Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 189

Chapter 189. Interlude ~ Crossroads of Fate

The deep green leaves swayed in the pure breeze as dawnlight filtered through the gaps.

Two days had passed since Miranda and Tess were invited to the labyrinth. They rose before daybreak to begin preparing breakfast.

Miranda adjusted yesterday's leftovers by the campfire while casually asking the beastman sentry about their usual meals.

Listening to their small talk, Tess absentmindedly gazed at the sky.

Her life had completely transformed over these six months.

Her father Ronnie had been executed, and Miranda and Tess were reduced to slaves. Even penal slaves had terms, but most died from overwork or abuse. Even if freed, their peaceful past would never return.

Two months after Tess had given up all hope, Cliff and an unfamiliar beastman from the Lamlon Trading Company arrived. Though nostalgic to see Cliff, the beastman named Velk drew more attention—his hair and features changed, but she couldn't mistake the savior who rescued her from Ovek.

Twice now, he had saved them from dire straits.

Miranda felt the same gratitude. Mother and child vowed to dedicate their remaining lives to their benefactor.

But Alter's circumstances far exceeded their imaginations.

An endless sea of trees and a labyrinth.

The Deepforest, teeming with dragons and unknown monsters, was one of adventurers' ultimate destinations.

Conquering or destroying dungeons like the Saenum Great Labyrinth was considered the greatest feat.

Even witnessing such legendary settings firsthand, Tess still couldn't grasp the reality.

Lost in thought, the sounds of beastmen stirring snapped her back to reality.

Soon after, Phil and Elas Rhino appeared, followed by Alter emerging from the labyrinth.

Tess waited for a chance to greet him, but suddenly, the surroundings grew noisy.

Miranda and Tess were instructed to enter the labyrinth, interrupting their cooking, while patrolling beastmen gathered. As mother and son exchanged puzzled looks, Alter addressed the beastmen.

"Today, we train."

His next words shocked Tess.

Alter would face everyone alone. She knew he was strong, but nearly all present were adults—Sarhas and Quide were exceptionally skilled. It seemed reckless, but a sudden flash of light froze her thoughts.

Countless beams shot from Alter, piercing the falling leaves.

"That was [Multi-Cast], a beginner-tier spell."

Startled, she turned to find Haimeth behind her.

"Alter-sama is a master of [Multi-Cast]. Throughout Veliantes' history, only a handful have achieved it—the last confirmed was the hero Lapnus, seven centuries ago."

Moreover, Alter could [Multi-Cast] even more potent spells.

Haimeth's explanation and the beastmen's reactions confirmed his absurd strength, but the mock battle that followed proved even that assessment fell short.

Alter barely moved as he knocked the beastmen down, even rendering Sarhas unconscious in mere exchanges.

Despite Tess's worries, the mock battle ended swiftly—a flawless victory.

It was incomparable to her memories from three years ago. The current Alter far surpassed that.

(I serve a hero...)

Joy welled up, but so did self-doubt.

The beastmen excelled in combat, Miranda was a superb cook, and even the frail Haimeth supported Alter with vast knowledge.

What could she do? The thought filled Tess's heart.

◇◇◇◇

After breakfast preparations, Alter personally tasked Tess with caring for Elas Rhino's child, Zilv.

Delighted by the immediate assignment, she found it simpler than tending livestock—the creature grazed freely, and threats were negligible.

After wiping its large frame, she ran out of tasks and glanced around idly.

Noticing this, a beastman called out:

"We've been told not to order you around, but we need firewood too. If you're free, could you gather some?"

"Y-yes! I'll do it! Uh..."

"I'm Rizai. We've collected most deadwood here, so there's little left. Twigs, dry leaves, even green branches—just gather what you see. We'll find uses."

He sternly warned her not to stray too far from the labyrinth.

Agreeing, Tess wandered within earshot of the beastmen's activities.

True to his word, deadwood was scarce. Reluctantly, she carried twigs and leaves back to the campfire, then returned to the forest.

After several trips, even usable greenery dwindled, forcing her to snap live branches. Unsure if they'd suffice as firewood, she asked Rizai, who jerked his chin toward their dwellings.

Deadwood was fuel; live branches were for walls and roofs.

"Blocks sunlight, but it gets stifling inside."

