hotmtlnovel Book 4: Chapter 2
Book 4: Chapter 2
Book 4: Chapter 2
Feld
You, I know you
Feld seemed to hear my mutter. His gaze moved toward me for an instant and his eyes widened slightly in the middle of speaking.
Aa, I met you before at the capital, the young but strong adventurer! Long time no seewhats more youve gotten even stronger now. Even I might be in danger if I dont take you on seriouslyand?
Feld talked with a lively tone that lacked any tension, even so he kept everyone within his line of sight that narrowed in vigilance.
Whats the situation? Its insane that the inside of an abandoned mine like this in fire you know?
.
Feld RaceHumanRank 5
Magic Power : 212/225 30 UPStamina : 357/370 20 UP
Overall Combat Strength : 1494 (With Body Strengthening : 1908) 116 UP
.
His combat strength had also increased greatly compared to three years ago. Judging from the rate of increase, he must have obtained some kind of physical skill, his sorcery level had also gone up, with his combat continuation capability and statuss average value going up.
Felds appearance hadnt changed compared to three years ago. From the start he looked older than his actual age suggested, but come to think of it, he was still twenty years old three years ago, so considering his age, I should consider his growth in strength as reasonable.
But, why was Feld in this kind of place? I think he would understand the situation if I explained to him in detail but, it would be difficult to do that in this situation.
But, it was then
Tsu, mister adventurer, Im a guild staff! This woman suddenly set this place on fire and attacked us! Please help!
Tabatha evaluated Felds strength and put on an act to make Feld her ally. Hearing that Feld glanced at Tabatha and nodded a little.
Certainly, I once saw you at the guild.
A faint smile formed on Tabathas lips when she hard Felds muttering.
Who to trust in this situation? I too might be able to make him trust me if I brought out Viros name here as a member of Rainbow Sword butif it was me it would be fifty-fifty whether I would trust that or not.
I understand the situation.
Feld covered his mouth with a cloth to block the smoke while turning only his gaze toward me. The point of the great sword that was being held with just a single hand without shaking even a little shook slightly as though it was the signal.
*GOOO!*
tsu!
The powerful sword blew away the smoke as it attacked Tabatha. Tabatha jumped to just barely avoid the blade of the great sword that Feld swung.
Mister adventurer, what are you doing!?
Sorry but, Im not so stupid that I cant see whats actually going on.
Feld answered Tabathas yell. I used Stealth and made my move the moment he swung his great sword. While everyones attention was gathered on Feld, I circled behind a woman and snapped her neck by putting my arm around it.
Ash Crowned-!
Tabatha raised her voice once more seeing that. Feld sighed with a frown seeing her showing an overreaction when a clearly suspicious woman wearing all black and a mask getting killed.
As I thought. I received an emergency request from the guilds vice leader the moment I entered the adventurer guild. It looks like I made the right decision rushing here.
A request?
Tabatha discarded her fake expression and glared. Feld pointed his sword with composure as the strong toward her without any tension even knowing how strong she actually was.
I was told that the adventurer who is going to become our new party member got led away by a staff with suspicious behavior. The vice leader said that you might be a spy for a noble or someone from assassin guild. Which one are you?
Tabatha didnt answer and gritted her teeth like an animal baring her fangs.
Most likely she was both. Was that old gentleman the guilds vice leader? He looked like he didnt hold any good impression toward Tabatha since the start but, he had been suspecting him from the start?
You have been watched since the start. You were also unable to obtain information right? They were waiting for you to make your move. The carriage driver outside has also been captured by the guild staff who came with me. Throw away your weapon and surrender quietly.
tsk!
Tabatha clicked her tongue knowing that her plan had crumbled.
She was overconfident with her own ability. She thought that using her beauty and good outer appearance, she could even smooth over some unnaturalness in her part. In fact, the adventurer guild was unable to catch her until she made her move despite being under suspicion, so her acting performance was actually not that bad.
But, being relied on by the survivors of her old haunt and seeing that their target which was me actually showed up at the guild caused her greed in the form of conceit to rear its ugly head.
From Tabathas conduct, I felt that she was someone who sought praise and envy from other people. That was exactly why she couldnt see eye to eye with Dino who had the same nature like her. The way she was strongly controlling of the surviving younger women who relied on her must be also to show that she was the boss in order to satisfy her conceit.
