Chapter 15: Encounter 24
In any case, we had successfully completed both requests, so the following day was designated as a rest day. After that, we spent two days conquering a C-Class Dungeon.
Aside from a hair ornament with “Iron Wall +2” and a necklace with “Stamina +2” obtained from treasure chests and a mid-boss, we didn’t acquire any noteworthy items. Shizuna decided to wear the hair ornament, while Freinir took the necklace.
The boss at the lowest level was a normal boss, and the skills we gained were as follows: I leveled up “Petrification Resistance,” Freinir leveled up “Penetration,” Larni leveled up “Iron Wall,” Sfenia leveled up “Water Resistance,” Mariane leveled up “Fire Resistance,” Shizuna gained “Petrification Resistance,” and Karma acquired “Swift Run.”
It seemed that Karma had long desired the “Swift Run” skill, as she exclaimed, “I can’t believe I finally got it now! Could this be thanks to you, Soushi-san!?” She was in high spirits. However, being embraced by her rather ample figure was a bit overwhelming for me.
Regardless, aside from Karma, it felt like we wouldn’t be able to acquire new skills from the C-Class normal boss. Nevertheless, leveling up our existing skills was important, so we would continue to conquer dungeons as much as possible.
On the day we returned from the C-Class Dungeon, I heard from Mr. Sarandol that “Okuri Aadorf will basically remain uninvolved with Geshura.” Well, if they were saying they wanted to avoid trouble, the elves likely had better things to do than interfere.
However, just when I thought the conversation was over, Mr. Sarandol said, “If possible, I would like to speak with Geshura personally. Can I ask ‘Soul’s Guidance’ to facilitate that? Of course, I will make it a request and offer a generous reward.”
Thus, the next day, we headed once more to Geshura.
As expected, we were greeted by the “Twilight Hounds” in the forest, but upon seeing us, they quickly made their way toward Geshura’s home. Perhaps they had learned from the recent battle that they couldn’t win against us, or maybe it was Geshura’s instruction.
When we reached the log cabin, a brown-skinned half-human, half-snake woman welcomed us outside.
“Soushi, is it? Has something been decided?”
“Hello, Geshura. I apologize for the sudden visit. I have a message from the representative of the human settlement, and I would like to arrange a dialogue.”
“Hmm, that is certainly fine. Then, you and the representative should come this way.”
I gestured for Mr. Sarandol to follow as we entered Geshura’s home once more.
“I see, so there will be no particular interference. I plan to leave here in a few days, so that would be best for both parties.”
After listening to Mr. Sarandol, Geshura nodded in agreement.
“Yes, I think so too. By the way, I have a few questions for you, Geshura. Would you be willing to answer them?”
“If I can, I will.”
“Very well, then—”
Mr. Sarandol proceeded to ask several questions about the culture and civilization of the Kin of Twilight. I thought the matter of the king was particularly important, but it seemed Mr. Sarandol wasn’t too interested in that.
“—So, for my final question, is it true that the king of the Kin of Twilight is considering an invasion of this continent?”
“Indeed. Rendurm is a man who is obsessively fixated on domination. He cannot tolerate anything unless he either controls everything or destroys those he cannot control. For now, he is focusing his efforts on subjugating the entirety of the ‘Garden of Twilight,’ but once that is accomplished, he will undoubtedly turn his attention to this continent without delay.”
“How many of the Kin residing in the ‘Garden of Twilight’ are there?”
“Well, I don’t think there are ten thousand, but no one knows the exact number. It is likely that only when they are subjugated by Rendurm will that number become clear.”
“Ten thousand, huh? I’ve heard that even one of them possesses terrifying strength, so that number is quite daunting.”
“Not all of the Kin of Twilight are warlike or strong. Those who come to this continent are often the exceptions.”
“I see, that’s an interesting point from our perspective.”
Mr. Sarandol paused and looked at me. It seemed he had finished asking his questions.
“Soushi, will you discuss making her an adventurer?”
“Yes, it seems the Grand Master has given his permission.”
In fact, I had already inquired through Mariane the night before, and according to her, the Grand Master had readily agreed. The party members had also given their consent, but ultimately, it depended on Geshura’s feelings.
“Is there anything else you wish to discuss?”
“Ah, yes. Actually, I have a proposal for you, Geshura. The truth is, as long as you remain on this continent, I believe you will face various inconveniences. I have a solution that might help, and I would like you to hear it.”
“Hmm. I will listen.”
Seeing Geshura show interest, I explained that becoming an adventurer might allow her to operate more freely within human territories. Of course, I also elaborated on the relationships between the country, the Adventurers’ Guild, and our position as “Soul’s Guidance.”
“…I see. Rather than hiding, you suggest making my existence acknowledged. If that is possible, it may indeed be the best option.”
“Yes. However, I believe there will be resistance from the human side in recognizing the Kin of Twilight as adventurers, so whether it will succeed remains uncertain.”
“I understand that it is akin to a gamble. However, what I cannot comprehend is why you, Soushi, are so invested in this. Do you seek something from me?”
It was only natural for Geshura to be curious about that. After all, I myself wasn’t entirely sure. While it was clear that she held significant value as a resource, I had no intention of asking her to create any useful items for me.
If anything, it was simply that my sense of human rights, cultivated in Japan, made it hard for me to ignore her…
“No, I merely thought that if Geshura-san wishes to live relatively freely on this continent, this is the only way. I did consider having her sheltered by a human power broker, but…”
“I would prefer to avoid that. It would likely lead to the same fate as Rendurm.”
“Yes, I agree. I thought that being an adventurer, in a sense, is the perfect opposite of a power broker.”
“Hmm… I do not fully understand the core of your actions, but you are undoubtedly stronger than I. I suppose I have no choice but to follow.”
“No, I do not intend to force you. If Geshura-san wishes to act as she sees fit, I will not interfere any further.”
As I hastily said this, Geshura pondered for a moment before slowly nodding.
“…Even so, it would be wise to follow Soushi’s suggestion. Normally, I prefer to stay in one place and focus on crafting, but perhaps wandering through the human world for a while could be interesting. However, if I am with you, there may be pursuers after me.”
“I am prepared for that. In fact, if Rendurm is targeting this continent, eliminating the forces he sends out in small numbers is not a bad idea.”
“You mean to use me as bait to draw them out? I never expected to find someone like you among humans. However, after witnessing the battle the other day, I can understand why you would say that. For now, I will entrust myself to you, Soushi. I look forward to working with you.”
It seemed that an unexpected companion would be joining “Soul’s Guidance.”
Whether it would be a demon or a serpent that emerged, I suspected that the one to be troubled by this unprecedented situation would not be us. I recalled the resolute face of His Majesty the King of Vermilian and silently offered my apologies in my heart.