Vol 5 Chapter 1.2 (1/2)

Vol. 5 Chapter 1 Part 2

s.h.i.+n asked Hibineko the location of the Golden Company, and he went there without getting sidetracked.

When he went along the road as instructed, a really s.h.i.+ny signboard caught his attention.

What a conspicuous sign.

On the signboard, which was painted entirely black and had a golden border, the words Golden Company were also written in gold.

Because the letters were s.h.i.+ning excessively, it stood out the most; it was rather dazzling.

Yuzuha, who was on top of s.h.i.+ns head, was also overwhelmed by this, closing its eyes trying not to look at the signboard.

(My eyes are starting to sting~)

(When I stare at it for a while, my eyes also start to itchhm?)

Next to the shop, he saw that a box with goods was loaded onto a wagon in a hurry.

They were probably informed by the Adventurers Guild, and they were getting ready to transport the supplies.

What interested s.h.i.+n was the person who was issuing the instructions next to the wagon.

The merchant, who had put on a robe with golden embroidery attached, looked familiar to s.h.i.+n.

these to the port; after it arrives at the other side, do as you were instructed. Im counting on you.

When s.h.i.+n approached him, he seemed to just finish issuing instructions and turning toward s.h.i.+n conveniently.

The information that was shown by a.n.a.lyze was already displayed in s.h.i.+ns view.

Name: Berett Kilmar Level: 255

With a chubby look and a charming smile, if he were not a merchant, he would have had the impression that he was a gourmet reporter. It was impossible to tell by his appearance, but s.h.i.+n knew his race was High Elf.

Though his main job was merchant, he was actually a character a little off from the usual practice, as his sub job was dark knight.

Excuse me, Id like to ask a little but..

Yes, what!!? Well well, long time no see.

When he tried to answer s.h.i.+ns greeting, Berett paused for a moment. However, he was the Golden Companys a.s.sistant manager. His expression immediately changed into a smile and bowed to s.h.i.+n.

The day when we are able to meet again, I was looking forward to it. Now now, we cant talk at ease in this place. This way, please, and take your companion with you too.

Ah, yes, understood.

Kuu!

s.h.i.+n avoided using overly familiar words partly because it was their first meeting in this world, but Berett guided s.h.i.+n to the reception room personally without breaking his humble att.i.tude.

There were no flashy things like the signboard appearance inside the room; the layout was harmonious.

When the two people entered the room, the door was knocked on almost immediately.

Excuse me. I have brought a drink.

Enter.

Hearing Beretts voice, a lady wearing employees clothes entered the room.

According to a.n.a.lyze, her name was Pyuri. Judging from her pointy ears, she was probably an elf or a High Elf.

After Pyuri put out tea and cake, which were loaded into the wagon, she left the room quietly.

From the viewpoint of everyone in Rokuten, this would be cheap tea.

No, theres no need for such a thing.

Saying so, s.h.i.+n tilted the cup. When he took a sip of that reddish liquid, faint sweetness and bitterness spread inside his mouth.

This is spectacular.

I use the best tea leaves in the area. Above all, Im glad that you like it. Leaving that aside, s.h.i.+n-sama, its unnecessary to be so formal. Honorifics dont apply to other people.

Well, thats more comfortable, but..

Then, I ask you to be like that. If honorifics are spoken by the people of Rokuten, myself included, everyone would be ashamed.

Berett seemed to be thorough on the position where one stands, such as master and servant. Would it be different between s.h.i.+n and Reed?

So, how may I help you today?

Ah, I wanted you to tell me the current state of Rokutens support characters besides mine. I have heard the things about the s.h.i.+gure Shop, Busy, and Rasta from Schnee.

All right, but we dont know anything except the one just came in. Oxygen and Hydro should be in Garden, but its currently being treated as a danger zone. We couldnt come close to the Garden to confirm it, so we dont have enough evidence to verify the information. Studio, s.h.i.+p, and Bases whereabouts are unknown. Though I can confirm the existence of Shrine and Castle under the current state, only Castle can be secured.

The guild houses were as big as there was. If it wasnt found, it was probably buried underground or had sunk to the bottom of the sea.

I see. I will keep searching for the Studio. As for the Garden, what makes it dangerous?

