"Hibiki, I don't know what happened to you that made you hate the demon race. I'm not asking you to forgive them either. But you have to remember this—there is no absolute right or wrong in war. Most of them simply want to live. I won't deny that there are many who take pleasure in killing others, whether human or demon. To me, humans and demons are the same. What truly distinguishes them is the goddess, who only favors humans and doesn't care about the other races," Makoto said.
Hibiki, who had been silent, finally spoke. "You can say things like that because you've never lost someone to the demon race."
"You're right, Hibiki. You can call me naïve or whatever you want, but as far as I'm concerned, as long as it doesn't involve the people I care about, I don't care what happens in this world," Makoto replied.
"You're selfish, Makoto," Hibiki said.
"I won't deny that. I'm neither a saint nor a villain—we just have different perspectives," Makoto answered calmly.
"Now it's my turn to ask. Hibiki, what are you doing in Tsige City, so far from the front lines?" Makoto asked.
"I came here to look for suitable equipment for us," Hibiki replied.
"Hm, it seems that's not all," Makoto said.
"I also want to recruit adventurers from Tsige City. It's famous for having many capable adventurers," Hibiki added.
"That's true. If you can recruit adventurers from this city, you'll gain considerable support," Makoto said. After thinking for a moment, he continued, "Hibiki, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of equipment do you need?"
"For myself, I need a sword," Hibiki answered.
"Any sword is fine?" Makoto asked.
"If possible, a greatsword. Why are you asking?" Hibiki said, puzzled.
"It's nothing special. I was just thinking of giving you a gift," Makoto said casually.
"A gift? Why all of a sudden?" Hibiki asked, confused.
"Actually, an acquaintance asked me to help the heroes summoned to this world by the goddess," Makoto replied.
"What does that have to do with giving me a gift?" Hibiki asked.
"Because I don't want to get too deeply involved in the conflict between humans and demons," Makoto said. Then he took out a newly made greatsword. "How about this sword? I think it'll serve you well for quite some time."
Hibiki was mesmerized by the greatsword before him and couldn't take his eyes off it. "Are you sure you want to give this to me? Even without touching it, I can feel an overwhelming power. I'm not even sure I could control it," Hibiki said.
"In that case, how about this?" Makoto said, touching the greatsword. The powerful aura it had been emitting faded, and it now looked like a beautifully crafted ordinary sword. "I placed restrictions on this sword. As your strength grows, those restrictions will gradually weaken, until you can fully wield it. And only you can use this sword—no exceptions."
Hibiki was left speechless. "Makoto… who exactly are you?" he asked in shock.
"I'm just an adventurer who wants to see the world," Makoto replied lightly. "Well then, I'll be on my way, Hibiki. I hope we meet again someday."
With that, Makoto left the restaurant together with Tomoe and Mio. After watching them go, Hibiki let out a long sigh. "Haaah… even though we only talked briefly, I feel exhausted," he said.
"Hibiki-sama, why didn't you try to recruit him?" Bredda asked, confused.
"Bredda, can't you see how extraordinary that man named Makoto is?" Wudi said.
"All I can sense is that he feels like an ordinary person," Wudi added.
"That's exactly why we need to be cautious. How could an ordinary person produce such an incredible sword and so easily place restrictions on it?" Wudi said, pointing at the greatsword on the table.
"Sorry, I guess I didn't think that far," Bredda said.
"Hibiki-nee-san, what are we going to do next?" Chiya asked.
"We'll proceed according to the original plan," Hibiki replied.
After leaving the restaurant, Makoto headed toward Rembrandt's company with Tomoe and Mio.
"Waka, is it really okay to give that sword to the hero?" Tomoe asked.
"It's fine. From what I can tell, Hibiki has the potential to be a hero. Besides, that sword can only be used by him— not even the goddess can change that," Makoto said casually.
After walking for a while, they arrived at Rembrandt's company.
After speaking with the receptionist and waiting briefly, Rembrandt arrived together with Morris.
"Makoto-dono, it's been a long time!" Rembrandt greeted him.
"Hello, Rembrandt-san. How have you been?" Makoto replied.
"I'm doing well, Makoto-dono. It seems you can speak normally now," Rembrandt said.
"A lot has happened. I can speak normally now," Makoto answered.
"Then please, come in," Rembrandt said, leading them into a reception room.
"So, Makoto-dono, is there something I can help you with?" Rembrandt asked.
"Actually, I came here to recruit you, Rembrandt-san," Makoto said.
"Recruit… me?" Rembrandt asked, confused.
"Yes. But before that, I'll introduce my true identity," Makoto said in a mysterious tone.
"My name is Misumi Makoto. I am the ruler of a new world—you could also call me a god," Makoto said, releasing a small amount of divine aura from his body. Since Makoto had set up a barrier inside the room, no one outside noticed what was happening.
Rembrandt and Morris, upon sensing the divine aura, felt utterly powerless, as if their lives and deaths were in Makoto's hands. Morris fell to his knees, while Rembrandt, though still seated on the sofa, was drenched in cold sweat.
