“Huh?!”
I was the first to exclaim.
Following my lead, the other members voiced their similar confusion and demanded a detailed explanation.
“Hold on, hold on. Palinkron, that joke’s gone too far,”
“How in the world did you suddenly become Guild Master?”
I felt the same way as them.
It sounded like a bad joke.
However, Palinkron’s expression remained cool and unperturbed.
“Kanami is the ‘Hero’ chosen by myself, Sub-master, and Rail. As per our original plan, the vacant top spot of ‘Epic Seeker’ will be filled by Kanami, who is the ‘Hero’.”
He then stated twice that I would be in charge.
He even went as far as to exaggerate by calling me a “Hero.”
“Hey, are you serious…?”
Realizing Palinkron wasn’t joking, the atmosphere in the room turned cold. The hulking swordsman at the front of the members glared at Palinkron and questioned him.
As the tension mounted, threatening to explode, Palinkron answered with an even more amused voice.
“Kanami is strong, and his personality is good. Most importantly, he has the demeanor of a ‘Hero.’ –Therefore, he will logically become the Guild Master. If anyone has a complaint, they can beat Kanami into submission. We’ll have a round-robin tournament in place of a trial starting now.”
Palinkron’s provocation intensified the killing intent from the Guild members.
Everyone directed an unusual sense of pressure towards me and Palinkron. Unable to bear the weight emanating from the skilled veterans, I shouted at Palinkron.
“Palinkron, what are you saying?! Are you an idiot?! Are you an idiot!?”
Seeing my confusion and opposition, I felt a slight easing of the pressure.
Then, a woman who appeared calm stepped forward and voiced her opinion.
“I acknowledge his talent. I can see he’s clearly got potential. Indeed, he might be the ‘Vessel’ to stand above us in the future. But to do it right now is too reckless, Palinkron.”
“The Guild won’t function properly under a Guild Master who was forced into the position…”
They likely judged that things were about to turn violent.
They tried to persuade Palinkron logically, hoping to somehow make him reconsider.
However, Palinkron paid them no mind.
“We ‘Epic Seekers’ have always been chaotic, and somehow, you all will end up complying. That’s because Kanami is precisely the person we’ve been waiting for.”
That was decisive.
Seeing that Palinkron had no intention of backing down, those who were trying to have a calm conversation sighed and stepped back.
Inevitably, only those with a hot temper remained nearby.
“Don’t glare like that. If you can even lay a single scratch on Kanami in the round-robin tournament we’re about to start, I’ll reconsider.”
Palinkron insisted on holding the round-robin tournament.
It was typical of him to not forget a further provocation while pushing for it.
“You said it…”
“Don’t underestimate us.”
“We won’t be held responsible if you die.”
And with those menacing parting words, the Guild members took their distance. As members of the organization, they wouldn’t dare defy Palinkron’s judgment as their superior. However, it was clear they intended to vent their frustrations during the round-robin tournament.
I had braced myself for a trial, but this development was completely unexpected.
I was the only one who didn’t give up and continued to try and persuade Palinkron.
“Palinkron, I’m not convinced! The Guild members are right! It’s absurd to become Guild Master all of a sudden!”
“Huh? Didn’t you say you were going to join the Guild?”
“No, no! I meant join as a Guild member!”
“I never said anything about making you a Guild member. I’ve been talking this whole time with the intention of making you the Guild Master.”
“That’s fraud!”
“That’s a harsh way to put it. I haven’t lied. But, well, I am often called a fraud.”
Palinkron brushed aside my persuasion as if he weren’t bothered at all.
Simultaneously, he proceeded with preparations for the round-robin tournament.
He drew lines on the sandy ground with his sword’s scabbard, creating a makeshift field.
Once the field was ready, Palinkron turned back to me. Then, with the most serious expression he had shown all day, he implored me.
“Kanami, I beg you. Please be the Guild Master. This isn’t enough. This isn’t even an ‘Ordeal’ yet.”
Stunned by his earnest words, I was left speechless.
Having wanted to repay him in some way, being genuinely asked made it impossible for me to refuse.
I let out a sigh, similar to the calm Guild members from before, and reluctantly nodded.
“Haa… Fine. I’ll do the round-robin tournament. But if the Guild members aren’t satisfied after it’s over, then take back this offer.”
“Understood. That’s a reasonable compromise. But don’t hold back, alright?”
