Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 125

Chapter 125.2. The Third Year at the Academy - Two Years Later (2)

When everyone was invited in, I first carried Katie's statue up to the second floor.

Then, returning to the first floor, I announced, "I'll make some tea now."

"That would be appreciated, but—what's this board here?"

Markant asked, looking curious.

Between Markant and me, the smaller roof spirit floated around.

The larger one hovered by the wall, ready to move anytime.

Is it wary because of the unfamiliar guests?

It's like a guard dog, almost.

"The smaller one is the Little Roof Spirit, and the big one is the Roof Spirit."

"I see. Not that I get it."

"Could it be a [Floating] magical device?"

Ignoring Markant's tilted head, Danil stared at the floating board with interest.

"Yes, it was born after a magical device transformation, more or less by accident."

While explaining, I also introduced the Roof Spirits to the Battle Axe of Destruction.

Apparently satisfied, the spirits relaxed their guard.

Honestly, they're not very "magical device"-like.

While Markant and the others poked at the Little Roof Spirit, I headed to the kitchen again.

Danil quickly came over to help, so I entrusted him with boiling water and went to light the fireplace in the living room.

With [Cold Resistance], it's hard to gauge how others feel about the temperature.

Valerie seemed a bit chilly. I decided to warm the place quickly.

Summoning a small flame with [Flint], I discreetly called forth Salkar as well.

It swam through the fireplace, instantly igniting the wood.

"What was that...?"

Ose stood behind me, peering curiously into the fireplace.

Even when manifest, the tiny snake-like Salkar barely exudes any presence.

"Good eye. You noticed it."

I had Salkar coil around my arm, and everyone's eyes widened in surprise.

"Could it be—a spirit!?"

"Yes, this is Salkar, the Fire Spirit."

"Then, is this one a spirit too?"

I turned to see a small armadillo lounging on Valerie's lap.

"That's Melok, the Earth Spirit... showing up whenever it wants again."

If the Roof Spirits were guard dogs, this one's more like a pet cat.

Markant glanced between the spirits and floating boards and shook his head in disbelief.

"Spirits and flying boards? You've collected quite a bunch of oddities in my absence..."

"Don't remind me. Even I'm not sure how it ended up like this."

Salkar usually behaves, but the Roof Spirits and Melok are far too free-spirited.

With tea ready, we gathered around the table.

Markant and the others wanted to hear what happened during the two years they'd been gone, so I started explaining.

I recounted battles, starting with the defense of the ranch alongside the count's daughter Lucena and her swordsman escort, Klaus, and facing Kudolga. This spring, we ended up battling the toxic squirrel Soprick while restoring the highway.

When the stories concluded, Markant let out a deep sigh.

"The Selene I knew was more peaceful. Why so many fights?"

"It's usually peaceful, really. Soprick was an outlier, and the Kudolga situation wasn't by choice either. I thought we'd just be dealing with a large Meluga... Anyway, that's my side. How was it on your end? Was Deep Den Forest as rumored?"

"It was... different from what I expected."

"Oh?"

Markant sipped his tea thoughtfully before speaking.

"The monsters were strong. Even the goblins were skilled fighters. Some even used magic or special abilities. But—"

"Extreme, wasn't it?"

Danil interjected, and Markant nodded.

"Yes. In Recknod Forest, strong monsters appeared, but the extremes in Deep Den were something else."

"The town we based ourselves in wasn't ideal either. For years, the area near Fasden's Deep Den has been unstable."

"Diving a bit deeper, the pattern repeats. I was sick of small fry, then this happened."

Markant touched a clawed scar on his cheek.

"An earth dragon."

"A dragon? That's rare, isn't it?"

"Yeah, apparently. We bumped into it while scouting. Barely made it out alive."

He rummaged through his pouch and tossed something.

"A souvenir."

A palm-sized scale landed in my hand.

"Is this...?"

"Surviving only to get one scale. Hardly worth it, huh? I promised a dragon's head, but that'll have to do."

Even one scale could become a magical artifact or fetch a fortune.

I refused, but Markant wouldn't take it back.

"How about I craft it into something and return it?"

"No need. Use it for yourself."

He easily dismissed my offer.

Looking to Valerie and the others for support, I found only silence—they'd all settled on this.

Just like five years ago, when I was forced to accept the Eras Rhino materials.

Lost in memories, I was interrupted by a sudden call.

"Cleaning crew here!"

The door opened, and a familiar group paused upon seeing the scene.

"Hey, kids! How's—looks like the crew's grown."

