vol 6 PT 1

ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

V6 C1

Chapter 1 : Once Again, In Brook Town



"Fufuh, your silliness, thoroughly show me how you sticky you get today!"

The crescent moon sometimes hidden by clouds illuminated the dark night. Even now, the face that possessed radiance peeped from above the clouds that was moved by the wind. That light began to illuminate a certain building on the ground. More accurately, a rope hanging from the roof of that building, and what was illuminated was a girl that displayed excellent rappelling skills, just like a special forces from somewhere.

Surusuru, as she descended to the corner of a window in a certain room on the third floor, she turned around. While being upside down. her face peered in from the upper part of the window.

"For today's sake, I had Crystabel-san teach me her Climbing technique! I never thought of using it at this place, kukuku. Now, what kind of abnormal plays will you do, I will absolutely confirm it!"

"Haa haa," rough breathing came from the excited girl as she focused on peeping into the room before her. Concealing herself, this girl was none other than Souna-chan; the inn girl of Brook Town's "Masaka Inn". Bright and energetic, able to talk without hesitation, and working hard all over the place. Even though she couldn't be called beautiful, the inn girl was simply lovely just like a blooming flower on a plain. There was a considerable amount of single men targeting her in this town.

That girl was currently using all the techniques she knew to "peep" on certain guests with all her might. If her expression was seen by the men who fell for her would make them instantly feel as if they'd been disillusioned… … It was as if she was a perverted old man.

"Kuh, it is dark after all. I can't see anything. If only the angle shifted a little more…"

"Like this?"

"That's right, if it's from this angle… … Even so, isn't it too quiet? Even I thought I'd hear more moaning…"

"Isn't it possible to use magic to intercept the sound?"

"Hah!? There is also that move! Kuu, how crafty! But, I won't give up! Even if it's only their silliness, I'll burn it into my eyes…"

Just saying this once more, here was outside the window on the third floor. Even if Souna was an idiot to the limits, she couldn't believe she'd hear a voice from nearby. Souna instantly sweated like a waterfall, and gigigi, turned around with an awkward movement just like a machine that was forgotten to be oiled. There was…

Hajime standing in the sky like a Niou statue, with a cold smile plastered across his face.

"I-ich not what you think, you know? Dear customer. This is, that's, umm, right! A regular inn maintenance!"

"Hou~, in the middle of the night?"

"Th-that's right~. Look, if I don't do it some time in the middle of the night, such as during the day, the repair work will end up being seen. Because it's an inn, there will be some backlash, right?"

"I see, isn't reputation an important thing?"

"Th-that's right! Reputation is important!"

"By the way, apparently there is a peeping tom in this inn. Do you know something about it?"

"Th-that's a serious situation! T-to peep, th-that's unforgivable, right?"

"Aa, just as you said. Isn't peeping unforgivable?"

"E, ee, it is unforgivable I think…"

Hajime and Souna looked at each others' faces and "Hahaha", "Fufufu", laughed together. However, Hajime's eyes weren't laughing, and even though Souna was laughing, she was trembling a little while sweat continued to drop.

"Die."

"Hii—, I am sor~ry."

Hajime suddenly reverted to his serious look and iron clawed Souna's face. Merimeri, sounds came from Hajime's fingers. Souna who could only flail around in the air, let out a scream and desperately asked for forgiveness. Souna is an ordinary girl. That's why Hajime adjusted his power to a level that wouldn't overdo the punishment. If this was her first offense, then he would've be more lenient. But the day after he returned from the Raisen Great Dungeon, and every night since they checked into the inn, she kept trying to peep using various methods. That's why his leniency was fading. By the way, the reason they were still staying at this inn was because the food was delicious.

Hajime could only let out a sigh and carry Souna, who was now only capable of twitching, in his arm. Souna was finally able to let out a relieved sigh when her face was released. But, when she looked down… … there were devils. Even though there were smiles on their faces, they were her parents that looked like devils whose eyes didn't smile, just like Hajime's.

"Hii!!"

They noticed that Souna had seen them. She was slowly descending while her parents raised their hands to receive her. It was just like an invitation to hell.

"This time, it'll probably be forgiven only after a hundred spankings."

"Iyaaaa—!"

Towards Hajime's words, Souna remembered her punishments up to now, and was screaming. Surely, at breakfast the next day, he'll see Souna rubbing her swelling butt with teary eyes. Every night and every morning, Hajime could only sigh at such spectacles.

* * *

Having handed Souna over to her parents, Hajime returned to his room and collapsed onto his bed.

"… … Thanks for your hard work."

"Welcome home."

The ones who greeted Hajime were of course Yue and Shia. The room was illuminated by moonlight shining in through the windows, and the pair fleeting figures could be seen. The girls sitting on the opposite bed were Yue and also Shia who sat shamelessly. Only wearing negligees, their appearances were somewhat lascivious. Coupled with their beautiful faces, if they were drawn on a painting, it'd be described as a masterpiece even by a second-class writer.

"Ou. Even so, what on earth drives that child… … to even climb down from the roof, that's not normal, right? As expected, no matter how delicious the food, we should search for another inn."

Hajime spoke with an amazed tone. Standing up, Shia laughed and sat on Hajime's bed. Yue also steadily stood up and moved to Hajime's bed, then she put her knees below Hajime's head. As the result, they became lap pillows.

"Surely, our relationship has ignited the flames inside that Souna-chan's girly mind. It can't be helped for her to be curious about us. Isn't that cute."

"… … but, for her to become more and more skillful… … it worries me."

"Yesterday, she used a handmade snorkel tube to hide at the bottom of the bathtub… … When I saw her glaring and sparkling eyes, it made me shiver."

"U~n, certainly, that's bad manners for an inn's daughter… … For now, it's only towards us but…"

While they chatted about Souna's eccentric behaviors, Shia quietly drew her body near Hajime. She naturally extended her hand, then guided Hajime's hand towards her breast. Shia's face turned crimson, and she was nervous at what might happen from this situation.

Hajime gently grasped Shia's hand back. Kyuh, he put in more power that made Shia's body respond with a twitch. Because she was happy, she also put her power into her grasp. Hajime continued to put more strength into his grasp.

Kyuh… PIKUNh, Gyuh… BIKUNh, GIRIh… BIKUBIKU, MISHIh… GAKUBURU

"Wa-! Hajime-san! It will be crushed! My hand will be crushed!"

MEKyah!

"Hii—! I am sorry, I am really sorry! I just got a little carried away! That's why release it! It'll break! I'm going to break if you do anymore than this!"

"What are you trying to do by casually making a good mood? To begin with, your room is next door. So why are you here?"

Towards her hand that was gripped by Hajime, Shia tried to somehow release it while trembling, but she couldn't release it because of the vise-like grasp.

"Th-that's, I was just wondering~ if I can get into the same bed ?, something like that. Rather, our relationship is already at the stage where we kiss. It's okay if it's only that much."

"As if. Even though I have said it was a life-saving action."

"Well, from my intuition, Hajime-san has started to become dere! Compared to the beginning, you've become very gentle! Because that is a fact, then… … Guhehe "MEKHOBAKIh" Doon't—! It's going to break—!"

Unable to endure hearing Shia's rude plans, Hajime inadvertently put more power into his grip. Shia whose hand was released, trembled at the edge of the bed while crouching and holding her hand to endure the pain. Ignoring Shia, Hajime turned his glance toward Yue. Yue immediately looked straight at Hajime.

"Rather, Yue. Recently, aren't you too lenient? Did you have a change of heart?"

Yue tilted her head and thought about Hajime's questions. Just as Hajime said, having returned from Raisen's Great Dungeon, Yue's attitude towards Shia become more lenient. Before, when Shia tried to stick to Hajime she'd immediately blow her away without arguing, but recently she didn't say anything about Shia's skinship. Even so, if it was something excessive… … for example when Shia tried to kiss him, she'd immediately become displeased…

"… … Shia did her best. She'll continue doing that from now on. Because she likes Hajime and me."

"Nn? Well, that's so…"

"… … I also… … don't hate her."

"No matter what, you're actually getting along well. I can understand that just by watching. Nn~"

The main point that Hajime guessed from Yue's few words, Yue was pleased by Shia, but not at the level of thinking of her as someone important.

That was the truth. Inside Raisen's Great Dungeon was magic power disintegration that was even stronger than in the ravine, so Yue was unable to display her full power. It was the same with Hajime. They could guess how much hardship they'd have experienced if it were just the two of them. Surely, Hajime alone would be able to clear it, in exchange, the probability of him using one or two Holy Waters was high. To be able to conquer it without consuming them could be considered as thanks to Shia.

Just a little while ago, Shia was an existence that had no connection to fighting. Rather than being unrelated, it was more like she disliked it. This girl was surely frightened and uneasy, but she kept following Hajime and Yue without complaining. They went into the hell-like Great Dungeon, and while grinding her teeth, she was finally able to beat it with a splendid result.

