34 33. Negotiation.txt (1/2)

Quite a feat, Kanami. No, he's calling himself Christ now, isn't he?

A voice from above.

Just like with Tida. I have a short attention span on high places. Especially after I've focused on the fight, I feel like that vice is more pronounced.

As I'm wary with my glaring eyes, Rustyala jumps down from the roof of the tavern.

'It's been a while. Have I kept you waiting?'

He approaches me, letting his long gold hair bounce around.

The clothes are lightly dressed in fine cloth, just as they were when they attacked me before.

There is only one difference. He has a silver sword at his waist.

Me and Rastiara's eyes meet.

As usual, they have eyes that I can't believe they are the same person.

''Not separately ....... I'm not waiting for you.

I retort firmly and continue to look directly into Rustyala's deep golden eyes.

I am different now than I was on the first day.

I'm getting used to this world, and I'm gaining the strength to resist.

The pressure I used to feel before is not as great as it was before.

I keep my eyes on her with my full preparedness.

[Status]

Name: Rustyala Hoozeyers HP 670/689 MP 312/315 Class: Hero

Level 15.

Strength 11.01 Strength 10.56 Skill 6.78 Speed 7.89 Wisdom 12.38 Magic 8.78 Elemental 4.00

Status: none.

Inherent Skill: Weapon Combat 2.12 Swordsmanship 2.02 Pseudo-God's Eye 1.00

Magical Combat 2.27 Blood Arts 5.00 Sacred Magic 1.03

Acquired skill: reading 0.52 elemental 1.00

[Heavenly Sword Noah]

Attack power 7.

Wear rate -99%.

Details about Rustyala that I couldn't confirm before flowed into my mind.

Levels, skills, weapons.

All of them are first class.

But it's within an acceptable range. Indeed, if I was a level 1 me, Rastiara would have been ten times as strong. However, the current me is a sufficient opponent to fight against.

I've been waiting for this day for a long time. I've been waiting for this day for so long.

'You said you're not hanging out ....... You're the reason I'm in a horrible place right now. ......

But it's not as big of a deal to Kanami as that, is it?

Oh, that much ......?

Rastiara described the duel as being about that much of a duel with one of the best human beings.

'More importantly, that respectful term. Let's not act like strangers. We're supposed to be thoughtful to each other.''

Rustyala smiles that there is no need for such a thing between us.

Then, thickly and unapologetically, he says, 'That's what it's supposed to be.

I increase my vigilance.

I've been swept away many times by that self-serving behavior.

'That's fine. I wouldn't want to be polite to a guy like you either.

''Hmm. You're bullish because you've raised the bar. ...... Oh, I need to stop being respectful too. This ostentatious mannerisms are not appropriate for talking to Kanami, you know.

First things first. I'm not going to do what you want me to do. I'm not going to let you get attacked, and I'm not going to lose again.

'You're so rude to attack me. I'm always just doing you a favor and good will, you know?

And the result is that you're Mr. Radiant?

Didn't you get the benefit of the doubt?

Rustyala continues to speak as if it's nothing.

I don't see the slightest bit of agitation there. He seems to really think that that duel was no big deal.

My position in the tavern.

The danger of dueling with a sword.

The impression the knights will have of me.

This guy doesn't think anything of it.

”How could it possibly be useful--

'If you're a frame-up that you don't remember, you could have patiently explained it to me, right?　But Kanami received a duel. 'The Seven Knights of Heaven (this much) would be no match for me. Just right for an arm-twister,” you thought, didn't you?

What--?

Those golden eyes.

I wonder if the 'pseudo-god's eyes' as the skill calls for is seeing through me.

There is no doubt that it is reading my thoughts, no doubt about it. Lately, I feel like I'm only dealing with people with eye skills.

It's hard to do anything about it.

I can't help but miss Dia who was pure of heart and innocent.

Rastiara looks at me, who doesn't return my words, and continues to talk by herself.

