Volume 3 - CH 8

Chapter 8 – I Returned to Fort Port

The Exceed Cruiser arrived at Fort Port in about fifteen minutes.

The harbor was ruined by the pirates’ bombardment, but it was rebuilt with my [Creation].

Naturally, there are also granted effects, one of which is《Ramp Formation EX》.

As the Exceed Cruiser stopped moving, Devil Treant’s roots grew and extended from the harbor to form a ladder for embarkation and disembarkation.

“Okay, let’s go.”

“It’s kind of a big fuss…”

Iris was right; there was a bit of a festival going on around the harbor.

In addition to the city’s residents, Lily, Surara, and even the “Knights of the Dawn” have gathered.

The density of the crowd was incredible.

As Iris and I descended the ladder side by side, Lily and Surara came up to us.

“Welcome back, Kou-san!”

“Master-san, we’ve been waiting for you! Are you okay? Are you okay?”

“Iris and I are both fine. We’ve taken out the main group of pirates. And how did it go on your side?”

“Fufu. We did our job properly. Praise us, praise us!”

Surara’s face grew a little taller, and his chest (?) puffed out with a proud expression on his face.

Lily added, supplementing Surara’s words.

“It was all as predicted in my [Foresight]. Every single one of the separate units has been captured and taken to jail.”

“Alright. Thank you, both of you.”

I pat Lily with my right hand and Surara with my left, thanking each of them for their work.

“That’s ticklish.”

“Hehehe! Master-san patted me! Yay!”

Seeing the two of them so happy makes me happy too.

When I looked towards the “Knights of the Dawn,” more than 1000 knights kneeled down all at once.

First of all, I would like to thank them.

“Everyone did a great job. I may ask for your help again in the future. When that happens, I’ll be counting on you.”

As I said this, Surara walked over to the knights.

It looked like Surara and some of the knights were exchanging words with each other.

The Knights of the Dawn are undead summoned by the Sacred Gjallarhorn and are unable to speak with those who are living. This is probably why we cannot hear their voices at all.

Since Surara is not a human but a magical creature, he is able to speak with the knights.

After a while, Surara came to me, rolling on the ground.

“Master-san! I’ve heard what the knights have to say!”

“Thank you. May I ask you to tell me?”

“Yes! Let’s see…”

According to Surara, the knights had this to say.

“We are truly grateful for your kind words, they are too good for us.”

“We, the Knights of the Dawn, pledge our allegiance to you once again.”

“We are truly grateful to you for summoning us this time. Please let us fight beside you next time.”

Surara further informed me, “All the other knights were also very grateful to you, Master-san.”

“…Although it is me who should be thanking them.”

If it hadn’t been for the ‘Knights of the Dawn’ this time, we might have missed the separate unit.

I’m really grateful for that part.

I feel bad about keeping them on the ground forever, so I think it’s time to send them back to where they belong.

I took out the Sacred Gjallarhorn from my [Item Box].

I put my mouth on the mouthpiece and blow on it with my lips trembling.

Fooooooonnnnnnn──.

It was a brave tone that praised the knights for their valiant fight.

The emblem of the God of War floated on the ground, and the “Knights of the Dawn” were enveloped in crimson particles.

The bodies of the knights floated in the air, and one by one, they ascended to the heavens.

“Amazing…”

Iris, next to me on the left, gasped.

“It’s like a myth…”

“We may be witnessing the birth of a new myth.”

Lily said with a confident gleam in her eye.

“Kou-san’s success will be passed down as a myth thousands of years into the future──. I believe so.”

“Is that from your [Foresight]?”

“No, it is not.”

Lily shook her head and looked straight up at me.

“It’s my wish.”

“…I see.”

I couldn’t help but look away.

Lily’s eyes were filled with pure, childlike longing, and it was embarrassing for me to receive it directly.　

When I was a child, I probably would have looked at firefighters this way. It was a very emotional moment for me to think about it.

My life has really changed drastically since I came to this other world.

As I was reflecting on my past, a man appeared from the crowd nearby and approached me.

He was tall, slender, and wore silver-rimmed glasses.

He was Jess, the branch manager of the Adventurers’ Guild of Fort Port.

“Kou-san, thank you for your hard work. I really appreciate your efforts in protecting Fort Port. As the person in charge of the city’s safety, please allow me to extend my heartfelt thanks.”

Jess bowed his head deeply and sincerely.

“I’ll ask for a full report later, but first, I think we need some closure. May I ask you to announce to the people of the city that the crisis is over?”

“Isn’t that the job of the branch manager?”