Gohgshit!Updated from
The blazing flame from the entrance produced black smoke. Although the space inside here was still wide, unlike me who had prepared countermeasure from the start and Feld who came later, Tabatha and her subordinates were already starting to inhale too much smoke.
You guys, how long youre going to just stand around like that-! We all are going to die without anything to show for it at this rate!
Tabatha too knew that they had no time and yelled anxiously at the women without any care of how it made her looked.
Y-yes-
Ash Crowned, even if its just you alone-!
Two of the survivor women became desperate after Tabathas scolding and rushed forward.
I narrowed my eyes seeing them like that. Taking revenge for their comrades. Suicide attack in a dire situation. Human would exhibit extraordinary power when they were cornered. I was like that. That was why I didnt let my guard down. But you see.
Gah!?
Without averting my gaze, I dodged the short sword of the woman who charged at me. I stepped in as we passed each other and my elbow caved in the womans face.
Dont try to exchange your life for your enemys when you cant conquer your fear of death.
If you treasured your life so much that you would became desperate like that, you should live quietly while holding strongly to that rather than doing this.
Hih
Rank 3 meant that they had became skilled in the path they chose. Seeing someone of that rank getting instantly killed because she lacked a little composure made the other woman be overwhelmed with fear and she ran toward her boss Tabatha looking for help.
B-big sis-
You dare running away
*Ga-!*
!?
You-!
Tabatha kicked that woman who wanted to rely on her toward Feld who was blocking the exit. Feld swiftly knocked her down with his great sword. But, Tabatha took advantage of that short opening to dash toward the blazing flame.
Veil(Water Robe)
It seemed that she was honest when she said before this that she could use water sorcery. She covered her body with level 2 water sorcery. That sorcery granted resistance against natural phenomenon like fire or blizzard. Certainly if she used that sorcery and her myhtril chain mail, it was possible she could survive even if she would get burned somewhat.
Even Feld who was nearby couldnt stop her. Tabatha who wanted to survive even if she had to abandon the women who relied on her jumped into the flame while laughing mockingly at us who got left behind inside the flame.
Get burned by your own flame, Ash Crowned-! Ahahaha
That moment
The multiple porcelain jars that I threw after Tabatha when she leaped into the flame entered her sight.
Did you think I run out of oil jar?
*Pakin!*
aAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!?
The oil jars that were thrown into flame broke and large burst of flame whirled up, enveloping Tabatha. The amount of water covering her was completely insufficient. She screamed with the sound of water evaporating accompanying it.
Theres no way Ill let you get away.
I never thought that other people wouldnt be able to do what I could. That was why, I took into consideration that you would run away and prepared for that. I wouldnt allow a troublesome enemy like you got away.
I didnt know whether you could still listen or not in that state but, Tabatha, I was able to prepare my trap this thoroughly wasthanks to the information that you gave me at the beginning.
Only someone related to that branch guild before I destroyed it would call me as Ash Crowned even now.
That alone was enough to be my reason to suspect you. That was why I treated you as an enemy right from the start when we met at the adventurer guild.
I didnt know whether she could hear my words but, Tabatha slowly fell down inside the flame.
.
Oi, whatre you doing? Even us cant run away from here like this-!
Feld hurriedly took distance from Tabatha who vanished inside the flame. He looked at me with a protesting look. Even someone who charged through flame to reach this spot couldnt possibly escape when the flame had gotten this large.
Some of the women might still be alive but, the flame had already spread around us. This wasnt the time at all to think about finishing them off, after all even our lives were in danger right now.
Its fine. Grab on me.
Whatre you going to do?
Yes.
I was startled for a moment, wondering whether I had let my thought slipped out. Even so I nodded without showing it on my face.
Dont ever bring up the topic of dark elf in front of Mira okay? I dont know why but, it seems she once got utterly made fun of by an excessively strong female demon in a battlefield of a country somewhereshes still holding a grudge about that.
A strong female demonfurthermore it was a dark elf with bad mouth. It reminded me of someone.
Thats what I can tell you about Mira but, why did you suddenly get curious about that Aria?
Because a lot of men are looking at Mira.
Its always like this. But today therere also a lot of guys whore looking at you Aria. You also have beautiful look to you.