“That would be rude, and I won’t hold back… I guess…”
Seeing my resignation, Palinkron brought over what appeared to be a practice sword from the edge of the training grounds.
He then tossed it to me.
As I caught the sword, I muttered.
“–Magic ‘Dimension Winter’.”
I unleashed my signature magic and, with resolve, stepped into the makeshift field.
However, seeing the members waiting with veins bulging, my feeling of dread didn’t subside.
“I wish I had an office job… like organizing documents…”
Muttering about a dream that would likely never come true, I looked up at the clear sky and drew my sword from its scabbard.
◆◆◆◆◆
The first match was against a young swordswoman who seemed rather hot-blooded.
One of the younger members, told by the more senior members “There’s no need for you to fight!” entered the field.
I used ‘Gaze’ and confirmed the status of the girl wielding a rapier.
【Status】
Name: Seri Alignment HP210/219 MP0/0 Class: Swordsman
Level: 12
Strength 4.71 Stamina 4.02 Dexterity 4.82 Speed 4.
72
Intelligence 1.71, Magic Power 0.00, Aptitude 1.12
Innate Skill:
Acquired Skill: Swordsmanship 1.21
“Gaze” is still an overpowered ability. Even if it can only view the Status of people and things in this world, it’s still too much.
I grasped the girl’s Strength and calmly took out my sword. She’s likely an opponent I can defeat even if all her Magic is dispelled. Her Physical Ability is high-level, but there’s nothing particularly noteworthy about it.
“Alright, first match, begin!!”
The moment Palinkron gave the starting signal, the girl charged at me. For now, I’ll respond without holding back, just as promised. Without hurting her hands, I tapped the pommel of her swung sword with the tip of mine, deflecting it. Simultaneously, I tripped her and snatched her airborne sword with my left hand. Now holding swords in both hands, I immediately thrust them towards her eyes as she fell before me.
This is checkmate. The difference in Speed and Dexterity is too great. Taking her weapon was easy.
“Huh? What just hap—huh?”
“It’s my victory, right?”
I declared victory, leaving the girl confused about what had just happened.
“Ah, it’s clearly Kanami’s victory. Alright, next—”
Palinkron acknowledged my declaration and casually prompted the next challenger. However, and the expressions of the surrounding members being prompted by Palinkron were heavy and grim. They must have realized this was no ordinary display of my ability. I felt a sense of dread as I anticipated the upcoming matches. I took the girl’s hand and helped her up.
“Are you okay?”
“Uh, ah, yes. I’m… okay.”
The girl, still stunned, stood up as I pulled her hand. She had finally understood that she had lost. She gazed intently at my face and murmured.
“I-is this the ‘Hero’ Palinkron chose…?”
Her words felt strangely fervent. A chill ran down my spine, so I used Dimension – Decisive Calculation to avoid her gaze and quickly distanced myself from her. I was determined to finish the round-robin tournament quickly and waited for my next opponent on the field.
My next opponent was also a woman. In this world, with the existence of Level and Magic Power, there isn’t much of a difference in combat abilities between genders. However, it’s certainly harder to point a sword at a woman, so honestly, I would have preferred a man.
【Status】
Name: Teiri Rinker HP 212/222 MP 201/205 Class: Mage
Level 19
Strength 4.41, Stamina 5.15, Dexterity 3.32, Speed 3.21, Intelligence 7.21, Magic Power 11.09, Aptitude 1.33
Innate Skill: Wind Magic 1.67
Acquired Skill: Magic Combat 1.12
From her Status and attire, it’s clear she’s a pure Mage. Despite being a magic-user, her Physical Ability is comparable to the previous Swordsman. Teiri is undoubtedly one of the top members. Seeing my match against the girl, she must have realized I’m not someone she can underestimate. Indeed, Teiri convinced other aspiring challengers with a single word and stood on the field. However, with this Status, she’d probably have trouble even touching me. It’s a simple bad match-up. If she knew my abilities, it might have been a good fight, but that’s impossible on a first encounter.
“Alright, begin—”
As Palinkron called out the start, I moved towards Teiri. Teiri, on the other hand, tried to construct magic to decide the match before I could get close. However, Dimension Winter disrupted her spell construction, resulting in her magic only managing to produce a faint gust of wind.
“Wh-what!? My magic—!”
As Teiri exclaimed in surprise, I placed my sword at her neck.
