Chapter 23

Leaving the chapel, we walked towards the village exit.

We had obtained the means to counter the demon, which was our objective.

If we didn’t return soon, we wouldn’t make it back before the curfew at Librum, and there was no reason to delay.

However, the four girls walking in front were silent, as if deep in thought.

Then, as we stepped onto the path back from the village, Mica Jellyfish finally spoke up.

“…What do you think this means?”

“There are various hypotheses.”

Rino, as usual, responded to the leader’s question.

However, her puzzled expression was evident, and she continued with furrowed brows.

“What’s different from when we heard the story from the priest is, of course, Kuon’s story.”

“Didn’t you ask if there was a way to defeat the demon?”

“Yes, I did ask, but… the story about the knights defeated by the demon? That wasn’t mentioned, was it?”

“Where did you hear that story, big brother?”

“It was from a soldier at the west gate of Librum. He told me that knights had passed through there before.”

Rino nodded, seemingly convinced by my answer.

Well, it’s not like you’d talk to a guard unless you had a reason, so it’s understandable.

But—

“…Is that all there is to it?”

“Azami? Is something bothering you?”

“Hmm… If that were all, anyone else could have noticed it, I think. Maybe it’s the fairies…?”

“No, that’s unlikely.”

I shook my head to deny Azami’s suggestion.

She looked up at me with a slightly dissatisfied expression, but I had no intention of changing my opinion.

I had already considered this before, and the possibility was simply too low.

“If finding an invisible fairy was a condition, it would be too difficult. Besides, to bring one to that place, you’d need to use ‘Tame.’ Do you think such a condition would be imposed on many players?”

“Hmm… That’s true.”

My ability to tame Lumina was purely by chance.

If that were the condition to obtain the holy seal, it would be far too unfair.

It’s more reasonable to assume there’s another condition.

But if so, what could that condition be?

“…‘Trustworthy’”

“Rino?”

“The priest gave us the holy seal because, in the end, he trusted Kuon, right?”

“That’s… well, that’s true.”

The priest did indeed say something to that effect.

If we take his words at face value, then ultimately, that would be the reason.

In other words—

“…I gained the priest’s trust, that’s why?”

“Yes. It’s a rumor that’s treated as fact, but apparently, this game has a trust level with the locals. If it’s high, they treat you more politely.”

“Hmm. But I don’t remember doing anything to raise it?”

After all, I play this game to fight with a sword.

I haven’t taken any actions with other purposes, and I don’t think I’ve done anything to gain trust.

Well, I haven’t completely ignored the locals, but it’s not enough to raise the trust level.

As I thought about this and looked at Rino, she was staring at my head—where Lumina was sitting.

“Maybe it’s because you tamed Lumina?”

“What do you mean?”

“The priest was very impressed that you were favored by a fairy. Being favored by a fairy must be a big deal, right?”

“So, if someone is favored by a fairy, they are trustworthy?”

“Yes, from the priest’s words, I don’t think that’s far off.”

I pondered Rino’s words.

The priest did emphasize that I was recognized by a fairy.

I don’t really feel the significance of it, but he clearly considered it important.

Additionally—

“…Could it also be because I said I wanted to clear the knights’ grudges?”

“It’s possible. The priest seemed to know those knights, and your desire to avenge them might have resonated with him.”

“So, if we gain the priest’s trust, we can obtain the item, right?”

Mica Jellyfish’s words drew everyone’s attention to the holy seal.

An item no one had been able to obtain before. Its performance isn’t particularly high, but it’s very effective against the boss demon.

■Holy Seal of the Admina Church: Equipment / Accessory

A holy seal blessed by the Admina Church.

It has the effect of a talisman to protect the soul.

It weakens the interference of demons for the entire party. Non-transferable.

In other words, with this, the entire party can fight the demon.

The priest said this alone isn’t enough, but using the charm or something similar should make it work.

In short, we can consider ourselves prepared to fight the boss.

“However, gaining the priest’s trust is a rather cumbersome condition. I wonder why they made it like that.”

“…Probably for the production classes.”

“Azami? What do you mean?”

“Exactly what it sounds like. Production classes are easier to gain trust from locals, so they can more easily obtain this holy seal.”

“I see… To make it easier for production classes to advance to the next town.”

Mica Jellyfish nodded in agreement.

I also nodded, recalling Eleonora’s words and understanding Azami’s point.

Production classes have production skills, so they naturally have fewer combat skills.

Thus, fighting the boss is tough, but with this condition, they can’t be left behind.

Whether this will continue in the future is uncertain, but it’s an interesting approach.

…There might be some underlying intention, but we can’t judge it based on the current situation. After all, it’s the intention of the developers, so there’s no point in worrying about it.

“Anyway, with this, the conditions to fight the boss are met… I think.”

“Yes. We also need to think about how to obtain the holy seal.”

“Huh? With this, shouldn’t it affect the entire party?”

In response to Mica Jellyfish’s question, I raised an eyebrow.

They looked at me with surprise.

“Eh? Is it… okay? We didn’t really help much, and you mostly obtained it on your own, Kuon?”

