Nobina was the first to speak up, her voice reflecting how both surprised and upset she was, hearing what Eric said.

“You must be joking,” said Nobina. “You’re not telling me to run from all of this, right?”

Eric nodded his head.

“I am. This is a decision that is for the sake of the world.”

He turned to Mimiki, who hadn’t said a word yet. She was merely watching, waiting for her to be addressed.

“Mimiki,” said Eric. “I’m about to tell you something you must swear to secrecy. Understand?”

She nodded, listening intently to Eric.

“Nobina has a Path that has the ability to significantly influence our world. Maria, the Path Specialist that came here previously, confirmed that as fact. All evidence is pointing to Nobina being a cause of the goblin emergency. Despite this, I believe Nobina’s presence in the world could be to counteract something more serious that is to come. That is why I’ve sworn to protect her and plan to send her away.”

Mimiki nodded, understanding what Eric was saying.

“So you’re going to send her alone?” asked Mimiki, skeptical of that idea. “Surely you aren’t implying that you’ll leave the town with her merely to protect her.”

He shook his head.

“No. I’ve decided to tell you this because I want you and her to leave. You’re the second strongest person in town and someone I trust. That is the reason I’m revealing this to you, despite the risk that you might act on this information.”

“If you’re implying I’ll try to kill Nobina because I believe differently than you Eric, you are mistaken,” said Mimiki.

She seemed hesitant to say more but found the courage and continued.

“I… I was told everything by Nobina. I’ve sworn to her I’d help her to get stronger to deal with the potential events that were going to happen around her.”

Hearing that, Eric turned to Nobina, who merely nodded.

“Hm… I guess I shouldn’t be surprised she told the two people she trusted the most.”

“Two?” asked Nobina.

“You’ve told Sarah as well, right? I have doubts you’d only tell Mimiki considering Sarah is your closer friend. Such a thing hasn’t escaped me.”

Nobina couldn’t deny that. For those who saw the two together, Nobina was clearly very close with Sarah. It seemed obvious that if she was willing to reveal an important secret to Mimiki, she’d have revealed it to Sarah first.

“It is true,” she nodded.

“Well then, that makes things simpler at least. If there are no other questions, I expect you two…”

“Hold on a second,” said Mimiki, showing her irritation. “You can’t tell me that you expect me to abandon all the adventurers in town because you don’t want Nobina to get hurt. I know you want to protect her, but there has to be another option.”

Eric turned to Nobina, waiting for her to respond.

“Well… There’s a… Solution that could work…”

Both of them turned to her, waiting for her to elaborate more.

“So the problem is numbers. We haven’t received a report from the north-west scout team, but we have to assume the worst considering they are still not back. We do not have enough numbers to defend the town from two attacks considering they involve goblin archers and goblin riders. However, and this is based on the response you to give me right now, I believe Eric alone can handle the north-east nest, while Mimiki and a group of experienced adventurers could potentially handle the north-west nest. Of course… I’m not experience enough about the two of you to declare you can handle nests, but… It’s an option if you could do it.”

Eric spoke first, shaking his head.

“Well… I could potentially handle the north-east nest alone, but Mimiki and a small group of C-ranks wouldn’t be able to handle a nest.”

Nobina turned to Mimiki, who sighed.

“It’d be rough. I’d prefer at least three or four groups of experienced adventurers at least. After all, unlike Eric who can cover multiple nest entrances alone, I could only do one and I’d need two parties each at the others.”

Nobina could see that Mimiki was bothered by her own inability, but Nobina found it amazing she could do the job of multiple adventuring groups. Not only that, but Eric was capable of doing a raid himself, which really showed the gap in power between adventurers.

“And therein lies the problem,” said Eric. “We don’t have enough adventurers to send. If we send too many and something goes wrong with any of the three raids, then the town will be vulnerable. It is best we at least don’t risk your life for…”

“No,” said Nobina loudly. “Don’t tell me to protect myself and run while everyone else is fighting for the safety of the town. I know this might be my fault, but I don’t want to run because you believe it’s for my safety. I want to stay and do as much as I can.”

She held up her Gaze bag, shaking it vigorously.