Despite his exasperated grin, Tess continued shuttling between forest and clearing while the beastmen worked—patrolling the blank zone, finishing huts, processing hides, roasting meat, and extracting lamp oil.

Though gathering firewood was simple, it was necessary. Just contributing to the group's efforts made Tess happy.

But after another trip, everyone froze.

Work halted as they stared grimly at the labyrinth.

Sarhas had taken Eshin away—likely for architectural input, Tess assumed, but Rizai and others seemed to suspect another reason.

Eshin deeply distrusted humans, often griping about Alter in his absence. They feared punishment if word got out.

Hearing this, Tess barely stifled a retort.

Alter fought monsters selflessly and negotiated fiercely with slavers. He wouldn't punish mere complaints.

Yet, as a newcomer, she doubted they'd listen.

Watching silently, she soon saw Eshin return—flashing an awkward smile as comrades rushed over.

"He asked me to teach him furniture-making."

The abrupt statement left Rizai baffled.

Details emerged: Alter sought Eshin's input on decorative designs, then questioned him about construction, leading to the request.

As the group dispersed, amused, Tess resumed gathering.

Then, Eshin's mutter reached her:

"He... acknowledges me."

Those few words revealed his life's story.

Pretending not to hear, Tess ventured into the forest, snapping branches while Eshin's words lingered.

Helping Miranda or gathering firewood might earn Alter's praise.

But could she call that repayment?

The day ended without answers. The next morning, she assisted Miranda and gathered firewood again.

Alter remained secluded deep in the labyrinth, likely busy.

Her turmoil only worsened overnight—no, grew fiercer than yesterday.

The cause? The labyrinth's expansion.

Miranda and Tess now had a room, yet Alter still slept in the depths, prioritizing their comfort over his own.

Guilt and helplessness swelled.

By dinner, Alter still hadn't appeared, so Miranda served in the hall.

Tess offered to assist the beastmen but was waved to the fireside circle, listening to crackling logs and their chatter.

Talk shifted from trivialities to progress reports until Sarhas suddenly recounted events at the Torpus Salt Mine, then asked Tess about meeting Alter.

Blushing under their gazes, she haltingly described the Vellene Village incident.

Bandits, wolves, and Ovek.

Then a noble's chance arrival, mobilizing two C-rank parties—[Heretic's Battleaxe] and [Tranquil Sword]—to face the monsters. A tale-like turn.

Though her delivery was clumsy, firsthand experience lent authenticity. Meals went untouched as they listened, erupting in applause when the Ovek hiding among sheep fell.

Mentioning her father Ronnie's fatal mistake and their rescue by Lamlon Trading, she reignited their anger and sympathy.

The gathering disbanded as Miranda emerged with dishes.

Tess collected the tableware, joining her mother by the scant water supply.

Wiping plates with cloth, they rinsed sparingly. Water came from the southern stream, but Alter magically replenished it during shortages. Not wanting to burden him, they conserved naturally.

While storing cookware, Tess spotted Ulk at the clearing's edge, practicing sword forms.

Mesmerized by moonlight tracing his blade's arc, she didn't notice Miranda's smile.

"I'll finish here."

Taking the dishes, Miranda urged the reluctant Tess onward.

Thanking her, Tess watched Ulk's training from a distance.

Though similar in age, Ulk joined beastmen on hunts and patrols—his talent praised by Quide, though Tess assumed it was racial.

Soon, Ulk paused, panting as he wiped sweat, then noticed her gaze.

"Uh... what?"

"You're... really working hard..."

His expression softened briefly before hardening again.

"I owe my life to many. Without Sarhas and the others, I'd have died in the salt mine. Without Alter-sama's rescue, same. I have to pull my weight."

His determined grip on the practice sword drew Tess's envy.

Casual questions revealed Ulk, too, came from a frontier village, never touching a sword before here.

Like Tess, he owed Alter everything—a debt she felt deeper than anyone's.

Ulk had only just begun training. Was it too late for her?

As she opened her mouth, Sarhas approached.

Noticing him, Ulk straightened while Sarhas studied them.

"Don't overexert. Build stamina gradually."

"Yes, sir!"

Nodding to Ulk, Sarhas turned to Tess.

"Want to join training?"

"Really!?"

"We're comrades. No need to hesitate. Too late today—start tomorrow at dawn."

"Yes!"

True to his word, Tess joined the next morning.