“Normally, you would be right. However, I believe that Kou-san is more qualified for this task than I am. After all, you are the hero who saved the city from a crisis.”

“…I understand.”

I’ve taken on the task of defeating the pirates and restoring peace to the city. It would not be complete if I did not reassure the people of Fort Port that I had done it right.

I’m not comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, but I’m not going to cut corners on something I’ve decided to do.

I took a deep breath, and with determination, I called out to the people of the city.

“Listen up, everyone!”

As I raised my voice, the people in the surrounding area, who had been chatting amongst themselves until then, fell silent.

It’s kind of nerve-wracking.

I gave a small cough before continuing.

“We’ve caught every single pirate who was targeting Fort Port! Everything will be all right now! Everyone, rest easy and go back to your normal lives!”

Then I turned to look out at the sea.

In the distance, I could see the tiny shadow of the Orichalcum Rox in the ocean.

I should explain before the people in the city get confused.

“Those pirates’ ships, we’ve destroyed four of them and taken the last one! They will reach Fort Port soon, but don’t worry! ──We’ve won!”

I shouted, and people cheered.

“Dragon Slayer-san! Thank you!”

“Thank God you’re here!”

“Alright, let’s all lift up our city’s hero!”

“””””Oh!”””””

Apparently, there was a celebration to lift someone up too.

People in this world do really act on a whim, don’t they?

In the meantime, the Orichalcum Rox arrived at the Fort Port harbor, but since I had explained the situation beforehand, there was no major commotion.

The pirates were taken to jail one after another by the city guards.

“Now, move. Don’t even think about escaping on the way.”

“I understand. I have no intention of escaping.”

“You’re awfully attentive, aren’t you? Well, I’m glad it saves us the trouble…”

The guards were perplexed but carried out their duties without delay.

The pirate’s attitude was like a different person compared to when they were fighting me. There was no outburst of violence in the process, just obedience itself.

Perhaps it was because of Leticia’s [Domination].

The pirates must have been ordered not to disobey the guards.

While I was thinking about this, Leticia comes down from the Orichalcum Rox.

“Fuh, as expected, it takes a lot of work to put [Domination] on all the pirates.”

“Good work. It was tough work, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, thank you. Anyway, that settles the matter for now, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, I guess so.”

I nodded at Leticia’s words.

“The city suffered zero damage, and we caught all the pirates. It’s a happy ending, no questions asked.”

“Fufu.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I was thinking about my brother a little. …He used to help people around him and say things like, ‘Happy ending, no questions asked,’ too.”

That’s an amazing coincidence.

To be honest, it’s hard to believe that we are strangers, that we even share the same habit of speaking.

I have a feeling I’m going to have a good drink with Leticia’s brother.

After that, we were taken by Branch Manager Jess to the Adventurers’ Guild.

“We would like to hear a detailed report on the pirate extermination, and a place where we can talk calmly would be good. Is the branch manager’s office okay with you?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

“Thank you. …Actually, one of Kou-san’s acquaintances arrived in Fort Port just a few minutes ago. She is waiting for you at the Adventurers Guild. Would you like her to be present as well?”

My acquaintance?

Who on earth could he be talking about?

I headed for the branch manager’s office with my head slightly tilted, only to find a familiar figure there.

“Kou-san, Iris-san! It’s been a while! I finally caught up with you!”

She had a rather childish face and lovely, round golden eyes that sparkled.

Her name is Milia, and she is the assistant branch manager of the Adventurers’ Guild Aunen Branch, an elite member dispatched from the headquarters in the royal capital.

If you focus on her title, you may get the impression that she is unapproachable, but she is cheerful and easy to get along with, and I personally feel that I can get along with her.

When we were all seated on the sofa, I asked her.

“Milia, what brings you here?”

“Due to work reasons, I also left Aunen the day after Kou-san departed. This time I took the shortest route north through the Phatos Mountains. It’s what you call a back road.”

“Milia, you went that route?”

Iris shouted in surprise.

“The Phatos Mountains are supposed to be crawling with very dangerous monsters in the back. How did you manage to survive?”

“Fufu. I’m lucky. …Just kidding, but it’s thanks to you, isn’t it?”

“…Me?”

The topic suddenly turned to me, and I was a little confused.

“What did I do?”

“When the great flood happened, all the high-danger monsters living deep in the Phatos Mountains also rushed to Aunen, and Kou-san burned them away with your golem lasers, didn’t you? Boom! And…”

Milia put on a smiling face and spread her hands wide.

Perhaps it was a gesture that conjured up the image of an explosion.

