Cedric and his group agreed to reconcile and camp together.
“I was hoping to talk with you a little longer. Is that alright?”
“Sure. But why would you want to talk to me?”
“Ah, it’s just once in a while.”
I’m envious of being surrounded by such loyal girls. Unfortunately, I don’t have that much power.
“What is this ‘Another World’ like?”
“Well, it had more nature than here. Or maybe not. I’m sure there are developed areas I just haven’t seen. Civilization must have advanced in some regions.”
“That’s true. This world is very different depending on the region as well.”
I brought the tea I was holding to my lips. He seemed to be drinking something too. Coffee, perhaps.
“Ah, in that case, you’ve seen three worlds. According to the information, you came from a different world, unlike that ‘Another World’. Which one did you like best?”
Now that he mentions it, that’s true. I have seen three different worlds. A world without magic, a world where magic exists, and a world without humans. If asked which is best, they all seem to blend together in the end.
“Hmm, in my homeland, there were no conflicts and food was readily available. But that was only in the region where I lived. On a global scale, it might be the same.”
“I see,” Cedric nodded. “So, the basic things are the same everywhere.”
Cedric nodded in agreement. I have something to apologize to him for. It was something I said that insulted his companions. I went too far, even in the heat of battle.
“Hey, during the battle, I’m sorry for speaking ill of your companions.”
“Huh? Haha, what, was that it? It’s okay. That wasn’t your true intention, was it? I got to see firsthand how humans fight. Even with swords and magic, there’s no matching opponent, so you resorted to verbal attacks in the end. And I fell for that strategy.”
He told me I was the first person he’d met who fought like me. I guess I’m sorry for being weak. When our drinks ran out, we naturally parted ways and returned to our respective companions.
“We’ll be together for one night, please take care of us.”
“Likewise.”
As we parted, we shook hands lightly. We were enemies, but he and I could become good friends. If only we could have met under different circumstances. But then, we might never have met at all. I watched his back as he was surrounded by his companions. For some reason, I wished I could have stayed with him longer. I could understand why people gravitated towards him.
I returned to my own tent. As the morning sun rose, everyone was preparing to sleep. It was a strange sight, but everyone was utterly exhausted. Piyo was fast asleep, snoring loudly on a tree branch. He must have fallen asleep while climbing. I hope he doesn’t fall.
“Ah, Hiro, you’re back! Fwahh~ I’m at my limit.”
“Me too. Honestly, those guys attacked us before we could even take a break. If they were going to attack, they should have done it in the morning.”
Nina leaned against Philiana, her eyes closed. As soon as I thought things had settled down, exhaustion washed over me too. I collapsed onto my sleeping bag and drifted off to sleep.
I woke up around noon. We packed up the camp and headed in opposite directions. I actually wanted to stay a little longer, but I felt uncomfortable in this deep forest.
“As you said, I will go investigate that orphanage. I shouldn’t say this, but I hope you do your best.”
“Ah, let’s meet again when my journey is over.”
It would be great to travel together, but that was impossible for them. It would mean making an enemy out of Headquarters. If that happened, they would be expelled from the university and their lives would become unsustainable. Well, this defeat should have been a significant setback for him.
“Hey, why can’t Cedric and the others come with us?”
Piyo asked that question as we began walking separately.
“Hmm, they have their own work to do.”
“But Cedric is going to fight Dark Elves too, right? Then it should be fine if we go together.”
How should I explain it? They have too much to lose. Their social status and honor, as well as their possessions.
“If you came with us, it would be considered betraying your own side.”
“Is that so? What a shame.”
Still puzzled, she tilted her head, not entirely convinced. Things in this world weren’t that simple. On that note, everyone looked tired, perhaps from lack of rest. Even though Cedric had treated my burns, my hand still hadn’t fully healed. Nina yawned drowsily.
Lauren and Pauline were probably the only ones among us who weren’t injured. But then, Lauren had bandages wrapped around both her wrists.
“Huh? Lauren, did you injure your wrists?”
“Uh, um, th-this is from Veronica-san…”
She faltered, finding it difficult to speak. From Veronica? Were they together during the fight? I remembered Veronica gripping Lauren’s hand. They had succeeded in long-range manipulation by borrowing Veronica’s magic power.
“Ah, I see. But why are you injured? Did she grip you that tightly?”
“N-no, it’s not that. Veronica-san’s magic power was too strong, and my skin got burned. B-but it’s not Veronica-san’s fault. It’s because my own power was too weak.”
Could such a thing happen? In essence, it means she exceeded her capacity. The burns were caused by pouring a large amount of magic power into her.
“I-I was so happy. I, I always end up just watching during battles. Fighting alongside Veronica-san was like a dream.”
Lauren gazed dreamily at her bandaged hands. She said she always just watched, but she had been saved by her more times than I could count.