“Perhaps the Gaze will give me something critical to the defense of the town. You never know.”

“You can’t say that for certain,” said Eric, his voice more assertive than it has been. “From what you told me, it’s random correct? The Gaze may give you what you need, but also give you nothing. I cannot trust your safety to something that is too unknown.”

Eric did have a point. Nobina knew that the Gaze operated on its own will. There was no guarantee it’d give her something she needed when she needed it the most.

“Plus. What it gives you are items and creatures. If you get shot with an arrow or hit with a skill that severely hurts you, how will you survive?”

She couldn’t give an answer, prompting Eric to press her further.

“Nobina. Get it out of your head that you’re a hero. You’re a normal person with the potential to change the world and a special bag that has saved you time and time again. While you might be able to do something, if I’m gone and Mimiki is gone… Who is there to protect you from some drunk adventurer who decides to pick a fight? A noble who decides to mess with you? Even a goblin attacking you in your sleep. Answer that.”

Nobina went silent. Her gaze turned to Mimiki, but it seemed she wasn’t going to come to her defense on this one.

Seeing that he had gotten to her, Eric merely sighed.

“I won’t have you retreat, but you’ll be staying here in the safety of the town. I can’t risk you dying to a goblin archer or assassin if either appear. Got it?” asked Eric, his gaze keeping on her.

“Yes… guild master. I shall do as you ask.”

“Then go inform Sarah of the following plan. I shall go cull the north-east nest, as asked. Sarah shall gather two groups of parties consisting of C to D rank adventurers and use the remaining barb wiring to attempt to cull the north-west nest. Lare, Sarah and you are to stay here and adjust the defense of the town to deal with the absence of everyone. In the worst case, you are ordered to evacuate the town, but put your safety at the highest priority. Understand?”

Nobina gave a nod, no longer willing to argue. Eric could see the pain in Nobina’s face, but he said nothing.

“Then go. We don’t have time to waste.”

The two of them left Eric’s office, finding themselves awkwardly standing next to each other outside his doors.

“Nobina… I’m sorry,” said Mimiki. “I couldn’t… disagree with Eric’s logic.”

“No… I’m sorry Mimiki,” said Nobina. “I’ve… forgotten my place. I’m just a normal girl at the end of the day. I don’t have the power of an adventurer. I can’t guarantee my safety, and I… I know I can’t be selfish and risk my own life when the consequences are potentially huge.”

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Mimiki shook her head.

“You have the heart of an adventurer Nobina. The heart of someone who cares for everyone. When all of this is done, we’ll train you harder than ever… And perhaps one day you…”

Her voice trailed off as she found herself going silent. Nobina began wondering if Mimiki was starting to believe that Nobina really was just a normal girl. Not someone who could be as strong like her.

“Mimiki,” said Nobina. “My dream has always been something simple. It has been to write a book. Perhaps my desire to write a book about adventurers has made me forgotten I’m not a hero. I can’t do things other adventurers can. I have my knowledge and skills from my old world, but none of that can help in this situation. All I can do now… is pray and hope for the success of everyone else. I know I’ve given everyone my burden, but… I still want to one day make it so I can make up for everything. That’s my hope at least.”

Mimiki looked directly at Nobina and smiled. She put one of her arms around her, chuckling.

“You’re right Nobina,” said Mimiki. “We all have limits to what we can do and that’s perfectly fine. Sure, you can’t do anything right now, but if you work your hardest on your dream… Perhaps it will lead to something good. After all, we still don’t know how you’re influencing the world and whether your meant to do something or not. Maybe you write a book that sways the hearts of millions. Until then, you can just do what you can, right?”

Nobina nodded.

Both of them realized that they had jobs that they were supposed to do. For Mimiki, she had to use all her skills to convince experienced adventurers to join her in a raid. As for Nobina, she knew she had to report everything to Lare and Sarah. Once that was done, they had to do their best to hold down the fort.

“Let’s do our best,” said Nobina.

“Right,” smiled Mimiki.

