Chilling sentimental journey with point saving! [Volume 2] [Ch 2] (Patreon)

After parting ways with Nei, we reentered Grigit.

I never expected to be whisked away straight to Northstar. Originally, we had planned to visit a specific village in Grigit first. From there, we intended to head toward the capital, but thanks to our detour to the fairy's hidden village, we ended up taking a significant detour.

However, I genuinely believe that taking this detour was worth it.

We decided to stick to our original plan and head toward the capital of Grigit via the village.

According to Nei, even if we returned to Balsey, we would likely miss seeing Sain. She advised that it would be more reliable to wait in the capital for him. Nei mentioned something about attending a roundtable conference, but I didn’t quite grasp the details.

“Honestly, I don’t care as long as we can catch Sain,” I said, prompting Nei to roll her eyes and exclaim, “You really are such an idiot.” Well, sorry for being clueless; sometimes you just don’t know what you don’t know.

As we regained our usual calm demeanor, we continued our journey toward the capital.

—Grr!

—The food at yesterday’s inn was delicious! I was hesitant about eating the organs, but once I tried them, they were rich and had no strange taste.

—The innkeeper really knew what he was talking about.

—I’m not a fan of organ meat. I would have preferred something lighter.

The three of us exchanged friendly banter.

—Grrr! Grrr!

—By the way, I’ve never seen Frau's status.

—Exactly! Our master is so strong that he tends to overlook his companions’ abilities. He should rely on us more; otherwise, he’ll end up becoming completely dependent on his slaves.

—I agree with that. Our master has a tendency to try and do everything himself; he needs to lean on us a bit more.

—That’s definitely not just a little bit.

As it started becoming a nuisance, I pulled away the tiger that was trying to bite my head.

I grabbed the tiger by its tail and lifted it up, causing it to suddenly change its demeanor, purring loudly as if trying to ingratiate itself. It should have realized it was outmatched the moment it bit me.

Sometimes, you come across monsters that are surprisingly dull-witted despite their wild instincts.

I wondered how much a tiger's skin would sell for—just as that thought crossed my mind, the tiger began to shake nervously.

—Just kidding! Now scram!

—Grr!

The discarded tiger took off like a shot, not even bothering to look back.

Moments later, Panta peeked out from my backpack.

Given its size, this little guy was the most likely to get tangled up in trouble. It must have been hiding because it didn’t want any part of that.

—Here, take this.

—Huh?

—It’s Frau’s status.

Oh right, that’s what we were talking about.

Status

Level: 190

Name: Frau

Age: 28

Gender: Female

Race: Fairy

Job: Blacksmith / Priestess (Slave)

Skills: Attack Boost Level 6, Agility Boost Level 8, Insight Level 4, Prayer of Growth Level 10

This is pretty impressive. She has some high-level ability-boosting skills.

And "Insight" is a rare skill that can reveal hidden or disguised things.

I wonder what this "Prayer of Growth" is all about.

—Prayer of Growth is a skill that benefits plants. As the name suggests, it accelerates growth and can hasten the harvest time of crops.

—Wow, so you’re a blacksmith?

—Of course! My family has been in the blacksmithing business for generations.

Ah, that explains why she wields a hammer as her weapon. If her father, Papau, is also a blacksmith, I should ask him to make me a quality knife next time we meet.

—Hey, my Lord, there’s something more important you should be paying attention to.

—What’s that? Your age?

—No! It’s my level! I really shot up after the last battle!

—Got it, as expected from Frau.

—Please stop! I beg you!

It turns out Frau leveled up from 130 to 190 during our last fight.

Well, that makes sense; she took down a ton of demons.

Kaede has also reached level 260 and will soon be on par with me.

As for me, my experience points have been drained and I’m stuck at 300. Even with doubled experience points, it’s hard to level up when most of it gets absorbed.

It really feels like having a parasite skill.

[Notice: Magic Power Storage and Skill Experience Storage have been restored.]

A translucent window opened up, displaying the message.

I thought it was about time for that, though it might have come a bit late.

This is going to suck; those parasitic skills will probably drain even more from me.

Sigh.

Nestled deep within a maze of mountains, the village lay hidden.

Far removed from the city, its inhabitants continued their traditional way of life.

There were no showers, no convenient items, and hardly any wizards around. Every day, they went through the hassle of boiling water over a fire in this old-fashioned village.

Ironically, this village is one of Grigit's proudest tourist attractions.

Proof of this can be seen in the numerous inns that line the streets, bustling with travelers. Outside the shops, wooden carvings of bears and boars were sold as souvenirs. Signs advertised local delicacies like "Pattan Village's Famous Breast Bread."

Could it be that this village has a lot of busty women?

I had never heard such rumors before. If I had, I definitely wouldn’t have forgotten them.

—Hey, hey! This is delicious!

—Mmm?!

Frau suddenly shoved something white into my mouth. As I bit down, a sweet flavor spread across my palate.

Meanwhile, she was munching on something that looked like white bread.

—Mmm! What is this?

—I got it from that stall over there.

—...Breast Bun?

Once again, it's about breasts. This village really seems to promote them. Just to be sure, I glanced at the women around me, but most had average sizes and nothing particularly eye-catching.

My gaze inadvertently landed on Frau's chest before I quickly looked away.

The breast bun was fluffy and delicious. I split it in half and handed a piece to Kaede.

—Mmm, this bun brings back memories!

She seemed genuinely happy, her fluffy white tail swaying excitedly. Panta reacted by chasing after her tail.

—Did they have these in your hometown?

—Yes! My great-grandmother used to sneak them to my mother without telling her.

—Great-grandmother?

—Um, that would be my mother’s mother’s mother’s—

She started counting on her fingers. Once she reached a number I couldn’t follow, I stopped her. So, Kaede's ancestor must be quite the character.

But do Beastfolk really live that long?

Or is her great-grandmother just exceptional?

I found myself increasingly curious about how Kaede ended up as my slave. Somehow, I had never asked about it directly. As her master, it was about time I learned more.

—Master, look! Over there!

—Whoa!

Frau grabbed my head and forcefully turned me to face the front.

I heard a crack; if you’re a slave, you should be gentler with your master!

As I turned my attention to the street, I noticed a crowd gathered around a cow.

—Pattan Village's famous premium milk! Only 500 per cup! Come on, line up!

The shopkeeper poured milk from a pot into cups and handed them to customers.

Gulp, gulp, gulp—ahh! 

The customers wore satisfied expressions, their faces adorned with white mustaches.

So the "breasts" they were talking about were from cows. I had assumed there were some exceptionally busty women around.

—Master, let’s try that drink!

—I want some too! Panta thinks so as well!

—Kyui!

—Alright, alright, just stop pulling me!

I was dragged along by the two of them and stood in line. It was definitely fresh. Right next to the shopkeeper, a boy was diligently milking the cow. Even from a distance, the rich aroma of milk wafted through the air, making my throat involuntarily gulp.

We received our cups and took a sip together.

—Mmm?! This richness and sweetness?!

—Ahh, this is delicious!

—Not bad! If it can make Frau moan like that, it must be good.

—Kyuu~!

I was about to ask for another cup when I extended my cup toward the shopkeeper.

Crack.

Did I squeeze too hard and crack it?

I examined the cup closely but couldn’t find any damage.

Crack, crack, crack.

No, this sound is resonating from within me.

Could it be that the last storage skill... is activating?

[Notification: Skill Storage Level has reached its limit and will be upgraded for payment.][Notification: Due to the effects of skill enhancement, the payment has been upgraded.][Notification: Skill Storage has been damaged. Restoration will take some time.][Notification: Experience points for skill doubling have been acquired.][Notification: Dragon Eye has been acquired.][Notification: Servitude Mega Boost has been acquired.][Notification: Job Copy has been acquired.][Notification: Ultimate Universal Key has been acquired.]

Wow, a bunch of skills I’ve never heard of just popped up all at once.

First things first, let’s check them out.

Starting with Dragon Eye—oh, could it be the advanced skill that Dragon Knights acquire? 

The basic Dragon Eye allows one to see hidden entities like ghosts and spirits. If this is an upgraded version, it should provide even more detailed perception.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed some skills that resembled ones I already knew.

Alright, I think I can make some educated guesses about their effects.

Servitude Mega Boost is likely a skill obtainable by a Tamer Master. It probably enhances tamed monsters.

I’ve heard of Servitude Boost before, but Mega is new to me.

Job Copy seems to be a Mimic’s skill, and as the name suggests, it likely allows the user to imitate someone else's job. If that’s the case, does it mean that Mimic is literally what it sounds like? I’ve put off trying it for too long; I should test it out soon.

Ultimate Universal Key is also a skill I’ve never encountered before.

With all these new skills, I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity about what they could do for me in our adventures ahead.

I remember hearing somewhere that Grand Thieves possess a skill called "Special Key" for lockpicking. If this is an upgraded version, does that mean I can unlock anything?

It feels like I've taken another step into the realm of the extraordinary.

—What’s wrong? You seem lost in thought. — Frau said, breaking my reverie.

—Another storage skill broke, and my abilities increased.

—Congratulations, Master! That’s amazing!

—Oh, uh, thanks.

I couldn’t help but smile at Kaede as she hugged me excitedly. My adorable slave always celebrates my achievements. It’s heartwarming, but it also makes me feel a bit shy and unable to meet her gaze.

—Have you gotten stronger again? You don’t seem different, though.

Frau circled around me, observing closely.

I absentmindedly patted her head, causing her to freeze and blush intensely.

—Th–That’s unfair! You can’t do that!

—Should I stop?

—No! Keep petting me!

She pressed her head against my palm, pushing it for more affection. Her wings fluttered happily, clearly in a good mood.

Tap tap.

Someone tapped my shoulder.

—Hey there, buddy. You think you could settle up for that milk now?

—Ky—guh!

In the moment I looked away, Panta had managed to drink all the milk from the pot.

Panta floated contentedly in the air, his belly full.

I turned to apologize to the customer standing next to the shopkeeper.