“Um… do you want to continue?”
“…I surrender.”
Teiri conceded her defeat with a very serious expression. As she left the field, she spoke to a large swordsman.
“What was that, huh? Couldn’t you use your magic?”
“He has powerful interference abilities… that’s all I could tell in that moment.”
After exchanging information, the burly swordsman entered the field. He also silenced the other members with a single word before entering, suggesting he holds significant authority.
【Status】
Name: Volzak Al H P 340/351 MP 0/0 Class: Swordsman
Level: 20
Strength 10.40, Stamina 5.85, Dexterity 8.26, Speed 10.31, Intelligence 7.09, Magic Power 0.00, Aptitude 1.12
Innate Skill: Defiance 1.21
Acquired Skill: Swordsmanship 1.56
His name is Volzak. Looking at him, he seems to be the highest Level among the challengers. Judging by the eyes of those around him, he’s likely the most trusted veteran swordsman. He possesses a presence that fully conveys that. Volzak held his exceptionally large greatsword over his shoulder and addressed me.
“Sorry, but I’m going all out. It’s not because I have anything against you personally. In fact, for your own good, I’ll win here. It would be too troublesome to confront the Guild Master right off the bat.”
Despite his heavily scarred, giant appearance, his words were gentle and kind. If one looked closely at his Status, his Intelligence was about the same as the previous Mage’s, suggesting he is an intellectual. I gave a slight bow in response.
“You’re a kind person. Thank you.”
I am grateful to Volzak for showing such consideration to a newcomer whose impression was less than ideal. Normally, I wouldn’t be able to complain even if I were mobbed by everyone.
“Haa… If it weren’t for that damn Sub-master’s unreasonable demand, I’d welcome it.”
Volzak spoke ill of Palinkron as he closed the distance between us. In response, Palinkron happily declared, “Begin!”
Volzak lunged forward. His speed was disproportionate to his physique, making me feel as though I were being attacked by a colossal quadruped.
Volzak’s greatsword swung horizontally. I judged that if I blocked it with my sword, only mine would be damaged. So, I distanced myself and dodged it by a hair’s breadth.
“Tsk, you’re going to dodge this?!”
Volzak swung his sword like a gale, aiming to shatter mine. He showed no signs of holding back. For an ordinary person, a direct hit from this storm of a sword would be instantly fatal. However, I felt no killing intent at all.
Volzak was attacking because he judged that I could withstand it. It was proof he recognized me as no ordinary person.
At that moment, I felt it was time. Before I started, I had thought I might sustain at least a scratch against seasoned professionals. But as things were, I might very well win against everyone completely unscathed.
Ending this fight with the opponent sustaining a scratch would be appropriate for my test results. Having completely shut out Teiri, likely a top-class mage, and having Volzak, likely of the highest level, acknowledge my abilities—the proof of my strength to enter the Guild should be sufficient.
I had fulfilled the minimum obligation to Palinkron. Repaying my debt could wait for another occasion. I reached this conclusion internally and began selecting the magic for it.
“I’ll add a little magic. —Magic ‘Form’.”
For the sake of appearing to have sustained a scratch, I used bubble-based Dimensional Magic.
“Tsk.”
Seeing this, Volzak clicked his tongue. However, without faltering, he maintained his offensive.
“I’ll crush everything, including your tricks!”
While attaching magic bubbles, Volzak increased his speed further and swung his sword. However, the attached bubbles conveyed information about the sword’s trajectory more accurately to me.
While dodging the sword, I precisely grasped Volzak’s habits and anticipated the trajectory of his next strike. I focused my consciousness as if to compress time. I processed in my mind the iron sword approaching millimeter by millimeter as it sliced through the air. Accordingly, I moved my body millimeter by millimeter.
Then, by a sliver’s width, Volzak’s sword grazed my cheek. My skin split thinly, and blood trickled down.
“Ah… I grazed you…”
After confirming the graze, I distanced myself and showcased the wound on my cheek. Palinkron had said, “It ends if you sustain even one scratch.” Using that statement, I appealed for the end of this round-robin battle.
Seeing this, Volzak gnashed his teeth in frustration, let out a large breath, and calmly replied.
“…No, that doesn’t count. It’s completely my loss.”
Volzak admitted defeat in a few words. Then, he turned his back and left the field.
