Chapter 33: RestingStepping out of the Adventurers Guild, it was already quite dark around us.It was clearly still bright out, yet the town was strangely dark.After a few seconds, I realized this was because the town was inside a crater, and due to the high walls, shadows were cast at sunset.It would be pitch black soon."Anyway, let's find a place to rest first."Over the past two months, I had barely had a full night's sleep.Even without a mirror, I knew my current state was definitely not good.For the body of a 10-year-old child, this burden was still too heavy.Eris and Aisha nodded, not offering any objections.Using the money obtained from trading monster materials, we found a fairly luxurious inn.Because I was truly exhausted, I didn't want to skimp on my rest time.After eating at the inn, we returned to our room.This inn's room was equipped with a bathroom, which meant we could take a bath."Eris, take Aisha and go take a bath first.""Yeah! Aisha, come with me!""Okay, okay."Aisha obediently followed Eris into the bathroom.While the girls were bathing, I was thinking about what to do next...Anyway, we have reached a town now, which can be said to be a big step closer to home.But this city doesn't have a port, so next, we should head directly south until we reach Wind Port, and from there, take a boat to Zant Port...The distance to Wind Port isn't the problem... It will probably take another year to finish walking.Although the road ahead isn't in the northeastern part of the Demon Continent, and the monsters won't be as dangerous, making it slightly easier, but... can Aisha really handle a journey of about a year?Perhaps I should buy a horse or some transportation unique to the Demon Continent...And once we reach Wind Port, the distance by boat is extremely far, so the problem now is money."Money, huh..."Actually, I don't know exactly how much money we need, but more is better, right?Let's set an initial goal of 30 gold coins, maybe?While I was still thinking, Eris finished her bath.She was only wearing a thin bathrobe; should I say as expected of a luxurious inn? To think they actually have such things.Although I really wanted to open my eyes wide and take in Eris's figure, I was still too tired and felt a bit uninterested."Rudeus, it's your turn!""I know... Hmm... Where's Aisha?""She said she wants to scrub your back! She's waiting for you inside!"I pulled at the corner of my mouth and smiled."What about you?""Huh?""Don't you want to scrub my back?"After a brief silence, Eris, with a bright red face, wanted to punch me, but after hesitating for a long time, she lowered her head.How cute."Alright, I'm going to take a bath.""Hmph!"Ignoring Eris, whose ears had turned completely red, I walked into the bathroom.Opening the bathroom door, mist swirled around."This guest~ please this way."Aisha, completely naked, made a gesture for me to enter.I smiled and rubbed her head with my hand."Big brother, what are you doing! I just washed it clean.""Alright, I'll rinse off first.""I'll help you, big brother!"I sat on a small stool, enjoying Aisha's full-service treatment.This is so comfortable...If it were the me from my past life, I surely wouldn't have sighed over a comfortable bath...Paul and the others will be okay, right... That pillar of light would obviously affect the village...No... let's think positively, none of the three of us were hurt... Maybe Paul and the others were teleported too?Yeah, that's right..."Big brother, you've worked hard."Aisha's gentle voice came from behind me."Hmm? Why are you suddenly caring about your big brother?""I've always cared about you, okay... Big brother, you haven't really slept much these past two months, have you? Your dark circles are so heavy. Eris and I both wanted to take turns keeping watch for you, but you never agreed, and you even lied to us saying you went to sleep after setting up magic traps.""I didn't lie to you, and besides, we've safely reached the town now, so we can rest properly for a while. Also, why is a child thinking so much?"I tapped Aisha's forehead with my finger."I'm already four years old! And big brother... you're only ten, don't always act like an adult!"Is four years old not considered a child?I didn't say that out loud, but smiled instead and said:"I am your big brother, and at the same time, I am Eris's teacher. Protecting you all is my responsibility."Aisha remained silent and continued scrubbing my back.Finally, Aisha struggled to lift a bucket of water and poured it over my head."All done!""Thanks, Aisha, that was very comfortable.""Right? Take more baths with your little sister in the future~"As if that conversation never happened, Aishareturned to being a cheerful child.Returning to the room, I used Wind Magic to blow out hot air, drying Aisha's and Eris's hair before drying my own.As for our clothes, they had just been washed and dried as well.Anyway, let's go to sleep.I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes....When I opened my eyes, it was dusk again.It seems I slept through the whole day...I had just gotten up when I discovered Eris and Aisha were both lying in my bed.What the... weren't there two beds?However, looking at their cute sleeping faces, I didn't wake them up.These past two months, they were also very tired...I lay back down, closed my eyes, and prepared to take a nap....When I opened my eyes again, it was completely dark outside.Feeling movement in my arms, I woke up.The one moving around in my arms was Eris."You're awake? How did you sleep?""Mm... very... very good...""That's good."Eris blushed, and her voice became much quieter.It seems she felt embarrassed that I caught her having climbed into my bed.Anyway, after the interaction, Aisha also woke up.The three of us went downstairs and had dinner at the inn."Rudeus! This is so delicious!""Big brother, this is also very delicious!"It seems the money was well spent.After dinner, we stepped out of the inn and strolled around for a while.On the street, all kinds of different races were hawking their wares, and there were even brothels."Eris, starting tomorrow, we're going to take on quests. I plan to earn 30 gold coins before leaving this town."Taking a boat from Zant Port to the Xilong Continent, it's probably about 6 or 7 gold coins per person, right?I don't know the market rates over there, but I don't want to arrive and find out I don't have enough money; that's not my style."Alright! Alright! We're finally starting our Adventurer activities!"Eris was very excited."Big brother, what about me?""You stay in the inn and behave. I've confirmed that this inn doesn't allow strangers who haven't paid to enter, so it's relatively safe.""Oh...""Be good, I'll find a way to finish it within a month or two."I reached out and rubbed Aisha's head.Afterward, we strolled through the streets, trying various snacks in this town.We came to a clothing store, and I bought a hooded garment for Eris and one for Aisha; it wasn't too expensive.At that inn, I only paid for one week's rent, as we need to save money later.In a week, we'll have to move to a regular inn, but if Eris and I can earn more money than expected, we might be able to continue staying here until we've saved enough."Rudeus, does it look good?""Big brother! How is it!"The two of them put on the hooded garments I bought and showed them off in front of me as if bragging.I smiled."It looks great, you both look very cute.""Is... is that so..."Eris blushed and pulled down her hood.She really is easily embarrassed."Big brother, you really know how to please girls!""What, do you have an opinion?"I rubbed Aisha's head with my hand."Big brother, you big meanie!"Aisha shouted and hid behind Eris.After playing around with them for a while, we returned to the inn together.
