Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 188

Chapter 188. A Fragment of Eternity

The leading elf introduced himself as Reizin.

The two behind him were apparently named Fueguard and Keyurus, but they remained silent, perhaps committed to their roles as attendants.

Truth be told, Reizin stood head and shoulders above the rest.

[One-handed Sword 5], [Dagger 4], [Bow 6], [Wind Magic 4], [Non-Attribute Magic 5], [Alteration Magic 5]—he'd even mastered scout-type skills, several intermediate magics, and [Basic Appraisal]. In close combat, Sarhas might have the edge, but overall, Reizin was superior.

With his elf-typical skill set, Reizin continued addressing me.

"Knowledge of alchemical solutions is power itself. I cannot simply hand it over."

"What would it take?"

"Demonstrate your capability. If you're inferior to Ruco, you'd be of no help to the beastfolk. Teaching you would be pointless."

Ruco has [Alchemy 4], while I have [Alchemy 8]. Even doing it normally, I could easily surpass him.

Even if they set a trap, I could probably handle it, though I doubt they'd resort to that at this stage. He likely meant it literally.

I agreed and asked to borrow alchemical tools, materials, and workspace. He simply said they'd prepare them and exited with Ruco.

The elves' presence had reignited the tension, leaving Oun and the others standing awkwardly.

From their earlier interaction, the beastfolk seemed to be subordinates—or near-vassals—to the elves.

If so, were the Warding Lanterns loaned by the elves? They were the only ones who reacted to Alphas, so that seemed likely.

The atmosphere wasn't conducive to small talk, so I enjoyed fruit water and dishes with Phil.

Eventually, Ruco returned, so after excusing ourselves from the representatives, we left the banquet hall.

We were led to a moderately large building. Following Ruco, I opened the raised-floor entrance to find Reizin waiting inside.

Daily necessities were piled in a corner. I initially thought it was an alchemy workshop, but it appeared to be someone's residence.

On the central table sat a single set of alchemy tools and a potion. Appraising it revealed an utterly ordinary alchemical solution.

"Our workshop is cramped. My apologies, but we'd like you to concoct here in Ruco's home."

"Wouldn't the banquet hall work just as well? The homeowner might object."

"I don't mind. This location is close to the workshop, so we can fetch materials quickly."

Ruco wore a conflicted expression but dismissed my concern.

Well, he had a point. Depending on the situation, multiple trips might be necessary.

"From what you said earlier, you'll bring the materials?"

"Yes. But we can't spare too many precious—"

"I'll replenish whatever Alter uses. Feel free to use anything."

When Reizin interjected, Ruco reluctantly acquiesced.

"Then I'll wait at the banquet hall."

With that, Reizin departed from Ruco's home.

Perhaps because the talks with the beastfolk had concluded safely, I sensed no warriors lurking nearby. Phil seemed to deem vigilance unnecessary, stretching on the table before curling up in a corner.

I smiled at his faint snores before returning my gaze to the alchemy tools and solution.

Just one attempt, then.

They'd probably prepare more if asked, but that would lower Reizin's estimation of me. Using Ruco's home was likely to keep me away from the workshop—probably where their so-called alchemical knowledge was hidden.

As I pondered this, Ruco spoke up.

"Um... how skilled are you, Lord Alter?"

"My [Alchemy] rank? I'll answer, but tell me yours first."

"Alright... Rank 4."

I gave him an impressed look.

"Remarkable for someone so young."

"You're younger, my lord. So?"

"Rank 8."

The instant I answered, Ruco burst out laughing.

Perhaps due to earlier tension, he kept laughing for a while.

"You're joking. What's your real rank?"

"Guess from my workmanship. My master saw through me immediately."

My words made Ruco pout.

I wasn't lying. Unless he'd rushed his ranks like I once did, he should recognize the truth.

More pressingly—what to make?

Reizin would replenish even rare materials, but without knowing their inventory, choosing was difficult. Safest would be requesting Sislaus grass honey. Adding two effects should suffice to impress.

I nearly spoke, then hesitated.

Too safe. Impressive, but not astonishing.

After brief deliberation, I addressed Ruco.

"Prepare these: Aynuris rhizomes, freshly picked Celesia, Majumag stone, and strong liquor."

"Wha—?"

When I repeated, Ruco's eyes widened.

"W-wait! Celesia's just poison weed! And, huh?"

"Majumag stone and—ah, no strong liquor? Any alcohol will do. I'll distill it, so bring extra."

Urged on, Ruco left gaping.

I moved the solution aside and visualized the steps.

That incident had sparked my [Alchemy]. Ironically, this potion required no alchemical solution.

Time to concoct it again—the Grass King's Shalp Liquor Potion.

