"An escort on a test voyage, is it?"
"Yes, when the Kraken appears, we conduct test voyages once a month to make sure the Kraken is gone."
"But, in that case, the Kraken will attack you if it is still around, right?"
"Yes, so for the test voyage there will be two ships, so that if one of them is attacked, the other ship will rescue the crew and return."
The day after enjoying a moonlit stroll with Seraphima, I visited the annex of the Feudal Lord in the port town of Jobet.
The purpose was to discuss how to confirm the subjugation of the Krakens.
At that meeting, the Feudal Lord's son, Vajardi-san, proposed that I escort the ship on a test voyage.
"The ship on the test voyage is loaded with live chickens, and when the ship is attacked by a Kraken, the crew uses the chickens as bait and escapes to another ship. The Kraken has a habit of sinking ships it attacks and dismantling them to see what's inside. If it can get one ship and the food of chickens, it will let the other boat go."
"if that's the case, I don't think I have a turn ..."
"No, no, if Kent-san is there, we can defeat the Kraken if it appears, and there is a high possibility that the ship will be safe. Additionally, traditional methods may result in casualties for the evacuating crew, so I want to choose the safest method possible."
If they were attacked and using traditional methods, they cut off the neck of chickens and scattered them in the sea, where the smell of blood attracted the Kraken.
It was said that the decoy chickens were only scattered on one side or the other of the ship, and the crew members escaped from the opposite side, but sometimes they got caught by the Kraken and were unable to return home.
"How many days will that test voyage take?"
"If we have good winds, we can reach the next continent in about five days."
"What if you don't have good wind?"
"it may take twice that number of days."
"Ten days ... What's the reward?"
"If the next continent can be safely reached, I will pay you 10 million Helts, and in addition to that, I will pay you 20 million Helts as a reward for completing the subjugation of the Krakens."
I would be able to receive the success fee that with the appearance of the Bahamut, I was worried about whether I would be able to receive the full amount, and the reward of 10 million Helts in 10 days was not bad.
"Are there any restrictions regarding the method of escort?"
"You can do whatever is easiest for Kent-san."
"What is the penalty if I fail?"
"I will demand 5 million Helts as compensation for the ship itself."
"Are there no penalties regarding the safety of the crew?"
"Since this is a test voyage, all the crew members will be paid a high amount of money to board the ship. As for the cargo, if it arrives safely, it will be sold at a high price as a celebration, so the risk has already been factored in."
"In other words, it may sound bad to say this, but it's a gamble for both people and cargo."
"Of course, but there is Kent-san as a trump card, so this time it's a good bet."
It seemed like adventurers would be hired to operate the ship on the test voyage, just like during the subjugation the other day.
In order to restart trade that had stopped for a long time, it was said that the goods that they risked their lives to cross the ocean with were sold at high prices in port towns as they were considered to bring good luck.
"What will happen if I decline the request to escort the test voyage?"
"Well, in that case, we will have to carry out the test voyage as before. Also, taking in to account the influence of the Bahamut when the Krakens were subjugated, we will reduce the amount from the original amount."(TN:So they're saying that because the Bahamut came in and did a kill-steal on Kent, or that it would have wiped out the Krakens on its own eventually, that they should be jerks and not pay him for DOING THE JOB? Despite having wiped out 3 out of the 4 that he saw, which wound up being 1 more than the job itself was for anyway.)
"I see ... When is the test voyage scheduled to depart?"
"If possible, I would like to do it as soon as possible."
"Is that so ..."
Since I was already on board, I would like to see it through to the end, but if I were to be detained for ten days, it would be too late to respond to any unforeseen circumstances that may arise with Seraphima's party in Resenburg.
In other words, this was a situation where I was forced to carry out a two-sided strategy.
[ Kent-sama, wouldn't it be okay for you to accept their request. ]
[ But, there's no choice but for me to deal with the Kraken. ]
[ However, as for Seraphima-jou, even I can deal with it. ]
[ I see, considering the reserve forces of Reinhardt, Nero, and Flamme, there's no need to be worried about interpersonal combat ... ]
After consulting with Reinhardt via telepathy, I came to the conclusion that it would be okay to accept this request.
"What do you think, Kent-san. Would you be willing to accept my request?"
"Let me see. As it stands, being detained for ten days is a tough situation."
"Then, how about doubling the escort reward to 20 million Helts, plus 20 million Helts as a subjugation success reward, for a total of 40 million Helts?"
"Honestly, since I have the Kraken magic stones, I don't really care about the amount."
"Wha, then, can you not accept it?"
I could see Vajardi-san's expression of impatience, as if he felt that the course of the conversation was becoming doubtful.
"No, if the resumption of trade is delayed, all the residents will be in trouble, so if it's okay for two of my Kobolds to watch over things, I think I'll accept it ..."
"Kobolds will be watching, you say ... They won't protect the ship, right?"
"No, one of them will act as a landmark to tell me the location of the ship, and the other will act as a messenger to me. My Kobold genus can use the world of shadows to move regardless of distance, and because there is a magical connection with them, I can find their location from anywhere."
"In other words, if the Kraken were to attack, Kent-san would be notified immediately and come rushing in?"
"That's right. It feels like it might be faster than calling from here to the front door and coming back."
"Understood, that's fine, so I'd appreciate it if you could escort them."
"Now, let's talk about the details a little more."
Trial voyages were risky, but the profits could be large if they were successful, so cargo was loaded onto a single ship with many merchants investing in it.