Its because a harmful gas is generated around the Garden. All are above VII abnormal state. The center is expected to become the maximum X. If I considered the fighting power and the resistance force, Schnee may be able to break through, but she still cannot stay long. For sure, if its the resistance force of High Human cla.s.s like s.h.i.+n-sama, it would be different

The gases were generated by the surroundings, and seemed to have a quite powerful effect.

If Beretts story was true, it was indeed not possible to break through unless it was s.h.i.+n.

Since there are also food production facilities inside, they, at the very least, wont starve to deathIm sorry for not being able to help much.

Well, Im satisfied, its enough just to have heard about Garden.

Garden was originally for the guild war use, traps were prepared around it.

Perhaps, it had malfunctioned. Because the inside is air-tight, they wouldnt be hurt by the gas.

The detailed location of Garden was given and he kept note.

Being able to listen to a lot of stuff saved us a lot of trouble. If something happens, please send me a message card.

Understood. I will prepare it for you.

Ill rely on you. That reminds me, do you come here often? I didnt expect to encounter you so abruptly.

I just had to come here for some business. At that time, I was informed by the merchant guild that the Flood happened, so I was issuing instructions in order to cope.

Because precious fish could be caught at this time, he always came over personally. If he kept scuffling through the doc.u.ments in the head office, his intuition as a merchant would dull or something like that.

It is an opportunity, but it is also because its something I was asked to do by Schnee.

Something she asked?

Yes, this should be reported to s.h.i.+n-sama, too.

When he said so, Berett rung the bell which was place on the edge of the table. Then, the door was knocked on in less than one minute.

Excuse me for being rude. What can I do for you?

The one entered was Pyuri who brought the tea.

Bring me that.

Right away.

Replying promptly to Beretts words, Pyuri left the room.

He didnt say anything about what he wanted her to bring specifically, but as long as there was no miscommunication between the two, there was no need to be worried.

A few minutes later, the door was knocked on again and Pyuri enter the room. She held a small envelope in her hand.

Thank you. You may leave.

When he made Pyuri leave, Berett opened the envelope and took out the contents inside, and he presented it to s.h.i.+n.

This is a list of players who came to this world.

What?

s.h.i.+ns expression changed when he heard players.

He read the list he received from Berett slowly from top to the bottom.

Is that all?

s.h.i.+n finished reading the list, but asked Berett with a face that was perplexed.

Thats a reasonable question. If I have to say honestly, were at a loss, too. The deceased in the event which players called the death game ended with 100 or 200 people. If thats the case, the players that have come here are just a really small fraction of it. Of course, not everyone was mentioned in the list.

s.h.i.+n recognized every player on the list that he held. Though he was surprised that only former players were there, what was the list aiming for?

(Have those guys, who were involved with me in the game era, come here?)

Though Berett said it wasnt everything, as expected, s.h.i.+n, too, couldnt hide his agitation.

Also, please check this.

To s.h.i.+n, who had a serious look on his face, Berett held out another paper. Though there were fewer names written down than that of the first list, a horizontal line was drawn for several names.

This is?

It should be clear by now; this list is for what s.h.i.+n-sama and players call PK.

PK you say!?

s.h.i.+n looked through the list while being surprised. There was Hameln at the top of the list, and several names s.h.i.+n knew were on the list.

(s.h.i.+n, what is aPi Kay?)

(Guys who murdered others and enjoyed it.)

s.h.i.+n replied to Yuzuhas question briefly. The words were a little hard for Yuzuha to say, and its vocal tone seemed to change even in the Mind Chat.

Did it understand the atmosphere? Yuzuha barked a small Kuu and become quiet.

Have you checked this individually?

Yes. In fact, when the first player was found, it was Schnee who insisted that I should look for PKs first.

Schnee did?

Though Schnee said that there were no opportunities, no matter how much s.h.i.+n looked at it, she was not incompetent enough to not convey such an important story as players or PKs forever. If she said that she didnt have an opportunity or something, she should have had plenty of them.

As expected, there may have been something.

From your appearance, I guess Schnee hasnt told s.h.i.+n-sama about this, right?

Yes, I only knew about the dead players living by chance.