Chapter 34: CooperationToo slow...The speed at which I'm making money is just too slow...F-rank Adventurers can only accept requests belonging to F-rank and E-rank Adventurers?What kind of bullshit rule is this...I spent three hours collecting herbs in the morning and two hours surveying the terrain in the afternoon.I only earned 40 copper coins after completing two requests.No good... I need at least one or two gold coins a day."Rudeus! I want to kill monsters! Requests like these aren't what an Adventurer should be doing!""Hmm... I was actually planning on doing that, too.""Oh, oh!! What should we do? We can't accept those monster-slaying requests, right?"It seems Eris actually knows these Adventurer rules; I thought she wouldn't think about anything at all."Monster materials can be exchanged directly for money. We don't really need to do the request tasks. We just need to look at the locations of those A-rank or B-rank requests, go to the specified locations, and find those monsters. Although we'll earn less by not doing the request, selling the materials from the monsters we kill is still a decent income.""That's right! That's how we exchanged the monsters we killed on the Demon Continent for money before!""Exactly."Now, the problem is whether the monsters here are worth anything.The monsters I killed in the northeastern part of the Demon Continent were at least B-rank. I brought over so many materials from those monsters and only got 5 gold coins in exchange. Or maybe I got ripped off?No... the probability of being ripped off is small. That's probably just the price for those materials. After all, I only brought back things like claws...Anyway, Eris and I returned to the Adventurer's Guild and stood together, looking at the requests on the request board.[B]·Job: Kill the Earth Snakes existing in the Demon Continent plains.·Reward: Two gold coins.·Job Content: Kill the monster, leave the corpse intact.·Location: Demon Continent plains.·Deadline: None.A·Job: Kill the Swamp Dragon existing in the swamp.·Reward: 8 gold coins.·Job Content: Kill the monster.·Location: The Swamp Dragon in the swamp to the west of the town.·Deadline: None....Hmm... the request fee for killing one Earth Snake is two gold coins, but I've brought Earth Snake materials to exchange for money before, and they aren't very valuable.So, if it's not about killing very powerful monsters, is it actually just about how desperate the requester is...?This is bad news... the value of the monster itself isn't as high as the value of the request..."Oh? Why are you little brother and little sister looking at B-rank and A-rank requests? Are you aspiring to them?"While I was thinking about what to do, this voice reached my ears.Although Eris couldn't understand, she knew they were speaking to her.I turned my head and looked at her... or rather, them.A group consisting of a dwarf, a lizardman, and a brown-haired Demon girl."Hello, who might you be?""We are the B-rank party [Shiki No Uta]. Were you just looking at the B-rank and A-rank requests?"The leader was that lizardman; judging by the voice, she seemed to be a female lizardman.She had a sword strapped to her; she must be a swordsman."Yes. Honestly, we're quite troubled right now because we urgently need money to be Adventurers, but due to rank restrictions, we can only do F-rank and E-rank requests.""Oh? Do you mean that you have the strength to do B-rank or A-rank requests?"How should I answer this...Should I confirm it directly and try to cooperate with them? Split the quest rewards 50/50? Or maybe... kill them after finishing the quest?The request would be completed anyway, in their name, but they would just be sacrifices. Eris and I are partners, so the money would naturally all end up in our hands.Anyway..."Indeed. The girl beside me and I walked here from the northeastern part of the Demon Continent. It took us two months, and we killed every monster we encountered on the way.""Oh? Kid, do you not even blink when you lie?"The leading lizardman seemed to want to draw her sword to scare me, but Eris rushed out from behind me in an instant, kicked her sword away, and then neatly held her own sword to the lizardman's neck.Although Eris couldn't understand, did the action of drawing a sword make her react instinctively? Amazing."Alright, Eris. You should know she couldn't possibly hurt me, so there's no need to hold her like that.""Hmph!"I specifically used the Demon God Language for this sentence so these people would understand that I can command such a powerful swordsman. As for why Eris put away her sword as if she understood, it was because I gave her a hand signal.The lizardman's expression was clearly still one of shock; she collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily.This commotion attracted the attention of many Adventurers in the guild.And I stepped forward toward that lizardman.That dwarf and the little Demon girl seemed ready to fight at any moment... that little girl is a mage, huh...I reached out my hand to the lizardman, preparing to pull her up."You know, in the northeastern part of the Demon Continent, if we didn't have reflexes like that, we might have ended up in a monster's belly a long time ago.""I... I understand..."The lizardman leader gasped for air, and I pulled her up.I scanned the surroundings and found that many people in the guild were watching us."Shall we go outside and talk?"..."So, do you intend to cooperate with us?""Yes. We'll take A-rank requests, and the money earned will be split equally between the two parties.""No... that's not fair to us... First of all, we have to bear the risk of being discovered. Bringing F-rank rookie Adventurers to do A-rank requests—if that gets discovered, we'll be demoted... and there are more of us."How greedy..."We're in the same boat there, aren't we? If discovered, our Adventurer qualifications will be directly revoked. And as long as no one in your party snitches, it's impossible for anyone else to know.""Ho, how could it go so smoothly? We might encounter other Adventurers on the way...""I'll kill them.""Huh?""I will kill any Adventurers who witness us, so rest assured.""This...""What? Is there another problem?""No... before that, can we try taking a simple B-rank request first? Uh, I mean, we should test the team's synergy or something...""I understand your concern. After all, you are the leader; I can understand you being responsible for your team members. Go back in a bit and accept any B-rank request. Meet at the main gate fifteen minutes after the sun rises tomorrow morning.""O-okay...""Then, that's that."The conversation finished, and Eris and I left the alley.After all, it was almost evening."Rudeus... what were you all talking about?"Eris said, looking a bit aggrieved.It seems it's still very boring for her to follow me around when she can't understand anything."We can go kill monsters tomorrow. We'll try doing a B-rank request first.""Oh... oh! B-rank!""Anyway, let's go back today, okay? Once we get to the inn, let's take a bath first and then eat with Aisha.""Okay!""Oh right, Eris, there's one thing I must make clear to you: you must absolutely not tell those people anything about Aisha.""I know! Besides, I don't even understand the Demon God Language at all!"Why is she looking so proud..."That's true."...In the twilight, the three members of [Shiki No Uta] were still stunned in the alley."Leader...""Don't worry, at least that girl is truly strong, and that's a benefit for us too, isn't it?""Yeah..."The lizardman leader thought for a while and spoke to the dwarf beside her."Thorson, go investigate them. They just arrived in this city, so it should be easy enough to investigate.""Yeah, leave it to me."And that Demon girl was stuttering a bit."Maybe we shouldn't... it feels very dangerous...""Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Anyway, we start cooperating with them tomorrow. No objections, right?""No.""Yeah..."
Chapter 35: Transaction"Brother! Sister Eris! Welcome back!"As soon as I opened the door to the hotel room, Aisha rushed towards me and Eris.After catching Aisha, I rubbed her head."Time to eat?""Yeah!"The three of us ate, bathed, and got ready for bed.Aisha sat in my lap, sensing the magic.I was still teaching Aisha magic, though Eris couldn't teach her swordsmanship since we were in the hotel."The holy power is the fragrant grain, grant the strength to those who have lost their vigor to stand up again [Healing], how was that? Brother.""Hmm... Very good."I felt the Healing Magic that Aisha cast on me.Aisha should already be an Intermediate-rank Magic user now... Her growth speed is fast, and her total mana capacity is also increasing. It seems Aisha is a genius when it comes to magic.Hmm? Eris had mentioned that Aisha's swordsmanship was also getting stronger, so does that mean my little sister is a genius in both magic and swordsmanship?"Hehe, I want to sleep with Brother tonight!"Aisha lifted her head from my arms; it was impossible for anyone to refuse such a cute expression.I couldn't help but rub her cheeks and said,"Sure, it's about time to sleep now.""Yeah!"I turned my head to look at the other bed; Eris was lying on her side, and I didn't know if she was asleep yet.However, she had climbed into my bed on her own yesterday..."Eris, want to sleep together?"After a few seconds, Eris turned around.Her face was red to the tips of her ears, and she whispered in a slightly spoiled tone,"Yes..."What is... this...Anyway, after calming my heart, I pretended to be mature and said,"Hmm... Come here?"When did it start?When did this cute side of Eris capture my heart?"Brother~ Your face is red.""Uh..."Anyway, the three of us slept together, and it was another good night's sleep....Early the next morning, Eris and I headed to the meeting place agreed upon with that party.We weren't as fast as them, and we saw them as we were about to arrive."Are we late?""We just arrived, too. So, let's introduce ourselves? My name is Uraks, and as you can see, I am a swordsman."She said, extending her hand to me, and after I took it,"Rudeus Greyrat, a mage. This is my older sister, Eris Greyrat, a swordswoman."After all, Eris's family is quite noble, so it wouldn't be good if her full name was recognized, and besides, this isn't a fake name.The dwarf patted his sword and shield and said,"My name is Thorisen, I'm the tank."After the dwarf finished introducing himself, that somewhat shy-looking Demon race girl said,"Polina... Mage...""Introductions over, let's set off."The lizardman leader said."Yeah, I have no objections."The B-rank mission they accepted was to kill a lone Two-Headed Troll.Just killing one Two-Headed Troll is B-rank...It is said that Two-Headed Trolls are pack animals, so if it were clearing out a Two-Headed Troll stronghold, it would probably be an S-rank mission, right?Regenerative ability, monstrous strength, a height of about four meters, and the intelligence of a 7-year-old human child... Using Fire Magic would probably be better."Excuse... excuse me... is that a staff you are holding...?"While I