kscans

Chapter 180 - Report and Enhancement

I researched in the library until it closed.

It had no shortage of reference materials, and it was quiet and calming. On top of that, this library closed at nine in the evening. It was the ideal place to study.

After leaving, I went to a Gyūdon Restaurant and had a large serving with miso soup and pickles. On the way… I stopped by a convenience store to buy something.

The only thing left was to take a bath, but at this hour, my only option was the Health Land. I wasn't particularly fond of that place, though. Then again, in the other world, there were saunas but no baths. My house in the Kingdom didn't have one either. I was walking along, wondering what to do.

On my way home.

I came across a river. I looked around, confirmed no one was there, and took off my clothes.

It was… cold. Freezing. But beggars can't be choosers. I scrubbed my body from head to toe.

Once I was clean, I used my fire magic to start a bonfire and dry myself.

I had already gathered the branches. To any onlooker, it would be the sight of a naked man warming himself by a fire. By any measure, the actions of a pervert. Once the water droplets were gone from my body, I got dressed.

I put out the fire, destroying the evidence.

When I arrived home, I looked over the construction site.

It seemed to have progressed a fair bit compared to yesterday. The floors had been newly replaced, and the bathroom was coming along smoothly. Their satisfying work made me feel like I couldn't lose to them.

My work as a hunter over there.

I hadn't been slacking, but this gave me a renewed sense of purpose.

I went to the magic circle and crossed over to the other world.

After arriving.

I considered just resting at home, but I figured I should get an update on the Empire's situation over the past day.

Well, it's not like it would change so quickly. Not unless something major happened.

I headed over using a teleportation circle.

Upon arrival.

I made my way to the base.

The time was past ten at night. Tina was probably asleep. Multiple bonfires were set up around the base, keeping the area bright even in the dead of night.

A guard on watch saw me.

"Well if it isn't the leader of 'Red Lightning.' Returning at such a late hour. Where have you been?"

To this question, I replied.

"Oh, just a little excursion hunting monsters. The general did order me to take a vacation, after all."

I told a partial lie.

The guard said.

"Ah, I see. It's been chaos over here. A flood of adventurers from the Royal Capital poured in around noon."

He sighed.

I said.

"Adventurers? What about the monsters?"

To this, the guard replied.

"No, no movement from the monsters. It's so quiet it's eerie. The adventurers are the bigger problem. Apparently, the Guild Master strongly encouraged them to join the border defense, offering a reward of ten gold coins. It seems he did a lot of things without authorization."

He sighed again.

I asked.

"Isn't an increase in manpower a good thing?"

To this question, the guard responded.

"Well, yes, but the problem is food and sleeping arrangements. When the number of people increases, consumption and space become the biggest headaches. In fact, several parties are camping outdoors without even a tent."

He pointed toward a group of adventurers gathered around a bonfire.

He was right, more people meant a higher rate of consumption. It was a golden rule.

I said.

"I see. I can only say that sounds tough."

No other words came to mind.

The guard replied.

"Well, that's how it is. Sorry to have kept you with my long story. Please, rest well."

He gave a bow.

I bowed back and headed for Tina's tent.

I thought she would be asleep, but the light was on.

As I approached.

"Shinsuke?"

A voice came from inside.

How did she know? The question crossed my mind, but I let it go.

I entered the tent.

"Sorry I'm late."

I apologized just in case.

Tina said.

"It can't be helped, considering the situation over there. So? Was there any progress?"

I showed her the notebook and the stone.

"There was. Something quite surprising, actually." I explained my discoveries on Earth.

After I finished, Tina said.

"Is that so? That is indeed surprising. I have seen evidence that people from long ago came here and left things behind, but to think it happened there as well… And this Light Stone? I've never heard of it. I'm not that knowledgeable about ores, so I can't say for sure, though."

She answered, looking uncertainly at the Light Stone in her hand.

I said.

"This thing is imbued with the light attribute. If you pour magic into it, you can use light magic, but at most, you can only make a Sword of Light. You can't double its size or use it freely like Altorine-san."

To this explanation, Tina replied.

"Even so, that's more than enough. Normally, light magic is an innate power. Not everyone can use it. But I think it's best not to speak of this to anyone."

Seeing my confusion, Tina continued.

"Because light magic is powerful. The power to slice through anything. If misused, it's impossible to defend against. The exceptions would be your condensed flames or a sword like the one Former Pope Aleister possessed, which could match its power. But ordinary magicians and adventurers can't do that. We had Rodel put under surveillance because his personality was dangerous. I'm sure you understand without me having to say it."

