vol 4 PT 3

ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

V4 C7

Chapter 7 : Haulia's Sudden Change



"Ehehe, uhehehe, kufufufu~"

Having been allowed to accompany them, Shia was happy. With both hands on her cheeks, a loose expression on her face, and that strange laughter she started letting out while twisting her body, it was a shameless appearance. So shameless that her previous seriousness, when confronting Hajime seemed like a lie.

"… … Gross"

Is what Yue muttered because she couldn't stand it anymore. Shia's excellent rabbit ears caught that mutter.

"… … Wa-, who is gross! Why would you call me gross? It's just that I was so happy that it can't be helped. After all, isn't this my first time seeing Hajime's dere side? Didn't you also see it? His previous expression. Suddenly my chest became 'kyun'(tightened)~. with this the time when he becomes hopelessly in love with me isn't that far off~"

Shia was elated and became more caught up in it. Having seen that Shia, Hajime and Yue muttered together in disgust.

""… … Annoying rabbit""

"W-wa-!? What's with that, calling me annoying rabbit! Please call me by my name already~, we are travel companions~. Don't tell me, it's not like you're unwilling want to call me by name from the very beginning, right? Right?"

""… …""

"Why did you become silent? Wait, please don't look away~. Come on, it's Shia, Shi-a. Repeat after me, Shi-a"

While Shia desperately tried to make them call her by name, Hajime and Yue only narrowed their eyes and started to discuss their future plans. Then Shia clung to them with teary eyes and said, "Don't ignore me~, I don't want to be left out~". Even after becoming a travel companion, they treated her just as harshly as before.

While someone was making a racket (Shia), several Haulia tribe members appeared from the fog, they returned after clearing Hajime's challenge; to subdue demonic beasts and return with proof in their hands. When you look closely, one of them was Kam.

Shia was smiling wide, this being the first time she'd seen her family in days. The last time she'd seen them was when she was explaining her feelings to them, before her training started. Even though it was only ten days, every day, it was deadly training. Extraordinary concentrated training at that. Because of that, for Shia, it felt like they hadn't met each other for months.

Immediately, Shia started talking to her father, Kam. There was a lot to tell. However, right before she said anything, Shia swallowed her words. She noticed a strange atmosphere surrounding Kam and the others.

Kam who saw Shia only revealed a slight smile, immediately his gaze returned to Hajime. And…

"Boss. About the demonic beasts, have we hunted them on time?"

"Bo-boss? Fa-father? Somehow your tone… … rather, your atmosphere was…"

Because of her father's speech and behaviour, Shia's puzzled voice could be heard. However, she was ignored while , rustling, Kam and the others pulled out claws of the demonic beasts that could be considered high ranked in the Sea of Trees.

"… … I thought I said one was enough…"

The training graduation challenge by Hajime was to hunt a high ranking demonic beast for each team. However, there were enough parts her for ten demonic beasts. Against Hajime's question, Kam and the others answered with fearless smiles.

"Yes, that's what you've ordered, right? While we were doing that, its companions came out… … because they impudently turned their killing intent towards us, we just politely welcomed it. Right? Everyone?"

"That's right, Boss. Those guys were too impudent for demonic beasts"

"We completely defeated them. Without missing even one, right?"

"Even though they were noisy… … their barking voices were good, fufu"

"Well it was good to serve as a warning…"

"Well, we already chopped them to pieces, wasn't that enough?"

It was a parade of disturbing remarks. All of them, there was no trace of their original peaceful and gentle RabbitMan tribe demeanor. They reported the results of their dangerous combat to Hajime with fearless smiles and glaring eyes.

Stunned, the Shia watching this could only utter a single word,

"… … Who?"

* * *

"Wh-what happened!? Hajime-san! What on earth happened to father and the others!?"

"C-calm down! N-nothing happened… … it was the result of training…"

"Nono, what happened to make them like this!? Aren't they completely different people?! Wait, please don't look away! Look at me!"

"… … it's not like there are any big differences, right?"

"Are your eyes knotholes (ornaments)! Please look at them. A while ago they were charmed just by staring at their knives! Ah, just now, someone called their knife Julia! Normally, isn't that scary?"

Shia's angry voice filled with frustration echoed in the Sea of Trees. What on earth had happened? That was what Kam and the others thought while exchanging glances between Hajime and Shia, with confused expressions. They exchanged glances for a while until the other members of the Haulia tribe came back, all of them were… … that is to say… … they look wild. Not only the adult males but also the females, children and even the elderly.

Shia pointed at her family that completely changed, while approaching Hajime with tremendous momentum to urge him for an explanation. Hajime awkwardly averted his gaze while being interrogated by Shia.

Maybe she judged she wouldn't be able to make any progress, so Shia changed her target to Kam and the others.

"Father! Everyone! What on earth has happened!? It's as if you're different people!? From before, you've only been saying frightening things… … please come back to your senses!"

Kam who was clung onto by Shia, started to loosen his glaring expression and reverted to his gentle expression. That made Shia a little relieved.

However…

"What are you saying, Shia? We are sane/okay. It's just that we have awoken to the truth of this world. It's all thanks to Boss"

"T-the truth? What was that?"

Having a bad feeling about it, Shia asked while her cheeks twitched, and Kam smiled while confidently declaring.

"90% of this world's problems can be solved with violence"

"It was a different person after all?! My gentle father was already dead~, uwaa~n"

Because of the shock, Shia ran and disappeared into the Sea of Trees while crying. However, before she got into the fog, a small shadow immediately appeared before her and she fell on her butt while "hauu" letting out a miserable voice.

That small shadow was able to keep its balance without falling, then it stretched out its hand towards Shia.

"Th-thank you very much"

"Well, think nothing of it, Shia big sis(anego). It was the natural thing for a man"

"B-big sis (A-anego)?"

What appeared from the fog was a boy from the Haulia tribe that could still be called a child. On his shoulder was a big crossbow while two knives and a slingshot-like weapon were attached to his waist. It was a boy who often displays a nihilistic smile. Shia who was never called "anego" until now looked up, in front of her was the boy that usually called her "Shia-oneechan" so she was puzzled by it.

With Shia staring at him with a skeptical gaze, the boy pit-pat walked up in front of Hajime then he gloriously saluted him.

"Boss! I am sorry to come back empty-handed! There is something that I must report! Permission to speak!"

"O-ou? What is it?"

At boy's veteran soldier-like atmosphere, even though it's too late, Hajime thought Shia was right, and that it was a little too much. And then he stuttered a little. The boy continued his report without a care.

"Affirmative! Problem found while pursuing demonic beasts, I discovered a group of fully-armed Bearman tribe. The place was on the route to the Great Tree. Perhaps they thought to ambush us!"

"A~, they've come as expected. Although I thought they'd come immediately… … I see, they wanted to crush us in front of our goal huh. It was a somewhat good demeanor. … … then?"

"Affirmative! If it's okay, how about leaving those guys to us, Haulia!"

"We~ll. How about it, Kam? Do you have anything to say?"

Having heard that, Kam was shaken, and since it was something he wished for he began to grin with a fearless smile then nodded.

"By all means, leave it to us. Our power, we wanted to know… … how far our power has come, compared to them. Wha~t, it's not like we will show anything disgraceful."

Having heard their chief's words, the surrounding Haulia tribe, all of them, showed belligerent expressions. The number of people who called their weapons by name with increasing admiration could be felt. Shia's expression was dyed with despair.