was thinking, that girl named Polina walked up to my side and asked timidly.I also looked at my arrogant water dragon king; it was wrapped in cloth, mainly because it was too valuable, and I was afraid of being targeted."Yes.""Oh... uh... can I see it...? Ah, just out of a mage's curiosity about staves!""I'm sorry, no. It doesn't really like meeting people.""I... I see... Sorry..."As soon as the conversation ended, I noticed Erisstaring daggers at me.After noticing my gaze, she turned her head away."Hmph!"Jealous? How cute."Alright, the location of the mission request is around here. Since we don't have a Scout in our party, we'll just have to search slowly."Since I didn't want to waste too much time, I spoke up."I'll do it. I specialize in surveying magic.""Really? That's a huge help."The lizardman said with some surprise, while Polinahad an unexpected expression.I don't know if there is such a thing as surveying magic in this world. The magic I'm using right now is just because I have enough mana, so I'm using Earth Magic to search.So, just like before, I activated Earth Magic and expanded it along the ground.A few minutes later, I found a giant creature that looked like a humanoid."Go this way.""That's it...? You are a Chantless Magic user?""Yeah.""That's truly rare..."Indeed, so far, only Sylphie can use magic without chanting like me.However, I don't think this is such an amazing ability. If I were to encounter a swordsman like Ghislaine, whether I chant or not, I would basically be killed instantly if I weren't prepared.The group walked for ten minutes or so before finding that lone Two-Headed Troll.It was about what I imagined, just even more enormous than I thought...We hid in the grass and observed for a while."Then let's set up a tactic first..."The lizardman had just finished speaking when Erishad already drawn her sword and rushed out.Good grief... She still hasn't broken the habit she picked up in the northeastern part of the Demon Continent."Plan changed, support her!"The lizardman leader's reaction was quite fast.The group had only just come out of the grass when they realized that the Two-Headed Troll had already had its arms cut off by Eris.They watched, dumbfounded, as Eris cut off the troll's hands and feet; the regeneration speed couldn't keep up with Eris's sword at all.I activated Fire Magic, covering the troll's wounds with flames. As I expected, it couldn't regenerate.If possible, I'd really like to capture a troll alive to see what its regeneration principle is and if there is a limit.But never mind for now; I'll think about those things when I get home.With the final few strikes, Eris cut off the troll's head. She was covered in the troll's blood, and she rested her sword on her shoulder."How was that! Rudeus!""Very impressive.""My clothes are all dirty! Wash them for me when we get back!""Got it."...Back at the Adventurers Guild, we finished submitting the mission.They shared the money with us, 40 silver coins; the price of this mission was 60 silver coins.It seems they knew they hadn't done anything, so they were quite sensible."What mission do you plan to take tomorrow?""You decide. Starting tomorrow, I hope to get one gold coin for every mission we complete. Go find a request with that kind of price.""That's usually A-rank...""Haven't you already seen it? My sister is very strong.""Understood."Because it seems to be the habit of Adventurers to go for a big drink after finishing a mission, they didn't intend to take the next one.Although they hadn't done anything...Eris looked at the celebrating Adventurers, itching to join in.I tapped her head."You can't understand their language, so it wouldn't be fun to join in and drink, right?""Hmph... I got it!""Besides, you smell a bit stinky right now.""Ah?! Re... really?"Eris lifted her hand and sniffed herself for a while."However, I don't dislike it.""What is Rudeus saying! I'm going back to take a bath first!"Eris ran back to the hotel, blushing.And I still had other things to do.That was to hire others to help me and Eris do missions.Although the source of income is now stable, it's very inconvenient that my Adventurer rank doesn't improve.So, I found a D-rank party and asked them to help us do F-rank missions."You mean, help you do F-rank missions, the money from the request goes to us, and you will also pay an extra F-rank request fee? Meaning double for one mission?""That's right. Tell me what mission you want to take, I'll accept it, you do it for me, and I'll pay you.""There... there's such a good deal...?""I just want to raise my Adventurer rank and don't have time to do those missions. Of course, if my Adventurer status cannot be used in the next city because of your operational errors, I will kill you.""This... okay...! Deal!"
Chapter 36: Aisha's Dream 2Aisha's Perspective:"Ah, it's you again! You strange god!""What do you mean by'strange god'? The direction I pointed you in earlier wasn't wrong, was it?""Hmph! That was just my good luck!""What an uncute child.""That's not true! Big Brother always says I'm cute!""Alright, alright. Next, I'll give you another hint.""Will it help Big Brother?""To a certain extent, yes.""How suspicious...""What's this? You're still doubting a god? I'm so sad.""Alright, alright, just tell me already!""Hmm~ Tomorrow, steal some of the money your brother hides under his bed, buy some food at a stall, and then walk into the alleyway.""No! Big Brother won't let me go out, and your suggestion is dangerous!""Just trust a god for once~ I swear it in the name of a god.""I wouldn't..."When I opened my eyes, Big Brother and Eris had already gone out to do a mission."What the..."I got up, ate the breakfast Big Brother left in the room, and started reading the book he bought for me...Big Brother had said before that we would only stay in this city for about two months, but it's already been almost four months now...Did they run into some kind of trouble? But even if I asked, Big Brother and Eris definitely wouldn't tell me..."Will it help Big Brother?"...This was my first time sneaking out of the inn.How should I put it? There were just too many different races, and they all looked fierce and malicious... No wonder Big Brother didn't want me going out.I took a silver coin, bought some food at a stall, and walked into the alleyway that Hitogami mentioned.The alley was strangely quiet. Usually, when people think of alleyways, they imagine scenes of thugs gathering in groups of three or five.In fact, if a pure, cute, and innocent little girl like me walked there, wouldn't I be targeted by human traffickers immediately?If someone tried to kidnap me, I'd just use magic to sever their hands and feet, ask for their address, loot all their valuables, and then turn them over to the guards! Yeah!"So dirty..."It looks like I'll have to wash my clothes myself when I get back, otherwise I'm done for if Big Brother finds out I snuck out.I know the drying magic that Big Brother uses now, so it should be fine, right?"So hungry... I'm going to starve to death... Food... Need food..."Upon hearing this voice, I saw a girl around my age reaching out towards me.Suddenly, her stomach let out a gurgling sound, and she collapsed right there."Ah! Are, are you okay?"I instinctively crouched down and caught the girl as she was about to fall to the ground."Ugh... *sob sob*... I've been resurrected for three hundred years, and to think I'd collapse like this... Laplace must never find out about this..."Is she delirious?"An, anyway, just eat this and calm down for a bit, okay?"As soon as I finished speaking, the little girl snatched all the food from my hands.She stuffed the skewers directly into her mouth. There were 12 to start with, she ate three at a time, and finished eating in two minutes."Thank you, thank you so much! Now I can last another year!"At this moment, she looked up into my eyes, and I looked back. Her eyes were two-colored—purple and black... It was a bit strange.Anyway, I turned around, intending to shake off this weirdo and go back to buy some more skewers."Person who saved me, state your name!""Uh... Aisha Greyrat...""Very well! I am Kishirika Kishirisu! Known as the Great Emperor of the Demon World!"I've never heard of that title or name... Huh? It seems like it appeared in the bedtime stories Mom told me? So is she imitating that person right now?"My mom said the Great Emperor of the Demon World is a beauty, but you look like a child, and a scantily clad one at that.""Young people these days really lack manners. However, since you saved my life, tell me what reward you want!"Could she be the event that Hitogami said would help Big Brother?Hmm... Can she really grant wishes?"I... I want money! Lots of money!""As you can see, I am penniless.""Uh... Then can you help my brother, Rudeus Greyrat?""I can't! Because I inexplicably hate that name the moment I hear it!""Then... do you know where my mother Lilia Greyrat and Zenith Greyrat are?""That's more like it!"Afterward, I saw her eye colors changing unusually fast, and her gaze seemed as if she were staring at some faraway place.After a few dozen seconds passed—"Oh my... Why can't I see them..."She stared with her eyes wide open in a flustered manner. By now, I had completely labeled her as a fraud.Sighing, I spoke up."Money doesn't work, helping Big Brother doesn't work, finding my mother doesn't work—then what can you bestow upon me?""You big dummy! When it comes to the gifts bestowed by the Great Emperor of the Demon World, Kishirika, it's obviously a Demon Eye!""What's that?""Come, bring your face closer.""Oh...""Close your eyes."Kishirika suddenly thrust her finger into my right eye, and a sharp pain spread throughout my body."Ahhhhhhhh!"Instinctively, I wanted to scramble backward, but Kishirika grabbed my hair, and I couldn't escape.She was surprisingly strong.It hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts!"What are you doing! Even if you're a child around my age, I won't let you off! May the great protection of fire descend upon the place you seek! Oh, violent and raging flames, burn away this great favor! Great Fireball!""Oh, oh! Can you already use Intermediate-rank Magic at such a young age?"Kishirika reached out and grabbed forward, and my magic suddenly dissipated.What... is this...?"Alright! Don't be angry. What I gave you is the Demon Eye of Absorption. It can absorb magic power and shatter spells; it's a mage's worst enemy. Practice by channeling your magic power into it later. Also, your Demon Eye won't appear when you aren't using it.""What... what do you mean?""Alright, alright, I should get going. I need to find Demon King Badigadi. Thanks for the meal."After saying that, Kishirika leaped onto the roof with a bang."Well then, Aisha, until we meet again! If you have any trouble, come to me! Wahahahaha! Wa—hahahaha, wa——haha ah ah ka *cough cough cough*..."Leaving her laughter behind, she headed away, and I just stood there in a daze, listening.Huh?... Was that really the Great Emperor of the Demon World?Just like that, I obtained the [Demon Eye of Absorption].