“It seems that the high-danger monsters were uprooted and reduced to ashes at that time. The Pathos Mountains now have a much lower concentration of monsters, so there are only a few Lonely Wolves and Punch Rabbit at the foot of the mountains.”

“So that’s why you were able to get to Fort Port so smoothly.”

“That’s right. ──Well, now, let’s leave it at that. It seems that you have been very active in this city, too, Kou-san! Since I’m here, may I ask you and Branch Manager Jess to let me join in on your talk?”

“Yes, of course. Is that okay with you, everyone?”

“I’m fine. What about you, Lily-chan?”

“Um…”

Iris’s words made Lily look a little puzzled.

“I have never met Milia-san before, so first of all, may I introduce myself to her?”

Come to think of it; this is Lily’s first meeting with Milia.

If that is the case, it would be better to introduce them properly.

I turned to Milia and said.

“This girl is Lily Luna Lunaria, a priestess of the God of War religion. Please get along with her.”

“I’m Lily. Pleased to meet you.”

Lily stood up from the sofa and bowed. At the same time, Milia also made a small bow.

“I am Milia. Lily-san, could it be that you are a [God of War’s Shrine Maiden]?”

“…How did you know that?”

When Lily asked curiously, Milia proudly puffed out her chest.　

“There are many users of light magic in the God of War religion, so when the undead appear, the Adventurers’ Guild sometimes requests their cooperation. Because of this, I know the faces and names of the high-ranking priests memorized.”

“Wow! Milia-oneesan is very resourceful!”

On Lily’s lap, Surara jumped up and down in a small leap.

“Then, do you know my name?”

“Let’s see… You are the Helper Slime from the underground city, right?”

“Yes! My name is Surara! Master-san gave me my name!”

“Fufufu, that’s a very pretty name. And… that’s Leticia-san over there, isn’t it?”

Hmm?

Could it be that Milia and Leticia know each other?

“Good day, Milia-sama. We met before at the Adventurers’ Guild headquarters in the royal capital, didn’t we?”

“It was since I was present at the examination for Leticia-san to become a C-rank adventurer, wasn’t it?”

I see.

When one is promoted from D rank to C rank, one must take an examination at the Adventurers’ Guild headquarters in the royal capital.

Milia originally worked at the headquarters, so it makes sense that she also met Leticia at that time…

“Leticia-san, are you traveling with Kou-san and the others as well?”

“Yes, I have been accompanying them since yesterday.”

Leticia nodded with an elegant gesture and continued to speak.

“Even so, Milia-sama seems to be very fond of Kou-sama, going out of her way to be present for the report.”

“Of course! After all, Kou-san is a super newcomer with great potential!

Promising super newcomer, I haven’t heard that term in a long time.　

Since I had been called the “Dragon Slayer” ever since I left Aunen, it made me feel nostalgic.

After the introductions, it was time for the report.

I will start by explaining the events leading up to our return to Fort Port after our mission to defeat the main group of pirates.

Iris and Leticia supplemented me when I left something out, so it was very easy for me to talk.

When I finished my story, Milia muttered with a mysterious expression on her face.

“Kou-san… Aren’t you becoming more out of the ordinary than when you were in Aunen?”

“I think so too.”

Iris nodded with a sincere look on her face.

“Creating a new harbor on the spot or summoning more than 1000 ancient knights together. It’s beyond the boundaries of human beings, isn’t it?”

“I think it’s really wonderful that you can have such great power and yet remain a good person without going astray. I respect you so much.”

“…You are giving me too much praise.”

I told her bluntly and decided to change the subject.

“The next step is to talk about the pirate detachment. That is all I have to report. Lily, can I ask you to explain?”

“…Yes.”

Lily’s voice was a little stiff.

She has always been shy, so she is probably nervous about speaking in front of everyone.　

However, as long as you are alive, you will probably have many occasions like this, so you should think of it as practice and do your best.

Lily, together with Surara, the Knights of the Dawn, and a group of local adventurers, left the city of Fort Port and headed west toward the highway.

The local adventurers were naturally familiar with the geography of the area and knew all the back roads and secret paths. With this information, Lily commanded the “Knights of the Dawn” based on her [Foresight] and captured every single pirate detachment.

“Lily-onechan did a fantastic job!”

Surara said a little excitedly, his body trembling with excitement.

“She gave the knights instructions, and in no time at all, they had the pirates in custody!

“Isn’t that amazing, Lily?”

When I called out to her in admiration, she replied in a subdued tone.

