Chapter 16: “Let’s go! To the next continent!”

Two days after Randolph and his troupe left, the town returned back to its normal feeling.

Kousuke decided to accept a subjugation request today.

He prepped to leave, greeted s.h.i.+di and headed out of the inn. Kousuke went to the usual waiting spot to meet with Viare and the two went to the guild together.

While the two were looking for a good request to accept, someone tapped Kousuke’s back. Kousuke turned around with a curious look.

「Alice-san?」(Kousuke)

For the first time in a month, it was Alice standing before him.

Kousuke noticed that Alice was giving off a slightly different feeling. She was standing very close and could be seen as intimate. Still, he felt that it might have just been his imagination.

「I came to pick you up~」(Alice)

「Did you two finish your business over there?」(Kousuke)

「No it’s not done. About that, I need a small favor. It might be sudden but can you prepare for the journey? We’ll go together」(Alice)

The person that responded to the invitation wasn’t Kousuke, but Viare.

「Kousuke-san, you’re going on a journey?」(Viare)

「I guess so. It was originally planned a while ago. Viare, do you want to come too? We planned to sightsee a bit too so it might be a while before we return. Right, Alice-san?」(Kousuke)

「That’s correct. We won’t return in a week or a month. By the way, there’s something I wanted to ask」(Alice)

Alice’s tone changed slightly, sounding a bit tense. It was too subtle though, Kousuke didn’t notice at all. Still, even if he did notice it’s not like he could figure out why. The reason involved Kousuke’s future so it would be a wonder if he knew.

「So, what’s your relations.h.i.+p with that girl?」(Alice)

「I too would like to know her relations.h.i.+p with you」(Viare)

The two’s gazed at each other and it seemed as if a small spark appeared between the two.

「This is Alice-san. She took care of various things for me. She mainly taught me magic and common sense. This person is Viare. She currently lives in this village and due to various circ.u.mstances is currently working alongside me. Also, she knows about my t.i.tle」(Kousuke)

「…. You told her about it?」(Alice)

Alice’s mood and expression became serious.

Kousuke shook his head.

「She has the gift to see people’s t.i.tles」(Kousuke)

「Tell me what my t.i.tle is then」(Alice)

To confirm the validity of that claim, Alice asked Viare.

Alice is quite famous and her name is well known. But she vanished from the frontlines for the past ten years so most people don’t know her appearance anymore. Since her t.i.tles are also concealed and unknown to most, if Viare is able to correctly state her t.i.tles than it would prove that her gift is real.

「”The Great Witch”」(Viare)

Viare used her gift and easily stated the t.i.tle. After a few moments, Viare was surprised what came out of her mouth.

「”The Great Witch”?! Are you “One Night, Thousand Deaths”?!」(Viare) 【TL: Ichiya Sen’ya 一夜千殺 – literally means one night thousand deaths.. Sorry, I don’t know how to translate this in any other way】

「”One Night, Thousand Deaths”? What’s that?」(Kousuke)

Hearing this for the first time, Kousuke tilted his head. He felt that if something like that was said on Earth, it would definitely be mocked.

「Well now, that’s a familiar nickname I haven’t heard for some time. Where did you hear that name?」(Alice)

「My father’s a former adventurer and he told me stories about you. He was there that night and he still remembers it well」(Viare)

「So he was one of the adventurer that was there that night. It makes sense that he would know then」(Alice)

To the satisfied Alice, Kousuke inquired.

「Ah, excuse me. “One Night, Thousand Deaths” is the nickname I got when I was in my thirties. There was an army of monsters marching towards a town about a month away from here. I killed most of the monsters on my own so I was given the nickname “One Night, Thousand Deaths”. Still, the monsters that were attacking weren’t that strong so it wasn’t dangerous for me」(Alice)

Alice’s eyes were twinkling as she recalled the events of that night.

「I heard that the adventurers there were demoralized by the sheer number of monsters that night. Among them, Alicia-san stood her ground to protect the town. Her fame soared from this event and everyone knew the name of Alicia-san」(Viare)

「That’s amazing」(Kousuke)

Kousuke looked at Alice in awe for fighting an overwhelming army of monsters to protect a town.

Alice smiled bitterly at Kousuke’s compliment.

