Vol 3 Chapter 8 (1/2)

Chapter 8

{General POV}

Crane Fafnir is the Kamiko of Light.

The boy who was originally the son of a farmer in the southern countryside of the Professor Country, suddenly became the next Child of Light two years ago, and has been nurtured as his nation’s trump card.

It’s been awhile since he started his journey. The scenery of his home country that he has temporarily returned to after a long time has taught him what it means to look at an old place with “new eyes.”

It has a temperate climate, unique to the southern area of the First Continent, and the many trees rooted alongside the highway was a familiar sight. Sometimes flood-type monsters appeared, and the noise they made was also considered as part of the landscape unique to the Professor Country.

However, for Crane who was currently here, his thoughts were far away.

“Hey Crane.” (Haruna)

“……” (Crane)

“Crane!!!” (Haruna)

“What!?” (Crane)

Immediately reacting to the angry voice, Crane automatically looked over to its origin. The speaker was a girl with peach-colored hair, and now that he looked at her, he could see she had inflated her cheeks and put her hands on her waist as if to say “I am angry now.”

As soon as he returned to the present, he realized they had suddenly arrived at Tunto. He remembered entering the mountain path, but apparently they had arrived at Tunto while he was lost in his thoughts.

Only Haruna with a “Status Effect: Rage”[1] was in the vicinity, as Rudius was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he went to find lodging. Since Crane had done that last time in Narcissus Port, this time it was Rudi’s turn.

“Hey, are you alright? I was getting worried!” (Haruna)

Haruna looked carefully up at Crane who had changed drastically from his previous daze-like state. Haruna had the job known as a Priest, but she also had a gentle and caring personality which showed in her actions towards others like right now.

“Y-yeah.” (Crane)

However, in reality Crane was not alright.

He was remembering what happened at the port of Narcissus.

A young man who was traveling in pursuit of the “Wanted Shuten” – Desiree. He did not know where he came from, but he seemed to be an overwhelmingly strong man.

Crane was thinking about what he had learned – about the existence Oni Shuten, as well as some pole techniques.

Desiree was the one who told him about the Oni Shuten. That it was an evil that wandered around the world collecting dangerous items called “pearl pieces.” Not only did it attack the inst.i.tute run by Desiree because of their research on the “pearl pieces,” but Shuten also destroyed various important government buildings that increased Desiree’s grudge. It seemed Desiree hated the demon even more than that, but Crane did not hear any more personal details beyond that. Except that he used a Naginata.

Crane, who fought with staff techniques and Law magic, was basically a mid-range fighter. However, unlike Haruna and Rudius, he worried that his halfway position would hinder the group in future battles.

As such, he asked to be taught some pole techniques by Desiree.

In response to Crane’s request to be taught, Desiree looked at Crane from head to toe before he said, “…What kind of strength do you want?” (Desiree)

“Huh?” (Crane)

“I can see that you have a solid foundation. I guess you had a good teacher. Your body is also in good shape. Speaking of muscle

strength, it can be a hindrance to your growth if you train too much in your youth. Therefore, I can only point that out and recommend you include some flexibility training with your general strength workout. But…” (Desiree)

“But…?” (Crane)

“Since you were not satisfied with that, you made such a proposal to me right? Is it it because you are unsatisfied with your current state? So first of all you need to decide what kind of strength you want.” (Desiree)

“Well, but improving the technology of the staff-” (Crane)

“Like most martial weapons, such as swords and bows, each has many combat styles. If you want to be extremely strong, you must focus on a single one, as a human does not have enough time to establish themselves otherwise.” (Desiree)

“…Is that so. Style, establishment…” (Crane)

“Crane. Are you traveling by yourself? ” (Desiree)

“No, I am adventuring with some friends.” (Crane)

“Then your top priority should be to think about how you best work with your companions, and what will be the most effective strength in that formation. Once you find it, at that time…no, it may not even be necessary, but I will be willing to teach you.” (Desiree)

“Oh, thank you very much…!” (Crane)

To Crane, he was a very kind person.

He also knew that Desiree held a lot of resentment for the demon Shuten, as he had suddenly shouted at seeing the drawing Crane had made. It seemed to Crane that he would be a wonderful person if that hatred was removed.

But more pressing than that, the problem on how to “establish his own style” has been prevalent on his mind.

What he used were staff techniques he had been trained in as the Kamiko of Light as well as the Law magic in the Professor Country, making him more of an all-purpose fighter. But now he also had comrades. Rudius was better than him on the front line, and Haruna was excellent as a support on the back line.

As the one sandwiched between the two people, he could not find a job that only he could do.

So at the very least he wanted to upgrade his weapon. Yet Desiree had told him to first establish his own strength by finding his style. This was the first time he had been told to establish his own style of staff techniques. And also figure out how to work together as a party rather than trying to work alone.

The more he thought about it, the less he understood it.

He wanted to become strong. However, it was meaningless to do so carelessly. Since he didn’t know what to do, his thoughts simply meandered in a loop. What kind of style should I build with staff techniques? How can I create an essential position for myself in the party? These were the kind of thoughts that were distressing him, making him was completely despondent.

“So-sorry, what?” (Crane)

“Hmm. I was telling you that we should first take a look around!” (Haruna)

“What about Rudi?” (Crane)

“Rudi went to find an inn for the evening! I already said that a while ago!” (Haruna)

“Sorry, sorry…then, would you like me to show you around Tunto?” (Crane)

“Yep!” (Haruna)

Crane scratched his cheek, thinking he was sorry for making Haruna worried.

It has been a long time for Crane since he first came here in his childhood.

It seemed that this town which

which was built between the mountains was originally a small settlement. However, as the Professor Country’s capital started to gain more strength, the surrounding cities also continued to increase in scope and size. The city was be growing even more quickly than last time Crane was here.

A rugged white wall that seemed to be made from baked clay.

Filling the city were many square buildings, and most had defensive additions such as arrow slits for windows. The private houses could quickly be converted to be used for combat, so that if the Narcissus Harbor fell this town could immediately be used to quarter the Crusader Cross Legion. Because it was such a city, weapons and armor of good quality could be found just about everywhere, so Crane’s party intended to replace their equipment later.

“Tunto is also known for its blacksmithing, isn’t it?” (Haruna)

“It is, should we go to the main street then?” (Crane)

There are many places to obtain clay and iron, as the city is between the mountains. This was another reason why Tunto was suitable for defense as it was able to ma.s.s-produce weapons.

Since he had lost any clues of where Justa had gone, he was planning to spend some time here gathering information. Crane was thinking that it might be nice acquire information as well as going shopping. Of course, accessories and other trinkets are also sold alongside weapons, so visiting the various stalls was fun.

“Why isn’t it working! Even though there are more of them!” (Haruna)

“Even if you increase the amount of accessories you have, it won’t work.” (Crane)

“Er, it’s better to be safe than sorry Crane! We don’t know when or where we will meet enemies, so it’s better to have accessories[2]!” (Haruna)

“But even so, these things are more expensive than armor…” (Crane)

Haruna continued to tour the city while saying such things that made her excitement obvious. Crane jogged after her in a hurry so as not to lose her among the crowds in the streets.

It was at that time.

“Hmm?” (Crane)

Even in a crowded area, there was someone that stood out.

Understandably, it depends on the surroundings, but the there are certain things that will always catch your attention first as long as it is within view.

For Crane, this was the tall man standing in the street who he happened to know. Wanting to speak with him, Crane immediately headed towards his acquaintance.

“If you find it contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible. The rewards are as written.” (Desiree)

“… What are you doing, Desiree?” (Crane)