She was single-mindedly doing that for the sake of her love towards Hajime, and her friendship toward Yue. Because she wanted to be together with them, Shia had changed herself and advanced ahead with all her might.

Yue of course held jealousy and a desire to monopolize him. Therefore, Shia's feelings towards Hajime were not easily acknowledged. That's why, at first, although it was hard to support it… … towards Shia who's able to jump straight even after being treated cruelly, friendship was spread after so many times, following that it was further proven by how they conquered the Great Dungeon… … that became the tangible proof.

If she thought about it, Yue had no memory of anyone she could call her friend. Before she was sealed, she was busy with studying politics. There was no one who could be her friend on equal footing. In other words, she was alone. That's why, toward Shia who said, "We are comrades~!", straight without being two faced, excluding the parts about Hajime, from the beginning she was unable to hate her.

Because of that, regarding Hajime recently, "Well, if it is Shia then just a little…", she showed her generosity.

"… … Even so."

"Nn?"

Yue looked up at Hajime while continuing her words. Her eyes were bewitching and filled with sincerity, confidence, and resolution. Added to Yue's gleaming smile that also reflected all of the above, she was so lovely, so charming, and made Hajime instinctively hold his breath. As if she was possessing gravity, Hajime was unable to move his glance and could only look at her in admiration. Hajime once again returned the look at Yue.

"… … Hajime's heart is already mine."

"… …"

No matter who else loves Hajime, no matter who else came to be attached to him, the number one, the most important is… … me. There was such a declaration. Yue's declaration of war. A declaration of war toward those they had, and would meet from now on.

Hajime was speechless. He was sucked in by the radiance of her eyes, Yue once again as if entwined by him, caught Hajime's glance. Following that, Hajime's hand touched Yue's cheek, while Yue put her hand over his. The moonlight reflected their shadows on the wall, their shadows slowly became closer. Then, at the moment they almost met…

"Gusuh, umm, can you at least please stop forgetting my existence? It feels so empty and lonely… …gusuh."

Shia was sitting while holding her knees on the corner of the bed; while crying and wiping her tears she watched Hajime and Yue create a world for two people.

It was a truly pitiful appearance, Hajime felt somewhat bad, and Yue was telling her to come closer. "Yue-zaa~n", while shouting that, Shia dived into Yue's bosom and sniffled. Shia's head was gently stroked, and because it felt pleasant she closed her eyes, then started to sleep just like that.

Hajime who saw their appearance could only wryly smile and say,

"Rather than a friend, aren't you more like a mother?"

"… … I prefer Hajime's child."

"… …"

"… … Won't you be gentler to Shia?"

"… … About that, I'll do my best."

"Nn… … I love you"

"… … Ou"

In the end, with Shia on his left side and Yue on his right side, the three of them fell asleep. After this day, Shia who was allowed to be in the same room would dance in ecstasy, and get carried away by repeatedly trying to attack Hajime every night, only to be severely punished by him.

By the way, at the time Shia screamed when her hand was grasped, Souna who heard that further intensified her misunderstanding, curiosity, and her delusions. Then she became an inn girl that possessed high infiltration skills… … but this was another story.

* * *

KARAN, KARAN

Accompanied by the sound of bells, the door of the adventurer's guild: Brook's branch opened. Three silhouettes entered, they were Hajime, Yue, and Shia who had completely become celebrities after several days. Inside the guild's cafe, several adventurers spend their time freely just like usual, but there were some who greeted Hajime and his party by raising a hand when they noticed them. As for the men, they looked at Yue and Shia as usual, then turned their glances filled with envy toward Hajime, but there were no malicious ones here.

They had stayed at Brook town for a week, there were several people who didn't learn and caused a commotion by challenging him to a duel to obtain Yue or Shia during that time. In the past, they were unable to persuade Yue who was known as "Crotch Smasher" because they were frightened by her, as such they tried to capture Hajime and bury him outside the moat.

Of course, Hajime wouldn't do something as troublesome as that. Finally, "Duel me!", when the line was only on "Duel," he already fired the gun. What shot out was a non-lethal rubber bullet that exploded as it hit the pitiful challenger's head, and made him spin three times, then kiss the ground.

Because of that, in the town, Yue the "Crotch Smasher" and her loved person, the one who was capable of killing his enemy in a blink before the duel even started, Hajime the "Duel Smasher" combination became famous people to be reckoned. Even though they didn't apply a party name to the guild, the name "Smasher Lovers" already spread, and Hajime who discovered their nickname could only look off into the distance for a while, because of this new memory.

By the way, as a side note, Shia who felt her existence become thinner could only shed tears.

"Oya, the three of you are together today?"

Hajime and his party approached the counter, just as usual, aunt… … Catherine was there, and she was the one that greeted them just now. Catherine's voice was filled with surprise because in this one week the ones who came to guild were usually either Hajime alone or Shia and Yue as a pair.

"Aa. We'll leave the town tomorrow, and because we are indebted to you, we came to greet you. Furthermore, we thought of accepting it if you have any commissions related to our destination"

What he meant by indebted, was how Hajime had borrowed a guild's room for free. Because he finally gained Gravity magic, he wanted to experiment: combining it with Creation magic, that's why he needed a spacious room. Catherine who happened to hear about it offered the use of a guild room for free.

It should be noted that Yue and Shia trained to use gravity magic on the town's outskirts.

"I see. So you're going to leave. That'll make me lonely. It's been lively since you came back here after all~"

"Please give me a break. There is a pervert in the inn, there is also a pervert in the dress store, there are also those perverts who start to prostate when Yue and Shia walk in town and stalker perverts who call them "Onee-sama," there were also idiots who challenged me to duels… … there were no decent fellows at all. Of all the guys I met, 70% are perverts and 20% are idiots… … just what's wrong with this town"

All of the complaints that Hajime said while scowling were the truth. Let alone Souna, everytime Hajime met Crystabel, she always licked her lips while looking at him like a carnivore, he already forgot how many times he felt chills.

Moreover, there were three major factions created inside Brook town, they tried to compete with each other every day. One was the "We want to be stepped on by Yue-chan corps", the other was the "We want to be Shia-chan's slaves corps," and the last one was the "We want to be onee-sama's siblings corps". Respectively, they literally hold those as their wishes, and it seems they competed on which side would be the majority.

Hajime and his party could only spurt out their drinks because those names were the opinion of the masses. Suddenly there were people inside the town prostrating to Yue saying "Please step on us!" It made her shiver. It was not known how extreme their thought processes were to be like that for Shia. The demi-human race should have been under discrimination, so the way they wanted to become her slaves was a full chance for tsukkomi, but she immediately refused them because it was unpleasant to think deeply about it. The last was a group of only women, maybe because they saw him as an obstruction to Yue and Shia, they mainly tried to eliminate Hajime. Once, "The harmful and parasitic pest to Onee-sama! I'll remove his ballssss—!!", a girl screamed that while thrusting a knife toward him in one hand.

Because it'd be troublesome to kill a girl inside town after all, Hajime only left that girl naked in a tortoise shell-like bondage (because he had no knowledge about it) situation, after hanging her on the highest building, and leaving after sticking on a piece of paper that read, "I'll kill you next time." Because of the indifferent content in the paper he left behind, the girls' extreme actions became more hidden, and that's a good thing.

Hajime who recalled those events could only frown, while Catherine let out a bitter smile.

"Now, now, the lively part is the truth."

"Right, it sure is."

"Then, where are you going?"

"Fhuren"

Even though they talked in that manner, Catherine was working diligently. Immediately, she started searching whether there was a request related to Fhuren.

Fhuren was a neutral commercial city. Hajime and his party's next destination was "Guryuen Great Desert", where one of the Seven Great Dungeons; "Guryu-en Volcanic Mountain", resided. Therefore, they must go toward the west of the continent, and on the way was the "Neutral Commercial City Fhuren", so they wanted to drop by the continent's number one commercial city. It should be noted that after "Guryu-en Volcanic Mountain", their next destination was further west of the Great Desert, the Great Dungeon that had sunk into the seabed; "Meljine Seabed Ruin".

"U~n, oh my. I found something good. A request to escort a merchant company. There's a vacancy for one person… … How is it? Are you going to accept?"

Hajime confirmed the contents of the commission he received from Catherine. Certainly, the content was a request to escort a merchant company. It was a medium-scale merchant company, and it seemed to request 15 people as the escorts. Because Yue and Shia were not adventurers, it was perfect for Hajime.

"Is it OK to take my companions along?"

"Aa, no problem. Although there would be complaints if there are too many people, but there are people hired to carry the luggage, and there are also adventurers who brought their slaves along. Furthermore, Yue-chan and Shia-chan are also influential people. To have another two excellent adventurers in addition when hiring a person. There's no reason to refuse."

"I see, nn~, what should we do?"

Hajime who was a little hesitant, looked back at Yue and Shia to ask for their opinions. Truthfully, he thought of accepting the request if it had something to do with delivering packages. If it had been only Hajime and his party, they could have used the Magic-Driven vehicle and arrived at Fhuren much sooner than if they had to use a carriage. It would be too troublesome to match the pace of the others in an escort mission.