Dawn and dusk saw her swinging wooden and borrowed blades, practicing even during breaks with suitable branches.

Sarhas advised on form, footwork, and combat tips.

Meanwhile, Quide left with subordinates for beastman village negotiations, while Alter emerged to magically dig a well.

Back home, well-digging required全村 effort, yet Alter struck water in two days, even adding an access tunnel.

Though fascinated by such magic, Sarhas explained it relied on Alter's immense mana, so Tess resolved to focus on training.

Then, a downpour struck.

Torrents echoed through the labyrinth all night, lingering as drizzle by dawn.

While the labyrinth was unharmed, beastmen huts suffered collapsed roofs and flooding.

All work halted as soaked hides and supplies were moved inside for repairs.

Meanwhile, Alter, concerned about the stream, braved the drizzle with Sarhas to inspect it.

"Are nobles supposed to act like that?"

Rizai's wry mutter as they vanished into the woods mirrored Tess's thoughts.

A noble inspecting streams in the rain? Absurd.

Had Haimeth been present, he'd have countered:

Alter does everything himself—and succeeds. Thus, we must prepare before he acts.

Haimeth strove to lessen his burden, even past limits—like when he returned herding unruly Holber goats.

These goats, too fierce to domesticate, baffled everyone but Rizai—until Zilv charged one, sparking a battle.

Tess gaped. She'd tended many animals in Vellene, but these moved like four-legged warriors, unfazed even when flung aside.

Even kids joined the fray.

Reassessing, she volunteered as caretaker, only to be chased by the kids—a humiliating failure.

With no chance to shine, Tess threw herself into chores and training.

Roofs were repaired, walls progressed, camaraderie grew—yet so did her frustration.

No progress.

Of course not—she'd only held a sword for days. Even Alter took time to grow. Unlike crafting skills, training alone yielded little.

Ignoring blisters smeared with Seron grass salve, she swung on, ceasing status checks altogether.

One dusk, returning with firewood, she saw Ulk practicing.

A question arose: Ulk was praised for talent, but Sarhas had said Tess had "decent potential."

Their training durations matched. How wide was the gap?

The thought ballooned until she called out.

"A spar? Huh... never tried. Sure, but ask Sarhas first."

Ulk agreed, intrigued.

Sarhas, after glancing at Miranda for approval, nodded.

"Fine."

The real excitement came from other beastmen.

They rushed to clear the area, gathering eagerly.

"No head strikes. I'll call it if needed."

"Yes, sir!"

After spirited replies, they distanced.

Tess regripped her wooden sword, testing its lightness—lighter than a real blade, lending false confidence.

Ulk's swings were sharper.

Forcing her trembling hands steady, she faced him, teeth clenched.

Sarhas eyed them, then dropped his arm.

"Begin!"

Cheers erupted—but neither moved.

Tess held her stance; Ulk circled cautiously.

Expecting her to attack first, he finally advanced when she didn't—

"Ah—"

Her sword flew from the first strike.

Blushing, she retrieved it as Ulk stared, baffled by her unguarded back. No follow-up caution, disarmed by a light swing—pathetically weak.

With no intervention, Ulk pressed on reluctantly.

Tess shrieked, desperately blocking, but blows slipped through, battering her body.

This wasn't sparring—it was a beating.

Pain twisted her face, tears streaked her cheeks, fear froze her limbs.

Ulk held back, yet she cried at mere touches.

Tess had rarely been scolded, let alone struck.

Beloved in her village, even Cliff's teasing stemmed from affection. She'd never fought or faced violence.

Now, pain and terror shriveled her, cursing her naivety.

Sword training would make her strong? Useful to Alter?

Battle was life-or-death—mock pain paled in comparison.

How could she face real combat?

Amid regret, a memory surfaced—a beacon in the gloom.

A ten-year-old boy, bloodied yet unflinching, cutting down wolves and Ovek alike.

She'd never forgotten that sight.

(Alter-sama was hurt far worse... yet never cried. Never screamed. How... how can I—!?)

A sudden shriek tore free as she lunged.

Ulk barely dodged, striking her arm mid-surge.

Undeterred, she pursued, forcing him back.

The crowd roared at the turnaround, but Tess heard nothing.

Swinging wildly, she ignored form, unfazed by counters.

"Don't falter, Ulk!"

