Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 169

Chapter 169. Different Species

After recovering some mana, I cleansed both my body and Phil's.

Whether monsters or animals, beasts dislike getting wet.

Naturally, I expected Phil to resist, but seeing me clean, he obediently let me wash him. Probably because Garneles' blood was unpleasant, and he hated losing his sense of smell.

Returning to the base, I found the corpses had been cleared.

However, bloodstains and what seemed like fragments remained, and even my accustomed nose caught a raw stench.

Still, compared to other sites where piles of corpses were left to rot, this was better.

The attack happened late at night, and dawn was already approaching.

Quid and the others had paused corpse removal, resting except for a few on watch.

They reported when they saw me, but apparently, the laborer's magic stone still hadn't been found.

With much left untouched, it was hard to say, but missing the main target would be problematic.

Shortly after returning to the base, I dismantled three of the elite guards gathered in one spot.

As a result, I secured one magic stone each from the usual elite guards and the ordinary ones.

The strong water affinity was concerning, but the stones included holy attributes.

One objective achieved.

Afterward, as a precaution against beastmen, I took a nap first, switching with Phil after sunrise.

Truthfully, it was purely precautionary.

If they were to attack, right after repelling the enemy was the time. I was exhausted and had used a significant amount of mana—a perfect opportunity to kill me.

And somehow, I sensed a change in Quid's attitude.

The Quid from the journey wouldn't have suggested checking for magic stones at the cost of effort.

Calling it camaraderie might be an exaggeration, but perhaps I'd been promoted from a potential enemy to an ally.

Still, it was certain I shouldn't let my guard down.

I sat beside Phil, who curled up, waiting for my mana to recover while keeping watch.

The beastmen started clearing corpses early in the morning.

If we were leaving immediately, it wouldn't matter, but staying for days meant the corpses couldn't remain.

Amid the shouts and sounds of work, Phil woke around noon.

His mana hadn't fully recovered, but if he was awake, there was no need to stay seated.

Placing Phil on his usual perch on my shoulder, I decided to dismantle the soldiers.

The laborers' corpses were mostly cleared, with numerous sorted soldiers lined up beside the elite guards.

Even a rough count exceeded thirty.

I'd requested it without much thought, but it must have been quite a task.

As I pondered this, several beastmen approached.

"We'll help."

The unexpected offer surprised me.

Apparently, they were skilled at dismantling and had already finished the Garneles laborers.

With Quid's permission and time pressing to clear the area faster, I gratefully accepted their help.

Working with the beastmen, we checked the soldiers for magic stones.

Perhaps due to their experience handling large numbers of laborers, they were efficient.

Thanks to that, the dismantling finished quicker than expected.

In the end, we obtained ten magic stones from the soldiers.

Out of thirty-six, that was a decent ratio. The laborers yielded only four despite their numbers, and the beastmen rejoiced each time they found one.

Additionally, there were materials besides magic stones.

The elite guards' sleek appearance belied their sturdier shells compared to the soldiers. They could be shaped into blades or attached to leather armor without adding much weight.

The soldiers' shells were thicker and slightly brittle but still usable for weapons.

Both seemed highly compatible with magic stones, making them suitable for magical tools.

The remaining material was meat, edible since they were lobster-like monsters.

However, Phil disliked the smell, and the beastmen, despite it being in the past, refused to eat monsters that had devoured their comrades. I shared their sentiment—it felt like eating oneself.

Plus, more meat would come later. Consuming it all was impossible.

In the end, we discarded the meat in the forest and stripped shells from three elite guards and several well-preserved soldiers.

When I offered half the laborer and soldier magic stones and shells as thanks, Quid and the beastmen refused.

If they had no use, I'd consider another reward, but sensing their hesitation, I insisted.

All tasks were completed by late afternoon.

My mana was nearly fully recovered.

The lake was reportedly close, so I decided to scout it.