—Master, look! That’s the rumored Tower of Croies!

—Wow! It’s huge even from here!

—Kyu!

From the observation deck in the village, we had a panoramic view of the scenery.

Surrounded by multiple mountains, a majestic tower stood tall at the center of a forest.

The Tower of Croies—one of the ancient species' ruins.

Its purpose is unknown, as are its construction methods and reasons for being built, not to mention the internal structure remains a mystery.

The reason is simple: the area surrounding the tower is under Elf control. Humans cannot approach it and can only admire it from a distance.

Even so, the view from here was impressive; in fact, seeing it from afar highlighted the tower's grandeur even more.

The exterior of the tower was stunning. It was primarily white with golden decorations. At the very top, a gem-like red stone reflected dazzling light. It was a solemn yet fantastical structure.

For us, who were at a high level, we could see it clearly without needing a telescope.

—I understand why this village is a tourist attraction now.

—Yeah.

—It really looks like a mountain up close, but from far away, it’s incredibly beautiful.

—True—huh? A mountain?

Frau's comment made me tilt my head in confusion. I felt a strong sense of unease.

Her wording suggested she might have seen it up close before.

—What’s with that face?

—Have you seen it up close?

—I told you before. The Fairy tribe gets along well with the Elves.

—Oh right.

I recalled hearing that in the village. I had completely forgotten about it.

If Frau could act as a bridge to the Elves, then perhaps we could get a closer look at that tower. Who knows, they might even let us inside.

That would undoubtedly be a rare experience. If I let this opportunity slip away, I might never get another chance like it.

—Hey, can you ask the Elves to let us see it up close?

—Well, those folks can be pretty stubborn. If I can persuade them well enough, we might be allowed into the village... but do you really want to see that tower up close?

—I do.

Frau grinned widely.

I had a bad feeling about this. Was she planning to be selfish?

—I want to reach level 200 too! My Lord, please help me!

—Is that all you want?

—This is my pride as a servant of the great race. I want to catch up to Kaede and be of more help to you. I don’t want people saying, ‘That fairy has no chest or skills!’ I need to make a big leap in growth right here!

She opened her eyes wide, exuding an intense aura that made me feel pressured.

What does she mean by having no chest or skills? At least I understood that she was concerned about her size.

—Alright then, let’s prioritize your level up while we travel to the village.

—Yay! Aim for level 200! Woohoo!!

She cheered happily, giving a peace sign.

As she floated in the air, her light green twin-tails swayed back and forth.

While the tower was intriguing, the Elf village also piqued my interest greatly. Interacting with a race I rarely encountered was exciting for someone who loved adventure. Plus, I had heard that Elves were always stunningly beautiful. As a man, it was hard not to be curious.

Kaede hugged my arm tightly.

—Don’t worry, Master. You have me.

—I won’t do anything you’re thinking of.

—Oh, right.

Her face turned bright red as she looked up at me with wide eyes.

Kaede's tail rubbed against my leg, seemingly marking me with her scent. It appeared to be an unconscious action. When I stroked her cheek with my free hand, she closed her eyes and leaned into my touch, enjoying it. Her smooth skin felt delightful.

As I patted her head, she let her fox ears droop and wore a blissful expression.

—Master, we’re leaving now!

—Sorry!

Called by Frau, we hurried to regroup.

***

Thud!

Crack!

Frau swung her hammer down, sending a Red Bear flying with tremendous force.

She zipped through the trees at high speed, scattering goblins and orcs in an instant, finally embedding the last remaining griffon into the ground.

—Level 220 achieved!!

Frau raised her hammer and shouted triumphantly.

I had been watching her all this time, and it was like witnessing a small storm. She took down every enemy in sight, making it a challenge just to gather materials from the corpses.

Her pace was so fast that I worried she might be hunting too much.

—Are you satisfied now?

—Of course! I won’t be a burden anymore.

A burden... I completely understood Frau's anxious feelings.

Not long ago, I had been desperate not to become one myself. Thinking about it now, I realized how fortunate we all were. Fate had intertwined our paths, bringing the three of us together here.

—!?

Whoosh!

An arrow suddenly flew from somewhere and embedded itself in a tree nearby.

—This is not a place for you humans. Leave immediately.

An elven woman landed gracefully from a high position.

With her white skin, flowing black straight hair, and a face that looked almost artificial, she possessed the characteristic long ears of an Elf.

Gritting her teeth, she drew her bow, directing a sharp gaze at us.

—I’ll warn you one more time. This is not a place for you. Leave at once.

The elven woman began to emanate a murderous intent.

The unspoken message was clear: refuse her warning, and she would kill us.

—Alyusha! Wait, don’t attack!

—You’re the fairy, Frau? Why are you with a human?

Frau stepped between me and the Elf.

It seemed they were familiar with each other. Alright, I’ll leave this to her.

—Um, Frau is now a slave.

—What?! You barbaric outsiders! Not content with capturing Elves and turning them into slaves, now you’ve even laid your hands on a small, cute fairy that makes your heart flutter when you pet her! I won’t allow it!

—Hey, calling me cute is embarrassing! Ehehe.

Yeah... I was starting to feel like Frau wouldn’t be able to stop this.

There was no sign that this situation would resolve itself. In fact, it seemed like it might only anger her more. The Elf’s eyes appeared to sharpen even further

—I’ll kill you!

—Ah!

An arrow was released.

However, Kaede, who had been standing nearby, swiftly knocked it away with her iron fan.

Alyusha grimaced and clicked her tongue in frustration.

—To think a beast slave would defend against my attacks. How cowardly! Die proudly by receiving Alyusha's arrows!

—I’m amazed. You can’t even see the difference in our abilities.

—Those who mock me will die. You and your master will perish!

Clearly, she was a high-level archer, as she nocked arrow after arrow with incredible speed and precision, launching them at Kaede in rapid succession.

—I won’t even need to use magic.

Kaede twirled her two iron fans gracefully, knocking the arrows out of the air.

After deflecting the thirtieth arrow, her opponent ran out of ammunition, and Kaede elegantly flipped her skirt, holding her fans in a striking pose.

Alyusha broke into a cold sweat and took a step back.

—You blocked all my arrows... I can’t believe it.

—You shouldn’t be surprised by this level of skill. For aiming an arrow at my master, you will face the consequences—

I placed my hand on Kaede’s shoulder to stop her.

—You said your name is Alyusha. We have no intention of fighting.

—Hmph! Don’t get cocky just because my arrows didn’t hit. Elves have spirit magic at their disposal. This time, I’ll make you regret coming here!

—Please, just listen to me.

A gust of wind began to swirl around Alyusha.

That was the manifestation of spirit magic, which requires neither incantation nor magical power. I had heard that only a select few Elves could wield it, but it seemed she was not only skilled with a bow but also capable of using spirit magic.

—Spirit of the wind, slice that man apart!

I immediately activated Dragon Eye. Suddenly, things that had previously eluded my sight became clear.

A translucent bird floated right next to Alyusha. Its eyes locked onto me as it flapped its wings vigorously to prepare for casting magic.

Normally, physical attacks wouldn’t affect ghosts or spirits. However, now that I could clearly see it with Dragon Eye, I should be able to cut it down.

I swiftly drew my large sword from my back and kicked off the ground.

In an instant, I dashed forward and struck the wind spirit with the flat of my blade.

The spirit flew off into the sky, disappearing into the distance.

—Come on, wind spirit! Wind spirit! Where are you, wind spirit?

Alyusha, oblivious to the spirit's disappearance, kept issuing commands. She didn’t even notice that I had moved behind her.

—The spirit is gone now.

—Wha—?! When did you get there?!

She stumbled backward, landing on her rear and skillfully scooting away.

When her back hit a tree, she began to sweat profusely, her face pale.

The dignified Elf from moments ago was nowhere to be found.

—I–I can’t believe the spirit is gone... that’s impossible!

—The magic has vanished, hasn’t it?

—Ugh...

—Please, just listen to me.

—Ugh... ugh...

Her expression shifted to one that looked like she was about to cry.

She was starting to seem quite pitiful. Maybe it was time to give up on the tower and head back.

***

—So, do you understand now, Alyusha? Frau’s master is strong, cool, and amazing. You should apologize and let us into the village.

—But...

—Let’s do this: as the granddaughter of the village chief, I’ll make an official visit. Whatever happens in the Elf village will be the Fairy village’s responsibility.

—Tch, if it’s an official visit, I can’t refuse.

Alyusha stood up and said she would “go talk to the chief,” retreating deeper into the forest.

I wish they had said that from the start, but I swallowed my thoughts.

Taking full responsibility isn’t something to be taken lightly. If any issues arise, the Fairy chief would bear the blame.

If we were allowed in, I would just take a quick look at the tower and head back.

Frau's proposal was accepted, and we were invited into the village.

However, the hostile glares coming from all directions made me feel extremely uncomfortable. The Elves passing by openly displayed their disdain.

On the other hand, the Elf village was truly magnificent.

It seemed they lived using the ruins, with stone buildings lined up and bridges connecting the houses. The branches of massive trees covered the town, letting in dappled sunlight. It created an atmosphere that made you want to stay forever.

—Don’t do anything strange. Be careful with your words and actions.

—I know, I know. I’ll look at the tower and leave right away.

Alyusha led us while warning us repeatedly.

It had been a hundred years since a human was last invited into an Elf village. Apparently, it was during a visit from a group of heroes, and there had been quite a bit of trouble then as well.

—Humans should just go home!

—Yeah, go home!

The children chanted for us to leave. The adults watching didn’t even try to stop them.

The relationship between Elves and humans seemed to be more strained than I had imagined.

—Master, why not just reveal that you’re a dragonkin?

—I’d rather not do that. I don’t know if Elves would react to me like Fairies do, but I really don’t want to be detained again. Besides, I’m not good at standing out.

I just wanted to see the tower. There was no need to flaunt my race unnecessarily.

And besides, I still felt like a human at heart.

Frau stomped her foot, sending a shockwave through the ground.