Ted and Gemma cheered, while Nails and Lily greeted us with smiles.

Newcomers Dana and Quince were still a bit stiff around the unfamiliar adventurers.

Everyone was welcomed, and introductions followed.

It seemed they'd heard of the Purging Battle Axe.

Quince's eyes sparkled at the sight of C-rank adventurers, and Dana politely bowed.

"Look, adventurer IDs!"

Ted proudly showed off the ID hanging around his neck, while Gemma and even a shy Nails did the same.

"Adventurers now, huh? And E-rank, too? That's grown-up status."

"Let's go on a quest together!"

"No, Gemma! That's rude to C-ranks!"

Nails hurriedly corrected Gemma's bold suggestion.

Markant chuckled but shook his head.

"We're on break. No quests for a while."

"Then, how about sparring? Just a bit?"

"Fine, just a bit."

Giving in to Gemma's persistence, Markant sighed with a smile.

With Dana and Lily off to prepare food, the rest moved to the backyard.

Gemma, having suggested the sparring, faced Markant first.

Weapon in hand, she shed her earlier excitement.

Markant narrowed his eyes at her stance.

"They've really grown, haven't they?"

Valerie murmured beside me.

Danil and Ose, too, watched with expressions of deep sentiment.

"They've matured, inside and out."

Two years had changed everyone.

The children who once swung sticks were gone.

Then the sparring began.

Gemma charged fiercely, but Markant deflected her strikes with ease.

Despite their growth, the gap was clear.

Gemma was bested quickly.

Others took their turns, including Ted, Nails, Danil, and Ose.

Valerie, however, excused herself, claiming fatigue.

Concerned by her recent Ash Vomittind Disease bout, I discreetly used [Appraisal] but found nothing wrong.

She was merely tired.

And by the time the mock battles had cycled through,

"What exactly... is this?"

Elliot, Nils, and Jonas appeared from the alley as they spoke. Seeing the baskets the three carried, I remembered what day it was. Oh no, I had completely forgotten.

"We're planning to have a year-end celebration. Care to join?"

"Ah, so that's why everyone's gathering. If we're not intruding, we'd be glad to accept. Also, any chance we could stay the night? There won't be any rooms left at the inns."

"Though it'll be communal sleeping, we have plenty of space. Stay as long as you like."

"Alright then—first thing's first: booze and food!"

"Cleaning comes first!"

Just as Markant was about to run off, Valerie grabbed him by the collar. With four more adults added, we began cleaning.

However, with this many people, it didn't take long.

Afterward, Valerie helped Dana and Lily with the cooking, while Markant and the kids went to pick up orders and buy extra drinks, while Elliot and I continued preparing the venue.

And just as the errands returned and everything was set, Elfimia, Lola, Lambert, and Felix arrived.

Elfimia smiled upon seeing the members of the Battle Axe of Destruction, while the other three were taken aback by the unfamiliar adults.

I gave a brief introduction of the Battle Axe of Destruction.

"Old friends of yours, eh? And C-rank adventurers to boot? That's fantastic news. I'd love to hear their stories."

Lambert enthusiastically welcomed them.

Though still tense, Lola relaxed as Daniil mentioned his merchant roots.

Once Daniil politely greeted her, her nerves quickly eased.

"You're from Ilkenek?"

"Yes. Though I haven't been back in a decade. How are things up north these days?"

"Well, let's see..."

While the merchant-born conversed, Markant found himself face-to-face with Elfimia.

"It's been a while."

"Hey there, elf lady. You been doing alright?"

"More or less. You look well too. Did you enjoy your journey?"

"Sure did. I'll fill you in later."

Elfimia nodded with a smile, giving a respectful nod toward the Battle Axe of Destruction.

The connection between the Battle Axe of Destruction and Ted's group spanned more time.

Yet, it was deeper with Elfimia.

When Lisria was confronted, if not for the encirclement by the Battle Axe of Destruction, resistance might have been the outcome.

Had Yalz Alastar joined in, Selene would have suffered greatly.

Guided by Ted and the others, everyone found their seats amid lively chatter.

Now, it seemed everyone had arrived.

In truth, we'd also invited Talvitt, but he declined, as he always spent this time with his grandparents.

Both I and Ted's group felt a twinge of disappointment.

Still, it's tradition to spend this time with family.

Urged on by Ted, I took my seat. Once I confirmed everyone held a glass or cup, I made the opening remarks.

Thus began the third—and final—year-end celebration.

Now with the impromptu addition of the Battle Axe of Destruction.