Author: Yume Neiji

Isekai Nonbiri Sanpo Tabi

Walking, Chapter 241: Exhibition Match part 2

Yume Neiji

“Alright—here we go!”

“Okay!”

Whoosh—bang bang!

“T-this time it turned into a high-speed hand-to-hand battle! Fran and Horn are racing all over the arena, front to back, left to right!”

“F-fast!”

“W-what’s with that movement speed?!”

Fran and Horn abandoned magical combat and shifted into hand-to-hand fighting. Both of them activated physical enhancement, tearing across the stage as if it were too small to contain them. From the audience’s perspective, Fran and Horn already look incredibly fast—but in reality, Shiro and Ao are still much, much faster.

“Hmm… it looks like Fran and Horn are just playing around.”

“No, no—that’s an insane way to play.”

Even Sylvia-san stared in amazement at their movements. She had only started training with them yesterday, after all, so she clearly wasn’t used to just how fast they could move yet.

“Shall we switch to this next?”

“Got it.”

Clang, clang, clang, clang.

“N-now they’ve pulled wooden swords out of their magic bags—and they’re trading blows at high speed again!”

“That’s good! Do it! Do it!”

“Hahaha… this is incredible.”

This time, they’re trading blows with wooden swords. Still, it’s really nothing more than rapid-fire striking—no refined sword technique to speak of. But the spectators, now used to the sheer speed of the two fighters, are completely fired up, showering Fran and Horn with cheers.

From the outside, it looks like an incredible spectacle, after all.

Beep beep beep, beep beep beep.

“Time’s up. That’s enough.”

“Oh, it’s over already?”

“That’s it for now.”

And with that, time is up. Since it was only an exhibition match, it seems they’d set the time limit fairly short.

“Whoa—that was amazing!”

“You were so cool!”

The audience applauded, praising the two fighters for their bout. As entertainment, it had turned out pretty well.

Fran and Horn jogged off toward the wings of the stage where Shiro and Ao were waiting. Then, together with Shiro and Ao, they waved cheerfully to the crowd.

A huge round of applause rose from the spectators.

“I watched the morning training, so I kind of understood, but Fran-chan and Horn-chan are really amazing.”

“They’ve got more talent as mages than I do. As for the hand-to-hand stuff, that’s thanks to Shiro and Ao’s influence.”

Sylvia-san, too, seemed once again surprised by how strong Fran and Horn were.

Both of them had excellent aptitude, after all.

The crowd was fired up by the exhibition, and that was good enough for now.

Just as I was thinking that—

Shiro and the others came back.

“““We’re back!”””

“Did you have fun?”

“Yeah!”

Shiro and the others answered with bright smiles.

Then Shiro and Fran casually dropped a bombshell.

“They said Shun-oniichan and Sue-oneechan are going to do an exhibition match too.”

“They said it’d be at noon.”

“…Huh?”

Hey, wait a second. What are you talking about?

Now we’re supposed to do an exhibition match too?

“Ohh, so you boy is fighting as well?”

“Yeah, and that lady sent some weird guy flying yesterday, didn’t she?”

Even the customers at the food stalls, who’d overheard the conversation, burst into excitement.

At this point, backing out didn’t seem like an option anymore.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I resigned myself—and went back to cooking.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Umareta Chokugo ni Suterareta kedo, Zensei ga Taikensha datta node Yoyuu de Ikitemasu

Chapter 323: I have to withdraw

Yume Neiji

The one shouting was a tough-looking man with a Mohawk.

“No matter how I look at it… that’s clearly a baby who hasn’t even turned one yet!”

“Oh, are you talking about me? Don’t worry—I’m not the one taking the exam.”

“Oh, I see! My bad, my bad! I actually have a nephew around the same age, so I just got curious. Besides, no one under five years of adventuring experience should even be eligible for this exam!”

Apparently, he wasn’t angry at all, well, just loud.

“W-wait… a baby is talkiiiiinggggg!?”

Yeah, thanks for the expected reaction.

“Now, we’ll begin the explanation of the exam.”

Ignoring the astonished Mohawk man, Randia began to speak.

“The exam is divided into three stages: the first, second, and final rounds. Each stage has its own passing criteria. Should you fail to meet them, you will be disqualified on the spot and will not be allowed to proceed to the next stage. Please take note of this.”

Meanwhile, the Mohawk guy was losing his mind, yelling, “Wait… this is really a baby?! My nephew can barely say ‘ah’ or ‘uh’!”

Everyone else, however, listened intently, fully focused on Randia’s explanation.

“The first and second stages of the exam will take place in the Great Magical Frontier that spreads around this headquarters—the Infinite Wastelands. As you are all aware, the Wastelands are home to countless vicious monsters, and it is said that the deeper you venture into its heart, the stronger those creatures become.

The Wastelands are divided into zones: the Outer Rim, the Mid Layer, and the Deep Layer. Our headquarters lies at the very edge of the Outer Rim.

The Deep Layer… once you step into it, even S-Rank adventurers are not guaranteed to return safely.

For the exam, the first stage will take place in the Deep Layer, and the second stage will push even further—into the deepest part of the Deep Layer itself.”

While several candidates gasped, the Mohawk man still tilted his head in confusion, muttering to himself: “Wait… maybe my nephew’s development is just slow? Do babies normally start talking this early…?”

Randia continued

“The passing rates are roughly twenty percent for the first stage and ten percent for the second. Naturally, there is also a risk of death during the exam. In fact, around fifty candidates have died in past sessions.

Even if you fail, you may attempt the exam again after a year, though many are left traumatized by the experience. In reality, only about one in five of those who fail ever return to take the exam a second time.”

It was shaping up to be an incredibly dangerous exam.

The other candidates grew even more serious, their faces tightening with resolve—but the Mohawk man was so lost in thought, muttering to himself: “I’ve never dealt with a baby other than my nephew… I have no idea what to do! Damn it, I should’ve spent more time around babies!”

The explanation continued,

“Honestly speaking, there is little practical advantage in becoming an S-Rank adventurer. By the time you reach A-Rank, you should already be earning plenty, and the privileges granted by the Adventurers’ Guild are largely capped. There is little you will gain by reaching S-Rank.