Chapter 37: In Short, Anger"Hmm... That's about enough."I counted the money I'd earned over the past four months; it was safe to say it was more than enough.Before, I'd been too naive, thinking that as long as I accepted a commission, I could finish it within a day. But the reality wasn't like that.Even if I could use detection, sometimes I still couldn't find where the monsters were.As a result, the commissions were almost entirely based on luck. If I was lucky, I could find the monster and finish in a day; if I was unlucky, it would take three or four days, or even one or two weeks.I'd also bought a map; next, I just needed to head south..."What's about enough?"Eris's voice came from behind me."The money. We've earned just about enough. Next, we need to head to the next city. Hmm~ it's about a year's journey, and when we reach Wind Port, we'll have to take a ship...""A ship!! I've never been on one! So, when are we leaving?""The day after tomorrow. Tomorrow, I'll turn in all the commissions, and I might as well say goodbye to those people before we leave.""Alright! Also! Rudeus, teach me Demon God Language!""What's wrong? Why do you suddenly want to learn that?""Because it's troublesome not being able to understand it, isn't it!""That's true... Hmm, let's start tonight. You and Aisha can learn together.""Hmm... And also... Rudeus...""There's... more?"Eris was fidgeting, her cheeks slightly flushed.What is she doing...?Although I had no experience with romance in my previous life, Eris looked exactly like a girl about to confess.Could it be!Hmm? Didn't Eris already confess to me? Why am I getting excited?Eris fidgeted for a while, then spoke."Tomorrow! Could you go to the Market with me!?""Uh... don't we go together often?""No, that's not it! This time... I want... just the two of us..."A... date?Uh..."Ah... sure.""Does that mean you agree!?""Yeah...""Yay! Then I'll go back to teach Aishaswordsmanship. Rudeus, you go do your own thing!"Just like that, Eris scurried back to the inn...."Rudeus, we've found the people you wanted us to investigate.""You're slow. I'm about to leave, and only now are you giving me the list.""I'm sorry... because we still have to do our own missions normally..."I tossed two silver coins to them."No need to say more. I'm leaving this city in two days. You did a good job; you actually got me promoted to B-rank."Even though it was only right before I was about to leave.If it had been a month earlier, I could have earned a lot more money..."Hehe, we are one of the top C-rank parties, after all. Getting you promoted to B-rank wasn't difficult.""Hmm, well done. That's that, then. We probably won't be seeing each other again.""Then I wish you a safe journey, Rudeus.""Yeah."After saying goodbye to those people, I found the party I'd been collaborating with, [Shiki No Uta], and explained the situation."Is that so? You're leaving this city.""Yes. So our partnership ends here. Until we meet again.""Until we meet again! You are a very competent support mage, and your sister is a very powerful swordsman. We'll probably always remember you two. Let's have a drink next time we meet.""Heh, if we ever meet again, I should be old enough to drink by then."Although it was purely about money at first, over the four months we spent together, I had developed some feelings for them.Friends developed from a relationship of mutual benefit...?Actually, it wasn't bad. At least for these four months, the three in this party didn't make me feel disgusted; they were greedy but had self-awareness, which was much better compared to the other demons I'd encountered.I walked out of the guild gates and headed toward the inn. After coming out of a small alley, a demon walked up in front of me and blocked my path.This was a person with a cow's head. Although I didn't know exactly what species it was, it had to be some kind of demon, right?Based on my four months of judgment here, those with animal-like heads are generally called demons, while those with human-like heads but retaining some beast-like features are beastfolk."You're Rudeus Greyrat, right?""What do you want?""I've heard a lot about you and your sister recently.""Oh? We just do some commissions like gathering herbs and looking for lost animals. Does that really attract your attention?""Yeah, to actually become B-rank relying on those kinds of missions—truly impressive.""Well, thank you for the compliment. Now, I'll be going."I had just turned and taken two steps when I realized two more people had appeared and blocked me.A pig-headed man and a somewhat thin lizardman."May I ask, what is this about?""Rudeus Greyrat, you hired other parties to do missions that belonged to your own party, and at the same time, you collaborated with the B-rank party [Shiki No Uta] while you were only F-rank. Am I wrong?"It seems I've been exposed... I made sure to take care of any witnesses every time. Where did things go wrong?I sighed."You're quite well-informed. But it's not really a big deal, is it? The guild actually understands; they've always turned a blind eye. As long as both parties in the collaboration have no objections, they don't care.""That's true, but it's different if someone reports it. I've done a thorough investigation. And... you also have a younger sister, right? Although you often keep her at the inn, you take her out for walks occasionally when you're resting, don't you?"It seems I need to strengthen my counter-surveillance skills in the future..."So? What do you want to do?""I don't want to do anything. You and [Shiki No Uta] both accept A-rank missions, so you must have earned a lot of money, right? Leave half of it.""You know I accept A-rank missions, yet you still dare to threaten me? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?""Of course I'm afraid. But isn't your sister still at the inn right now? We've sent people to the inn. Besides, you're just a support mage, and I waited until I saw your sister leave before coming to find you..."Ah...Subconsciously, I froze the lower halves of all three of them.Perhaps it was a reflex action triggered by hearing them threaten me with Aisha."You... what are you doing!""Eris is already heading to the inn, and my sister is an Intermediate-rank Magic user, so I don't need to worry.""Ah...?""Who told you so much about me?""I inves..."Snap!I used Water Magic to directly sever one of his arms.So strong, yet so fragile in the face of magic.It's like those strong people in my previous life; no matter how they trained, they couldn't withstand bullets."Ahhhhh, I'll talk! I'll talk! It was that C-rank party you hired!! One of them was captured by us, and we kept torturing them until they told us!! The fact that you were collaborating with [Shiki No Uta] was leaked by that dwarf after he got drunk!!"...That dwarf I can understand. After all, he gets dead drunk every day; it's normal for him to spill something.However... so someone from the C-rank party I hired was captured by them...No wonder they suddenly said one of their team members had gone missing. So they had been captured."Hmm... your name is Noskeba, right?"The panic in the minotaur's eyes intensified, and he roared loudly."You... how do you know my name?!""Because I investigated you too. After all, compared to me, you seem to be the more famous one.""What... what do you mean...?""You never accept commissions, your rank is always B, yet you spend your days carousing in the guild... You must have threatened other newcomers like this before, right? I've investigated everyone like you, but you're probably the stupidest one of them all."As I said this, I used magic to directly decapitate the lizardman and the pig-headed man.Noskeba was terrified by this scene and screamed."I'm sorry!! I'm sorry... I... I only used to make those newcomers give me one-third of the money from their commissions! Because I saw you seemed to have earned a lot of money, I was blinded by greed! I was wrong!! I have a wife and three children at home; I beg you... spare me this once...""It seems you value your family. I'm the same in that regard... I can understand you, so I won't kill you.""You... are willing to spare me this once...?""Yeah, I won't kill you. Your home is in the West District, right? I investigated that.""Ye... yes..."Noskeba, frozen by me, was too scared to speak, shivering and breaking out in a cold sweat."In this world, family is the thing I value most. In my previous life, I couldn't treat my mother well, and I couldn't treat my only family well.""You... what are you talking about...""In this life, I said I would cherish my family. Even if my family were scum, criminals, or people the world couldn't forgive, I would still stand on my family's side."Noskeba swallowed hard, looking in terror at the monster he had provoked."The Adventurer status isn't actually important to me.""What... what do you mean...?""It means... you actually! Dared to! Threaten! My! Sister! You even! Thought! That I would! Bow down to you! Because of this pathetic status!?"Every time I said a word, I punched him hard in the face."It's not! It's not... I was wrong..."After his face was bruised and swollen, I pulled back my fist."Actually... I really hate you inexplicable demons right now. Ugly, stupid, yet extremely greedy. It's not just you; many other demons are like this too... Once, because of my teacher, I thought I could manage not to discriminate against demons... But I was wrong. My teacher is fundamentally different from you...""I was wrong... Never again... never again..."Noskeba was streaming tears and snot, which was disgusting."Don't worry, I keep my word. I won't kill you.""Re... really...? Thank... thank you!!!"I took off the cloth strip of the arrogant water dragon king.I looked around for a moment.The West District, huh..."What are you doing...?""Hmm... You threatened me with my family. I only promised not to kill you; I didn't say I would spare your family, did I? Besides, you should be praying. This is large-scale Saint-level Magic. If your family is lucky enough to be in the cellar, they might survive.""Wha... what... but... there are many innocent people!?""What can we do then? Why don't you tell me your family's detailed address? That way, you could save those innocent people, couldn't you?""How is that possible!! You definitely wouldn't dare to do that!! There are so many innocent people in the West District; if you do this and get caught, you'll only be sentenced to death!!""Is that so... However, I will only consider it your fault for killing those innocent people."I raised my staff, pointed it toward the West District, and slowly spoke."O... majestic light spirits, thunder emperors who rule the sky! Do you see those who stand tall! That is the enemy of the arrogant thunder emperor! I wish to hold the holy sword, becoming the one who strikes down the enemy with a single blow! With the power of brilliant radiance, I shall display the majesty of the thunder emperor!"With a boom, the sky over there began to rain down lightning. It wasn't just one or two strikes; countless lightning strikes rained down continuously.At the same time, I dispelled the freezing magic on Noskeba."Alright, go try to save your family."Noskeba screamed and ran toward the disaster-like area of falling lightning.I understood; I was just venting.Venting the emotions I'd built up over these days.However, just as I said before,I have no feelings about killing demons. Aside from Roxy, I don't view any demons as [people].Sigh..."Tomorrow's date... is ruined."
