“You’ve got to be kidding me!”
Akito rejoiced upon hearing Anik’s story, but his excitement quickly waned, “No, but…”
“There’s no way you can make a spear like Gae Bolg. It used a pretty large Yellow Diamond, you know. I don’t think you can make a weapon of the same level.”
His words sounded like resignation. Perhaps he had resigned himself to the fact that he could never get it back from the moment he lost Gae Bolg. Yuma felt unbearable. Rui had told him, “Akito used ‘Release’ to save Yuma.” If he hadn’t lost his Ego and defeated the Great Tree Monster, this wouldn’t have happened.
“Hyah, hyah, hyah! Certainly, considering the power of that spear, it must have used a considerably large Magic Gem. Even for me, obtaining such a Magic Gem would be difficult. However, creating an even more powerful spear is entirely possible!”
“What!?”
Akito leaped up from the sofa as if he had springs on his feet and looked down at Anik.
“Really? Can you really do it!?”
“Who do you think I am? I’m the chairman of India’s premier weapon manufacturer, ‘Anik Steel.’ I don’t lie!”
“Oh, then please, by all means! It’s a real problem when I don’t have a weapon.”
“Hyah, hyah, hyah! Leave it to me.”
Akito struck a triumphant pose and rejoiced. Seeing that, Yuma and Rui exchanged glances and rejoiced together, “That’s really good.”
“However, a weapon suited to you will take about three weeks to make. Can you wait for your departure from India?”
“Eh!? Three weeks?”
Akito’s face suddenly clouded over. He had been planning to leave India as soon as Anik and the others arrived.
“Three weeks is too long! Can’t you make it any shorter?”
Anik stroked his beard, saying, “Hmm.”
“The weapon we’re making now is exclusively for you. It’s custom-made, so to speak. We have to examine your physical characteristics, your fighting habits, and the way your Mana flows. The shorter we make it, the more half-baked it might become. After all, we need at least three weeks.”
“Seriously…”
Akito put his hand on his chin and pondered. After a moment of silence, he turned to Yuma and Rui, asking, “What do you guys think?” This journey is for fulfilling Yuma’s purpose. The destination and schedule must ultimately be decided by Yuma. As Akito and Rui’s gazes converged on him, Yuma thought for a moment but quickly came to a decision.
“Let’s wait three weeks. Considering what’s to come, it’s absolutely necessary for Akito to have a weapon.”
Akito said, “Are you sure?” with a complicated expression. This time, they were able to obtain the White Magic Gem in India. However, the Resurrection Magic he had hoped for couldn’t be used, and Yuma was terribly depressed. It was only natural since his hope had vanished. Even so, he was trying to cheer himself up and move forward. If he gave Yuma any more time, his motivation might run out. Thinking that, Akito looked up and gazed at Yuma.
“Yuma, Rui. You two go on ahead! I’ll catch up as soon as the weapon is finished.”
“Eh!?”
Yuma raised both eyebrows in surprise.
“You mean we’re splitting up? But, that’s…”
“What? Are you going to miss me if I’m not around?”
Akito raised the corner of his mouth, making a mocking face.
“W-Who’s going to miss you! If anything, it’ll be refreshing without your noise.”
As Yuma retorted, Akito chuckled.
“Then it’s settled. You two leave first and head to England via Germany. I’ll leave as soon as the weapon is ready.”
“But…”
Rui began to speak with an anxious expression.
“We don’t have any means of communication, you know? Once we separate, there’s a chance we might not see each other again.”
Yuma, who had been worked up, also turned pale at those words. If they got lost in this vast Eurasian continent, that would truly be the end.
“It’ll be fine. I know the route you’re taking, and you guys are likely to be making a splash. It should be easy to find you.”
Akito said casually. But Yuma and Rui couldn’t be so optimistic.
“Isn’t it still difficult? I think it’s better if we all leave together without pushing it.”
At Yuma’s words, Akito snorted.
“What are you saying so nonchalantly! I heard about your childhood friend’s body that died. Even though it’s being preserved, it’s gradually decaying, right? Even if you can use Resurrection Magic, it might be meaningless if the body is too damaged. Isn’t that right!?”