Now, is there meaning in risking your life to aim for it? There is still time before tomorrow’s exam begins, so I strongly recommend that each of you reflect on this question carefully. Should you ultimately decide not to proceed, that would be a completely sensible choice. You won’t be critized if you backed out.”

The candidates listened with serious expressions, though a few couldn’t help but chuckle at how unusually frank the examiner was.

…Meanwhile, the Mohawk man was still muttering to himself, nodding and groaning as if the world depended on his thoughts.

In reality, no one here would seriously consider withdrawing. These were adventurers who had climbed to the top of their ranks—they were fearless, reckless, and utterly uninterested in money or privileges.

“I can’t help but worry about my nephew! I’m sorry, but I’m going to withdraw from this exam!”

“““…Eeh?”””

Wait, seriously!? 

Hey, Mohawk guy!?

“By all means, feel free.”

Randia said with a calm smile.

With that, the Mohawk man bolted from the room with all the force of a cannon, leaving everyone else blinking in stunned silence.

“That brings the number of candidates down to eleven. The promotion exam will begin as scheduled tomorrow at 10 a.m. so please gather in the lobby by then.”

With that, the briefing concluded. As the candidates filed out of the conference room, I called out to Orion.

“Orion-niichan, I’ll return this to you.”

I pulled out the full set of orichalcum equipment once worn by Lion, the hero and ancestor of Orion, from my subspace.

When we left the Arseral Empire, Orion had entrusted it to me, saying, “If I keep this, I’ll rely too much on its power—so please hold onto it for me.”

“I think you could easily draw out all its power right now.”

Orion hesitated for a moment, then shook her head.

“No. I want to get through this exam without relying on it. If I pass, it will mean I’ve truly become someone worthy of this equipment. Only then can I wear it again with confidence.”

“I see… Got it. Good luck, Orion-niichan. …Oh, right. Actually, I did use it once—temporarily took an adult form and wore it while naked, so, uh… sorry about that.”

“W-what!? What does that even mean!? That’s way too much information at once that I can’t even process it!”

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Isekai Nonbiri Sanpo Tabi

Walking, Chapter 240: Exhibition Match part 1

Yume Neiji

With Ao’s match finished, I thought Shiro and the others would come back here—but it looked like the Margrave was talking to them. Or rather, it seemed he was addressing Fran and Horn.

What on earth were they doing?

Then, Fran and Horn climbed onto the stage.

The Margrave’s wife picked up a microphone-like magical device.

“Due to the delayed arrival of the next match’s participants, we will begin an exhibition match here!”

“Woooah!”

Eh? Why was there suddenly an exhibition match with Fran and Horn?

Fran and Horn waved at the audience, clearly enjoying the attention.

“Don’t worry—the players for the second match have arrived. They were just… running late.”

“““Hahaha!”””

Oi, who’s the idiot that overslept?

Looking closer, I saw a swordsman near the stage, panting heavily. And… wasn’t he the opponent of that suspicious mage?

Well, that settles the next match, then.

“In the red corner: the little stall assistant from the food stand. Actually, a five-year-old adventurer with a title—Dragoneut, Fran!”

“Yay!”

“Wait… the little stall assistant?”

“She’s a titled adventurer at only five years old?”

The crowd murmured in surprise at the Margrave’s wife’s introduction of Fran.

Of course, no one would expect a five-year-old to be a titled adventurer. Fran, for her part, cheerfully waved to the audience with all her energy.

“In the blue corner: the healer from the medical tent. Also five years old, and a titled adventurer—Angel, Horn!”

“H-hello.”

“That little girl is a titled adventurer too?”

“Come to think of it, she knocked that flirt away with magic yesterday.”

The crowd buzzed again upon learning that Horn also held a title.

Horn waved timidly at the audience.

“Both contestants will engage in magical-enhanced hand-to-hand combat, so we will activate the magical barrier device.”

“Yeah! Let’s go!”

As preparations for the match began, the spectators settled down and focused, eagerly anticipating the fight.

The magical barrier device was activated, and everything was ready.

“Then, the exhibition match—begin!”

“Let’s go, Horn.”

“Yeah, Fran-chan.”

Chuuin.

“Whoa! Both contestants are already gathering incredible amounts of magical energy!”

“W-what’s happening?”

“The little girls are charging up some insane magic!”

Seriously, both Fran and Horn were immediately concentrating their magical power.

The audience was shocked, and so was I.

“Here we go—!”

Boom! Kaboom!

“W-what!? Water and holy magic just collided! There’s a massive explosion in the center of the stage!”

“Whoa—the shockwave reached over here!”

“Will the magical barrier hold?”

The flashy clash of magic had the audience growing nervous.

…Wait, hadn’t the magical barrier created by the protective device been partially shattered?

“Fran-chan, Horn-chan, no more charging or compressing your magic. It’s going to break the stage!”

““O-okay!””

“Phew…”

Naturally, the Madam had to step in, reminding Fran and Horn to hold back a little, so the rest of the tournament could continue smoothly.

When the girls raised their hands in acknowledgment, the spectators visibly relaxed, letting out relieved sighs.

Uhm, my apologies for my Fran and Horn causing so much concern.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Hazure Skill “Alarm”, jitsuwa fūin kaijo no nōryoku deshita. Ochikobore no shōnen wa, nemuri kara sameta megami-tachi to yasashī saikyō o mezasu

Chapter 129: God of Fertility

Yume Neiji

The adventurer Nils was walking through Flocia, bathed in the glow of the setting sun. Truth be told, he shouldn’t have been outside. He had been summoned to the Odis Temple, where someone new—someone he had formed a party with for the very first time—was waiting for him.

He knew that much. And yet, his feet carried him onward, away from the temple, of their own accord.

He found himself at the harbor.

The lake was dyed crimson by the blazing sunset. It looked as though the entire world were wrapped in fire, stirring something deep within his memories.

“…Ugh…”

Nils clutched his head.

The blond hair he grabbed was damp with sweat. Ever since the boy, Rion, had blown the awakening horn, Gjallarhorn, something had felt wrong.

He took a deep breath and faced the lake once more.

A massive bridge wide enough for several carriages to pass up on stretched across the water, connecting the city of Flocia to Dungeon Island. Had Nils been a bird, it would have looked like a single line drawn across the surface of the lake.

For a bridge of such scale to rise up from beneath the water, the city must have fallen into utter chaos. What stood out even more was the tower rising from the middle of the bridge. Its white outer walls had turned red in the light of the setting sun.