I nodded at that.

If that arrogant, swaggering fool were to commit evil, the damage would be immense. It was a natural precaution.

At that moment, I thought.

"Wait, huh? In that case, wasn't exiling him from the country a bad idea? I mean, it did turn into a bad situation."

To my question, Tina answered.

"That's a fair question. That's precisely why he was sent to the rocky mountains on the border. The monsters there are mostly avian, so even with light magic, it's meaningless unless he can get close. He has no means of long-range attack. Besides, the Sword of Light is useless without a weapon. And even if he had one, it would crumble unless it was stronger than Mithril. It was an execution in the name of exile."

She explained it matter-of-factly.

I see, so to execute him publicly would require an act on the level of overthrowing the state. But what he did was fail a subjugation mission and violate the rules in the arena.

That alone wasn't enough. Exile was the most they could do.

And as a result, he became a monster and got stronger. Wow. That's not funny at all.

I said.

"In that case, the one who modified him must be a pretty dangerous being. We should probably kill him, but I can't imagine accomplishing that without dying myself. Best not to encounter him."

I voiced my pessimistic thoughts.

I'm no hero, nor am I a champion who protects the world.

I'm just a hunter.

A year ago.

When I was completely defeated by the monster known as Sidoor, I felt more acceptance than frustration.

An overwhelmingly superior being.

Back at my company on Earth, when I looked at my superiors like the president or the department head, I honestly saw them as irrelevant.

All they did was move their mouths. They made no effort to work properly. They just acted high and mighty.

Those higher-ups were just people who had built relationships with money and smooth talk. All I felt was anger and exasperation.

I've gotten sidetracked.

This was the first time in this world that I felt I absolutely couldn't win.

Tina said.

"I agree. My opinion is the same. As for my work as an adventurer, that's one thing. But what I do outside of that is my decision to make. Deciding to go with you was my choice as well."

She answered with unwavering eyes.

She's a genuinely good person.

I said.

"Alright then, back to the topic at hand. This Light Stone… I want to combine it with your Orichalcum Sword."

At my suggestion, Tina asked.

"Mine? What about you, Shinsuke?"

To her question, I replied.

"I'll be fine. I have a technique that can serve as a substitute. But you don't. You have your ice sword and wind-clad attacks, but that doesn't change the fact that you're lacking in power."

My words were merciless.

Tina thought for a moment.

He's right, she thought. Even if I improve my sword's performance or master new magic, there will always be enemies I can't beat. It's better to do this now than to regret not doing it later.

Tina asked.

"What will you do, Shinsuke? Are you going to use that Brahmi script to enhance your sword?"

To this, I answered.

"That's the plan. I've managed to understand it, so now it's just a matter of putting it into practice. The Brahmi script won't work for you, so we'll use the Light Stone. Do you have any objections?"

Tina closed her eyes, then said.

"You're right. Now that I think about it, there's no reason to hesitate. Please, do it."

She said, holding out her sword.

I did some work on the Light Stone, then used `Matter Conversion` to make its form clay-like and fused it with her sword.

I could have changed its internal structure, but that would have slightly reduced its strength.

Her longsword became a wide broadsword.

I converted the scabbard to match. Luckily, it was made of iron, so I could use my power.

Tina took it in hand and gave it a light swing.

"It's surprisingly light. I can't use its weight for attacks, but… hmm. That doesn't matter for slashes from the Light Stone."

She said this as she poured her magic into the sword, which became enveloped in light and fused with the blade.

I explained.

"I put a Weightless Stone inside the Light Stone. The sword's weight increased, so this is to avoid putting a strain on your muscles."

To this response, Tina said.

"Thank you. With this, I can fight to my heart's content."

She continued to gaze at it.

I said.

"Alright then. I'm going to work on carving the Brahmi script into the tang of my sword. I thought about using a skill, but it seems it won't work unless I carve it myself, infusing it with magic."

To this, Tina said.

"Starting now? It's already late."

To her surprise, I replied.

"I have to. That's why I bought this. Caffeine-rich chocolate for staying awake. This stuff is great. It not only restores fatigue but also stimulates the brain. Well, apparently, too much can cause addiction, so I'll eat it in the morning."

Seeing this, Tina asked.

"Are you sure that's okay?"

A worried look on her face.

That was understandable. Chocolate didn't exist in this world.