42 - Damian Barre
Rarely, we were asked for a favor by Miranda-san, and we were meeting a person she insisted we see at the guild.
She had pleaded with us, hands clasped in desperation, and we had agreed to at least meet him. This was the result—.
"Are you the adventurer party she mentioned? I'm Damian Barre. Ah, no need for introductions. Remembering names is a chore, or rather... I'm not interested, so I'll forget them immediately."
His messy green hair was of a length that could be described as neither long nor short.
He wore glasses, which looked a bit heavy, perhaps some kind of magic tool.
Compared to the well-groomed glasses of the Fourth, this young man gave the impression of being a slovenly spectacle-wearer.
In his early twenties, small in stature but clad in a robe and possessing a unique aura, the young man carried a staff larger than himself over his shoulder.
Looking at his equipment, it was clear they were magic tools of some sort.
But why had we been introduced to someone we so clearly didn't want to meet?
"Mi-Miranda-san?"
"I'm sorry! I'm really sorry, Riel. But the professor said he simply couldn't wait any longer... Once he enters the labyrinth and sees reality, he'll probably give up."
Novem also looked a bit troubled.
"Is the request to escort Damian-san and defeat the boss of the fortieth basement floor? However, I cannot say that we possess that level of strength."
Aria looked at Damian and seemed slightly shocked, perhaps because he was different from the professor she had imagined.
She had likely envisioned an intellectual man.
Damian spoke.
"I understand that much. You seem to have individual strength, but the fact that there are only three of you tells me everything I need to know. But you see, no one accepts my escort requests. It's infuriating. I even pay the guild just to post the request. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get those old geezers at the top to shell out money...?"
Despite speaking, Damian refused to meet our eyes, which seemed terribly rude.
Ignoring Damian as he began to mutter complaints, I confirmed the situation with Miranda-san.
The reason she had called us here.
"Miranda-san, is this a request?"
"It's a personal request. I want you to escort the professor and challenge the labyrinth. I heard from somewhere that adventurers are only challenging the labyrinth because of the professor's requests..."
As Miranda-san looked troubled, Damian spoke.
With an exasperated look, he complained about the adventurer guild's handling of things.
"They take money just for posting a request, and then they just let adventurers who have no intention of completing it enter the labyrinth. It's truly sickening. This is why the guild can't be trusted. It would be enough if they just provided the things I requested."
Did he realize how difficult that was?
However, since he wasn't a professional, he might not understand those kinds of hardships.
I pondered whether I should accept the request.
What should I do? I could accept, but it's impossible for us to complete the request. Only three of us. And we're supposed to conquer the labyrinth with Damian of the Seven Sages? I have nothing but a bad feeling about this.
It would be difficult enough on our own; adding someone we had to look after could prove fatal.
Without consulting Novem or Aria, I intended to refuse.
But then, the Sixth spoke.
『...Riel. This is a chance. Accept this request. However, with conditions.』
With conditions?
At the Sixth's voice, which was more serious than ever, I swallowed my words and listened.
『It's a good opportunity to pull Miranda away from Shannon. It's a Magic Eye capable of influencing the mind. It wouldn't be strange if Miranda is already under Shannon's control, or at least on the verge of it.』
The Fifth agreed with the Sixth, who was being quite cautious regarding Shannon.
『If there's a possibility, it's better to crush it. It would be even better if we had Miranda's help when we make her repent. Invite Miranda as well. Then we'll enter full-scale preparations. Tell Damian that. Tell him that if Miranda participates, we'll accept the request in earnest.』
The Fifth seemed motivated as well, but as for me, it was dangerous, so I wanted to avoid it.
I didn't think we were capable of that much in our current state.
To show my opposition, I touched the Jewel Orb with my fingertip, and the Second found it amusing.
『No motivation, huh? But listen, Riel... both the Fifth and Sixth said they would make preparations. They aren't saying you should escort Damian by yourselves.』
The Third offered me advice.
Both of them were enjoying this situation.
