kscans

Chapter 262 - To the Place Where It All Began

It was an unexpected reunion with Alumi.

A surprised Alumi asked, "…Wh-Why? What’s your connection to Bardos?"

To this, I replied, "Bardos and I are acquaintances. We were partners for a time. A lot happened, and we went our separate ways. I teamed up with Tina, and Bardos teamed up with Leona."

Alumi calmed down a little.

"…You’re kidding me. The lead was right here all along? You have no idea how much trouble I went through to get here. …So? Why did people like you go to the Empire? Weren’t you already A-rank here before that?"

It was a fair question.

I explained, "I was on a journey to get stronger. To do that, I had to drop to A-rank, so I accepted it. I’m not interested in ranks."

Tina added, "…I’ve decided to travel with him as his partner. I, too, don’t care about my rank."

Alumi gave us a deadpan look.

"…You know, normally, adventurers are obsessed with their rank. It makes me wonder why you two even became adventurers in the first place."

She looked puzzled.

…Other adventurers seemed to fixate on their rank; in a way, they worked with that as their goal. …In my mind, adventurers were people who traveled to all sorts of places.

Well, even on Earth, very few people travel extensively.

…That’s because they don’t want to leave their comfort zone. Why would they hesitate to work somewhere else when they’ve worked so hard to maintain their status and trust where they are?

If they do travel, it’s usually for sightseeing and little else.

In this world, leaving is not so easy. The ecology and strength of monsters differ from country to country. You never fight anything stronger than yourself. …This isn’t cowardice; it’s the natural crisis-management ability of any living creature.

Only suicidal fools lack this ability. Sightseeing trips are out of the question.

I’d gotten sidetracked.

I said, "…In my case, I live as a hunter, not an adventurer. I hunt monsters to make a living. As long as I can do that, I have no complaints."

Tina added, "…I wanted to be an adventurer. I wanted to travel with my friend, Leona. I’m not interested in ranks either. …I just happened to become A-rank as I took on jobs."

She answered without a hint of emotion.

Alumi said, "…I see. Now I kind of understand why you partnered with Bardos. He wasn’t interested in rank either. …But I never expected him to have a child."

She shot a resentful look at Leona.

…At least she wasn’t directing any killing intent. Even without the baby present, it seemed she didn’t want to cause a scene.

I said, "…This is simply a matter of their feelings aligning. I understand how you feel, Alumi-san, but… what did Bardos think of you?"

Alumi turned away.

"…He said he only ever thought of me as a little sister."

She was pouting.

Tina said, "…He’s not interested in romance. His relationship with Leona also began with fighting."

She was reminiscing.

…Come to think of it, they did fight a lot at first. To think that would develop into romance… it made me wonder what kind of battle-themed romantic comedy this was.

Alumi said, "…I heard about that. That’s the thing. We used to fight all the time, too. And he still calls me his sister…"

Her pout deepened.

…The situation seemed calm, but it was clear she hadn’t sorted out her feelings yet.

After that, Bardos returned, and we nostalgically recounted old stories for Alumi.

Nighttime.

At our house.

…We somehow managed to mediate between Bardos and the others. Honestly, it was exhausting. Even if she was heartbroken, trying to manage Alumi, who was sulking like a child, was a real chore.

Afterward, Alumi had said, "…Well, if Bardos is happy in his own way, then I won’t say anything more. But I’m staying in this town, too. So be prepared. …I’ll talk to my party, but I’m sure they’ll agree."

With that, she left.

…Those three have complete faith in Alumi. They would likely do as she says.

Tina and I were having dinner.

It had gotten too dark to hunt in the forest, so we decided to make botan nabe with some boar meat and herbs we bought in town.

…First, I cut the long green onions and Chinese cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Next, I added miso, mirin, and sake to a pot of water. Once it came to a boil, I added the cut herbs and boar meat. I brought it to a strong boil, and when it started to foam, I reduced the heat to low and let it simmer. …The meat is still tough after a hard boil.

Simmering it on low heat afterward is crucial to make it tender.

After about fifteen minutes… it was done.

We immediately began to eat. I transferred some meat and herbs to a small bowl. First, I ate the meat. …Mmm. It’s tender. The seasoning is strong, so the miso has soaked in well. …Tina was also eating with a look of satisfaction.

I ate with no regrets.

After we finished eating.

We decided to turn in a little early. …Saying we were tired today. Tina agreed. She wasn’t wearing her green armor. It seemed she wasn’t in the mood.

I felt a mix of loneliness and relief as I got into bed. Tina got in with me.

In the moonlight.

Tina moved closer.

"…Shinsuke? …Are you going?"

To this, I replied, "…I guess there’s no point in hiding it. …It’s a promise."

Tina said, "…I see. I want to go with you, but I would only be a burden. …However, I will go to the entrance. Whatever the outcome, I don’t know if you’ll be able to move, Shinsuke."

She smiled at me.

I replied, "…That’s true. I’ll be counting on you then."

I agreed.

A little while later, Tina said, "…Shinsuke. …Tonight… I want to feel you. …Please… with me…"

Her face was flushed red.

After she said that much, I had to respond.

"…Alright. I want to have no regrets, either."

I pulled Tina close.

…After we were finished.

We got dressed.

My Japanese-style armor, the ring of fire, fire-resistant gloves, the Orichalcum sword, and my continuously modified Japanese sword. …Tina also held her usual armor and sword.

Monsters might attack us on the way. We set out.

…The rocky mountains.

The entrance.

When we arrived, Tina said, "…I’ll be here. …Please be safe."

She was praying for me.

I said, "…I’m heading in."

With only those words, I entered the rocky mountains.

The summit.

…As a quiet wind blew, I closed my eyes and sank into reflection.

Three years ago. I first came to this world. High on the thrill of it, I did what I wanted here, and at my master’s grave, I swore to become stronger in both mind and body.

One year ago. It was here that I learned my own weakness. And it began. …My journey. …My battle. …My limits.

If it weren’t for what happened here, would I have ever thought of going to another country?

…I probably would have gone with the tourist mindset of someone from Earth.

I don’t know if I could have overcome the crises in that state. My present self exists precisely because of what I learned here.

…Quietly opening my eyes, I shouted, "…My preparations are complete… Come, Sidoor!!!"

In response, a black hole opened in the sky, and from it, he descended.