Then, Berett erased his smile.

If I say as a fellow follower of Rokuten, not conveying such important information intentionally is clear evidence of disloyalty to her own master, as such a thing shouldnt happen. Even though she is s.h.i.+n-samas follower, it doesnt mean she is clear from being punished.

Berett said in a solemn tone.

s.h.i.+n was troubled. He had a conjecture that Schnee was hiding something, but he didnt know how other followers of Rokuten felt.

What is s.h.i.+n-sama thinking?

Schnee wouldnt do such a thing without any reason is what Im thinking.

Anyway, it would not be strange when that information came to light.

The guild usually included portraits of wanted criminals such as Hameln. Even without Schnee telling him, s.h.i.+n before long would find out.

When s.h.i.+n spoke about what he thought, Beretts expression changed completely from the moments ago when he said Schnee should be punished, and it became more gentle.

Certainly, judging from Schnees nature, I also think she would not conceal information to harm s.h.i.+n-sama.

It seemed that there was no objection.

Hey Berett, do you know anything?

s.h.i.+n, who felt something was wrong in Beretts manner, asked directly. Berett, who was questioned, nodded without change in his expression.

Yes, I think I know.

Do I punish her after knowing the circ.u.mstances?

As a Rokutens follower, I think thats proper.

Then, how about you as an individual?

I also understand her.

It seemed it depended on the place where Berett stood. At least, it didnt seem to be the reason why he couldnt sympathize at all.

If I was in the same situation as Schnee, I cannot a.s.sert that I would not do the same thing.

She is unqualified as a follower, is what youre saying as a friend, huh?

Rather than being unqualified, I think its because she is a follower under your direct control. s.h.i.+n-sama, the list in your hand, dont you remember those people, especially the ones with names crossed?

s.h.i.+n, again, looked at the names which were crossed.

Kagemaru.

Jay Son

Telfon.

Even compared to the other names, s.h.i.+n remembered them.

s.h.i.+n-sama, do you remember once being called The G.o.d of Death?

It was way back when I was last called like thatYes, I see. These guys are

s.h.i.+n recalled those days, and noticed.

The people whom I killed?

Though it was a vague memory, they were all PKs or otherwise members of PK guilds who fought again s.h.i.+n.

Forgive me if I say something rude, but s.h.i.+n-samas appearance at that time was completely different from your usual self.

If Berett had an ego like he did currently, he would have wanted to run away quickly even as a support character, s.h.i.+n at that time seemed to be enveloped in a dangerous atmosphere.

Schnee knows what causes s.h.i.+n-samas appearance to become so. Besides, even now she still regrets it that she was not able to do anything, despite being the closest to you.

That

It couldnt be helped.

No one would argue against that, but its probably not at all acceptable from her point of view.

To Schnee, the days when s.h.i.+n-sama met with these people, she was afraid that youd return to be like another person. Thus, she was likely trying to handle it herself without telling s.h.i.+n-sama.

Berett said, tasting the drink and putting it down in one beat.

Seeing for myself, Schnees feelings to s.h.i.+n-sama were something that couldnt be concluded with the single word of loyalty. As she knows of the state you had changed into, she couldnt ignore the people who had caused such changes and tell it to s.h.i.+n-sama.

Thats me at that time, huh? Well, looking at it objectively, isnt it a dangerous story?

As for Schnee trying not to get s.h.i.+n involved, it was understandable when hearing the reason.

s.h.i.+n, at that time, believed that defeating PKs was more important than clearing the game No, he moved for the purpose of killing.

He had not a fragment of morals, taboo, or such ideas; he had no hesitation, killing without pardon.

There were players with s.h.i.+n-sama who acted together at that time too.

Yes, PKK(Player Killer Killer) s.h.i.+n alone was the player who killed PKs, but he didnt do everything alone. Shadow, whom he met again at Balmel, was also one of the players who cooperated with s.h.i.+n.

There was always a person who sought revenge but lacked the power, or a person who lacked information, even with sufficient power. The person who held grudges against PKs became frantic and cooperated in PK killings.

There was no system for the law to judge, or the police to catch the criminals in the game. Therefore, some victims went for severe retaliatory actions.

I see.