『Accept it because it looks interesting. This will be a good experience for Riel too. As for me, I'm curious about Clara. That girl is a support specialist. It wouldn't be bad to reach out to her.』
These guys are just treating this as entertainment!
Just as I thought that, the Seventh spoke to me.
『...Riel, accept this request. In exchange, let us demand something. The magic of Damian the Puppeteer, [Golem].』
The Seventh was quite interested in the unique magic of Golems.
When I heard the reason, I was completely put off.
『It's the magic of Damian, who was even called one of the Seven Sages... this information would sell for a high price!』
Finally, the Fourth summarized the ancestors' opinions.
『Then, our collective opinion is to accept the request. Riel, what's your judgment?』
While I was deep in thought, Aria spoke up.
"Hey, why are you thinking so seriously? This is a request that's impossible for us. Let's just refuse without pushing ourselves—"
"I'll accept. However, with conditions."
When I said I'd accept, Novem's expression didn't change. It was as if he had expected me to accept this request from the start.
Aria looked at me in surprise.
"Wha-Wait! You were the one saying our current policy is not to overdo it! There's no way we can go to the fortieth basement floor with this professor!"
Miranda-san spoke to Aria.
"Aria, don't think too deeply about it. It's enough if the professor understands that entering the labyrinth is difficult—"
Then, cutting off Miranda-san's voice, Damian looked at me and spoke.
Until now, his gaze had been wandering the surroundings, and he hadn't even looked at me.
Whether some change of heart had occurred, he began to grin.
"Heh, I thought you'd refuse, but it seems you have some backbone. Fine. I'll request you. So... what are the conditions?"
I stated the conditions the ancestors had told me through the Jewel Orb.
"First, I want time. Since we'll be challenging the labyrinth with overnight stays, I want three days for preparation. Make sure you clear your schedule for that. How about a period of one week?"
Damian nodded at my condition.
"Fine. But isn't that period a bit short? If you just take me along, I won't pay a reward. I won't acknowledge that you've done the job unless you break through at least the thirtieth floor."
That was not a problem for me.
"I don't mind. Second is manpower. I'll look for people on my end, but I ask that you bring Miranda-san along. If you refuse this, I won't accept the request."
It was natural to want more people, but Damian tilted his head upon hearing this.
"You want this girl? I'd prefer you didn't bring romance into the job... well, it doesn't seem like that's the intention. Fine. You, forced participation."
Damian said, looking at Miranda-san.
Miranda-san glanced at me once and then told Damian it was impossible.
"Professor, it's impossible for me! I have to look after my younger sister... she's blind. And we have no servants right now."
But, as expected of Damian, he exercised his authority at the academy here.
"If you accept, I'll raise your credits. I'll also tell the academy that you contributed. If you don't... let's see. I'll do nothing. Yes, I'll do nothing to you."
As Damian spoke with a smile, Miranda-san looked down.
The words "do nothing" might have been a kind of threat from Damian.
I added one more request.
"...Another condition is that her younger sister be looked after at a hospital. I want her to be seen by a doctor who is skilled in treating eyes. I will provide the funds."
When I said it was for Shannon's treatment, Miranda-san looked up.
However, she had a subtle expression.
This was because if treatment were possible, the Circle family had already requested it.
"I feel like she's wealthy? Isn't a full recovery impossible? I'm not interested, so I don't know. But I'm just introducing you, so I don't mind."
Then I spoke.
"As for the reward this time, how about your specialty magic? You use a magic called Golem. I desire that as the reward."
I hoped he would refuse here, but Damian nodded easily.
Either he had no attachment to his unique magic, or he thought I couldn't use it.
"Do you want it that badly? If that's fine, I'm grateful because I won't have to use the budget. But don't complain later."
At that point, Novem interjected.
"That was surprisingly easy. Do you think Riel-sama cannot use it?"
Damian shook his head.
"I think they can. The people I taught certainly 'succeeded in the magic.' However, in the end, they all come complaining."
It was Damian's magic, which had even been sublimated into a skill.