◇◇◇◇

Guided by three beastmen who had previously scouted, Sahas, Quid, and I headed to the lake.

The forest's atmosphere was unchanged, except for narrow grooves underfoot.

About a hand's width, they were likely waterways before Gisero's destruction.

Now clogged and dry, even if flowing, they were too narrow to notice without close inspection.

Following the grooves, the scent of water grew stronger.

Suddenly, the view opened up.

"This is it. It's vast."

A majestic lake.

How much water was there? Enough to sustain thousands without issue.

The sunlit surface shimmered as I traced the shoreline—visible to the left but curving deep to the right.

The depths weren't as wide, likely shaped like an upside-down "tsu" in hiragana.

Drawn by the wind skimming the shore, I glanced south.

The endless sea of trees was pierced by towering mountains.

"Belzilv."

Following my gaze, Quid also looked south.

"The Deep Forest is easy to get lost in. Belzilv is the only landmark."

"That mountain range—Belzilv—can it be seen from anywhere?"

"No. The forest stretches beyond visibility. Adventurers once ventured south, but none returned."

Unconsciously, everyone gazed at Belzilv's peaks.

Were they imagining the reckless challengers?

I shifted my focus back to the lake.

"So, the scouting results?"

"Footprints led to the lake but were lost."

"The nest is in the shallows, right?"

"Yes, but none were found near the footprints."

Quid answered, and the beastmen nodded.

Had they evaded pursuit?

Crustacean monsters should be adept swimmers. Somewhere in the vast lake—possibly along a river. A lake this size could have multiple inflows.

But for a colony of hundreds, why was locating them so troublesome?

I hoped it wouldn't escalate.

As a precaution, I activated [Presence Detection], confirming nothing was detected.

I should've marked the retreating Garneles with [Reference Point].

It would've drained mana continuously, but it might've lasted until they returned.

Well, hindsight is clear.

I couldn't afford to expend more mana when I couldn't fully trust Quid.

Apologizing again, I turned to Phil.

"Find yesterday's group."

Speaking to my shoulder, Phil wagged his tail in agreement.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, he focused.

[Trace Pursuit] boasted overwhelming detection but had flaws.

Without clear individual distinction, it could only track by species, drastically reducing its range.

Phil remained still, likely struggling.

The species was too distant to detect. Perhaps he was randomly tracking surviving Garneles from memory.

Quid watched skeptically but grew impatient and opened his mouth—

Just then, Phil leaped from my shoulder.

Stopping Quid, I followed Phil as he paused near the shore.

Peering into the lake or scanning the forest revealed nothing.

Trouble seemed afoot.

Sahas noticed too, his expression grim.

"This is troublesome."

"There's a way."

"What do you mean? Where's the nest?"

I pointed at Phil's tail in response to Quid's question.

It pointed straight down.

Understanding dawned, and Quid's face darkened.

"Underground?"

"If they entered the lake, an underwater cavern."

"How do we even get there…?"

"Magic can sustain breathing, but if attacked, we're done for. So, we'll make a new entrance."

The hassle was minimal.

Depth would dictate how much mana I'd lose, though.

Eyeing the tinted sun, I addressed Quid.

"Underground, day or night doesn't matter. Let's start now. But with only one narrow exit, retreat would be hard if things go south. A full assault risks annihilation. So, only Phil and I will enter."

"Don't be absurd. Countless Garneles await. Even you two can't handle that."

"True. Hence, we'll target the leader."

I explained ant and bee hierarchies, suggesting Garneles might share similar traits.

If correct, eliminating the leader would collapse the colony.

If not, we'd reassess.

After a pause, Quid spoke firmly.

"Then I'll join. I must witness the leader's death."

"The commander charging in? What if the worst happens?"

"Sahas will take over."

"No good. I'm coming too."

Sahas and Quid glared, each insisting the other stay.

I pitied the other beastmen, who watched their argument with mixed expressions.