"I think it will take about a week to prepare, so I think I will be able to let you know the date in three days."
"Understood, I'll drop by again in three days."
I promised Vajardi-san that I would come back in three days and returned to Volzard.
I headed to the garrison training ground, with my purpose as the twelfth return work, but I thought the meeting would take a little longer, so it seemed like I arrived a little too early.
At the training ground, the guards were training hard in full armor.
When I thought about it, this may be the first time I've watched the training in detail.
What the guards were holding was a metal spear that was a single piece from the handle to the tip, and it seemed to be quite heavy.
"Hey, Reinhardt, their movements are kind of unique, aren't they?"
[ That must be assuming a battle on the ramparts. The movements of striking, thrusting, and sweeping are normal, but it seems that the movements of striking downwards, thrusting downwards, and sweeping downwards have been added. ]
"I see, it's movements to intercept the monsters that climbed up the ramparts."
We continued to monitor the Devil's Forest, but there had been no sign of a maximum outbreak of monsters recently.
Maybe the peak had passed, or maybe it was shifting towards the Irosun Great Forest.
In any case, even if Volzard was peaceful, there was no way the guards would neglect their training.
[ And, Kent-sama, those are probably new recruits. ]
"Ehh, is that so?"
When Reinhardt asked me to take a closer look, I noticed that their movements were clumsy, or rather, they looked like they were wearing armor.
These were the people who volunteered to protect Volzard, which was known as the farthest city, with their own hands, so I hoped they didn't get hurt and did their best.
As we were preparing the cage that looked like a lunar rover and the dark-attribute golems to serve as markers, Katou-sensei and today's returnees gathered.
There were eleven people, and just when I was thinking there was one extra, Kondo was in the mix.
"Huh? What's wrong, Kondo. Are you going home by any chance?"
"No, I'm not going home. I thought I would find Kokubu here."
"Ahh, so you need me for something. Is it okay to do it after the return work?"
"Of course, I'll be at the garrison cafeteria, so please stop by there."
"Roger, then, later ..."
Kondo waved lightly and walked towards the cafeteria.
Even though we were all classmates, my impression of Yagi was very different.
If it were Kondo, I would listen to some unreasonableness, but when it came to Yagi, the first option that came to mind was to refuse.
Because we had made preparations in advance, the return work was completed easily.
When I thanked Kajikawa-san for the roller conveyors at the Nerima garrison and returned to Volzard, it was just about noon.
I also invited Yuika and Manon and headed to the garrison's cafeteria.
In the garrison's cafeteria, I expected that besides Kondo, the old and new duo of Nitta and Furuta would be there, as well as Takayama, but I didn't expect to see Yagi and Mariede there.
Yup, it looked like it was going to be a bit of a hassle, is it no good to leave.
"Sorry to bother you when you're so busy, Kokubu."
"Maa, it's fine, but Kondo, what's with these participants?"
"The story itself isn't complicated, so listen to it while you eat."
According to Kondo, after a recent lesson at the Guild, he went to talk to Yagi about chantless casting, and he suggested forming a party.
"Yagi's request was that we add the two of them to our party in exchange for telling us the secret to chantless casting that Donovan-san talked about ... What do you think?"
"No, no matter what I think, it's Kondo-tachi who decide, and I have nothing to do with it."
"That's true, but I'd also like to hear the opinion of Kokubu, who is actually active as an adventurer ... something like that?"
Takayama and the old and new duo were also nodding, but I guess they needed a reason to refuse.
"About that, Kondo, isn't that cheating a bit? Aren't you thinking of using this as a reason to turn me down?"
"No, I haven't thought about it that far, but I'm definitely against it."
"I mean, the other three aren't keen on it either, are they?"
When I turned my attention to them, the three of them nodded with bitter smiles on their faces.
In response, it was Mariede who raised an angry voice of protest.
"Why are you all so cold towards Yuusuke? Aren't you friends? Wouldn't it be nice if you could lend us your strength?"
No, no, I have no intention of answering even if you look at me.
"To be honest, Yagi is annoying."
Before Kondo made up his mind, Nitta opened his mouth.
"What do you mean by annoying."
"He just talks and doesn't act."
"Even though he doesn't act, he complains a lot."
"At this point, he would hold us back."
In response to Mariede's question, Nitta, Furuta, and Takayama confronted Yagi with the reality, but I think that kind of thing can be done without me.
"That's why, that's enough of that topic, I'm thinking of changing my mindset and working as an adventurer. Besides, you guys would like to know the secret of chantless casting, right?"
I see ... The four of you don't want Yagi to join your party, but you still want to know the secret of chantless casting.
Kondo asked, returning his gaze to Yagi.
"Hey, Kokubu. How do you do it without chanting?"
"Aahh, don't ask me. I haven't chanted right from the start, I use magic thinking that's unnecessary, so I don't think I will be of any help."
"I thought as much. It's just like what I heard when Nitta and Furuta were rescued."
Even when I used the first practical training to rescue the five of the old and new duo, the Dekoboko Sisters, and Yagi, the idea of chantless casting came up, and everyone tried it, but it didn't work out.
I didn't know how Yagi came to be able to do it, but if Yagi could do it, I felt like everyone else could too.
"But, Kondo. Is chantless casting necessary?"
"it would be better to be able to use it than not to be able to use it."
"Yup, that's true, but if Yagi's advantage is not chanting, wouldn't that advantage disappear as soon as he tells everyone about that secret?"
"That's right. If that happens, the difference in ability between us and Yagi will be too big."