Even if other people used it, they might not achieve significant results.
However, it was magic that had earned him a title.
As the Seventh said, just knowing it had value as information.
"I'll reach out to some acquaintances on my end, but since I've only just arrived in Alamsars, I expect only one person will participate. Is it only Miranda-san on your end?"
When I asked if he had any acquaintances, Damian looked up and began to think.
"...There are people who want credits, but those who are useful... there are a few, or maybe none, besides that girl. The useful people earn their own credits and don't succumb to my threats."
It seemed he wasn't reliable.
I got the impression he was quite lacking as a human being, but even so, he was an eccentric called one of the Seven Sages of the academic city.
There was no doubt he was excellent.
"Then, here in three days. As for the necessary preparations until then—"
As I tried to hold a meeting, Damian left the guild.
Waving his hand, he said to us.
"I even stay overnight for research surveys outside, you know? I can handle preparations on my own, so don't worry. More importantly, make sure you guys prepare properly."
He gave a truly selfish impression, but more than that, I looked at the main target, Miranda-san.
She was looking at me, appearing as if she wanted to say something.
"Is there something you want to say?"
"...Why did you bring up my name? You know Shannon is there. It's true that I was the one who introduced you, but it would have been enough just to have you take the professor into the labyrinth."
She was likely worried about leaving Shannon.
As for me, this person didn't look like someone whose mind was being controlled. No, perhaps this state was actually the problem?
She's been kind from the start, so I can't judge.
Novem comforted Miranda-san.
"It's all right, Miranda-san. Shannon-chan is dependable, and it's a good opportunity for her to see a bit of the world outside the mansion. If she just stays shut in, her world won't expand."
"But..."
Then, Aria pressed me.
Unlike Novem, she seemed to oppose my opinion.
"Why did you accept this request? Based on what we just heard, you can tell that the reward magic can only be used by that professor!"
I didn't want to accept this request either, but considering Shannon, I wanted to keep her away from Miranda-san.
Additionally, it was just the right time to ask for cooperation.
The Sixth spoke.
『If we move to make her repent while by Shannon's side, she will definitely sense it. This was for the best. In the labyrinth, Shannon cannot interfere.』
The Fifth shared the same opinion.
However, it seemed that making Shannon repent wasn't the only goal for him.
『While we're at it, it's about time Riel "grew" a bit. Even if he's to face Shannon, it'll be tough if his magic power remains restricted as it is now.』
Saying it would be a bit bad if Shannon were at the mansion during the stage where he emerges from the labyrinth to grow, the Fifth began thinking of excuses to keep Shannon away.
As for the Second, he didn't seem to take the matter of Shannon very seriously.
『As for me, I want Riel to grow on this occasion. Considering the future, it'll be tough if he doesn't get stronger around now.』
The Fourth agreed.
He sounded as if he hoped I would grow in the labyrinth, but he seemed to have doubts when it came to Shannon.
『There have always been people who train in labyrinths. Or rather, is Shannon a monster candidate, as the Fifth and Sixth say? In my opinion, I can't see her as a monster. Is Celes special?』
I let out a sigh and then spoke to Aria.
"...It's for Miranda-san's sake."
"Miranda's?"
After saying only that, we decided to act since we had preparations to make.
Three days later—.
Showing my face at the guild, I waved to Clara, who was carrying luggage.
She was carrying luggage large for her size, but she walked as she usually did.
The rookie adventurers watched that sight with curiosity.
"Right on time."
This time, I had requested support from Clara.
I thought she might be somewhat reluctant, but Clara agreed immediately.
Regarding the reward, it was decided that I would cover the expenses.
Clara looked at us.
No, she looked at our attire.
I, Novem, and Aria were only carrying slightly more luggage than usual.
To her, it probably looked like we had too little luggage for a challenge involving overnight stays in the labyrinth.
"I think the amount of luggage is small? I told you the necessary amount in advance, didn't I?"
To the slightly dissatisfied Clara, it might have looked like we were underestimating the challenge of the labyrinth.