"… … Can you do it?"

"Affirmative!"

The one who cheerfully answered Hajime's last confirmation was the boy. Hajime once again closed his eyes then breathed deeply and 'Ka' opened his eyes wide.

"Hear me! Everyone from Haulia tribe! Every one of you brave and resolute warriors! Today, you're graduated from being shitty maggots! You are no longer the worthless existence to be weeded out! Crush unjustness with power, hold down those hostilities with wisdom! O strongest warriors! Teach those bears "bleep" for inciting our resentment by bringing us to our current situation! Those guys are nothing but redundant stepping stones! They are only "bleep"! Build mountains with their corpses, and rivers with their blood, as proof! The proof of your rebirth! The proof to everyone in the Sea of Trees, to show that the Haulia tribe is reborn!"

"""""""""" Sir, yes, Sir!!""""""""""

"Answer me! Everyone! The greatest and strongest warriors! What is it that you wish for!"

"""""""""" Kill them!! Kill them! Kill them!!""""""""""

"What is your specialty!"

"""""""""" Kill!! Kill!! Kill!!""""""""""

"If there are enemies what will you do!"

"""""""""" Kill them all!! Kill them all!! Kill them all!!""""""""""

"That's right! Kill them all! You can do it! Take the right to live with your own hands!"

"""""""""" Aye, aye, Sir!!""""""""""

"That's the spirit! Everyone of the Haulia tribe! I only have one order! Search & destroy! Go!!"

"""""""""" YAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!""""""""""

"Uwaa~n, all the members of my family are dead after all~"

Under Hajime's command, the Haulia tribe members' fierceness returned and they disappeared into the fog. The tribe which was once gentle, peaceful, and above all weak at fighting… … where have they gone? That was the only thing she could say. Having seen her family completely change once more, while collapsing Shia's vain cry echoed in the Sea of Trees. As expected, because she couldn't stand it anymore, Yue patted and stroked Shia's head to comfort her.

When the boy beside Shia, who 'hic"hic' 'sob"sob' cried, tried to go, he was called to a stop by Shia.

"Pal-kun! Please wait! L-look, don't you see a beautiful flower-san over here? Even if you don't go… … how about you wait here with onee-chan? Okay? How about it?

Apparently, she seems to be trying to at least bring this little boy back to his former self. She pointed at the beautifully blossoming flowers while desperately trying to persuade him. The reason she used a flower was because this boy loved flowers so much that he even said "Flower-sa~n" before.

The flower boy named Pal who was called out to stop by Shia, only 'yare yare daze' shook his head and shrugged his shoulders while sighing "Fuu~". It looked like the overreactions used by the Europeans and Americans.

"Anego, please don't open up my old wound. I've already gotten rid of my past. The weak mind that enjoyed the beauty of flowers is no more"

By the way, this boy called Pal is 11 years old this year.

"O-old wound? Get rid of your past? Wait, I don't understand, but do you mean you don't like flowers anymore?"

"Yes, I have thrown away those feelings along with my past"

"That, even though you loved them so much…"

"Fuh, it was just a mistake of youth"

I repeat, Pal-kun is 11 years old this year.

"More importantly, anego"

"W-what is it?"

Having seen the changes in the boy who had sometimes picked flowers and dearly called out "Shia-oneechan! Shia-oneechan!", Shia's consciousness started to escape reality. She was barely able to reply to Pal's words. However, it became the signal for her to further her pursuit (of escapism).

"I've also thrown away my weak name along with the past. Now my name is Baltoferd. From now on please call me "Baltoferd of Certain Death""

"Who was that!? Where did that Baltoferd come from!? Rather, what's with certain death!?"

"Oh, sorry. My comrades are waiting so it's my time to go. Well then!"

"A, hey! What do you mean by "well then!"! Even now, our talk is still eh, fast! Wait! Please wait~"

Just like a woman that was left behind by her lover, Shia collapsed while her hand tried to reach the other side of the fog. No one answered her, this girl's family, all of them fiercely went to the battlefield. Shia who was gakkuri drooped, once again hic hic cried. The family that this girl once knew was no more. It was truly a pitiful sight.

Shia's appearance was seen by Yue who wore a subtle expression because she couldn't say anything to her. Hajime who felt it was somewhat awkward let his gaze wander. Yue's gaze turned to Hajime then bluntly muttered.

"… … as expected of Hajime, to be able to calmly accomplish something no one can"

"Well, like I said before where did you get that material…"

"… … to be able to use that dark magic, brainwash… … amazing"

"… … honestly, I think it was a little too much. Even though there's neither reflection nor regret"

For a while, in the place left behind by the Haulia tribe, Shia's crying voice and subtle atmosphere hung in the air.ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

V4 C8

Chapter 8 : Hajime's Failure



Regin Banton was a strong man, rumored to be the next Chief of the Banton tribe; one of the Bearman tribes. He idolized one of the current Elders; Jin Banton, and became his right hand.

Not only Regin, it could be said Jin was popular in the Banton tribe as a whole, especially the younger ones. The reasons for that being Jin's character was broad minded, containing deep patriotism, and above all, his strength, which allowed him to be considered as one of the highest class among the demi-human race.

That's why, when the Bearman tribe heard the news, they thought it was a bad joke. They couldn't believe their beloved Elder had been incapacitated by a human. However, the merciless reality was proven. Jin, who was lying powerless in medical facility showed them the truth .

Regin was dumbfounded having seen Jin's current appearance. Next, his anger and hatred surfaced. While bearing these feelings inside his heart, he pressed to determine the circumstances from the Elders. As the result, Regin who had learned everything, disregarded the Elders and told the Bearman tribe everything. And thus they embarked for revenge.

Because of the persuasion from the Elders and other tribes, not all of the Bearman tribe followed him, only the youngsters from Banton tribe who admired Jin had left to defeat that hated human. They numbered around 50 people. Regin and the others who knew their enemy's objective thought it best to attack when their enemy was in front of the Great Tree as revenge. They thought, "To perish right before the goal is the best (revenge)".

After all, their enemies only consists of humans and the RabbitMan tribe. Even though Jin was defeated, they thought it was because something cowardly, like a surprise attack. They thought there was nothing to fear of humans who would go mad without a sense of direction deep inside the Sea of Trees' fog, even more so for the weak RabbitMan tribe. Regin was an outstanding person. Normally, he wouldn't interpret the situation like that. However, currently his eyes were clouded by anger.

However, no matter what, even if his eyes were clouded…

"This is wrong!?"

Regin screamed in disbelief. The reason; before his very eyes an impossible spectacle was displayed. The RabbitMan tribe, which was placed at the bottom among other demi-humans, was cornering the Bearman tribe, which was known as one of the strongest in combat.

"Come on come on come on! Show your fighting spirit! Or else, I will cut you!"

"AHAHAHAHAHA, scream like the pig you are!"

"It's time to clean this filth! HYAHAHAHAHA HA!"

While the Haulia tribe swung countless fatal, murderous attacks, their loud laughter resounded. There was no appearance of the RabbitMan tribe which was gentle, peaceful, and above all, weak in combat. Screams came from the Bearman tribe that desperately try to fight back.

"Shit! The heck is this! Just who the hell are you!!"

"They must not be the RabbitMan tribe!"

"Uwaaaa! Stay away! Stay awaaaay!"