Makoto then withdrew his aura. Rembrandt and Morris gasped for breath.
"I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to prove that I'm not joking," Makoto said.
"N-no… Makoto-dono—no, Makoto-sama. Why did you choose me?" Rembrandt asked.
"Besides your abilities, I like how you treat your family and subordinates. Your hands may not be clean, but there is still light in your heart," Makoto replied.
Rembrandt thought for a moment and saw Morris nod in agreement. "Makoto-sama… may I visit the world you rule?" Rembrandt asked.
"Of course," Makoto said, knowing that Rembrandt had agreed.
Makoto then created a portal to the world of Eryndal. Seeing this, Rembrandt and Morris grew tense.
"There's no need to be nervous," Makoto said. "In my world, there's only a small city for now, inhabited by many different races. Well then, follow me."
Makoto stepped into the portal, followed by Tomoe and Mio. Rembrandt and Morris exchanged glances, steeled their resolve, and entered the portal as well.
After passing through, they saw Makoto talking with a Highland Orc who was greeting him.
Makoto noticed them looking around and said, "Welcome to the world of Eryndal. This is the first city established in this world."
Rembrandt looked at the unfamiliar architecture and the clean, orderly streets. "Is this really another world?" he asked.
"Master, from what I can sense, we truly are in another world," Morris said.
"Oh, you're quite perceptive, Morris," Makoto said.
"You flatter me, Makoto-sama. I just feel that the air here is fresher when I breathe it," Morris replied.
"That's because the concentration of energy in the air here is higher than in the goddess's world. That's why it feels refreshing," Makoto explained.
Makoto then guided them around the city. Rembrandt and Morris saw magical tools they had never encountered before and equipment worn by guards that could easily be considered artifacts elsewhere, yet here they were standard issue. Makoto also explained the potential of this world and Rembrandt's role.
"So, Makoto-sama wants me to become the Minister of Finance and develop this city's economy," Rembrandt said.
"For now, yes. But in the future, I want this world to become a hub connecting many different worlds. That's why I need you to oversee and manage this city's economic development," Makoto replied.
Hearing this, Rembrandt grew excited, eager to see the city grow. After touring the city, they returned to the reception room of Rembrandt's company.
"So, Rembrandt-san, are you willing to abandon everything you've achieved in this world and start anew in mine?" Makoto asked.
Rembrandt knelt before Makoto. "Waka-sama, I am willing to follow you," he said solemnly.
"Very well. Do you have any questions?" Makoto asked.
"Waka-sama, what about the subordinates who have been loyal to me?" Rembrandt asked, glancing at Morris.
"You may bring them if they are willing. However, aside from your family and Morris, I will personally check them one by one," Makoto said.
"Thank you, Waka-sama," Rembrandt replied.
"I'll give you a small gift," Makoto said, bestowing vitality energy upon Rembrandt and Morris. As it flowed into them, both of them appeared to grow about ten years younger.
"Rembrandt-sama, you look much younger now," Morris said.
"You too, Morris," Rembrandt replied.
"How long will you need to prepare? I suggest you don't bring gold—I'll be using special metals to create a new currency. It would be better to bring other valuables," Makoto said.
Rembrandt thought for a moment. "Morris, how many days would it take to sell our assets in this city?" he asked.
"If it's not urgent, ten days would be more than enough," Morris replied.
"Make it seven days. Some assets can be sold at a slightly lower price," Rembrandt decided.
"Then I'll return in eight days. Prepare a list of names of those who will follow you. I'll have Tomoe check them," Makoto said.
"Morris, give Waka-sama the list of our trusted people," Rembrandt instructed.
"Yes, Rembrandt-sama," Morris replied, soon returning with the list.
"Tomoe, can you check their backgrounds?" Makoto asked.
"Leave it to me, Waka," Tomoe said confidently, taking the list and leaving.
Makoto then continued discussing economic development and future plans with Rembrandt.
As noon approached, Makoto and Rembrandt paused their discussion.
"Waka-sama, how about having lunch with us?" Rembrandt suggested.
"Sure. Eating out once in a while is nice. What do you think, Mio?" Makoto asked.
"I actually wanted to cook for you, Waka-sama, but if you want to try something different, I don't mind," Mio replied.
"Then where shall we have lunch?" Makoto asked.
"At my residence, Waka-sama. Morris has already prepared everything," Rembrandt said.
"Then let's go," Makoto replied casually.
After riding in a carriage for a while, they arrived at Rembrandt's residence. Rembrandt's wife, Lisa, was waiting with their two daughters, Sif and Yuno.
When Rembrandt stepped down from the carriage, his wife and daughters looked shocked.
"Dear, what happened to you? Why do you look younger?" Lisa asked.
"Yes, Father, what happened to you?" Yuno asked.
Then, upon seeing Morris, they were even more shocked. "You too, Morris!" Lisa exclaimed.
"A lot has happened. We can talk about it later. Right now, we have important guests—it would be rude to keep standing here," Rembrandt said.