-san, you’re reacting quite normally. Haven’t you heard about me from Snow?”
If she knew I had gone missing after leaving Snow behind, she would surely be angry. But she showed no signs of it.
“Eh? I only heard from Snow that you were separated…?”
Teiri looked at me, puzzled by my statement.
And then, a man’s voice followed.
“—Thanks to the Master, Glen’s sister got motivated and we’ve been doing a lot of work. … The last time she came back here, she had become so accomplished that it was a little intimidating. Well, I’m happy she’s become accomplished, that useless girl.”
Volzak appeared and, with fatherly words, sat next to Teiri.
It seemed he had heard the commotion at the entrance and realized I had arrived.
“It’s been a while.”
“Ah, it’s been a while. I’m relieved to see you’re doing well.”
After a brief greeting, I carefully observed their reactions.
It seemed Snow had skillfully covered up the situation to avoid worrying the guild members. Her skill was so perfect, it made me question if it was truly her doing.
I decided to go along with Snow’s flawless plan. Now was not the time to dwell on regrets. It would be more appropriate to apologize for leaving her alone when we reunited and returned together. If it meant she wouldn’t worry, that was all that mattered.
Although I felt bad about my selfish thoughts towards Teiri and Volzak, I decided to prioritize my sister and companions and convey only my business.
“So, is Glen here? I wanted to ask if the exchange for what I asked him to do is finished.”
“Glen is on the mainland. Naturally, as the war escalates, there are many tasks only he can handle. However, I heard Teiri has the item…?”
Volzak answered my question, and Teiri retrieved a document from a desk in the office.
“Yes, it’s about the exchange of magic stones and jewels that Kanami-kun brought. I have them, so don’t worry. It’s a huge sum of money. Not an amount for an individual, or even a guild.”
This was about the gems generated by the ‘Aris Family’s Treasure Sword Rowen’ during our voyage. It seemed that by now, a year later, the exchange would be finished.
“Thank you. I needed some money…—Huh?”
As I received it and casually flipped through it, I noticed something unusual.
“Teiri-san. You don’t just have them, you seem to be investing them.”
“We were in a bit of a financial pinch. But they’re growing, so it’s fine, right?”
“Y-yes. Of course, I don’t mind. However, from what I can see, it seems like a very tight investment…”
“If we don’t do that, we’ll be swept away by the harsh realities of this world. There were quite a few dangerous moments this past year.”
“Ugh… As the Master, I apologize for that…”
“No, I’m only borrowing the name, so don’t worry about it. Everything written there is yours, so you can take it all. However, what we can withdraw from our vault right now is only about a tenth. If you want the whole amount, we’d have to go to a major exchange office or a national warehouse.”
It seemed that due to the enormous sum, it would take time to convert it into usable cash. Indeed, given this ridiculous amount, that was understandable.
The number of zeros was astounding.
I was now confident that I would no longer have to worry about money.
“This is a bit problematic. In that case, I’ll just take a tenth and head out for supplies…”
“Oh? Are you in such a hurry? You could take your time.”
“I need to finish my preparations quickly and go pick up Snow.”
My planned schedule was to finish all preparations today.
Upon hearing the circumstances, Teiri replied, “If you’re going to see Snow, then I suppose it can’t be helped,” and Volzak, sitting next to her, brought up a new topic.
“Speaking of which, the equipment that Master asked Alivers to make is also ready. He was worried because you never came to pick it up, so could you go get it soon?”
“Ah.”
Alivers—he was the guild’s exclusive blacksmith.
Right, I had asked him for various things. I had ordered equipment that Dia and Maria could wear.
“I’ll go to the workshop for a bit. Equipment is very important right now.”
It would be great if I could save the trouble of going shopping for equipment.
Immediately, I grabbed Titty by the scruff of her neck again and prepared to leave the room.
“That’s perfect. In the meantime, I’ll prepare all your cash for you.”
Teiri took the documents from me and headed towards the large exchange office she had mentioned.
“Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”
“It’s nothing. As the founding members of Epic Seeker, we’re just happy to be able to help the hero-like Kanami-kun.”
And then, citing her peculiar hobby, Teiri laughed. Volzak seemed to share the same sentiment.
It was a smile reminiscent of the time I worked here. Experiencing that nostalgic feeling, I smiled back and left the room. Dragging Titty along.