They were ambushed by the enemies they wanted to ambush, the RabbitMan tribe that laid in ambush showed unbelievable power, even among other demi-human races. Arrows and stones that fly accurately out of nowhere, added to their excellent teamwork. The glee with which they swung their blades, wearing lunatic expressions, and laughing loudly all the while! All of it gave birth to violent commotion. In that situation, their specs even exceed the Bearman tribe.

Actually, the RabbitMan tribe wouldn't be able to compete in a one on one fight against the Bearman tribe. However, in these past ten days, the Haulia tribe was able to make up the difference, thanks to the hell-like training.

Originally, the RabbitMan tribe's specs were lower than the other demi-human races. However, to survive and avoid battle, they had polished their stealth ability and danger perception. After all, they could only survive that way.

As a result, they were able to promptly perceive their enemies' presences to the point they could ambush their enemies. It could be said that they are a race with abilities suited for assassination. However, their innate nature had crushed these advantages.

It could be said, Hajime's training woke their combat instincts. He single-handedly abused and cornered them by letting them swing weapons, cut their enemies, and letting them experience how to evade, without rest. By remembering the speech from senior sergeant Hart**n, as a result of ten days of severe training, their minds completely became combat oriented. Although he did feel like it was too much…

They, who had acquired the aggressiveness to attack without any hesitation, demonstrated promising combat prowess. Because they thought of the whole tribe as members of one family, their level of teamwork was high from the get go. With their skillful adjustment of presence, it demonstrated tremendous effect, along with their teamwork.

In addition, one of the reasons for the Haulia tribe's high combat prowess was the weapons made by Hajime, which increased their incompetent attack power.

Each of them wielded two Kodachis, produced with a precise and practiced process, such that their ultra-thin blades were able to split a grass just by touching it. They were made of Taur ore, so they were durable. The Haulia tribe also carried disposable throwing knives.

There were also the powerful Slingshots and Crossbows that were made using string with great elasticity gathered from spider-like demonic beasts in the Abyss. They were made for the children of the Haulia tribe, since close range battles were still too hard for them. Even children are able to shoot enemies from the other side of fog, using their search ability while they instinctively looked up to Hajime.

Even Pal… … Baltoferd of Certain Death, was completely charmed when shooting his Crossbow, while showing a sniper-like nature.

"One shot of certain death! 'DO' your was head blown off. In the name of "Certain Death""

Pal… .. Baltoferd of Certain Death recently gained the habit of saying such things. By the way, he called himself "Certain Death". His first habitual saying was "Aim and Shoot!" but it was stopped by Hajime. He looked so displeased.

Back on topic, the Bearman tribe who fell into a panic were easily defeated without much resistance by the current Haulia tribe and their numbers fell in no time. Currently half of them had been killed in the vicinity.

"Regin-dono! If this keeps up-"

"Retreat!"

"Let me take care of the re-KUPE!?"

"Tontoo!?"

Having heard his subordinate advise him to retreat, Regin was hesitating because of anger from the incapacitated Jin and his killed subordinates. That hesitation wasn't missed by the Haulia's sniper. To the subordinate called Tonto that tried to advise his lord to retreat once again, an arrow accurately penetrated his temple.

Because of this Regin and his subordinates were shaken and fell into disorder. Kam and the others who thought it was a chance, attacked at once.

Arrows came flying from the fog and accurately aimed at their ankles. While distracted by that, a sharp attack came to reap the head. With an exquisite timing, the person who wanted to kill the one that shot arrows from the back ran into protruding spikes.

However, perhaps it was because that was their favorite move, a presence suddenly came from behind, and brought with it a fatal blow. Haulia tribe utilized their presence and teamwork to make fun of Regin and his subordinates. Regin and his subordinates shuddered at this. They thought, "Are they really that hetare and weak RabbitMan tribe!?"

The battle dragged on for a while, Regin and his subordinates were finally able to recover from their confusion while covered in wounds. They were somehow able to stand using their weapons as support. When the waves of attacks using the exquisite covering fire and teamwork subsided, all of them were panting. Regin and his subordinates were surrounded by Kam and the others, after being cornered with a gigantic tree to their backs.

"What happened, you "bleep"?! Is that all?! Wuss!"

"I heard you were the strongest tribe! You "bleep"! Even so you were "bleep"!

"Poise your weapons quickly! Are you "bleep"'s already weak in the knees?!"

They thought it was not the RabbitMan tribe, with how they bombarded the other tribe with insults. The Bearman tribe which trembled in fear could only think, "What had happened to these guys!?" With broken spirits, some of them trembled while holding their heads. A big hairy man said, "Can you let us go?" with teary eyes… … truly a surreal spectacle.

"KU KU KU, did you have anything else to say? O strongest tribe?"

Kam let out that sarcasm with a truly evil expression. They who had awoken to their fighting spirit seemed to have thought about their circumstances when they were looked down upon. It was a speech that couldn't be heard from the Kam of the past.

"Nuguu…"

Having heard Kam's objection, Regin's expression distorted in regret. He somehow recovered from the confusion and reasoning came back to his eyes. Even though he had been doused with cold water by Haulia tribe's strong assault, because of the incapacitated Jin, the flame of anger still burnt inside of him. But, because he felt a sense of responsibility to bring his surviving subordinates back alive, he regained his mind. He consciously knew it was his fault that they fell into such a predicament because he was the one that spurred them on.

"… … you can do anything to me. Boil me or burn me, just do whatever you like. However, I was the one who forcibly brought my subordinates. I want you to let them go"

"Wh-, Regin-dono!?"

"Regin-dono! That was…"

Having heard Regin's words, his subordinates started to make a commotion. It was because he tried to save his subordinates in exchange for his own life. To these subordinates, Regin scolded.

"Silence! … … it was my responsibility because of the blood that surged to my head clouded my eyes. RabbitMan… … no, Chief of Haulia tribe. I know it is selfish of me. However, I want to save their lives! That's all."

Regin released his weapon then started to kneel while bowing his head. His subordinates knew of Regin's great pride as a warrior, so they understood how much resolution he had to bow his head to the enemy. That's why they couldn't obey his order to stay silent.

Kam's answer to Regin who was still bowing was…

"I refuse"

While throwing his knife.

"Uo!?"

Regin was able to dodge by a hairs-breadth. However, starting with Kam's attack, Regin and his subordinates were attacked from the surrounding with arrows and stones fired at high velocity, at once. Using their big axes as shields, Regin and subordinates desperately tried to defend themselves, and then from the Haulia tribe came laughter from the bottom of their heart, completing their attacks.

"Why!?"

Regin squeezed a voice as he groaned to ask them for the reason they attacked.

"Why? Aren't you our enemies? Are other reasons necessary to kill you?"

Kam's answer was a simple fact.

"Guh, but!"

"Above all… .. it's enjoyable to crush and make fun of your arrogance! HA HA HA!"

"W-Wh-!? Bastards! To these guys-!"

Just as Kam said, Haulia tribe looked like they truly enjoyed it. Using Slingshots and Crossbows, they made fun of them by shooting from a safe area. Their appearances were those of people drunk on power. It looks like their heart's didn't mind killing people for the first time, even if it was their demi-human brethren. In short, they've become completely berserk.

With increasing severity in their attacks, Regin and his subordinates who had stayed close together, and desperately tried to defend were… … finally reaching their limit. Although they avoided fatal attacks, they were covered in wounds. They won't be able to endure the next volley.