A breeze swept across the surface of the lake.

The dull ache in his head slowly began to return.

“…I—”

As if fleeing from the twilight itself, Nils turned his back on the lake.

He pushed his way forward, bumping into people as he went. Perhaps because of his tall frame, several passersby recognized him as the adventurer Nils and called out to him with worried voices. But the nausea and the sense of wrongness only continued to grow. It was as though something were stirring deep inside his chest—something unknown, something he did not recognize, beginning to awaken.

The images of the two gods he had seen inside Flocia dungeon crossed his mind: Freyr, the god of fertility, and his sister, Freyja. Investigations had revealed that both had been mere “replicas”, constructs of woven magic.

A mutter slipped from his lips.

“G-gods…?”

How long had he been walking?

Nils found himself in an abandoned warehouse district, devoid of people. The instincts granted by his Swordmaster skill caught the presence behind him.

“Who’s there?”

When Nils turned around, he saw a slender man standing behind him.

“…Have you forgotten me? I am Rata—Ratatoskr the Bone-Scavenger.”

Nils frowned.

“…Rata?”

“How lonely that is to hear. Though, considering you sealed your memories yourself, it’s only natural.”

A vague fragment of knowledge surfaced in Nils’s mind.

Seiðr magic. Magic that worked upon the human mind.

“You cast Seiðr upon yourself with your own hand, sealing away your true memories. With no memory remaining, your disguise would have been perfect. Not even the presence of a god could leak out.”

Pain split his head, as though it were about to burst.

“That body is entirely human now. After Ymir-sama devoured your skills, it became nothing more than an empty shell. You are merely residing within it.”

The man calling himself Rata curled his lips into a grin and held out a metal fragment no larger than a thumb.

“A magic key that opens a hidden area of Flocia. I’ve returned this one to you. It’s especially potent in magical power.”

The object he presented did indeed resemble the dungeon’s magic keys Nils had seen before. It was slightly larger, and at its center, a gemstone was set, gleaming faintly in the dying light.

“The dream is over.”

Nils shook his head in resistance, but Rata forced the metal fragment into his hand.

“It’s about time you used your insurance. The dungeon’s master key—the master key of the dungeon—belongs in the hands of its lord. In other words, yours.”

The pain in Nils’s head intensified.

“Remember the thing most precious to you. The gift from your younger sister, the goddess Freyja—the necklace Brísingamen!”

Nils drew a scorched necklace from within his clothing. Several metal fragments were bound together by a slender chain, now blackened and ruined. He himself remembered it as something left behind by a sister who had been abducted.

But now, he understood that memory was wrong.

It had not simply been left behind—it had been entrusted to him.

The dulled necklace flared into radiant gold. The metal fragment he had received slid into place at the center, resting at his collarbone. Grime and rust peeled away. In his hands, the necklace shone with a beautiful golden brilliance.

—Onii-sama….

He thought he heard the voice call to him.

Surely it was only an illusion…

—After all, it had been a thousand years since he had last heard it.

“…I am—”

Nils the adventurer, searching for his missing sister. But that too, was a temporary truth—a fabricated memory. In order to travel the world and draw near to the awakened gods, he had deliberately shaped his own mind that way.

Seiðr magic had made it possible.

The necklace Nils wore was a safeguard against losing his true self. It had once been a divine artifact belonging to his sister and because of that, the core of his heart—the feelings he held for her—had never faded.

Before beginning his long wanderings, Nils had removed many of the metal fragments from the necklace. Each fragment became a magic key capable of manipulating the doors of Flocia dungeon.

That was only natural. They were, after all, parts of a divine relic belonging to the master of the dungeon—the god of fertility.

—Onii-sama….

Recalling the voice that echoed in his mind, Nils clenched the necklace tightly.

Leaning back against the wall, Rata spoke.

“Have you awakened?”

“…Yes.”

Nils tightened his grip on the necklace his sister had entrusted to him.

With steady steps, he walked through the warehouse district and made his way back to the harbor once more. The white tower rose upward, stretching toward the heavens.

“My resolve was set long ago. My sister—Freyja—I will not let anyone take her.”

(Even if it is only a fragment of her power.)

He added the thought silently in his heart, then turned to face Rata.

The monster, disguised as a slender merchant, clapped his hands together in obvious delight.

“Splendid! The reconnaissance is complete, and the preparations to draw attention to the dungeon are already in motion. Ymir-sama will arrive before long. With you at our side—this is most reassuring.”

Rata’s shoulders shook as he raised a hand to cover his mouth.

He was barely containing his laughter.

After a moment, Rata straightened himself.

“…Well then. It seems only proper to address you this way now—Lord Freyr, God of Fertility.”

Nils looke up. As though searing it into his eyes, he stared at the tower dyed red by the setting sun.

“I won’t hesitate again.”

Nils—no, Freyr, the God of Fertility—turned on his heel alongside Rata and vanished into the deepening shadows of Flocia.

◆◆◆

I stood on the top floor of the temple, gazing out over Flocia at night. The window was open and being five stories up, the wind reached me easily. Through gaps in the thick clouds, a bright moon cast its light across the lake. The tall tower was dyed silver, stretching upward as though it might pierce the clouds themselves.

Had I been looking at it with a clear, unburdened heart, it might have felt like a dreamlike sight. One I would surely have told Lu and my mother about after returning to the royal capital.

But right now, all that escaped me was a sigh.

“Nils-san…. I couldn’t find him…”

I leaned out the window again and again, searching for any sign of him. Yet even when I used the Blessing of the God of Hunting, there was no trace of him to be found.

Earlier, everyone except Nils-san had gathered in the chamber of the Frost Orb. Pauline-san and Lu were there too—we needed to share what had happened in the dungeon and talk things through.

I had asked around then as well, but no one knew where Nils-san had gone.

“Did he go off on his own to look for his sister?”

That thought only made me worry more.

The gold coin trembled, and Solana’s voice reached me.

『You’re worried.』

“Yeah.”

Nils-san felt like an older brother to me. His swordsmanship reminded me a little of my father’s. Having someone like that become part of our party had made me genuinely happy.

And yet—

『You should rest for now. There’s no way to know whether this tower was unexpected for our enemies as well. But at this point, anything could happen…』

I nodded and whispered softly.