Sarhas's bark spurred Ulk to shout back.

Will clashed against will, cries and strikes echoing.

But the physical gap remained.

Off-balance, Tess took a direct overhead hit—

Darkness.

◇◇◇◇

She awoke on Miranda's lap.

Attempting to rise, pain twisted her face.

"Rest. Your forehead's healed, but not the rest."

"Forehead...?"

Dazedly touching it, she found damp hair and skin.

Ulk's repeated apologies and Miranda's demeanor confirmed her loss.

"I'm fine! It doesn't hurt!"

Gritting through agony, she stood.

Her bravado was transparent.

When she tried helping with dinner, Miranda sternly ordered her to rest, forcing her into the labyrinth.

Smiling weakly at Haimeth's concern, she lay on her room's fur mat, extinguishing the oil lamp.

In darkness, faint hall light seeped through the door crack as she replayed the spar.

At first, she'd been helpless.

After recalling the bloodied Alter, memories blurred.

Swinging wildly, she blacked out.

Examining her blistered hands in the dim glow, she'd hoped to fare better.

Yet total defeat—no landed hits, a pathetic rout.

Curling up, she clenched her fists and slept.

Routine resumed at dawn: assisting Miranda, training under Sarhas.

From chatter, she learned Alter had watched the spar. Mortified, hearing he'd used a healing potion on her forehead worsened her guilt.

Sarhas dismissed it—"We have surplus"—but wasting expensive potions haunted her.

Before she could sort her emotions, Alter departed with Quide for a half-month absence.

Though anxious, the beastmen were unfazed.

Ulk explained this wasn't his first long trip—Sarhas had accompanied him before, even during Jisero's recapture.

"Rizai led then... but honestly, we were nervous."

His hushed laugh drew a smile from Tess.

Yet, studying him, she noted his lack of pain—her strikes had missed entirely.

(Beastmen really are strong...)

Cliff and Vellene's children stood no chance.

But that was escapism—many human children could outperform Ulk. The academy brimmed with talents matching or surpassing him despite physical disadvantages.

It was pure skill disparity.

To console herself, she blamed species—until another question arose.

"Wait... why can Alter-sama become a beastman?"

"Oh, that... May's power, apparently."

Dungeon species could grant skills—Alter's was an imperfect [Beast Form].

Tess fell silent.

Ulk eyed her curiously before excusing himself.

Left alone, she pondered.

Beastmen trained relentlessly, gaining real combat experience.

No matter how much she practiced, catching up seemed impossible.

Then there was the Earth Dragon—a threat even Alter wished to avoid, brought while she was unconscious.

How could she contribute in such a forest?

Her resolve crystallized then.

Though Miranda and Sarhas noticed her odd demeanor, they dismissed it as post-spar reflection—a chance for self-assessment.

They misjudged its depth.

That midnight, Tess slipped out.

Lighting a lamp would alert Miranda or Haimeth.

In the dark corridor, faint moonlight outlined the hall.

Haimeth and Zilv should be sleeping there, but shapes were indistinct.

Holding her breath, she crept past them toward the depths.

Had Phil stayed behind, she'd have been caught—but no one guarded the labyrinth now.

Reaching the stone barrier sealing the innermost chamber, she lit a lamp with a firestarter, scanning the sterile walls.

No stains—unrecognizable as a dungeon interior.

Hoping May watched from somewhere, she saw no signs.

"May-sama...?"

No response.

Dungeon species supposedly lurked underground—if here, she was helpless.

The stone wall was strictly off-limits without reason. Trespassing would shatter trust irrevocably.

Calling again yielded nothing.

The silence almost made her doubt the dungeon's existence.

Kneeling, she bowed her head.

"May-sama, I beg you... grant me power. I know strengthening Sarhas, Quide, and others is wiser. But I need to grow strong—to repay Alter-sama..."

Silence.

Holding her breath, only the lamp's flicker answered.

Gradually, her face fell, gaze dropping to the floor.

Misery flooded her, tears wetting cheeks and stone.

Clenching trembling fists, she suddenly looked up.

"May-sama, please! I'll train relentlessly! I won't waste it! I'll serve you too! So—so grant me power!!"

No longer whispering, her plea echoed through the hall.

Then—

A vibration.

Thinking Zilv had stirred, she turned—but the hall was silent.