Kam, with a warped grin, 'sutto' raise his hand. Haulia tribe with frenzied eyes start to aim with arrows and stones at the ready. Regin who thought this wasn't an appropriate place to die, gathered his power, and inside his mind he apologized to his subordinates.

Kam's hand, like a death god's scythe that hunted the lives of Regin and his subordinates, was lowered. Arrows and stones immediately shot. In slow motion, Regin continued to watch this without looking away, until…

"Stop it already!!!"

Zudooooon!!

A spectacle where a white hammer blew everything away could be seen.

"Ha?"

Regin who was dumbfounded by it unintentionally let out that voice. However, that can't be helped. Immediately after they accepted their death, a rabbit-eared girl with pallid hair along with a giant hammer fell from the sky, then the hammer struck the ground. It resulted in the shockwave that blew away all the incoming arrows and stones. When they saw that, the surrounding Bearman tribe could only give a blank stare.

Shaking anger! That was the feeling that could be felt, of course it came from Shia. The Sledgehammer made using the compression method had extraordinary mass. As if she didn't feel the weight, it was brandished with a 'Buonn' then generated a gust. 'Bishi' it was pointed toward Kam.

"Aghh! Seriously arghh! Father and everyone, please come to your sense already!"

Looking at Shia, Kam and the others who were initially stunned in astonishment, with 'ha' regained themselves while look toward her blaming.

"Shia, though I don't know why you did this, but please move from there. Or else we won't be able to kill the ones behind you, you know?"

"No, I won't move. I won't allow anymore than this!"

Having heard Shia's words, Kam and the others narrowed their eyes.

"Won't allow? Shia, don't tell me you wanted to be together with our enemy? According to your answer…"

"No, I don't care if these guys died"

"""" Is that okay!? """"

The Bearman tribe that thought she came to stop her tribe, unintentionally let out a remark to Shia.

"Of course. If I took it easy against enemies that came with killing intent, I wouldn't be able to endure Yue-san's training. Even I don't have that naive thought anymore"

"Fumu, then why did you stop us"

Kam asked her. Haulia tribe also have inquiring expressions.

"Isn't that obvious! Father and the others will be broken at this rate! And become more degenerated!"

"Broken? Degenerate?"

Having heard Shia's word, Kam and the others can only put 'I don't understand" expressions.

"That's right! Please remember it. Hajime-san was merciless against enemies, no talking was necessary, even more merciless, he enjoyed killing demonic beasts and people (…) things like that! Even during training, if you were told to kill the enemies, you shouldn't have enjoyed it!"

"W-well, it's not like we enjoy…"

"Just now, did father and the others know what kind of faces you made?

"Face? Well, even if you said that…"

Having heard Shia's words, the Haulia tribe started to look at each others faces. Shia let out a calm breath, however, her voice clearly informed them.

"… … it was just like those Empire's Soldiers that attacked us"

"Kh!?"

It shocked them, enough to blow off their frenzy. Their mood was as if they were doused with cold water. To have the same expressions as those who scorned their family with pleasure and caught them… … having actually witnessed that they understood the ugliness of their action. To be the same as those who snacthed their family away… … was an unbearable fact.

"Sh-Shia… I was…"

"Fuu, it looks like you have calmed down. Thank god. At worst, I thought I might have to beat you all down"

With 'furifuri', Shia swung the Sledgehammer around. Having heard Shia point that out, immediately Haulia tribe was trembling in front of the Sledgehammer while Shia loosened her cheeks a little.

"Well, it was your first battle, if you realized that now then it'll be okay! It was Hajime-san's fault after all! Although I understand the importance of fighting spirit, that was too much! Rather than fighting spirit, it was more like you became berserkers!"

This time, Shia was 'puripuri' angry at Hajime. A small voice of Shia muttering can be heard, "Just why did I fall for that kind of person".

And at that time, a gunshot can be heard.

From Shia's back, "Guwa!?" a groan could be heard, along with sound of something collapsing. Now that they think about it, while in a panic Shia and the others remember the existences that they'd forgotten about, then looked behind their back, there laid Regin who writhed in pain while holding his forehead.

"Why the heck are you trying to run away while their attention was diverted? Until their talk is over sit in seiza now!"

Hajime accompanied by Yue appeared from inside the fog. It seems while Shia and the others were immersed in their talk, Regin and his subordinates tried to run away, only to get shot. However, it wasn't known why he used the non-lethal rubber bullet.

Although they heard Hajime's words, the Bearman tribe tried to vigilantly examine their surroundings to keep running away, but Hajime silenced them with "Pressure". While casting glances at them, Hajime and Yue looked at Shia and the others.

When Hajime saw Kam and the others, some of them felt awkward and looked the other way. However, immediately after words of apology came to Kam and the others.

"A, well, what to say, sorry. Because I was fine with it, I'd completely forgotten the shock of murder. It was my mistake. Un, I am sorry"

Shia and the others can only 'pokan' blankly stare at him with opened mouths. That was because they heard an unexpected but honest apology.

"Bo-boss!? Are you okay!? Did you hit your head!?"

"Medic! Medic! There is a person with serious injury here!"

"Boss! Please steady yourself!"

That's why it became such reactions. With veins popping on his head, his mouth twitched.

This time, Hajime himself truly thought it was his mistake. Because he didn't feel anything when he kills, he didn't consider the shock that was supposed to occur with it. No matter how much stronger he had become, he didn't have any experience in teaching, as a result, he almost broke the Haulia tribe's minds. Indeed, he thought it was dangerous, that's why he said those words of apology… … but their reaction was to doubt his sanity. Hajime thought, "Should I be angry?", he was hesitating while getting back into his usual attitude.

Hajime put this matter aside for now, approached Regin then put Donner's muzzle at his forehead.

"Well then, will it be a brave death or to survive and live in shame, which will it be?"

Having heard Hajime's words, the Bearman and Haulia tribe looked at him with surprised eyes. By his speech just now, they heard that he'd overlook the Bearman tribe depending on the situation. It was a serious proposal from Hajime who had no mercy and was unreserved against his enemies. Kam and the others looked at Hajime in sorrow while thinking, "As expected his head was…". Even though more veins popped on Hajime's head, but because there'd be no progress otherwise, he let it through(go) temporarily.

Regin looked at Hajime with a surprised expression. It was the man who had brought about the complete change in the Haulia tribe, he thought this man wouldn't show any mercy.

"… what does it mean, do you want to let us go?"

"Aa, you can return if you want, you know?"

"Conditions?"

To easily say that they could return, aside from Regin, the others were in commotion. From behind it could be heard, "If I hit his head now maybe it can help…", was what Shia said with serious expression while alternating her gaze between her Sledgehammer and Hajime's head. Voices of agreement could be heard from Kam and the others.

It was about the time that Hajime seriously thought of punishing them while more veins popped out. However, he worked harder to let that through(go).

"Aa, condition huh. When you reached Faea Belgaen I want you to say something to the Elders"

"… … A message?"

While he nervously thought about what kind of conditions he might demand, it turned out he only needed to be a messenger, and that took him aback. However, he was frozen when the content was spoken.

""You owe me one""

"… … Kh!? That's!"

"Well? What will you do? Will you accept it?"

Because he knew what that meant, Regin unintentionally let out a shout. Hajime was, with wind blowing from somewhere, waiting for Regin's choice. "You owe me one" means, by letting the attacker return alive, there will be a time they must pay back their debt.

With the loss of one of the Elders, as well as how they agonized over ignoring the decision made by the Elders Conference to not intervene with him, if this message was passed on then they must unconditionally answer Hajime's request.