"… … No need to travel in a rush."

"That's right~, sometimes it may be good to go with other adventurers. We might be able to learn the know-how from the veteran adventurers, right?"

"… … That's true. Since we aren't in a hurry, sometimes it might be good…"

Having heard their opinions, Hajime was, "Fumu", and told Catherine that he accepted the request. It was just as Yue had said, it would take a lot of time to conquer the Seven Great Dungeons. There's no telling what kind of mistake they might make if they tried to rush it. That's why the know-how peculiar to adventurers would likely be useful in their future travels, as Shia had said.

"Here you go. I'll notify the client, so please go to the front gate tomorrow, first thing in the morning."

"Roger."

After she confirmed that Hajime received the application form, Catherine turned her eyes toward Yue and Shia who were behind him.

"You must keep yourself healthy, okay? Whenever this child makes you cry, please come back here. I'll beat him for you."

"… … Nn, we are indebted to you. Thanks."

"Yes, Catherine-san. Thank you very much for taking care of us!"

Catherine's kind-filled words made Yue and Shia smile. Shia was especially happy. She seemed to have forgotten that she was of the demi-human race, ever since she arrived at this town. Of course, there were different strokes for different blokes. Not all of them were friendly in regards to Shia, but with Catherine at the top, there were Souna, Crystabel, and some people like her fans, who didn't discriminate against her, even though she was a demi-human. It was not known whether that was because of the locality or the people's nature or the flow of this town, but for Shia, this was a warm place, almost like her hometown in the Sea of Trees.

"You too, don't you let these good girls cry, okay? I'll punish you if you don't value them as the most important, alright?"

"… … Geez, what a meddlesome person. I'll do that even without you telling me."

Hajime replied to Catherine's words with a wry smile. Catherine held out a letter towards Hajime. With a doubtful expression, Hajime received the letter.

"This is?"

"You're carrying various problems in your arms after all. It is an apology for all the trouble caused by the people of this town. When you arrive at another town's guild and get into trouble, show this letter to the person in-charge. It might prove to be useful."

Catherine perfectly added a wink, and Hajime's cheeks inadvertently cramped. "For a letter to be able to influence the person in-charge, just who on earth are you?", his doubt could be seen in his expression.

"Oh my, is there a need to investigate me? A good woman is someone that holds secrets, after all."

"… … Haa, un'stood. I will gladly take it."

"It's good to be obedient! Although a lot of things might happen, please don't die."

Catherine was a staff of the guild in a remote countryside town, and held a lot of mysteries. She sent Hajime and his party off with a charming smile that contained attractiveness.

Afterwards, Hajime and his party drew near Crystabel's place. Although Hajime refused to come along, he could only reluctantly come because of Yue and Shia… … but, the moment it heard that they wanted to leave town, Crystabel became a huge monster, and tried to attack Hajime, since this was her (Crystabel's) last chance. Hajime, who was so scared, used the oscillation fracture to bury it. Although Yue and Shia were able to desperately stop the traumatic event… … The details will be omitted.

When she heard it was their last night, Souna finally managed to trespass into the bathroom with a dignified demeanor. That action was followed by her charging into their room, then her parents, who were completely angered by her, tied her with genuine tortoise shell bondage all night long. The event where she was hung in front of the inn would be omitted. The reason why her parents knew how to tie the tortoise shell bondage will also be omitted.

The next morning.

With pleasant memories of Brook's townspeople, Hajime and his party arrived at the front of the gate, moved towards the merchant company's facilitator and other adventurers who accepted the escort request. Apparently they were the last ones to arrive. When the facilitator-like person and the 14 adventurers looked at the incoming Hajime and his party, they caused a commotion at once.

"O-Oi, don't tell me the remaining three are the "Sma-Love"!?

"It's true! Although it makes me happy and frightened at the same time!"

"Look at my hands. They haven't stopped trembling since a while ago, you know?"

"Wait, isn't it because you're drunk?"

There were those who were happy with Yue and Shia's appearance, some hid their groin with both hands while teary-eyed, and one with trembling hands who got tsukkomi'ed by his companion, various reactions. Hajime approached them with a very displeased expression, then the facilitator-like person called out to him.

"Are you the last escorts?"

"Aa, this is the application."

Hajime showed the application that he took out of his chest pocket. After confirming it, the male facilitator nodded in consent and began to introduce himself.

"My name is Mottou Junker. I am the leader of this merchant company. Although your rank is still blue, I heard you're excellent adventurers from Catherine-san. I expect you to escort us along the way."

"… … Motto(more) Yunker ? … … It must be difficult to be the leader of a merchant company… …"

[T/N: Yunker is a Japanese formulated energy and health supplement.]

It was a name that reminded him of a certain health tonic from Japan, and Hajime's eyes were filled with sympathy. Mottou, who was unable to understand why Hajime looked at him with such eyes, only inclined his neck and replied with, "Well, it was difficult but I've become accustomed to it," as if he was wryly smiling..

"Well, I won't betray your expectations. I am Hajime. Here are Yue and Shia."

"That's reassuring… … By the way, this person from the Rabbitman tribe… … Won't you sell her? I can only pay a moderate price though."

Mottou glanced at Shia while appraising her. She was a beautiful girl of the Rabbitman tribe who wasn't blue-haired like the normal Rabbitman tribe member, but possessed gray hair instead. As a merchant's nature, he couldn't help but lay his hands on such a rare commodity. He judged her as a slave from her collar, then immediately proposed negotiation to Hajime; the owner. Surely he must be an excellent merchant.

Having received the glance, Shia, "Ugh," groaned unpleasantly and hid behind Hajime. Yue looked at Mottou with a severe look. The popular perception of a Rabbitman tribe outside the Sea of Trees was a slave, that's why it was natural to offer trade negotiations for such an unusual slave. There was no reason to blame Mottou.

"Hoo, she seems fairly attached… … somehow, she also seems to be cherished. Then, I will give you some discounts, how about it?"

"Well, since you seem to be an excellent merchant… … shouldn't you already know the answer?"

Although Mottou, who had seen Shia's appearance, was interested and offered a more appealing proposal, Hajime's reply was simple. Nevertheless, Mottou felt he should not let go of this chance to negotiate with Hajime, since it will surely bring forth large profit that will only increase thanks to Shia's charm. That's why, he tried to give out more bargaining chips to lengthen their conversation.

However, Hajime had read his intentions. Though they were simple words, he voiced them to Mottou with an unwavering will.

"Even if it was god who wanted her, I still wouldn't let her go… … Won't you understand with this much?"

"… … … … Ee, I understand. It can't be helped. I'll withdraw here. However, if you ever change your mind, by all means please visit my Junker company. Well then, it's almost time to depart. For the details on escorting, please ask the leader over there."

Hajime's words were actually dangerous ones. If it was done unskillfully, his words would have branded him as a heretic by the Church of the Saints. As a side note, the demon race believes in a different god, they worshipped different gods than the strongest god in history; "Ehito", but they didn't directly try to fight the Church of the Saints. Since Hajime didn't drastically alter his words, therefore, Mottou understood that Hajime, from the bottom of his heart, refused to let Shia go.

Hajime watched as Mottou dejectedly returned to his merchant company, then he noticed the surroundings become noisy again.

"Wow… … For the sake of a woman, to even say that much… … It numbed me!"

"As expected of Duel Smasher. He won't forgive anyone who puts their hands on his woman… … fuh, what a man."

"That's nice~, I also wanted someone to say something like that to me at least once."

"Wait, you, aren't you a man? Who would, say someth—, sorry, I am sorry, so sto— Ah——!!"

Having heard the happy conversations of his amused escort companions, Hajime could only hold his head in his hands due to the headache. All of the fellows from Brook town were idiots as expected. While he thought that, 'Munyuu', he could feel something soft on his back, furthermore Hajime was embraced closely by the arms that came from behind him.

Hajime turned his head over his shoulder, and saw a close-up of Shia's face as she rested her chin on his shoulder. Her face completely dyed red, and because she was truly happy, her expression loosened.

"… … Listen, there was no special meaning to it, so don't misunderstand, okay?"

"Ufufufu, I know~, ufufufu~"

Although Hajime explained that, in the end it was akin to not abandoning a relative, and not because "she is his woman", like the surrounding people noisily described. His explanation was not transmitted to Shia. It was because the man she fell for had declared that "Even if it's god, I won't let her go." No matter what his real intentions were by declaring that, a pleasant thing is pleasant.

Even though those words were to quickly break off the negotiation, in a lot of ways it was "overkill," and Hajime could only feel regret. Yue tokotoko, went to Hajime's side, then kuikui, she pulled Hajime's sleeve.

"? What is it, Yue?"

"Nn… … Don't worry about it, because that was cool."

"… … Thanks for the consolation."