After they talked about joining the party, they arranged a meeting at the Guild's training field and tested Yagi and Mariede's abilities.
Mariede's physique was comparable to the old and new duo, but her ability seemed to be about two levels lower.
Yagi seemed to be even lower, and this difference in ability seemed to be the biggest problem.
"Since we're friends who were summoned from the same country of Japan, I want to do something about it, but as it stands now, I'll have to fight while worrying about the two of them, and I don't have the luxury of doing that."
Kondo and the others were also undergoing special training at the Devil's Forest training ground, and were now able to defeat Goblins alone, and Orcs and Ogres by working together.
Still, as an adventurer, they were still in the category of a novice, and they probably didn't have the luxury to Follow Up for someone while fighting.
"Then, why don't we just prove that we can fight as equals? Kokubu, let me use your training ground. If we actually defeat a monster, you'll have no choice but to admit it, right?"
"Maa, I'll cooperate as far as using the training ground, but it's up to Kondo-tachi to make decisions about joining the party."
All six of them nodded, so we decided to head to the training ground in the Devil's Forest.
It was a shame because I was planning to enjoy nap time with Yuika-tachi.
A golem was set up as a landmark at the training ground in the Devil's Forest, and the six people were repatriated.
"Th, this place ...?"
"Mariede, this is Kokubu's repatriation technique. This place is the Devil's Forest, and it seems that it's about a day's walk from Volzard."
"How would you react if you were attacked by monsters in a place like this."
"It seems that Kokubu's genus claim their territory here, so monsters won't come near here."
"I can't believe that monsters won't come near here ..."
By the way, even around Volzard, it seemed that Zeta-tachi and Nero were also claiming their territory.
"Kondo, how will you decide?"
"For now, I want to see if he can subjugate one alone. Kokubu, can you prepare the monsters?"
"I don't mind, but who will defeat what kind of monster?"
"For now, I'll have Yagi defeat a Goblin by himself. Of course, he'll also have to take out the magic stone."
"... Got it."
Since it was clearly about Yagi, I thought he was going to grumble and try to get an advantageous deal, but he started preparing without complaining.
The weapon Yagi was holding was a machete-like dagger like the one Kondo and the others used before.
"Yagi, should I lend you a sword?"
"No, this is fine. Even if I suddenly hold a normal sword, the punchline is that I'll be the one being swung around."
"If you're ready, I'll go catch a Goblin ..."
"Aahh, any time is fine."
Yagi's quirk was that he looked strangely calm, which was creepy.
I dived into the shadows, moved to the site where I defeated the Hydra, and searched for a suitable Goblin.
Since I sent my genus to guard Seraphima and her party, it might be a good idea to thin out the monsters here a bit.
As usual, Goblins came in groups, so I selected one of the appropriate size, not too big or small, and sent it back to the training field.
When I returned to the training ground using shadow movement, the Goblin looked around in confusion as it was suddenly moved to another location.
It's opponent, Yagi, took two deep breaths and set the dagger in his right hand so that it lay in front of his body.
"Giiiiii ..."
The Goblin seemed to recognize Yagi as an enemy, and let out a grating sound as it lowered its stance and took a fighting stance.
Yagi kept his knees slightly bent so that he could move at any time, and slowly closed the distance between it and Yagi.
"Kondo, was Yagi chanting body strengthening before I came back?"
"No, he stayed silent and arranged his breathing."
"Is he planning on not using body strengthening, or is he going to use no chanting ..."
"Either way, we'll understand when we see it."
They closed the distance between them, and the Goblin was the first to move.
"Gigyaaa!"
"Uraah! Ehh ... damn!"
Yagi tried to attack the Goblin with a counter attack, but he was easily dodged and his left thigh was scratched with its claws.
You thought it was on the right, but it was on the left, you thought it was on the left, but it was on the right, the Goblin gradually chipped away at Yagi, even making feints.
"Yuusuke! Calm down and look at the opponent carefully!"
Mariede was desperately trying to cheer him on, but Yagi didn't have the time to respond, and he was barely able to fend off the Goblin's attacks, making it doubtful that he was even hearing her.
"Again, Kokubu has chosen a lively one."
"Nitta, please don't say such bad things about people. It's normal, just a normal Goblin."
At first the Goblin was pushing at a ratio of about 7:3, but Yagi gradually got used to it and started to fight more than evenly.
In this case, no matter how sharp its claws were, there was a difference in reach and physical strength between a Goblin who did not have a weapon and Yagi who did have a weapon, albeit a dagger.
About 20 minutes into the battle, the situation began to tilt towards Yagi.
"Gyaa!! Gya Gyaaaa!"
"Shut it! Hurry up and die!"
When the Goblin became weak, Yagi slashed its leg and slowed it down, but it seemed like the battle was over.
Still, the Goblin continued its desperate resistance, and it was over forty minutes before Yagi was able to finish it off.
Furthermore, it took about an hour in total to finish taking out the Goblin's magic stone using the dull dagger.
"Haa haa ... How is it, I did it."
With his bloody hand, Yagi thrust out the Goblin magic stone towards Kondo.
Kondo did not reach for the magic stone that was offered to him, but instead looked at me with a grim expression on his face and opened his mouth.
"Kokubu, could you please prepare a Goblin for me as well?"
"A lively one?"
"Aahh, please make it an extremely lively one."
"Okay. Are you ready?'
"Anytime is fine."
"Wait a moment."
Kondo, who had a sword hanging on his left hip, seemed to have something in mind, so I went in search of an extremely lively Goblin as requested.