If everything were to be seen objectively, in Jin's situation and in Regin's situation, where he one-sidedly tried to take revenge, coupled with the fact that they were allowed to live, the Elders Conference's prestige will surely take a fall. They were outlaws because they disregarded the Elders. And can't be said Hajime won't one day turn his fang towards the Elders.

In other words, for Regin and his subordinates to survive meant that they'd brought back a weakness to their home country. Even after disregarding the decision from Elders Conference, they carried back a debt on their shoulders. Moreover, to return with half of their members dead after boasting about themselves as the strongest tribe… … just as Hajime had said they'd lived in shame.

Hajime choose to further his attack against Regin who wore a distorted expression.

"Add to that, you must remember that your subordinates' deaths were your own responsibility, along with your crushing defeat against the Haulia"

"Guu"

There was a reason for Hajime to make such a condition. Of course it wasn't out of benevolence. It was because there are details of the Seven Great Dungeons that he doesn't know yet, so even though Faea Belgaen was an isolated country, there might be something else he must do in this country. There was also the tradition inherited from its founder after all. Hajime thought there might be little failures that will come along the way, for that sake, he thought that insurance was necessary.

To the worrying Regin, Hajime was 'Gorik' further pressing the muzzle.

"Decide it in five seconds. Once that's over I'll kill you one by one. "Quick judgement". Isn't that the basics (of a leader)?"

After that, Hajime began to count o~ne, two~ and Regin was panicking, however nothing comes to his mind.

"I, I understand. I wish for us to return!"

"I see. Then, go quickly. Don't forget the message. If when the time comes for me to call for that and discover that you tried to fool me…"

A strong killing intent overflowed from Hajime's whole body, accompanied with physical pressure. 'Gulp' the sound of gulp-ing resounded clearly.

"That day will be the end of Faea Belgaen"

No matter who looked at him, he had the touch of a bad debt collector, no, it's more like a terrorist in this case. From behind, he could hear, "Thank goodness. It was the usual Hajime-san" and "Boss finally regained his mind!", that kind of strange talk mixed with a relieved tone, well for now he'll let it through(slide). He didn't want to break the atmosphere that he made with so much effort. However, harsh punishment will follow.

With their pride broken by Haulia tribe and having heard how Regin desperately begged for his subordinates' lives, they didn't have the strength to protest and started to return home dejectedly. It might be because they are centered around a young one, they obediently accepted their defeat. But, for Regin, his influence in Faea Belgaen would likely disappear. There is also the possibility of being treated as fugitive. However, it was a mild punishment, after all he'd tried to take someone else's life unjustly.

The Bearman tribe disappeared into the other side of the fog. After confirming that, Hajime turned around toward Shia and the others. At first, they were unable to see his expression because he looked down, then somehow the atmosphere became strange. Kam and the others who felt dishonored to have fallen into such frenzy and madness, started to become engrossed in speaking to Hajime about a lot of things, while not noticing the atmosphere. Only Shia , "Huh? Isn't this bad?", said that while drenched in cold sweat.

Hajime started to look up while swaying. There was a big smile on his face. However, his narrowed eyes weren't smiling at all. Finally, because he thought Hajime's appearance was strange, Kam timidly asked him.

"Bo-Boss?"

"Yes, isn't it a serious thing? I thought this time, it was my fault. To say you've reached the standard just like this, I must have thought of it as a brake"

"N-no, even if you say that… … it was because of our own immaturity…"

"Nono, it's okay, you know? I admit it myself after all. That's why, that's why I thought to honestly apologize… … but you had quite the reaction, didn't you? Well, I understand. After all my usual attitude was like that… … however, however… … this out of place feeling I have, I must let it out… … you understand what that means, right?"

"N-no. We were a little…"

Kam also thought, "Ah, this is bad. He is angry now", with cold sweat rapidly pouring out of him, step by step he tried to retreat. Maybe because some of the Haulia remember the training, they suddenly stood still while crying and whimpering.

And at that time, "Now is my chance!", was what Shia thought then she instantly started to turn her feet to escape. She didn't forget to make a man nearby as a shield.

However…

DOPANn!!

One bullet passed through between that man's leg, hit the ground and ricocheted when it struck a tree's root finally hitting Shia in the butt.

"Hakyun!"

It was one of Hajime's gun skills "Polygonal Shot". That's how he aimed his shot at Shia's butt. It was a useless gun skill, that could be thought as not that useless, that he'd uselessly practiced. Because of the impact from the bullet Shia raised a scream and 'pyon' jumped, only to collapse on the ground with her butt in the air. 'Shuu-' Smoke rose from her butt. Shia was twitching in pain.

Having seen Shia convulsing and Hajime's gun skill, Kam and the others were trembling in fear. The man who had a bullet pass between his leg covered his groin with both hands while teary eyed. He patted his groin, because when the bullet passed, it caught the shockwave from the bullet.

Without doing anything else, Hajime put back Donner into its holster, then his hanya-like smile returned. Finally, he yelled out with angry tone.

"For now, everyone will be hit once!"

Waaaaaa—!!

All of Haulia members immediately scattered trying to escape just like newborn spiders. For a while, screams and an angry roar could be heard resounding inside the Sea of Trees.

The only one who remained in her place was Shia with smoke rising from her butt, and

"… … when will we go to the Great Tree?"

The mutters from Yue who wasn't involved with all the commotion.ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

V4 C9

Chapter 9 : The Great Tree's Secret



Deep inside the fog, Hajime and his party advanced toward the Great Tree. They left the fighting to Kam, while the other Haulia members scattered into their surroundings, looking for enemies as part of their training. Because the fact that unpreparedness is one's greatest foe already is carved into their flesh, all members wore serious expressions. Most of all, the blue bruises on their bodies made it so it couldn't be helped…

"Uu~, it's still tingling~"

Shia was whining while rubbing her butt. Since before, she looked at Hajime with resentful eyes.

"Stop looking at me like that, it's annoying."

"To say that it's annoying was too much. It's not common sense to shoot at a girl's butt. Moreover, using that useless high skill-"

"That can also be said to you. You seriously thought to hit my head and use another person as a shield to run away… … that was not something a normal person would do."

Near them, a man from the Haulia tribe nodded his head.

"Uu, it was the result of education by Yue-san…"

"… … I was the one that raised Shia."

"… … I can't comment on that."

While boasting that, Yue looked at Hajime as if saying "Praise me." Hajime was averting his gaze making good use of "Let it through skill".

After they advanced for 15 minutes while chatting harmoniously, their party finally arrived at the Great Tree.

Hajime's first opinion when he looked at the Great Tree was,

"… … the heck this is"

, while half-surprised and half-doubting. Yue also wore the slight expression of someone who had her expectations crumbling. The two of them were imagining it using the scale and a larger version of the trees in Faea Belgaen.

However, the real Great Tree was… … splendidly withered.

Its size was not that far off from their imagination. Its diameter alone could be estimated around 50 meters. There is also the bizarre difference from the surrounding trees. While the surrounding trees had the ever expanding green leaves, only the Great Tree was withered.

"The Great Tree was already withered even before the founding of Faea Belgaen. However, it didn't rot. Ever the never changing withered tree. With the surrounding fog's nature and the forever-withered-without-rotting Great Tree, this place became a sacred place. Well, even with that said, although it could be called a tourist spot…"

Kam explained to Hajime and Yue making inquiring faces. While hearing the explanation, Hajime looked around the Great Tree's roots. Just as Alfrerick had said, there was a lithograph built.

