CHAPTER 8
Chance
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(Yes, he will be waiting here.)
(Got it. I'll come over there in a minute.) < Sub >
(Understood, Master.)
Hah...
Just when I was thinking to take a bath in hot spring, out of nowhere, Kitsune, contacted me through thought communication and told me that Mr.President has awoken up and wants to meet me.
Well, Mr.President was asleep for 2 whole days, and as for Shigeo and Shikka they also awake a few hours earlier than him.
I guess, I'll come here at the hot spring another time, as for now I should teleport near Mech-City entrance.
I teleported inside the forest which was near the entrance, and when I reached to the entrance I showed my Adventure Card at the guard post.
When they looked at my card, they stood up from their chair and give their deepest gratitude for saving Mr.President, to which I just shrug it off.
I guess news of saving Mr.President has spread through whole city, huh.
.... I'll just disappear from this city for a while, after talking with the President.
Anyways.
Num, told me that, right after when I had leave the city.
In a few hour, the one who governor over the Steam-Town sent their peoples to help the city to rebuild.
「Hm? Why's everyone has gathered in one place?」< Sub >
I couldn't help but to mutter with myself, cause every citizens had gathered in one place and smoke was coming from the middle.
I can tell it was smell of woods burning....
This smell will always remind me of that horrible night, tch...
「「Welcome back, Master!」」
When I turn around, I saw, Kitsune, and, Num, were greeting me.
Well, I haven't came in the city for only 2 days, you know.
「Thanks. And any idea, what is going on over there?」< Sub >
I asked them about the smoke while looking there.
「Yes, it's an memorial for the those who lost their lives.」< Num >
「I see. And where I'll be meeting Mr.Prisedent?」< Sub >
「He is waiting for you in the tent house, Master.」< Kitsune >
「Well then. Let's get going, we can talk while walking.」< Sub >
「「Understood!」」
After that we all were walking in same pace towards the tent house.
「Where are Shigeo's group now?」< Sub >
「They've gone to attend the memorial.」< Kitsune >
「I see.」
I should also ask permission with Mr.President to train them.
「We're here, Master.」< Kitsune >
「Yeah. Num, can you go and watch over Shigeo's group from the shadows?」< Sub >
「As you wish, Master.」< Num >
He bowed his head to me and disappeared in thin air.
As for Kitsune, it seems she wants to say something.
「If you have something to tell then I'm listening.」< Sub >
「Y-Yes! C-Can I come with you inside!!」< Kitsune >
「No. I want you to stay outside and not let anyone enter.」< Sub >
「.... Understood, Master...」
If, Jyoti, or Num, were to ask me then, I might say 'yes' to them but for Kitsune it was different case....
She adored me too much and because of that she couldn't tolerate if someone were to insult me in front of her.
In past, Kitsune, has done too many noxious things to others....
It's not like hate it or anything, instead it actually relief my heart a bit to know that there will always be someone to support me in my grim situation.
I'm sorry Kitsune, I just hope you understand.
While I was thinking that, Kitsune went inside the tent house to make sure Mr.President was there and after confirming, she came outside and gave me a nod.
「Well then.」
After saying that I went inside and the first thing I saw was Mr.President was all alone in the room and putting his hands on his chin and looking at me.
「So ya might be Sub-kun, right?」< Rhuko >
「Yes. It's an honor to meet you, Mr.President.」< Sub >
「Same here, Sub-kun. Please have a seat.」< Rhuko >
「Yes.」
I gave my formal bow to him, well he was the President after all so it's appropriate to give him a proper respect and his fight was also one of a kind.
I sat down on the chair which was facing him.
「Thank you and to your followers for saving me and for helping the citizens to evacuate to the chamber. I know this won't be enough but please accept this as a gift from our city.」< Rhuko >
While saying that he takes out big pouch and give it me and when I open it I saw large amount of gold coins in it.
I do remember that people who come to visit from another continent, or from a country uses coins as international currency.
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
And if I wish to use specific country currency instead of coins then, I gotta make citizenship card to use it to which it was kinda pain for me.
So up till now I've only used coins and I don't think I'll need to make citizenship card anymore.
Cause soon enough, I'll leave this continent to visit other 6 continents as well, so I'll be needing it in the future.