“Status”

Status:
Rion (14 years old, Male)
Level: 27
Skill『Alarm』:
➥ 【Wake Up】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Wakes up a sleeping person refreshed.
➥ 【Unseal】 ⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Cancel any type of sleep.

Skill『Sun’s Divine Protection』
➥ 【White Flame】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Recovery. The blessing of the sun also exorcises curses.
➥ 【Golden Flame】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Improves physical ability. Further effect for a limited time.
➥ 【Sword of the Daughter of the Sun】…… Imbues the Daughter of the Sun in a weapon.
➥ 【Light of the Sun Awakening】…… Imbues the Daughter of the Sun in a weapon.

Skill 『God of Thunder’s Divine Protection』
➥ 【Hammer of the God of Thunder】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Shoots a powerful lightning attack.
➥ 【Will of the War God】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅When facing an enemy stronger than oneself, it increases the power one’s blow.
➥ 【Mjolnir】 ⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Borrows the legendary war hammer from the God of Thunder.

Skill 『Divine Protection of the God of Hunting 』
➥ 【Wild Heart】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Detection. With magical power consumption, effects can be further increased.
➥ 【■■■■】

Skill 『Divine Protection of the God of Medicine』
➥ 【Valkyria’s Spoon】…… Recovery. Consumes magical power to expand the range.
➥ 【Sigris’ Spear】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅a ranged support. The magical effect is channeled into the spear, delivering it to the target.

Skill 『God of Mischief’s Divine Protection』
➥ 【Duplicity】…… It can be used in combination with the two divine protection.
➥ 【Friend of Spirits】…… Draws upon the power of spirits.
➥ 【■■■■】

When I returned from the dungeon, there were once again portions of my status I couldn’t read. It was probably power that the gods intended to grant me but I still couldn’t use yet. A new power on the verge of awakening.

If it awakened in tomorrow’s battle, I would become stronger again.

I spoke to Solana.

“.…It’s fine. I’ll find Freyja-sama. No matter what.”

I gazed up at the silver tower, its surface gleaming softly in the light.

A strong wind swept through, carrying moisture with it. It’s a wind that felt like a storm about to break.

“Tomorrow will be rough.”

I nodded in response to Solana’s words and stepped away from the window.

The next morning, we would once again investigate the tower.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Hazure Skill “Alarm”, jitsuwa fūin kaijo no nōryoku deshita. Ochikobore no shōnen wa, nemuri kara sameta megami-tachi to yasashī saikyō o mezasu

Chapter 128: Gods’ changes

Yume Neiji

As Rion began searching for Nils, the gods were moving as well.

Five of them floated in the blue sky.

“After the world was sealed, Freyja… she must have been caught up in some event. That much I believe to be certain.”

As the first god to awaken, Solana seemed to take it upon herself to speak first. After that, she fell silent, passing the weight of words to the next speaker.

It was the young man clad in hunting attire who picked up the conversation.

“But you see…”

The God of Hunting, Uru, crossed his arms and stroked his chin thoughtfully. The brown braids of his hair fluttered lightly in the breeze.

“What sort of event was it? Even if you know there’s prey, if you don’t know what kind, it’s as though you know nothing at all.”

When it came to matters of battle, Uru’s gaze sharpened, becoming almost predatory.

He continued,

“From my perspective, Odin must have had a hand in it. That’s what the broken messages hinted at. If that’s true—”

Uru’s eyes swept across the gathered gods, measuring each of them.

“So, what do we do? Do we go rescue Freyja as things stand?”

Deciding the next move was inevitable. Quick as the wind, Uru drove the discussion forward, his instincts honed for instant judgment—as any hunter’s would be.

“The strategy’s unclear. It’s… unnervingly strange. And, just so you know, I’m against it. As a scout, I don’t want anyone rushing blindly into the fog.”

The next to raise her voice was a woman clad in azure armor. Sigris, the God of Medicine, let her eyes—matching the hue of her armor—sweep over those gathered.

“I wish for Freyja to be saved. Her power is too valuable to lose… especially her mastery of Seiðr magic. Among the sibling gods of fertility, she is unparalleled.”

Seiðr was a magic that acted upon the mind. It was the key to unlocking the full potential of the awakening horn, Gjallarhorn. Its power was bound and restrained precisely by Seiðr. One of the reasons Rion and the others came to Flocia was the existence of this magic.

“And…”

Sigris hesitated, then continued, her voice softening.

“Freyja and we, the Valkyrie warrior maidens, have fought together before. Our powers can strengthen one another. I admit… this is partly a personal wish, that a comrade might be saved.”

She let her armored hand rest over her chest, the metal ringing faintly.

A brief silence fell over the room, heavy yet respectful. It was Solana, as facilitator, who finally broke it.

“Anyone else…?”

A cough rumbled through the air, making the atmosphere itself shiver. The Thunder God, Thor, finally spoke.

Towering over two meters, his massive frame was easily twice the size of the other gods.

“…I’m in favor of rescuing Freyja too. You all felt the magic atop the Tower of the Lake, didn’t you?”

His voice rolled across the hall like distant thunder.

“I sense Freyja’s presence there. Nine times out of ten, she’s still in that tower. But—”

He paused, eyes narrowing.

“That magic… it’s far too strong for a single god to wield. There’s something suspicious about it, some kind of strategy at play.”

With a resounding thud, Thor struck his broad shoulder with his golden hammer, Mjolnir.

“But putting it another way, we can’t just leave her there. Imagine a power like that falling into the hands of monsters… or Ymir, the primordial titan. How much stronger would that make our enemies?”

A tension ran through the gathered gods.

Atop the suddenly appearing tower, all of them could feel a force of magic so immense it seemed impossible for a single deity to hold. It rivaled the combined strength of all five gods present—or perhaps even that of Odin himself.

Yet the presence they felt, unmistakably, was Freyja’s alone.

Solana took up the thought.

“If that’s the case… the power of Seiðr itself could fall into enemy hands.”

The thought of a power that could manipulate the mind—memories, will—falling into the hands of monsters was terrifying. No one could imagine what horrors they might force humans to commit.

It was entirely possible that the enemy had already acquired something close to that power, though the gods remained unaware.

Thor scratched his cheek with fingers like thick logs.