"This is… … just like Orcus' door's…"

"… … Nn, the same crest"

On the lithograph there were seven system-like squares with seven crests engraved on top of it. It was completely the same as the one on Orcus' room's door. To prove it, Hajime took out Orcus' ring. The pattern on the ring was completely the same as one of the patterns on the Lithograph after all.

"It was the entrance to the Great Dungeon after all… but… … what should we do about this?"

Hajime approached the Great Tree and started to 'thud thud' hit it and of course there was no change, when he tried to ask Kam and the others if they know something about this tree, they only had No as an answer. Although he already heard all of the traditions from Alfrerick, there wasn't any concerning the entrance. There was a possibility that he hid it so Hajime started to think, "Should I collect the debt?",

At that time, Yue who was observing the lithograph raised her voice.

"Hajime… … look at this."

"Nn? Is something there?"

What Yue noticed was on the other side of the lithograph. There were empty dents that corresponded with the seven crests on the other side.

"This is…"

Hajime put the Orcus ring in his hand to the dent that he saw corresponded to Orcus' crest.

Then… … the lithograph began to faintly shine.

Wondering what happened, the surrounding Haulia tribe that were on lookout began to gather. For a while, they looked at the shining lithograph which lights gradually faded and somehow characters appeared in its place. Something was written there.

Four proofs.

Power of Rebirth.

Guidepost of Spun Bond.

A new trial will be opened to the one who has those proof.

"… … What does it mean?"

"… … Rhe four proofs… … maybe, wasn't it referring to the other Dungeons' proofs?"

"… … Then, what does the Power of Rebirth and Guidepost of Spun Bond mean?"

Shia answered to Hajime who puzzled over it.

"U~n, Guidepost of Spun Bond, wasn't that it? Whether you got demi-human race as guides or not. Only demi-humans are able to move around easily in the Sea of Trees, and to gain the demi-humans as guides in the Sea of Tree was an exception among exception"

"… … I see. It was something like that"

"… … Next was regeneration… … Me?"

Yue pointed at herself who owns the special magic, "Auto Regeneration". To test it, she thinly gave a cut to her finger to activate "Auto Regeneration" while moving to touch the Great Tree… … but there was no change at all.

"Muu… … it looks like that was wrong."

"… … nn~, to the withered tree… … Power of Rebirth… … along with four proofs… … it's possible that the four proofs meant we have to conquer half of the Seven Great Dungeons, then we might obtain the age of gods magic concerning rebirth, was it something like that?"

Hajime was wondering whether they must use that to restore the withered tree. Yue also gave a consenting face.

"Haa~, damn. So it was impossible to conquer it right now… … even though it was troublesome, there is nothing else we can do but to go to the other dungeons…"

"Nn…"

Hajime could only grind his teeth having come this far. Yue also regretted it. However, because they couldn't enter the Great Dungeon now, although it worried them, it couldn't be helped. They switched their target to obtaining three more proofs for now.

Hajime then gathered the Haulia tribe.

"As you've heard, we are aiming to conquer the other Great Dungeons now. The promise that you kept to guide us to the Great Tree is over now. If it's the current you, even without Faea Belgaen's protection, you'll be able to survive inside the Sea of Trees. That means, this is good bye"

Then, he took a peek at Shia. His eyes asked her if she wanted to leave behind some words, and Shia understood perfectly that now was the time to voice her intentions. Even though she'll be back, conquering three of the Great Dungeons would take much time. She wouldn't be able to meet her family during that time.

Shia nodded, then took a step forward to talk to Kam and the others"

"Fath- "Boss! I have something to say!" … … huuh, father? This is my turn…"Kam took a step forward while ignoring Shia. 'Bishi', then stood at attention. On his side, "Father? Wait, father?", Shia's words could be heard and as if he was a British guardsman he just looked ahead while standing upright.

"A~, what is it?"

For the time being Shia called out, father? father?, but was ignored, while Hajime asked Kam. Kam, while not looking at Shia and ignoring her, started to tell the consensus from the Haulia tribe.

"Boss, please take us along!"

"Eh! Everyone also wanted to go with Hajime-san!?"

Shia was surprised at Kam's words. In the discussion ten days ago, what happened with that mood when you were sending me off!?, were the words she said.

"We are Haulia but at the same time not Haulia! We are Boss's subordinates! By all means, take us along! This is our tribe's consensus!"

"Wait a sec, father! I've never heard of that! Rather, for what purpose did I have to go through those hardships…"

"I admit, we are jealous of Shia!"

"He admits that! He really said that! Really, what happened in those ten days!"

While Kam said the tribe's consensus, he ignored Shia's remark. What is this situation?, was what Hajime thought then frankly answered.

"I refuse."

"Why!?"

Kam tried to ask the reason for Hajime's quick reply. The other Haulia tribe members also approached Hajime in impatience.

"Of course it's because you will only be hindrances, you idiot-"

"But!"

"Don't get caught up in the moment. For our journey, even 180 days is too fast!"

"Is that true!?"

In addition to Kam and the others holding on to him, they started to think, "Even if it was not permitted, we will follow!" It seems because of the General Hartman-like( … )'s training, a strange sense of trust and reverence was born. If this keeps up, they'll really follow Hajime into town. Because he didn't want any to riot, he reluctantly gave them a condition.

"Then, that is. I want you to stay here to keep training. The next time I come to the Sea of Trees, if I can use you then I'll make you my subordinates"

"… … Is there any falsehood in those words?"

"None at all."

"If you lied, we'll continue to call Boss' name in the humans' towns, as if we are creating a new religion, okay?"

"Y-you have quite the bad sense…"

"Well, that is because we have pride as Boss' subordinates."

What a bold subordinate that made Hajime's cheeks twitch. Yue was 'pon pom' patting Hajime's arm to comfort him. Hajime let out a sigh, next he looked up at the sky thinking the next time he came to the Sea of Trees will be troublesome.

"Sob, no one looked at me… … even though it's the day I set off…"

Shia who was thrown to the side wrote the character ? on the ground, while no one minded her as expected.

* * *

Hajime, Yue, and Shia were escorted by Kam and the others to the boundary of the Sea of Trees, and once again they got on the magic-driven two-wheeler and dashed into the plain. The order of seating was Yue, Hajime, then Shia. Since he noticed Shia's degree of clingy-ness had increased from the time in the Raisen Grand Canyon, Hajime tried ignoring that. Although, his reaction was immediately discovered by Yue who sat in front of him.

On his shoulder, Shia asked a question.

"Hajime-san. Now that I remember I've never heard about it, where was our next destination?"

"Ah? I never said it?"

"I never heard anything."

"… … I already knew"

To the elated Yue, Shia let out a groan in protest.

"I-I am your comrade now, so please tell me something like that! Communication is important!"

"My bad. Our next destination is Raisen Grand Canyon"

"Raisen Grand Canyon?"

Having heard Hajime's words, Shia put on a questioning expression. Currently, the Seven Great Dungeons that are already confirmed, excluding "Haltina Sea of Trees", were "Guryuen Great Desert's Volcanic Mountain" and "Shune Snowfield's Ice Cave". Because it was certainly there, doesn't that make it the best destination?, was what she thought. Maybe because he guessed her question, Hajime started to say his intent.