He might have realized I let him wound me. I had intended to create a perfect, close match, but it seemed it didn’t work against an experienced swordsman.
I hadn’t intended to hurt his pride, but perhaps I had wounded it deeply. However, for my future life, I couldn’t defeat everyone so one-sidedly. Please forgive me.
“Alright, Kanami wins!”
Palinkron declared my victory with a smile. As I tried to reply—
“Palinkron, you said it ends if I sustain even one scratch, right? This makes—”
“That guy! He lives up to Palinkron’s boast!!”
I was interrupted by one of the members. Following that, many members started speaking up one after another.
“Looks interesting. I’ll go next.”
“No, I will!”
“The leaders both lost. How amusing.”
After three matches, the training ground had somehow become lively. Perhaps many of them were inherently aggressive individuals. But more than that, the way they looked at me was somehow strange.
Palinkron pointed at the members’ rising excitement and laughed.
“The Guild’s business is dealing with rough stuff, after all. It’s not over just because you sustained a scratch, is it? That was just a provocation.”
Many members agreed with Palinkron’s words.
“Right! It can’t end! I haven’t challenged you yet!”
“What are you talking about with a scratch like that? You fight as long as you can fight!”
“Hey, can I go next? Please?”
Seeing the spirited members, my face twitched. At that moment, Volzak’s voice cut through.
“Wait, all of you! Glen’s little sister, you go first!”
The designation “Glen’s little sister” was called out, and all eyes turned to the beastkin girl who had been resting idly in the distance—Snow.
For a moment, the training ground fell silent. During that time, Snow shook her head slightly and replied.
“…No. I can’t possibly win.”
Hearing this, Volzak asked with a serious expression.
“Are you serious?”
“…Yes, I am.”
“I see…”
After that, Volzak sat down wherever he pleased. Then, he urged the members to challenge me.
“Do whatever you want now, all of you. I’ll be watching from here.”
Volzak had given up and started spectating. I had hoped he would stop me, but it seemed he had no intention of doing so.
No one else spoke up to interfere. Palinkron, still smiling, urged the continuation of the round-robin battle. The members decided on the order of challenges and entered the field with high spirits.
I had no choice but to defeat member after member, as I was being swept along by the events.
***
Eventually, I couldn’t deliberately lose. Volzak was glaring at me with sharp eyes, and Palinkron was also chiming in about my obvious favoritism.
The most I could do was to hold back, and then hold back again, in order to resolve things peacefully.
“—This is the end! With that, it’s decided that Kanami will be the master of the guild ‘Epic Seeker’!”
And then, having won against almost everyone without a scratch, Palinkron had no hesitation in declaring his assumption of the Guild Master position.
“Palinkron, let me do it again! I feel like I can touch it next time!”
“No, no. It’s already dark, and time is limited.”
A few members chimed in, but Palinkron forcibly ended the round-robin tournament.
Afterward, they finished with some casual administrative matters and disbanded. As the members left the training grounds, they each said a word to me.
“Wow, you’re strong, Kanami. Let me challenge you again privately tomorrow.”
“Huh? …Yeah, that’s fine.”
I replied, bewildered, to the friendly male member.
“You’re too formal, Kanami. I don’t need the honorifics or polite language.”
“Thank you… I understand.”
I didn’t sense much dissatisfaction from him regarding my becoming the master.
Perhaps for those whose profession involves conflict, there’s no resistance to being surpassed as long as their strength is recognized.
Next, one of the guild’s mages smiled at me.
“Teach me about magic later, Kanami-kun.”
“Y-yes.”
A middle-aged swordsman clapped me on the shoulder.
“Your skills as a master will be tested from now on. Well, I think those around you will support you, so don’t worry too much.”
“Hmm, I will do my best.”
A man with a stern face spoke in a low voice.
“Hey, I haven’t recognized you yet…”
“Ah, no. I think that’s a perfectly natural reaction.”
“I’ll challenge you at least five more times, so prepare yourself. Heh heh.”
Finally, someone with normal thoughts voiced his dissatisfaction, but in the end, he left with a laugh. He looked like a child who had found a worthy rival.
After that, although I received various taunts, not a single person treated me with overt malice. At least, it wasn’t the attitude one would expect towards someone who suddenly appeared and forcefully took over the leadership of an organization.
While sensing the members’ strangeness, I continued to respond with a forced smile.
After many greetings, only Palinkron and the beast-girl remained in the training ground.