I told her it was a misunderstanding and showed her a wooden box placed nearby.
"A wooden box? You're saying you'll carry that on your back?"
Clara looked at me with eyes that seemed to say it was inefficient.
I answered with a wry smile.
"No, once everyone has gathered, in a place where no one is looking—"
As I said that, the adventurers heading toward the guild began to make a commotion.
"Hey, Damian's here!"
"Is it a march of puppets?"
"He's challenging the labyrinth? I wish he'd just gone himself from the start."
Wondering what was happening, I looked in the direction of the noise, and Clara explained it to me.
Both Novem and Aria had expressions as if they were seeing something unbelievable as they watched the adventurers clear the path.
No, Novem was his usual self.
"The march of Damian the Puppeteer. We've seen something rare. This alone might make participating worthwhile. Since Damian is the one who manipulates the puppets he creates, this kind of thing is possible."
My eyes widened, and the ancestors were also surprised.
The Second spoke.
『Whoa, so this is the magic of the guy called Damian!?』
The Third muttered quietly.
『I see. No wonder everyone wants it.』
The Fourth as well.
『Seeing this, I can understand its value. Seeing that it hasn't spread, there must be some problem with it, though.』
The Fifth was slightly excited.
『Puppets made of iron, huh. If he forms a squad with these and charges, the opponent won't stand a chance.』
The Sixth seemed to be looking at Miranda-san, who was walking along with him.
『...Clothing that's easier to move in than usual. She's beautiful, resembling Mireia.』
Just how much had he cherished Mireia-san?
He was the only one looking at a different place.
The Seventh was also exasperated.
『That's what you're looking at? Normally, one's eyes would go to the moving armor, wouldn't they?』
It was as the Seventh said.
Full suits of armor were walking behind Damian, carrying weapons and luggage.
At first glance, it looked like a scene of Damian leading knights. However, those armors were not the kind of armor people wear.
The limbs were large, while the torso and head were made small.
The balance of the bodies was strange.
"...Because he moves puppets he's made from the start, he's the Puppeteer,"
As I muttered that, Novem also nodded.
"He's an amazing person. Is he manipulating that many on his own?"
Damian was bringing four puppets.
One was carrying large luggage, and the others were carrying bags but held weapons in their hands.
Miranda-san, who was walking with them, looked a bit embarrassed.
He said he'd go pick up the professor after leaving Shannon at the hospital... but maybe a pickup wasn't necessary.
Whether he was looking forward to challenging the labyrinth, there was a Damian who seemed more motivated than when I had seen him before.
"Good morning, everyone! It's truly wonderful weather for challenging the labyrinth!"
Hearing the high-tension words of Damian, I looked up at the sky.
Today it was cloudy.
Aria was exasperated.
"The weather has nothing to do with the labyrinth."
As she said that, Damian adjusted the position of his glasses with his finger and spoke.
I couldn't help but think that the Fourth often did that same gesture...
"Nothing to do with it? How can you say that so definitively? If the weather is bad, there might be adventurers who decide to stop challenging the labyrinth today. Adventurers who go outside are especially influenced by the weather. There might be adventurers who go to the tavern with such people. Furthermore, if it rains, there might be people who decide to go to the labyrinth. See, the weather is important even for challenging the labyrinth."
Damian's argument had a point, but it was troubling to have it explained to that extent.
And, to be honest, it was tedious.
Such a Damian looked at us, and like Clara, his expression became a bit more serious.
"I heard that you've challenged the labyrinth before?"
Because of the lack of luggage, he probably wondered if our level of seriousness was low.
I let out a sigh and pointed to the wooden boxes piled nearby.
"This is all the luggage."
When I said that, Damian nodded.
"I see... it's inefficient. I could have my puppets carry it, but that would reduce my combat strength, wouldn't it?"
Told that, I asked Damian to move to a place where there were few people.
If we could carry them to a room in the labyrinth where no one was, I could use the Seventh's skill [Box] there.