"For now, I don't even know if there was a Great Dungeon in Raisen Grand Canyon. Shune Snowfield is in the demon's country so it'd be troublesome. Although it's better to go to the Big Volcanic Mountain for now, if we go while passing Raisen that spreads from east to west, we'll get there anyway. Maybe we'll find a dungeon along the way, right?"

"T-to cross over the Raisen Grand Canyon…"

Instinctively, Shia's cheeks twitched. Raisen Grand Canyon was popular as an execution ground. Recently, it was also the place where her family was almost annihilated. To have thought of that place as a highway shook her mind.

Hajime, who knew Shia was shaken because she was glued to him, revealed an amazed expression.

"You know, believe in your own power a little. For the current you, the demonic beasts inside the canyon aren't that different from the demonic beasts in the boundary. Didn't you know we can't use magic inside Raisen? For you who specialized in body strengthening, it's possible to move around without any hindrance. Rather, it'd be the stage for you"

"… … I am ashamed as your master"

"Uu~, I am ashamed~"

Yue looked at Shia with amazed eyes. Shia tried to change the topic.

"Th-then, because we are going to Raisen Grand Canyon, are we going to camp today? Or, are we going to the nearest village or town?"

"If possible, I wanted to arrange some seasoning for food, for the sake of the future it'd be great to get some material from the town. According to the map I've seen, there will be a town somewhere along here"

For extra measure, Hajime wanted to eat real food << .. >>. Also, in the future, he needed money to buy things in town. He wanted to exchange the materials he had with money before it rotted. One more thing, he wanted to try to settle in a place before setting off to the Raisen Grand Canyon.

"Haa~ is that so… … thank god"

Having heard Hajime's words, Shia somehow showed a relieved expression. Hajime who was dumbfounded by it, "What is it", asked her.

"Well~, from Hajime-san's story, I thought you'd be satisfied by eating Raisen Grand Canyon's demonic beasts' meat… … Yue-san only needs Hajime-san's blood so she wouldn't have any problem… … I was thinking how I should persuade you for my personal food~, I am glad it was just my imagination. So Hajime-san also eats normal food!"

"Of course! Who likes to eat demonic beasts! … you, what did you think I am…"

"A new kind of demonic beast called Predator?"

"OK, you, I'll tie you up until we reach the town"

"Wa-, stop, from where did you pull that out, that collar! Really, stop~ don't put that on me~, Yue-san don't just look, help me!"

"… … you reap what you sow"

In a sense, the three who advanced on the plain made a commotion that showed their good relationship.

After driving for several hours, finally the day grew dark and the town was finally seen in front of them. Hajime was glad, ever since he saw the sky after getting out of the Abyss, he finally got the feeling that "I am back". Yue also looked somewhat excited. Yue turned her head slightly then their eyes met, and smiles floated on their faces.

"Umm~, although it was such a good atmosphere, this collar, can you release it? For some reason I couldn't remove it… … umm, did you hear? Hajime-san? Yue-san? Wait, please don't ignore me~ I am going to cry now! I am going to cry so hard that you'll be depressed by it!"

Hajime and Yue only replied with their smiles.

ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

V4 C10

Chapter 10 : In Brook Town I



They can see a town in the distance. It was a small town enclosed with a surrounding moat and hedges. There was a gate facing the highway, with a hut by its side. It might be the guards' post. Even though it was a small town, there was the arrangement for guards. Because of that, Hajime who thought they'd be able to do quality shopping, loosened his cheeks.

"… … If you are in a good mood, can you take off the collar already?"

Shia with a disappointed expression earnestly asked Hajime who smiled while looking at the town. Fixed on Shia's neck was a collar with a black body embedded with a small inconspicuous crystal. It was something sturdy that Hajime used as punishment for Shia's verbal slip. Because for some reason she couldn't take it off, Shia asked Hajime to remove it only to have her words pass through Hajime's ears.

Slowly, Hajime and his party could clearly see the town, so he put the magic-driven two-wheeler into the "Treasure Box", and switched to walking on foot. It was because it'd cause a commotion to arrive with a jet black bike, after all.

Along the way, Shia kept 'bla bla' complaining. As expected, that just went through his ears and they finally arrived at the town's gate. As he thought, the hut beside the gate was a guard's post, with an armed man coming out of it. He was equipped with leather armor and a long sword on his waist, rather than a soldier he looked more like an adventurer. That adventurer-like man called Hajime and his party to stop.

"Please halt. Show your status plate. Also, what are your objectives coming to this town?"

It might be something like a regulation, because he somehow looked unmotivated. Hajime pulled out his status plate while answering the guard's question.

"Our main objective is to secure rations. They're to be used for our journey"

An indifferent voice, 'Hu~m', can be heard from the guard while he checked Hajime's status plate. After that, he blinked his eyes, held the plate a little farther, then rubbed his eyes. Having seen the guardsman done that, Hajime with cold sweat thought, "Ah, this is bad, I forgot to hide that".

Inside status plate, there is a function to hide the numerical value and skills' column. Even for adventurer and mercenary, the leak of combat ability proved to be fatal. Hajime immediately tried to deceive the guard by telling him a lie.

"A while before, I was attacked by demonic beasts. It looks like it broke at that time"

"I-it broke? That was, well…"

The guard was perplexed. It was no wonder. After all, Hajime's status plate didn't display the level, and the numerical value of his stats, as well as his skills column were all over the place. Even though he sometimes heard of people losing the status plate, for it to be broken (in sense of it being bugged) was something he had never heard of. Normally he would just laugh it off, but something unbelievable was displayed after all, so he didn't understand how to judge it.

To further his attack, Hajime shrugged his shoulders with a manner of someone totally bothered by it.

"If it wasn't broken, isn't that display too strange? It's as if I am a monster. Mr. Guard, do I look like a monster that could destroy a town with just the tip of my finger?"?

To Hajime who used a joking gesture by opening both of his hand, the guard only gave out a wry smile. If what the status plate displayed was correct, then he would be a monster that easily surpassed even the demon kings and heroes. Even without hearing that explanation, he already considered the plate to be broken.

If he know he was truly a monster, surely, this guard would have fainted. Hajime who boldly told that lie, looked at Shia and Yue who had amazed expressions.

"Haha, well, of course I don't see that. Even though I have never heard of any bug in the display, well, there is always a first for everything… … and those two…"

Turning his gaze to Yue and Shia, the guard asked to see their status plate. Only to be stunned. With his face dyed red, he looked alternately at Yue and Shia with a blank and unfocused look. Even though it was said before, Yue is a beautiful girl with a bisque doll-like appearance. Shia, while quiet, was also a beautiful girl that gave off a mysterious feeling. In other words, the guardsman was truly charmed by them.

Hajime unnaturally cleared his throat, then 'Hah', the guard turned his gaze to Hajime in panic.

"While we were attacked by the demonic beasts, this girl lost her plate. About this Rabbitman… … you understand, right?"

Maybe because he accepted that, the guard nodded in consent then gave back Hajime's status plate.

"Even so, just where did you get your hands on such a beauty. Aren't gray-haired members of the Rabbitman tribe rare? Are you actually a rich person?"

The guard asked Hajime with envy and jealousy mixed into his voice, while continuously taking peeks at the two. Hajime only shrugged his shoulders without giving any answer.

"Well whatever. You may pass."

"Aa, thanks. Oops, wait a sec. Where can I sell raw materials?"

