Chapter 76

"It seems that Lord Sufan has completely lost interest."

Yebus looked at Rio and Shiraha with a face that seemed relieved, though not entirely convinced, and sighed. It had been three days since Shiraha and Rio ventured into town, and Sufan had not appeared before Shiraha since he flew away in the alley. For Rio, the time had been fulfilling as he learned about the Miruto style of body strengthening from Yebus and the dojo master. However, with the likelihood of Sufan leaving town greatly reduced, there was nothing to hold Rio and Shiraha back. The council, which had been preparing to build a birdcage, had come to Rio and Shiraha in secret, hoping they would leave town before Sufan regained interest in Shiraha.

"I'm sorry to put you through the town's troubles..."

"Not at all, we were planning to head to San Ankh Mayu as soon as possible, so don't worry about it."

Both Rio and Shiraha had already packed their bags to avoid being held back again. To prevent the town's anxious people from worrying, they had arranged to slip out of town quietly at night, watching the town sink into twilight from the top floor of the council building. The view from above was magnificent, and at this moment, Rio felt grateful to Sufan.

"Thank you for teaching me about the Miruto style."

Bow in hand, Yebus smiled sheepishly.

"You were quick to learn, and it was rewarding to teach you. Well, your body strengthening limit is too low to make much of a difference."

Originally, the Miruto style focused on body strengthening to make the most of limited magic power. However, Rio's body strengthening limit was low, and he had relatively more magic power, allowing him to maximize all elements without focusing on any particular one. While he didn't need to practice the Miruto style's five-point strengthening method, he found many valuable lessons in the approach, such as the specific sword techniques tailored to different levels of enhancement.

"It was a fulfilling time. I understood that the optimal sword technique changes based on flexibility and explosive power, but it was great to learn the theories in detail and find them very useful."

"From my perspective, your efficient footwork and tricky movements focused on dodging were fascinating. This is why exchanges with other schools are essential."

"My style is self-taught, though."

"Everything from the philosophy to the techniques is so well-developed. It's a school in its own right, even if it doesn't have a name."

Laughing, Yebus patted Rio on the shoulder, but Shiraha pushed his hand away. Surprised, Yebus looked to Rio for mediation.

"Shiraha, that was rude. Apologize."

"...Sorry."

"I'm sorry too."

"Ah, no, it's fine."

The atmosphere was becoming awkward, so Yebus changed the subject.

"Are you really going to San Ankh Mayu?"

"That's the plan. We have business there."

"I see..."

Yebus looked at Rio and Shiraha with a serious expression.

"I haven't seen it myself, but I've received information. San Ankh Mayu is more dangerous than ever."

Hearing the word "dangerous," Shiraha frowned. Looking out the darkening window, Rio stood up with his bag, determined to leave for San Ankh Mayu before Shiraha could stop him. Yebus, looking worried but perhaps thinking it was futile to try to stop Rio, followed him. After making sure Shiraha had her bag, Rio left the room first. As they descended the stairs, Yebus continued.

"Do you remember the day you first came to the dojo, and the master had to attend an urgent meeting?"

"I heard it was because of something in San Ankh Mayu."

San Ankh Mayu was known to be a dangerous town. It was close to this town and had trade, but it was rumored to be a haven for outlaws. The town's chronic lawlessness made it unlikely that the people of this town would hold a strategy meeting over a minor incident. Therefore, a significant event must have occurred. Yebus nodded and explained the situation succinctly.

"San Ankh Mayu is a town where many underground organizations have roots. Conflicts are constant, and deaths occur monthly. Even the Adventurers' Guild is just one of many armed groups, maintaining order only through cooperation with the guards."

"That dangerous, huh."

"Yes. But among these organizations, the Horn德拉Familia was an exception."

Horn德拉Familia, one of the underground organizations that Rasmoa Rozis had mentioned. Leaving the council's back door, Rio and the others walked, avoiding the main street.

"Horn德拉Familia was formed by refugees from the small country of Shubet, which was destroyed by the evil god Kazha. While they engage in illegal activities, their large size, due to the inclusion of all refugees, and their charitable work made them untouchable by other underground organizations."

"From what you're saying, it sounds like an organization has started a conflict in San Ankh Mayu?"

"Exactly."

As the situation became clear, Yebus nodded with a serious expression.

"Horn德拉Familia possesses many cursed and divine artifacts. Given their refugee background, they fight to protect their families in conflicts. As a result, we received information that the branch leader of the Adventurers' Guild was killed in the crossfire."

"Seriously?"

San Ankh Mayu was not only lawless but also a dangerous area where many unknown animals were discovered, evil beasts thrived, and the evil god Kazha, who had destroyed a country, nested. The branch leader of the guild in such a place would not be weak. A capable leader, capable of taking command in emergencies, would be placed there. It was unimaginable that such a leader would lose their life in the aftermath of a conflict.

"We should be on our guard."

"Is there no option to not go?"

"We have our reasons."

Showing no intention to back down, Rio stood at the boundary between the town and the road. The paved road, which had been tiled, turned into compacted earth beyond this point, marking the start of the path to San Ankh Mayu. Rio raised one hand to Yebus and took Shiraha's hand with the other.

"Thank you for your hospitality. We'll come back when the birdcage is built."

"The construction has been canceled! But come back anyway!"