“Just because of that, I’m not so heartless as to leave you behind and fight the boss alone.”

While it’s true I obtained the holy seal, it wouldn’t feel right to ignore them after they’ve helped me this far.

They’re competent enough and won’t be a hindrance in the fight.

Well, if I were to ask if they can fight alongside me, the answer would be no.

“We’re just two, including Lumina, which is a good number. No need to be shy.”

“O-Okay… If Kuon says so, I’ll do my best.”

“Thanks. Let’s head back to Librum, then.”

Even with some leeway, if we dawdle, the gates will close.

While it’s possible to negotiate to open the gates, it would be a waste of money.

Let’s head back quickly. Besides—

“I want to train this one, too.”

“―――!”

Lumina, standing on my head, raised her hands as if to show her determination.

It’s good that she’s motivated. While her abilities are for support and she doesn’t need much stamina, I’ll train her thoroughly since she’s under my command.

I can’t teach her the Kyuugen Shintou-ryu, but there are many things I can teach her.

Thinking of the early days when I trained Himari—now Asuka, I smiled and started walking towards Librum.

“It feels a bit like a handout…”

“Why not? With big brother, we can beat the boss!”

“Yeah, motivated Lumina is cute…”

The group behind me was a bit disorganized, but there aren’t many strong enemies around here.

Since the purpose is to train Lumina, it’s actually better if we don’t encounter many enemies.

First, I need to see what Lumina can do.

From her stats, it seems she uses light magic, but I don’t know how powerful it is.

Considering this and thinking about how to use her in battle, I sensed something approaching.

“Here they come. Lumina, show me what you can do.”

“―――!”

Three Stepwolves approached.

Pointing at them, Lumina nodded confidently and flew towards the wolves.

The wolves were still focused on me, but Lumina took advantage of this and cast her light magic.

Five orbs of light appeared around her small body and, as she waved her tiny hands, they rushed towards the wolves.

“Yip!”

“Grr!”

The wolves, still focused on me, couldn’t avoid the attack and took damage.

While the damage wasn’t significant, it was enough to draw their attention to Lumina.

The wolves growled and tried to intimidate Lumina, but their attacks couldn’t reach her.

Of course, since Lumina was flying, ground attacks wouldn’t hit her.

While she can’t fly very high, it’s still above my height, so the wolves’ attacks couldn’t reach her.

“Kuon, do you need help—”

“No, not necessary. Lumina, keep your altitude and continue attacking. When you’ve whittled them down, finish them off with a big attack. They’ll try to run when their HP is low, so don’t give them a chance to escape.”

“―――!”

Lumina nodded and continued casting spells on the wolves.

The wolves tried to jump and bite her, but their movements were predictable.

Lumina easily avoided their attacks and countered with orbs of light.

When the wolves’ HP was reduced to about 30%, Lumina dispelled the orbs and focused.

The wolves tried to jump and stop her, but their attacks missed.

After a few seconds—

“―――!”

Lumina swung her hands down, and a massive explosion of light occurred.

The flash and explosion hit the center of the wolves, sending them flying.

Their HP was completely drained when they hit the ground.

It was a clear victory.

‘Tame Monster “Lumina” has leveled up.’

After the battle, Lumina returned, puffing out her chest as if to say, “How was that?”

I chuckled and lightly tapped her head.

“Good job. You did well.”

“―――♪”

Lumina playfully nuzzled my finger and landed on my head as if it were her usual spot.

Given her abilities, her performance in the battle was flawless.

Against enemies without anti-air capabilities, she can almost guarantee a one-sided victory.

However, there is one issue—

“You use a lot of MP, don’t you?”

“I used about half of it. It’s recovering slowly, though.”

“―――?”

As Mica Jellyfish said, Lumina’s MP was down to half after the battle.

Her low level and insufficient magic power are the reasons.

To improve efficiency, I’ll need to weaken the enemies or immobilize them.

Fortunately, her MP regenerates automatically, so it will recover if left alone.

I’ll let her fight and monitor her condition.

■Avatar Name: Kuon

■Gender: Male

■Race: Human

■Level: 11

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 16

VIT: 13

INT: 16

MND: 13

AGI: 11

DEX: 11

■Skills

Weapon Skill: Katana: Lv.11

Magic Skill: Enhancement Magic: Lv.8

Set Skills: Death Point Strike: Lv.10

MP Auto Recovery: Lv.4

Plundering Sword: Lv.6

Identification: Lv.8

Life Sword: Lv.7

Demon Slaying Sword: Lv.2

Tame: Lv.1

Sub Skills: HP Auto Recovery: Lv.4

Mining: Lv.1

Title Skill: Fairy’s Blessing

■Current SP: 4

■Monster Name: Lumina

■Gender: Female

■Race: Fairy

■Level: 2

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 3

VIT: 6

INT: 18

MND: 15

AGI: 12

DEX: 8

■Skills

Weapon Skill: None

Magic Skill: Light Magic

Skills: Light Attribute Enhancement

Flight

Medium Magic Resistance

MP Auto Recovery

Title Skill: Servant of the Fairy Queen