As she peered into the void, the tremors intensified.

May was moving underground—certain now, Tess shut her eyes in prayer—

"Gh—!?"

Agony seared through her.

Immobilized, she couldn't collapse or flee.

Her fading vision caught a blue light spearing her chest.

Yet the pain ended swiftly.

Receding, it left an alien sensation consuming her body.

Paralyzed, she couldn't process the change.

Limbs numbed, the invasion crawling to her neck—

Terror struck.

She screamed soundlessly as the void claimed her voice.

The erosion passed her neck, reaching her cheeks—

Eyes wide, she screamed without sound.

◇◇◇◇

"Put this here too. Left side."

Following Miranda's direction, Tess placed leaf-wrapped meat on the shelf.

Recently crafted by Eshin, these crude but functional shelves replaced floor piles in the hall.

Tess stretched to arrange the meat, then casually reached for another package.

"This venison's starting to spoil."

"Really?"

Miranda checked under lamplight.

"Use it tonight, dry the rest."

"Should we process other meats and herbs too?"

"Yes... with more mouths soon, shortages could happen. The flavors will overlap, but let's do it."

"No one complains about your cooking!"

Nearby, Haimeth raised an inventory list.

"Rather, they overeat."

"A cook's compliment, but shortages would trouble us. In emergencies, we'll serve goblin cuisine."

"...I'm slightly curious. How does it taste?"

Miranda's grimace at Haimeth's question sparked laughter.

Tess smiled naturally too.

As they chatted while organizing, Haimeth worked at the desk until Tess murmured:

"I wonder where Alter-sama is now."

The air stiffened briefly.

Lowering a herb bundle, Tess prompted Haimeth's smile.

"The trip was slated for half a month. He may return soon."

"What's the beastmen village like?"

"Sarhas says it's beautiful—called the Land of Springs."

Tess imagined it vividly.

Unaware that assassination plots awaited Alter—a secret known only to Haimeth, Sarhas, Quide, and faintly suspected by Quide's men.

Most genuinely believed he was being honored.

Her rosy vision shattered as her gaze suddenly shifted, breaking into a smile.

"He's back! Everyone's gathering!"

Noticing Miranda's smile, Tess nodded eagerly.

Blind to its shadow, she dashed out—halting abruptly at Alter's figure.

Fighting her pounding heart, she greeted him calmly as a retainer should.

"Welcome back, Alter-sama."

Alter paused at her bow.

After a hushed exchange with Sarhas, his gentle gaze met hers.

"Don't waste those skills."

"Yes, sir!"

He'd noticed her change instantly—joy overwhelmed her.

Despite Alter's presence, she turned to Quide.

"Um, will you train me!?"

Bewildered but agreeable, Quide consented.

As Alter entered the labyrinth, Tess fetched a wooden sword, disappointed he wouldn't watch but confident chances would come.

Watching her determined back, Sarhas whispered:

"How much?"

"You'd still win."

Quide sighed, shaking his head.

Pre-departure, Tess had been the weakest. Now, several defeats later, her enhanced physique matched her skills.

She'd lost to Sarhas and Rizai but matched ex-E-rank Seghet and Quide's men, even defeating Eshin, Nargus, and Ulk.

Against Quide, victory was impossible—yet she was elated.

At Sarhas's signal, the spar began.

Tess charged fiercely, her strikes steadily deflected until Quide vanished—

She dodged without looking.

(He dodged that!?)

Quide accelerated, slashing from behind—only for Tess to evade mid-swing.

As she regained stance, Quide reassessed.

A completely different person. This was the labyrinth's power—

Yet he was half-right.

Tess had always been observant.

She'd spotted the Ovek hiding among sheep and recognized Velk instantly. Her frail body had simply shackled that talent.

Now, her attacks—predictable with time—were executed with instant, instinctive precision.

In the twilight, Tess caught her breath, studying Quide.

His aura had shifted—she'd drawn his full strength.

The realization made her smile.

"I'll go all out."

"Come at me."

At his beckon, she surged forward.

Each slash was met with near misses, her body weaving through counters.

Unfazed even as wooden blades grazed her ears, she pressed on.

(I'll grow stronger. Strong enough to repay Alter-sama—)

Kicking off earth, she danced through the forest, her strikes flowing seamlessly.

With each motion, she felt the power within respond, rejoicing.