Chapter 6

If this is the same world as Elysia Online, then there should be a Sage's Tower here, just like in the quest I completed! I came to this world right after becoming a Sage at the Sage's Tower, so maybe if I go back there, I can return to my original world. Besides, Thalion, the Sage Master, is there. If I ask him, he might know how to get back to my original world!

"Um, maybe if we go to the Sage's Tower, we can find out something!"

"Sage's Tower? Where is it?"

"Well, it's a tower built almost in the center of the Demon Forest."

"Demon Forest?!"

"Ah, but to enter, we might need a key? I think we had to go to the dungeons of the six countries to get it... I wonder if I still have the key. It should be in the item box, but where is the item box? Maybe if I say 'Open Item Box,' it will appear... Oh, it did!"

When I tried saying it, a window that looked like an item box appeared.

I wonder if there's a key to the Sage's Tower...

There were potions and some equipment I used before, but I couldn't find the key to enter the Sage's Tower. Come to think of it, the key disappeared after I used it in the game.

Hmm. Since I've been there before, maybe I can just go to the Sage's Tower and enter without a key?

As a Sage, I should naturally have free access to the Sage's Tower, right? Yeah, that makes sense.

But just in case, should I go back to get the key? But the first Earth Labyrinth was a place I could go to at LV1, right...?

While I was thinking in circles, I didn't notice that Leon and Argos were staring at me in shock as I muttered to myself.

"It's absolutely impossible for a child like you to go to the Demon Forest."

"Y-Yeah, Yuriko probably doesn't know, but the monsters in the Demon Forest are stronger than in other places. You might not even be able to beat a slime."

When they said that, I was determined! I can beat a slime, even at LV1!

...Probably...

"I can beat a slime. Besides, if I level up, the Demon Forest will be no problem."

After all, when I was a level 99 Mage, I used to go solo hunting. When I did the Sage's Quest, the monsters inside the Sage's Tower were strong, so I went with a party.

Ah, Guild Master Cecilia called everyone, and I went with the guild members.

Right... That was just half a day ago...

Even though it was just half a day ago, that daily life feels so far away now.

Tears started to well up, and I wiped them away with my palm.

It's okay. I can do this.

I'll level up, get through the Demon Forest, and go to the Sage's Tower!

And I will definitely return to my original world!

"Leveling up means getting stronger, right? Do you have any skills to fight with?"

"I can use magic! I'm still at LV1, so I'm weak, but I can beat anything when I get stronger."

"......I see."

Leon seemed to be thinking about something.

I waited for his words, wondering what would happen next.

"......For now, until we decide what to do with you, I'll take care of you at this fortress."

Does that mean I can stay here?

Yay! Yes!

I need food, clothing, and shelter to level up.

Ah, I'm so glad I met such nice people.

"Thank you! Please!"

"Understood. Then... Argos, bring Amanda over."

"Got it, Leader."

"Yuriko, Amanda can be a bit noisy, but she really loves children. She'll take good care of you. If you need anything else, just let me or Argos know."

With that, Leon stood up from the sofa and offered me his hand.

"Yes! Thank you very much!"

I took his hand and stood up energetically.

Yuriko Kujou, the Sage LV1, will work hard to reach the Sage's Tower!