「To tell you the truth, it wasn’t as amazing as it was made out to be. I was just releasing the pent up stress I had then. I didn’t do it to protect the town」(Alice)

「…. Is that the truth?」(Viare)

At the confused Viare, Alice nodded without hesitation.

「I was quite wild during that time」(Alice)

「So it could be said that the monsters were just unlucky and the town was lucky that night?」(Viare)

「That’s about it. That interpretation is pretty much spot on」(Alice)

「…… I definitely can’t tell my father about this」(Viare)

Wei held Alice in high regards for protecting that town. When he was telling Viare the story about that night, it was obvious just how much he respected Alice.

And yet, the truth was that the person in question inadvertently protected the town for her stress relief. If something like is told to Wei… Viare decided to keep quiet about this from Wei, she would rather protect her father’s misconception of that night than disillusion him.

「In any case, your gift to see other people’s t.i.tle seems to be the real deal. I hope you can keep quiet about his t.i.tle, alright?」(Alice)

「Yes! I won’t speak a word. Borudosu already strictly warned me about that!」(Viare)

「Oh.. So Borudosu already told you to keep quiet」(Alice)

「With a mild threat. It almost slipped out of her mouth once, but Borudosu stopped her」(Kousuke)

「Will she be alright?」(Alice)

「She is quite careless…」(Kousuke)

They were speaking as if it was another person’s problem, but they knew Viare could be trusted. He’s known Viare for quite some time now so. He felt that it was enough to put his trust in her.

「Don’t worry! It only slipped out once before! It’s never happened again」(Viare)

「Don’t let it slip out alright? It’ll make things complicated if you do. Maybe I should put a spell on you that’ll cause great pain if you spill it」(Alice)

Viare quickly stepped back, shaking her head over and over.

「Well, I won’t do something like that yet, but if you ever let it slip out again I’ll cast it on you without hesitation alright? Engrave that in your heart」(Alice)

「YES!」(Viare)

Alice had no intention of using such magic, but wanted to threaten her a bit. Seeing that it was effective, she smiled and nodded.

「Sorry for making you do something like this for me. So, let’s stop with the threats and get back to the main point」(Kousuke)

「Don’t reveal that it was a threat! But I agree, we went off topic there. There’s no point in idly chatting here so let’s head over to the inn you’re staying in」(Alice)

Before they headed out, Kousuke informed the guild that he would be absent for a prolonged period of time.

When they arrived at the inn, s.h.i.+di approached them thinking they were customers.

「Welco.. Hmm? Did you forget something?」(s.h.i.+di)

「Not really, but why did you think that?」(Kousuke)

「You came back a lot earlier than usual. So the person next to Viare isn’t a client of yours I a.s.sume」(s.h.i.+di)

「This is Borudosu’s older sister, Alice」(Kousuke)

「Borudosu has an older sister!?」(s.h.i.+di)

s.h.i.+di heard for the first time Borudosu had an older sister and Alice’s appearance shocked her more.

「I heard that Borudosu is under your care often. You have my thanks」(Alice)

「He’s a guest of our inn so that’s a given! Even so, he’s helped us greatly by staying at our inn often and bringing other guests as well! Would Alice-san also be staying here? If so, I’ll prepare the best room for you right away」(s.h.i.+di)

「No, there’s no need for that. I’ll be leaving the town today」(Alice)

「Is that so」(s.h.i.+di)

「I’ll be leaving too. It’ll probably be over a month before I come back here」(Kousuke)

「You are as well? Even Borudosu-san said that he would be absent from town for an extended period of time」(s.h.i.+di)

「Borudosu most likely went to Karuhode」(Alice)

「Alice-san knew where he was heading?」(s.h.i.+di)

「Mhmm. He went to the allied nations of Yuke in Karuhode. There’s a martial tournament event starting there in about a month. He told me he was planning on partic.i.p.ating in that tournament」(Alice)

「I see, his long absence makes sense if he’s traveling to Karuhode. I hope he gets a good result」(s.h.i.+di)

「Well, we’ll find out later. I’m more worried that he might go berserk. Kousuke, mind leading us to your room?」(Alice)

“Understood” responded Kousuke as he led the two to his room.

He unlocked his room and invited Alice and Viare in.