Perhaps because the Hydra subjugation site was rich in magic essence, monsters seemed to grow better than other places.
Goblins also had a better physique than those from other regions, and their expressions looked fearless.
Among the, I selected one that looked especially large and ferocious and sent it back.
"Giiiiii ..."
Compared to the Goblin that Yagi defeated, its physique was more than twice as large, and its muscles, fangs, and claws were well-developed.
It looked confused for just a moment before it smelled the blood of the Goblin that Yagi had defeated and bared its fangs.
"Kondo, is this okay?"
"You know, you really have a nice personality."
"No way, it's not that much ..."
"I'm not praising you, geez ... Mana, oh mana, oh mana that governs the world, gather, gather, gather in my hands and become the wind, dance, dance, dance oh wind, dance, and become a blade! Shh!"
Immediately after finishing the chant, the wind blade was released without any preparatory movements and deeply sliced both of the Goblin's legs.
"Gyaaaa ... Gyaa!!"
When the Goblin screamed and fell to its knees, Kondo quickly finished chanting body strengthening, closed the distance in the blink of an eye, and ran past it, slashing deeply at the nape of its neck with his long sword.
The Goblin staggered a few steps, blood gushing out of its neck like a fountain, and then collapsed.
Kondo stabbed the Goblin with the tip of his sword, and when he was sure it was completely dead, he carefully wiped his sword before sheathing it, pulled out his knife, and proceeded to take out the magic stone.
He made an incision across the underside of the ribs from left to right, spread the cut open with both of his hands, then thrust in his right hand and extracted the magic stone.
It hadn't even been ten minutes since the Goblin was repatriated.
"Yagi, I'm sorry, but this is the reality. You, it seems like you were using body strengthening without chanting, but you were only able to strengthen your body by half of what it was supposed to be, right?"
Hearing Kondo's words, Yagi's expression darkened.
Indeed, during the rescue mission from Resenburg, Yagi, who was running away from the Orcs, was able to move more quickly.
"If the effects of magic are going to be diminished, it's better to chant normally."
"The reason why it took me so long to subjugate is because I'm not used to it, and even I need to gain experience ..."
"That's right, you will be more useful than you are now. But, when will that be? Is it a month from now? Three months from now? By then, we will have grown further, so when will you catch up?"
As expected, Kondo seemed to be against adding Yagi to the party.
"Well then, if I train and catch up with you guys, will you let me join your party?"
"No, you can't."
"Why is that!"
"That dagger, it's the one I lent you."
At Yagi's waist was a dagger that was covered in blood, including its scabbard and hilt.
"Th, this is, I'll take care of it later ... No, I'm planning to buy it when I have the money."
"The moment you confronted the Goblin and pulled it out of its scabbard, I was 80% sure that Yagi wouldn't be able to do it. Even before the fight, the blade had chipped and there was even a thin layer of rust on it. Sure, that dagger was cheap, but it was the first dagger I bought for myself after I decided to live as an adventurer. I have a lot of feelings for it. Still, Yagi seemed to be in trouble, so I lent it to you."
After Yagi defeated the Goblin earlier, the dagger was thrown carelessly onto the ground over and over again.
I couldn't even imagine what state it was in right now, with its blade chipped and covered in blood and grease in its sheath.
Yagi couldn't seem to find the words to respond to Kondo.
"Yagi, I understand that you're desperate. Because you're desperate, I think your humanity shows in your actions at the last minute. I'm sorry, but I don't want to team up with Yagi."
Kondo's words seemed to solidify Nitta, Furuta, and Takayama's feelings.
What broke the mood of thinking 'Now, let's go home', was Mariede.
"Why aren't you helping him! Even though Yuusuke is working so hard, why aren't you helping him! Kent Kokubu, why is it!"
"Eeehhh ... Are you asking me? Let's see ... It's because if I lend a hand, Yagi will probably become even more useless, right?"
"Yuusuke will become useless ... ?"
Mariede looked like she didn't understand, but the other four including Kondo nodded.
"These four have been steadily attending Guild classes and training themselves to reach their current level, but what about Yagi? He's good at getting around in an efficient manner, but I think he lacks the basic ability to support that. Instead of trying to obtain what he lacks by himself, isn't he thinking of using the four of them to cover him? Is that the correct way to organize a party?"
"But ..."
"Enough. That's enough, Mariede. These guys are right. I don't want to hold them back and get them wiped out ... I don't want to end up in such a lame situation. Let's go home."
"Yuusuke ... Alright."
Mariede still looked dissatisfied, but seemed to follow Yagi's words.
I set up a golem as a marker at the training ground in the Devil's Forest, had the six people stand within range, and summoned them to the garrison training ground.
"Yagi, don't feel bad. We're desperate too."
"I know ... I'm sorry for taking up your time."
Kondo and the others returned to the dormitory, leaving Yagi and Mariede behind.
"Yagi, are you still planning on becoming an adventurer?"
"Hmm~ ... that's right, if I just give up here, won't it just be the same as before, so I'll try a little harder."
"I see, then, I'll give you this."
I held out the long sword and large knife that I had kept in my shadow storage.
"Are you sure? I don't have any money."
"I won't ask you to pay, but in return ..."
When I pointed to the dagger hanging from Yagi's waist, Yagi's expression stiffened and he nodded.
"I know. I'll ask the right people to take care of it and then return it."
Yagi hung the knife on his right hip and hung the long sword on his left side, then went home with Mariede.
Huh? By the way, where does Yagi live ... ?