“As for her brother Freyr… we still got no lead. Whatever we found on the fourth level, it seemed just like a replica—much like Freyja herself…”

He paused, then turned his gaze toward the Sun Goddess, who nodded silently.

“So? Solana, what do you think?”

His wide, probing eyes urged her.

“Hm…”

The youngest of the five gods drew in a steady breath. Her golden eyes betrayed no hesitation. The pause was merely to let all eyes settle on her.

“I think we should go and save Freyja. And the reason is—”

Even as she spoke, Solana’s posture remained proud, unflinching.

“Rion, and the others… they would want to save Freyja too. They are the ones living in this world. If that is their wish, then I believe we should help them. We should help mortals.”

Uru and Sigris blinked in surprise. Thor squinted, then let out a booming laugh.

“For the sake of mortals, huh? I see… that’s very like you.”

Solana crossed her arms, raising the index finger of her right hand.

“Our will is important of course. However, the world does not belong to the gods alone. In the end, it is Rion and the others whose intentions we must respect. And mortals would never allow such a concentration of magic to remain unchecked—it sits right in front of the city, after all.”

A quiet, almost mischievous chuckle escaped and echoed in the room.

She pressed back a lock of golden hair and cast a questioning glance to her right.

“…What is it, Loki?”

“Oh? Nothing. I just think you’re right. We can’t ignore human opinions. It’s pointless for the gods to be talking among ourselves, isn’t it?”

The dark-robed god stretched both arms out from his sleeves and shrugged.

“But, Solana… watching you is fascinating. Just by interacting closely with a human boy, it seems even the gods start to change.”

Solana lowered her gaze, contemplative.

“…Indeed. The gods have not always trusted humans—or even dwarves, for that matter.”

Loki grinned broadly and waved his hand as if dismissing it all.

“I’m not teasing you, mind you… But gods do change, too. Solana, even you—thanks to a certain dwarf—seem to be… changing a little lately.”

Solana tilted her head, puzzled.

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh? You’re not aware? Don’t you feel… a little flustered around Rion?”

“Eh… that’s…”

Her golden eyes flickered uncertainly. The other gods suddenly began to flail in panic.

“L-Loki!?”

“Um, uh! I think that kind of thing should be handled slowly!”

“Y-Yeah! That’s right! I agree!”

Loki, in contrast, narrowed his eyes into a mischievous half-lidded gaze.

“…Why is it you all are the ones panicking the most?”

Solana’s eyes darted about, still clearly confused. She didn’t fully understand what he was implying.

“F-flustered…? Hah!”

She placed both hands over her chest, over her dress.

“Th-this… this part?”

“…I never imagined you’d be so innocent you can’t even handle a little teasing.”

Loki groaned and covered his eyes, then snapped his fingers with his free left hand.

“Doesn’t anyone notice? Even gods change. Just as Solana has grown and changed… gods can change too.”

His gaze lifted to the sky above. If this had been the real sky, Odin would surely have been there, watching.

Solana drew herself together and lowered her chin.

“The awakening goddess of fertility… isn’t necessarily on our side?”

“Exactly. If there’s a history we don’t know, that’s a possibility.”

Loki replied.

He continued, voice calm but firm.

“Still, I agree with Solana. That tower cannot be ignored. Even cautiously, we have to go.”

As if struck by a sudden thought, he added,

“If Odin has crafted a strategy, then we are already part of it. We know there’s a plan—but we may have no choice but to act according to it. Perhaps that’s the situation we’re already bound to.”

A wind began to stir in the sky above the gathered gods. Though it was a fabricated, semi-artificial sky, it was not completely sealed off from the world outside. If the weather changed, they would feel it.

Thor crossed his massive arms, feeling the air.

“…The wind’s picking up out there. Looks like a storm is brewing.”

And with that, the discussion ended.

Like Rion and the others, the gods had no choice but to move forward.

Solana, the Sun’s Daughter; Thor, the Thunder God; Loki, the God of Mischief; Uru, the God of Hunting and Sigris, the God of Medicine—each of them are already “unsealed” and rests within the gold coin that Rion carried.

The sky they hovered in wasn’t the real one.

It had been recreated from their combined magic.

When the gods held serious discussions, it was inconvenient not to be able to see one another. That was why a sky for conversation was projected inside the gold coin. The blue sky, surrounded by clouds, was essentially a council chamber for the gods.

“Freyja…”

The first to speak was Solana, her golden hair shimmering in the sunlight.

To grasp the situation, the Sun Goddess began by confirming the basics.

First: the labyrinth in Flocia had indeed contained the power of the Goddess of Fertility.

Second: the “unsealing” had triggered some mechanism, and a tower had risen from the lake.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Isekai Nonbiri Sanpo Tabi

Walking, Chapter 239: Martial Arts Tournament Second Round

Yume Neiji

“Now then, the second day of the main tournament. The battles for a spot in the semifinals are about to begin!”

“Woooah!”

Ah, the first match of today is starting.

I decided to watch Ao’s match while cooking at the stall.

Silvia-san and the attendants, helping with customers and food, kept glancing toward the stage as well.

“In the blue corner… she can already be considered a top contender. Yesterday, she demonstrated her sword skills, but her true profession is a mage. Ao-senshu!”

“Go, Ao!”

“Do your best today too!”

“She’s waving! So cute!”

By now, Ao needed no introduction—she was a crowd favorite.

Today, many children were gathered at the front of the stage, cheering with all their might as Ao waved her tentacles back at them.

“In the red corner… he has bulldozed every opponent in his path. The martial artist, Bulldog-senshu!”

“He’s huge!”

“Look at those muscles!”

Ao’s opponent today was a towering, over-two-meter tall, muscle-bound martial artist, sporting a bushy beard on a shaved head. And, for some reason, he was shirtless.

“Ao has chosen a hand-to-hand combat match. She has declared that she will not use magic beyond physical enhancement, nor any weapons.”

“Wow! This time it’s hand-to-hand combat!”

“That slime can do anything, huh?”

Once again, Ao had chosen a strategy tailored to her opponent’s fighting style.

The audience was stunned by her adaptability.

For Ao, a martial arts match seemed right up her alley.

After a handshake, the two stepped back to their starting positions.

“Then, let the first match begin!”

“Woooah!”

The crowd erupted at the starting signal.

But Ao and the martial artist stood their ground, both frozen in their stances at the starting line.