Kousuke sat down on a chair while the other two sat on his bed.

「So, about the favor you have..」(Kousuke)

「Mhmm. Remember that Horun and I traveled to Hunsing?」(Alice)

「Yes. She was invited as a doctor」(Kousuke)

Alice nodded.

Hearing that, Viare interrupted with a shocked expression.

「Just one moment please. By Dr. Horun, do you mean Horun-sama of the Colbes family?」(Viare)

「That’s right」(Alice)

「Another celebrity!? Kousuke-san! Just what kinds of relations.h.i.+ps do you make!?」(Viare)

「Even if you ask me that…」(Kousuke)

「I feel that your relations.h.i.+p with her is a pretty simple one. This fella’s the dragonslayer, and Horun was the sacrifice. See, easy to figure out right?」(Alice)

「….. So Kousuke-san challenged the dragon to save Horun-sama?」(Viare)

It seemed like Viare was imagining a “Knight in s.h.i.+ning armor” saving a princess so her eyes were sparkling intensely.

「No, no, I became a dragonslayer by accident. I can’t give you the details, but I didn’t defeat the dragon with the purpose of saving her. I wasn’t even conscious when I defeated it. I realized I was a dragonslayer the moment I woke up」(Kousuke)

「It’s not something people can become overnight though」(Viare)

「There’s a witness in front of you. Just accept that situations like this can happen」(Alice)

「Hmm…」(Viare)

Her face looked unconvinced, but Viare nodded anyways. She knew that she wouldn’t get anything more out of them.

「Let’s return back to the main topic, so she went to Hunsing as a doctor, what happened after?」(Kousuke)

「She went as a doctor so obviously she was treating someone. Just a small problem happened when we were there. According to Horun’s examination, she can treat the person, but the medicine she needed to treat it ran out」(Alice)

「So it’s something that can’t be bought I a.s.sume?」(Kousuke)

If it was something that gold could purchase, Alice, who has an enormous fortune, could have bought it.

「Exactly that, you catch on quick. The ingredient is a bit unique and it’s not something easily attained. I know where we can get some, but that location is a problem」(Alice)

「Where?」(Kousuke)

「It’s in a Domain of the G.o.ds」(Alice)

「If I remember, you can’t enter it unless you receive a G.o.d’s blessing right?」(Kousuke)

「Mhmm. Among the people there, only Horun had a G.o.d’s blessing. But I can’t let Horun, who has no fighting capabilities, enter such a dangerous place. So everyone agreed to find an adventurer with a G.o.d’s blessing and I explained that I know a perfect candidate. Horun guaranteed it as well so the others agreed」(Alice)

「Ah, so the favor you wanted to ask is for me to enter the Domain of the G.o.ds. That’s fine」(Kousuke)

Hearing how casually he accepted, Alice was a bit surprised.

「That was a surprisingly quick consent. A little while ago you would have s.h.i.+rked from something like this」(Alice)

「I experienced a lot while I was staying in this town. I got a little used to combat as well」(Kousuke)

「I hope you’re not overestimating yourself」(Alice)

「I don’t think I’m overestimating myself, at least I know I’m not accepting it unwillingly. So, that Domain of the G.o.ds is in Hunsing?」(Kousuke)

「No, this one is in Karuhode. It’s near the previously mentioned allied nations of Yuke」(Alice)

「Our travel method is by boat right? An extended travel on a boat is a first for me, I’m a bit excited」(Kousuke)

「Sorry for ruining your excitement but.. We’re traveling with magic. The other side is demanding to get this done as quickly as possible you see…」(Alice)

The ancient clan wanted the treatment done as soon as possible. Alice understood why they would demand a hasty completion.

「I see, so that’s the case. I guess my boat ride will have to wait」(Kousuke)

「Sorry that’s the case」(Alice)

「Well, I should prepare for the trip then. Ah, so Viare, how about you?」(Kousuke)

「I.. would like to go too, but the travel expenses…」(Viare)

「Remember that the guild would provide it for you?」(Kousuke)

If it was a closer place then she wouldn’t hesitate, but because it’s so far this time around she didn’t want to shove something so expensive on the guild.

「Why would the guild provide for the travel expenses? Unless there’s a special circ.u.mstance I can’t see them doing something like that」(Alice)

Alice was an adventurer in the past as well. She figured from what she heard that Viare’s relation with the guild is a bit unique.

