Even after clearing the horde, I took command of our progress through levels 18 and 19. Siddharuku was too exhausted to even speak after using magic beyond his limits.
However, no one in the party complained. The fact that no one had died in the previous battle was a significant factor. My prowess as a commander had apparently been recognized by my performance. Furthermore, there was a movement to test the Guild Master of “Epic Seeker,” given their recent remarkable achievements.
To live up to their expectations, I led the way without any carelessness. Then, through Dimension, I detected an enemy.
“Forward, a large monster approaches. It’s a large monster, the Carmine Minotaur. Immediately halt your march and have the mages line up. Next, those who can wield heavy weapons, please stand by behind them. Once the target appears from the front corner, we’ll barrage it with magic. If we can’t finish it off, the mages should retreat and leave it to the front-liners. This should be a complete victory. If anything goes wrong, I’ll cover with Ice Magic, so don’t worry too much.”
I immediately gave orders to change from an ambushing formation to an interception formation. The Explorers, accustomed to it, changed their formations. Initially, they had resisted changing formations for no apparent reason, but after repeatedly finding the optimal solutions, they now moved obediently.
I announced the countdown.
“Five seconds left… Three, two, one, attack.”
Simultaneously, a bull-headed monster appeared from the front corner. The mages, having had sufficient casting time, unleashed their spells like a shotgun. The Carmine Minotaur vanished into light without any resistance.
“Alright, that’s it. Let’s move along briskly.”
After confirming the target’s disappearance, I resumed our advance. Behind me, the other Explorers were murmuring. They seemed to be discussing the abnormality of my detection abilities. I picked up their conversation through Dimension.
While most of the comments were praises like “reliable,” many also expressed concern about the details of my abnormal Perception magic. Despite their curiosity, they couldn’t ask the Guild Master of a rival guild, who would become a competitor once this job was over.
Since I couldn’t honestly reveal the truth either, I could only lead the party forward with a feigned smile. Thus, we reached level 20 without any problems. Thanks to Dimension, we were able to avoid hordes, and whenever a monster appeared, we could always gain the initiative. As a precaution, I had also prepared “Dimension Winter: Final Frost” during combat.
Upon reaching the deserted level 20, everyone began working on reinforcing the “Seidō.” I took Siddharuku, whom I was supporting, and went to a secluded spot to rest. As we sat down, Siddharuku spoke.
“I’m sorry…” He muttered the words softly. His contrite attitude made me strongly feel the sincerity within him. “No, please don’t worry about it.” “Damn it, I fell behind this time… but next time, I definitely will…!” However, he couldn’t suppress his competitive nature. His pride wouldn’t allow him to accept defeat. Seeing him live such a difficult life, I felt a strong sense of empathy for Siddharuku.
After letting Siddharuku rest, I alternated between helping with the construction and resting. Several times, I had to admonish Siddharuku when he tried to overexert himself. After repeating this work for several hours, our task was finally completed. The “Magic Stone Line,” which had been merely a thin line, visibly thickened, and the barrier was strengthened to a palpable degree.
I worried about the impact on Dimension, which was placed in a corner, but level 20 seemed fine. After all, the barrier didn’t reach the very corners of the large room. Then, the party erupted in joy over the completion of their request, and after a short break, they set off for the surface. However, Siddharuku’s condition had not yet recovered. The debt incurred from repeatedly casting magic beyond his limits, magic unsuited for him, would not be repaid overnight.
When I offered to support him, Siddharuku refused. “It’s fine. I can’t fight, but I can walk now…” With unsteady steps, he walked within the party. However, he didn’t make any attempt to lead or encourage them. He seemed to lack the stamina for it.
No, perhaps he understood the current state of the party. Everyone in the party was looking to me for instructions. To meet their expectations, I had no choice but to issue commands from the center of the formation.