I sometimes got told that I had nice appearance but, I didnt really get it myself. But when Feld told me that, it made me felt a bit embarrassed partly because he treated me like adult.
Aayou know, youll get lost if youre lost in thought in this kind of place, so dont get too distracted.
Perhaps Feld also became embarrassed about his own words seeing me falling silent. He scratched his cheek with his finger.
Uh huh
The capital was incomparably crowded compared with other city. It looked like my pace had really slowed down, so I reflexively pinched at Felds cloth when he warned me of getting lost.
A-Aria?
Hm?
Whats the matter? I looked up at Feld from below while tilting my head asking if something was the matter. For some reason Felds gaze wandered around for a bit before he averted his gaze.
No, its nothing.
.
Like that I kept my hold on Feld who turned taciturn for some reason and we arrived at the shop of Gelf, the dwarf armorer.
Gelf, you there?
O~h my, Aria-chan and Mira-chan. And you two are bringing a fine man along with you.
Gelf was wearing a tightly fit leather outfit that exposed a lot of skin like usual. He winked his eye that had long and pretty eyelashes. Feld who got called as a fine man took half a step back with twitching expression while Mira was smiling faintly.
Gelf, its getting harder for my chest and waist to move in this outfit. Can you do something?
This girl, your reaction is indifferent like usual. Well, thats alright, I thought that it was about time for you to grow bigger and already made a new outfit for you. Give it a try okay
It seemed that Gelf had anticipate my growth and created new equipment for me. I got dragged to the back of the building again and he handed me the new equipment while collecting my current one.
I gave this equipment proper maintenance before this too but, you had gone through a really harsh fight arent you? Even my armor isnt all powerful so you must take care of your body.
Yes, sorry.
This new equipment is matched with your looks. The shape isnt that different from before but, I designed it too look more mature so itll increase your defensive power even more.
What defensive power?
The shape of the new equipment was still a black dress with stand-up collar and no sleeve, but the material used the membrane of wyvern just like my previous equipment that apparently had its fireproof and waterproof improved to adapt even to harsh environment.
Its shape was altered in small details to suit the growth of my body. The slit at the side of the skirt became even deeper and the skirt itself had lengthened from above knee to below knee. It was also made to be easy to flip so I could move easier.
Yep, you look great-!
Uh huh, its really great.
It was only a little but it had gotten lighter than before and easier to move in. I got the feeling that what Gelf and I were praising werent the same, but we both liked it anyway so there was no problem.
I returned back to the shop after I finished changing. Miras eyes sparkled when she saw me.
As expected from Gelf-, Aria, you look really cute-!
That so?
I didnt really get it myself but if Mira said that then it must be true. When I took out a knife from the slit that had gotten deeper to confirm the ease of its use, Feld averted his gaze a little.
Feld?
Aayeah, it looks good I guess?
Somehow I felt at ease when Feld said that. I pinched on his cloth before was also because I felt unconditionally safe if it was with him for some reason.
Ah, I seeI suddenly realized.
I feel at ease when Im together with Feld.
When I casually muttered those words, Gelfs eyes widened, Miras eyes twinkled for some reason, while Feld who was being told that had his gaze darting around without any composure.
I-is that so?
Uh huhyoure like father.
Feld froze when I spoke of my honest feeling. Gelf and Mira pointed their finger at him while bursting into laughter.
Did I make some kind of mistake?
***
One month passed since I arrived at the capital. The season had also changed completely into autumn and I turned eleven.
For some reason I was staying in Gelfs house instead of an inn while getting my equipments serviced. I also asked Mira to introduce me to an alchemist so I could create medicine and the like. Mira too was well versed in herbs as befitting an elf and it seemed she was the one who created potion and the like with alchemy for the party, but she was really happy when she heard that I could create it.
I became involved a lot with Mira and Gelf during this one month in the place of Feld who was dejected for some reason. I believed that Mira and I had opened up a lot with each other. Well, sometimes she surprised me when stuffing candy that was wrapped in paper into my pocket though.
When Feld recovered from his mysterious dejected state, I trained with him in the adventurer guilds training ground to confirm each others fighting style. It was then I was finally able to meet with Viro who hadnt showed himself until now along with the leader or Rainbow Sword, Dalton who seemed to be busy before this with coordinating with the noble for the request this time.