“Oh! Ao-senshu and Bulldog-senshu—neither is making a move! They are seemingly studying the other’s approach.”

“Huh? What’s going on?”

“Did something happen?”

The spectators murmured among themselves, puzzled by the lack of action.

Yet to a keen observer, an invisible battle of wills was raging between the two.

The martial artist was already dripping with sweat, clearly pressured by Ao’s sheer presence.

Shu.

Thud!

“Ugh…”

Thud.

“Ah! Ao-senshu’s devastating body slam connects! Bulldog-senshu can’t get back up, and the referee has stopped the match!”

“Woooah!”

“Amazing… I didn’t even see it happen!”

“What just happened?”

The match was decided in an instant.

Ao had charged at the martial artist with a body slam.

He couldn’t evade her attack, lost consciousness, and collapsed face-down. The referee immediately declared the match over, and Ao tended to him before he was carried off on a stretcher to the medical tent.

It all happened so fast that most of the spectators didn’t even fully grasp what had occurred.

However, the Margrave’s wife calmly explained the situation, so she clearly saw Ao’s body slam in action.

“Ao has advanced to the semifinals!”

“Woooah!”

Once again, she officially announced Ao’s victory.

The crowd erupted into cheers.

Ao waved her tentacles back at them, responding to their support.

It had been a spectacular win—rarely seen, flashy, and impactful. The impression it left on the audience was enormous.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Umareta Chokugo ni Suterareta kedo, Zensei ga Taikensha datta node Yoyuu de Ikitemasu

Chapter 322: There’s no way I’d let an old man ride

Yume Neiji

Orion was officially the Seventh Prince of the Arseral Empire—but in truth, she is a woman. This was because her twin brother, who was meant to be the Hero’s reincarnation, had died in childhood. To preserve the line, the twin sister had taken his place.

Her real name was Rione. Normally, she hid her chest beneath armor—but underneath, a magnificent pair of curves awaited.

“There’s a private shower in the room. You should use that to wash up.”

Anje said casually.

“Hey, Anje-oneechan!?”

“Well, in that case, I suppose I’ll use that one.”

Orion muttered.

Thanks to Anje’s unnecessary comment, Orion ended up using the private shower instead of the large bath.

It was cruel… I’d been looking forward to bathing together after so long…

『Serves you right.』

While I was sulking over my misfortune, Orion returned from the shower.

“You were quick.”

“I couldn’t linger… someone might have peeked.”

“True enough. No one lets their guard down around that type.”

Just then, a notification chimed. It seemed we had arrived at our destination.

“This must be the building.”

Amid the desolate wastelands stood a lone, sturdy structure. Rugged and imposing, it could almost be called a fortress. High-level wards surrounded it, guarding the place against any unwanted intrusions.

As we disembarked from the airship and approached the entrance, a voice called out from a small window beside the massive gate.

“This is the Adventurers’ Guild Association headquarters. Please show your guild cards.”

We presented our guild cards as requested.

“Six A-Rank adventurers, huh… wait? Six? I only see five.”

“Did you forget about me?”

Seething from not being able to share the bath with Orion, I had Fana hold me up, making sure to assert myself.

“!? A baby…? It’s speaking!? Wait, I’ve heard about this. A baby who became an adventurer at zero years old and skyrocketed to A-Rank in no time… so that’s you, huh? Hmm… I still can’t believe it, seeing it with my own eyes.”

“Wait, you know me?”

I asked, surprised.

“Of course. This is the Adventurers’ Guild Association, after all. Information from guilds all over the world flows through here… In any case, your guild cards appear genuine. You may enter.”

With a deep, resonant sound, the massive doors swung open, and we stepped inside the headquarters.

“We’ve been expecting you, Fana-sama, Anje-sama, and Orion-sama. I am Randia, a staff member of the Association assigned to oversee your S-Rank promotion exam. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

The one who greeted us was an elderly man with the air of a butler. His speech was polite and precise, yet there was an unmistakable sense of authority about him—likely a retired adventurer of considerable skill.

“Thanks to the arrival of the three of you, it seems that all candidates scheduled to take the exam this time have gathered. We will assemble everyone shortly to explain the exam’s details, but until then, please make use of the free accommodations inside the building to rest.”

According to the staff member who introduced himself as Randia, the headquarters also functions as a fully equipped adventurers’ guild. Well, this place serves not only as the Association’s main office but also as a base for adventurers challenging the Infinite Wastelands.

As such, it offered everything a traveler might need: not just lodging, but a dining hall, item shop, and even a dismantling station. There was a buyback counter, of course, and blacksmiths on hand to maintain weapons and armor.

“Hmm… how many are taking the exam?”

“Well, two more people signed up at the last minute, so this time there are slightly more candidates than usual—a total of twelve. I must admit, I never expected that after being granted your exam qualifications just a few hours ago in Vegaltia, you’d have already arrived. You came by that… flying ship, didn’t you?”

“You know about that, ojiichan?”

Well, I had reported the magical airship to the guild once before.

“There’s a place to sleep on that ship, so tonight I’ll stay there instead of using the free accommodations here.”

“Ah, even such a thing exists? I’d very much like the opportunity to ride it myself someday.”

Huh? There’s no way I’d let some old geezer ride with me.

『Master, you are a geezer too, though.』

(I’m a cute, adorable baby! Ba-bu, ba-bu!)

“I just came on the ship, so I’m not tired or anything.”

“Yeah, more importantly—let’s hear about the exam already.”

We also told him that we didn’t need to rest, so he went straight into explaining the exam.

Apparently, even those of us not taking the exam—like me and Karen—were allowed to listen in.

We were guided into a spacious conference room that could easily fit fifty people. 

One by one, the candidates for this session began to gather. Of the twelve candidates, eight were men and four were women—Orion counted among the women. Most seemed to be in their late twenties to early thirties.

Teenagers Fana and Anje were by far the youngest, and it showed when they entered the room—earning a few surprised glances.

Of course, no one was stupid enough to get angry and shout, “What’s a brat doing here!?”

When it comes to an A-rank adventurer with abilities close to S-rank, it’s possible to understand to some extent the other person’s skill just by looking at them.

“…What’s a brat doing here!?”