Chapter 38: Hope"This really is..."When I returned to Rikarisu Town, I found that the city had become lifeless.Could that magical disaster have spread here too...? Then, my hometown...No, regardless, let me first inquire about Rudy. At the very least, I haven't noticed anything unusual since arriving on the Demon Continent.I walked into the guild and found the reception desk."Excuse me, have you heard the name Rudeus Greyrat?"The receptionist was stunned for a moment upon hearing the name, then smiled and said:"Yes, he left this city two months ago."Eh? Is there actually news of Rudy?We missed each other...However, it's good to confirm that Rudy is safe..."Uh, may I ask one more question?"As I said this, I pushed three copper coins forward."Go ahead.""Has the Demon Continent suffered from any sort of magical disaster? Why is everyone in town so lifeless?""Ah... about that... we are still investigating. Two months ago, countless lightning strikes suddenly descended upon the West District. Many people in that area died... the death toll was over 1,000... and over 2,000 were seriously injured...""I see. My condolences."I adjusted the brim of my hat, picked up my staff, and prepared to leave.Just then, an angry minotaur who had been drinking heavily spoke up."How many times do I have to say it! It was that human called Rudeus who did it!!! Why won't you believe me! I saw it with my own eyes!!"He stood up and roared at the receptionist, his missing arm matching his disheveled appearance.The receptionist just smiled awkwardly."Sir... the records show that Mr. Rudeus is merely a support mage... the monster kills were all credited to his sister, Eris, and this has been verified by other parties.""That just means he's lying to you!! You've all been tricked!!"The minotaur roared a few more times, then suddenly quieted down, sat back in his seat, and began to drink.Did Rudy do it...? The possibility is almost zero. My kind disciple could never do something like indiscriminately killing the innocent.Although he might indeed have the ability to cast that magic, Rudy would not use that power in an inappropriate place.Speaking of Eris... isn't that the name of his student? I often heard in the past that she was an unreasonable young lady...I shook my head, left the guild, and arrived at the West District they mentioned had been destroyed.Just as I arrived, I found countless people kneeling before the collapsed houses with their hands clasped together, eyes closed, whispering something.They were praying for their families to find peace in the afterlife, cursing the person who abused their power to massacre the innocent, and they... were crying.I clasped my hands together and closed my eyes."May you... rest in peace."An hour later, I picked up my staff and left this city that was currently immersed in grief.Rudy left Rikarisu Town, so he must have headed toward Wind Port. Once he reaches Tezang Port, he should be able to see Mr. Paul's message.Anyway, since I have already arrived on the Demon Continent, I will first go back to see my parents whom I haven't seen in a long time... and then go to help Mr. Paul.Walking out of Rikarisu Town, I turned back and looked at the city for a while."It has already lost its vitality..."
Chapter 39: Heading SouthHeading south... and further south.We were traveling.Of course, our journey hasn't been entirely smooth sailing. Over the past year, I've been persistent in teaching Eris and Aisha the Demon God Language. These two troublemakers would often get enraged when they understood people mocking them, rushing over to beat them up.Actually, it was mostly Eris rushing over to beat them up, while Aisha cheered from the sidelines. If they encountered someone truly furious who drew their blade to fight to the death, Aisha would directly use magic to blast that person's sword away.Regarding this, I have to emphasize it once again: my little sister is a genius.She is six years old now, and at this age, her magic chant reduction is almost on par with Roxy-sensei... It's truly unimaginable.Similar incidents happened several times. At first, each time it happened, I felt a bit worried and anxious. But gradually, I realized that those people didn't really think about seeking revenge after getting beaten up, and Eris never drew her sword; she just used her fists to beat them.They were all minor issues that didn't escalate into major problems. Perhaps because of that, I stopped paying much attention to them before I knew it.We had been traveling like this for about a year and a half. Before I knew it, Eris and I had already reached A-rank Adventurer status.In fact, we didn't really need to do any quests on the road; we had plenty of money. However, Erisseemed very excited about learning the Demon God Language and wanted to take on quests, complete them, and turn them in herself.In short, we reached the southernmost part of the Demon Continent, Wind Port....Wind Port is the only port city on the Demon Continent.It is a cityscape composed of many slopes, which can be seen at a glance from the entrance.The houses are all built from mud and stone, characteristic of the Demon Continent, though the interiors feature some wooden structures.It must be timber imported from the MillisContinent.There is a shipyard in the suburbs. Perhaps because it's a port city, there are very few open-air vendors near the entrance, but the area near the port is bustling with people.It is a city that feels a bit different compared to other cities.Opposite the port, on the outer side of the city, lies the boundless ocean.In my previous life... I don't think I ever saw the ocean. During the period in high school when I was under the most pressure, I would often fall asleep while watching ocean documentaries, so I have a strange sense of affinity for the ocean.The blue ocean, the sound of the waves, birds that look a bit like seagulls, and sailboats... it's really nice.Although I occasionally saw them in movies, seeing an actual wooden boat with its sails raised, even at my age, I still feel excited.As expected, no matter which world it is, there is technology for sailing against the wind.No, in this world, it's probably just a matter of having a mage cast a spell to create a tailwind to move forward."Rudeus! Look!""Brother! Look!""It's the sea!!"The two of them shouted in unison in the Demon God Language, then looked at each other and smiled.I nodded."Anyway, let's find an inn and rest for a few days, shall we? We have enough money, so let's rest for a few days before taking a ship to Zant Port?""Okay!"These two, their rapport has deepened quite a bit over the past year and a half...After all, there were many times when Eris would hear Aisha being mocked and immediately strike back; it's natural that their bond would deepen.By the way, on the road, both Eris and I were teaching Aisha. I taught her how to use magic, while Eris taught her some practical combat techniques and swordsmanship.I have to say... Eris's fighting style is all about winning; she can use any means necessary.Should I say she's worthy of being Ghislaine's disciple? Ghislaine once said:"As long as you win, any method is honorable."I quite agree with her on this point.Come to think of it, Eris is already fourteen... and Aisha is turning six... Has it really been two years? It feels so unreal."Eris, Aisha.""Yes!""What are you two doing..."I handed them two gold coins."Aisha knows how to handle money. Eris, take Aishaaround to look around, and buy whatever you want to eat. I'll go rent a room first, then go to the Adventurers Guild to see if there's any information.""Leave it to me, Rudeus! I'll protect Aisha!""Don't worry, Brother! Big Sister Eris will protect me!"I waved my hand."Alright, I'm off. Meet at the Adventurers Guildbefore sunset.""Got it!"Anyway, I first went to rent a room big enough, then went to the Adventurers Guild.Of course, I wasn't here to check for requests; I had enough money now.I looked at the messages at the Adventurers Guild.Ever since leaving Rikarisu Town, I had started keeping this habit.I had seen quite a few missing persons notices in other guilds, although those names were all people from the Demon Continent...I scanned the message board from top to bottom, but didn't find any messages looking for Eris and me...Honestly, even if I were slow, I could sense something; Paul and the others might have had an accident...However, this is the Demon Continent; it's normal that Paul couldn't leave a message here. In a few weeks, when we get to Zant Port, there's a high probability I'll know Paul's status.Paul is strong; he would never die so easily.Leaving the Adventurers Guild, I found a tout at the port.After asking him, I learned that it only costs 10 silver coins for one person to travel from Wind Port to Zant Port!Are you kidding me! Doesn't that mean I wasted at least three months in Rikarisu Town?Although time was wasted, the money was indeed piling up...I went back to the Adventurers Guild and sat until the sun was about to