Having sympathized with Hajime's feelings, Yue tried to comfort him, and Hajime gently stroked her cheeks while letting out words of gratitude. Yue closed her eyes as if she was pleased by it.

In front of the front gate early in the morning, inside a crowd of people, with a beautiful rabbit-eared girl that looked so happy attached to his back, and another beautiful blonde girl with crimson eyes in his right hand, was Nagumo Hajime.

The ladies of the merchant company looked at them with lukewarm expressions, while the men looked at the spectacle with dead-fish eyes. Toward these annoying gazes and words that pierced Hajime, surely he just reaped what he had sown.

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ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

V6 C2

Chapter 2 : Adventurer-like Work



Using carriages, the distance between Brook Town and the Neutral Commercial City; Fhuren, was six days of travel.

They moved before sunrise and prepared to camp before sunset. This has already repeated for three days. Hajime and his party were three days away from Fhuren. Only half the travel distance remained. So far no incidents had occurred during their journey. Even though Hajime and his party were in charge of the rear, it was truly peaceful.

Even today, nothing special happened as they prepared to camp. Regarding meals, the adventurers were eating by themselves. They had to eat while minding their surroundings, that's why, as escorts they couldn't settle down when eating together. It also seemed to be the rule to eat on their own. Additionally, when on a mission, the adventurers only eat cruel, simple meals. In a way, preparing tasty meals would only increase their luggage, and would disturb them in emergency situations. Because of that, it became a theory that after they've arrived at a town they would eat tasty meals until their stomachs were full, as their reward.

That story was something Hajime and his party heard from the adventurers when they ate meals on the second day. Hajime and his party had prepared warm bread soaked in luxurious mock stew to eat.

"Gah—, good! It is truly delicious~, just as expected of Shia-chan! Mou, I don't care if you're a demi-human anymore, so will you be my wife?"

"Gluck gluck, gulp, puhah, bastard, don't just run your mouth! Shia-chan is my wife!"

"Hah, just what is a small dirty pig-like man like you trying to say? Know your place. By the way Shia-chan, how about a meal with me after we arrive at the town? Of course, it'll be my treat."

"Th-Then, I'll take Yue-chan! Yue-chan, have a meal with me!"

"Yue-chan's spoon… … Haa, haa."

The adventurers kept eating the mock stew made by Shia, saying it was delicious. On the first day, these guys were eating dried meat with things similar to camping goods when, Hajime and his party started to cook next to them, using ingredients and tableware taken out from "Treasure Box", just as usual. The adventurers were attracted by the delicious drifting aromas. Looking around, they saw Hajime and his party eating the hot meal while blowing on it, nearby. It became a situation where all of the other adventurers stared at them with blood-shot eyes and drooling mouths. Shia who felt that they were truly pitiful proposed to share their meals, resulting in the current situation.

In the beginning, even in front of these starving dogs, Hajime continued to calmly eat his meal. Naturally, he didn't intend to share at all. However, because Shia took over the job of preparing the meals when they camp, he had to rely on her to make delicious meals. It was not like Hajime and Yue were incapable of cooking anything, but the taste would be flat. Hajime was only capable of making manly dishes while Yue was inexperienced, being a former noble. That's why, it was not an easy thing for Hajime to refuse Shia's, who was able to cook delicious meals, proposal to share.

From then on, although at first the adventurers that crowded like hyena during meals were grateful, they started to get carried away and jokingly tried to persuade Shia and Yue.

Toward the adventurers who made such a ruckus, Hajime silently used "Pressure". Although their bodies should have been warmed up by the hot mock stew, the adventurers immediately felt the chill and could only stand still with pale expressions. Hajime swallowed the meat inside his mouth and glanced at the mock stew while slowly letting out a whisper. Even so his voice could be clearly heard by everyone.

"So? Having filled your belly, who's the guy that wants to be thrown?"

"""""I am sorry for getting carried away."""""

The adventurers apologized while prostrating in splendid harmony and synchronization. Although these guys were senior and veteran adventurers compared to Hajime, they had no dignity at all. Even though there was also the "Pressure" that Hajime used, it wasn't like they would go against Hajime, because they knew what happened in Brook town.

"Mou, Hajime-san. Since it's finally time for a meal, a little ruckus is fine. A-Also, no matter what they say, I-I am Hajime-san's, you know?"

"I never cared about that."

"Hau!?"

Although Shia tried to casually appeal to Hajime while feeling shy, Hajime cut off her words with a single phrase.

"… … Hajime."

"Nn?… … What is it, Yue?"

Because of Yue's criticizing glance, Hajime flinched a little. Yue pointed her forefinger and said, "… … bad!". In short, it was about his promise from before to be nicer to Shia. Hajime, who didn't harbor love for Shia even now, thought it was enough to treat her as a relative… … however it seemed that was an out for Yue.

"Hajime-san! If you keep that attitude, I won't give you the "well-done" skewered meat!"

Following that, recently Shia was not as easily discouraged. She didn't even twitch at Hajime's tsun-remark. Even if she received the shock, she immediately revived and repeated her strong and positive approach.

"… … Like I said, how did you know that mate-… … no, it's nothing. I understand, so quickly hand over the meat."

"Fufu, do you want to eat it? Th-Then, a~n"

"… …"

While blushing, Shia presented the well-done skewered meat in front of Hajime's mouth. He seemed to really want to eat it. That's why Hajime took a peek at Yue. Yue readily stood by his side with skewered meat at hand. Probably, she would follow after Shia's "A~n".

While feeling the adventurers' gazes, Hajime let out a sigh then opened his mouth toward Shia. Shia's expression was dyed in happiness.

"A~n."

"… …"

Hajime bit then chewed the presented meat in silence. Shia's expression was in pure bliss while she looked at Hajime. Then, this time another skewered meat was presented from his other side.

"… … A~n."

"… …"

He once again took a bite. Silently chewed it. Again, he took a bite when Shia from his other side, "A~n". He bit again when Yue said "A~n".

Their subjectivity aside, the voices of the men's hearts who had objectively seen this spectacle were splendidly unified. In their minds, "We beseech you, please just explode already!!". They could only use formal words in their minds because they were clearly shown that they couldn't do anything in face of Hajime's power .

Two days had passed since then. The distance was only one more day of travel, finally someone appeared to inelegantly obstruct their travel and to assault them.

Shia was the first to notice it. Her rabbit ears, piko piko, moved while pointing toward the forest beside the highway, her unconcerned expression suddenly tightened and she warned the others.

"Incoming enemies! They number more than 100! They'll come from the forest!"

When they heard her warning, the tension between the adventurers immediately increased. The highway that they were currently advanced on was not known for the danger from the adjacent forest. After all, it was the only route to the one Neutral Commercial City in the continent. The highway was safe, was what was guaranteed. That's why, although there were stories of encountering demonic beasts, they were only 20, at most. Even if there were a lot of them, 40 was the limit.

"Shit, more than 100 you say? Recently, I haven't heard stories of assault. are they saving up their power for this time's sake? Damn, even though I had investigated about accidents along the highway!"

The leader of the escorts, Galitima, was cursing with a bitter expression. The escorts of the merchant company numbered 15. If Yue and Shia were included, they became 17 people. Considering the number of people, it'd be difficult to flawlessly defend the merchant company. It was simply because they were overwhelmed in number.

By the way, for them to calculate Shia as a combat potential despite knowing the Rabbitman tribe's gentle nature was because there was a time when Shia lost her temper by the extreme actions of the "We want to be Shia-chan's slaves corps". She blew off those perverts at once, that became well-known to adventurers and made them awe.

The moment Galitima started thinking of letting the majority of the escorts stay and at least making the merchant company escape, a proposal's voice rang out and interrupted his thinking.

"If you're perplexed, should we kill them?"

"Eh?"

It was said with a light-hearted tone, as if he was just going to go for a little shopping. The unbelievable proposal came from none other than Hajime. Galitima was able to grasp the significance of Hajime's proposal, then spontaneously asked back with a stupid voice.

"Like I said, shall we annihilate them?"

"W-Well, that's certainly, because it'll be difficult to flawlessly defend the merchant company if this keeps up… … umm, can you do it? Although there are no strong demonic beasts around here, their numbers are…"

"There is no problem with the numbers. It'll end soon. With Yue, that is."

Hajime said that and immediately put his hand on Yue's shoulder who moved beside him. Yue looked particularly eager, and as if it would be very easy work for her, she replied with "Nn…".

Galitima hesitated a little. At least he had heard the rumors that Yue was a user of rare magic. For argument's sake, even if she couldn't completely annihilate them, from the attitude of Hajime and his party they should be able to cut down a reasonable number. That's why, rather than letting the merchant company escape ahead using their various combat potential, he steadily thought of another strategy.

"I understand. I'll entrust the first strike to Yue. Even if you can't completely annihilate them, it'll be no problem as long as their numbers considerably decrease. Then, we only need to decrease them further with our magic, and beat the last of them directly. Everyone, you understand!?"