“You can proceed as is. There are no monsters.” Hearing this, the party seemed relieved and began to advance. As I watched over them, I noticed Snow and Siddharuku talking nearby. Both their expressions were serious, and Snow’s usual lassitude was absent. I eavesdropped for a moment. They weren’t far away, so Dimension wasn’t even necessary.
“–In other words, an invitation from the Siddharuku family?” “Yes. I had originally intended to finish this job perfectly and then extend the invitation… My results were pathetic…” “I’m sure both the Walker family and the Siddharuku family have consented to this… But is El okay with this?” “I welcome Snow. That’s why I’m extending this offer.” From the flow of the conversation, I understood that Siddharuku was inviting Snow to his home. Thinking it was a private matter between them, I stopped eavesdropping.
However, Snow broke off the conversation and approached me. “…Kanami, I’ve been invited to the Siddharuku household. I’ll be tied up all day tomorrow.” “Eh, um, why are you telling me this?” “…I thought I needed the Guild Master’s permission.” “Ah, I see. Well, of course, that’s fine. You can go.” “…You’ll be tied up all day. Is that okay? Are you really okay with it?” “Aren’t you trying to use me to get out of it because you can’t refuse yourself?” “…That’s not true. I’m just confirming. –Master, are you really giving permission? Will you be in trouble if I’m not there for Dungeon Exploration tomorrow? Shouldn’t you reconsider? Please?” “No, I’m giving permission, but…” “…Haa, useless.” “That’s a terrible thing to say.” Just as I suspected, Snow was simply trying to use me to decline the invitation. If I had shown even the slightest reluctance, she would have shifted all the responsibility onto me. Responsibility for refusing not one, but two of the Four Great Noble Families…
“…Then I’ll report this to El.” Snow trudged away and headed towards Siddharuku. I watched her go, and through Dimension, I confirmed Siddharuku’s relieved expression. It seemed that tomorrow’s Dungeon Exploration would be without Snow. However, having days like that is natural. I don’t intend to tie anyone down by my own convenience. The same applies to the operation of “Epic Seeker.” While planning my solo exploration for tomorrow, I continued to lead the party. As long as I led, we wouldn’t face any dangerous situations. However, the downside was that because I could see too much, even minor dangers tended to lead to detours. Although we exceeded the scheduled time, I guided everyone from level 20 to the surface without any problems.
Upon emerging onto the surface, not knowing what to do next, I looked to Siddharuku for help. He nodded and spoke up instead. “We ‘Supreme’ will handle the aftermath. Everyone, you worked hard today. Thank you.” First, he addressed everyone. Then, he spoke to each Guild Master, arranging for rewards and future matters. Finally, Siddharuku turned to me. “Epic Seeker Guild Master Aikawa Kanami. I am grateful for your assistance this time. Regarding your reward and other matters, someone will visit the ‘Epic Seeker’ headquarters later. Please wait.” “Understood.” We exchanged polite words, and the business concluded. Just as we were about to part, Siddharuku spoke as an individual. “Aikawa Kanami, I will never lose to you…” It was a one-sided declaration of war. He had been quiet all the way back, which I found strange, but it seemed I had settled into the position of his rival in his mind. He acknowledged his defeat for today but vowed not to do so next time. Before I could respond, Siddharuku departed. Behind him, Teiri watched with a wide smile.
“Something interesting has happened, hasn’t it?” “The fact that you can say it’s interesting from there is what’s strange about you. I just wanted to build a better relationship with Siddharuku.” “Hehehe, how wonderful. Kanami, who has become the rival of Elmiraud Siddharuku, Snow’s fiancé! What kind of story awaits us? Hehehe…” “There’s nothing in particular.” “You should be excited about that. So, what should I do? Is it okay to disband now?” “It’s fine. Please tell Snow, who’s exhausted back there, the same.” “Understood. Well then, see you next time, Kanami.” “Yes.” Teiri then led Snow, who was slumped over further back, away. The party began to disperse, and people gradually left. Many people greeted me as they left. It seemed my leadership in the latter half had left a strong impression. Following the example of the rest, I also departed from the scene.