''Exactly, that's right. Sera and you have different things (・・・・・). The density of the soul in their bodies is different. There is no such thing as a level difference. I wanted to tell you that, and I wanted to share it with you. I thought it was just right, and so did I.

Rustyala speaks with her cheeks high and her nostrils inflated.

In the middle of it all, both of her eyes were glowing brilliantly with madness.

Her tone became increasingly theatrical, revealing that she was drunk with herself.

'Me and Kanami are on a higher stage of life, closer to the spotlight of our stories. The world loves us, gives us, and we are blessed. We are the chosen ones. Immediately we will be alone and there will be nothing left but each other by our side - so let's hold hands, that's what I'm saying.

Rastiara finished speaking and extended his hand to me.

I need to firmly spin my words so that I don't get consumed by the madness.

...... It may be a reasonable story, but it's a narrow-minded story. But it's a narrow-minded story. ...... So what's the point, after all, you want to do?

Oh, what?　That's not very responsive. This was still a pretty well thought out invitation.

Rustyala nodded his head at me as I answered leisurely, not letting the momentum flow through me.

''See. It's a good thing that you're not the only one. That's why I'll be listening to the story all the time.

'Hmmm, I'll admit that it's certainly half a hobby: ....... But you'd better believe I'm half serious, too. I'm serious about looking for a partner. Simply put, I want you to add me to your labyrinthine quest. I'd love for you to join me at .......

No. No.

I didn't think about it, but answered with a spinal reflex.

”You're early. Eh, you have to think about it some more. It's too soon!

Rustyala waves his hands in a hurry.

I handle it calmly.

'Isn't it obvious?　You are too mysterious.

It wouldn't be fun if they knew who I was from the start! As time progresses, wouldn't it be more interesting if they found out who I am?

No, I'm not looking for fun or anything: ......

'What?　Then why are you hiding in the maze?

That's ......, I'm going home.

There's no one around.

Still, I won't go so far as to say 'where' I'm going back to, as someone might have heard me. But Rastiara, who would know that there are two worlds, would be able to get through this.

''Eh, you're going back?''

Rustyala replies in a surprising manner.

'Of course. That's all I can think about. Ever since that day.'

'Heh ......, hmmm. Then I guess you'll need me even more.

I know what Rastiara means.

Certainly, the search will be easier if we can get this Rustyala's help. On top of Deer Class' talent, he has the ability to be vanguard-oriented. Honestly, I want it by the throat.

Once I recognize the value of Rastiara like that, my words naturally soften.

'Sure, it would be reassuring to have you on my side, but ...... I don't know you too well. I can't do that without at least making sure our interests are aligned.

'Interest, ....... I think we're in agreement, don't we?

So tell me. What do you want?

The purpose of Las Tiaras.

To heal my body on the first day.

Purposely attacking me in the middle of the night and forcing me to level up.

Forcing the Celestial Knights to track me down.

Forcing me to fight a duel with a knight named Radiant and selling myself.

If I didn't understand those reasons, I would perceive Rustiala as an enemy for the rest of my life.

As if my intention of not being able to pull this one off, Rustyala showed a different expression and dropped the words in a pout.

''I have only one purpose. -- I want to do it. Adventure (...)''

His eyes were still straight and mad as ever. But unlike before, I felt a human-like longing in them.

'Do you want to have an adventure?'

Yes, an exhilarating adventure. I'd like to enjoy the labyrinth with a companion, if possible. Oh, a companion should be someone who doesn't treat me any differently, you know?　Also, you have to be able to follow me. That's important.

Sure, I fit that bill, but ......

I've always been bored ....... I've been in a basket since I was born. No stimulation, nothing. A prison that is just given to me. That's why I was jealous of the heroic tales, the adventure stories, and the people in them. I envied the lives that I had lost or acquired at will. -- I was envious of them.

Rastiala speaks with unstoppable emotion.

It's obvious and straightforward.