Chapter 99: Uoooooooooooo

Going to greet the meat uncle, we took a walk in the Labyrinth City. The Labyrinth City is a city where various things gather, so just looking around is enjoyable.

“Sara, Kika, let’s go in here.”

As adventurers, Marco wanted to go to the weapon shop, so I was pulled into the store. The shopkeeper of the weapon shop allowed us to look around as long as we didn’t touch the weapons.

“Sara, swords are cool, aren’t they?”

…I don’t really understand, but Marco is gazing at the swords hanging on the wall with a longing look. I guess it’s because he’s a boy, but at this rate, he might end up buying a sword.

“Our master said he couldn’t teach us how to handle weapons, so buying one is out of the question. If you really want to, let’s work hard on our training as spirit mages, and then consult our master when we have some spare time.”

“Yeah, I got it. I’ll train hard as a spirit mage and ask when I become stronger.”

He seems really attached to swords. He says he understands with his words, but his eyes are fixed on the swords. Our master said he wanted to make us excellent spirit mages and prove wrong those who looked down on spirit mages. I wonder if he would allow sword training.

…If I ask seriously, he might allow it, but at the very least, until our master recognizes us as spirit mages, we should focus on our training as spirit mages.

“Yes, let’s focus on our training for now. Besides, our master is a bit busy with guild matters, so we shouldn’t bother him.”

“Yeah, our master is disliked, after all.”

That’s right. Our master himself said it, but I was surprised to see how much he was disliked by the guild. I can’t imagine what happened for him to be so hated by the guild.

Just by entering the guild, the atmosphere changes, and hostile gazes are directed at our master. We receive sympathetic glances and scrutinizing gazes. It feels like they are confirming if we are suffering, and if we are, they seem eager to attack our master.

“Big brother, Kika is bored.”

While I was thinking while looking at the weapons, Kika seems to have gotten bored. It’s tough when you’re not interested in weapons.

“I understand. Then, let’s go to the next shop.”

Although Marco wanted to look at the weapons a little more, he decided to give up and chose to leave the store. We thanked the shopkeeper and left the weapon shop.

“Sara, what should we do next?”

“Well, we’ve been walking around, and I’m getting thirsty. How about buying some drinks and taking a break in the square?”

It’s extravagant, but if we don’t spend at least some money, our master might worry. We shouldn’t be wasteful, but let’s consider this level of luxury acceptable.

“Kika wants apple juice.”

“I got it. Let’s go back to the square then.”

We bought some drinks and took a break on a bench in the square. It’s a strange feeling to buy drinks and take a break in the square of the Labyrinth City. While discussing which shop to visit next, the wind gently blew around us in a swirling manner. This is a sign.

“Marco, Kika, we’re moving.”

Marco and Kika also noticed the movement of the wind and quickly stood up. Silphy-san had started moving, so we followed her.

When the wind surrounds us like this, it means that something troublesome is approaching, so it’s decided that we’ll follow Silphy-san. But I wonder what kind of troublesome thing it could be?

My master is able to talk to the Silphy, but it’s impossible for us, so I feel a little anxious in times like this. We continue to follow Silphy’s presence as we enter narrower and more deserted alleys. Heading towards a deserted place means…

“Hey, Sara. This is what our master called ‘punishment,’ right?”

“Yes, that’s right… If someone targets us, Silphy said she would punish them for the sake of our safety. We’re heading towards an empty place, so there’s no doubt about it.”

So, we’re being targeted. Our master mentioned the possibility of adventurers getting involved, and there’s also the possibility of people from the slums being unhappy with us living a normal life. Which one could it be?

“I guess you’re right. Kika, don’t leave my side.”

“Okay. Should I ask Mame-chan for help too?”

“No. Our master said if anything dangerous happens, we should leave everything to Silphy, so we better stay quiet.”

“I understand.”

Marco and Kika seem calm. It looks like there won’t be any problems. We continue down the narrow path and turn right, reaching a dead end. The dead end is slightly wider and seems like a perfect place to lure someone.

Silphy urges us to move towards the dead end and positions herself on the passage side. After a short wait, five men approach, looking confused. They seem like adventurers, so are they related to our master?

“Did you guys notice us? You went through the trouble of luring us here, so what’s your intention?”

Facing us with Silphy in between, the five adventurers and us confront each other. Well, since Silphy’s words can’t be heard by those men, should I answer?

“We noticed (Silphy did). Why are you following us?”

“If you noticed, instead of luring us to an empty place, you should seek help from someone. Well, we don’t intend to harm you. We saw you by chance and debated whether to give you a warning, so we just followed.”

