Chapter 178: Everyone has Their Own Stories
Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7583de/
Author: Hirukuma
Translated by Zzonkedd
Edited by Gumihou
Kikoyu had been acting a little strange lately. These past few days, she had been making the same little mistakes over and over again, such as taking the wrong order, giving customers the wrong item or even the wrong change.
I swear, even Botan and Kuroyata were giving her concerned looks.
She was so distracted that she actually bumped into people as she walked down the street.
Whatever she was thinking about must be quite serious. Even though it was really none of my business, I felt like I should try and get to the bottom of it. I was just thinking about approaching her when Kikoyu beat me to it.
“If you don’t mind, could I come and talk to you about something?”
“Welcome”
Taken out of context, one would think that I might be getting a love confession later. However, I have a feeling that it would be a completely different kind of confession.
Just what is she planning to say with such a grave expression on her face?
While I was happy to be the one she approached for counsel, it felt like a big deal. I must do my best not to get flustered or overreact no matter what she said.
Much later that night, once the customers had ceased coming and most of the villagers had gone home to bed, Kikoyu appeared at the promised time with Kuroyata and Botan. She was cradling the fragment of the Field as though it was something precious.
“I apologise for coming at this hour.”
“O-kay”
Since it gets pretty chilly at night, I handed her some warm soup. She took a sip and sighed. Some of the tension appeared to have left her.
“Mister Hakkon, we are thinking about leaving the dungeon,” she said in a low voice.
I can’t say I was too shocked at this. At that moment, I just acknowledged what she had just said.
“I understand that leaving before the anomaly is resolved is selfish.”
No, no, that’s not true at all. While it would be a loss to our forces if you leave, you were here for another purpose. It was great having you with us, but there’s no reason to blame you for leaving. But, why so suddenly…
“As for the reason, after becoming an adult my magic increased by a lot. Now, I can faintly hear voices from this piece of fragment. It told me that if I transported it to its original location, Mister Field could regain his power and resurrect. This fragment will open a path back for Mister Field,” she said as she smiled lovingly down at the ball of earth.
After having struggled for so long to maintain the fragment and feed it with monster carcasses, her joy at the thought of finally meeting Mister Field must be profound.
This Mister Field had sacrificed himself in the Demon Lord’s territory and helped them escape. In the end, no one knew what really happened to Mister Field since the way in was blocked by a wall of soil with no way to cross it.
Well, I understand why she wanted to leave, but, how does she plan to leave the dungeon?
As I understand it, the dungeon had been isolated from the outside world by the King of the Netherworld.
Perhaps sensing my confusion, Kikoyu gently touched my body and read my thoughts.
“I had spoken to Miss Hyurumi about this before. If a large amount of magic is injected into the transfer circle, it is possible to establish a temporary connection to the outside world… She also said it was a risky move since nothing is guaranteed.”
Is she really going to take that chance? While it’s true that she has the power to activate the transfer circle now, isn’t it too much of a gamble?
“I understand that this is a great risk. However, I must hurry to Mister Field’s side!”
With her hair whipping in the wind created by magic, Kikoyu looked especially heroic as she made that declaration.
Well, everyone has their own priorities. Like how Leader Keryoil, wished to save his son no matter what, even if it meant turning the entire world against him. To Kikoyu, the resurrection of this Mister Field is more important than anything in the world. Something worth risking her life for.
“Ye-es”
“You understand? With my magic, I’m sure I can take these two with me as well. We shall leave immediately after this. I fear that if I speak to anyone else, they may try to dissuade me. Also, if I were to see everyone’s faces… my resolve may waver…”
Don’t smile so sadly like that, Kikoyu. I understand that you’re on your way to save someone important. So, please say your farewells with a smile and your head held high.
There’s no need to worry about us. We shall be alright here, all of us. We are grateful for your help and for the wonderful days we have spent together.
“Thank you as well. So many things had happened, but I had a lot of fun,” Kikoyu bowed her head gratefully.
“Kuwa-! Kuwaa-!!”
“Bufuu!”
Kuroyata and Botan also bowed their heads with Kikoyu. I see that both are resolved to follow her.
With her gone, there would be no one capable of reading my thoughts. Still, that’s just going back to how things were before. I must have been relying on her skills too much lately and have not been looking for ways to communicate with others. I should strive harder and learn the local language too.
What could I say to her now that she’s leaving? Well, this is the most appropriate response I could make for now.
“Please come again”
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The next morning, when news that Kikoyu had gone circulated about the village, Director Bear approached me to ask what I knew. That was when I handed him the letter she had left in my care.
After that, Director Bear called for those close to her to gather at his office. Hyurumi read the letter out loud.
“Everyone, thank you for all the care you have given to me. I have decided to leave the dungeon to rescue someone very dear to me. Do forgive my selfishness. Once I have rescued Mister Field, I shall definitely return. Please take care of yourselves until then. I’m sure we shall meet again.”
We could hear Kikoyu’s sincerity even through her letter.
“Leave the dungeon? Is that even possible?” [1] Director Bear said, he looked concerned. “Can the teleportation circle still be used?”
“About that,” said Hyurumi. “Technically, if a great amount of magic is used, it could propel the user through. Maybe. I’m sure, with the amount of magic she now commands, she could push herself and those two through.”
Director Bear crossed his arms and hummed thoughtfully over Hyurumi’s explanation, “For now, the only other person who could do the same thing would be the old man. It needs at least that much power…”
“But there’s no guarantee,” said Hyurumi. “We can only hope that Kikoyu gets through safely.”
“I understand how Kikoyu feels. If Master Hakkon is in danger, I would drop anything and fly to help him!”
“It would be really great if properly meet with a loved one, right?”
“Indeed. If there’s even the slightest chance, you should take action. Better than regretting after you’ve lost,” Hevoy said sincerely as he put his hands together in prayer.
Nobody here blamed Kikoyu at all. Rather, they wished for her safety and were supporting her.
“It’s going to be lonely, Hakkon.”
“Welcome”
Losing Kikoyu as a combat asset is, to be honest, quite a blow. It would have made the upcoming battles easier with her vast magical power and the ability to control the cold. There’s also Kuroyata’s air scouting ability and intelligence as well as Botan’s immense strength.
The cart pulled by Botan made our journey so much easier too.
However, that’s all in the past now. We must consider ourselves fortunate for the help they have given us.
Right now, the loneliness I felt in this mechanical body had nothing to do with losing our combat power, however. It was about losing our companions.
I shall never forget this competitive business rival or the way we tackle formidable enemies together. We will meet again, I’m sure of it. I’m looking forward to that day, Kikoyu.
[Gumihou: I hope we get to meet with Mister Field one day]
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