When there was such a reason, one wouldnt think speaking about players and PKs proactively.

s.h.i.+n wasnt able to bring himself to punish Schnee at least.

Even if Schnee normally should have disclosed it to you directly, I told you because a fact is a fact.

You, taking this opportunity or something, actually intended to say this from the beginning, werent you?

Oh?! What do you mean?

Berett feigned ignorance with a friendly grin on his face. However, the smile that s.h.i.+n should have recognized was slightly suspicious now.

What if I listened to that sort of crazy talk? I understand that Schnee didnt think this through.

s.h.i.+n-sama was well-known for taking good care of your followers. Above all, Schnee is the longest-serving member.

Ku, that smile on your face irritates me.

It was a smile that should have formed a sense of closeness, as it was expressed on Berett as always, but it made s.h.i.+n somewhat irritated to the appearance that seemed to want to say I understand.

To that extent, itll be the evidence that s.h.i.+n-sama is loved.

Keep saying that!

s.h.i.+n replied Beretts words curtly.

By the way, is s.h.i.+n-sama partic.i.p.ating in this Flood?

Hm? Yes, I intend to intervene but..

Berett, who was able to change the topic abruptly, had a contemplative look.

Then, could you leave a part to the army without hunting everything?

Berett kept silent for a while, and mentioned that kind of thing.

Because he knew s.h.i.+ns true nature, he understood that s.h.i.+ns remark of intervening meant annihilation.

What is your reason?

Itll become military training because only few Floods were used to raise the levels of the soldiers.

Though s.h.i.+n thought Balmel would be in danger if one wrong move was made, there were upper cla.s.s Chosen Ones keeping watch so that wouldnt happen.

It would be hard leveling, you know?

In the Melt Mountains, which is the domain of a divine beast, not a group of monsters could trespa.s.s, such as the Flood. Balmel is one of the most important borders with the Sacred Place to many countries. So, geographically, Balmel becomes an important defensive position between the Sacred Place and to each country. However, in recent years, the scale of the Flood, which can be used for training, hasnt occurred, and it means that the skill level of soldiers showed a slight drop. The star of the battles are the Chosen Ones, but its the common soldiers that occupy most of the battlefield. Theres no loss to raise the strength of the whole battle force, no matter how little. Its rare, so lets put it to good use. Schnee will come too, right?

Yes, she should have gone to meet the feudal lord now.

Then please contact Schnee too. Ill take care of the small necessary arrangements.

Do you make the arrangements with the guild and the army?

Yes, since I am the a.s.sistant manager of Golden Company. In addition, the feared worst case scenario wont happen now since s.h.i.+n-sama is here.

He seemed to have connections with the top bra.s.s of the army and the guild. s.h.i.+n also knew that Golden Company was of a large-scale, so he was not surprised that that was the case.

Would it be okay for you to make such a decision on your own for a company?

The merchant sometimes has stronger power than a king. Because Golden Company has a different status from trading companies, which can be found here and there, my own decision too, is not treated as the decision of a common merchant. I also have experience partic.i.p.ating in a defensive war; that will play a part in this decision. When there were too many peaceful days, it slacks off in various ways. That may become fatal to Balmel. Fortunately, I get along well with the person commanding the army, and added to the fact that Schnee will join there, the preparation wont be so necessary tooIf this city falls though, there is also the trouble regarding the circulation of goods..

Oi, your true intentions just leaked out a little..

If one thought of stories with persuasive power, this was one of them.

To Berett, who leaked lines that were significant to merchants, it made s.h.i.+n lose strength.

Its because a vast quant.i.ty of material will arrive after the Flood. Its an opportunity to replenish stock cheaply.

To discover this as soon as the safety of Balmel is ensured, huh?

Where did the elf who lived in the forest go to? Berett was a money loving character; at the same time, s.h.i.+n recalled that now.

Hearing profit talk anywhere, thats called a merchant. I had a novel idea in various ways with players this way. In the last decade of doing that in the shadows, sales are skyrocketing.

Heh, what kind is it, for instance?

Its the featured product Toilet Set of course. I had a hard time reproducing the inner shape and the flow of the water. Though the function necessary to make it a wa.s.slet cannot be reproduced yet, Ill make it come true someday.