“That’s…”
Yuma couldn’t argue. Aisha had also told him that they didn’t know the conditions for resurrection at all, so it was better to hurry. Considering that, it was certainly better to go ahead. But— As Yuma frowned, Akito chuckled and shook his head slightly.
“It’s not like it’s a permanent farewell, what’s there to worry about?”
“Don’t make it sound so easy!”
“It’s decided! Old man, can you arrange transportation for these guys? They’re going to Germany from here.”
“Germany… that’s far.”
Anik muttered, sitting across the low table.
“Hey! Don’t decide things without—”
Yuma tried to snap back, but Rui, who was next to him, grabbed his shoulder.
“Yuma, let’s do as Akito says. It might be the most efficient way.”
“Even you, Rui… you said it would be difficult to reunite earlier, didn’t you!?”
“I certainly think it’s difficult, but Akito has the highest ability to sense Mana among us. If it’s Yuma’s powerful Mana, he might be able to find us.”
When Yuma turned to look at him after hearing Rui’s story, Akito puffed out his chest, saying, “That’s the way it is.”
Yuma couldn’t say anything more. In the end, Akito would remain in India, and Yuma and Rui would depart the next morning. And the next day—
“Is it okay? To receive something like this?”
What was prepared in the hotel parking lot was a medium-sized truck carrying a container. Yuma touched the truck’s body and exclaimed, “Wow!”
“Something like this isn’t cheap. It’s a bit plain as transportation for a hero, though.”
Anik laughed, “Hyah, hyah, hyah!” In the parking lot were Anik, Akito, and the members of Peacock King (Mahamayuri). Even Dasha and Kaira were there. Everyone had come to see Yuma and the others off. The truck was prepared by Anik, and the container was filled with gasoline and food.
“Are you sure it’s okay not to have a driver?”
Anik asked, stroking his white beard, and Rui replied, “Yes.”
“I’ve been taught how to drive, and since it’s going to be a dangerous journey, I can’t involve anyone else.”
“I see.”
Anik nodded slightly and narrowed his eyes. Akito, who was with him, banged on the container and smiled, “You got something good!”
“Don’t get killed by Monsters before I catch up.”
“You’re the one who’s going to get lost and cry!”
Akito went to Yuma and Rui’s side and exchanged fist bumps. It was a simple greeting, but it was enough for the three of them. Finally, Dasha and Kaira came forward.
“India was saved thanks to you. We will never forget that debt. We are also praying that your journey’s purpose will be fulfilled.”
Dasha asked for a handshake, and Yuma and Rui responded. As Dasha stepped back, Kaira came forward shyly.
“Um… well. If you’re in trouble, call me right away. I’ll definitely rush over and be your strength.”
Kaira extended her right hand. Yuma exchanged glances with Rui and smiled.
“Thank you. I’ll rely on you then.”
Yuma shook her hand firmly, and Rui followed suit. The two got into the truck and closed the door. Rui would be driving. He didn’t have a license, so he was completely a paperless driver. After fastening his seatbelt, Yuma opened the window and looked outside. Akito was waving, saying, “Don’t get into an accident~.” Anik, Dasha, Kaira, and the members of Peacock King (Mahamayuri), including Rudra, were also waving with smiles. Yuma leaned out of the window and shouted, “Thank you very much!” and waved back. Rui stepped on the accelerator pedal, and the truck slowly moved forward. It was quite a difficult journey, but they met many people and gained many things. He would be separated from Akito for a while, but he would surely see him soon. The truck left the hotel parking lot and increased its speed. Akito and Dasha were no longer visible. If Kaede came back to life and the world became peaceful, they would surely be able to come again. Thinking about that, the truck carrying Yuma and Rui headed for Germany, a country far away.
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This concludes Chapter 7, The King’s Gestation Arc [The Insect and Wind Player].
The next chapter will begin Volume 8, the King’s Stirrings Arc: [The Deep Sea Overlord]. I hope you will continue to read.