「It's enough, Mr.President. And thank you very much for the reward.」< Sub >
「Um.... Sub-kun, if ya don't mind then can ya take off your mask?」< Rhuko >
「Sure, Mr.President.」
I couldn't take off my mask entirely or else my magic will overflow everywhere and cuase trouble.
However, I can put it aside at my head though.
「I-I'm surprised that you're this young....!」< Rhuko >
And you were going to say my face has no emotions or something like that, right? And I'm way older despite my look. *Sigh*
「Mr.President, can you tell me why Mr.Jim didn't show up when enemies were attacking the city? There's must be a reason, right?」< Sub >
He looks down and makes a grim face for a moment and then he again looks up.
「You see.... the enemy whom I was fighting with said that our city Guardian has fallen.... Even though this information was given by the enemy I have no choice but to take it as one and only lead. And when I tried to contact the place were I've sent Jim-san, I couldn't reach to them at all, I'm getting worried about him....」< Rhuko >
'Guardian has fallen', huh.
I see.
But with whom? And how?
「However!」
「...」
「There's one more thing I'm more concerned about and that is War.... 'cause even if we're able to prepare ourselves, I don't think we can overcome this War without the Guardian....」< Rhuko >
「So you want us to investigate the place were Mr.Jim had last seen and report back to you?」< Sub >
Even if I were to go that place to investigate, enemies might lay their traps or waiting to ambush.
And more importantly, I don't even know if Mr.Jim is alive or not.
I mean, the way that enemy used his single magic just to obliterate almost whole Mech-City is no joke, and on the top of that I'm assuming that he only used 50% of his magic.
Even I can die if I'm not careful enough... And about the investigation I don't think I wanna risk my life....
「!! Y-Yes, if ya can then, I'll give ya this!!」< Rhuko >
「What's this?」< Sub >
Mr.President, was showing me some kind of card that I've never seen before.
「Jim-san did told me that ya like to read Mangas and Books, right? So I'll give ya this card, I called it 'Access Card' and there's only two of this kind, one is with me and another one is with, Jim-san. With this ya can buy all Mangas and Books for free within Mech-Country. So what--」< Rhuko >
「Ok, give me the details of that location!」< Sub >
「! I wasn't expecting ya will give your answer this quick... sheesh. I kinda understand a little, why Jim-san took a liking to you....」< Rhuko >
Let's just forget what I've been thinking earlier.....
Well, if that card holds that type of authority then, of course I won't miss this chance. And Mr.President was muttering in a small voice at end phrase so I couldn't make out what he was saying.
Anyways.
I've really got sweet deal that I couldn't miss, and while I thinking that Mr.President took out a map of Mech-Country from the drawer and unfold in the table.
「I want ya to go the fortress, I'm sure something must've happen after, Jim-san, reached to the fortress.」< Rhuko >
Mr.President point his finger to the west side borderline, so the fortress was located very edge of that side, huh.
Well, I haven't explore that side of the section yet, so this might be good time check it out along the way.
「Ok, give me a week to prepare the report.」< Sub >
「Got it.」
「And.」
「Yes?」
「Mr.Jim asked me to train Shigeo's group for upcoming world tournament. And it seems to me that, Shizu-chan, is your daughter so I wanna make sure if you're fine with it or not? And if possible I'd also like to speak with, Shikka-kun, parents but only little I know about him...」< Sub >
「Ahh yes, Jim-san did mention this before departing for his mission. I don't really mind if that can help them in their growth then. As for, Shikka-kun, he do not have parents but he got his brothers so I'll talk to them don't worry about it. And they already have graduated from the Academy last year, so they should be free too.」< Rhuko >
「I see. Well then, Mr.President, I'll take my leave.」< Sub >
After saying that I stood up from my chair and gave my formal bow once again and left the tent.
I should go alone to investigate, and as for my followers I'll just tell them to train Shigeo's group.
「So how did it go, Master?!」< Kitsune >
「! Everything went smoothly...」< Sub >
The moment when I was outside, Kitsune, suddenly really came too close to me, so I had to pull her back...
Speaking of her, I should sent her to, Num, and tell them to bring Shigeo's group to our house and train them.