Samantha had retired so she wasnt present but, it seemed that it had been several years since all members of Rainbow Sword had gathered as a party.
In the capital there was a mansion Dalton owned that was used to store items and the like that they gathered as a party. It seemed that the members of Rainbow Sword could use the mansion freely but, this was my first time getting inside.
When I entered into the mansion together with Feld and Mira, we were greeted by Viro who looked somewhat tired and a large dwarf who looked clearly strong.
Im Dalton. Are you Aria, the disciple of this guy?
I learned the skill as scout from Viro.
Dalton was different from the typical image of a dwarf that had small, short, and stout stature. He had an intimidating large body that he used to glare at me appraisingly.
He was a dwarf, but apparently he wasnt a rock dwarf like Galbas or Gelf who lived in mine, but a mountain dwarf that lived in forest.
The difference wasnt obvious in a glance like forest elf and dark elf. The difference could be spotted from their place of birth, body build, and personality.
Most of the rock dwarves that lived in mine and worked as blacksmith didnt really have flexible mind and stubborn. They had a body build like a mass of muscle because they dove into cave and dug hole. In contrast mountain dwarf that lived in forest and worked as carpenter or jeweler had body build that was relatively similar with human. Many of them were skilled with detailed work and sociable.
But Dalton who had been active as first class adventurer for more than a hundred years had height that was close to human with body width and muscle mass that surpassed rock dwarf. Even Feld who I thought as a muscular man looked slender compared to him.
The various equipments lined up in this living room like the mythril full plate armor or giant warhammer would be difficult even to lift by the average warrior.
Although I dont think that the average warrior would be able to collect these equipments that had the price that could buy a small castle.
Fumu
Dalton stroked his beard that was shortly pruned like Gelf, which was a rarity among the dwarf. He stared fixedly at me while grinning.
Ive been wondering just how strong you actually are because Viro even boasted about you as his disciple but, I see nowyou pass if its just your combat strength. But, we Rainbow Sword is a prominent rank 5 party even in Claydale Kingdom and trusted even by noble. Your background or history doesnt matter but, if youre going to be one of us, at least show me that your guts is fitting for that name.
*DOONN!!*
Instantly, killing intent and Pressure that even caused an auditory hallucination of blasting sound burst out from Dalton.
The pressure that was emitted by a rank 5 heavy warrior made him looked like a giant. Dalton instantly lifted up a warhammer that was as tall as him and swung it down toward me.
This was the peak of rank 5. My body trembled in fear from that might intimidation. But, I too had faced the rank 5 Grave and mythical beast Nero before. I acted the instant I felt his killing intent by using body strengthening at full strength and rushed like a flying arrow.
*BUONN!!*
The air inside the room rattled from the defense and offense that happened in an instant. Wind whirled. Daltons warhammer was touching my shoulder, while the tip of my black dagger stopped just several millimeter before Daltons left eye.
Anymore than this and Ill fight to kill.
Ku-ku-ku, Viro, where the hell did you find someone like this? She definitely didnt study just from you alone.
Dalton couldnt hold back and breakout laughing in front of my knife tip that didnt waver at the slightest and my pressure. He turned his gaze toward Viro.
Thats insulting. Well, it seems Aria also has other teacher for sorcery, and the black ops Sera also instructed her once in the past, so even you might get devoured if you let your guard down thinking of her just as a brat yknow?
HAHAHA-, roger that! When I heard that Viro brought a girl who isnt even an adult yet, I was worried that you ran that way after getting jilted by mature woman too many times but, this girl is a nice find!
Thats even more insulting oi!!
So he had that kind of thinking. It was just a short conversation but, I felt like I could see what kind of position Viro had in the party from it.
Feld and Viro were breaking into cold sweat from the exchange between Dalton and me, even so they sighed after it was over while Mira whose was the only one in the party with low combat strength in close quarter clapped her hands cheerfully.
Dalton easily lowered his warhammer and carelessly approached me who was still keeping my dagger unsheathed. He lightly patted my shoulder.
I like you! Welcome to Rainbow Sword, Aria!!
Like this I was officially accepted as a member of Rainbow Sword. Several days later we departed to the territory of Duke Fudale in order to go to the island where the large scale dungeon was located.