""""Affirmative!""""

The other adventurers replied to Galitima's decision with voices filled with spirit. Apparently, it seemed they couldn't believe Yue was able to annihilate them alone. Hajime thought in his mind, "There is no need to worry that much~", but because it was not common sense for magic-users to be capable of annihilating more than a hundred of demonic beasts, he felt their judgement couldn't be helped as he shrugged his shoulders.

The adventurers took a united line in front of the merchant company. Although tension hung in the air, their faces were resolute. There was no remaining joking atmosphere, like the one during meal time. On the way, even though they had heard various stories from the veteran adventurers, only by seeing their current appearance, indeed, they were able to nod and acknowledge them as veterans. The people of the merchant company were frightened when they heard the large number of demonic beasts, now their faces peeped in from the shadows of the carriages.

Hajime and his party were on the roof of the merchant company's carriage.

"Yue, for now, start chanting. If not, it'll become troublesome."

"… … Chant… … chant… …?"

"… … Did you not know any?"

"… … Don't worry, there's no problem."

"Well, that material… … It's nothing."

"Contact in 10 seconds~"

Because it'd be troublesome if others inquired about it, Hajime told Yue to use chants, but Yue who originally had no need to chant was only able to float "?" above her head. Even so, it would be good as long as she made them assume she was chanting by whispering, although there shouldn't be any big problems, her reply somehow made Hajime anxious.

While he thought of that, Shia's report rang out. Yue, suh, turned and hung her right hand toward the forest, then her chanting voice began to permeate.

"You are the one who brought bright red light into this perpetual darkness, crush the prison of old, the one who met face on as an equal, using the power of the strongest fragment, together with him, become the light capable of swallowing heaven, "Thunder Dragon""

With the end of Yue's chant, she pulled the magic's trigger. At that moment, a dragon made of thunder appeared from the dark cloud just like in her chant. Its appearance was reminiscent of a snake just like an oriental dragon.

"Wh-What's that…"

It wasn't known who muttered that. Even with the crowd of demonic beasts in front of their eyes, everyone's gazes were fixated at the sky towards the bizarre thunder dragon that let out blue electrical discharge. Even those who were well-versed in magic in the rear, could only open and close their mouths towards the magic they've never seen nor heard before.

Then, as if it was no one's ally. The demonic beasts that had come with killing intent for their prey from the forest, came to a halt between the merchant company and the forest, having been glared at by the huge thunder dragon, it was as if they were frogs that were stiffened by a snake's glare.

Following that, as if it was heaven's judgement, Yue flicked her slender and beautiful fingers, causing the thunder dragon opened its jaws that were even able to swallow heaven and attacked the demonic beasts.

GOoGAaAAA!!!

"Uwah!?"

"Dowaaa!?"

"Kyaaaaa!?"

The thunder dragon let out a tremendous roar from its huge opened mouth, and some demonic beasts were voluntarily jumping into the opened jaws. Then, they were eliminated by the jaws of thunder and disappeared without any resistance.

Furthermore, as Yue commanded, the thunder dragon coiled around the demonic beasts to encircle them. The demonic beasts that were in the middle of escaping penetrated that wall of thunder and turned into dust before their eyes. Once again, above the demonic beasts that had lost their escape route, the thunder dragon opened its jaws with a thundering roar, and the demonic beasts jumped into it as if they chose to die. Without any time to suffer the pain, their flesh turning into dust coupled with the majestic appearance of the dragon gave off a solemn atmosphere. Having swallowed all of the demonic beasts, the thunder dragon let out a thundering roar for the last time then disappeared.

Every one of the adventurers that were in formation and the merchant company, because of the flashes along with thundering sounds, and followed by a severe earthquake were inadvertently screaming and crouching. Finally, the fear of a life-threatening attack and the impact left them, and when they opened their eyes slightly to see what happened ahead… … there was nothing at all. There was only the ground, scorched in a coil-shape, it was proof that the unreal spectacle just now had truly occurred.

"… … Nn, I overdid it"

"Oioi, that magic, even I know nothing about it…"

"It is a Yue-san original, right? It seems to be a combination of magic that's used in the stories of dragons from Hajime-san as a reference."

"To have made something like this when I shut myself inside the guild… … Rather, Yue, the chant just now…"

"Nn… … A song of meeting and the future."

Yue looked at Hajime with expressionlessness that gave off an, "How about that!", atmosphere. She was probably proud of it because it was something she made herself. Hajime quietly used his hand to stroke Yue's hair gently while letting out a wry smile. Having allowed her to finish the chant to avoid trouble, although it was completely meaningless, his caution disappeared once he saw Yue boasting about herself.

That was Yue's original magic; "Thunder Dragon". It's a compound magic using the high-ranked magic; "Thunder Hammer" that creates a dark cloud then drops a huge amount of lightning, and Gravity magic. The lightning that originally just falls down was arbitrarily controlled using Gravity magic. To purposely make it form like a dragon from Hajime's story was something made by magic using Yue's sense. This thunder dragon was filled with gravity magic in the mouth's parts, that's why objects would be pulled toward it when its jaws were opened. This is why the demonic beasts looked like they voluntarily jumped toward it. Comparing its magic power, it was at the highest level even among high-ranked magic, that's why just by looking at Yue's expression one could see that was the gem of her pride.

And, the adventurers who looked dumbfoundedly at the scorched ground began to regain their senses. Following that, they vigorously turned around to look at Hajime and his party, then started to make a commotion.

"Oioioioioi, what was that? What was, THAT!"

"A-A strange beast was… … from the sky… … from the sky… … ah, it's a dream."

"Hehe, I, once we arrive at the town, I am going to marry."

"I know how shaken you're, but calm down. Remember that you don't have a lover, not even a girlfriend."

"It can be made by magic! It's not even strange to make a strange beast like that! That's why I am not wrong!"

"Well, there is no magic related with the life and death cycle, you know? That's why this situation is abnormal, okay?"

"What!? Bastard, are you saying Yue-chan is abnormal!? Aan!?"

"Everyone, calm down! Listen, Yue-chan is a goddess, that'll explain everything!"

""""Indeed!""""

Maybe because Yue's magic left too much of an impact, the adventurers became a little broken. That couldn't be helped. After all, there was no existing magic that could take the shape of living things. Furthermore, that was even impossible to be used by the magic-users that were employed by the country. It could be said the thunder dropping magic; "Thunder Hammer", was only usable by ultra first-class magic-users.

Inside the broken adventurers that shouted, "All hail Yue-sama!", something along that line was the sole sane person; the leader Galitima, who could only sigh after looking at his comrades and approached Hajime and his party.

"Haa, first of all, thanks. Thanks to Yue-chan, we were able to get through with zero damage."

"We are co-workers now. There's no need to thank us. Right?"

"… … Nn, I am only doing my job."

"Haha, I see… … so, that is. What was that just now?"

Galitima asked without being able to hide his bewilderment.

"… … Original."

"O-Original? Do you mean a magic you created yourself? High-ranked magic, no, is that a highest-ranked magic?"

"… … I didn't create it. It is a compound magic."

"Compound magic? But, what on earth combines to make that…"

"… … That's a secret"

"Kh… … That's, well, it should be. No adventurers will simply reveal their trump card after all…"

Accompanied with a profound sigh, Galitima gave up the pursuit. He seemed to be sensitive to the tacit rule of veteran adventurers. While he shrugged his shoulders, he turned his attention to the broken comrades. "They would give birth to a new religion called the "Yue faith" if this keeps up, that's why Galitima must work hard", that's what Hajime thought as a man.

While receiving gazes from everyone in the merchant company that were mixed with awe and respect, their group resumed their travels.

* * *

Since the time Yue removed the guts of every merchant company's people and adventurers, she didn't have anything to do at all, and their group finally arrived at the Neutral Commercial City; Fhuren.

There were six reception desks in Fhuren's eastern gate, the goods that were brought would be checked there. Hajime and his party were queueing in one of the rows. It would take a while until their turn.

On the carriage's roof, Mottou approached as Hajime laid down and rest his head on Yue's lap pillow, while being attended by Shia. It seemed there was something he wanted to say. Mottou looked toward Hajime with a somewhat amazed look, then Hajime lightly nodded and jumped down from the roof.

"Geez, you're so bold. Don't you notice the surroundings' eyes?"

Just as Mottou said, the surrounding eyes were the usual and familiar eyes that contained jealousy and envy toward Hajime, followed by eyes that are filled with wonder and hate toward Yue and Shia. In addition, currently the gazes that appraised Shia were increasing. As expected of a big city's entrance gate. In the place where various men gathered, there were not only those who simply looked at Yue and Shia with dirty-minds but also those who looked at them as profit.

"Well, although they're annoying, I can't do anything about it. So, it's useless to worry about it"

Hajime said that while shrugging his shoulders and Mottou could only put on a wry smile.

