Chapter 13

The battle ended, and the surroundings were enveloped in silence.

Il stood there in a daze, staring at me intently.

"Il? Are you okay?"

"Huh!"

When I called out to her, she seemed to finally snap out of it.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. I just got a bit surprised..."

Il, stumbling over her words, timidly asked me.

"Hey, Zeros. Was that a skill just now? How can you use it with the [Emblem of Nothingness]?"

"Hmm..."

I thought for a moment.

The reason I can use skills with the [Emblem of Nothingness]—the Inheritance Shrine—is something I don't want to hide, but I don't intend to tell the general public.

Of course, I don't plan to inform many people, but there will likely be times when I form a party in the future.

When that happens, I think it would be beneficial to inform the members and have them help with the enhancements.

(My [Emblem of Nothingness] may be versatile, but it can't cover all roles.)

After all, I only have two arms, and that's a fact.

However, for now, I can gain experience and skills more efficiently by acting solo, so I don't plan to form a party.

At this point, it's safer to keep the Inheritance Shrine a secret.

Given this, the most practical response right now is—

"Actually, there's a bit of a hidden technique, and that's how I learned it."

In any case, I have to bluff.

That's the only way!

When Il heard my explanation, she tilted her head in confusion.

"A hidden technique? I've never heard of such a method..."

"Very few people know about it. So, if possible, I'd prefer it if you didn't spread it around, Il..."

"O-Of course! Zeros, you saved my life, so I won't do anything you don't want me to!"

"Thanks. I trust you, Il."

I let out a sigh of relief.

At least the bluff is complete for now.

"Alright, so the next problem is what to do with these guys."

I pointed to the fallen adventurers.

"I'd like to hand them over to the appropriate authorities as criminals..."

"Right."

Nodding, Il had a slightly troubled expression.

"But there are four of them. It's about a 30-minute walk from here to town, and it would be quite difficult for the two of us to carry them all..."

"It would be quite troublesome. It's best to get some guild staff to come and take them."

The town guards thought for a moment, but incidents in the dungeon are generally under the jurisdiction of the Adventurer's Guild.

As long as we report it to the guild, it should be fine.

After that, I stayed to keep watch while Il went to get the staff.

About an hour later, I sensed people approaching from a distance.

It was the large group of guild staff that Il had brought.

"Sorry to keep you waiting!"

The man at the front called out.

"We understand the situation. Thank you very much for your help this time."

"Ah, I'll leave it to you."

The staff members efficiently began to take the fallen adventurers into custody.

During this time, the man explained to us.

"Actually, they have been problematic adventurers for some time now. This time, they will undoubtedly face punishment."

"Figures."

"Yes. And the Guild Master has a message for you. He would like to give you a reward, so he hopes you can visit the Adventurer's Guild at a later date."

"Ah, got it."

After saying that, the staff members left with the adventurers.

Immediately after, Il approached me, looking somewhat anxious.

"Hey, Zeros..."

"Hm? What's up?"

"Maybe they'll report about your skills during their interrogation..."

"Hmm..."

I crossed my arms and thought. It's possible, but...

Well, the words of criminals are likely to be dismissed as the whining of losers.

If it comes to light, we'll deal with it then.

"Don't worry, it'll be fine."

"You're so relaxed..."

Il had a look of both exasperation and admiration.

With that conversation, we made our way back to town.

At the town entrance, I said goodbye to Il.

"Well, I'll be around here."

"Y-Yeah, thanks a lot, Zeros. You saved my life. I'll definitely repay this favor."

"Don't make it a big deal. Don't worry about it... see you."

I waved lightly to Il and parted ways, heading back to my mansion.

And so, my second day of reincarnation came to a close.