◇◇◇◇

Ruco returned laden with supplies, heavily setting down five liquor bottles before tossing dried Aynuris rhizomes and Majumag stone onto the table.

"Celesia's being gathered. Should be found soon."

"Then let's start distilling first."

The liquor was Ktura fermented brew—unrefined sake.

Normally, one would filter out impurities, but perhaps they enjoyed it as-is.

Unfamiliar with drinkers' preferences, I ruthlessly strained it through cloth, poured it into the still, and lit the lamp.

[Appraisal] showed 20% ABV. Distillation would yield enough, but this container would take time.

"May I borrow your kitchen?"

"Huh? Well... alright..."

Led next door, I found a tidy hearth.

Borrowing a pot, I poured in Ktura liquor and lit the fire.

Hmm, alcohol's boiling point was...? Back then, I'd probably winged it. Redoing failures would be tedious, so perhaps I should delegate.

Activating [Fire Spirit Summon: Salka], I had the fire serpent gradually raise the temperature.

Ignoring Ruco freezing beside me, I fixed the heat at the right point, using [Operate Air] to collect vapor into empty bottles.

Confirming higher ABV via [Appraisal], I discarded the remaining water and impurities, repeating the process until the still went mostly unused.

After rewarding Salka with [Flint] before dismissing it, Ruco finally rebooted.

"That snake—what was that?! How did you distill it?!"

"Fire spirit Salka. It controls flame temperature precisely. Distillation's trivial—[Operate Air] gathered the vapor. Spirits aside, operate-type magic is incredibly useful."

Bringing the speechless Ruco back, I next crushed Majumag stone with a mortar.

When Celesia arrived, I had Ruco chop it roughly, collecting its juice via [Operate Water] while grinding.

"Um... this isn't the alchemy I know..."

"No? I'm doing nothing unusual."

"The ingredients are odd too! And magic requires concentration, right? You're casting it like it's nothing!"

"Ah, true."

Too accustomed to [Multi-Cast], I'd forgotten.

Finding Ruco's reaction oddly refreshing, I began heating the Majumag powder.

Normally, even skilled smiths like Egil struggled with this, but Salka made it trivial. Recalling it, I heated the powder until it turned violet-blue.

"This is Majumag?!"

"Indeed. It only changes color at precise temperatures. Even I was surprised when I discovered it."

Noticing his fidgeting, I asked:

"Need something heated?"

Ruco immediately dashed out, returning with a necklace and brooch.

Salka dyed them violet-blue, leaving Ruco entranced. Glad he liked it.

Continuing from memory, I soon completed a violet potion.

Standard quality—identical to my past attempts despite my current skill.

Was my method flawed, or was the difficulty simply high? Perhaps this was the quality ceiling.

Regardless, this should suffice for the evaluation.

Exiting with the potion, I found night had fallen.

Onlookers had dispersed, with cooking fires glowing from surrounding buildings.

Amid the tranquil scene, I headed to the village center, nodding to guards before entering the banquet hall.

"Your requested item."

Under everyone's gaze, I set the vial before Reizin.

The representatives watched curiously, but lacking [Appraisal], they soon turned puzzled looks toward Reizin, who was staring wide-eyed at the vial.

His reaction—more than mere surprise. He recognized the Grass King's Shalp Liquor Potion.

After an odd silence, Reizin finally spoke hoarsely.

"Where did you...?"

Hearing my account of events five years prior, he laughed weakly.

"Truly, you never cease to amaze."

"Keep it. You seemed familiar with the Grass King's Shalp Liquor Potion. Was that mage eighty years ago an elf?"

"Our kin."

Reizin answered unhesitatingly.

To solve a historical mystery here... Hiding his identity made sense now. Grandfather would've been astonished.

"Recreating it from mere droplets and records... You're undoubtedly a true alchemist, Lord Alter."

"Flattering, but that was a miraculous product."

"Miracles don't emerge from nothing. If it resulted from trial and error, then that's skill itself."

Smiling briefly, Reizin's expression soon hardened.

"Your skill is undeniable. One final question: Your reason for coming here—was it truthful?"

"Unfortunately, yes. I was near death then. Entering the forest to distance myself from betrayers and heal was hardly sound judgment. For healing alone, Fasden's adventurers would've offered better odds. What guided me to the labyrinth was... this."

Summoning Merock made the attendants and elf guards instinctively shield their master.

Waving them down, Reizin studied the small armadillo.

"An earth spirit... So you truly wield spirit magic."

Merock met their gazes regally until noticing Phil lounging at the table's edge, freezing mid-movement.

Come to think of it, they'd never seen these two either. Too focused on beastfolk and humans to notice monsters or animals.

After staring intently, Merock suddenly scurried over, only to be flicked away by Phil's paw.

Undeterred, it repeated the approach until finally tumbling off the table. Catching and returning it, I watched as it persisted in this futile cycle.