Instantly, the noise from the Elves ceased.

In fact, most of the adults looked pale.

—Are you trying to pick a fight with the Fairy tribe? If we’re taking full responsibility, it’s based on the assumption that we will be treated accordingly. You haven’t forgotten how thoroughly you were beaten by the Fairies, have you?

Wait, are Fairies really that strong?

While their flying speed and agility are impressive, I had heard that Fairies have strong magical resistance. Plus, their small size makes them hard to target with arrows. Perhaps they are a race that Elves would prefer not to antagonize.

—Frau, please don’t intimidate the villagers too much.

—But Alyusha, it’s unacceptable for them to speak ill of my master!

—That’s true. The villagers have been very rude. As an apology, we will ensure they treat you with utmost hospitality later.

—I don’t really mind...

—Hmph! As expected from the man who defeated me. You’re too good to be just a human.

For the first time, Alyusha smiled.

I never thought I’d understand why someone would want an Elf as a slave. She resembled a single flower swaying in the wind, making me want to gaze at her forever.

But she couldn’t compete with Kaede’s beauty and cuteness.

Across from us, a handsome young man smiled.

—Welcome to our village. I am the chief here.

—Thank you.

His bright and refreshing aura made him seem more like a prince than a chief.

Though he appeared to be in his twenties, it was difficult to determine age from appearance alone since Elves are long-lived.

The tension in the air was palpable as we stood before him, and I couldn’t shake off the feeling that we were still being watched closely by the other villagers.

—I apologize for the sudden question, but how old are you?

—I’m 320 years old. Quite a respectable age, isn’t it?

I couldn’t quite grasp what that meant in human terms.

By appearance alone, he looked younger than me.

—Right away, can I see the tower up close?

—Are you going to tell me your purpose?

—Just sightseeing. It’s normal to want to see such a magnificent structure up close, isn’t it?

—I see. It is indeed a wonderful ruin. — The chief continued — However, there are conditions. The tower is a symbol of our village, and normally we wouldn’t allow outsiders to approach it. But if you agree to my conditions, you may explore both the exterior and interior as much as you like. In fact, we will welcome you as an official guest without involving the Fairies.

—What are those conditions?

He smiled warmly, pausing for a moment.

—The condition is that you open the tower’s door for us.

—Huh?

—You see, we’ve never been inside the tower ourselves.

I struggled to comprehend what the chief was saying. If they owned it, surely they knew what was inside.

Was he joking?

—Well, the tower is locked, and no one has ever entered it. If you could unlock it, that would be a historic moment for our village! Ha ha!

—This doesn’t sound like a joke...

—No, it’s true! We have no idea what’s inside. Our ancestors have lived here for generations, yet we still don’t know what kind of structure it is.

Seriously? It’s surprising they can claim ownership without knowing what it contains. I found it hard to believe.

While his tone was lighthearted, he had just revealed something quite significant.

So, that tower is an unexplored ruin. A sudden thrill washed over me. If I could open it, I wanted to see what was inside. This was part of the adventure, right?

—What if there are treasures inside? I think I deserve at least 30%... though that might be pushing it.

—Thirty percent sounds fair, if you can open it.

Kaede made sure to secure that promise.

Right now, when everyone believed we couldn’t possibly open it, was the perfect opportunity.

My cute little slave was quite clever. Yes, indeed.

—Chief, this man is no ordinary human. If you casually agree to such terms, it will be a problem for us if by any chance he actually opens it.

—Don’t worry! That tower was never opened even by the Grand Thief of old. There’s no way he could manage it!

—But there’s always a possibility.

—You’re brave yet worry too much, Alyusha. That’s why you can’t find a husband.

—That’s completely unrelated! Brother!

It seemed they were siblings, as both Kaede and I exchanged surprised glances at Alyusha's words. Frau appeared to have known this all along and was playing with Panta, seemingly indifferent.

—So, if I manage to open it, you’ll welcome us?

—Of course!

The chief smiled widely.

I could almost hear his inner thoughts: “There’s no way he’ll be able to do it anyway.”

***

We all craned our necks back, staring up at the tower until our necks began to ache.

What a massive structure!

Up close, the Tower of Croies resembled a white wall more than a tower.

There were no visible windows; the only way to enter was through the enormous front door. The door was made of metal and reminded me of the gates of a holy armory, likely built around the same time as the temple.

Now then, where’s the keyhole... Ah, there it is.

The door had a keyhole, which was a significant difference from the temple doors.

—So, can you open it?

—Kyui!

Frau floated over on Panta, her fluffy companion.

I peered into the keyhole, but I couldn’t see anything on the other side. This was definitely not a simple lock. Even with the Grand Thief job, I couldn’t imagine how it worked. It was beyond my knowledge, which I had expected from the start.

—It seems you need an original key that can’t be duplicated to open it.

—Do you have an appraisal skill?

—Yes. It says here that it has been locked for thousands of years and hasn’t been opened since.

—That confirms it’s an untouched ruin.

Excitement bubbled within me. What could be waiting inside?

—What’s the hold-up, human? Hurry up and open it!

—Just give me a moment!

—It’s probably pointless anyway.

Alyusha, the lookout, had already entered a state of resignation before even attempting to challenge the lock.

Given how many humans had tried and failed before, her attitude was understandable.

Well then, let’s give it a shot. I pulled out a simple piece of wire that anyone could find and inserted it into the keyhole. Then I activated the Ultimate Universal Key.

Click

In just one second, the lock clicked open.

Heh heh, as expected of the Ultimate Universal Key; it seems like it can open anything.

—It’s open!

—See? I told you it wouldn’t—what!?

I gently pushed the door open.

At that moment, Alyusha fell to her knees in shock, her expression shifting from disbelief to near tears.

—How is it possible that you can open it...?

—Sorry, Alyusha, but we’re taking that 30%

—Frau! Please, have mercy!

—Don’t cling to me! That’s not what your chief said!

With tears welling in her eyes, Alyusha clung to Frau, pleading for her to forget about the deal. It was understandable; the thought of losing 30% of the treasures guarded by the Elves was devastating.

But it was too late now. The door had been opened.

And I was intensely curious about the treasures that lay within the tower.

Creek. 

I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

—What’s that?

—Kyui?

Beyond the door was a vast floor.

In the center of the room sat a massive object: an enormous beast egg over five meters tall.

Its surface was green with multiple protrusions, resembling a gelatinous mass without any elasticity.

I approached and touched it with my finger.

Thud.

A hole easily formed, releasing a foul odor. A thick liquid dripped out, and a stench that made my nose wrinkle filled the air.

—Yuck! This is rotten!

—It must be in poor condition. My appraisal skill indicates it’s dead inside. I can’t stand this smell—ugh!

Kaede quickly distanced herself from the egg. Her keen sense of smell made it even harder for her to endure.

Looking closely, I noticed that both Frau and Alyusha were also covering their noses and moving to a corner. Meanwhile, I had become desensitized to the stench since I was closer to the egg.

—Kyuu…

—Sorry, buddy. Tough luck.

I patted Panta, who looked dejected at the sight.

The egg was undoubtedly large, suggesting it belonged to a powerful beast. I felt a pang of regret for not being able to tame it.

But was this all there was in the tower?

—Master, there’s a staircase over there!

—You’re right. Let’s go up.

The four of us ascended to the second floor.

The second floor was filled with shallow water, resembling a large aquarium. Fresh water flowed in from the walls, and a walkway led across the room toward stairs at the back.

—It seems there are no living creatures here. The appraisal indicates that the water is suitable for drinking.

—Then I’ll take a sip.

I cupped my hands and took a drink.

It was refreshing and tasted great without any unpleasant odor.

Following my lead, the other three also drank.

—It must be drawn from underground; it’s cold and delicious!

—I feel like I want to wash off my sweat in this water.

—Stop it, Frau! This is the village’s precious drinking water!

—Is that so?

Alyusha smiled broadly as she repeatedly drank from the water.

It was starting to feel a bit eerie.

—In this village, we had to travel far to fetch water. I never expected such abundant drinking water to be so close by.

—That’s great! But what exactly is this place?

—According to legend, it is said that Elven treasures lie asleep here.

Hmm, treasures, huh? Is this what they’re referring to?

Yet, even now, the Grand Thief's instincts were tingling; it seemed there was something here that could be considered treasure.

We proceeded to the third floor.

—Bookshelves?

—Master, look! Scrolls!

—What are these? This is incredible treasure!

Our voices echoed in the dimly lit room.

The third floor was lined with countless shelves, each filled with an enormous quantity of scrolls. Each shelf had plates indicating the types of scrolls stored.

However, I couldn’t read the ancient script.

—There are scrolls for appraisal, insight, x-ray vision, dissolution... and it seems there are some skills I’ve never heard of.

—Can you read ancient script?

—Yes, I can.

Seriously? Ancient script is something only highly educated scholars can read. For my cute little slave to decipher it so easily was impressive.

—Over here are the magic scrolls!

—Really?!

Kaede ran over at Frau’s call.

...Am I the only one in the party who can’t read this?

I sensed a presence behind me and turned to see Alyusha, furrowing her brow as she peered at the shelves, muttering; “What kind of scroll is this?”

There she was—my comrade. It was nice to realize she couldn’t read it either; for the first time since arriving here, I felt a sense of camaraderie.

—With this many scrolls, it’s truly a treasure trove. You must be pleased as an Elf.

—Indeed. Though it’s late, I thank you. If you hadn’t opened the door, we wouldn’t have access to this drinking water or these scrolls. Toru may be a human, but he is a good human.

—Thank you.

It seemed my reputation had increased significantly in her eyes.

However, with this many scrolls, it was understandable that she would feel that way.

Scrolls are one-time-use artifacts, but their value is high. Some could be worth a mountain of gold coins. Since Elves live without much concern for money, these would likely be used primarily for the village's defense. Undoubtedly, they were treasures of the Elves.

—There’s still a staircase!

With that, we headed up to the fourth floor.

—This place is filled with scrolls too!

