Tokyo 5

After finishing lunch, I went to Emma's laboratory.

"Hello, Emma. How are you doing?"

"Thanks to you, I seem to be able to start the research earlier than planned.

What brings you here today?"

"I just have a few questions I'd like to ask...

How exactly does one become a researcher?"

"Sudden question... Are you thinking of becoming a researcher, Tarou? Anyone can claim to be a researcher, you know."

Just... without a recommendation from a trustworthy researcher, it's hard to get anything recognized. Or perhaps proving you're affiliated with a known research institute?

I see... Thank you. Also, I heard that crafting magic stones and tools is done by blacksmiths. Is that true across the entire world?

"Yes, that's what I've heard. I'm currently having my items processed at a blacksmith's shop. However, since I've never left the empire... I can't say for sure how things are elsewhere."

"Thank you. I'm starting to understand things better."

"What's wrong? You're not thinking of quitting the caravan, are you?"

Emma leaned forward, concerned.

I explained the details of my contract with the caravan leader.

"I see. The caravan leader seems like a very kind person. So, what about you, Taro? What will you do now?"

"I... I'm going to leave the group."

After that, I went around making various preparations.

A few days later, I visited the caravan leader.

"Ah, Taro, have you made up your mind? There's not much time, so let's hear your answer right away."

"Yes... I've decided to leave the caravan."

The leader gave a slightly disappointed look and asked,

"May I hear your reasons? Is there something wrong with the group?"

This caravan is wonderful. To be honest, leaving now would be a serious loss for me. I just remembered something important...

In my original world, I was someone who loved crafting and was a student of craftsmanship. At first, I studied simply to create whatever I was interested in, freely and without restraint.

But as I've learned from many people, I can't quite put it into words—when it's just for myself, I feel it quickly becomes boring. It makes no difference whether I'm here in this world or not.

While pursuing what you love, it should be beneficial to society, regardless of its scale.

That's what I thought."

I see... I suppose I could do it while being part of the trade delegation... No, being part of the group wouldn't let me focus on crafting, would it...

I really think he's a kind person. These are words I should have said... Words born from my own selfishness...

"Yeah... I suppose. I'm still inexperienced, so I think I need to dedicate a lot of time to crafting. Plus, I'm not good at fighting..."

It's a painful excuse...

Before I knew it, the captain was speaking to me like a father figure.

"What will you do after leaving the group?"

"I plan to continue as an adventurer while also becoming a magical item craftsman."

The leader frowned.

"I understand adventurers, but what exactly is a magical item craftsman? Is it different from a blacksmith or a researcher?"

"Not really that different from a blacksmith. In simple terms, it's a profession that sits somewhere between the two.

But I don't think I'll earn much at first, so I'll keep working as an adventurer until I can make a living from crafting."

"I see... I don't know if it'll work out, but do your best. Still, adventurer... I've never been one myself, but I've been in battle just the same.

That's right... Never push yourself too hard. Come back with at least half your goals achieved. Staying alive is the greatest profit."

Receiving those powerful words, I clenched my fist.

After leaving the captain's room, I found Noel waiting.

"So you're leaving the guild?"

Seemed like they'd been eavesdropping.

"Yeah, thanks for everything so far.

I've finally found what I truly want to do. What you all taught me really helped me out."

"Hmph! Do whatever you want. You're an adventurer, right? Let me see if you're worth fighting."

They were being unusually annoying today. But ever since I'd made up my mind about this path, I'd already been thinking about how to fight.

I'll test it out on you.

We found an open field and decided to have a mock battle there.

Other guards who had heard the rumors and even Yuri, their superior, had arrived.

"Yuri-san, I'm leaving this unit."

"I kind of figured. I've noticed you've been training alone lately, running around by yourself. So show me."

"Thank you for everything up until now."

Holding the light crystal, I stood before Noelle.

"Are you ready? The fight starts when this stone touches the ground."

I nodded and assumed my stance.

Noelle tossed a small stone into the space between us. It rose above eye level and then struck the ground.

In an instant, Noelle was right in front of me.

Her tightly gripped wooden sword came rushing toward me.