set, and Eris and Aishareturned."Shall we go back to the inn?""Yeah!"Back at the inn, I had the innkeeper deliver food to our room door."Brother, is something wrong?""What do you mean, what's wrong?""You look like you're in a bad mood.""I'm not..."Eris, with her hands on her hips, spoke in a carefree manner:"Rudeus, aren't we family!""We are family.""If we're family, you should tell Aisha and me your troubles! We'll help you think of a way! Even if we're stupid, we can share your worries with you!"I smiled and sighed."You remember that pillar of light, right? That pillar of light was too huge... I suspect our family might have been caught in it, and might have even lost their lives..."Aisha and Eris were both stunned; clearly, they hadn't thought of this.They probably assumed that since they were teleported, the others should be fine too.But many people have no combat ability... What if they were teleported and unknowingly died in the mouths of monsters? Or what if they were captured as slaves?Like Lilia... like Zenith... And what if Norn was teleported as a child..."Don't worry, Rudeus! Uncle Paul is strong! And my grandfather and the others have Ghislaine to protect them! They'll be fine..."As Eris spoke, her voice grew quieter; it seems she realized the seriousness of the situation.Aisha looked like she was deep in thought. Making her think so much at such a young age is a sign of my incompetence as a big brother.I pulled them both into my arms."Thank you. Anyway, let's rest first, shall we? You must be tired after traveling for so long.""It's... it's okay...! Because we're family...""I want to sleep with Brother and Eris!"Eris and I looked at each other and smiled, then pushed the two beds together."Then let's sleep together. Get some good rest. I plan to take a ship to Zant Port in a couple of days.""Okay!"Anyway, I think I made a mistake.What kind of thing is it to pour my worries onto children...Forget it, I should get to sleep... We're boarding the ship soon.In that state of mind, I drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 40: At SeaSince dressing too conspicuously on the Demon Continent would draw attention, we wore the clothes typically worn by Adventurers there.Now that we were about to board the ship, I changed into the more comfortable clothes I had bought earlier, mainly for ease.Eris and Aisha, however, didn't change. During our time on the Demon Continent, they rotated between three sets of clothes, always covered by their hooded cloaks anyway."Master Rudeus Greyrat, an A-rank Adventurer, and Master Eris Greyrat, an A-rank Adventurer, the journey will take two weeks...""Understood, I've already looked into it.""Then I'll leave it to you..."About 70 people were on this ship. He hired Adventurers who were going in the same direction, which was quite clever, I must say.He only used 10 silver coins to hire Eris and me, two A-rank Adventurers. If this were a guild request, it would definitely cost around 1 gold coin; A-rank Adventurers are not easy to hire.It seems he also hired another A-rank party, so that means two A-rank Adventurer teams protecting his ship..."Rudeus... I feel so sick...""Brother... I feel so sick too..."These two rascals... they were so excited before boarding the ship.I reached out and cast Healing Magic on their foreheads."How is it?""Much better... x2""You two should go rest in the cabin first.""Ugh... never mind... on deck, I can always vomit into the sea."Eris said, looking like she was about to throw up again.Aisha nodded in agreement."Alright... then you two sit over there."I pointed to a shaded spot beneath the ship's sail.They nodded and obediently walked over, sitting down and leaning against each other.What a beautiful sight, two cute girls leaning together....On the seventh day of the voyage, Healing Magichad almost no effect on their seasickness anymore.This was the first time I'd heard of Healing Magicleading to immunity...Is it like cockroaches in my previous life? Using the same insecticide too much eventually leads to offspring that are immune to that type of insecticide?Hmm... if only I knew that kind of magic that could block others' organ perceptions. I remember learning in my previous life that motion sickness is caused by an overly sensitive organ in the ear? So seasickness should be the same principle."Brother... am I going to die...? I'm so young... so cute... and a genius... how could I...!""Where did you learn those words?"I tapped Aisha's head."Ugh... I already feel terrible, and Brother is still tapping me. And Sister Eris is already so sick she's fallen asleep...""Isn't sleeping good? You haven't slept much for two days, and you throw up everything you eat... Hmm, what do you think I should do now, Brother? Healing Magic doesn't work on you two anymore.""Help, rub... rub my stomach..."Aisha murmured, lying down next to me."Like this?"I slipped my hand under Aisha's clothes, gently stroking her lower abdomen.I warmed my hand with magic while continuously using Healing Magic."Mm~ that's much better..."Aisha smiled with narrowed eyes. From her expression, she seemed very comfortable.Just as my sister and I were enjoying this unique sibling warmth, I felt a gaze.I turned my head and saw that the gaze came from Eris, whom I thought was asleep."Rudeus... I want some too...!"Eris said, leaning directly beside Aisha and lifting her own clothes.Her lower abdomen showed traces of training, but even so, it was very cute. Cute? No... a figure like that should be described as beautiful...Hmm, coupled with Eris's expression at this moment, a soft expression that would never normally appear...Uh... no matter what, Eris is a 14-year-old girl in puberty, so it's normal for me to feel something.And I hadn't interacted with women in my previous life, so my reaction is normal, right?My reaction? What is my reaction right now?!"Rudeus...?""Ah... come, come on."I reached out my hand, casting magic and doing the same thing for Eris as I did for Aisha.What was I just thinking... Eris is only 14.I shook my head, casting away the distracting thoughts."Rudeus, what are you thinking about? Your expression doesn't look very good.""Uh... nothing.""Hehe~ Did Sister Eris lifting her clothes just now make Brother feel something?"Aisha said, grinning from the side."Is... is that so...? Rudeus...?""Hmm... maybe. Stop arguing, I need to concentrate on controlling my magic..."Although I don't know where Aisha learned these strange things, I definitely wouldn't be her match if I tried to refute her now.[1]I chopped Aisha's head again with my hand.This sister really is...Just then, the ship swayed violently.Several giant tentacles emerged from the sea.Eris tried to get up, but I stopped her."It's fine, isn't there another Adventurer party?""Oh, right."So, the three of us continued what we were doing, and this time, the other Adventurer party put on a show for us with their coordinated efforts.I must say, they are A-rank, aren't they? If you pulled them out individually, they definitely wouldn't be A-rank level, but they achieved it through coordination.If Eris and I could coordinate that well, could we reach S-rank?Hours later, the giant octopus monster was eliminated.It seems this party's sea combat ability isn't very strong due to insufficient firepower.That mage kept using Fire Magic, so it seems they weren't very skilled with other magic... If Aishawent, she would definitely use other magic to quickly defeat that giant octopus.Even with good coordination, it's nothing special...Aisha and Eris had fallen asleep. I carried them back to the cabin, then returned to the deck.At this moment, I noticed that the Adventurer party seemed to have found me and were walking towards me.Are they looking for trouble? Or are they going to scold me for not helping earlier?"Hello, you must be Master Rudeus, right?"Apparently not."Yes.""It's like this, during the battle with that monster just now, our team's warrior was poisoned. Do you know how to use Detoxification Magic? Intermediate-rank is enough."I nodded, and the person happily led me to the poisoned warrior.It was that warrior from earlier... still conscious.I touched him with my hand."Oh Goddess of Motherly Love, please listen to your child's plea [Ex Healing]."After all, only Intermediate-rank Magic was needed.After the healing was complete, I stood up."You... you shortened the magic chant just now?""Is that rare?""No... not uncommon... but your magic chant was... too short...""I'm just a bit better at Healing Magic, that's all. I'll head back now.""Ah... thank you! We'll watch the deck from now on. If anything unexpected happens, please help us, as our warrior isn't in good shape right now.""Understood."Waving my hand, I walked back to the cabin.Aisha and Eris's expressions became distressed again.Indeed, they've been eating and throwing up, throwing up and eating for the past few days.But they can't not eat...I put my hands into their lower abdomens, rubbing them with the same method as before."We'll be there soon..."