—Perhaps this was a building meant for storing scrolls.

The fourth floor was just like the third, packed with an immense number of scrolls.

It felt like a library of scrolls. If I could sell all of them, I could live comfortably without worrying about money for the rest of my life. Of course, I wouldn’t actually do that.

—There’s still more above! Let’s hurry!

Alyusha returned, excitement radiating from her as she pointed out the staircase leading higher. She seemed to have high hopes, but my nose had already stopped reacting.

I might as well check it out.

After climbing the long staircase, we found a heavy door at the top, and it was locked.

—There’s treasure beyond this door, Toru!

—Alright, alright.

Next to the fidgeting Alyusha, I pulled out my pin.

With a click, the lock was undone, and the door quietly swung open.

—...There’s nothing here?

The spacious room appeared empty at first glance. Alyusha’s shoulders slumped in disappointment as she had expected more treasure. In contrast, our attention was drawn to the center of the room.

—Master!

—Hey, what’s that?

—Kyui!!

In the center of the room was a familiar magic circle. Yes, it was a teleportation magic circle. Moreover, it seemed to be active, glowing just like the one we had seen before.

Considering our previous experience, it was almost certain that this would allow us to teleport from one ruin to another. The only question was where it led. If it connected to an unexplored ruin...

Damn it, I wanted to know where it went!

—You can do whatever you want, Master. I will follow you anywhere.

—Exactly! You don’t have to worry about us, we’ve trained for this. And there seems to be treasure beyond this point! Hehe.

—Kyuu!!

The encouragement from the two of them pushed me forward.

I truly had great companions. Thank you both.

With our direction set, I took another look around the room. It seemed there were no more areas to explore.

We hurried back down to report to the chief.

***

[Sain’s Side]

Having successfully escaped from the demon tribe, I returned to the royal capital of Balsey.

However, what awaited me was a humiliating reprimand.

—I’ll commend you for obtaining the sacred sword; well done. However, what was that disgraceful behavior in Northstar? You abandoned your comrades in front of the Demon King's minions and fled, causing great damage to the town.

—...

—That alone might have been excusable. But after you fled, an adventurer party called the Wandering Brigade easily defeated those same minions.

—The Wandering Brigade?! Why were they there!?

As I tried to stand, the knights guarding the king placed their hands on their swords.

I quickly returned to my previous position.

I had nearly grabbed the king by his collar and demanded answers. What a detestable party.

They must have finished off my prey after Nei weakened them. They had been a nuisance everywhere I went, and now they were following in my footsteps. I couldn’t forgive that. Just killing them wouldn’t quell my anger; it was infuriating.

—Your Majesty, please give me another chance!

—Very well. Even as a hero, you are still in a period of growth. I will overlook this incident this time.

—Ah! Thank you for your deep kindness!

Internally, I felt nauseous at my own feelings.

If he weren’t the king, I would have trampled him underfoot. He would have begged for his life like those rivals from the guild I had once destroyed.

The king leaned on his elbow against the armrest of his throne.

—I will give you two chances for redemption.

—Absolutely!

A beautifully adorned Elven woman was brought into the audience chamber, wearing a collar that marked her as a slave.

I was momentarily captivated by her stunning beauty.

—This is a rare high elf that I have acquired. Isn’t she beautiful? However, I’ve spent quite a bit of gold on her.

—...

—I want to obtain the high elf for free. Therefore, I have decided to send you to the Elven village in Grigit Forest.

—You want me to capture her, don’t you?

The king simply smiled without answering.

He didn’t need to say it outright; his intentions were clear.

A high elf slave... that sounds appealing. I want one too. I love taking things from others.

However, the real issue is how to enter the Elven village.

That place is notoriously exclusive, allowing no humans inside. Even as a hero, it wouldn’t be easy to gain entry. But they would eventually relent; historically, Elves have cooperated with heroes many times before. The Elves’ obedience to heroes is a long-standing tradition.

It felt like I had already secured a high elf slave.

—And the second task is to defeat one of the Six Generals, Rowaz. This will serve as your opportunity to embark on a journey to defeat the Demon King. Will you do it?

—Yes! I will definitely accomplish it!

—Very well. The next time we meet will be at the Round Table Conference held in the capital of Grigit. Until then, prepare both the high elf and some heroic achievements.

After receiving the king’s command to leave, I bowed respectfully.

Internally, a dark anger swirled within me. I desperately wanted to behead this arrogant old fool who strutted around with his level 30s. I had imagined killing him countless times in my mind. He was known among commoners as a foolish king, and rightly so. Perhaps this kingdom wouldn’t last much longer at this rate.

***

As I made my way toward the Elven village, I repeatedly heard rumors about the Wandering Brigade.

—They saved five towns in just one day.

—They possess a large sacred sword.

—Their slave is an unparalleled beauty.

—They defeated the Demon King's minions with a mere flick.

—They have a fairy with them.

—The leader is incredibly handsome.

—They have a cute white creature with them.

—The real heroes are the Wandering Brigade.

—There’s a fake hero in Balsey.

The content of these rumors made something within me snap.

However, I intentionally chose to ignore all of it. After all, these were just embellished tales. The truth would eventually reveal itself, and I was the real deal.

I realized that I had been too eager for success. I had become so fixated on being a hero that I lost my composure. It was no wonder I was bound to fail. Now, it was time to remember who I used to be—back when Toru was still part of our party.

—Look, there’s the Elven village!

—I’ve heard that!

—That tower is so beautiful; I could stare at it forever.

From the observation deck of the nearest village, we observed the forest. Indeed, it was a stunning tower.

It seems that the tower is an unexplored ruin, and if I can enter, I might be able to acquire valuable relics. If I present these relics along with a high elf to the royal family... hehehe.

I must find a way into the village, no matter what.

However, if I inform them that a hero has arrived, the Elves will likely show reluctance but will ultimately welcome me. The Demon King is a common enemy; it’s inconceivable for them not to cooperate with a hero.

Alright, let’s head to the village.

—Whoa!

I was suddenly blown away by an explosion, crashing face-first into the ground.

Ptooey!

My mouth was filled with sand. Who dares to attack me, the hero? I’ll make them regret it immediately.

—Are you okay, Sain?!

—Get me healed quickly!

—Don’t worry about me! Where did the attack come from?

I drew my sacred sword and assumed a combat stance. However, visibility in the forest was poor. My opponent seemed to be cleverly hiding their presence, making it impossible to pinpoint their location.

—Leave now, and I’ll let you live.

An elven woman appeared from nowhere. She was as beautiful as the high elf I had seen in the palace.

There she was; what luck to find her so quickly.

—You must be mistaken. I am Sain, the hero. I’ve come here seeking your assistance.

—A hero?

The high elf reacted slightly. Internally, I couldn’t help but smirk.

Indeed, the Demon King is terrifying. It’s okay to rely on a hero. Come on, plead with me to enter your village and help you. In return, I’ll take both the high elf and all the treasures for myself.

Whoosh!

Just as I was about to step forward, an arrow struck the ground in front of me.

—I’m not interested. While we may have cooperated in the past, this village has decided not to get involved in the upcoming battle against the Demon King.

—What?!

—Do the recent humans have no thoughts about Elves? Your endless greed to capture and sell us has exhausted my patience.

—Don’t say that; let’s at least talk!

—There’s no need for that. The only ones we trust are the Wandering Brigade.

Hearing that name made my blood boil.

Again? Why must I keep hearing about them everywhere I go?

Enough is enough; I’ll force my way into the village.

—That expression... so this is your true nature. You claim to want to negotiate, yet you refuse to sheathe your sword.

—Shut up! You’re going to be mine!

I activated my seductive magic eye on the high elf woman.

[Warning: The target's level exceeds that of the magic eye owner; effects cannot be applied.]

What?! Not again!

Why is it that every time I want someone, they end up being at a higher level than me?

—Lisa, Soara! We’ll overpower them and invade the village!

—Understood!

—Is that alright?

I stepped forward while Lisa and Soara provided support from behind.

I deflected the arrows flying toward me with my sword and closed the distance between myself and the high elf.

Those who rely heavily on ranged attacks are weak in close combat. If I can close the distance, victory will be mine. I must incapacitate this woman, even if it means inflicting some damage.

With my reputation with the king already diminished, I had to achieve results, no matter what.

—Spirits!

—!?

A gust of wind enveloped the woman, sending me flying backward. I managed to regain my balance mid-air and land safely. The high elf looked down at me from the center of a strong whirlwind.

So it’s spirit magic; I had forgotten how powerful Elves could be.

Magic meets magic as Lisa unleashed her fire magic.

—Flame Blow!

—Magic Shield!

Just before it hit, an invisible wall blocked the flames.

I thought I heard a male voice somewhere. It must have been a Magic Shield. If my memory serves me right, it was a skill specifically designed to block magic attacks with a scroll. Could it be that these barbaric Elves possess such scrolls?

—Don’t you realize? You’re already surrounded.

Startled, I activated my appraisal skill to survey my surroundings.

Elves were hiding in the trees, in the grass, and on the ground—all aiming their arrows at me. When did they...?

—You claim to be a hero; this time we’ll let you go. But don’t think this means Elves can’t kill heroes. We simply can’t bring ourselves to harm our friends from the Wandering Brigade. Don’t expect to be spared next time.

—Tch.

We retreated while still holding our weapons. It was humiliating to be spared by mere Elves.

From a distance, I could hear cheers from the Elves.

***

[Toru’s side]

Thud! Crash!

In front of me, the Elf chief fell from his chair.

—Ouch!

He held his head as he rolled around on the floor. It seemed he had hit it quite badly; I felt a twinge of pity for him.

I subtly glanced at Kaede.

—You’ve done something incredible. To open a tower that no one has ever opened before... and to find only water and a mountain of scrolls. Haaa.

The chief rubbed the back of his head and forced a hollow laugh, then let out a deep sigh.

The mention of “30%” seemed to weigh heavily on him. While the water was one thing, the scrolls were valuable. Considering they were one-time-use items, losing 30% was indeed painful.