Neither yielded until the onlookers appointed a temporary commander. At least he had tracking skills to ensure the group's return.

Sympathizing with the bemused beastman, I explained to Quid and Sahas.

"[Earth Wall] will dig the tunnel. It won't be comfortable—low ceilings, slippery footing. Be careful. If mana runs low, we'll postpone until tomorrow."

They nodded, and I turned to Phil.

"Narrow it down. Even a guess—how does the nest spread?"

With a chirp, Phil peered at the ground, heading southeast, then south.

His tail wagged weakly—unsure but not entirely off.

Comparing the footprints' disappearance point with Phil's estimate, I chose a spot slightly distant.

The digging path—a switchback, perhaps.

"Let's go."

Activating [Earth Wall], I shaped the ground into floors and walls.

To conserve mana, I thinned the floor and sloped the walls into a triangular passage.

Prioritizing length over height made it cramped, almost scraping my head.

Descending, the surroundings darkened abruptly.

[Dark Vision] and natural night vision required some light. Soon, it'd be pitch black. I cast [Light], setting it to follow.

Deeper, the soil gave way to bedrock.

Using rock as a catalyst increased mana consumption but reduced collapse risks.

The scenery reminded me of a month ago.

Lately, it's been mostly underground living.

At least the darkness no longer bothered me.

Sahas, having spent longer in Torpus Salt Mine, was unfazed, but Quid clutched his throat, as if struggling to breathe.

Air wasn't the issue—Phil showed no concern. Likely psychological.

We weren't digging straight down, so it wasn't deep—maybe ten meters, like a three- or four-story building. Compared to the salt mine's depths, this was shallow.

Regardless, the discomfort would end soon.

As we prepared to descend further, Quid noticed.

"They're here. Below."

"Seems so."

Phil and I had detected them via [Presence Detection].

Stopping, I summoned [Earth Spirit: Merlock].

The armadillo-like spirit scouted ahead, vanishing into the earth with [Stone Dive].

Watching it leave, Quid muttered.

"A spirit? First time seeing one."

"Rare even in the Deep Forest?"

"Dunno. They're said to be everywhere, but invisible unless materialized."

"Fair."

Merlock returned swiftly with news: a flowing stream but no flooding.

Perhaps an underground waterway or cavern shape kept it habitable for Garneles.

After rewarding Merlock with [Handy Soil], I dismissed him.

"We'll break through soon, but first, a check. Cover your ears until I signal."

Sahas and Quid stepped back, complying.

I lit a cloth with [Flint] and tossed it through an [Earth Shield]-catalyzed hole, sealing it immediately with [Earth Wall].

Silence.

No flammable gases.

Toxic gases would require personal testing, but [Poison Resistance 2] might nullify the danger.

Explaining this, Sahas volunteered.

"If it's dangerous, I'll pull you out fast."

"Please."

With that, Sahas stood before the stone wall.

I stepped back, casting [Operate Air] around him, then connected the cavern with [Earth Wall], moving the air shield inside.

Sahas took a deep breath—no issues.

After a pause, he stepped forward, peering into the dark cavern.

"A bit rank, but fine. A slight draft suggests a surface connection. And a stream—shallow here but fast."

Entering, I found the scene as described.

No breathing issues—Phil relaxed on my shoulder. Safe enough.

Now, to find and eliminate the leader—but they'd noticed us.

[Earth Wall] was noisy, especially in an underground cavern.

Shrill cries echoed as presences scattered frantically.

Soon, they gathered in one spot.

"The leader's likely there."

Sahas agreed but grimaced.

"That's a lot…"

"Perfect for Phil and me. If they can gather there, it's spacious. Remember: kill the leader or retreat if things go south. Judging by the stream's direction, it connects to the lake. If they slip past us here, it's over."

Sahas and Quid nodded solemnly.

I'd warned them, but it should be fine. The scattered presences were mostly laborers—even if cut off, they wouldn't lag. The main force around the leader could be stalled with [Earth Wall], preventing pursuit.