"An escort on a test voyage, is it?"
"Yes, when the Kraken appears, we conduct test voyages once a month to make sure the Kraken is gone."
"But, in that case, the Kraken will attack you if it is still around, right?"
"Yes, so for the test voyage there will be two ships, so that if one of them is attacked, the other ship will rescue the crew and return."
The day after enjoying a moonlit stroll with Seraphima, I visited the annex of the Feudal Lord in the port town of Jobet.
The purpose was to discuss how to confirm the subjugation of the Krakens.
At that meeting, the Feudal Lord's son, Vajardi-san, proposed that I escort the ship on a test voyage.
"The ship on the test voyage is loaded with live chickens, and when the ship is attacked by a Kraken, the crew uses the chickens as bait and escapes to another ship. The Kraken has a habit of sinking ships it attacks and dismantling them to see what's inside. If it can get one ship and the food of chickens, it will let the other boat go."
"if that's the case, I don't think I have a turn ..."
"No, no, if Kent-san is there, we can defeat the Kraken if it appears, and there is a high possibility that the ship will be safe. Additionally, traditional methods may result in casualties for the evacuating crew, so I want to choose the safest method possible."
If they were attacked and using traditional methods, they cut off the neck of chickens and scattered them in the sea, where the smell of blood attracted the Kraken.
It was said that the decoy chickens were only scattered on one side or the other of the ship, and the crew members escaped from the opposite side, but sometimes they got caught by the Kraken and were unable to return home.
"How many days will that test voyage take?"
"If we have good winds, we can reach the next continent in about five days."
"What if you don't have good wind?"
"it may take twice that number of days."
"Ten days ... What's the reward?"
"If the next continent can be safely reached, I will pay you 10 million Helts, and in addition to that, I will pay you 20 million Helts as a reward for completing the subjugation of the Krakens."
I would be able to receive the success fee that with the appearance of the Bahamut, I was worried about whether I would be able to receive the full amount, and the reward of 10 million Helts in 10 days was not bad.
"Are there any restrictions regarding the method of escort?"
"You can do whatever is easiest for Kent-san."
"What is the penalty if I fail?"
"I will demand 5 million Helts as compensation for the ship itself."
"Are there no penalties regarding the safety of the crew?"
"Since this is a test voyage, all the crew members will be paid a high amount of money to board the ship. As for the cargo, if it arrives safely, it will be sold at a high price as a celebration, so the risk has already been factored in."
"In other words, it may sound bad to say this, but it's a gamble for both people and cargo."
"Of course, but there is Kent-san as a trump card, so this time it's a good bet."
It seemed like adventurers would be hired to operate the ship on the test voyage, just like during the subjugation the other day.
In order to restart trade that had stopped for a long time, it was said that the goods that they risked their lives to cross the ocean with were sold at high prices in port towns as they were considered to bring good luck.
"What will happen if I decline the request to escort the test voyage?"
"Well, in that case, we will have to carry out the test voyage as before. Also, taking in to account the influence of the Bahamut when the Krakens were subjugated, we will reduce the amount from the original amount."(TN:So they're saying that because the Bahamut came in and did a kill-steal on Kent, or that it would have wiped out the Krakens on its own eventually, that they should be jerks and not pay him for DOING THE JOB? Despite having wiped out 3 out of the 4 that he saw, which wound up being 1 more than the job itself was for anyway.)
"I see ... When is the test voyage scheduled to depart?"
"If possible, I would like to do it as soon as possible."
"Is that so ..."
Since I was already on board, I would like to see it through to the end, but if I were to be detained for ten days, it would be too late to respond to any unforeseen circumstances that may arise with Seraphima's party in Resenburg.
In other words, this was a situation where I was forced to carry out a two-sided strategy.
[ Kent-sama, wouldn't it be okay for you to accept their request. ]
[ But, there's no choice but for me to deal with the Kraken. ]
[ However, as for Seraphima-jou, even I can deal with it. ]
[ I see, considering the reserve forces of Reinhardt, Nero, and Flamme, there's no need to be worried about interpersonal combat ... ]
After consulting with Reinhardt via telepathy, I came to the conclusion that it would be okay to accept this request.
"What do you think, Kent-san. Would you be willing to accept my request?"
"Let me see. As it stands, being detained for ten days is a tough situation."
"Then, how about doubling the escort reward to 20 million Helts, plus 20 million Helts as a subjugation success reward, for a total of 40 million Helts?"
"Honestly, since I have the Kraken magic stones, I don't really care about the amount."
"Wha, then, can you not accept it?"
I could see Vajardi-san's expression of impatience, as if he felt that the course of the conversation was becoming doubtful.
"No, if the resumption of trade is delayed, all the residents will be in trouble, so if it's okay for two of my Kobolds to watch over things, I think I'll accept it ..."
"Kobolds will be watching, you say ... They won't protect the ship, right?"
"No, one of them will act as a landmark to tell me the location of the ship, and the other will act as a messenger to me. My Kobold genus can use the world of shadows to move regardless of distance, and because there is a magical connection with them, I can find their location from anywhere."
"In other words, if the Kraken were to attack, Kent-san would be notified immediately and come rushing in?"
"That's right. It feels like it might be faster than calling from here to the front door and coming back."
"Understood, that's fine, so I'd appreciate it if you could escort them."
"Now, let's talk about the details a little more."
Trial voyages were risky, but the profits could be large if they were successful, so cargo was loaded onto a single ship with many merchants investing in it.