He was likely pondering how to make me give up my claim.

—Brother, his reward is just. I advise you to keep your word without any tricks.

—Why did you have to grow up so honestly?

—Brother!

—I will keep my promise.

Having seemingly resigned himself, the chief waved his hand dismissively.

Then he straightened up and extended his hand toward me.

—Once again, I thank you. What you have accomplished will be a historic transformation for our village. The abundant water will enrich our people, and the scrolls will strengthen our defenses. It may not seem like much in return, but please enjoy your time in our village.

—Thank you as well.

We exchanged a firm handshake. With this, we were officially recognized as guests. I was very much looking forward to the Elven cuisine and drinks.

As the conversation settled down, Kaede placed a scroll on the table.

—Actually, among the stored scrolls, I found something special. It’s a body enhancement skill...

—What’s different about it from normal ones?

Kaede seemed hesitant as she explained.

Typically, regular scrolls are light yellow, but the one in front of us was a beautiful white. It was clear that its color indicated something different, but I wanted to know exactly what set it apart.

—This is a scroll that allows you to learn the skill directly.

For a moment, I couldn’t comprehend what she meant.

A scroll that allows you to learn a skill?

Is there really such a thing in this world??

—The appraisal says it can grant a skill to the target just once. Unfortunately, there weren’t any rare skill scrolls, but even so, its value is immeasurable.

—So there are different types of scrolls?

—That seems to be the case.

The room fell silent at this historic discovery.

And with that, the meeting came to an end.

—Here you go, this is the Elven specialty: Mokkoi yam wrapped in herbs!

On the plate before me were round items piled high, wrapped in leaves.

How am I supposed to eat this? Do I eat it with the leaves?

At that moment, Alyusha across from me picked up a yam and took a bite without removing the leaves. It seemed there was no need to peel them off.

—Mmm! It’s fluffy and delicious!

—It’s slightly sweet, yet salty and sticky.

—You’re right; this is tasty!

In the large hall, a grand feast was underway, with many men and women eating and drinking.

Officially, it was a welcome party for us, but in reality, it was a celebration of the treasures found in the tower.

Thanks to the treasure, no one was bothering us; some even approached us warmly, allowing us to bond reasonably well with the villagers.

—Kyui! Kyu!

—You want some too?

Panta flew around, looking longingly at our food. Unlike Rousuke, he actually eats. With an insatiable curiosity, he tries everything. 

When I offered him a yam, he opened his mouth wide and gobbled it up with delight before spinning around happily. He seemed to really enjoy it.

—Wow, this is amazing!

The Elven homemade wine was quite strong and slightly dry.

—Is there a place nearby where we can see something rare and interesting? I’ve already seen the tower, so I’d like to check out something else.

—I have a place in mind.

She mentioned that there was a tourist spot close to the village, a hidden gem known only to Elves that humans were unaware of. My interest was piqued.

—However, it’s also a dangerous place. If I determine it’s too risky, I’ll turn back immediately. If you’re okay with that, I can guide you.

—You know our strength, right? You’re being overly cautious.

—That’s just who I am.

Alyusha smiled and brushed her hair back with one hand. At that moment, she looked incredibly cool.

I recalled the image of the Elf trembling with tears after losing her spirit.

No, I should forget that. It’s better for her dignity.

—Toru, you’re not mocking me in your mind, are you?

—Of course not! Hahaha!

Alyusha’s eyes glistened with unshed tears.

***

After leaving the village and entering the forest, we had been walking for about three hours.

Alyusha led the way, effortlessly navigating the inclines and waiting for us to catch up each time.

Her tone was strict, but she seemed to be quite caring.

—You’re slow, Toru!

—Sorry! It’s just hard to walk in the forest!

—You’re a warrior, right? What are you doing complaining like that?

—Right, I am a warrior.

There was undoubtedly a difference in how we both perceived the image of a warrior.

Kaede, who had been waiting ahead, handed me a damp handkerchief, which I used to wipe the sweat and dirt from my forehead.

—Master, why not use your Mimic job?

—The job?

—Yes. A Dragoon would work too, but since we have a model here, this is the perfect opportunity to try out the Mimic job.

You want me to use a job I still don’t fully understand?

However, it was indeed time to properly grasp my abilities. I had already had Kaede appraise it for me, and at that time, it only stated that it could “mimic the opponent.”

—Let’s keep going. Stay close!

Alyusha nimbly climbed a steep cliff.

Next was Frau, followed by Panta floating up effortlessly. Kaede ascended with the sharp movements typical of a beast. That left me.

I activated my Mimic ability, mimicking Alyusha's movements.

My body moved on its own as I easily scaled the rocky wall. Given my higher stats, it was to be expected. However, the efficient movement was surprisingly less taxing than I imagined. Knowing these movements would significantly change combat in the forest.

—Whoa! As expected of Toru; you’ve already mastered my movements!

—Uh... yeah...

—You truly are an amazing warrior. Your ability to absorb skills is different!

—...

I couldn’t admit that I had taken the easy route with my job. Sorry, Alyusha.

While using the Mimic job, I focused on learning the movements. The great thing about this job is that it forces my body to replicate the actions of others. With the sensations still fresh in my mind, it became easier to remember the movements.

After about thirty minutes, I could climb the cliff effortlessly without relying on the job.

—We’ve strayed quite far from the village.

—Don’t complain. You were the one who wanted to see something rare!

—That’s true.

She said this with a cheerful expression, which was quite different from our first meeting. This must be her true self.

—Alright, we’re almost there—whoa!

—Watch out!

I quickly caught Alyusha from behind as she stumbled over a small rock and nearly fell.

In my arms, I felt her smaller and slender frame. Her skin was soft and smooth, making me realize just how delicate Elves are.

—H–How long are you going to hold me? Let go...!

—Sorry!

As I released her, I noticed her face was flushed red. Her long white ears were also tinged with color.

—Master~!

Kaede suddenly jumped up and pressed her head against me.

—You’re my master, after all!

—I know that!

The scene unfolds with a gentle touch, as I stroke the creature's head, causing its ears to droop and a blissful expression to spread across its face. As I embrace it tighter while continuing to pet, its tail wags vigorously, and it buries its face into my chest, letting out soft, contented sighs.

—My Lord, you haven’t forgotten about Frau, have you?

Frau sits atop Panta, her brow furrowed in displeasure. Oddly enough, Panta also wears an irritated expression.

—Here, let me give you a pat on the head.

—Hmph! Don’t think this will cheer me up!

—Kyuu!

I start by petting Frau’s head.

At first, she resists, but soon enough, she pushes her head against my hand, demanding more and more affection.

Her wings flutter energetically in response to her emotions, and by the end, she wears a goofy grin and lets out a delighted “Ehehe.”

Next up is Panta. I run my fingers through his fur, gently stroking every inch of him. Then I pull him close and bury my face in his fluffy coat. To be honest, that last part was just for my own enjoyment.

Panta’s eyes glaze over as he revels in the comfort.

—Ugh! My Lord’s pets are the best!

—Kyui!

It seems like their moods have improved.

I know I might not be the perfect master, but I have to do my best to meet their expectations.

—Are we done now?

—Yeah, sorry for making you wait.

With her ears still slightly flushed, Alusha takes off running.

We arrived at a rocky cliff where a gaping hole was visible. We leaned over the edge to peer into the opening that Alusha had pointed out.

—How do we get down? — I asked.

—Easy. — she replied confidently.

Without hesitation, Alusha leaped right in front of me, gripping the edge of the hole and sliding smoothly inside. Her movements were so practiced that it was clear she had done this many times before.

I wondered if there might be a safer way to descend. But then again, she was an elf living in the forest—fearless and perhaps a bit reckless.

—Rousuke!

—Shaaaa!

I summoned Rousuke from my mark and instructed him to wrap around a nearby tree for support.

Using him as a makeshift rope, I carefully lowered myself down the wall. At my level, a fall wouldn’t cause serious harm, but that didn’t mean I wanted to risk it.

As I entered the hole, a damp breeze wafted from deeper within, making it hard to imagine anything remarkable lay ahead.

—Well, you’ll see soon enough. — Alyusha said with a hint of excitement.

—You seem pretty confident about this. — I noted.

—If I’m being honest, the view is breathtaking. I guarantee you won’t find anything like it anywhere else. Even the legendary hero praised it when he visited.

That piqued my interest. If it impressed someone of his caliber—someone who had seen countless wonders—it must be truly extraordinary.

—My fur feels damp and itchy. — Kaede complained, rubbing her fox ears and swishing her tail in discomfort.

Inside the hole, the humidity was noticeably high. When I touched my hair, it felt cool and damp.

Meanwhile, Frau seemed quite comfortable perched on Panta, her two strands of light green hair fluttering as she let out a blissful “Hooah.”

It was evident that fairies have a body temperature slightly higher than humans, making this place feel just right for her.

—We’ve arrived. — Alyusha announced.

—Whoa! — I exclaimed.

Before us stood a series of translucent stone pillars jutting out from the walls. Each one emitted a faint emerald glow, illuminating the entire cavern. Puddles dotted the ground, and droplets from above created ripples in the water. This place resembled a cave of wonders, explaining the high humidity.

—This is called glowing ore. — Alyusha explained  — It’s rare to find it clustered like this.

Glowing ore—if I remembered correctly, it was a unique mineral that reacted to magical energy and emitted light. It was processed into tools that could predict magic activation and was widely recognized among nobles and mages. It held far more value than ordinary gemstones.

The glow here likely stemmed from magical veins running beneath us.

But honestly, the beauty of the scene captivated me so much that such details felt secondary.

—There’s an even better spot deeper inside. — Alyusha said.

—Please show me.

As we ventured further into the cave, we stumbled upon a lake that shimmered like a massive emerald. The glowing ore within must have been responsible for its brilliance.

—This is a treasure of our village. Remember, it’s a place only shown to those we trust.

—So we’ve truly been recognized by the elves? — I asked, feeling a swell of pride.