Checking my mana, I urged them forward.

The cavern was twice the size of my tunnel, walls smooth.

Likely once flooded, the water's erosion made footing treacherous.

The rapid stream and lack of handholds would trip even seasoned adventurers.

We advanced cautiously, passing branching paths.

Soon, the stream plunged into a deep hole.

Descending here would mean no return, but the presences veered away.

Pressing on toward the concentrated signals.

Laborers lurked at every branch but didn't attack, holed up deeper.

Odd for invaders to be ignored.

They must've been ordered to hold.

The earlier shrieks, perhaps.

Attacking would mean being picked off—they'd realized that.

If so, Garneles were smarter than expected. The gathering spot might be a trap, but hard to say. Normally, my entry method wouldn't be anticipated, but Tepa Turtles lived nearby—their tactics mirrored mine.

Uneasy, I pressed on until the presences intensified.

Stationary, they were somewhat distinguishable.

Several elite guards, mostly soldiers—about fifty. Including the surrounding ones, likely over two hundred.

They'd held substantial reserves, but the bigger issue was the lack of a leader-like presence.

A trap, then?

Returning empty-handed grated, but safety first.

"Wait at the entrance. If locating the leader takes too long, retreat immediately. Even if found, withdraw as we attack."

"Retreat if it's there? I came to witness its death!"

"If the exit's blocked and you're caught in a melee, retreat becomes impossible. If all goes well, the colony's reaction will tell. Accept that."

Quid reluctantly nodded, daunted by the numbers.

Shortly after, we reached the destination.

A space large enough for a house, teeming with Garneles.

[Light] revealed the center—no wonder I hadn't spotted it.

Five elite guards surrounded an unfamiliar Garneles—[Appraisal] labeled it a queen.

More streamlined than the elites, with single-digit levels—likely no combat experience.

Weak as a laborer but with a troublesome skill: [Regeneration 3].

Rank 3's limits were unclear.

With holy magic, she'd be hard to kill.

Fire attributes could inhibit regeneration. A focused [Fireball] might suffice.

I almost asked Sahas but froze.

The queen twitched a claw.

The swarm parted, revealing three odd Garneles.

Oversized heads, limbs sprouting from them—like two-legged horseshoe crabs.

Horseshoe crabs—?

Deja vu struck as I cast [Appraisal].

The results shattered my thoughts.

Name: —

Species: Redo Garneles

Level: 13

HP: 31/31

MP: 47/47

STR: 12 (Grip: 13)

INT: 14

DEX: 8

END: 13

AGI: 8

CHA: 11

-Skills-

Carapace, Dissolve, Telepathy

Claw Arts 2, Grip Strengthen 1

-Magic-

None

-Titles-

None

[Telepathy]?

And their species differed—subspecies or mutants.

Before the shock faded, the lead Redo Garneles approached.

Sahas and Quid drew swords, Phil bristled, but I stopped them.

Its combat power matched a laborer's—this one sought dialogue.

How did [Telepathy] work?

Watching expectantly, a mental noise erupted.

A torrent of jumbled emotions.

Sahas and Quid winced, stepping back; Phil's fur stood on end.

No surprise—this was alien to normal life. My exchanges with Mei had acclimated me.

The chaos gradually organized into a clear emotion.

[Hunt? Enemy? Hunt?]

The unexpected intent left me stunned.

Slowly, I glanced sideways.

Hunt… Phil?

Phil, equally confused, met my gaze and realized the source.

He leaped back, putting distance between himself and the Redo Garneles.

A thud drew my attention back.

The Redo Garneles had fallen on its rear.

Startled by Phil's sudden disappearance, it flailed upright, then adopted a defensive pose.

The sight triggered a memory.

"Wait… you're that klutz from back then?"

It tilted its entire body at my question.

Garneles were emotionless, barely feeling fear.