Ah… I’m wrong. There is one here.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Isekai Nonbiri Sanpo Tabi

Walking, Chapter 238: Criminal organization activity

Yume Neiji

The next morning, while we were training, the Margrave approached us. It was about the thugs who had attacked us yesterday.

“Shun, regarding those thugs from yesterday, it seems their actions varied depending on the target. Some, like you, were simply attacked, while others were approached with offers to join a criminal organization.”

“So anyone they knew wouldn’t join was attacked, and they tried to recruit those who might be willing?”

“Regrettably, that seems to be the case. What’s worse, they were even reaching out to adventurers in order to hire roughnecks.”

“Ah, that explains why the ones who attacked us said it was an easy job.”

According to the Margrave, this meant the criminal organization was operating on a large scale.

We already knew they were trying to recruit participants in the tournament, and now they were even targeting adventurers. This was shaping up to be a serious and troublesome situation.

“As for the matter of the criminal organization targeting adventurers, we’ve informed the royal castle and asked that the warning be shared with the other territories as well. They’re planning to step up patrols in the capital, too.

“That’s a good move. We need to take every possible measure to uncover their objectives.”

In any case, canceling the martial arts tournament would be tantamount to surrendering to the criminal organization.

We would also need to stay vigilant while running the food stall. With the soldiers’ patrols being strengthened, we had a chance to disrupt the organization’s plans.

At that moment, Sue joined the conversation.

“Perhaps some of the flirting attempts at the medical tent were also connected to the criminal organization.”

“Actually, the one Horn knocked away yesterday was a member of the organization. Since there was a beautiful woman, it seems he was just killing time before his mission started.”

“We should probably assign soldiers to the medical tent as well.”

We had to set up as many defenses as possible to ensure the martial arts tournament could proceed safely. But we couldn’t exactly restrict the audience, so it was a tricky balance. Just to be safe, the attendants had been granted permission to carry weapons.

“We heard about those idiots too.”

“There were even some barricades nearby.”

“We’ll have to punish anyone foolish enough to sully the tournament.”

As we left the manor and started preparing the stall, townspeople approached us.

They were angry that anyone would dare spoil the tournament they were looking forward to, and promised to report any suspicious individuals to the soldiers immediately.

“I don’t think anyone would dare touch this stall.”

“Yeah. After all, there’s that super slime, and those guys over there look strong too.”

“Come to think of it, this area around the stall is probably the safest spot. Gahaha!”

They were speaking as if they’d already had a few drinks this morning, but considering the strength gathered around this stall, they weren’t exaggerating.

I could only hope it wouldn’t turn into a full-blown bloodbath.

“Big brother, it’s almost time. I’m heading out.”

“Good luck at the stall!”

“Ao, Shiro, Fran—you three, be careful out there.”

““Yes!””

With that, Ao, along with Shiro and Fran, left the stall to participate in the first match.

A lot was going on, but first and foremost, we needed Ao to make it to the semifinals tomorrow.

“Ten rice balls here!”

“Five fruit sandwiches!”

“Yes, yes—please wait just a moment.”

But before that, I had to survive the battle with the customers in front of me.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Umareta Chokugo ni Suterareta kedo, Zensei ga Taikensha datta node Yoyuu de Ikitemasu

Chapter 321: Oniichan is Oneechan

Yume Neiji

Leaving Vegaltia behind after a long absence, we headed north aboard the Seno Grande Kai.

“It would take about half a month to get there on land but with this ship, we should arrive with plenty of time to spare. We’ll be there in just a few hours.”

Our destination was the Infinite Wastelands, the greatest magical frontier on the continent, where Fana and Anje would be taking their S-Rank promotion exam.

“Still, isn’t it a bit much to tell us the exam starts tomorrow and that we have to reach the venue today?”

“…Yeah. Without this ship, we wouldn’t have made it in time.”

The S-Rank promotion exam was held only four times a year. And by the time Ark approached us about it, the next session was already scheduled for the very next day.

“Hahaha, with the lot of you, I’m sure you’ll make it in time. Well, if you can’t, you can just take the next exam. Your eligibility stays valid until you actually sit for it.”

Ark had said that with a laugh. He sounded carefree about it, at least.

“By the way, only thirteen people have ever been officially recognized as S-Rank adventurers. Of those, just six are still active.”

“That’s few…”

“We’ve only met one of them so far. But considering that level, six almost feels like too many, honestly.”

Anje was referring to the martial arts tournament held in the Arseral Empire. The S-Rank adventurer she had in mind was undoubtedly Goritia, one of the competitors there.

“…I want to meet him again. I think I could fight him evenly now.”

“…I’d rather not. That hellish moment when that walking mass of muscle picked me up—sometimes I still wake up from dreams about it…”

Well, a baby finds true comfort only in his mother’s breast after all. A man’s arms are simply unnecessary.

“I heard about thirty people take the exam each year. But almost none of them pass. It’s an incredibly narrow gate. Only one person every few years, apparently.”

Incidentally, once you fail, you’re barred from retaking the exam for an entire year.

“That actually sounds fun! Ahh, if only I had the qualifications—I would’ve loved to take it with you all…”

As we were talking, land that looked like our destination finally came into view in the distance. A desolate stretch of earth, nothing but reddish-brown soil and jagged rock formations spreading endlessly before us.

“So that’s the Infinite Wastelands.”

“Yeah. Brings back memories. There wasn’t anything on the level of a Demon King, but plenty of vicious demon tribes made their homes there. With the mana density being so high, I suppose it’s a comfortable place for them.”

Naturally, countless vicious monsters also made their home here.

Setting up a headquarters in a place like this was practically an invitation to be attacked, which meant they must have had absolute confidence in their ability to repel any threat.

“Where exactly is the Association’s main building anyway—hmm?”

As I peered down at the ground through the window, I spotted a lone figure locked in combat with a monster.

It was a giant scorpion native to the wastelands—an Inferno Scorpion. It’s a troublesome beast, boasting incredible mobility, a hardened exoskeleton, massive pincers capable of cleaving even solid rock, and a barbed tail that fired jets of venom so toxic that mere contact meant death.

Yet despite facing such a creature, the figure handled it with ease.

Dodging the venomous beams, they closed the distance, casually batting aside the scorpion’s pincer strikes with a sword.

Then, after severing its legs and stripping it of its mobility—

“Lightning.”

A violent surge of lightning pierced straight through the scorpion’s exoskeleton, ravaging it from the inside.