The two of them headed downstairs and began preparing for the two additional raids. As the current sutation became clear, there was a less-than-optimistic enviornment this time around. Lare, hearing the news, began planning out the modified defense of the town. As for Sarah, her announcement brought a lot of worry amongst all the adventurers, many of them being E and F rank. She and Nobina did their best to explain the plan and ensure confidence, but only Sarah was good at that. Nobina found herself falling back to Sarah when adventurers began doubting the plan. It made her remember that even Sarah had things only she could do effectively.

A lot of time passed, and soon, Mimiki and Eric were downstairs. Once again, Eric stood before all the adventurers and gave a speech about the situation and how he believed they would be able to deal with the new threats. Many people still had hope in Eric to resolve things. With him and Mimiki both acting, there was a new sense of hope that they could succeed.

After his speech, Eric went to Nobina, who was merely showing a smile for the others.

“What’s wrong,” asked Eric.

“I… I wish I could do more Eric,” sighed Nobina.

He put his hand on her shoulder, looking her in the eye.

“If your destiny is to do more, then I’m sure there will be a time where you can make a difference directly. For now… be proud of all the work you’ve done. You’ve done the research to help us handle the situation. The Gaze bag desires to protect you and has provided the tools to help us get out of this situation. It’s only a matter of time that your Path develops enough that you can make a difference.”

Part of her couldn’t help but doubt Eric, but she wholeheartedly wanted to believe he was right. She wasn’t that far from being able to make a bigger difference besides what she could do as a non-combatant.

“Thank you Eric,” said Nobina. “I wish you and everyone the best.”

Next to speak with her was Mimiki. She seemed unable to find the words to say, waiting for Nobina to perhaps say anything. Nobina was silent, prompting Mimiki to try to say something.

“Nobina… I…”

To her surprise, Mimiki found Nobina giving her a strong hug.

“Come home safe Mimiki… please…”

Mimiki couldn’t help but chuckle, returning the hug.

“Thank you… Nobina. I’m glad I have a friend like you believing in me,” replied Mimiki, returning the hug.

After a few more moments, the two separated, and Mimiki joined the other adventurers.

With that, the two raid parties began their last-minute preparations before departing. The other scouting party had yet to arrive, so it was all but certain something bad was happening with the north-west nest.

Once the parties were gone, the rest of the adventures began retiring to their own homes. They were still on standby and everything that had been happening was wearing thin on everyone. To her surprise, she saw Merrick approach her. He seemed hesitant to speak, but he gathered up the courage to.

“Nobina… Are you here because you need to protect the town? Is that better than being with the other adventurers?”

His words hurt Nobina more than Merrick knew. Seeing her reaction, he immediately apologized, but she shook her head.

“Merrick… I wish I could do more. That’s all I want to say.”

He nodded, apologizing one more time before leaving.

Eventually, the only people left were Nobina, Sarah, and Lare as the last adventurers left for the day.

“Are you alright Nobina?” asked Sarah.

“I’m just… worried. That’s all,” she sighed.

“They will do fine,” said Lare. “Eric is still capable enough to handle a nest and Mimiki is his student. Plus, she has a lot of quality adventurers under her.”

Nobina nodded, partly believing in his words.

With that, Nobina and Sarah headed to their homes for the day. Neither was in an eating mood, so they decided not to have dinner together. At the inn, Nobina requested a small meal, which Harris provided without issue. Nobina merely thanked Harris once she was done and headed upstairs.

As she reached her room, she summoned her diary and took a seat. She was about to write before she stopped herself.

“Why… Why am I still writing for myself? My dream… is to write for others…”

Nobina recalled her diary and took out a sheet of paper. She took a breath as she looked at it, preparing to do what she had always planned to do.

“It’s time… to write the story.”

She found herself lost in writing as she began the first chapter of her story. She was writing a book about adventurers, but it was only when the paper was before her that she had an idea of how exactly she planned to write it.

As she said, it was going to be a non-fiction book. It would be one that reflected how things were rather than a fantasy that wasn’t real. It wasn’t necessary for it to be fantasy either, as magic and abilities existed in the world. It made her writing her perspective on adventurers, which was the first chapter, easier.

