Chapter 63

It turned out to be the 300th episode.

The next morning, after finishing my travel preparations, I decided to head for the Elven kingdom of Sylvis.

I don't know what thoughts Asha had when she returned to her country, but I wanted to hear them. If she had returned for me, for Lark, I didn't want her to sacrifice herself like that.

"…I'm going, Lark."

I looked up at the inn where she was supposed to be staying and said my farewell.

Until now, my reunions with Lark had always been hectic, but this time it was very quiet.

Everyone at "Silver Scales" was busy arranging the magic ship, consulting with Lark's companion, Cook, and preparing to welcome Non's master, who was said to be a genius in [Restoration Magic] and ranked in the top 10 in the church organization. He had extensive experience in recovering patients with special conditions and had even said he would come in person when asked by letter.

If so, I could entrust Lark to him while I visit the "Sage of Pharmacology."

Non had said that even her master's magic might not be enough to cure Lark, so I had to go see the sage.

"Lord Raze, are you here?"

"Huh?"

I was looking for a shared carriage to get to the Federation of Keisgran from the port town of Zackerhaven when I was called by Yago, the merchant I met at the mayor's residence last night. He was a plump, cheerful man, but there was something about him that didn't seem to be entirely relaxed. He had three sturdy guards behind him.

"Mr. Yago… why are you here?"

"I heard that Lord Raze is looking for a way to get to the 'Three Heavens Forest.'"

Yago was supposed to be arranging a ship for the "Sage of Pharmacology" and had lost a "contest" at the mayor's residence—though I don't know what kind of contest it was.

"Would you like to board my ship? We will pass through the capital of the Federation of Keisgran, Valhalla, but I can take you near the 'Three Heavens Forest.' The ship is fast, and unlike a carriage, it can travel at night."

"Would that be… all right?"

"Of course. I mentioned last night that it would be an honor to have the hero of the Redgate Campaign on board."

"…Then, I would be grateful."

I bowed my head, as Non had suggested I should learn to rely on others more.

"Oh, that's great! Let's go this way. My ship was scheduled to set sail today."

"Thank you."

"No, no, I wanted to talk to you more last night, but you had already left. I hope we can have many conversations…"

Yago, who chattered away, had tried to peek at my innate abilities, but from what I could see, he seemed to be just a business-minded and curious person. Perhaps he wasn't such a bad person after all.

After that, I was taken aboard the ship, which set sail by midday.

It was a large magic ship designed for cargo transport, but it could accommodate about 100 people. Adding me wouldn't make much of a difference.

"…Please take care of Lark."

As the ship left the port, the town quickly became small.

The ship, though powered by magic, also relied on the wind, and the sails were filled with the east wind.

On the deck, I gazed at the receding town and thought about many things.

Lark. Asha.

Everyone at "Silver Scales." Zelly, who had become a party member without anyone saying so.

I also thought about Lady Eva.

"What is she doing right now…?"

The farewell I had said in the Lev Magic Empire. When I would see Lady Eva again—there was no telling.

I wanted to see her as soon as possible, but I didn't know what awaited me in the Kingdom of Sylvis.

"The Kingdom of Sylvis… is part of the Federation of Keisgran, right?"

From what I had heard, the "Three Heavens Forest" was under the direct control of King Gepfert, the head of the federation, but the elves were allowed to call it a "kingdom" because of their autonomy.

It sounded politically complicated.

I also had a bit of a feeling that I didn't want Asha to be in such a place.

"Besides, the Federation of Keisgran… is where the 'Six Heavens Mines' are, right?"

It was the place where Lark and I met, and where my true "life" in this world began.

The place where Lark obtained [Shadow King Swordsmanship ★★★★★★] and I obtained [All Things ★★★★★★★★★★].

Thinking about those mines still made my heart heavy.

Bound by contract magic, we lived a false peace.

The criminal slaves with false hearts smiled, ate false meals, and drank false drinks.

But there was also truth there.

"…Old Man Hinga."

The person who taught me how to survive in this world.

What would he say to me now?

What would he say if he knew what I was about to do?

"I might be getting myself into something very dangerous."

When I realized Lark had lost her sight, I noticed that [Shadow King Swordsmanship] had been compensating for her lost life force.

A six-star innate ability couldn't just be the ability to throw a dark sword.

It was like [All Things], which not only analyzed information but also allowed me to use learned innate abilities.

Innate abilities with many stars had both obvious and deeper uses.

In other words,

"Does [All Things] have other uses? And [Covenant of Separation]…?"

This was just a hypothesis.

But I had a strong feeling that [All Things] and [Covenant of Separation] still had potential.

However, using them could also lead me into dangerous territory, just as it had for Lark, who had lost the ability to live after using an unmanageable innate ability.

No, I was almost certain I would be in danger.

"Old Man Hinga would probably stop me. He would say, 'Don't do something so grand.'"

I gripped the railing on the deck.

The town was no longer visible, only unfamiliar coastlines.

I was stepping into an unknown world. But if there was knowledge to be gained, I had to step out.

I felt that this knowledge would be necessary for the adventures to come, especially after the Redgate and the Sea Monk.

"Sorry, Old Man Hinga. I might go against your teachings, but…"

I decided to explore the new abilities of [All Things] and [Covenant of Separation] to protect the people I care about.

[All Things]… (1) Information Analysis, (2) Learning Ability, (3) ???

[Covenant of Separation]… (1) Covenant Content Confirmation, (2) Covenant Holder Confirmation, (3) ???

Raze is evolving.

Now.

The novel version of Obasuki, which retains the fun of the web version and has been further revised and enhanced, is now available from Fujimi Fantasia Bunko!

I made quite a few changes.

Especially the dragon battle. I think it has become much more exciting.

Once a month has passed since its release, the bookstores will have to make room for the next new release, so please consider purchasing it now.

Given the current resurgence of the coronavirus, it might be better to buy from online bookstores (open 24/7) or e-books (open 24/7).

I've included a cover image at the bottom of the page! The black-and-white illustrations by Mr. Daizuki are also excellent, so I hope you enjoy them as well.

And.

I thought to myself, "Am I just going to tell everyone to buy it and do nothing myself?"

What can I do? I thought, and realized that, well, I can write novels.

So! Starting tomorrow, I will post two episodes every day (at noon and 6 PM) for a week!!

The main story will be updated at 6 PM as usual, and the noon update will be a side story.

The side stories will be available for a limited time until the end of the year (I'm afraid they might conflict with the main story).

For those who haven't read the novel version, it has become much more interesting, so I strongly recommend it!

Thank you so much to those who have already purchased it…!