—That’s right. I’d love to give you some valuable treasure that would please humans, but as forest dwellers, we’re not familiar with such things. I apologize for that.

—Not at all! We’ve received something incredible. I’m genuinely grateful for bringing us here. Thank you, Alyusha.

We exchanged smiles and shook hands. This place was indeed worthy of being called a treasure. More than anything, being acknowledged by the elves filled me with joy. 

Although I still felt overwhelmed by my newfound powers and uncertain about how to wield them, I hoped for a day when I could do something meaningful for the elves and many other races.

—It's time to go. We can't stay here too long.

—Why not?

—There’s something in this hole—

Suddenly, bubbles began to rise from the center of the lake. Something was lurking beneath.

—Uh-oh, it’s noticed us!

—Grrrraaah!!

A massive lizard emerged from the water, revealing itself to be a White Gator, a subspecies of dragon. It slithered out of the water, dragging its enormous body behind it. Its white skin exuded a predatory aura that made it clear it was a fierce carnivore.

—Leave this to me! You need to escape! — Alyusha urged.

—No, you’re the one who should fall back. — I insisted, grabbing her arm and pulling her away.

I would take care of this creature so that elves could visit here without fear. I wasn’t sure if this would repay Alyusha for showing us such a beautiful place, but I was ready to face the white lizard and cut it down.

I reached for the hilt of my large sword—

Clang!

Before I could draw my weapon, the White Gator clamped its jaws around me.

Its sharp teeth dug in, trying to tear through my skin with a grip like a vice. It felt like being squeezed by countless pressure points all at once—definitely painful.

—Toru!!

—Huh?

—Why do you sound so casual?!

Alyusha’s eyes widened in shock as if she were about to leap into action.

The scene was likely spine-chilling for anyone unaware of our levels. Kaede and Frau, however, seemed completely unfazed, leisurely admiring the glowing ore. 

It wasn’t that they didn’t care about me; it was more like how one wouldn’t worry about a kitten’s playful bites.

—Alright, here we go. — I said.

—Gugah?!

—Toru?!

I pushed forward, diving straight into the creature’s throat.

It was cramped in here. This must be its stomach. My sword wouldn’t fit, so I’d have to make do with my knife. I held no grudge against you, but this is for the elves. And let’s see if you can provide dinner tonight.

I plunged the knife into the inner wall of the stomach and sliced through from the inside.

—Ugh, it stinks in here.

I crawled out, tearing through flesh.

Blood dripped from my body, and the gator's slime clung to me. I should have handled that a bit cleaner; this victory felt messy.

The White Gator lay on its back, twitching.

—Hey Alyusha, mind if I take a quick dip here?

—Go ahead, but…

—Great! No holding back then!

I tossed aside my knife and stripped off my clothes before jumping into the lake with a splash.

Wow, it’s cold but refreshing!

—Ah-ha-ha-ha!

—What’s going on?

—Toru, you never cease to surprise me! This monster has killed countless elves and ruled this place. Yet here you are, effortlessly slaying it and then jumping in naked! How can I not laugh?

Alusha doubled over with laughter.

I couldn’t believe she found this amusing; elves really are something else.

—I feel refreshed. — I said, rubbing my head dry with a towel.

Just then, Kaede finished storing the gator in her magic storage. We’d save the meat to eat back at the village, and the leftover materials could be sold at the guild for some decent money.

—What’s going on?! My level has increased?! — Alyusha exclaimed in shock as she checked her status.

—How much did it go up?

—It was 44, and now it’s 120!

—Oh…

Since we were recognized as a party, it seemed that experience points flowed into her as well.

I decided to check our levels too.

Toru: Level 300 → 301Kaede: Level 260 → 271Frau: Level 220 → 243

It looked like we had gained quite a bit of experience from that encounter.

—Master! My skills—!

—No way.

Status

Level: 271

Name: Kaede Tamamo

Age: 15

Gender: Female

Race: White Fox

Job: Mage (Slave)

Skills: Appraisal Level 15, Chant Reduction Level 20, Accuracy Boost Level 20, Power Increase Level 20, Healing Wave Level 20

It seemed she had broken through her skill limits. However, unlike me, her new cap was set at level 20.

Frau was also staring blankly at her status screen, so I took a peek.

Status

Level: 243

Name: Frau

Age: 28

Gender: Female

Race: Fairy

Job: Blacksmith, Priestess (Slave)

Skills: Power Increase Level 20, Agility Increase Level 20, Insight Level 20, Prayer for Growth Level 20

She had also leveled up. Unlike Kaede, she had fewer skills, but all of them were maxed out. Even Frau couldn’t hide her surprise.

—My skills are insane!

—Uh, yeah. That’s definitely strange.

—Look at this! My skill levels!

—Wow! Congratulations!

I tuned out Alyusha’s excited chatter and urged everyone to hurry back. Explaining everything would take too long and felt tedious. The fact that Alyusha had leveled up was enough to wrap up this topic.

She began to ponder the reasons behind this, and soon her expression brightened with realization.

—Surely, this must be a gift from the forest god! — she concluded.

***

Upon returning to the village, we had a quick meal before retreating to the tower.

We needed to choose our reward scrolls. With so many options available, we had to pick quickly; otherwise, we’d be stuck here indefinitely.

—For starters, let’s grab five Appraisal scrolls. — I suggested.

—Is that all you want?

—Well, we have Kaede with us. And I’ll take six Water Breathing scrolls as well.

—Since we won’t use them here, take as many as you can carry.

I took advantage of her offer and ended up with fifteen Water Breathing scrolls.

It was overwhelming. I was at a loss for which scrolls to choose. To my right and left were piles of scrolls—so many choices that I felt like I might burst into tears from joy.

Just then, Frau flew over with a scroll in hand.

—I found the Message scroll you mentioned!

—Thanks! Now we can communicate no matter where we are.

—What’s a Message scroll? — Alyusha asked, her curiosity piqued.

I explained. 

A Message scroll allows you to send a written message instantly to someone you know, no matter where they are. It’s a one-way communication tool but incredibly useful in emergencies.

—How many of these Message scrolls are there? — Alyusha inquired.

—I haven’t counted precisely, but there should be hundreds. They occupy several shelves.

—Then bring me thirty of them!

Frau grabbed an empty bag and zipped off toward the shelf containing the scrolls.

I was truly overwhelmed by the abundance of choices. If possible, I wanted a bit more time to think. I wanted to choose carefully, considering not only our needs but also those of the village.

—If you can’t decide right away, you can always come back. We’ll welcome you anytime as dear friends. — Alyusha said.

—Oh, I see. There’s no rush to make a decision now. Thanks, Alyusha.

—Fuggh!

—?

Alyusha’s face turned bright red as she pressed her hand to her chest and hurried out of the room.

I wondered if she was feeling unwell; she looked distressed, and it made me a bit worried. I’d ask Kaede to use her Healing Wave on her later.

—I found a bunch of great scrolls! — Kaede announced, beaming as she entered with an armful of scrolls. 

She placed them on the table in the corner and began explaining each one.

—This one is for Magic Absorption, this one promotes deep sleep, this one boosts appetite, and this one keeps the room comfortable overnight. And this scroll shows direction and current location.

—…Most of these are unnecessary.

—Really?!

The scrolls for sleep, appetite enhancement, and comfortable room temperature were clearly intended for me.

While I appreciated her thoughtfulness, I had no intention of taking anything I didn’t need.

—And I don’t need the Magic Absorption scroll either.

—But what if you run out of magic?

—I’ve been meaning to mention this—I have a skill called Magic Lending. It allows me to exchange magic with others.

It seemed like a rare skill, so Kaede hadn’t been able to see its detailed usage before. However, I had been using it subtly and found out that it enabled me to share magic with others.

My magic capacity was significantly higher than Kaede’s.

If she ever ran low on magic, I could just lend her some right then and there.

—Then it’s just the map scroll? — I asked.

—Looks like it. By the way, what about that scroll you’re hiding over there?

—Eh?! Th–This is—!

She quickly covered the scroll with her body.

That was suspicious—very suspicious.

Could it be that she had found a rare scroll and was trying to keep it all to herself?

I pulled out an Appraisal scroll to check.

“Enhanced Sense of Smell”

…Ah, I see.

Alright, I’ll pretend I didn’t see that.

***

A few days had passed since we arrived in the elf village. I had completely blended in with the residents, and each day, more people greeted me and engaged in casual conversations.

They were shy at first, but once they got used to me, they turned out to be surprisingly chatty and friendly. I even participated in a hunt and managed to take down a decent-sized beast, earning compliments from the male warriors.

Because of this, I found myself increasingly recognized as a human warrior living in the village.

—...Egg gathering?

—Yes. In this village, warriors who turn fifteen are given a trial. That trial is egg gathering. They must climb alone to a nest on the mountain and bring back an egg safely to be considered an adult.

—You want me to do that?

—I’m not saying you have to. However, there are still those who are skeptical about your abilities, Toru. To truly earn the villagers’ recognition, this would be the best way.

Lying in the meadow, I listened to Alyusha's story. Next to me, Kaede was preparing lunch, humming cheerfully as she chopped vegetables and tossed them into a pot. Meanwhile, Frau and Panta were energetically flitting around the field.

I propped myself up on my elbows and scratched my head.

—I don’t really think I need to prove my abilities.

—What are you saying? It’s only natural for a warrior to demonstrate their strength. Of course, if you’re too timid to take on the challenge, I won’t push you further. But if you have any pride as a warrior—Toru, are you listening?

—If I bring back that egg, I’ll be considered an adult, right?

—Oh! So you’re motivated now?

Alyusha’s face lit up with excitement.

While I didn’t care much for warrior pride, my curiosity about what the egg might taste like was piqued. The fact that it was made into a trial suggested it was rare and difficult to obtain.

Thinking of it as an elf delicacy made my mouth water.

—Oh, I forgot to bring the egg!

—Egg! Come on, come on, Toru!

Kaede murmured about the egg while Alyusha urged me on with excitement.