But this one and the klutz displayed clear emotions—surprise, embarrassment, even identical poses.

In both lives, I'd seen countless Garneles—none like this.

My confusion seemed palpable—the Redo Garneles tilted its head the other way.

This mannerism… unmistakably the klutz.

As I pondered, the mental noise vanished.

A new intent emerged—emotions crystallizing into near-language.

[Why not eat?]

Likely the queen.

More sensations followed.

[Why kill? Not eat, why kill?]

"Abrupt, but—yesterday's Garneles had their reasons. As for killing, I'll ask the same. You attacked first. Self-defense is natural."

[—is tasty. Not eat, why kill?]

A similar question, but the key part was unclear.

The Redo Garneles sensed the miscommunication, refining the message.

After several attempts, I understood.

Ah—so that's it.

"You eat goblins?"

Returning the sentiment, I received agreement.

Goblins were Garneles' food.

A single puzzle piece, but it revealed the full picture.

Last night's attack was retaliation for exterminating the base's goblins.

To the Garneles, we'd stolen their prey and wasted it.

I turned to Quid.

"When Gisero was attacked, did beastmen hunt goblins?"

"Often—but yes, a large settlement was found and wiped out. Was that the cause?"

"Seems so. Though beastmen were food too—you'd have been attacked eventually."

[No want. Tastes bad.]

An immediate denial.

Startled, I faced the queen.

"Beastmen… taste bad?"

[Bad.]

"Humans too?"

[Bad.]

The queen's blunt dismissal drew nods from the swarm.

They attacked when hungry, ate what they caught.

Simple logic—but that elite had devoured me so eagerly, yet secretly disliked it?

The absurdity made me shake my head.

"Back on topic. You want to know why we killed goblins we didn't eat and came to kill you?"

At her agreement, I pondered.

Normally, the answer was obvious—they'd destroyed Gisero and attacked last night. Retaliation was justified.

But these monsters' values were fundamentally different. With [Telepathy], lies were impossible.

After a pause, I spoke.

"Goblins steal food and kill beastmen. To beastmen, goblins are what beastmen are to you. So killing is necessary."

[Not eat?]

"Can't. Goblins taste awful. As for not eating you: Phil finds you unpalatable. Beastmen won't eat those who ate their comrades. My reason is simple—interpret it as you will."

My honesty left the queen unconvinced.

With no better explanation, I pressed on.

"We came to reclaim that land. If you attack every time we kill goblins, coexistence is impossible. Elimination is the only option."

This, she seemed to grasp.

But the Redo Garneles blocked her response, hesitating.

Faced with a death threat, she wavered.

Simplified, this was an atypical food dispute.

There was room for compromise. Before she decided, I acted.

"Quid."

"Don't."

He refused before I could continue.

Undeterred, I spoke.

"Beastmen and Garneles share interests. This was a cultural misunderstanding—"

"Don't mock me!"

Quid's anger flared.

"They killed my parents! Others lost family too! Forget that!?"

"I'm not saying that. But you came as the village's representative, not for personal vengeance. Listen calmly."

"…Sahas told me about you. Could you say the same facing your parents' killer?"

"No, I couldn't."

The family displayed in the mansion's square.

[Mental Resistance] suppressed my rage, but my heart had already answered.

Likely Lands killed my parents. I'd avenged him by chance, but brother Rakius fell to Balmatt soldiers.

Recalling their faces, I met Quid's gaze.

"I can't say for sure. Could I forgive with justification? I'd need to face it to know. But my family wasn't killed by Garneles. As an ally, I'll advise you, the representative. If roles were reversed, I'd respect your stance."

I held Quid's gaze, continuing.

"After extermination, what if another swarm comes? Or worse monsters settle? I'll help, but an alliance with Garneles means their strength is ours. Even without such threats, Gisero would stabilize. I'll add this—I gain from both coexistence and extermination."

A queen with [Regeneration], five holy-magic elites, three [Telepathy] Redo Garneles.