“I don’t think I could have done it on my own. It was thanks to Surara-san, the “Knights of the Dawn” members and local adventurers who lent a hand. …And, Kou-san said I was a ‘trustworthy friend.'”

Lily slowly placed her right hand on her chest as if checking the location of a precious treasure.

Apparently, my words had touched Lily’s heart more deeply than I had imagined.

I’m kind of embarrassed.

With the report completed, the next step was to discuss the reward.

Branch Manager Jess offered a sum in the hundreds of millions, but I thought about it for a while and then decided to ask one question.

“How many ships were destroyed by the pirates’ bombardment this time?”

“Right…”

Jess put his right hand on his silver-rimmed glasses and thought for a while before answering.

“It is just an estimate, but I think there were no less than 100 boats destroyed. Most of them are local fishing boats, but there are also a few boats that are used as liaison ships to other parts of the country.”

“I understand. Then use my payment to cover the damage.”

“…Huh?”

Branch Manager Jess rolled his eyes as if my words had come as a surprise to him. The silver-rimmed glasses were slipping off from his ears in surprise.

“What did you just say?”

“When I created the Exceed Cruiser with [Creation], I was allowed to use the wreckage of the ship that was destroyed. I feel bad about taking it for free, and I would like to donate my payment to pay for it.”

“Kou-san restored the harbor for us, and that seems to be enough for the price… No, I think it’s more like change…”

“The harbor was just an incidental repair. Don’t worry about it. …Oh, yes, I know. What’s going to happen to the Orichalcum Rox?”

“I will answer that question.”

Milia raised a small hand and said.

“If we are to go by the rules of the Adventurers’ Guild, all of the pirate’s possessions will belong to Kou-san. However, the Orichalcum Rox is very large, so if you have trouble handling it, the Adventurers’ Guild headquarters will be happy to accept it. What do you think?”

“Perhaps it could be used as a material to make another item. For the time being, please consider it as my trophy.”

“I understand. What will you do about where to store it?”

Oops.

I forgot about that.

“…I hope it can go into my [Item Box].”

As expected, the Orichalcum Rox seemed to be too large and was excluded from storage.

The capacity is unlimited, but there’s a limit to the size of the ‘entrance.’

The fact that the Exceed Cruiser can be taken in and out means that it must be at least 15 meters in length.

But the Orichalcum Rox is more than ten times that size.

Literally, it is an order of magnitude larger.

Now, what should I do?

As I was pondering this, Branch Manager Jess said to me.

“If so, the Fort Port Branch will take care of it for you. In exchange for that, let it be in lieu of a reward.”

So, the management of the Orichalcum Rox was consigned to the Adventurers’ Guild Branch in Fort Port. Normally, we would have paid a consignment fee, but since it was in lieu of a reward, it was free of charge.”

I am very grateful for this.

By the way, this is a completely different topic, but my wallet is in a terrible mess right now.

I was paid a considerable amount of money for saving the cities from major crises in Aunen, Toue, and Surier, and Count Maillard was going to pay me 200 million Comsa every year for ten years as a “return gift” for saving his life. I thought it was too much, so I bargained with him, but he said, “I really like your unselfishness! Let’s make it 500 million Comsa!” In the end, the butler who was there interceded, and the price was returned to 200 million Comsa per year.

But that aside…

I was working for a black company in Japan and was paid only a meager salary every month.

So when I was told I would be rewarded in the hundreds of millions, it didn’t ring a bell, and I didn’t know how to handle it.

I was afraid of getting carried away and destroying myself, so the best thing to do would be to have them use it for the people of the city. It would also help the economy — two birds with one stone.

* * *

It was late in the evening when we left the Adventurers’ Guild building after our talk.

The city was very lively, and all the residents had cheerful expressions on their faces.

Seeing such a scene filled me with a sense of accomplishment.

I am so glad that we were able to protect the city.

“Kou, what are you going to do now?”

I thought for a moment before answering Iris’s question.

“I think we should go to the inn first. …Speaking of which, what about Leticia?”

Rooms for me, Iris, Lily, and Surara have already been reserved through the Scarlett Trading Company.

Leticia started accompanying us last night, so she’s not included in the number of people who will be staying.

“For the time being, I will go with you to your inn. If there is a room available, I will take it myself; if not, I will find somewhere else. Please rest assured.”

“I understand. Well then, let’s get going.”

“Master-san, what kind of inn do you have in mind for today?”

“If there is a hot spring, I will be very happy.”

Apparently, Lily is a fan of hot springs.

Fort Port is a port town, and it would be ideal if there were open-air baths with a view of the ocean.