S22 Toward the Elf Village
The master received a report via long-range communication that an army was advancing toward the Elf Village.
The banner borne by that army was the flag of the Lengzant Empire.
It was the army led by Yugo.
Upon receiving the report, the master declared without hesitation that he would return to the Elf Village.
"Yugo can no longer be left unattended. I will return to the Elf Village and meet the threat."
The master’s eyes were resolute.
Interrupting that resolve, Hyarins spoke.
"Then? How do we reach the Elf Village?"
The location of the Elf Village lay deep within a dense forest, in a place known as the Sacred Domain.
The Sacred Domain was situated in the central region of the Kasanagara Continent, near the territory of the Demon Clan.
But they were currently on the Daztordia Continent.
A vast distance separated the two locations.
“Without teleportation, there’s no way to make it to the Elven settlement from here in less than several days. Even if we set out now, by the time we arrive, the outcome will already be decided.”
As Hyalins said, without teleportation, it was impossible to arrive in time, no matter how hard they tried.
The royal palace had a teleportation array. But when Reston and the others were rescued, it was confirmed that the array had been disabled.
Not completely destroyed, but restoration would likely require advanced technology.
None of the current members possessed that capability.
“It’s alright. Once we cross over to the Kasanagara Continent, there’s a teleportation array the Elves have kept secret.”
A teleportation array like that existed?
Teleportation arrays were among the rarest of magical artifacts, regarded as more valuable than high-level鉴定 stones.
Keeping one secret…
The organizational capacity of the elves might be higher than anticipated.
Then again, considering they managed to gather us—reincarnated individuals—on their own, such efficiency would not be unexpected.
“Even so, utilizing it would take at least ten days. We cannot determine how quickly the imperial army will reach the elven settlement, but the fact that a report has been filed means their advance has been firmly underway. It is unlikely we will arrive in time.”
“Indeed, we will not reach it before the war begins. However, the elven settlement possesses a powerful barrier, and the forest itself serves as a natural fortress. The settlement will not fall before I arrive.”
The instructor asserts.
He must have great confidence in the settlement’s defenses.
“More pressing, the imperial army might withdraw before I even reach them.”
“Going that far in certainty?”
"Neither human nor demon, yet situated near both—its reputation for unassailable defense is no mere boast."
"Indeed."
Hylins looked at me then, pausing.
"So? How do you intend to cross to the Kasanagara continent?"
"There is no alternative but to pass through the Elro Great Labyrinth."
"Do you believe it's possible?"
"I do not know."
The Elro Great Labyrinth.
The near-exclusive route connecting continents, aside from teleportation.
The seas are fortified as the lair of powerful water dragons—no successful crossing has ever been recorded.
Whether flying or not, one is shot down without hesitation.
The Elro Great Labyrinth is a vast underground network linking the two continents.
Its vastness is such that, without a guide, one may wander forever and never escape.
Moreover, the monsters dwelling within frequently employ poison. Without proper countermeasures, the outcome may be fatal.
The largest labyrinth in the world—and also the most difficult.
However, if one follows the guide's instructions and takes the proper route, danger is minimal.
Normally.
"The entrance and exit of the labyrinth—likely guarded by ambush."
"Likely."
Due to its strategic importance, the entrances to the Elro Great Labyrinth are strictly monitored.
The reason no demons inhabit the Dazturdia Continent is because the Elro Great Labyrinth prevents their passage.
For someone like us, a wanted target, entering or exiting is difficult.
If a unit specifically targeting us is stationed there, it becomes even more so.
"Shun, what do you do?"
"Eh?"
"Oka is going alone to the elven village. I asked you how you'd react to that."
Huh?
I planned to go with the teacher, as normal.
That's not it?
"Eh? I planned to go with the teacher."
A deep sigh escaped from Hylins’s lips.
“Shun. Do you understand your current position?”
“Eh?”