"I'll explain that part later, but this is everyone, right? All right, then let's go to the labyrinth immediately. The first to third basement floors are crowded with adventurers. I hear there's almost no combat until the fifth basement floor, so let's take a break once we get there."
At my opinion, Damian nodded and laughed.
"Sounds good. You're acting as the vanguard. The guild and the adventurers are useful once in a while, aren't they?"
To be precise, Damian was also an adventurer.
He held a guild card.
Leaving the happily acting Damian alone, I approached Miranda-san.
Whether she was worried about Shannon, Miranda-san seemed restless.
"What's wrong?"
"Eh? Ah, Shannon is a bit... she hated the idea of being hospitalized because it reminded her of the past..."
I had explained the situation three days ago.
At the time, she seemed to have accepted it, but did she resist when Miranda-san was alone?
Thinking about that, Miranda-san might not be under Shannon's control.
The Sixth seemed relieved.
『All right! With this, the first stage is a success!』
We succeeded in separating Miranda-san and Shannon, but the request I accepted was to take Damian and defeat the boss of the fortieth basement floor.
For the Sixth, Miranda-san was more important than such a thing.
Mireia-san... I wonder if the Sixth caused her a lot of trouble?
Seeing this level of obsession, I became anxious that he might have caused some kind of trouble.
Though it was already a story of the past.
"It's a good opportunity. For Shannon, and for you too, Miranda-san."
"For me too?"
Looking at Miranda-san, who looked at me with curiosity, I gave the excuse I had prepared in advance.
"Even if it's not to the point of being too dependent on each other, why not trust the other a bit more? Shannon-chan is dependable... more than she looks."
She had a frail image, but I couldn't go as far as to say she was black-hearted inside.
As Aria approached me, she told Miranda that there was no need to worry.
"That's right, Miranda. You have to believe in her a little. Besides, it's a hospital, so they'll take care of her."
It would be a problem if they didn't.
That was why I had paid gold coins.
Since she was an acquaintance of Damian, they likely took extra care and provided a private room.
Thanks to that, it was a larger expense than I had expected.
That was the most I've spent in a while. I also bought spare weapons and such.
Damian's puppets lifted the wooden boxes.
Inside were water, food, and even spare weapons.
Now, the main goal is persuading Miranda-san, but I also want to somehow manage Damian's request.
Damian hurried us along.
"Let's go quickly. Time is finite and precious. We can't waste it in a place like this."
I let out a sigh.
Then, Novem comforted me.
"Let's go, Riel-sama. It's all right. We've prepared for this day."
I nodded and walked behind Damian, who had begun to hum.
Novem was beside me.
Behind us followed Miranda-san, Aria, and then Clara.
For a group challenging the labyrinth of Alamsars, they might have looked like a very unreliable lineup to those around them.
However, the ancestors felt differently.
The Second, in a light tone—.
『Will it even take a week? Five days should be plenty.』
The Third.
『Persuading Miranda-chan might be the harder part.』
The Fourth as well.
『Probably. Riel was put at a bit of a distance because of the previous incident... he could have handled it better... tsk!』
He clicked his tongue.
The Fifth spoke.
『Defeat the boss of the fortieth floor and persuade Miranda in a maximum of one week, right? Persuading Miranda is harder, but it's a breeze.』
As the Fifth said, she hadn't been speaking to me as much as before recently.
It was because I had essentially forced Shannon into the hospital.
I should have handled it better.
It was too late for regrets, but the Sixth spoke.
『Riel. I don't care about Damian's magic, but you must persuade Miranda no matter what. Understand?』
I could imagine the stern-faced Sixth intimidating me.
I shook my head.
Novem, walking beside me, asked if I was all right, so I answered with a smile that there was no problem.
Finally, the Seventh.
『With Damian's magic, we can use a tactic of charging with only the armor. Depending on the case, we could face more than double the enemies with only a few soldiers... man, I'm looking forward to it!』
This request, where the ancestors' intentions overlapped with Damian's request.
I wondered if I could manage both, feeling a sense of anxiety.