Chapter 41: NewsPort City: Zant PortThe city's atmosphere is very similar to Wind Port, with many slopes. It's busier than the port side of the city, as if the Adventurers Guild wasn't in the city, but near the port.However, there are some differences. First, there are more wooden buildings here than in Wind Port. I don't know if it's a measure against the sea wind, but the buildings are painted in bright colors. There are tree-lined streets in the city, and looking outside the city, you can see a lush forest.A sea of green. After getting used to the white, gray, and brown of the Demon Continent, it feels very dazzling to see this.It's just across the sea, yet it's like another world.That said, as expected of the Millis Continent, the people walking around aren't the chaotic and absurd-looking demons, but Beast Race, Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Small Folk.They all look like decent people.As soon as the ship docked, Aisha and Eris jumped off at high speed.They stood on steady ground and took a deep breath.Aisha spoke slowly, like an old man for some reason."As expected, I only feel alive when breathing on solid ground.""Yes! I agree."Eris nodded stupidly, not knowing where Aishalearned such words.I smiled and walked over to them."Anyway, let's go to the Adventurers Guild first, shall we?"...Perhaps because we left the Demon Continent, there are many humans here; you barely see any humans on the Demon Continent.We walked under the message board and started searching one by one.Is it because we're in the Millis Continent? Why are there so many messages... and they're all missing person notices.After searching for nearly half an hour, I found a message regarding me... our family. It was a message from Paul."To Rudeus. Zenith and Aisha are missing. Norn and Lilia are under my protection. I don't know where you are now, but I think you have the ability to find your way back on your own, so I've postponed looking for you. I will go to the Millis Continent because it is Zenith's hometown. I will also report our safety to Lilia's hometown and family. You go to the northern part of the Central Continent to help look for people. If you find anyone, write to the following address: Millis Continent, Millis Holy Country, Capital Milishion, Adventurers Guild, Team Name [Buena Village Search Party], Group Name [Fittoa Region Search Group]. My group is also at the address that just appeared. If we leave, I will update this message. Also, for those who know me and my family, and the former members of [Black Wolf's Fang], I hope you can help find people. Some people have grudges against me, I won't force your forgiveness. You can scold me if you want, and I will even kneel down and lick your shoes clean. I have lost all my belongings, so I cannot offer any rewards, I can only beg you to help me find my family. Signed, Paul Greyrat."I was stunned for a long while before I realized it.The possibilities I imagined before were all true... but there is still good news... Paul, Lilia, and Nornare still there...Paul is in the capital of the Millis Holy Country. It only takes about three months by carriage from here... Anyway, first I should write him a letter to report our safety and my situation, then rest for a few days, buy a carriage, and set off for the capital.Settle Aisha... send Eris back to her hometown... Erisis on the way, so it doesn't conflict with me going to the Central Continent to look for people... That's right..."Brother...""Hm, you saw it too, right?""Yeah..."Then... what about Eris's family? Why is there no message looking for Eris?I can imagine the worst possibility, which is that they are all dead.I turned to look at Eris. Her expression looked like she hadn't thought of anything."Eris... I will send you back to your hometown no matter what..."Eris nodded blankly."Why is Rudeus suddenly saying that?""It's nothing... Let's go book a hotel first, shall we? We'll rest here for two days, and tomorrow I'll go buy a carriage.""Yeah!"As expected, Eris doesn't know what the current situation is... Should I hide it from her?No, there is still a possibility that her uncle and father are alive, so it's not hiding.After checking into the hotel, Aisha and Eris went to take a bath. I sat at the table and wrote a letter to Paul."Rudeus, it's your turn!""Coming."I put the finished letter back in the drawer."Hm? Where's Aisha? Preparing to scrub my back again?""Seems like it!"For some reason, I reached out and touched Eris's cheek.When I realized it, I quickly pulled my hand back."Sorry... it was instinctive..."Why? Is it because I feel sorry for Eris?If Eris knew I touched her because of that, she would definitely beat me up."It's... it's fine!"Eris sat on the bed with a blushing face.Just as I was about to walk a few steps closer to chat with Eris,"Brother! Hurry up and come in!""I know."I looked at Eris's flushed cheeks and chose the bathroom; mainly, I felt I might need to calm down...Walking into the bathroom, Aisha was wearing a bath towel.She made a "please" gesture.I found it a bit funny.After sitting down, Aisha scrubbed my back and washed my hair.I could feel my little sister's hard work."Hmm? Aisha, is there something you want to ask of me? Why are you so diligent today?"Aisha's scrubbing hand stopped."Hmm...""What is it? No matter what it is, as long as I can do it, I will agree.""Really?""Yeah.""I... after arriving at the capital of the Holy Country... I want to go to the Central Continent with Brother too...""Uh... may I ask why?""Why do you ask? Hmm... because I like Brother."Aisha said this without hesitation, making me freeze for several seconds, wanting to just nod.No, no.I immediately reacted."That's not the reason, right? What's the real reason?""That is the real reason... and it would also cause trouble for Father...""It's dangerous if you're with me.""I'll be an Advanced Rank mage soon! And didn't Brother say it? My incantation reduction is amazing! The swordsmanship that Sister Eris has been teaching me has also reached Intermediate Rank!""How old are you?""I'm turning seven! Didn't Brother leave home to become a teacher at eight? As long as you have the skills, isn't that enough? This has nothing to do with age!"I took a deep breath, not knowing how to refute.Indeed, I am an example.Aisha didn't speak either and continued scrubbing my back.After a long silence,"I... am afraid you'll get hurt... When I get to the Central Continent, I have to find people. I might become an Adventurer and entrust others to help... while searching myself.""Wouldn't it be fine if Brother protects me? Besides, I'm also very strong. When we were on the Demon Continent, Brother promised me that we would go on adventures together.""That was for when you grow up... Fine, but we have to talk to Father when the time comes, if...""Yay! Brother is the best!"Aisha ran directly in front of me and hugged my face, kissing me on the cheek.The smell of soap.Seriously...After taking a bath and leaving the bathroom, Erishad already fallen asleep.I walked to her bed."Why is everyone so troublesome? Sleeping without drying their hair."I helped Eris sit up.She sat up groggily, and I used magic to dry her hair. Turning around, I found Aisha looking at me with expectation."Don't you know this magic already?""I still want Brother to help me dry it~""Alright, alright, sit over here.""Yeah!"After drying Aisha's hair in my arms, I took the letter out of the drawer and looked at the sky outside the window."Aisha, I'm going out to entrust the letter. If you're hungry, tell the hotel front desk downstairs. We booked the most expensive hotel, so they will bring food up.""I got it~"After Aisha said this, she yawned and lay down directly.I smiled, walked out of the hotel alone, walked to the Adventurers Guild, and entrusted the written letter to the front desk.In this world, mail is sent by birds. I don't know what kind of bird it is, but it can be delivered within a week, which is quite fast.Returning to the hotel, Aisha and Eris were still sleeping."You guys haven't eaten yet..."I feel more and more like a mother, taking care of these two...Thinking about it, never mind, because they really haven't slept well since taking the boat.I went downstairs to eat alone, returned to the hotel, lay on the bed, and started thinking about the subsequent itinerary.