I staggered back in surprise—exactly as expected.

There's no way I, untrained and unprepared, could survive a direct clash.

Just managing to react was all I could hope for.

Even if I can't react in time, something faster than human movement speed can still protect me.

I grip the light stone for just an instant and activate the spell.

Since I've been able to use lightning magic, I've been practicing this.

A single bolt of electricity streaks across my front. An electric barrier forms across my entire body.

Noel touches the electric barrier.

"Gugh! Still can't make sense of this magic."

Noel dodged me mid-attack and slipped past.

Even though she touched the electric barrier, she's still moving—impressive.

But now I can avoid reckless charges.

"Now it's my turn!"

I declared, raising my magic stone and activating a lightning spell whose power I controlled precisely.

But once again, Noel quickly closed the distance between us.

Magic users become immobilized while focusing on casting spells. That was the opening he was aiming for.

"Your weakness as magic users is always the same."

Noel approached with a triumphant expression.

If I can't overcome something this small, I don't deserve to survive.

I shifted the image I was channeling into the light crystal.

Instead of generating electricity, the light crystal erupted with a powerful flash of light.

A magician can wield power regardless of a gemstone's purity. Taking advantage of this, I've had the flash gemstone all along.

The flash gemstone is a low-grade light gemstone that emits a powerful burst of light, but it becomes useless in an instant.

Noel, expecting a lightning strike, was startled and covered his eyes, freezing in place.

I must take advantage of this opening!

Conjuring magic continuously takes a severe toll on one's stamina. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I thrust forward a new light crystal and unleashed the lightning spell.

The bolt streaked across space in an instant, accompanied by a thunderous roar.

The lightning struck Noel. I kept the power just below that of a stun gun.

Noel lay on the ground, but seemed to still be conscious.

I noticed the onlookers cheering as I sank down, exhausted, onto the ground.

"Amazing... You actually beat Noel."

"How did you figure out how to counter his attack just now?" "..."

As I was bombarded with questions, I gradually managed to get my body moving again.

Noel, pouting and swaying unsteadily, arrived with the squad leader.

"That battle just now was magnificent. If you can move like that, you'll surely be able to survive on your own."

The squad leader spoke loudly to the队员 he had been watching.

"Everyone, Taro has chosen to leave this unit for his own goals.

Let us celebrate today with joy as he begins his new journey!"

The group erupted in cheers, scattering throughout the town to celebrate the feast.

That night, they all enjoyed drinking together and reveling in merriment.

Even though it was sudden, I ended up receiving quite a few parting gifts, and was given all sorts of things. From the captain, I even received a valuable healing crystal as a farewell gift.

It was getting late, and Noel called me out. Stepping outside, I felt a chill wind cutting through me.

Noel approached, her cheeks slightly flushed—she seemed quite drunk.

"Are you really leaving this group?"

"I'm leaving. But that doesn't mean I'll never see you again. I'll just be out of touch for a while."

"How can you even say that?! You're not from the same world as me anymore!!!"

Ah... I'd hoped for something different, but after spending over half a year together, I've realized... this is just a bad hangover.

"If I can't see you anymore, then I'm already losing! Besides, that whole thing was because I didn't understand what you meant by 'electricity' in the first place."

"Yeah, yeah, that's right. Without magic, Noel's stronger than me."

"That's right. I'm stronger. So you should stay behind me and chant magic, got it?"

He seemed to be more drunk than expected.

"Noel, let's go back inside. I'll get some water. I was kind of hoping for something, though..."

"...I suppose there's no harm in hoping a little..."

"What'd you say?"

"Nothing! Let's go back. It's a race."

"Hey, wait a second."

My body, warm from alcohol, had cooled down without me noticing.

Two days later, in the morning.

"Are you sure about this, Noel?"

"What's that got to do with me? It's none of my business."

"Huh, well then, take care, Taro. Good luck."

I let the caravan leader give me a piece of his mind.

"Yes, thank you very much. Please stay safe, everyone."

I watched the departing caravan until it disappeared beyond the town's exit.

Well then, I'd better get moving from today onward. Gotta live with all my might.