“We are currently charged with national treason, internationally wanted. You are the primary suspect—the one labeled as the chief instigator.”
“Ah… yeah…”
“Given that, why must you go to the elven village, openly and without hesitation?”
Think.
Indeed, Hylins’s point was valid.
On the surface, there was no obligation for me to protect the elves.
From Hylins’s perspective.
“Hylins. The elven village holds my hometown, my friends from before reincarnation. I cannot abandon them.”
Hylins looked startled. His gaze shifted to the teacher.
The teacher nodded in affirmation.
“Besides, I must settle things with Yugo.”
Sensing my resolve, Hylins closed his eyes briefly, then nodded.
Understood. If Shun says so, I have no objection. I will accompany you to protect you.
Thank you.
Naturally, I shall go as well.
Catiya affirmed her presence, echoing Hylins’s stance.
To be honest, I worry about Catiya and would prefer not to bring her to the battlefield. But now that she has come this far, she will not retreat.
Regardless of how it seems, Catiya is quite strong. If I remain by her side and provide support, serious incidents should not occur.
Even if they do, I possess the ability to revive through mercy.
Relying on it too heavily is dangerous. But having it is far better than not.
Merciful resurrection appears like a cheat skill—overpowered. In reality, it has strict limitations.
First, it only functions immediately after death.
Generally, revival must occur within five minutes of death, or it fails.
If Father had been revived immediately upon death, this might not have happened.
Still, at that time, I had been wounded by Yugo.
Revival fails without full physical condition.
Additionally, revival is impossible if the original body is completely destroyed.
Revival cannot occur unless all these conditions are met.
Moreover, reviving one more person would raise the Taboo to Level 10.
At Level 10, something terrible is said to occur.
I would prefer to avoid that, but if a companion were to die, I would not hesitate to revive them.
"Regrettable, but I am useless in combat. I will remain here and prepare for the recapture of the capital."
Reston chose to stay, saying so.
Then I shall dedicate myself solely to assisting Reston. I do not believe my abilities will be of use beyond this point.
Clebea also appears to remain with her brother.
"I beg you. Please let me go with Sir Schrein."
Anya spoke with a resolute expression.
To be honest, I did not expect her to say this.
After all, Anya is half-elf.
And the place they are about to enter is the elven enclave.
Elves are a strictly exclusive species.
Even half-elves—those of the same species—do not accept them.
Perhaps it is precisely because they are half the same that they are rejected.
Regardless, half-elves born in the elven enclave endure hardship throughout their lives. Once they become self-sufficient, they are expelled without trial.
In extreme cases, they are cast out even as infants.
Anya spent her childhood in the elven enclave and was later expelled to the human realm.
The elven enclave should have been a place without fond memories for Anya.
Yet Anya was going to the elven enclave.
"Anya. You don’t have to force yourself."
"No. I’m not forcing anything. I can’t forgive myself if I stay like this. Please… take me with you."
Anya’s expression was unyielding.
Frankly, this state felt dangerous.
Her mind was under extreme pressure.
Leaving her here or taking her along—either choice was unsatisfactory.
Then perhaps it was better to keep her in plain sight?
"Understood."
"Shun."
"It’s fine. Anya, please don’t push yourself. Stay close to me at all times."
"Yes."
She responded with a glance toward Katia, who gave her a reproachful look.
Anya had become a burden, but she was also a capable mage among humans.
Once her mind stabilized, she would be fine.
Until then, I’ll keep a close watch on her.
It’s strange—my position has reversed.
Back then, it was Anya who protected me, taught me many things.
Now it’s my turn to protect her.
“If that’s settled, let’s begin the operation immediately.”
Under Hyalins’ command, everyone started moving.
First, reach the Elro Great Labyrinth.
From there.
That night, Katia came to visit her room.
“What is it?”
“No, I thought I should tell you something.”
Katia’s faintly awkward expression suggested it was not good news.
“Did you hear about the missing student from the master?”