With these, obtaining rare magic stones was certain.

They'd bolster our strength.

But long-term, extermination might not be best.

Garneles could stabilize Gisero's security and trade monster parts for goblin corpses. Negotiations might even yield past elite magic stones—holy attributes, which I needed most.

The queen watched our argument silently.

For now, she observed, but if Quid chose extermination, [Telepathy] would turn this place into a battlefield.

I'd abide by his decision, but the leader assassination plan seemed doomed.

[Regeneration] plus [Telepathy] was troublesome.

Quid's thoughts were transparent—elites would shield the queen before he acted. [Fireball] would struggle to kill, and direct attacks or [Penetrate Gale] would be less effective against [Regeneration].

Sensing the tension, Quid grimaced, glancing at Sahas.

"What would you do?"

"Hard to say…"

Pondering, Sahas answered.

"I'd take the offer back. Our goal is Gisero's revival, not extermination. No one imagined peace with Garneles. Even as commander, this is beyond me."

Quid sighed deeply, then spoke hoarsely.

"If extermination is decided, will you help?"

"I've committed. But don't close the door on peace."

With the queen watching, I added that.

Quid nodded silently.

After explaining to the queen via the Redo Garneles and proposing coexistence, she agreed without hesitation.

No downside for her—last night's battle had decimated their numbers. Even with [Regeneration], fewer offspring meant decline.

Thus, an unexpected negotiation ended without bloodshed.

Sealing the tunnel with [Earth Wall] and camouflaging it with [Operate Soil], we returned to base, where Quid explained everything.

Naturally, everyone was shocked.

Some doubted, others refused to believe, a few resented Gisero's victims.

Reactions varied, but no outright protests emerged.

Last night's battle had influenced them too.

When the Garneles swarmed, Sahas held the base, Quid fought outside, but Phil and I were the front line.

Without us, they'd have retreated.

And while I was on their side, I was an outsider.

No guarantee I'd fight again—they'd even considered sacrificing me.

Prolonged war might make me withdraw.

Even with my help, against the main Garneles force, it'd be mutual destruction. Losing their youth would doom the understaffed village.

Ironically, beastmen and Garneles stood on the same ground.

Quid sought honest opinions, but none opposed taking the offer back.

Thus, the operation was suspended, and we prepared to leave Gisero's ruins.

◇◇◇◇

Returning to the labyrinth after so long, Rizai, Hymes, and the young Eras Rhino greeted us.

Dodging the charging Eras Rhino with [Physical Up], Sahas explained the situation to the pressing Rizai.

No issues had arisen in our absence—bear meat and healing potions had sufficed.

After greeting Mei and briefing Hymes, I organized the information.

Four days after resuming normal life, Sahas, Quid, and four beastmen arrived.

Once more, the labyrinth's hall held me, Hymes, Sahas, and Quid.

"We've decided to reconcile with the Garneles."

Quid's opening words surprised me.

A welcome decision, but his formal tone puzzled me more.

Unfazed, he continued.

Debates had raged, apparently.

Initially, Quid favored extermination, but understanding the Garneles' motives and Gisero's fate cooled his rage.

The loss of family couldn't be forgiven, but last night's battle had cost the Garneles over a hundred, and their intent was clear. While hatred remained, it was a start.

That aside—his polite speech persisted.

After he finished, I asked.

"'Serve'? You mean surveillance."

"As long as Lord Alter remains friendly, our loyalty is unwavering."

Quid smiled wryly.

Well, mutual suspicion was fair. The beastmen had tried using me too.

Their sudden shift was likely genuine reverence—Phil and I had proven capable of destroying their village. With relocation impossible, monitoring was safer.

"I accept. We'll need contact with the village."

"…Is this alright, Sahas?"

"I've already pledged my life."

His formal tone deepened my unease.

Pledged his life—ah, that.

"You'd have died in that fight."