"I think it will take about a week to prepare, so I think I will be able to let you know the date in three days."
"Understood, I'll drop by again in three days."
I promised Vajardi-san that I would come back in three days and returned to Volzard.
I headed to the garrison training ground, with my purpose as the twelfth return work, but I thought the meeting would take a little longer, so it seemed like I arrived a little too early.
At the training ground, the guards were training hard in full armor.
When I thought about it, this may be the first time I've watched the training in detail.
What the guards were holding was a metal spear that was a single piece from the handle to the tip, and it seemed to be quite heavy.
"Hey, Reinhardt, their movements are kind of unique, aren't they?"
[ That must be assuming a battle on the ramparts. The movements of striking, thrusting, and sweeping are normal, but it seems that the movements of striking downwards, thrusting downwards, and sweeping downwards have been added. ]
"I see, it's movements to intercept the monsters that climbed up the ramparts."
We continued to monitor the Devil's Forest, but there had been no sign of a maximum outbreak of monsters recently.
Maybe the peak had passed, or maybe it was shifting towards the Irosun Great Forest.
In any case, even if Volzard was peaceful, there was no way the guards would neglect their training.
[ And, Kent-sama, those are probably new recruits. ]
"Ehh, is that so?"
When Reinhardt asked me to take a closer look, I noticed that their movements were clumsy, or rather, they looked like they were wearing armor.
These were the people who volunteered to protect Volzard, which was known as the farthest city, with their own hands, so I hoped they didn't get hurt and did their best.
As we were preparing the cage that looked like a lunar rover and the dark-attribute golems to serve as markers, Katou-sensei and today's returnees gathered.
There were eleven people, and just when I was thinking there was one extra, Kondo was in the mix.
"Huh? What's wrong, Kondo. Are you going home by any chance?"
"No, I'm not going home. I thought I would find Kokubu here."
"Ahh, so you need me for something. Is it okay to do it after the return work?"
"Of course, I'll be at the garrison cafeteria, so please stop by there."
"Roger, then, later ..."
Kondo waved lightly and walked towards the cafeteria.
Even though we were all classmates, my impression of Yagi was very different.
If it were Kondo, I would listen to some unreasonableness, but when it came to Yagi, the first option that came to mind was to refuse.
Because we had made preparations in advance, the return work was completed easily.
When I thanked Kajikawa-san for the roller conveyors at the Nerima garrison and returned to Volzard, it was just about noon.
I also invited Yuika and Manon and headed to the garrison's cafeteria.
In the garrison's cafeteria, I expected that besides Kondo, the old and new duo of Nitta and Furuta would be there, as well as Takayama, but I didn't expect to see Yagi and Mariede there.
Yup, it looked like it was going to be a bit of a hassle, is it no good to leave.
"Sorry to bother you when you're so busy, Kokubu."
"Maa, it's fine, but Kondo, what's with these participants?"
"The story itself isn't complicated, so listen to it while you eat."
According to Kondo, after a recent lesson at the Guild, he went to talk to Yagi about chantless casting, and he suggested forming a party.
"Yagi's request was that we add the two of them to our party in exchange for telling us the secret to chantless casting that Donovan-san talked about ... What do you think?"
"No, no matter what I think, it's Kondo-tachi who decide, and I have nothing to do with it."
"That's true, but I'd also like to hear the opinion of Kokubu, who is actually active as an adventurer ... something like that?"
Takayama and the old and new duo were also nodding, but I guess they needed a reason to refuse.
"About that, Kondo, isn't that cheating a bit? Aren't you thinking of using this as a reason to turn me down?"
"No, I haven't thought about it that far, but I'm definitely against it."
"I mean, the other three aren't keen on it either, are they?"
When I turned my attention to them, the three of them nodded with bitter smiles on their faces.
In response, it was Mariede who raised an angry voice of protest.
"Why are you all so cold towards Yuusuke? Aren't you friends? Wouldn't it be nice if you could lend us your strength?"
No, no, I have no intention of answering even if you look at me.
"To be honest, Yagi is annoying."
Before Kondo made up his mind, Nitta opened his mouth.
"What do you mean by annoying."
"He just talks and doesn't act."
"Even though he doesn't act, he complains a lot."
"At this point, he would hold us back."
In response to Mariede's question, Nitta, Furuta, and Takayama confronted Yagi with the reality, but I think that kind of thing can be done without me.
"That's why, that's enough of that topic, I'm thinking of changing my mindset and working as an adventurer. Besides, you guys would like to know the secret of chantless casting, right?"
I see ... The four of you don't want Yagi to join your party, but you still want to know the secret of chantless casting.
Kondo asked, returning his gaze to Yagi.
"Hey, Kokubu. How do you do it without chanting?"
"Aahh, don't ask me. I haven't chanted right from the start, I use magic thinking that's unnecessary, so I don't think I will be of any help."
"I thought as much. It's just like what I heard when Nitta and Furuta were rescued."
Even when I used the first practical training to rescue the five of the old and new duo, the Dekoboko Sisters, and Yagi, the idea of chantless casting came up, and everyone tried it, but it didn't work out.
I didn't know how Yagi came to be able to do it, but if Yagi could do it, I felt like everyone else could too.
"But, Kondo. Is chantless casting necessary?"
"it would be better to be able to use it than not to be able to use it."
"Yup, that's true, but if Yagi's advantage is not chanting, wouldn't that advantage disappear as soon as he tells everyone about that secret?"
"That's right. If that happens, the difference in ability between us and Yagi will be too big."