「Kitsune?」
「Y-Yes!」
「Go and meet up with, Num. He'll tell you what to do onward.」< Sub >
「Are you going somewhere, Master?」< Kitsune >
「Yeah. Mr.President, gave me some work to handle, so I'll meet you later.」< Sub >
「B-But I wanna go with you, Master!!」< Kitsune >
「Like I said, I'll meet you later. And also you still haven't decide on your wish, right? So why not think about it till then.」< Sub >
「If you say so, Master... But!! If anything happen then please contact me I'll come over there in an instant!!!」< Kitsune >
「Yeah, I won't forget that. Well then, Kitsune.」< Sub >
After saying that I started to walk towards the exit.
So my teleportation magic is useless right now until I see the fortress.
And that left me with two choice, one is to walk normally while exploring places or run fast enough so I can reach to the fortress in hour.
In the first place, I wanna live a normal life so I guess I'll walk normally while exploring places, so I'm guessing I'll reach there tomorrow noon.
◆Shigeo POV◆
『Thank god, Shigeo-dono's group weren't hurt that much!』
People were at ease after seeing we've came to attend the memorial.
(But I wasn't strong enough.... tch!)< Shigeo >
I have to get stronger anyhow....
「Hey, Shigeo?」
「Hm? Yes, Shizu?」< Shigeo >
「You were zoning out there, you know.」< Shizu >
「Sorry about that....」< Shigeo >
I put my hand back of my head, while apologizing to her.
But then, Shikka started to poke his finger to me.
「Hey, Shigeo, I think we've seen that guy before, right?」< Shikka >
「Hey, don't point fingers on people.」< Shigeo >
When I look to the direction were, Shikka, was pointing.
I saw young man who had brown short messy hair and on his forehead he had a headband around it which had a blue color on it.
And he had golden eyes which I've never seen before.
And he was wearing a blue Gi which had a golden lines of strips on it.
「Don't you remember, Shikka? He's on the same party with Miss Kitsune, who gave you both the antidotes. If I remembered right then, his name is, Num. And the other one who's name was Sub, save my dad. So don't forget to give them the proper respect, understood? And leave the talking to me.」< Shizu >
Out of nowhere, Shizu replied to Shikka's question with menacing voice.
「Y-Yes.」
「Ok.」
Ahh, I remember!
They were the party of 4 people. And more importantly they were the top Adventurer of this continent.
I've heard that 4 out of 3 of them had their rank SSS+.
But also there's rumors about, Sub, that he was the laziest and weakest from their party.
But he was the one who saved Shizu's father, and when other ask him how did he save him, he said 'I had to use every bit of my magic to teleport here.'
But I still think he's way stronger then what he had told...
And I've also seen him couple of times with my old* man*, or around the city just wandering places.
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Just a quick note, Shigeo is referring to his dad by calling him Old Man.
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「Hey guys~! How ya all doing~~?」< Num >
「We're fine, Mr.Num. And once again we all thank you from the bottom of our heart for saving everyone!」< Shizu >
Shizu spoke out from our side and bow to Num-dono, so we also follow along with her.
Thank god, Shizu was with us, cause among us only she can talk calmly with no problem.
I guess, it was because Mr.President taught her well.
「No need to do that. Anyways, I've came here to tell you something.」< Num >
「...To tell us something?」< Shizu >
「..?」
「....」
I have no idea, what he's gonna tell us....
「Yes. Mr.Guardian told my Master to train you all for upcoming world tournament.」< Num >
My old man said... what--?!!
「! Really? But the training ground is no more, Mr.Num.」< Shizu >
「So I can become more stronger than before, Mr.Num?!」< Shikka >
「Yes, I've already know that. So we're gonna train in different location. Yup, you can become stronger in short amount of time but the training regime you'll all gonna get will be hard, so prepare for it~.」< Num >
That old man.... Didn't say anything about this and what's more is, he still hasn't return I wonder what's taking him this long.
Hmph, like I even care about him!
「And yeah, you won't be seeing the city until your training is complete.」< Num >
『?!?!?!』
「What's wrong?」< Num >
「B-But that's-」< Shizu >
「It seems that you all didn't listen too well. Let me repeat this again. I said I've came here to tell you not to ask for your consent.」< Num >
The moment when, Mr.Num, cuts off, Shizu, with his own words, we all fell back one step behind and I can tell that we all were petrify in an instant with his cold stare.
Even Shizu lost her composure, which I haven't seen before.
