Chapter 40

"Whaaat!?"

That means we can move to a different world!?

If that's the case... it could be like completing a game, and everyone might find a way to return to their original world!

"Ooooooh!"

"Great!"

"Does this mean we can go back to Japan!?"

Hagizawa, Shigemasa, and Itsan raised their hands in joy as if it were their own matter.

I feel the same way.

"Wait, wait, we need to test it first before we can know for sure."

"Y-Yeah, that's right."

Meguru looked around, preparing to use her ability.

"…It doesn't seem to work. There's a warning that says the ability to transfer from Japan to another world is not possible…"

Gah… Could it be literal!

Since it's a transfer to another world, it makes sense that it means the ability to transfer to another world.

"Whaaat!? If it can transfer to another world, at least let it transfer from one world to another!"

"What do you think you're going to accomplish by questioning Meguru?"

"I know, but still!"

I understand how Hagizawa feels.

I thought this would take the burden off me….

But it would be wrong to say that to Meguru.

Meguru doesn't know what abilities might come up either.

"Even if that's the case, wouldn't it be dangerous to go from one world to another?"

Shigemasa makes a good point.

"It would have been nice if we could go… It might be better than now."

Well, if we could move to an unknown place from the combat group's territory, it might have been for the best.

It could be a city or a grassland, not a jungle-like forest.

"Maybe it's a dud ability…"

Meguru said, dropping her shoulders in disappointment.

"It's not that bad."

I realize a possibility here.

No, it's because of me that I notice it, and it's something everyone should realize.

For now, it's best to agree and accept it.

"The fact that an ability like inter-world transfer has appeared means that the opposite… the ability to transfer to Japan, could also awaken. Maybe it will appear when Meguru levels up more?"

Meguru, who had been hanging her head, looked up at me.

Yeah… I can see a glimmer of hope.

Meguru has the potential to be everyone's hope.

"Yeah… If there's an ability like that, the possibility of the opposite existing is high!"

"Ah! Then we should report this to everyone."

Shigemasa's words made Hagizawa and Itsan shake their heads.

"I think it's too early?"

"Yeah. The combat group doesn't even think about going back. They might even not want to go back. If we're not careful, Meguru's life could be in danger."

…That's true.

This ability to return to Japan is as dangerous as it is hopeful.

"I think we should wait until we're stronger before we talk about it."

I agree.

But Meguru's opinion is also important.

"What do you think, Meguru?"

When Shigemasa asked, Meguru thought for a moment and nodded.

"Indeed… I think it's dangerous to talk about it now."

"Got it. Let's keep this confidential and focus on leveling up Meguru."

"Okay!"

Our hearts were one.

We might be able to go back.

That alone gives us hope.

"Then, let's head back to the base and rest. It seems Itsan is sleepy."

Hagizawa yawned in response.

It's not morning yet… but is it okay?

"Haah… No. You guys are still here."

"No, don't worry about it. I'm honestly tired and sleepy… I want to go back for safety."

"I wanted to fight until Shigemasa and Hagizawa get their abilities."

Well, the possibility of Shigemasa getting a granting ability is high.

What will Hagizawa learn?

"Pass… I'll look forward to it tomorrow."

Today, Itsan didn't take a nap and went out on a mission.

She said she was excited and couldn't sleep.

Maybe it's the aftermath, and she got sleepy around midnight… around three o'clock.

"I hope you get a good ability."

"To be honest… from the previous expansions, it's impossible to learn a combat-oriented ability, so I'm not expecting much."

Hagizawa answered coolly.

"Selling is quite excellent, isn't it?"

Hagizawa clenched his fist in delight at my words.

It's not that he's satisfied, but he's compromising with an ability that exceeds expectations.

"Well, if I could choose any ability, I would have wanted a combat ability or the forging ability that Sakachi learned."

"There are weapons that can't be made without Shigemasa's ability?"

Shigemasa nodded at his words.

"I know that. Weapon creation is inseparable from tool making. I'm relieved to know that good equipment is necessary."

It's a sense of camaraderie that only creators can understand.

I'm a bit envious. It seems Shigemasa and I can get along better than I can.

"Well, let's look forward to Sakachi learning the next granting ability. I'm hoping for even more strength."

We decided on our future plans and returned to the base.

At that time, I wasn't particularly wary or concerned.

I was thinking about the changes that would happen to Meguru due to her expansion ability…

After finishing the morning chores… helping with cleaning, I took a nap in Shigemasa's workshop.

Recently, Shigemasa and I take turns napping, and when the combat group comes to the workshop, we wake each other up.

Well, basically, it's busy in the morning or evening.

I stay awake until noon, and if asked, I buy lunch in Japan.

After that, Shigemasa and I take turns napping, and around 4 PM, I transfer to my house for a nap.

I eat the dinner my parents prepared early, go out to get what I need, distribute the evening meal to my classmates in the other world, return to Japan to bathe, and then go back to the other world.

That's the cycle I follow…

Hmm?

It seems Meguru and Shigemasa are having an argument in the transfer destination…

Shigemasa is tilting his head, and Meguru looks desperate.

What happened?

Just in case, I transfer to another room.

"Tha-t's wh-y! Kousuke too!"

"Huh? Where is Kousuke?"

"Eh?"

That's a pretty loud voice.

What's wrong with Meguru?

I open the door and call out to Shigemasa.

"What's going on? Why are you shouting so loudly?"

"Eh? Kousuke? Huh?"

"Hey, Meguru was asking where Kousuke is. Look, he's right here. Did you search for him for something?"

"Eh? But Shigemasa, you just said you don't know him—Eh?"

What?

Meguru looks confused, looking back and forth between me and Shigemasa.

"No, there's no way I wouldn't know. I was resting in the next room and took a bath, right? Right, Kousuke?"

"A, ah…"

Well, to be honest, I wasn't in the other world but in Japan, eating dinner and taking a bath.

However, when I'm not in the other world, it's assumed that I was there.

This sometimes leads to situations where I'm asked about things I don't know, but I usually manage to bluff my way through.

"No, Shigemasa went to the bath alone. When he came out, he was with Hagizawa. I searched thoroughly, so I'm sure. And he was acting like he didn't know you just now."

Meguru said with a confident look at Shigemasa.

Ugh… Could it be…?

Then, Meguru, looking like she was about to cry, hugged me.

Eh!? What's going on?

"Kousuke was treated as if he wasn't there from the beginning… It was really scary. I thought everyone might have done something to Kousuke…"

…It seems she was scared.

However, this…

"Hmm"

Shigemasa looked at me, then answered with a calm face.

"…Maybe something is going on, but since Kousuke is keeping quiet, I think it's necessary."

If Shigemasa had known about the possibility of returning to Japan, it would have been easy to imagine the consequences.

If he knew, he wouldn't be able to pretend he didn't know if it was discovered.

He would definitely protect me and suffer unnecessary consequences.

Shigemasa confirmed that no one was around the workshop before answering Meguru.

"Most likely… this mysterious world. From what Kousuke asked me on the first day we came here, a few answers come to mind. One of them might be right, or they might all be wrong. But if Kousuke doesn't want to talk about it, I won't ask."