Somehow it found this fun. Well, as long as it's happy.

"As you see, a whimsical spirit. It sometimes emerges by siphoning my mana. Perhaps earth spirits resonate with root-filled labyrinths."

Nodding, Reizin paused before speaking.

"Rashinia grass and Weete grass. They're substitutes for Sogrio fruit."

"Substitutes...?"

"Ask Ruco for processing methods. I'm no alchemist."

That much was clear, but I hadn't expected substitutes. Moreover, past [Appraisal] and [Alchemy] checks showed both as common weeds with no such records.

Perhaps sensing my thoughts, Reizin continued:

"Unsurprising you wouldn't know. Over history, many knowledges were refined. Substitutes became discarded knowledge."

"Preserved by elves? My thanks."

Bowing, I received a wry headshake.

"Nothing so grand. The Empire could easily obtain Sogrio fruit. They were discarded as unnecessary. Even if you spread this, it'll be forgotten again."

"Perhaps, but—ah, reminds me. The Grass King's Shalp formula is shared at the Adventurer Guild. Any issues?"

"None. Turenbruc Cubes are formidable foes. Left unchecked, they'd wreak havoc."

"They bypass Warding Lanterns?"

Nodding, Reizin rose.

"My apologies for testing you. Now, if you'll excuse—"

"Wait. I've questions too."

Tilting his head, Reizin sat back down, silently prompting me.

Countless questions arose, though I doubted he'd answer all.

Just one—the core issue.

Organizing my thoughts, I spoke:

"What did Alphas Cartilard do?"

The atmosphere instantly chilled.

Only Reizin and his attendants reacted. The clueless representatives exchanged confused looks at Alphas's sudden mention.

After a long stare, Reizin answered slowly:

"I lack authority to speak of that. But know this—the Deepforest has existed since antiquity. To its long history, elves, beastfolk, even you, Lord Alter, are but brief passages. Should you resolve to bury your bones here, opportunities to learn more may arise."

In short, Alphas was part of that history—he'd done something here.

But—bury my bones? My goal was my family's resurrection. Once achieved, my path would depend on the world's state.

Taking Reizin's rising as closure, he suddenly remembered and reached for the potion.

"Ah, may I keep this? Hearing of its recreation would greatly please someone."

"Fine by me... Is that mage alive?"

"Alive? More like exasperatingly lively."

With a sighing smile, Reizin extended his right hand.

Rising, I shook it.

"Lord Alter, meeting you was a pleasure."

"Likewise. Tell that mage he saved a friend."

"I shall. Until we meet again."

With his attendants, Reizin departed.

The representatives watched him leave before relaxing into their seats.

"Well... despite everything... shall we resume drinking?"

Accepting Oun's suggestion, I returned to my seat.

They offered to remake the cooled dishes, but I politely declined, reaching for fruit water instead.

Its chill soothed my weary body.

Watching the drinking representatives, I noted Reizin's fading presence.

Were elves the beastfolk's patrons? Their reactions suggested infrequent contact, implying a separate elf village.

At any rate, Reizin's acknowledgment seemed to have erased all beastfolk doubts.

Prompted to join, Ruco took a seat and immediately explained the substitute processing.

The steps resembled standard procedures, but the ratios required Majumag-level precision.

As I committed this, Ruco eagerly showed off his necklace and brooch.

Reizin wouldn't be impressed, but the beastfolk, unaware of the potion's ingredients, marveled at the translucent violet Majumag. When they asked about treating other accessories, I promised to consider it.

Later chatter revealed Nutsuu's Akba was called the Iron Land, while Wakt's Weller was the Crossroads.

Their secrecy stemmed from Weller—the central hub between villages, whose location would reveal their general layout. Quide had strictly ordered silence until trust was earned.

The feast lasted until late, ending when Oun excused himself and Nutsuu collapsed drunk.

Phil and I slept in an adjacent room, rising early to prepare for departure.

Bathing in dawn's soft light, we bid farewell to the representatives. Before Yudi, I stated:

"We'll reach you within half a month. Then, an audience with your queen."

"Yes, we'll await you at Jisero."

After individual handshakes, we left Les Jeppels.

Passing the log wall, we advanced leisurely through sun-dappled woods.

With the Wardings guiding our return, no escort was needed.

All things considered, it ended well.

The beastfolk's suspicions were alleviated, and we'd met elves. Learning the mage's identity after five years was an unexpected boon.

Yet new questions arose.

How was Alphas Cartilard connected to the Deepforest?

And what were the elves truly doing?

The answers might prove trivial, but current information offered no clues.

Still, gains had been made.

Like alchemical solutions, elves might possess resurrection knowledge.