"Most would have."

Straightening, Sahas bowed.

"I'll be blunt. Former B-rank party Beljirio's Sahas. Henceforth, I pledge my life to Lord Alter."

"I'm glad for your help, but… what about Rizai?"

"If they wish to go to the village, I'll send them."

"Unlikely."

Exiting the labyrinth, Rizai and the others rushed over.

Sahas announced the village's decision and his service to me.

Immediate backlash ensued—they called me "this guy" and worse. So much for growing closer.

Their attitude irked Sahas, but Quid was more exasperated.

"How can they speak like this? Do they not know Lord Alter's strength?"

"They haven't seen much beyond magic."

Hymes, silent until now, spoke.

"If they stay, such disrespect cannot continue. A demonstration may be in order."

"A mock battle? Fine, but the Garneles come first."

"Regarding that, might I request time to confirm terms?"

"Right. We can't risk the deal falling through. Understood."

Hymes bowed, returning to the labyrinth with Quid.

Rizai and the others, bewildered, reluctantly agreed to the mock battle after Sahas's insistence.

No wooden swords were available—Rizai used his own, I borrowed one.

Facing off in the square, Rizai glared.

"I know you're skilled. But surpassing Sahas?"

"Including yourself? Well, think what you want. Is strength so important?"

"Life in the forest taught me—weakness means death."

"Mostly true. Then show me your strength."

At Sahas's signal, Rizai struck.

A bold lunge—impressive, but I leaned back, dodging the diagonal slash.

His follow-up low reverse-slash fell short.

His lack of combat experience since losing an eye showed.

The initial sharpness came from misjudged distance.

After toying with him, I pressed my sword to his neck.

"You're unaccustomed to one eye. Recover your strength first. I'll train with you when free. Next."

The others hesitated until one of Quid's four stepped forward.

The rest, including Segett, followed suit.

With real swords too dangerous, we paused to craft wooden ones.

Seated near the entrance, whittling extra swords, I noted Hymes and Quid's return.

The scene stunned them—beastmen sparring among themselves.

Segett narrowly defeated one of the four, prompting Sahas to call Quid.

"Perfect. Spar with me."

"What are you doing?"

"Testing strength."

"We leave tomorrow!"

Tossing a fresh sword, I teased.

"Too soft to handle this?"

"If ordered, I'll comply…"

Sighing, Quid accepted.

Noticing Sahas's weapon, he added.

"I'm not great with one-handed swords. Don't blame me for losing."

"I'd beat you barehanded."

As the beastmen watched, they faced off.

Rizai signaled the start.

Leaning against the rock, I observed.

"I brought tea."

Hymes offered general's tea—when had he brewed it?

Thanking him, I resumed watching.

The clashing wood was familiar.

Closing my eyes, I could've been anywhere.

Leadvolt, Selen.

This sound had always surrounded me.

Phil joined me, while the young Eras Rhino watched curiously.

When I'd decided to live here, it was just them. Now, a crowd.

"Dammit… again!"

Quid's frustration echoed after another loss.

As the matches continued, I pondered the future.

The village's friendship was secured.

The southern threat was gone, holy-attribute stones obtained, revival potions progressed.

Next, Zoptum's retrieval… too much to do.

Glancing around, I realized my unease had faded.

Beastmen, humans, monsters, the labyrinth, and a former human.

Normally disparate, now gathered here.

Their presence had lifted a weight I hadn't noticed.

It made sense.

Since deciding to revive my family, I'd been groping in the dark.

Progress was scant, but I'd gained allies. Hymes already supported me; Sahas would too.

Quid and Rizai—well, that'd take time.

Finishing my tea, I stood.

"Spar with me, Sahas."

"…Full strength?"

"Of course."

His grin matched a beastman's spirit.

Early summer's signs permeated the Deep Forest.

Amid the strong scents, Sahas and I faced off.

Just for now.

Forget everything—enjoy this moment.