My destination was Alivers’ workshop. It was late at night, and there was nothing else to do, but I could at least check on the progress of my weapon. If everything went according to plan, I might receive the finished product. Picturing my own sword, I naturally quickened my pace. After all, the existence of a beloved sword was a boy’s dream. Leaving the darkened town of Laura Via, I arrived at a lit workshop.
“Excuse me.” I entered the workshop while greeting them. Upon seeing the state of the interior, I was taken aback. Many young blacksmiths were collapsed, looking like heaps of corpses. Most of them were covered in dust and slept like logs, while those who were awake had dark circles under their eyes and faces that looked like they were about to die. Alivers, one of those who looked like they were about to die, spotted me and approached.
“Master! What great timing!” “Ah, Alivers-san. Good evening.” Alivers approached me with a bright smile, but he looked like he hadn’t slept in days. This high tension was likely the last spark of his life. “Master’s sword is ready. Over here, take a look.” I was pulled along by Alivers as we went deeper into the workshop. There, a straight sword was displayed. It was exactly as I had requested before. A straight sword with blue patterns on a pure white blade, perfectly symmetrical. A scabbard was displayed next to it.
[Crescent Pectoral Azure’s Straight Sword]
Attack Power: 4
Adds 10% of the wielder’s speed as attack power.
If the enemy’s speed exceeds the wielder’s speed, the wielder’s speed receives a +30% bonus.
“This is… my sword…?” “Yes, it is. It’s my proudest creation for you, Master. Please accept it.” Twith those words, Alivers handed me the sword. As I received the “Crescent Pectoral Azure’s Straight Sword,” I was surprised by its lightness. “It’s light?” “Fufu, isn’t it light? But rest assured. Though it’s light, its durability is guaranteed. Nothing here can scratch this sword. Or perhaps, Master Kanami, you’re the type who can’t use a sword without some weight?” “No, my swordsmanship is self-taught, so I have no trouble with weight. I’m delighted.” “That’s great.” I swung the sword lightly and sheathed it. The entire movement felt several times faster than before. No, it probably was several times faster. The sword was so easy to handle, light, and felt like an extension of my hand.
“This is great. If it can cut crystal, it’ll be perfect.” “It can cut it. That’s something only field tests can confirm, but I’m confident.” “Thank you. I’ll try it out tomorrow then.” I bowed my head in thanks. Alivers still had more to say. “And here, I’ll also give you the magic item that interferes with fire that you mentioned before. This is also a piece made with a highly pure Magic Stone. Here!” Alivers tossed something towards me.
[Red Talisman]
Adds a +20% bonus to the wielder’s fire attribute resistance.
It looked like a necklace made of red gemstones. “It’s small but seems powerful. It would be easier to go into the Labyrinth carrying a lot of these.” “If you bring many magic items, they can interfere with each other, so be careful. Of course, I’ve confirmed that this sword and the Red Talisman do not interfere with each other.” “Thank you. This will make exploring beyond level 20 much easier.” “No, no, you don’t need to thank me. Rather, I should be the one thanking you. If Master becomes stronger, I’m happy just by that. If you advance through the Labyrinth, I can study my own craft with the Magic Stones you obtain there. Feel free to use me as much as you want.” “Understood. I’ll bring more Magic Stones next time, so be prepared.” We bumped fists with smiles, promising to continue our good relationship. Picking up the heavy equipment for Snow that remained, I left Alivers’ workshop. Returning to Maria’s room, I slowly recounted the day’s events before falling asleep.
Thus, I ended another fulfilling day. A life with my share of worries, that I worked hard at, and with small pleasures. This should be what I had been seeking for so long— Should it be? Is this truly my happiness…? A slight ache still clung to my mind, refusing to disappear. However, along with a sure sense of fulfillment, I drifted into a deep sleep.