"Ang? If it's that, there is the adventurer guild if you go straight through the central road. If you want to personally bring it to the store, just ask the guild. They will give you a simple map of this town."

"Ooh, you've been so kind to us. Thanks"

After receiving the information from the guard, Hajime and his party passed through the gate and entered the town. From the gate it seems that this town's name was Brook. Inside the town was a lively atmosphere. Even though it wasn't at the level of Hol-ad town which he'd seen at the outskirts of Orcus, there are quite a lot of stalls along with voices advertising their wares, and sounds of people haggling could be heard.

With such liveliness, it somehow lifted one's feeling. Not just Hajime, Yue's eyes began to look happy. However, since before, Shia was trembling and staring at Hajime with teary eyes.

Without saying anything, she only stared at him with teary eyes and because it made him anxious he let out a sigh. "To interrupt my happy mood" , was what Hajime complained in his mind while giving a glance at Shia.

"What is it? Even though we're finally inside a town, for you to make a face similar to a gorilla demonic beast that desperately tried to block a massive rock that fell from above"

"Who's a gorilla! Rather, how do you know what kind of defeated form that is! If it's Hajime-san, then it'd be blown in one move! It's somehow pitiful just by imagining it!"

"… … that's something like poking your side with teary eyes"

"Is that a follow-up attack!? That's too cruel! Uh, that isn't it!"

Shia was busily rebutting while angry. She tried to appeal, "I am unhappy!", with her whole body while flailing her hands. By the way, the episode with the gorilla-like demonic beast was a story from the time he experimented to polish the mass compression method. By no means did he not enjoy the bullying. Yue was happily poking at that time. Also, this demonic beast was the one who owned the "Great Arm" special magic.

"It's this! This collar! Because of this I was misunderstood as a slave! Hajime-san, if you understand then remove it! Uu, it's cruel~, aren't we companions~"

It seems that was what Shia was angry about. Even though they are travel companions, she was shocked to have received the same treatment as a slave. Naturally, the collar that Hajime put on her wasn't a slave's collar, and it didn't have the power to restrain Shia. Even Shia understood that. But, whatever is said, a shock is a shock.

Having seen that Shia, Hajime scratched his head then looked into Shia's eyes.

"You know, for a non-slave demi-human, moreover a popular and high-in-demand rabbitman wouldn't be able to walk freely inside a town, right? Added to that, a gray-haired one like you would attract attention along with your outstanding figure and style. If you declared that you weren't someone's slave, you'd be instantly marked down when we entered the town. After that, there would be a storm of kidnappers coming. It'll be trouble-… … why are you being giddy for?"

While explaining things, Hajime suddenly glared at Shia, who became embarrassed with blushing cheeks when she heard the explanation. Yue also coldly looked at Shia.

"Mo-mou, Hajime-san. To start saying something like that in front of everyone. To say, I have an outstanding figure and style, the cutest in the world and charming, mou! It was embarras–bugera!?"

Yue's golden right straight found its way into the cheek of Shia who was caught up in the moment. With a love filled mind, Shia raised a scream then collapsed. Without using body strengthening, she got up while rubbing her cheek that was reddened in a different way from before.

"… … Don't get carried away"

"… … I'b sobby, Yue-zan"

Having heard Yue's cold words, Shia's body trembled. While amazed by their appearance, Hajime continued his explanation.

"A~ I will say the conclusion. Inside human territory, I am protecting you by saying you're a slave. If I didn't do it, there'd be a lot of troubles and it'll be all because of you"

"That is… … although I understand it…"

She understood the reason and merit. But, Shia had an unhappy expression, felt it hard to accept that after all. Because she had a strong yearning to be called their companion, she was unable to simply accept it. This time it was Yue who told Shia.

"… … Don't care what the small fries think of you"

"Yue-san?"

"… … The most important thing is it was enough if the ones important to you understand you. … … isn't it?"

"… … … … Th-that's right. That's right."

"… … Nn, even though I am reluctant… … Shia is someone I recognize as a companion… … Don't mind the small things"

"… … Yue-san… … ehehe. Thank you very much"

She was a vampire princess who wielded her power and listened to the masses. Even though she was betrayed, she found a new answer that even little words were able to carry a massive weight. That's why, her words were able to break the stone inside Shia's heart. All members of the Haulia tribe, even Hajime and Yue, understood that Shia has become important to Hajime and Yue. It was unnecessary to go through the trouble of getting 1,000 people to understand it. Of course, even if they could do it, there was no need to do that…

Having heard Yue's words, Shia shyly smiled while taking a peek at Hajime. She was expecting him to say something.

Hajime who felt it can't be helped, reluctantly started to spin his words.

"Well, I won't abandon you if you were attacked because they found out you're not a slave"

"Even if it will make everyone in this town your enemies?"

"You know, didn't I already do that with the Empire's soldiers?"

"Then, you'll do it even if the enemy was a country! Fufu!"

"What did you say? No matter even if it was the world or the gods it won't change anything. If it was an enemy, no matter who it is, I will fight"

"Kufufu, did you hear that? Yue-san. Did you hear what Hajime-san just said? We are important to him, right?"

"… … Hajime's only important person is me"

"Wa-, please read the mood! At this time, you should honestly say the usual "… … Nn"!"

Shia was happy and enjoying it, despite her complaints. Hearing that, when the time comes, he will even fight against the world. As expected it is something that'd make a woman happy. Especially if the other person was the one you're in love with.

Hajime who narrowed his eyes looked at the two playing with each other (or so it looks like to him), started to explain Shia's collar.

"One more thing, because that collar incorporates telepathy ore and a special ore, use it if you deem it necessary. It's able to be used by directly pouring magic into it"

"Telepathy ore and a special ore?"

Telepathy ore is a mineral that's able to transfer thoughts. It was an ore created by Creation magic that gave the user the skill "Telepathy", the amount of magic usage is proportional to the distance. Most of all, currently in this age there was nothing like telepathy or the telephone, so everyone who has the same ore within the range will be able to hear the secret talk.

The special ore itself was created using Creation magic to give the user the skill "Presence Perception"+ Specific Perception"". When Specific Perception was used, it is possible to catch only a specific presence among a crowd, and identify a presence among many. When it was used, it'd take the role as a beacon by pouring magic into it. The strength of the beacon is proportional to the amount of magic used.

Having heard Hajime's explanation, Shia raised a praising voice.

"By the way, that collar can be removed by giving it a certain amount of magic, you know?"

"I see~, in other words… … because you wanted to always hear my voice, and know my whereabouts, is that what Hajime-san felt? Mou, do you like me that much? As expected, it was a little too-, rather, ah, it's not like I hate i-Bbaberun!?"

"… … Don't get carried away"

"'Sob', I'b sobby"

With a beautiful picturesque curve, Yue's kick came flying into the back of Shia's head, who collapsed after yelling a strange scream. A cold voice could be heard from Yue. Even though she was weak at close combat… … Yue delivered a splendid high kick, then Shia apologized with tears in her eyes. Even if she recognized her as a journey companion, it seems she won't forgive her if Shia tried to approach Hajime. Most of all, it was questionable whether Shia's behaviour and speech could be called an approach.

With such a happy(?) mood, they continued walking on the main street until they discovered a signboard with a large sword drawn on it. It was the same signboard as the one seen in Hol-ad town's adventurer guild, although the scale was two sizes smaller than the one in Hol-ad.

After confirming the signboard, Hajime stepped inside by opening the door with composure.