The name is slightly different though. Or rather, was it you who made that?

s.h.i.+n was often surprised when he came to this world, but he was most surprised by the toilet in a sense of unlikelihood. He thought it was a thing that very close to the real world, but it appeared to have been made in the image of the real thing.

That reminds me, it was also in Tsuki no Hokora. I have completely forgotten because it was something I used ordinarily.

There was a toilet in his home. It was a natural thing to have in the real world.

And, even if this world looked like a game, it was real.

Therefore, in the situation where s.h.i.+n did his business normally in Tsuki no Hokora, he hardly remembered any sense of discomfort.

I mean when was that toilet placed in there? Though it is there now, Tsuki no Hokora never had such a thing.

I got permission from Schnee. Because it can be said to be a necessity when it comes to living in real life.

Indeed. It was also in the inn where I stayed, is it fairly widespread now?

Though we havent yet reached one in every household, its not strange to find one in some big inn or so. The first regular customers are the royal family and the n.o.bles. They have to show off in a variety of trivial places after all. Because our toilet also has the practicality, we have received a considerable sum from the optional charges.

They also seemed to sell custom-made toilets. It was clever salesmans.h.i.+p.

Now that Im aware of that, I cannot return to the same life in the past anymore.

Uwaa, your smile is evil, Berett.

When only the words were heard, he seemed to be in the sell some dangerous medicine mood. Was the situation before the Toilet Set installation severe to that extent?

Will the other followers become so dark too?

To Beretts appearance, s.h.i.+n became worried a little.

Then, Ill be counting on you.

Leave it to me. Im looking forward to our next business.

Turning his back on Berett who neatly bowed, s.h.i.+n went to the guild.

Schnee had been contacted and asked to cooperate with Berett. The rest also asked for a little request.

When he arrived at the guild with the help of the map, a lot of adventurers had already gathered.

There were various people who were recruiting for impromptu parties, people who were not absorbed in information gathering, and people who withdrew money that had been deposited in the guild to maintain their weapons.

s.h.i.+n, who placed the young fox on his head, appeared to attract the attention of the surrounding adventurers for a moment, but returned to work as if having lost interest before long. Looking at the circ.u.mstances, s.h.i.+n expected that the information that Flood was happening had been announced.

Excuse me, Id like to ask a few questions.

Yes, may I help you?

At the timing he aimed for when there were fewer people, s.h.i.+n headed toward the receptionist.

The one at the receptionist desk was Eliza who had called the guild master last time.

At the other side of the rectangular lens, light blue eyes stared at s.h.i.+n. She was a professional at her job, as she didnt direct her gaze at Yuzuha either.

Are there any records of the past Floods?

Past Floods?

Yes, since it is my first experience, I want to gather more information. Also, may I hear what kind of role of the adventurers have in the Flood?

There seemed to be very few people examining the past records of the Flood, he was permitted immediately on the condition that he had to examine them inside the library.

s.h.i.+n stood next to Eliza who guided him through the guild. Yuzuha was s.h.i.+ns contract beast, so it was fine for it to accompany him.

You were talking about the role of adventurers a short while ago, right?

Yes. Personally, I was thinking that they were placed like a reserve force of the army or for search and destroy missions.

s.h.i.+n talked about his expectations to Eliza who seemed to be going to explain along the way.

You are not wrong with that, its reckless to tell the adventurers to take organized actions such as the army. Though its possible if several parties gathered and work together, it couldnt be compared with the army. Therefore, their main job is to crush the enemy who runs out of the protruding groups.

Well, thats appropriate.

A standard adventurers party consisted of six people. However, it didnt mean there was an upper limit to the amount of members.

An irregular party such as a duo or a group of three was not unusual, there were many of those who increased their members only when on a large-scale like this time. There would be a significant different combination of skill level, and they couldnt be incorporated into the army.

The contents of which Eliza spoke, it was natural to say it was appropriate.

But upper cla.s.s Chosen Ones like s.h.i.+n-sama and the others are different.

Eliza said, as they arrived at the reference library, even though the door was closed.

No one was in the reference library. Because it was only limited to humans among the adventurers who knew about the Chosen Ones, it was probably taken into consideration.