"There'll be more trouble once you enter Fhuren. As expected, to sell her…"

Although Mottou tried to casually offer a trade for Shia, "Didn't that conversation already end?", was what was expressed by Hajime's silence, and he could only raise a hand as a pose for giving up.

"You aren't calling me for such talk, right? What business do you want?"

"Well, it is something like that. I'm offering a trade negotiation. It is about the artifacts that you carry. Will you sell those? When we arrive at my company, under the notary witness, I'll pay the amount that can make someone live his whole life without working. Your artifacts, especially "Treasure Box" are something that merchants will desperately try to obtain after all."

Along with the word "desperately," Mottou's unsmiling eyes were perfectly expressing "even if I have to kill." It was because "Treasure Box" would be able to solve the problem of cheaply and securely mass transportation goods, that always became a concern in merchants' heads. That's why it was understandable.

When he saw various things taken out from the "Treasure Box" while camping, Mottou's expression was as if someone who had wandered around for tens of days in the desert finally found an oasis while on the verge of dying. Because he persistently tried to negotiate, Hajime gave out slight bloodthirst and maybe because of his intuition as a merchant told him a warning, he withdrew dejectedly.

However, he was unable to give up after all. In front of Donner-Schlag, he was somehow able to approach Hajime and proposed another negotiation.

"I'll say it again and again, I won't sell any of it. Just give up."

"But, those artifacts are too useful for an individual to carry. Isn't it more reasonable for them to be used by someone who knows their value? If not, it'll be much more troublesome… … for example, those girls wil—!?"

Mottou, for a little, took a peek toward Shia and Yue on the roof with a mad and threatening look and at that moment, gochih, something cold and hard was pressed on his forehead. That was accompanied with a sublime bloodthirst. No one in their surroundings noticed it. One of the reasons was because they were in the shadow of the carriage and also because Hajime had pinpointed his bloodthirst toward him.

"That, can I think of that as a declaration of war?"

That was said in a quiet voice. However, that voice that was as cold as ice made Mottou stiffen and the eyes of Hajime that peered into his eyes were just like thick darkness. Mottou's whole body was drenched in cold sweat and he desperately let out his voice.

"Th-that's wrong. Somehow… … because, guh… … I wouldn't… … be able to hide about you… … that's why, I said those… … words. That was all… … uh"

Just as Mottou said, Hajime didn't intend to seriously hide his artifacts and their ability. Because he had considered it a little to avoid troublesome things, there was the case of Yue's chant, but if it was reversed, if it was more than "a little," he didn't intend to hide it. Hajime had decided "to not hold back" against this world. He would mow all of his enemies down. He had the resolution to do that.

"I see, let's just leave it at that."

Having said that, Hajime put away Donner and dispersed his bloodthirst. Mottou crumbled on the spot. While drenched in sweat, he panted.

"Well, it's up to you on what you want to do. For example, even if you spread that to others, and those people took action, then I wouldn't care about it. However, if you became an enemy that tried to obstruct me… … Do you think you can survive? I don't care if it involves the country or even the world. I'll just sink everything into a sea of blood."

"… … Haa haa, indeed. It will be an unprofitable business…"

Although he was still pale-faced, Mottou who was capable of firmly replying, was an excellent merchant. Even from the interactions with the other merchant company members, he seemed to be quite adored. Normally, it would be impossible for him to take such a firm posture even now. The things that charmed and drove him mad were Hajime's artifacts.

"Well, this time I'll overlook it. But, there won't be a next time, okay?"

"… … For the love of god. It is me who has become senile. For me to kick the butt of a dragon in front of my eyes…"

"Kick the butt of a dragon" is a proverb of this world, it referred to the Ryuujin race and dragons. They boasted their defensive power as an impregnable defense because of their whole body covered by scales, excluding their eyes and mouth, the butt hole that wasn't covered by scales was their only weak point. Because of their high defense, as they were deep-sleepers, they wouldn't awaken once they fell asleep, but they would wake up at once, once their butt that was their weak point received stimulus, and became enraged like raging fires. A long time ago, it was not known why that was done, but the fool was completely crushed. From that, it became the meaning of someone who is foolish enough to purposely disturb someone that was harmless as long as they weren't disturbed.

By the way, the Ryuujin race was assumed to have perished more than 500 years ago. Although the reason was uncertain, these guys own a characteristic magic called "Dragon Form" that made them between the boundary of a person and demonic beast, there are various opinions such as they were turned into exclusion because of discrimination and they were weeded out by the gods as an incomplete race.

"Now that you mention it, Yue's magic from back then was imitating the dragon. Although I will apologize if that was truly a dragon, but it's good that no one knows anything about it. After all I also never heard anything about the Ryuujin race. Well, I think it'll be okay because it looks more like a snake than a dragon."

Mottou who somehow recovered, managed to stand up and he advised Hajime while tidying his clothes. He was a somewhat bold person. Although he was going to be killed just now, to be able to casually talk to Hajime meant his nerve wasn't average.

"Is that so?"

"Ee, they are incomplete beings between people and demonic beasts. Nevertheless, they are frighteningly strong. In addition, they are infidels who don't believe in any gods. That's why, I can only nod that they are an odd existence for the church's authoritarian."

"I see. Rather, you're completely okay with it. Are you also one of those infidels?"

"I have a god I believe in, the one where the power is not held by "people". People are "customers" after all."

"… … Somehow, I can relate with what you just said. Must be a born merchant, you that is. Having seen it, I can only nod at your recklessness."

Having said that, towards Hajime that fiddled with the ring on his hand, Mottou showed a mixed expression of apology and pride, truly a complex expression. His merchant-like attitude from just now could no longer be seen. Hajime's bloodthirst was like having bathed in cold water for him.

"Although I have committed a blunder, if you have a demand, please come to my company. You're different from the usual adventurers after all. Because I want connections with such a peculiar person like you, I'll give you some discount."

"… … Really, what a firm business spirit."

While being looked at by Hajime with an amazed glance, after saying, "Well then, please excuse me", Mottou turned his heels and returned to the front.

Yue and Shia, even now, no, gathered even stronger gazes. If you chased Mottou's back, immediately there were merchant-like people who were talking while pointing at Yue and Shia. Although it was supposed to be a relaxing trip toward Fhuren, Hajime could only think that more troubles were waiting ahead.

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ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

V6 C3

Chapter 3 : Adventurers Guild, Fhuren Branch



Neutral Commercial City Fhuren

20 meters in height, the wall enclosed one of the continent's Neutral Commercial Cities with a length of 200 kilometers. All kinds of businesses and keen competitions happened in this city every day, there were people who successfully realized their dreams, and there were also a lot of people who became penniless and left dejectedly. It could be said it was the number one city in the continent with the amount of people that came to sightsee, and those who came for business.

Because it was so huge, Fhuren was divided into four areas. The Central Ward where the facilities related to various procedures in the city gathered, Sightseeing Ward where amusement facilities were concentrated, Craftsman Ward where weapons and armor, also various furnitures were sold directly, and Commercial Ward where all kinds of stores and businesses lined up. There was a main street that stretched to the east, west, south, and north from the Central Ward, it seemed to be common sense to have numerous stores the closer ones to the middle part. The places that were far from the main street and central ward were places for black dealings, in other words, there were a lot of black market-like shops. In those areas, sometimes there were unexpected things appearing, and those who were accustomed to rough stuff like adventurers and mercenaries visit this place.

That story was something Hajime and his party heard while they were eating light meals in the cafe inside the adventurer's guild : Fhuren's branch. The one who told them was a woman whose job was a guide. Because this city was huge, there was a lot of demand for guides, so it became a special occupation with a social standing. Although there were a lot of guide stores, they all got high ratings because they improved their services to gain more customers every day.

Hajime and his party came to the adventurer's guild with the application form that had received the seal of proof after separating from Mottou's merchant company. Following that, because they didn't know the location of the inns and shops, they tried to get the guidebook from the adventurer's guild, that's how they came to know about the guide's existence.

Currently, after they paid the woman guide who introduced herself as Rishee, they were hearing the basic information of this city while having light meals.

"That's why, it is recommended to search for an inn in Sightseeing Ward. Although there are inns in Central Ward, it has become a tendency for the workers to nap there, that's why there are less services compared to Sightseeing ward."

"I see, then we will obediently look for an inn in Sightseeing Ward. Where's the recommendation?"

"It depends on what Mr. Customer demands. There are various kinds of inns, after all."

"That's true. Okay, I won't complain as long as the meals are delicious and they have a bath. There is no need to consider the location. Also, a place with a clear accountability should be good."

Rishee heard Hajime's requests with a smile. Toward the first two requests she nodded with "Un un", she seemed to have immediately listed all of the recommended inns inside of her mind. However, towards Hajime's next words, she could only let out "Nn?", while inclining her neck.

"Umm~, an accountable place?"

"Aa, for example, assume I was pulled into a fight where I was the obvious victim, so I don't want to take responsibility of the damage inside the inn. I want to stay at a good inn, and I have a lot of equipment, so it'll be a hassle to compensate that."