Kousuke glanced toward Viare to see if it’s alright to explain everything. Viare was confused at Kousuke’s stare for a moment, but ended up explaining her situation herself.

「So the distortion.. I see.. I understand now. If it’s something like that then coming with us is probably a good idea. You don’t have to worry about the travel expenses. The ancient clan gave me an advanced payment of eight gold coins. We’ll just use that for now」(Alice)

Eight gold coins, this was enough for a family of four to live comfortably without working! Whether it’s an ordinary person or an adventurer, that sum was enormous.

「Eh? But I’m not going to be of any help with that request though?」(Viare)

「This money is actually Kousuke’s. If Kousuke allows it then there’s no problem」(Alice)

「If that’s the case then give half of it to Viare. Hmm the only thing that would cost money when I’m preparing is…. Ah whatever, it’s fine. Yup, let’s give her half」(Kousuke)

Viare panicked at suddenly receiving a large amount of money.

「You paused there for a second, but is there something wrong?」(Viare)

「You don’t have to worry about it」(Kousuke)

「Even if you say that…」(Viare)

It still worried Viare, Kousuke could see that.

「Alright, so during my escort job my sword got damaged quite badly. I forgot to get it repaired. I kept pus.h.i.+ng it off since I didn’t have any need to use it. The repair would cost some money, but even if I bring it to the smith I won’t get it back in time so the money’s no longer necessary. Alice-san, would it be alright if you teach me some attack oriented magic later?」(Kousuke)

To replace his sword, he thought to use magic instead.

「That’s fine」(Alice)

「If possible could you teach me something that could disable a large amount of foes instead of killing them?」(Kousuke)

To Kousuke’s request, Alice immediately nodded as she recalled quite a few spells that fit his requirements.

「While I’m being taught the new magic, Viare, you can go prepare for the journey」(Kousuke)

「That sounds good. Ah, but I’ve never gone on a journey like this before so I have no idea what to bring」(Viare)

「Wouldn’t Wei-san know? Since he used to be an adventurer and it’s something he needed」(Kousuke)

Convinced with that answer, Viare got up.

「Since you might need to buy something, please take the money. Alice-san, please」(Kousuke)

Alice reached into her pocket and gave Viare four gold coins.

Viare stared at the gold coins in her hand and opened her mouth.

「…… This… I can’t accept this. I’m not doing anything.. So this much is..」(Viare)

When she actually received it, she felt even more reserved and uncomfortable accepting it.

「Then, how about if it’s a loan? You can pay it back whenever you can」(Kousuke)

「Mm.. if it’s that then.. I’ll borrow four gold coins then. But I don’t need all four right now so could one of you hold onto the three gold coins for the meantime? I think I’ll end up dropping them if I have them all」(Viare)

「That does sound likely…」(Kousuke)

The convinced Kousuke accepted the three gold coins and placed them on the table.

Viare left the inn to prepare.

Kousuke gathered his things and separated the things into two groups, one for traveling and the other to leave behind. He planned to pay s.h.i.+di to store the things he wanted to leave behind. It’s not much so she should accept it.

「I’m done preparing so please teach me the magic」(Kousuke)

「Very well. I’ll be teaching you “Shockwave”, “Earthen Spear”, and “Explosive Fireball”. “Shockwave” is the one that can incapacitate enemies. If you’re aiming to not kill then don’t use “Earthen Spear” or “Explosive Fireball”」(Alice)

「Fights that involve a lot of bloodshed is a bit…」(Kousuke)

「Just in case it’s a good idea to learn those too. The place I’m asking you to go have dangerous monsters roaming around too」(Alice)

「Come to think of it, what kind of place is the Domain of the G.o.ds?」(Kousuke)

Alice explained that what she learned is from hearsays and books before she began.

The name of the particular Domain of the G.o.ds is “Columudg” and this domain has a few G.o.ds involved.

It doesn’t have any peculiar terrains. It has forests, plains, rivers, and mountains. Animals and monsters are everywhere.

It doesn’t have any human settlements. Therefore this domain is an unspoiled nature. It contains precious plants and ores, as well as near extinct species.