The girl was staring blankly at the dark sky.
I turned to the remaining Palinkron and asked for an explanation.
“…Hey. Isn’t this strange?”
“You did great, Kanami. It’s a big promotion!”
Palinkron congratulated me on joining the guild, but I was still the only one who couldn’t accept it.
“I just witnessed some terrifying nepotism. And what’s more, they’re quite welcoming, which makes it doubly unbelievable.”
“This kind of absurdity could only happen here. It would be absolutely impossible in other guilds.”
“I thought this guild was unusual because it’s yours, Palinkron, but why is that the case?”
Even now, I can’t believe it.
Even though I showed my strength in the round-robin tournament, I still don’t understand why the members are satisfied.
This phenomenon would never happen in my world.
Is this a cultural difference between different worlds?
Even if it’s a culture where strength matters above all else and details are overlooked, this level of welcome is abnormal.
“‘Epic Seeker,’ as the name suggests, is a guild whose purpose is to search for ‘Heroes’.”
“…That in itself is not normal.”
“Guilds directly under a country typically have a policy of contributing to the nation first. For example, policies like ‘Protecting the public order of Laura Via,’ ‘Acquiring treasures for Laura Via,’ or ‘Nurturing talent for Laura Via.’ Our guild’s policy is ‘To find Heroes for Laura Via’.”
“You mean… finding ‘Heroes’?”
“Because of that ridiculous stated purpose, only peculiar people have gathered here. Furthermore, the interview is basically conducted by me.”
“You’re the one choosing them. No wonder strange people gather…”
“Regardless of what the members say, they are all dreamers and oddballs who yearn for ‘Heroes.’ Combined with Laura Via’s meritocracy, there’s no reason for anyone to speak ill of Kanami, who possesses overwhelming strength. —In other words, this guild was made for this day. It was gathered by my discerning eye. If it doesn’t go somewhat well, I’ll be in trouble.”
Palinkron explained the abnormality of the guild ‘Epic Seeker.’
He seemed somewhat proud and amused.
It was like a child showing off their toys. It was similar to the feeling I got from the guild members earlier. In a sense, this guild is childish as a whole.
And Palinkron, the representative of these childish adults, implored me.
“Become a ‘Hero’ here, Kanami. Use this guild to make a name for yourself!”
Palinkron’s actions could be summarized as that.
“Is that what you desire…?”
“It’s not so much a desire… as it is a hobby, I suppose. I want to meet ‘Heroes.’ I’m expecting that from Kanami. It’s not just because you’re from another world, but I believe that you, Kanami, possess ‘true heroic qualities’…”
The carefree Palinkron showed a earnest expression.
Overwhelmed by the weight of his wish, I shook my head.
“You expect too much, Palinkron. First and foremost, I don’t even know what it means to be a ‘Hero’.”
For me, ‘Heroes’ are mere figments of fairy tales.
In modern society, ‘Heroes’ are limited to athletes. I can’t even begin to imagine the kind of hero Palinkron desires.
“No, the preparations for that are already complete. Some important people in some important country have come up with an entertaining plan. I intend to follow it. —’The newly appointed Guild Master Kanami, with his unparalleled strength, will pioneer an unprecedented labyrinth, extend the ‘Seidō,’ and inherit the title of the strongest Explorer from Glen. He will then win the ‘Dance Battle Tournament’ and his name will echo throughout the continent. He will help people as a hero in various places before returning to the homeland of Laura Via. Finally, he will participate in a war in the northern part of the continent, where the living legend, the Hero, will descend as the supreme commander on the front lines.'”
Palinkron talked about his absurdly ambitious plan in an exaggerated tone.
“W-what is that? I’m not doing that. Especially not war. I definitely want nothing to do with war!”
“Heh. That was mostly a joke. The only thing I’m serious about is clearing the Labyrinth. There’s no human malice there, and you can get stronger at Kanami’s own pace. It’s not like power is a bad thing to have, especially for your sister Maria, right?”
“…Well, clearing the Labyrinth is something I am thinking of doing.”
In this Other World, Labyrinths exist.
They are like the dungeons that often appear in games—the deeper you go, the stronger the enemies become. They conveniently have a structure where enemies are weaker the shallower you go, making them suitable for building strength.