After they talked about joining the party, they arranged a meeting at the Guild's training field and tested Yagi and Mariede's abilities.
Mariede's physique was comparable to the old and new duo, but her ability seemed to be about two levels lower.
Yagi seemed to be even lower, and this difference in ability seemed to be the biggest problem.
"Since we're friends who were summoned from the same country of Japan, I want to do something about it, but as it stands now, I'll have to fight while worrying about the two of them, and I don't have the luxury of doing that."
Kondo and the others were also undergoing special training at the Devil's Forest training ground, and were now able to defeat Goblins alone, and Orcs and Ogres by working together.
Still, as an adventurer, they were still in the category of a novice, and they probably didn't have the luxury to Follow Up for someone while fighting.
"Then, why don't we just prove that we can fight as equals? Kokubu, let me use your training ground. If we actually defeat a monster, you'll have no choice but to admit it, right?"
"Maa, I'll cooperate as far as using the training ground, but it's up to Kondo-tachi to make decisions about joining the party."
All six of them nodded, so we decided to head to the training ground in the Devil's Forest.
It was a shame because I was planning to enjoy nap time with Yuika-tachi.
A golem was set up as a landmark at the training ground in the Devil's Forest, and the six people were repatriated.
"Th, this place ...?"
"Mariede, this is Kokubu's repatriation technique. This place is the Devil's Forest, and it seems that it's about a day's walk from Volzard."
"How would you react if you were attacked by monsters in a place like this."
"It seems that Kokubu's genus claim their territory here, so monsters won't come near here."
"I can't believe that monsters won't come near here ..."
By the way, even around Volzard, it seemed that Zeta-tachi and Nero were also claiming their territory.
"Kondo, how will you decide?"
"For now, I want to see if he can subjugate one alone. Kokubu, can you prepare the monsters?"
"I don't mind, but who will defeat what kind of monster?"
"For now, I'll have Yagi defeat a Goblin by himself. Of course, he'll also have to take out the magic stone."
"... Got it."
Since it was clearly about Yagi, I thought he was going to grumble and try to get an advantageous deal, but he started preparing without complaining.
The weapon Yagi was holding was a machete-like dagger like the one Kondo and the others used before.
"Yagi, should I lend you a sword?"
"No, this is fine. Even if I suddenly hold a normal sword, the punchline is that I'll be the one being swung around."
"If you're ready, I'll go catch a Goblin ..."
"Aahh, any time is fine."
Yagi's quirk was that he looked strangely calm, which was creepy.
I dived into the shadows, moved to the site where I defeated the Hydra, and searched for a suitable Goblin.
Since I sent my genus to guard Seraphima and her party, it might be a good idea to thin out the monsters here a bit.
As usual, Goblins came in groups, so I selected one of the appropriate size, not too big or small, and sent it back to the training field.
When I returned to the training ground using shadow movement, the Goblin looked around in confusion as it was suddenly moved to another location.
It's opponent, Yagi, took two deep breaths and set the dagger in his right hand so that it lay in front of his body.
"Giiiiii ..."
The Goblin seemed to recognize Yagi as an enemy, and let out a grating sound as it lowered its stance and took a fighting stance.
Yagi kept his knees slightly bent so that he could move at any time, and slowly closed the distance between it and Yagi.
"Kondo, was Yagi chanting body strengthening before I came back?"
"No, he stayed silent and arranged his breathing."
"Is he planning on not using body strengthening, or is he going to use no chanting ..."
"Either way, we'll understand when we see it."
They closed the distance between them, and the Goblin was the first to move.
"Gigyaaa!"
"Uraah! Ehh ... damn!"
Yagi tried to attack the Goblin with a counter attack, but he was easily dodged and his left thigh was scratched with its claws.
You thought it was on the right, but it was on the left, you thought it was on the left, but it was on the right, the Goblin gradually chipped away at Yagi, even making feints.
"Yuusuke! Calm down and look at the opponent carefully!"
Mariede was desperately trying to cheer him on, but Yagi didn't have the time to respond, and he was barely able to fend off the Goblin's attacks, making it doubtful that he was even hearing her.
"Again, Kokubu has chosen a lively one."
"Nitta, please don't say such bad things about people. It's normal, just a normal Goblin."
At first the Goblin was pushing at a ratio of about 7:3, but Yagi gradually got used to it and started to fight more than evenly.
In this case, no matter how sharp its claws were, there was a difference in reach and physical strength between a Goblin who did not have a weapon and Yagi who did have a weapon, albeit a dagger.
About 20 minutes into the battle, the situation began to tilt towards Yagi.
"Gyaa!! Gya Gyaaaa!"
"Shut it! Hurry up and die!"
When the Goblin became weak, Yagi slashed its leg and slowed it down, but it seemed like the battle was over.
Still, the Goblin continued its desperate resistance, and it was over forty minutes before Yagi was able to finish it off.
Furthermore, it took about an hour in total to finish taking out the Goblin's magic stone using the dull dagger.
"Haa haa ... How is it, I did it."
With his bloody hand, Yagi thrust out the Goblin magic stone towards Kondo.
Kondo did not reach for the magic stone that was offered to him, but instead looked at me with a grim expression on his face and opened his mouth.
"Kokubu, could you please prepare a Goblin for me as well?"
"A lively one?"
"Aahh, please make it an extremely lively one."
"Okay. Are you ready?'
"Anytime is fine."
"Wait a moment."
Kondo, who had a sword hanging on his left hip, seemed to have something in mind, so I went in search of an extremely lively Goblin as requested.