「Ara~ you're making them scared-ne, Num.」
「Oh? Took you long enough to came, huh, Kitsune.」< Num >
But then, we saw Miss Kitsune was behind us and was covering her mouth with folding fan.
「Hmph! First tell me, what did Master told you-ne?」< Kitsune >
「To bring the kids to our house that is. Master, will give us further instructions later on.」< Num >
「I see...」
「Yup~! Anyways, Kids follow mee~~!」< Num >
So there's someone who is more stronger than them, huh.
And they're calling him/her Master so it must've means that he/she train them.
And when, Mr.Num, told us to follow him, we all did without any protest.
;Cause we all came to an understanding that we're weaker, so we must take this chance to make ourselves stronger, not just for the world tournament but also to protect our city from future threats.
「This place seems fine. Kids hold each other hands and you too, Kitsune!」< Num >
When we're far away from everyone sights, we hold each other's hand after doing that I grab Mr.Num with another hand.
「I'll only hold hands with Master! You can go ahead, Num, Hmph!」< Kitsune >
「Alright then~!」< Num >
In blink of an eye, we all were in front of the big mansion which was 3 stories high, and I think was located somewhere in the the forest.
And I could tell we were inside a powerful barrier which even surpass our city barrier.....
And I never expected to teleported this far with teleportation magic. It must've consume a lot of magic from Mr.Num, but when I looked at him, he didn't seem to be budged by it all.
And when I looked at my comrades, they both had their jaws drop while looking at the mansion with wide eyes.
Well... In truth, we were baffled by this mansion and the huge ground around it.
And when we're in our baffled state, Miss Kitsune also appeared in front of us suddenly.
「Let's head inside then.」< Num >
With that, we all started to follow, Mr.Num, and when were near the front door.
Someone open it from the inside.
「Welcome back, Mas--! Wait, where's Master?!」
There was young woman who was standing still in middle of the door while looking around.
She had a long smooth sliver hair and tip of her hair was in light blue, and a mask was hanging aside of her head.
I think I've read about this mask when I was in the Academy.
If I recalled it right then, mask name was Venetian Maple Leaf Mask.
In the past, it was used to hide one identity. And I wasn't expecting to see this type of mask anymore. But I guess life do store some fun in it sometimes.
After my training finished, I'll make sure ask for a mask too!
「Oh? Jyoti! I wasn't expecting to see you all of a sudden. So when did you return, and have you told, Master, about it?」< Num >
「Just arrive here couple hour ago, and I haven't told, Master, about my return yet. I was expecting to surprise him so I had to finish my work really fast but it seems that he isn't with you. And aren't these kids from the Mech-City? What are they doing here?」< Jyoti >
Ah Yes, Miss Jyoti!
I've heard many stories about her, like that one time, when she took a quest to kill Magical Beasts hordes and completed in an hour.
In truth all of them had so many stories that I couldn't even count.
「I see. Yeah, Master is doing some work. And also Master told me to train them, and their names are...」< Num >
「Greeting, Miss Jyoti. My name is Shizu Lama. We'll be under your care until our training.」< Shizu >
「Nice to meet you, Miss Jyoti. My name is Satō Shigeo. Thank you for having us!」< Shigeo >
「My name is S-Shikka Gurung! N-Nice to meet you, Miss Jyoti!!」< Shikka >
When, Mr.Num, looked at us, Shizu was the first one to introduce herself first, so we also follow her lead.
「Hooh~, Satō, huh. So you're Guardian son, right?」< Jyoti >
「Y-Yes!!」
「Heh, Master sure is unpredictable... I guess this time tournament gonna be interesting one to see~.」< Jyoti >
Miss Jyoti chuckles and looked upto the sky for a moment.
I just hate this.... Everyone knows me just because I'm his son!
.... But this time, I'll take this opportunity to make myself stronger than before.
Just you wait Old Man, I'll create my own identity so I'll never have to live under your name ever again!!
「Shall we go inside, Jyoti? I have to prepare dinner, you know!」< Num >
「Oh, sure.」< Jyoti >
With that everyone started to walk inside the mansion.
And when I look outside, dusked and the shadows got long and hard.
I think, our training will begin from tomorrow.
◇End Of Shigeo's POV◇
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I hope you enjoy it and sorry for my bad grammar and I hope it's understandable.
And just a quick note: English Isn't my first language.
Peace :)