It’s possible to travel from edge to edge of this domain in a week.

Even though there are people that can enter this domain, the reason why it still contains these precious materials is because the amount they can bring out is limited. Furthermore, without a G.o.d’s permission the materials can’t be brought out.

「Permission?」(Kousuke)

「Every Domain of the G.o.ds have a shrine-like building in them. You need to go there to get permission」(Alice)

「How do I know I got permission? Will I get some sort of proof?」(Kousuke)

「Apparently you’ll receive a verbal confirmation from a G.o.d. Also, you’ll go through a trial before you’re allowed to enter the shrine. Each trial is different from person to person. Depending on which G.o.d is giving you the trial, the difficulty will vary as well」(Alice)

「A trial huh. Is it something like a large monster or a storm chasing me?」(Kousuke)

「Trials like that have appeared before. I haven’t heard of any deaths though. If you receive a fatal wound inside the domain you’ll get healed and thrown out」(Alice)

These measures were not placed because the G.o.ds favored the humans, but because humans dying inside the domain would be a nuisance. The Domain of the G.o.ds followed the rule of “Survival of the Fittest”. Since dying is a given inside the domain, everything inside doesn’t leave resentment when they die. But human beings, or any creature with a high enough intelligence, would leave behind the feeling of regret when they die. Negative emotions like that lingering in the domain would taint it. G.o.ds that want to maintain the natural order of their domains would throw out human beings if they’re about to die.

Without realizing what the true reason was, Kousuke was simply relieved that he wouldn’t die inside the domain.

「Hearing that I feel a bit better」(Kousuke)

「I’m glad you feel better, but failure means you’ll be barred from entering again for an entire year. Please keep that in mind. Don’t push yourself, but do your best」(Alice)

「Got it」(Kousuke)

「Alright, let’s talk about magic again」(Alice)

Alice explained the movements and incantations required for each spell one at a time.

“Shockwave” is emitted out of the hand. By sweeping the hand like a sickle mowing gra.s.s, it’s possible to change the focus from a singular point to a cone in front of the caster.

For the best effect, casting it at point blank range was recommended. Ordinary people would be killed by this method though. It becomes weaker the wider the spray is, about five meter is its limit this way. This method’s strength at best would trip an adult male. If it’s just tripping something, the magic he learned from Tony would be enough though.

“Earthen Spear” is just as it sounded, spears made out of the ground spikes out. It can create one to thirty spears, its amount is up to the caster. The spears can be created in a range of three meters around the caster. The largest spear that can be created is about a meter in length with a width of fifty centimeters.

There is also a similar magic that uses ice as a medium instead.

The last magic taught was the “Explosive Fireball”. This summons a fireball with a diameter of a meter. If it hits something or whenever the caster wishes, the fireball will explode, spreading fire everywhere. Not only can it cause great damage, but it can also be used as a smokescreen.

By the way, the strongest spell in Kousuke’s current a.r.s.enal is “Beam”. Its weakness is that it only travels straight and is easily avoided, but it has enough firepower to pierce through steel.

「Well, that’s about it. Just practice a bit to get used to them」(Alice)

「Thank you」(Kousuke)

The two confirmed the incantation and movements once more. They cleaned up the room a bit and began to chat idly as they waited for Viare. When it was about lunchtime, Viare came into the room lugging a giant backpack.

「Sorry for keeping you waiting」(Viare)

「Since Viare arrived, shall we get going?」(Kousuke)

「Before that, let’s get something to eat first. Will it be fine if we dine in this inn?」(Alice)

「Should be fine」(Kousuke)

「Then please lead the way」(Alice)

The three left the room and headed to the dining area.

After they finished lunch, they gave their farewells to s.h.i.+di. She requested for some souvenirs and saw the three off.

Alice began preparing to use her teleportation magic. After ten minutes she turned around to the other two.

「You two, grab my hand. If you’re too far I can’t teleport with you」(Alice)

Alice offered her hands to the two. Once the two grabbed a hand each, Alice casted the spell.

Since it was Viare’s first time teleporting with magic her face was very stiff.

Right when Kousuke tried to calm Viare down the magic was completed and the three vanished from St. Beria.

s.h.i.+di glanced up from the spot the three vanished from and prayed for their safety. After, she headed back into the inn.