I pointed at Kaede, who was twitching her long ears in distress.

She had that serious expression while saying she wouldn’t pressure me, but deep down, she clearly wanted me to go. I didn’t know what others were saying about me, but it seemed clearing this trial would bolster Alyusha’s reputation.

Besides, if it was needed for lunch, I had no choice. Kaede had invited me outside for a meal on this lovely day; I wanted to enjoy it fully rather than half-heartedly.

I stood up and stretched.

—Well, if you insist that much, I’ll give it a shot.

—Be careful!

With Kaede seeing us off, we headed toward the location of the trial.

A strong wind howled through the area, and a waterfall cascading from the rocky crevices created a beautiful rainbow.

The jagged cliffs towered above, resembling either an island floating in the forest or a formidable fortress. High above, countless birds flitted about, occasionally returning to their nests in the rock walls with what appeared to be food in their beaks.

This was the base of the mountain, a few kilometers away from the village.

It seemed that the trial egg belonged to one of the birds flying overhead.

—That’s quite a big one. What kind of bird is it? — I asked.

—It’s called the Janome Hiirori. It’s a magical creature that nests on these cliffs, found only in this area. It doesn’t have any particularly remarkable abilities, but it has a habit of trying to knock creatures climbing the cliffs down.

—If I get spotted, I’ll probably end up getting mobbed. — I remarked.

—Exactly. That’s why warriors attempting this trial must retrieve the egg from the nest without being seen by the bird.

Wow, that’s quite a challenging trial.

The height was intimidating, and a fall would likely mean instant death. Given my high level, I might barely survive, but that could be even worse.

I decided to ask the question that had been on my mind.

—Is the egg delicious?

—It’s so good it’ll make your jaw drop. If you boil it and sprinkle some rock salt on top, the plump white will melt in your mouth with a rich yolk that makes you instinctively reach for another. It’s a delicacy reserved for those who overcome the trial.

Just hearing about boiled eggs made my throat gulp.

I was suddenly craving that egg intensely. How rich could it really be? The thought of peeling a freshly boiled egg made my mouth water.

—Well then, I’m off.

—…………

I immediately began to scale the cliff. Using protruding rocks for handholds and footholds, I climbed smoothly upward.

As I climbed, a small rock beneath my feet crumbled slightly, causing me to instinctively look down.

—Alyusha?

—Oh, um, I was worried about you, Toru.

For some reason, Alyusha had followed me.

She could have just waited below. Perhaps she felt responsible for letting someone inexperienced climb alone.

Given her nurturing nature, that made sense.

—Rousuke!

—Shyaa!

I summoned Rousuke from my mark. He would serve as a reliable companion, acting as a rope if needed. He could also chase away any approaching birds, providing me with some peace of mind.

I leaped from rock to rock, swinging my body like a pendulum to find a foothold on the narrow ledges.

Looking up, I caught a glimpse of Alyusha’s firm and lovely backside.

—You’re fast, as expected. Have you already reached that point? — I remarked.

—I’m just taking it easy. But you’ve got good skills; it’s rare for even the village veterans to reach this height in such a short time—Kya?!

Suddenly, Alyusha slipped, landing her rear right on my face. I quickly managed to wedge my fingers into a crevice in the rock to support both our weights.

—Ugh, ugh!

—I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!

—Ugh, ugh!

I would have liked to stay like this for a bit longer, but it seemed my message didn’t get through.

I felt breathless and struggled to breathe.

—Don’t be stupid! Don’t suck in that area! Hmph!

—Ugh—gah!

—Oh no! Wait! I’ll get up now—

Alyusha found her footing and lifted herself off my face.

In that brief moment of distraction, my body tilted backward.

Whoa, I’m falling!

With a swift motion, Rousuke wrapped around both Alyusha’s and my arms like a rope.

—Ah, that was close... I really thought I was going to fall!

—That’s what happens when you let your mind wander. — Alyusha replied.

—That was your fault for slipping!

—Even so, don’t let your guard down! You pervert!

Her face flushed bright red as she scolded me absurdly.

She slipped and somehow blamed me for it. But then again, I had to admit I didn’t mind the experience too much.

Alyusha kept glancing down, seemingly checking on me.

—Wow, we’ve climbed quite a bit. — I noted.

—It’s almost time for them to take off. — Alyusha murmured, looking at the sun's position.

The birds began to chirp in unison and flapped their wings, taking off one after another.

—Each bird has its own timing for hunting, but there’s a moment each day when most of them synchronize. Many warriors aim for that time to grab the eggs.

—Then we should hurry.

We quickened our pace, climbing higher and higher together.

As we approached the area where the nests were clustered, Alyusha and I slowed down and heightened our vigilance. 

Most of the birds had left, but some nests still had parents nearby. Even if there were only a few, encountering them could lead to trouble. I definitely didn’t want to be bombarded in such a confined space.

—Alright, we can circle around this way.

—Could it be that you’re from a monkey tribe, Toru? How can you climb such precarious ledges with ease, even making an elf hesitate? — Alyusha marveled at my movements.

After climbing this much, I had no choice but to get used to it. Plus, I had been mimicking her movements as a mimicry master. I had already mastered the basics, and with my physical abilities, I could overcome most difficult spots.

Thanks to my detour, I managed to avoid detection by the birds and got closer to the nest.

Egg, egg... There it is.

It was larger than I had expected—about twice the size of what I imagined.

The Janome Hiirori egg had the typical oval shape and was bright red with black speckles. It felt heavy in my hands, indicating a thick shell.

It looked like it would be quite satisfying to eat. This was promising.

—Toru, remember not to take too many. Just one from each nest. — Alyusha reminded me.

—Then if I grab about five—

I froze as I reached for another nest; a creature popped its head out from inside, startling me.

—Well, well, if it isn’t the great Toru!

—You’re the chief of the fairy village!

—What a coincidence! To think we’d meet again in a place like this.

What on earth is he doing here? And what’s with that large basket he’s carrying on his back?

Chief Jijin casually grabbed an egg and tossed it into the basket behind him.

—Are you perhaps also here for egg gathering, great Toru? Hmm, since you’re with Alusha, I take it you’re currently residing in the elf village?

—Uh, yeah, something like that.

—It’s been a while, Chief Jijin.

—Alyusha! You’re doing well. How has your brother been since then?

—He’s been doing just fine.

Jijin and Alyusha exchanged greetings while perched on the ledge and rocky surface. It was an entirely normal conversation, but given the circumstances, it felt incredibly out of place.

—Shyaa!

Rousuke reacted to the approaching creatures.

Those were Frau's family—Banya, Papau, Mamiri, and Otoudo—all of them carrying baskets on their backs. Were they all out here egg gathering as a family? Upon closer inspection, I noticed other fairies scattered about; it seemed they were all here to gather eggs from the village.

Jijin began directing his gathered family.

—The great Toru desires eggs. Make sure you’ve secured enough!

—Of course, we have them right here!

—Nuheehee, we’ve gathered quite a lot this time!

—We must ensure that our esteemed guest enjoys plenty of delicious eggs!

—It was easier without my sister around. With her flat chest, she would have been spotted by the birds immediately.

Oh, so having a flat chest makes it easier for the birds to spot you?

I didn’t quite understand, but I gathered that Frau felt a bit unfortunate about it.

More fairies began to gather around, and they discussed lowering us down to the ground.

—Please, don’t hold back.

When we returned to the ground, a basket filled to the brim with eggs awaited us.

At a glance, there were at least thirty eggs. Even though I had said I only needed a few, they insisted I take them all with their strong persuasion. Alyusha was fixated on the eggs, seemingly oblivious to my conversation with the fairies.

It seemed best to accept them graciously. If I refused, they might just bring something else over from the village.

We cradled the basket and waved goodbye to Jijin and his family as they saw us off.

—Having this many eggs is definitely worth going through the trial, right, Toru? — Alyusha said.

—Yeah.

—We’ll have unlimited boiled eggs!

Alyusha still couldn’t grasp why the fairies had given me the eggs.

At this point, it seemed she didn’t care much about that. Her expression was solely focused on the boiled eggs we were about to eat.

There was no need to explain that I was a dragon person.

But I really was curious—were these eggs truly delicious?

Upon returning to Kaede, I handed her the eggs I had gathered.

—They're quite red. Let’s crack one open. — she said.

She poured the contents into a bowl, and a large amount of egg white along with a vividly red yolk emerged.

Kaede and I leaned in closely to examine it, while Alyusha let out a delighted sigh of “Haaahhh.”

—I’ve never seen such a red yolk before!

—Me neither. But it does look appetizing. It’s all plump and firm; it would make a great sunny-side-up egg.

—I was thinking of making an omelet, but maybe we should switch it up and make sunny-side-up instead.

Kaede cracked the egg into a skillet with some oil.

Sizzle, pop! 

The savory aroma wafted through the air.

While we were busy cooking, Frau and Panta were still playing in the meadow. Panta puffed up like a balloon as he inhaled deeply, and Frau jumped in, bouncing around joyfully.

—Toru, the boiled eggs are ready! — Alyusha called out.

—Let’s get started on those too.

I filled a large pot with water and dropped in about ten eggs. Since these were larger than usual, they would take twice as long to boil compared to regular eggs.

Kaede placed the finished sunny-side-up egg onto a plate.

—Can I eat first? — I asked.

—Of course. Please enjoy!

—Toru, let me have a bite. No, two bites!

—Just wait; I’ll get you some!

I cut into the egg with my fork, and the rich red yolk oozed out. I scooped up the yolk with the egg white and took a bite.

Delicious! It was incredibly tasty!

It was richer than any egg I had ever eaten, with no off-putting smell and a subtle sweetness. Eating it with sliced bread would surely leave anyone speechless.

As expected, pairing it with bread rendered me momentarily speechless.

—Mmm—this kind of egg exists in the world? I’m so moved! — Kaede exclaimed.

—This is it! This is the Janome Hiirori egg! It’s so exquisite that I can’t help but hold my cheeks in fear of dropping it. I wouldn’t regret dying here and now!