“Well now, that’s pretty impressive. Eh? wait… Don’t tell me that’s Orion!?”

The movements and the flow of mana felt strangely familiar, so I took a closer look. Sure enough, it was Orion—the descendant of Leon the Hero, with whom I had once teamed up to defeat the Demon King. She is also the Seventh “Prince” of the Arseral Empire.

I descended from the Seno Grande Kai to the ground below.

“Hey! Long time no see, Orion-oniichan!”

“…You—R-Reus!? Why are you here?!”

Orion stared at me, eyes wide with shock, having finally noticed my presence.

“That’s my line. Well, we are here since Fana-oneechan and Anje-oneechan are heading to the Association headquarters to take the S-Rank promotion exam.”

“…They are? They’re taking the promotion exam too?”

“Too?”

“Yeah. Actually, I’m planning to take it as well.”

It turned out Orion was headed to the same place, for the very same reason.

“Oh, really? I didn’t know you were an adventurer too, Oniichan.”

“I registered when I was twelve and worked as one as part of my training.”

So he’d been our senior in that regard.

“I only reached A-Rank about a year ago, but after parting ways with you, I left the empire to push myself harder. I traveled from guild to guild, deliberately taking on the most difficult requests I could find. Eventually, they suggested I try my hand at the S-Rank promotion exam.”

“I see. Then since we’re here, why don’t we head there together on the airship? We’re close already, but it’d still take a fair while on foot. And I’d love to hear all about the feats you’ve accomplished during that time.”

“I get the feeling you have far more interesting tales to tell…”

Orion replied, forcing a wry smile. Even so, he nodded, and we returned to the airship together.

“I was wondering who it was—turns out it’s the hero from back then.”

“…Long time no see.”

“Yeah, it’s been a while. So you two are taking the promotion exam as well?”

“Don’t tell me you are too? That explains why you were out in a place like this.”

“What a coincidence.”

Fana and Anje had fought alongside Orion in the martial arts tournament and later joined him again during the incident that followed. Karen, on the other hand, was meeting him for the first time.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Karen, a samurai from Edo in the Far East.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Orion, from the Arseral Empire.”

With that, I made a suggestion to Orion.

“Oniichan, you’ve gotten pretty dirty over the course of the journey, haven’t you? Why don’t you go wash up in the large bath while you’ve got the chance?”

“…I’ll pass.”

“Huh? Why not!? Fine, I’ll stop beating around the bush and say it outright! Oniichan, you smell really bad! You absolutely should take a bath!”

“If I do that, you’re just planning to come in too, aren’t you?”

“S-s-such a thing—of course not!?”

『Master… it’s painfully obvious』

Lindwurm’s dry remark came.

I pressed my case with all the conviction I could muster.

“I mean, what’s the big deal if we bathe together anyway? I’m a baby, you know!? What—are you the type who thinks even a zero-year-old boy has sexual desire and goes, ‘That’s gross!’?”

“There is no way you count as a normal zero-year-old!”

As we were going back and forth like that, Karen tilted her head in confusion.

“…? Isn’t Orion-dono a man?”

“Oh, no. Despite the looks, Orion-oniichan is actually a woman.”

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Isekai Nonbiri Sanpo Tabi

Walking, Chapter 237: Mysterious Attacker

Yume Neiji

A lot had happened, and we were finally making our way back to the manor.

But an incident occurred partway along the road home.

“Oh, we just have to deal with that slime, huh?”

“Haha, they look weak.”

“Easy job.”

Suddenly, men who looked like a textbook thug appeared in front of us. They are grinning stupidly with a knife in one hand.

Uh-, what the hell are these guys?

“Strange outfits.”

“They are wearing glasses too.”

“He’s bald.”

“Hey! Don’t single out just one person with your insults!”

Shiro and the others were pointing at the thugs and commenting, but Horn was only pointing at the only bald head guy.

….Sigh. What kind of chaotic situation had we wandered into?

“Ahh, I see. So you’re after Ao, then?”

“Nice, you catch on quick, kid. Yeah, we’d appreciate it if you’d play along with us.”

“““You’re bad guys!”””

“Hahaha, you’ve got some spirit, young lady.”

Who’s backing these guys? Were they trying to sabotage the tournament, or did they have some other agenda?

“Ei!”

“Ya!”

“To!”

Crack—thud—bang.

“““Gyaaah!”””

Honestly, setting Shiro aside, if they were getting taken down in a single blow by Fran and Horn, there was no way they could ever hope to defeat Ao.

Well, they’d threatened us with knives, so this clearly counted as self-defense.

Sue, Silvia-san, and I split up to tie up the unconscious thugs.

“Hey, I heard a loud commotion coming from over here.”

“Oh, it’s Shun-san and Sue-san.”

“What’s going on here?”

The thugs had shouted and then collapsed, just as some patrolling soldiers arrived at our location. Since they were people we’d treated for free before, they recognized us immediately.

Well, honestly, most of the soldiers in this territory had been treated by us at one point or another, so they knew who we were.

“These guys threatened Shiro and the others.”

“They said they were going to take down Ao.”

“They were weak, though.”

Shiro and the others told the familiar soldiers what had happened.

After hearing their story, the soldiers’ expressions visibly changed.

“That means there’s a possibility that suspicious individuals have approached the other participants who made it to the quarterfinals.”

“Since we don’t yet know the background of this incident, it’s hard to say for sure.”

“I’m going to the barracks to check things out.”

I spoke with the soldiers as well, but the thugs who had attacked us were completely unconscious, so there was no way to question them. Still, it is best to take precautions.

We left the thugs in the soldiers’ care and headed back to the manor.

“I’ve heard what happened. Things are starting to get a little suspicious.”

“Yes. We need to confirm exactly what’s going on.”

When we arrived at the manor, the Margrave approached us. He had most likely heard the soldiers’ report.

“Given how strong Ao has been during the tournament, you’d think no one would pick a fight with her so casually.”

“They may not have watched the matches at all. I’m guessing they only received instructions. Either way, we’ll need to get information out of the men we captured.”

“Agreed. We’ll have to wait for the interrogation.”

And so, we decided to ensure our own safety while waiting for the results of the questioning.

Hopefully, by tomorrow morning, the thugs who’d been knocked out would be awake and ready to talk.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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