Chapter 42: Aisha 3"Don't you think you've been entering my dreams more often lately?""Have I?""You definitely have! I don't believe you.""Hmm? Which of the suggestions I've given you so far has been problematic? You're about to find your father, and you've obtained a Demon Eye. You haven't encountered any crises along the way. Doesn't that deserve some credit on my part?""Even without your suggestions, Big Brother could have led me out of the Demon Continent. At most, your suggestions just sped up the process by a few months.""Good grief~ Then are you still going to listen to my suggestions from now on?""Uh-huh. Even though I don't trust you, go ahead and tell me.""Aren't you planning to follow your Big Brother to the Central Continent? When that time comes, your Big Brother will likely try to take you through the Red Dragons Jaw. If he decides to do that, you must stop him. Otherwise, your Big Brother will die, you will die, and this world will be destroyed.""That's awfully serious. What if I don't listen?""Then there's a high probability that the world will be destroyed.""Heh.""In any case~ you need to trust me. The great god is logging off again. I hope that by the time I come back, you've already overcome this difficulty."...I opened my eyes to see my Big Brother sleeping soundly beside me, snoring softly.I doubt he even knows he's started snoring, right? But I remember Father saying that people only snore when they're too exhausted...I recalled the conversation from my dream.Big Brother will die? I will die? The world will be destroyed?Such rhetoric only makes me want to rebel. All in all, I have listened to Hitogami's suggestions so far, and I have gained some benefits.But when I think about it carefully, even if I hadn't listened to his suggestions, the decisions Big Brother made were often fine; many of his actions even overlapped with what was suggested...What Hitogami said was so serious that I'm a bit afraid to defy it. It always speaks in such a cryptic, mystical way. Although listening to its suggestions does bring benefits, from my perspective, many things are decisions Big Brother makes on his own.Even if Hitogami didn't give suggestions, Big Brother could still do it.Hmm... I'll just do what I've been doing: follow Big Brother's lead.While I was thinking, the snoring stopped."Big Brother?""Hmm... You're up early, Aisha.""I went to sleep early last night.""I see."Big Brother sat up in bed. His first instinct was to look at Eris, who was also sleeping soundly beside us.Eris's sleeping posture wasn't very graceful; she was sprawled out like a starfish, sleeping soundly.Big Brother smiled, got out of bed, and stretched."Ah~ Let's rest for the day. We'll set off tomorrow.""Okay!"I also crawled out of bed and got ready to wash up.Just then, Big Brother looked me up and down.This made me feel a bit embarrassed, even though this is normal...We usually bathe together, so why do I feel shy when Big Brother stares at me in the morning? Is it because my hair is a mess right now?"What is it, Big Brother?""Hmm... I was just thinking..."Big Brother squinted his eyes, as if he were pondering something."I just think it's time to buy you some new clothes. You've grown a lot. Although I bought you a few pieces on the Demon Continent, that was half a year ago.""Uh... is that necessary?""Of course! We'll be seeing Pa... Father in two months. If Father sees you wearing clothes that don't fit quite right, he'll definitely beat me up. Besides, it makes me uncomfortable to see you like this."Big Brother definitely wanted to say Paul just now...Big Brother's attitude toward Father is strange; I can't quite put my finger on it.It's like he hates Father, yet respects him? That kind of feeling."Aisha? Are you listening?""Ah! Yes!""So, like I said, we're going out to buy you some clothes. Get ready to go!""Ehh~"Anyway, at Big Brother's insistence, we set off to buy clothes.Before we left, I saw Big Brother whisper something in Eris's ear, and Eris replied with a blushing face.I'm so envious. If everything goes as expected, Eriswill become my sister-in-law soon, right?We strolled down the street, Big Brother holding my hand.We arrived at a clothing store, and Big Brother picked out clothes for me.Big Brother has strange taste. He doesn't like commoner clothes, but he doesn't like noble clothes either.I don't know how much time passed, but Big Brother finally picked out three outfits. After I tried them on one by one, he nodded."So cute! It's comfortable, right?""Yes! It's very comfortable!"When Big Brother paid, he bought two extra outfits. Judging by the size, they seemed to be for Eris.So that's what he was talking about this morning."I really don't know which man my cute little sister will become the wife of in the future. If that day really comes, I'll have to vet him carefully..."Big Brother said, gripping my hand tighter."I won't get married!""You're still young. You'll understand when you grow up.""Oh..."After buying the clothes, we wandered around the town.Should I say that human society is truly great? The variety of food is much better than it was on the Demon Continent.As we passed an alley, Big Brother stopped."Aisha, did you hear that?""Yes... there's the sound of children crying..."However, Big Brother only listened for a moment before taking my hand and preparing to leave.I stopped and pulled on Big Brother."Big Brother? Aren't you going to check it out? If it's kidnapped children...""Aisha, I don't want to get involved in those things. As long as you're safe, that's all that matters. There's too much human trafficking in this world; even if I wanted to change it, it's not something that can be changed by just putting on a show right now."Big Brother's tone was cold, which made him seem like a stranger to me.Although I also feel that whether we save them or not is none of our business, I don't want to see Big Brother looking so indifferent to life..."B-but... what if, what if I want to save those children...?"Big Brother looked at me for a while, then nodded."If it's my cute little sister's request, then I agree."As expected, as long as I act spoiled, Big Brother will take action.Big Brother held my hand, turned back into the alley, and burned the wooden door open directly.We entered the house, where cage after cage held what appeared to be Beastkin children.Big Brother crouched beside the cages and communicated with them in a language I didn't understand.So Big Brother knows Beast God Language, too...After communicating for a while, Big Brother used Water Magic to cut open all the cages."Hey! Who are you?!"Four men with swords at their waists suddenly appeared from inside the house. The moment they shouted, they were cut down by Big Brother's Water Magic.Four heads fell to the ground in an instant.Whenever Big Brother kills an enemy, I always feel a bit of a disconnect.Big Brother's disregard for life is a bit scary in my eyes, but in normal times, he loves me and Eris so much; it's almost like he has a split personality...After rescuing all the Beastkin children, Big Brother told them to follow us."Their home is in the Great Forest, which is on our way. There are over 30 of them, plus a big dog.""A big dog?""Yes, uh... the children call it a Sacred Beast, though I can't tell what's so impressive about it...""By the way, Big Brother, my request was only to save those children. Why did you take it upon yourself to return them to the Great Forest?""Hmm... before I saw these children, I didn't care about their lives, but since I've seen them..."Big Brother said, pausing for a moment, then sighed and continued."Alright, honestly, it's just because they are around the same age as you and Norn. At that moment, my mind was thinking... what if you or Norn hadn't been by my and Father's side when the displacement happened? What if you or Norn had become slaves... I get scared just thinking about that possibility..."Big Brother is always like this, suddenly saying things that are very moving."But I'm right here by your side, aren't I? And I intend to stay by your side for my whole life!""If Aisha reaches puberty and starts to dislike me... I'll definitely cry...""Puberty? What's that?""You'll understand when you grow up."In any case, we settled the 30-plus Beastkin children and the large white dog in an inn.According to Big Brother, we have plenty of money.So, we rented three rooms, with 6-7 children sleeping in each. Of course, we only rented them for one night, because we're leaving tomorrow.Big Brother gave them showers one by one in the inn's bathroom, and also gave the big dog a good wash, because Eris likes that dog very much.The big dog seemed to know who its saviors were; it would always pounce on Big Brother, me, and Eris, and lick us. It's really cute.However, every time it did that, the Beastkin children would cover their eyes and say something in a language I didn't understand.For dinner, the food Big Brother prepared wasn't as lavish, but the children were still very grateful to us. Although I couldn't understand what they were saying, I could tell from their tone and their attitude toward Big Brother.After dinner, a little Beastkin girl walked toward me, with several other Beastkin children behind her.She looked at me, her mouth slightly open. After a while, the children spoke in unison."Th-thank you!"It was in the human language. I looked at Big Brother, who was watching me with a smile.I hurriedly asked Big Brother how to say "you're welcome" in Beast God Language. After a minute of instruction,"You're welcome!"After I replied in Beast God Language, the Beastkin children all smiled and happily ran back to the rooms we had booked for them.After returning to our room, Big Brother and I took a bath and got ready for bed....Uh, Eris was still playing with that big dog.Eris really likes that big dog, and the big dog really likes Eris."Rudeus! I want to keep it!""This seems to be a Sacred Beast of the Beastkin... it would probably be difficult to keep.""Ehh~ Do you want to come with me?"Eris said, hugging the big dog, but the big dog didn't seem to understand.Big Brother walked up and helped Eris translate it into Beast God Language.The big dog nodded vigorously at first, then, as if it had thought of something, shook its head."Alright..."That night, Eris slept while hugging the big dog.