"Uu~m, I think you won't be involved that often, but…"

Hajime could only smile wryly toward the perplexed Rishee.

"Well, if it were ordinary people it'll be like that, but we stand out, after all. It seems a lot of loose guys will be at Sightseeing Ward, and merchants with firm spirits that will force their ways will likely appear. Well, in the end it's only "if possible". If that's too hard then there's no need to consider it."

Because of Hajime's words, Rishee looked at Yue and Shia who sat at Hajime's sides while focusing on eating their light meals. Then, she nodded in consent. Certainly, these two beautiful girls stood out. Even now, they gathered considerable gazes from the surroundings. Especially Shia who came from the Rabbitman tribe. Although it's a crime to put a hand on other's slaves, it couldn't be said there would be no merchants that tried to persistently negotiate nor loose and reckless guys.

"Then, how about an inn with strict guards? There are lots of inns like that, and I can introduce you to a good one…"

"Aa, that's okay. However, the guys that are blinded by desires will sometimes appear. So, it should be considered first that I am going to physically persuade them because guards are not absolute."

"Ph-Physical persuasion… … I see, that's why you asked for accountability."

Rishee completely understood Hajime's intent, so the words "if possible" Hajime said seemed to hurt her soul as a guide, then she accepted his requests and said, "Please leave it to me", with a motivated expression. Following that, she turned her gaze toward Yue and Shia, then asked for their demands. It was a point where she tried to answer every customers' needs as much as possible, surely this came from the guide store she belongs to.

"… … A big bath is good, however for a mixed bath, reservations are essential."

"Umm, I want one with a huge bed."

After thinking for a sec, Yue and Shia said each of their requests. Even though they were called requests, if Yue's term was combined with Shia's, she could see clearly their intentions. Having guessed that, Rishee said "I accept it, so please leave it to me", with an acknowledging and clarifying face, but her cheeks slightly reddened. Immediately, she alternated her glances between Hajime, Yue, and Shia and that resulted in her cheeks blushing further.

By the way, the men who hung around in the nearby tables were staring at Hajime as if saying "If only a person can be killed by a stare!", but because he was already accustomed to it, Hajime just let it go through his head as usual.

From there, they heard the stories of the other wards, then Hajime and his party felt an unexpected strong gaze. It was especially aimed at Shia and Yue, it was the rudest of all, a sticky gaze that stuck to them. Because it was too late for Yue and Shia to mind that gaze, they could only knit their eyebrows because of the unpleasant stare.

Hajime tried to take a peek toward the source of the gaze and… … there was a pig. With a fat body that easily surpassed 100 kilograms, an oily face, along with a pig snout and sticky blond-hair attached on its head. If it were only its appearance, it could be seen wearing good clothing even from a distance. That pigman was the one who stared at Yue and Shia with eyes completely mudded with desire.

While Hajime thought, "It'll be a hassle", the pigman moved his body heavily and while shaking he quickly approached Hajime and his party. Apparently, there was no time for them to escape. Hajime never thought of running away, though.

Maybe because Rishee also noticed his unrest, or maybe because that pigman stood out, when the pigman arrived with an arrogant attitude, she forgot to smile and "Geh!", raised an indescribable voice in bad taste.

The pigman soon arrived at the side of the table Hajime and his party were, then looked at Yue and Shia with a smile in his eyes, and when he saw Shia's collar he narrowed his eyes unpleasantly. Following that, he finally looked at Hajime, who he never looked at until now, and as if he finally noticed him, he showed a gesture and let out a one-sided demand with an arrogant attitude.

"O-Oi, brat. I-I'll give you a million ruta. H-Hand over that rabbit. That blonde too, I'll make her my concubine. C-Come with me."

Having said those words while slightly stuttering and coupled with kii kii sounds, the pigman tried to touch Yue. It seemed Yue was already his inside his mind. At that moment, a violent killing intent poured down. The faces of people in the surrounding tables turned pale as they fell from their chairs, and they began to desperately back away from Hajime.

Well, the pigman who received the killing intent directly was… … "Hii!?", let out a pathetic scream and fell on his butt, then he retreated while the place between his groins began to wet.

If Hajime let out his true killing intent, he might instantly lose consciousness, and because that'd be meaningless he put enough consideration into it.

"Yue, Shia, let's go. Let's change the location."

Because a dirty liquid leaked, Hajime stood from his seat then called Yue and Shia. Honestly, he actually wanted to immediately shoot him dead, but it'd raise a commotion if he killed him after all, and that'd make Hajime the assailant. The town's guards were not that naive to let go of a murder. Basically, as long as it's at the limit of a legitimate self-defense, Hajime thought of just half-killing him inside this city.

Rishee could only say, "Eh? Eh?", while blinking her eyes in confusion because Hajime and his party stood up from their seats. Rishee was fine even though she was inside the range of Hajime's killing intent because he had simply excluded her from "Pressure's" targets. It was the reverse version of the pinpointed "Pressure" that he had used on Mottou to not let anyone notice him. It was the result of his training. It was natural for Rishee to be confused, that's because when she thought the pigman was being selfish, he suddenly fell on his bottom and began to leak from in between his groins.

By the way, the "Pressure" that affected the surroundings was done on purpose. His reason was to make the surrounding guys who gave him depressing looks comprehend him. "Don't try to touch them, okay?", something like that. Judging from the surrounding guys' pale expressions, it seemed there was no need to give out more warnings.

But, immediately after he dispersed the "Pressure" and tried to leave the guild, a big man came to block Hajime and his party's route and stood like a Niou statue. He had a huge body with around 100 kilograms of weight in different ways than the pigman. His whole body was full of muscle with a longsword hanging on his waist, his appearance was like an experienced soldier's.

Maybe because he saw that huge figure, the pigman once again let out a shout coupled with kii kiisounds.

"Th-That's right, Leganid! Kill that shitty brat! H-He tried to kill me! Kill him slowly!"

"Young master, to kill him will be troublesome. Let's just half-kill him."

"Do it! I-I don't care, just do it! B-But, don't hurt the girls! Th-They're mine!"

"Roger. So, please splurge on my reward."

"I-I'll give you any number you want! Just do it already!"

Apparently, the giant called Leganid was hired by the pigman as his bodyguard. He was talking to the pigman without looking away from Hajime, then he floated a satisfied smile when he heard about the promised reward. He thought nothing of Yue and Shia which was unusual. He didn't look at them and only grinned at the word reward.

"Ou, boy. Sorry. I'll half-kill you for the sake of my money. What, it's not like I'll kill you. Well, about those little misses… … just give up on them."

Having said that, Leganid prepared his fists. He didn't use the longsword because this was indeed a place where it shouldn't be used. A commotion appeared in the surroundings when they heard Leganid's name.

"O-Oi, by Leganid, you mean that "Black" Leganid?"

""Black Wind" Leganid!? Just why did he become such a fellow's bodyguard…"

"Isn't it for money? He is "Money Lover" Leganid, you know?"

Hajime was able to guess the identity of the huge man in front of him from the surrounding whispers. Although his class was not known, he was a "Black"-ranked adventurer, the third rank from above, so he was quite the big-wheel.

Fighting spirit emitted from Leganid. Hajime thought it wouldn't be a problem to half-kill him because it was legitimate self-defense, and the moment he began to swing his fist, a voice came to restrain him from an unusual spot.

"… … Hajime, wait." " ? What is it, Yue?"

Before she answered Hajime's question, Yue, while dragging the nearby Shia, came between Hajime and Leganid. While Hajime and Leganid were dumbfounded by it, Yue replied as she looked ahead.

"… … Let us take care of him" "Eh? Yue-san, am I included?"

Yue ignored Shia's question. Having heard Yue's words, before Hajime could reply, Leganid bursted into laughter.

"Gah hahahaha, are you little misses my opponent? That's quite laughable. What? I'll forgive you if you become my opponent at nig- "… … Shut up, thrash" kh!?"

Before Leganid could finish his indecent words, Yue cut his words and quickly use wind blade to attack and cut his cheek. Pusyu, a small sound was made, his blood came and dripped as is. It seemed to be a fairly deep cut. Leganid fell silent just as Yue commanded. Because Yue's magic was too fast, he completely couldn't react to it. In his mind, "Just when did she chant? Where is the magic circle?", as he desperately tried to analyze her while letting out cold sweat.

Hajime who didn't know what Yue meant was currently looking at Shia who also didn't understand Yue's intention and the talk continued.

"… … We'll show them that we're not princesses that can only be protected."

"Aa, I see. We are showing them we can make a painful retaliation."

"… … That's right. Because we finally came here, I'll use that."

Having said that, Yue looked at Leganid with a more severe gaze and pointed at him.

"Well, I understand what you are trying to say. Certainly, if the princesses that they got are in truth fierce beasts, that should wake them up. Fortunately, there are a lot of witnesses… … Unn, isn't that good?"

"… … Fierce beasts is too cruel."