Perhaps because the Hydra subjugation site was rich in magic essence, monsters seemed to grow better than other places.
Goblins also had a better physique than those from other regions, and their expressions looked fearless.
Among the, I selected one that looked especially large and ferocious and sent it back.
"Giiiiii ..."
Compared to the Goblin that Yagi defeated, its physique was more than twice as large, and its muscles, fangs, and claws were well-developed.
It looked confused for just a moment before it smelled the blood of the Goblin that Yagi had defeated and bared its fangs.
"Kondo, is this okay?"
"You know, you really have a nice personality."
"No way, it's not that much ..."
"I'm not praising you, geez ... Mana, oh mana, oh mana that governs the world, gather, gather, gather in my hands and become the wind, dance, dance, dance oh wind, dance, and become a blade! Shh!"
Immediately after finishing the chant, the wind blade was released without any preparatory movements and deeply sliced both of the Goblin's legs.
"Gyaaaa ... Gyaa!!"
When the Goblin screamed and fell to its knees, Kondo quickly finished chanting body strengthening, closed the distance in the blink of an eye, and ran past it, slashing deeply at the nape of its neck with his long sword.
The Goblin staggered a few steps, blood gushing out of its neck like a fountain, and then collapsed.
Kondo stabbed the Goblin with the tip of his sword, and when he was sure it was completely dead, he carefully wiped his sword before sheathing it, pulled out his knife, and proceeded to take out the magic stone.
He made an incision across the underside of the ribs from left to right, spread the cut open with both of his hands, then thrust in his right hand and extracted the magic stone.
It hadn't even been ten minutes since the Goblin was repatriated.
"Yagi, I'm sorry, but this is the reality. You, it seems like you were using body strengthening without chanting, but you were only able to strengthen your body by half of what it was supposed to be, right?"
Hearing Kondo's words, Yagi's expression darkened.
Indeed, during the rescue mission from Resenburg, Yagi, who was running away from the Orcs, was able to move more quickly.
"If the effects of magic are going to be diminished, it's better to chant normally."
"The reason why it took me so long to subjugate is because I'm not used to it, and even I need to gain experience ..."
"That's right, you will be more useful than you are now. But, when will that be? Is it a month from now? Three months from now? By then, we will have grown further, so when will you catch up?"
As expected, Kondo seemed to be against adding Yagi to the party.
"Well then, if I train and catch up with you guys, will you let me join your party?"
"No, you can't."
"Why is that!"
"That dagger, it's the one I lent you."
At Yagi's waist was a dagger that was covered in blood, including its scabbard and hilt.
"Th, this is, I'll take care of it later ... No, I'm planning to buy it when I have the money."
"The moment you confronted the Goblin and pulled it out of its scabbard, I was 80% sure that Yagi wouldn't be able to do it. Even before the fight, the blade had chipped and there was even a thin layer of rust on it. Sure, that dagger was cheap, but it was the first dagger I bought for myself after I decided to live as an adventurer. I have a lot of feelings for it. Still, Yagi seemed to be in trouble, so I lent it to you."
After Yagi defeated the Goblin earlier, the dagger was thrown carelessly onto the ground over and over again.
I couldn't even imagine what state it was in right now, with its blade chipped and covered in blood and grease in its sheath.
Yagi couldn't seem to find the words to respond to Kondo.
"Yagi, I understand that you're desperate. Because you're desperate, I think your humanity shows in your actions at the last minute. I'm sorry, but I don't want to team up with Yagi."
Kondo's words seemed to solidify Nitta, Furuta, and Takayama's feelings.
What broke the mood of thinking 'Now, let's go home', was Mariede.
"Why aren't you helping him! Even though Yuusuke is working so hard, why aren't you helping him! Kent Kokubu, why is it!"
"Eeehhh ... Are you asking me? Let's see ... It's because if I lend a hand, Yagi will probably become even more useless, right?"
"Yuusuke will become useless ... ?"
Mariede looked like she didn't understand, but the other four including Kondo nodded.
"These four have been steadily attending Guild classes and training themselves to reach their current level, but what about Yagi? He's good at getting around in an efficient manner, but I think he lacks the basic ability to support that. Instead of trying to obtain what he lacks by himself, isn't he thinking of using the four of them to cover him? Is that the correct way to organize a party?"
"But ..."
"Enough. That's enough, Mariede. These guys are right. I don't want to hold them back and get them wiped out ... I don't want to end up in such a lame situation. Let's go home."
"Yuusuke ... Alright."
Mariede still looked dissatisfied, but seemed to follow Yagi's words.
I set up a golem as a marker at the training ground in the Devil's Forest, had the six people stand within range, and summoned them to the garrison training ground.
"Yagi, don't feel bad. We're desperate too."
"I know ... I'm sorry for taking up your time."
Kondo and the others returned to the dormitory, leaving Yagi and Mariede behind.
"Yagi, are you still planning on becoming an adventurer?"
"Hmm~ ... that's right, if I just give up here, won't it just be the same as before, so I'll try a little harder."
"I see, then, I'll give you this."
I held out the long sword and large knife that I had kept in my shadow storage.
"Are you sure? I don't have any money."
"I won't ask you to pay, but in return ..."
When I pointed to the dagger hanging from Yagi's waist, Yagi's expression stiffened and he nodded.
"I know. I'll ask the right people to take care of it and then return it."
Yagi hung the knife on his right hip and hung the long sword on his left side, then went home with Mariede.
Huh? By the way, where does Yagi live ... ?