“Yeah.”
“Four of them are already dead.”
“Is that so.”
I had anticipated it, to some extent.
I had expected it—but hearing it confirmed like this still delivers a shock.
“Why now, of all times?”
"If you go to the elven village, you’ll meet old companions again. I thought it’d be better to know the names of those who’ve passed before that happens."
"Is that so? Thanks. You knew I’d be shaken by it, so you kept quiet all this time?"
"Exactly."
"Tell me. Who died?"
"I’ll list them in order of closeness. First, Komori."
Komori.
So, I’ll never see him again.
"He was a high school student, but cried easily."
"Yeah. When we drew lots to pick who’d handle the biology duties—no one wanted it—he actually cried for real."
"Can’t do it, he said. And he’d cry over something like breaking a game console, showing up at school with red eyes."
"Yeah, that’s right."
We laugh about Komori for a while.
"Next, Hayashi."
"The table tennis club member?"
"That’s him."
"We didn’t get along well, but I remember you going all out during PE table tennis class."
"Me too. You weren’t usually loud, but the moment you picked up the racket, your personality changed."
"You’d yell out ‘Fatal Tornado Smash’ and just slam it."
"I laughed at that."
"Next is Wakaba-san."
"Eh? That全校 beauty?"
"That’s her."
"World loss."
"Yeah. She never spoke, never showed expression, but still had massive presence."
"She was the idol at our school. Her complete lack of athletic ability was also a big point."
"Last is Sakurazaki."
"Yūgo, the friend of Natsume?"
"Yeah. He was Natsume’s anchor. The only one who could talk to him on equal terms."
"Whenever Natsume seemed about to go off the rails, he’d step in quietly, every time."
"And then, he comes back later, sneaking in to apologize. He knows he messed up, that's all."
"Is that so? Maybe Yugo changed because Sakurazaki wasn't around?"
"Who knows."
"Why though? Why did it turn out this way? Everyone managed fairly well back in Japan, didn't they?"
"They were reborn in another world. Everyone changes. Yugo just changed for the worse. That's all."
"Katia hasn't changed."
"Are you sure about that?"
Her gaze locks onto me. I flinch.
"Hey. How do I look in your eyes?"
"How?"
"In your eyes—Katia, or Yuta?"
"Wh—what do you mean?"
Katia is Yuta. They're the same person.
I don't understand what Katia is trying to say.
"Huh. Whatever. I'm just telling myself she hasn't changed. Or maybe I'm just convincing myself she hasn't."
"Uh. Sorry, about that."
Apologizing to Katia, whose mood seems off.
"Fine. I know you're the type to be like that."
"Like that?"
"Cheater."
"Harsh, aren't you!?"
"Harsh? This is a cheat glitch, you know."
"Even worse now!?"
"Exactly. Honestly, I'm the one wondering why you haven't changed at all."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Do you even understand your current situation?"
"I do."
"Then why are you so calm?"
"Is that a problem?"
"Not a problem. But think about it. You lost your real parents. Your half-sister was kidnapped. You were driven from your homeland. Now you're facing the ones who destroyed it. How can you stay so composed?"
"That's..."
Why?
On second thought, that’s true.
Under normal circumstances, one would either despair or lose oneself to rage in such a situation.
Yet, I feel nothing.
No— I do feel something.
Only sorrow.
But this sorrow feels different.
It is not sorrow over my own circumstances.
This is—
‘Sorrow.’
Yes, sorrow.
‘The world is ugly.’
Yes, the world is filled with strife, grotesque, and that is sorrow.
“Shun?”
“Huh?”
“What’s wrong? Dazed?”
“Ah, ah. No, nothing.”
“Really? If you’re tired, just sleep.”
“Yeah. I’ll do that.”
“Ah. Then I’ll leave you be.”
Kataria exits the room.
A dampness clings to my back, unmistakable.
What was that?
What exactly happened just now?
What in the world has happened to me?