Hajime agreed with Yue's words and backed away with a wry smile. After Yue confirmed that Hajime had backed away, she sent an eye signal to Shia at her side. Having read the signal, Shia reached for Doryukken that was hung on her back, then as if not feeling the weight, she rotated it once in her hand.

"Oioi, just what can the miss from the Rabbitman tribe do? Because there is my employer's request, will you just keep quiet?"

Without looking away from Yue, Leganid said that to Shia. However, Shia ignored Leganid's words and advised him back.

"The longsword on your waist. Shouldn't you draw it? Although I'm going to take it easy, won't it be dangerous to be bare-handed?"

"Hah, big words from Usagi-chan. Young master! Sorry, but forgive me for one or two scratches!"

Leganid didn't pay much attention to Shia and focused on Yue, while the pigman who was still nearby didn't give out any objections. Surely, he must've judged it'd be difficult to subdue Yue without hurting her. However, Leganid should have noticed it. If he thought using common sense, he should feel the incompatibility of the cherished slave and the strength of the Rabbitman tribe that held the warhammer, he should've recognized the significance of them leaving him to her after he caught a glimpse of Hajime and Yue's ability himself.

Without anymore talk, Shia held Doryukken near her waist… … and immediately dashed out. Then, she appeared in front of Leganid.

"Kh!?" "Yaa"

While letting out an adorable voice, she changed into an overpowering manner and swung the super-heavy Sledgehammer, and it approached Leganid's chest whose expression was dyed with astonishment. Immediately before getting a direct hit, Leganid was barely able to cross his arms to defend, but…

(Isn't it too heavy!?)

He couldn't do anything even though he had braced himself, so he jumped back to soften the impact, but her swing was too fast and made his action meaningless. As a result,

GUSHA!

Along with that sound, Leganid was blown away and his back crashed into the guild's wall. Along with a roaring sound, Leganid vomited all the air in his lungs and inside his shaking point of view, he could see Shia's appearance as she lost her interest. Apparently, she thought he would be able to resist some more.

For a "Black"-ranked adventurer like himself, to be easily beaten by a girl of the Rabbitman tribe and the fact that she even lost her interest, Leganid could do nothing but laugh at himself. He revealed a smile that looked like a frown because of pain and tried to use his hands to stand up, but because of a sharp pain he collapsed as is. When he looked at the source of the sharp pain, he could see his crushed arm.

Fortunately, the one that was crushed was only his right hand, so he managed to stand up using the other arm while enduring the pain. Although his vision was still swaying, he somehow managed to firmly step on the floor. Even if it was meaningless, if he hadn't immediately jumped back, he probably wouldn't be able to stand up.

However, it wasn't a good thing for him to stand up. Although Leganid managed to stand up partly because of his willpower, when he saw Yue's appearance which looked at him with cold ice-like eyes while her right hand was thrust out, he could only grumble inside his mind.

(Young master, I am sorry, it'll be too unprofitable…)

Immediately, for the first time in Leganid's life, he gained a valuable and worst experience of "dancing in the air".

"Having been embraced by the wind, dance and scatter like a flower and be smashed "Wind Flower""

It was Yue's original number two, a compound magic using Gravity magic and the bullet of "Wind Burst", a magic that shot a cannonball of wind. By freely manipulating several cannonballs of wind, the cannonballs would always surround and "continue to fall" to crucify their target using the gravitational field. Following that, it was an unsophisticated magic where the target became a sandbag in the air as is when they were launched at the same time. By the way, what happened was just like the chant described.

When the dance with an one-sided lead was over, Leganid, gusha, fell on the floor with an unpleasant sound and didn't even twitch. Actually, he already lost consciousness after several attacks, but although she knew that, Yue kept attacking him without mercy, she especially concentrated her aim at his crotch and that made the surrounding men cover their crotches. Toward the brutal and severe attacks, Hajime in the back could only say "Ow", with a shivering voice filled with pathos.

The two consecutive spectacles were over. They were followed by a silence that wrapped the guild's interior. Not even one person tried to move, they could only stare at Hajime and his party. If one looked carefully, the people who seemed to be guild staff had tried to stop the fight, but after they arrived at the cafe, they were stunned when they tried to stretch their hands towards Hajime and his party. It seemed that spectacle even shocked them who had seen various kinds of adventurers.

While everyone was stunned, slowly the silence was broken. Hajime tsuka tsuka, began to walk. All gazes inside the guild focused on Hajime. Hajime's destination was… … The pigman.

"Hii! S-Stay awaay! J-Just who do you think I am! I am Poom Ming! You're defying Baron Ming!"

"… … Apologize to all of that character's fans on Earth, you pig"

A character from Earth floated in Hajime's mind when he heard the pigman's name, that's why he deeply frowned and he grandly trampled the pigman's face that had fallen on his butt.

"Pugya!?"

He let out a pig-like scream as his face was sandwiched between the shoe sole and the floor, thenmishimishi, his skull let out that sound that made him scream again out of fear. After that, because his voice was annoying, the more he screamed, the more the pressure increased. His face became uglier, his eyes and nose were hidden by his cheeks's flesh. Before long, maybe because he noticed that the pain increased as he screamed, he began to keep quiet. Well, there was also the possibility that he merely lost the strength to scream.

"Oi, piggy. Don't you come into my sight again. Regardless if you are involved directly or indirectly… … There won't be a next time."

Even though Poom was still being trampled by Hajime's shoe sole, he tried to nod desperately while trembling. Finally, he had lost the power to bluff. His heart was completely broken. However, Hajime was not that naive to let him go if it was only to this extent. To not let it become "You forget the heat once it passes your throat," temporary fear was not enough. Because killing him was not a choice, instead, he was going to carve a fear that would be remembered forever.

Because of that, he raised his foot a little, then Hajime transmuted the sole into spikes and mightily trampled again.

"Gyaaaaaaaa!!"

The spikes pierced Poom's face and made numerous holes. In addition, one of his eyes were pierced and began to sprout a large amount of blood. Poom himself immediately fainted because of the pain. When Hajime moved his foot, what he saw was a tragic… … No, his original face was tragic in the first place so there wasn't much change, for now, Poom's blood-stained face was released.

Hajime, with a somehow refreshed expression, went toward Yue and Shia. Yue and Shia greeted Hajime with beautiful smiles. Following that, Hajime came to the side the guide; Rishee who was dumbfounded while smiling.

"Well then, Guide-san. Please take us to the place."

"Hahih! W-Well, that's, I, what can I say…"

Maybe because she felt the fear from Hajime's smile, Rishee was flustered. Her expression was obviously saying she didn't want to be involved with them. At least, that was because Hajime and his party were abnormals. Hajime, who had somehow guessed that, thought finding a new guide after such a commotion would be a hassle, so he wouldn't let Rishee go. Having realized Hajime's intent, Yue and Shia stood at Rishee's sides. "Hiiin!", was the miserable scream that Rishee let out.

And, her saviours came, although it was too late, the guild staff came.

"Umm, I am sorry, but please cooperate to be questioned over there."

A male staff member informed Hajime, and three members of the staff were approaching to surround Hajime and his party. However, they seemed rather stiff. Several others were going to see the condition of Poom and Leganid.

"Even if you ask me, that piggy was trying to snatch my companions, then losing his temper he tried to attack us when I refused him so I only returned that back to him. That's all, there's nothing more to explain. That guide and the surrounding guys and merchants are the witnesses. Especially, those guys on the nearby tables that seemed to have attentively listened to us, right?"

While Hajime said that, he glared at the surrounding men, his eyes were saying, "You know what will happen to your neck if you lie to them, right?" and that made the men nod intensely many times.

"Although we know that, it is a problem that happened inside the guild, so we'll judge it fairly by hearing the complaints from both concerned parties… … it is the rule that needs to be followed by adventurers…"

"Both concerned parties… … Huh"

Hajime took a glance towards Poom and Leganid. It seemed they wouldn't wake up anytime soon. Although the staff members had called healers, they would only likely awaken after two, three days.

"Until they wake up, are you saying we'll wait for that? Aren't we the victims here? … … should I just carry him outside of this city and kill him?"

Hajime gave a blaming look toward the guild staff. Toward the typical claimer-like words, the male staff said, "Please don't glare at us like that, it is our job so we can't help it", with an expression that gave off a desperate feeling. Following that, when they heard the last line that Hajime whispered, they tried to stop him in a panic.

Hajime, although reluctant, approached Poom and Leganid to wake them up with a sharp pain only to be stopped by the staff and they argued, then suddenly, a dignified voice came out.

"What is it? Just what on earth happened here?"

When you looked at the source, there was a slender, glasses wearing man who let out an intellectual atmosphere looking at Hajime and his party with strict eyes.

"Head of secretary Datt! You arrived at the right time! What happened was…"

The staff thought it was a fortunate event and called out toward the man called the head of secretary Datt. When Datt finished hearing the story from the staff, he turned a sharp gaze toward Hajime and his party.

Apparently, they still couldn't be freed.

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