Chapter 53 (1/2)

Volume 1

Atelier Tanaka Chapter 24.4

Chapter 24.4

Conflict 2

Several hours have passed since I first joined the battle.

Our side had successfully been able to push back the enemy forces. Right now, theres no sign of any soldiers from the Republic of Pussy near our base and the scene around our camp is finally beginning to calm down.

I was finally able to take a break now that all of the injured had been healed. Henry approached me as I was sitting on the ground outside of one of the tents. His clothes were covered in blood and dust and they were ripped all over. However, he was still staring at me with a broad smile.

Good work, Tanaka.

Thank you for your hard work as well, Henry.

His face reminded me of a middle-aged man that had just finished a long, hard days work. Hes actually kind of good looking.

I wish I could be a good looking older man like him.

No, Ill look even better when Im able to regain my youth.

Its all thanks to you, Tanaka, that we were able to win here today. Thank you. I dont even want to imagine how bad the situation wouldve been if you werent here.

We were only able to win due to everyones efforts.

Certainly, everyone worked together well and they were a major factor in our victory, but you were constantly supporting everyone from the back.

The same could be said for you, Henry.

I wouldnt have been able to support our fighters on my own. If it was just me, Im sure we wouldve failed.

While speaking, he glanced at the patch of grass next to me.

Can I sit down with you?

Sure, go ahead.

He moved next to me and lowered himself to the ground.

Due to how were sitting, the area directly in front of us is the field the battle was just fought on.

Dozens of craters covered the land. For every patch of grass thats been burnt and blackened, there are just as many areas that have been frozen solid. Even worse than this, there are numerous bodies that have been mangled beyond recognition. The bodies that were left on the battlefield have quickly turned into food for the birds.

It was a terrible scene.

For those that were either unidentifiable due to injury or just had no one to grieve for them, we all said prayers for them in a group. There were countless dead enemy soldiers left on the battlefield and no one chose to pray for them. Given how warm this area is, the bodies will soon start to decay and Im afraid of how bad the smell will be.

Im really thankful for you being here.

I feel the same way for you.

Henry was speaking seriously, so I responded with my honest feelings as well.

I was enjoying this moment of peace after spending the past several hours witnessing the horrors of battle.

Which Adventurers Guild are you from?

I came here from the capital.

Kalis, huh. That must be nice. The capital is gorgeous and there are so many different people that live there.

Where are you from, Henry?

I was born and raised in Tricklis. Though, Ive spent most of my life in a monastery outside the city.

Youre not an adventurer?

When I heard that my hometown was under attack, I had to come here and help. Despite my age, I knew I must come here.

Thats amazing. Not many people would volunteer to fight in a war. I actually respect you even more for that.

It was actually quite easy for me, being a priest and all. It was really nothing compared to the men that were forced to leave their wives and childr

en behind to come here and fight.

T-Thats true. Sorry.

You dont need to be sorry. Ive been in the monastery for a long time now. The only reason Ive been able to save so many lives is due to me joining the monastery. Thats why Im glad that I joined.

I see.

Even if he seems content, there was also a sad undertone to his words.

A messenger from the city arrived today.

What did the letter say?

It seems that there will be a change in personnel on the frontlines. Were to return to the main base.

Im happy to hear that. Im exhausted after today.

Well, my recovery time is significantly shorter than everyone else. As long as I spend a full day resting, Ill be ready to go. However, a large-scale battle that lasted several hours was incredibly draining. Im sure the several days spent on the carriage travelling here didnt help me at all.

Even if my body is healed by magic, it doesnt heal my heart.

I wonder how many times Team Orgy had sex to regain their energy.

Once this war ends, if you want, Id like you to come to the church.

I understand. Ill be sure to come by someday.

I extended my hand out to him.

He grasped my hand hard and smiled.

Ah, I was always longing for a friendship like this.

I could feel the warmth spreading throughout my chest.

Its so warm.

As we were doing this, another voice could be heard from behind me.

Is that Tanaka?

Yes?

I looked back over my shoulder to see the large, muscular man staring back. I remember this guy. Hes the ultra-masculine skinhead that kept regenerating the lower half of his body and showing it off. His eye tattoo just makes his face even scarier.

The man slowly made his way over to us before kneeling down in front of me.

He kneeled down and stared straight into my eyes.

I came to thank you on behalf of my clan members.