Both Kaede and Alyusha wore satisfied expressions.

While we enjoyed our meal, Panta, having inflated from inhaling air, was trying to crush Frau beneath him. In retaliation, Frau picked him up and threw him, but he bounced off a tree and crashed back down onto her again.

With the boiled eggs ready, I peeled one and sprinkled rock salt over the white. As I took a gentle bite, the resilient white revealed a slightly runny yolk at its center.

The boiled eggs had a different texture and were absolutely fantastic.

—With this, everyone will recognize your strength. Toru is now a warrior of our village. — Alyusha declared.

—Thank you, Alyusha.

I noticed a piece of egg stuck to the side of my mouth but chose not to mention it as I replied.

So, I’ve become a warrior of the elf village. I felt glad to have taken on this trial; it was nice to have found another place where I belonged.

Now, for another bite of boiled egg—

—Bugeh?!

Panta came zooming in at high speed and crashed right into my solar plexus.

Seeing me clutch my stomach in pain, Panta looked shocked and immediately flew away. Frau froze mid-throw, still in her throwing stance.

—Shall we have a little talk here, Frau.

Frau was trembling with a pale face.

***

We exchanged farewells with Alyusha and the chief in front of the transfer magic circle. They had taken care of us quite a bit over the past week or so.

—Are you really leaving? It’s going to be lonely.

—I’ll come back again. I haven’t received all the reward scrolls yet.

—Feel free to come anytime. You and the elves of this village are already friends.

We shook hands with both of them.

We will meet again someday. Perhaps it might be sooner than expected.

The chief stepped closer and whispered.

—I’m concerned about where the transfer magic circle connects. I’m sorry to trouble you, but if there are any issues, I’d like you to send a message. If it seems like it could be a threat to the village, could you destroy it?

—Understood.

He didn’t demand that I destroy it at all costs, which suggests he’s considering how it might be useful. Well, where it leads is definitely a point of concern. Personally, I’d like to keep it if possible.

After saying goodbye to the two, we headed toward the transfer magic circle.

Destination unknown. If our predictions are correct, we should be able to go from one ruin to another.

I’m incredibly eager to find out what awaits on the other side of the magic circle. I guess that makes me a big fool who loves adventure to the core.

—Let’s go!

The three of us and one beast jumped into the magic circle.

***

We landed in a dimly lit area.

The magic circle was glowing, but the space was too vast to see around us.

It smelled oddly dusty and earthy, but there was no scent of beasts. Perhaps we were inside some ruins. The stone pavement extending outside the magic circle suggests that we are indeed inside some kind of building.

[System Notification: The level of the disguised ring has risen to 2.]

Leveling up at a time like this? Couldn’t you have chosen a better moment?

...But it’s pointless to complain to the ring.

—Everyone, stay alert. Don’t turn on the lights yet. Kaede, use appraisal to search for enemies; Frau, check with your insight to see if anything is hiding.

—Yes.

—Understood.

—Panta, just float around there.

—Kyuu?!

I drew my sword and sharpened my senses. There was no killing intent, nor any signs of life. The air felt somewhat thin. Could it be a sealed space? The echoes of our voices indicated that it was quite large.

—There are no enemies.

—There’s nothing hiding either.

—Alright, turn on the lights.

Kaede’s magic illuminated the surroundings.

It appears that we are indeed inside ruins. The scattered tiles, crumbling floor, and walls with a ceiling show that this is a sealed room, as there are no exits anywhere.

For now, I’ll search for any places where I might get caught by Grand Thief.

—This spot looks suspicious.

When I pressed against a part of the wall, it rotated and opened up to the other side.

However, beyond the hidden door was also dark, with no light. Moreover, I couldn’t feel any airflow, confirming that this space was also sealed.

—I can tell this is some kind of ruins, but it makes me uneasy without any clues.

—Let’s get out of here quickly. I don’t like being trapped.

—Kyuu!

My companions followed me through the door.

Illuminated by the light, various parts of the room gradually came into view. It was about the same size as the previous room. However, this one showed more severe deterioration, with sand falling from the ceiling creating small mounds everywhere.

While it is indeed a ruin, it seems to be older than the temple we encountered before.

—What do you think?

—Hmm, the wall in front looks suspicious.

I touched the wall to check for any exits. However, there didn’t seem to be any hidden doors, and it was completely sealed. When I knocked on it, it made a light sound. It was almost certain that there was space on the other side.

It seems our only option is to break through the wall.

—Everyone step back.

I took a running start and dashed forward.

As I crashed into the wall with my body, I flew through the air.

—W–What the hell?!

—Huh?

On the other side of the wall was an old man in a robe. I crashed into him with such force that my lantern clattered to the ground.

Bam.

Our lips met.

His bushy beard brushed against my mouth, making it prickly.

—Ugh!

We both felt nauseous. We pulled out our water flasks and rinsed our mouths repeatedly.

It wasn’t my first kiss, but it was certainly unusual to have it with another man—especially an old man in a place like this.

—You stole my precious lips!

—I'm sorry…

—I’ve never done that with anyone other than my wife!

—Please stop; that’s torture.

I apologized for suddenly appearing. Even though it was an accident, it was still my fault. I had a strange idea of breaking through the wall in a cool way.

I should have just broken it down with my fists. Ugh.

—Are you alright, Master?!

—That old man didn’t do anything weird to you, did he?

—I’m fine, nothing happened.

I explained to the two who rushed in that there were no issues. There were some, but I decided to keep that information to protect both my dignity and the old man's.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed.

—I heard a scream; are you alright?!

From what seemed to be a passage, four armed men and women came running. A well-built man, likely their leader, pointed a torch at us. Squinting against the brightness, I took another look around.

This appeared to be the grand hall of some ruins. There were half-broken stone statues on the floor, and debris scattered everywhere. I could also see what looked like the skull of a monster. Since I didn’t recognize this ruin, I had no clear idea of our current location.

—Are you alright, Lord Scotchiel?

—I’m uninjured. Just a bit surprised.

—That’s good to hear. By the way, who are these people?

—I don’t know; they suddenly burst through the wall.

The armed men and women revealed their wariness and drew their weapons. Judging by their appearance, they seemed to be fellow adventurers. Suppressing my desire to ask where we were, I raised both hands to show that I meant no harm.

—Wait! We’re not suspicious!

—If that’s the case, introduce yourselves. You seem to be fellow adventurers, but there’s no guarantee you aren’t demons in disguise.

Adventurers appearing suddenly in ruins certainly raises suspicion.

If I were in their position, I would have reacted the same way.

—We are the Wandering Brigade. A B-rank party.

—The Wandering Brigade… Are you the adventurers who have been rumored about recently?

—Um, where exactly are we?

—This is the deepest part of the ruins not far from the capital of Grigit.

—Wha?! The deepest part of the Grigit ruins?!

I felt like there were about twenty floors or so!

However, it was fortunate that we were teleported relatively close to our village. It meant a significant reduction in what would have taken several days on foot.

The old man suddenly grabbed my arm and stared at my bracelet.

—Oh, this is the Hero's Bracelet! If that’s the case, you must be the real deal!

—What’s this, old man? Do you know about the bracelet?

—Look, I was once a hero of this country myself.

He rolled up his sleeve to show me a golden bracelet. The design was different, but it felt somewhat similar.

—Hey, it's rude to call Lord Scotchiel 'old man.'

—Sorry, but you haven't introduced yourselves, so it can't be helped.

—Orlos, calm down. He has a point.

—Yes.

The old man stepped forward to introduce himself.

—I am Scotchiel, a former hero with the title of Baron. And over there is the 'Flame Axe Brigade' that has been assigned as my guards.

—I am Orlos, the leader. This is our vice-leader, Poloa; this is Rin; and finally, Baks.

Scotchiel was an elderly man with graying hair and a beard.

Orlos was a sturdy man with fiery red hair tied at the back of his head.

Poloa was a young man with long golden bangs covering one eye.

Rin was a girl from the beast tribe with medium-length cocoa brown hair.

Baks was a plump, muscular young man with short black hair and a headband.

I had heard of the Flame Axe Brigade. They were an S-rank party based in Grigit. Since they had made it to the deepest part of the ruins, they must be quite skilled.

—I have a hobby of investigating ruins, and I intended to explore the deepest part of these Grigit ruins… but now you all have appeared and interrupted me.

—I apologize again.

—It’s alright. So, why did you appear from there?

Scotchiel's eyes sparkled with curiosity. It was clear that he was thinking; "You came out from there; there must be some great secret!"

I couldn’t mention the transfer magic circle. It would be a huge problem if they entered the elf village from here.

—I stepped on some kind of mysterious magic circle and got teleported. I was really surprised; I let my guard down.

—Oh? Which magic circle did you step on?

—Um, it was in the underground ruins of Einark.

—That sounds rather vague.

Scotchiel looked at me with a puzzled expression.

—I’d like to take a look inside.

—Please do.

The old man climbed over the wall and entered the place we had come from.

After examining every corner with his lantern, he sighed.

—I thought there might be some unseen artifacts here, but it seems there’s nothing left. This ruin has probably been thoroughly explored.

—Are you searching for something?

—Yes, actually, my grandson has been afflicted by a certain poison, and I’m looking for a top-grade antidote. This investigation is just a side quest for me.

The old man's face twisted in sadness.

Seeing that made my heart ache terribly. I wanted to help him.

I took off my backpack and pulled out my magic storage.

As I concentrated on what was stored within, a small vial appeared before me.

I handed the vial to Lord Scotchiel.

—This is the top-grade antidote.

—What?!

—Please use this to save your grandson.

The old man received the vial, knelt down, and closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh of relief.

—I can't ignore a chance to help when I have a means to do so. Please use this to save your grandson.

—Are you really giving this to me for free?! Such a precious medicine!

—In return, could you guide me around the capital of Grigit? That would be payment enough.

—Thank you, I am truly grateful…

The old man, receiving the small vial, knelt down, closed his eyes, and let out a deep sigh of relief.