“A warning?”

“Yeah. You guys are the disciples of that swindler, right? I won’t say bad things, but you should quit being his disciples. If you continue like this, you’ll be disliked and suffer greatly.”

Um… is this perhaps a well-intentioned warning? Then why did Silphy bring us to such a secluded place?

“Thank you for your concern. However, we are satisfied with our current life, so we have no intention of quitting as disciples.”

“Why? You’ve seen how he’s disliked at the Adventurers’ Guild, haven’t you? If you stay with him, you’ll be treated the same. If you’re being threatened, I can talk to the Guild Master on your behalf. In the current situation, the Guild Master will definitely help you.”

The adventurer looks surprised, as if he didn’t expect to be refused. Even if he offers help, we’ve already received help from our master, and we have the means to survive on our own if we decide to. We don’t need the Guild Master’s help.

“I have no intention of quitting as disciples, as we were originally residents of the slums and being disliked is something we’re accustomed to. I’ll say it again, we won’t leave our master.”

“However, Carl, isn’t it about time to just snatch them away?”

Another member of the group who came to give us a warning interrupts.

“Snatch them away? What are you talking about?”

“I mean, let’s kidnap them. It seems they have all of their master’s possessions and a good magic bag. It should be worth a considerable amount since they’ve been earning money from recent requests. We can get revenge on that irritating guy and get some money too. It’s all good, right?”

“Don’t be ridiculous! If you do something like that, you’ll definitely lose your adventurer qualifications!”

“If we catch them off guard and kill them, no one will find out. And if we sell off the brats, given the current situation, they probably won’t even bother investigating. Besides, we’ve lost all our possessions and accumulated debts. It’s all because of you picking a fight with that guy. We’re desperate. If you won’t do it, I will, so back off.”

There’s a split among them now. Carl, is it? He seems confused along with one other person. The remaining three have their hands on their weapons, so they probably had that intention from the beginning. The three of them will be on the receiving end of Silphy’s punishment.

But it turns out these people are the ones who had their possessions taken by our master. Unlucky, or how should I put it? It’s a bit pitiful.

“There’s no way you can defeat him. He swings that huge hammer around effortlessly. Wake up!”

“You spread rumors about him everywhere, and now you’re saying this? That’s why we’re taking hostages. You should just stay silent and watch. We’ll give you a small share as well.”

So they were spreading rumors about our master. I take back my earlier thought of pity.

“Don’t talk nonsense. If you’re really going to do it, I’ll be your opponent. Do you really think you can beat me?”

“Hah, we can’t possibly defeat you, but while you’re busy blabbering about warnings and whatnot, we’ve managed to gather some people. If you’re serious about fighting, I’ll take you on. But well, we’ve been comrades in adventuring. If you behave, I’ll help you. Of course, you’ll become an accomplice.”

As soon as the man said that, four more men entered. They came in at a good timing, but I wonder if they were secretly listening to the conversation and waiting for the right moment to enter. And if they increase their numbers, their share of the spoils will decrease. What do they think about that?

“It was a sudden conversation, so there are only four of us, but it’s still seven against two. No matter how good you are, you don’t stand a chance. Just stay quiet.”

The five men aimed their weapons, while two others took aim with their bows at Carl. It’s definitely an unfavorable situation for Carl. I wonder what will happen.

I watched the conflict in front of me with a somewhat detached attitude, as if it had nothing to do with me.

“Damn it. I’m sorry, ladies. I’ll try to distract them somehow, so you can escape.”

Suddenly, the positioning changed, and it became a confrontation between us, Carl, his companion, and the seven men trying to capture us. And Carl’s face tightened, showing a determined expression.

“Well, um…”

I tried to convey my thoughts, but couldn’t find the right words. This situation was unexpected, and we hadn’t established any signals. What should we do?

“Don’t worry about me. Just think about yourselves. I’m sorry for getting you involved in this mess.”

“No, it’s not that…”

I couldn’t express what I wanted to say properly. This state of affairs was unforeseen, and without any predetermined plan, what should we do?

“Goodbye. Escape safely. Arrrrrrgh!”

Carl and one of his companion stood their ground, wielding their swords against the men trying to capture us.

“Hah! You fools! Getting swayed by kids. Bring it on!”

Just as the arrows were about to be released, a tremendous sound erupted, and everyone who was about to fight was blown away. Somehow, I found myself following Carl, who was sent flying.

Silphy must have done it, but why did she blow away Carl and his companions along with the others?