But caution was warranted—resurrection's significance dwarfed alchemy's. Even if they knew, they wouldn't share easily. Declaring it forbidden could force confrontation. Reckless inquiries might sever this tenuous connection.

As I pondered, Quide turned ahead.

"We've left the Warding range."

Indeed, the chest's disquiet had vanished.

Nodding, I scanned with [Presence Sense].

"Speed remains priority. Shake off any monsters."

Turning from Quide, I faced northward.

Resurrection could wait. Alchemical solutions were secured, and Quide's requested reinforcements were approved. Full-scale trade would soon begin.

First, solidify our footing. There'd be time for elf discussions later.

◇◇◇◇

Our party of two and one raced through the Deepforest.

We outpaced most monsters, swiftly eliminating unavoidable threats.

Fortunately, we encountered no stealthy Nepro Molcas or Meems, nor unknown creatures, making the return smooth.

By dusk two days later, we reached a familiar stream.

Entering the blank zone, Quide's subordinates noticed our approach, signaling with whistles.

Four soon gathered, greeting us with visible relief. Though unaware of the assassination plot, they'd sensed tension.

Quide summarized events (omitting the plot) as having been "somewhat strained," leaving them aghast at having sent him unprepared.

While the unreported incident was problematic, I'd no right to criticize. Hinting at this, I added that the talks had succeeded.

As we discussed Les Jeppels and the elves, the labyrinth's clearing came into view.

Sarhas, Rizai, and others stood ready—some panting, having rushed over.

After greetings and results, Sarhas visibly relaxed while the uninformed Rizai group celebrated.

Moving to hear their report, an odd sensation struck me.

Their joy was fleeting, replaced by uneasy glances.

Trouble?

Before I could ask, approaching presences drew my attention.

"Welcome back, Lord Alter."

At the labyrinth entrance, Tess smiled radiantly.

Eyes gleaming in twilight.

As I stood speechless, Sarhas muttered painfully:

"Lady May granted it. That skill is—"

"I know."

I barely forced out the words.

Previously powerless, Tess now had [Night Vision], [Presence Sense], [Stealth], and [Beast Transformation]—matching that skill set.

She'd kept it—Yunek's power.

Suppressing surging emotions, I met her shining gaze.

"Don't waste those skills."

"Yes, sir!"

Her spirited reply came as she suddenly noticed Quide.

"Um, will you train me?!"

"Train? Now?"

As Quide hesitated, I nodded silently and entered the labyrinth.

Ignoring the overwhelming sensory assault, I reached the hall to find Haimeth and Miranda standing side-by-side.

Stopping Haimeth's anguished bow, I addressed Miranda:

"My apologies. I was careless."

"Not at all. She chose this path herself. As her mother, I respect that decision."

"She can't be called purely human now. Even so?"

"Yes."

Her instant reply drew a faint sigh.

After a long pause, I stated:

"I'm entering the depths. None may approach."

Passing them, I unsealed and resealed the stone wall.

Lighting the deepest chamber with [Light], I knelt, opened the lid, and checked the contents.

Ice remained—the seal had better preserved the cold.

Removing moisture from their clothes with [Peregrinate Water], I layered new ice via [Ice Blow], cooling it with [Ice Frost].

Exhaling white breath, I reported the assassination plot and elf encounter.

After sealing the lid and retreating, I slumped against the wall.

Smoldering anger surged.

Normally, [Mental Resistance] operated unnoticed—now I consciously restrained it.

May must've sensed this, shrinking since my entrance.

Repeating deep breaths, I let the frigid air quell my inner heat.

Once calm, I gazed into the void.

"You were asked, weren't you? So you gave power."

No confirmation came—just fearful anticipation.

May didn't comprehend her actions. Like Merock, she'd guided me without considering consequences. Our values differed fundamentally.

Had she harbored malice, I'd have made her a guardian without hesitation.

Likely, she'd replicated Mutila based on me.

But Tess could no longer live a human life.

Though her status read "human," it was skin-deep. Whether she mutated depended on May's whims.

Still addressing the void, I continued:

"My failing for not anticipating this. May bears no blame. But henceforth, refuse all power seekers. You understand now—my case was exceptional. Most cannot resist your dominion. So don't involve Tess further. Don't make her a guardian. Promise me?"

Immediate, emphatic affirmation followed.

I smiled, nodding before patting the floor like soothing a child.

Ultimately, this stemmed from May's kindness. Dominance erodes dungeon species' strength—giving freely only burdens them.

But... what am I doing?

As anger faded, self-reproach took its place.

I'd noticed Tess's struggles but assumed youth and recent arrival meant time would help her find purpose.

How naive.

Had I been more attentive, this could've been prevented.

Some responsibility I've shown.

Eventually, [Light] expired, plunging the chamber into darkness I endured.

Regret and guilt swirled until even my forced smile faded.