“If you have any spare capacity, I’d like you to extend the ‘Seidō’ for the Laura Via country and the Guild. If that’s too much, then defeating the Guardian of the 30th Floor will suffice. If you could leave some kind of honor or achievement in ‘Epic Seeker,’ I’d have no complaints.”
“…If I have any spare capacity. I want to make some kind of contribution to Laura Via, which is protecting me and Maria.”
“Winning the ‘Dance Battle Tournament’ would also be a contribution. Laura Via has been falling behind the other four countries for years… As for heroic activities in various regions or being the general commander in the northern war, those were jokes.”
“It would be problematic if they weren’t jokes. I’m content as long as I can protect the world around me. I would rather die than get involved in conflicts between countries.”
Hearing this, Palinkron chuckled softly.
“Heh, heh, heh… I see. Alright, I understand. That said, what I just told you was just a plan. For now, focus on learning the Guild Master’s job. Don’t think about extending the ‘Seidō’ in the Labyrinth; just focus on getting stronger yourself.”
“You’re right. It’s an unwelcome appointment… but if I’m going to do it, I need to be able to properly perform the duties of Guild Master. I don’t want to cause trouble for the members.”
“Indeed. If you don’t take over quickly, it won’t be in time…”
Palinkron’s expression turned slightly serious.
“Won’t be in time? –Ah, that’s right. Palinkron, you’ve been called to the ‘Mainland’ as a general of the home country, haven’t you?”
I could sense Palinkron’s worry from that serious expression. He would be leaving the Allied Nations soon. He probably wanted to finish the handover before then.
“Yeah. I did whatever I pleased, and now I’ve been forcibly summoned. There were a few things I wanted to do in the Allied Nations, but it can’t be helped.”
Palinkron used the term “forcibly summoned,” but being commissioned to the home country is an honor. Yet, Palinkron genuinely disliked this promotion.
“Is that so? So Palinkron will be leaving…”
“After I’m gone, get help from Snow, the veteran Sub-master.”
“The veteran Sub-master…?”
Then, Palinkron called over the girl who was gazing at the sky in a corner.
“She’s been a Sub-master in this Guild for six years now. She probably knows more about ‘Epic Seeker’ than I do. Come on, Snow. Introduce yourself—”
As prompted, the beastkin girl approached me and extended her hand.
She had a very beautiful hand. A clean, soft-looking hand, fitting for a girl.
‘Epic Seeker’ is comprised of three Sub-masters, with the Guild Master position currently vacant. The current Sub-masters are Palinkron and Rail. Both are capable adults possessing both strength and intellect.
This means the beastkin girl is as capable as those two.
I slowly grasped the hand she had offered.
“My name is Snow Walker… Please take care of me, Guild Master Kanami.”
“Uh, nice to meet you. Snow… chan?”
I was hesitant about what to call her. If her appearance was anything to go by, she seemed like she’d be an appropriate age for the ‘chan’ suffix. However, having heard she’d been a Sub-master six years ago, I wasn’t sure if her appearance matched her actual age.
“…I’m probably around your age. It’s troublesome, so you can call me whatever you like.”
“Thank you. Then, just Snow. You can call me whatever you like too; you don’t need to use polite language.”
“Then, Kanami. I’ll stop using polite language too.”
It seems her appearance reflected her age accurately.
In that case, Snow would have been a Sub-master of the Guild around the age of ten.
“Kanami, Snow. The two of you need to cooperate to run ‘Epic Seeker.’ Make it so that you can manage even without me and Rail.”
“The two of us alone will run the Guild? Are you sure two young people like us can really manage?”
I recalled the situation of two adults departing and grimaced.
“You’ll be fine. Everyone acknowledges Snow’s abilities, and more importantly, her family status means no one can complain. As for Kanami, by today, most people have acknowledged you. Yes, there’s absolutely no problem.”
Palinkron answered lightheartedly.
Seeing his demeanor, Snow and I stared at him intently.
While he might seem happy about it, we were filled with anxiety about being pushed into such a situation.
“Haha, don’t glare at me like that. The rest is up to you, Snow. As promised, just provide support for Kanami. I’ve been looking forward to the two of you cooperating for a long time.”
Palinkron, noticing our glares, put some distance between us as if to escape.
Then, he spoke to Snow.
“—As long as you stick to that, you can do as you please. You can do as much as you want.”
With that, Palinkron left the training grounds.
And in the dark, silent night, only Snow and I remained.