She wrote about the experience of seeing an adventurer in action. Then she wrote about the process of becoming one from her perspective, mixed in with the information Mimiki had provided her during their many conversations regarding adventurers. While Mimiki wasn’t there to help her verify everything she was writing was accurate, she trusted she listened to Mimiki well enough that she wasn’t getting anything wrong.

Eventually, she reached the end of the chapter, where she then began focusing on her final thoughts regarding everything she had written. She ended up taking inspiration from Eric’s speech about what every adventurer should possess and what it truly meant to be an adventurer.

“Adventurers are amazing individuals capable of doing things that non-adventurers cannot do. However, that does not mean the role of a non-adventurer is any less important. At the end of the day, both adventurers and non-adventurers ideally support each other. While individuals can be amazing alone, it is working together, either as groups of adventurers or even as a town, where adventurers can truly shine. As long as you remember that you can truly understand what it means to be an adventurer.”

Nobina finished up the chapter, giving a smile. She knew she’d want to look it over again and again and edit it to perfection, but as a draft it was good enough. It was the first step of the process, and she was excited to continue the next chapter.

“It’s getting late, huh? Best call it a night,” she chuckled.

As she said that, she felt a familiar sensation. Her hand dropped her quill, allowing it to roll a bit on the desk before stopping.

“Pen,” she said.

A pen appeared in her hand, confusing Nobina. She then felt another sensation as she began gripping the pen as if it were a sword handle, with the end of it pointing upwards.

“Sword,” she said.

A stream of ink began flying out of the pen, forming a blade-like shape. Soon, the pure black ink seemed to turn grey, and she could see what appeared to be a grey-scaled sword. It felt as if it was slowly draining her energy as she stared at the blade. She wanted to check the blade out immediately, but she suddenly felt herself saying another world.

“Summon,” she said, her free hand in the position to hold a book. Before she knew it, the ledger was in her hand. It was quite heavy, but she was doing her best to hold it. There was also a golden glow starting to appear on the sword. Nearby, her coin bag also started to glow, making Nobina wonder if the glow was linked. Regardless, her eyes sparkled as the beauty of her blade with a golden aura drew her attention.

“This is amazing,” she said.

As soon as she said that, she realized the drain of both the book and the pen was far greater than she could handle. It couldn’t have been more than thirty seconds, but the drain threatened to knock her out there and then.

“Recall,” she spoke, with her book and pen recalling itself.

She found herself breathing heavily as she began taking everything.

“Was… all this… because I decided to write?” she asked herself.

A lightbulb went off in her head. It seemed so simple, but at the same time, she couldn’t believe it. Was all she needed to progress her own Path her writing? Did that mean if she wrote more chapters, edited her book, and eventually completed it, she’d be able to strengthen her existing powers and perhaps gain new ones? It made sense, as her summon and recall ability solely improved when she wrote the diary and ledger. Things had slowed down since she had finished the ledger, and her diary wasn’t being filled to the brim, but she knew writing in it was progress.

“I need to… study this more… when this is all over.”

Despite recalling everything, it didn’t restore all that energy she had lost. She was training under Mimiki, and her stamina was improving, but it wasn’t improving fast enough that she could call herself a decent swordsman. However, she began hoping that her newfound power would potentially help her improve faster. After all, she had a feeling Pen Blade, the name she was calling the ability, was a physical combat-based one. In theory, that meant she’d be more efficient at training as well, since one’s own physical attributes were easier to improve when you had a physical combat-based ability.

“There’s so much to experiment and I’m so excited,” she told herself.

Nobina felt her future was bright, and part of her wanted to sit back down and continue to write. However, she knew what she wrote mattered. If she wrote anything less than with her full focus and effort, then it would likely improve her ability slower. That and she’d be betraying her dream by not giving one hundred percent. Of course, perhaps Pen Blade would also require way more swordsmanship training to make good use of. It was a swordsman-related ability, after all.

For now, Nobina is headed to bed. She was so excited for tomorrow, but her body was easing her into a deep sleep. Tomorrow, she planned to continue to do what she could to prepare the defense of the town. At the same time, she also would continue to get used to her new ability in hopes that if the time came, she could use it when it mattered and make a difference.

“They say the pen is mightier than the sword… but now the pen is my sword,” she said, smiling before falling asleep.