Nihon 10

Renting a research room, I delve into the legend of the Hero.

What has become clear here is that although they are not called Heroes, a considerable number of lost travelers have arrived in our world and are visiting this town.

Among them, those referred to as Heroes seem to be achieving remarkable results. There's no clear consistency across eras, but as one examines testimonies and records, it feels as though the era of this world progresses in tandem with the era of their original world. The exact nature of how time advances remains unclear.

Another thing has become clear as well.

Legendary monsters known as "legendary beasts" appear at regular intervals, causing widespread chaos across the world.

What makes them particularly troublesome is that they usually serve as the catalyst for wars, regardless of size.

"If we keep going like this, powerful monsters including dragons will appear over the next few years—just like earthquakes."

A voice filled with dread echoes quietly.

Instinctively, I recall the leopard I saw on the snowfield, whose presence was unnaturally overwhelming.

At the same time, as the monsters awaken, the number of lost souls has been increasing.

Moreover, the monsters revive only after a large number of lost souls appear. Is this mere coincidence?

It's as if the presence of the lost souls is summoning the legendary beasts.

But that's impossible. We came from the original world into this one through an inexplicable black hole that pulled us in.

We have no idea what that black hole is, but the lost souls certainly can't intentionally activate the monsters.

Beastification is a learned phenomenon caused by some influence from demonic stones.

That black hole is still suspicious, as expected.

How do people in this world perceive that hole?

Found it!

There's no direct mention of the black hole, but there are descriptions that seem to allude to it. It appears people in this world don't know what it truly is, but they regard it as a symbol of ill omen.

Reports seem to be increasing at the exact moments when the monsters become active.

In the end, while the reasoning remains completely unclear, there appears to be a connection between the mysterious black holes, the surge in legendary monsters, and the growing number of lost souls.

I keep writing more and more into my newly purchased notebook.

Perhaps the black holes are serving as pathways connecting different worlds.

At that moment, it felt like a passage flowing from the world they originally came from into this world.

Was it some kind of mechanism where the things flowing in triggered the awakening of legendary monsters?

While investigating multiple interdimensional travelers, I ended up researching legendary monsters instead. Well, that kind of thing happens all the time.

As I summarized what I'd gathered, I shifted my gaze outside—and found it was already night.

Today's time is up, but we'll continue our investigation from here.

When I returned to the inn where I usually stay, Rilka was already there ahead of me.

"You look much better than before. Did something good happen?"

"Yeah, it was bad before. Thanks to that, I woke up feeling much better."

"That's great... but there might be a bit of a problem, you two."

Coil suddenly appeared and spoke to the two of them.

"What's going on? Did something happen?"

"What's going on? Well, the Kingdom of Revessia has declared war on the Irluris Empire."

"A declaration of war!? Why on earth would they do that?"

"We don't know the exact reason, but there were signs. In recent years, magical beasts have been becoming increasingly active. That's been happening globally, but the Kingdom has been hit hard by it, leading to worsening economic conditions."

"So, you're trying to improve the situation, then?"

"Maybe."

I'm so stunned I can't even think.

"This country is preparing for war... though there's nothing we can do about it, really."

"What do you mean?"

Lilka, who had been listening intently, turns to Coil with a question.

"It's simple really—once a country decides to start a war, there's nothing we can do to stop it, and it can't be stopped. What we need to focus on is how to move in a way that minimizes our own impact.

That's right! It's unsettling seeing familiar nations at war. But what truly matters is ensuring our important friends and acquaintances stay unharmed.

First and foremost, we need to safely return Lilka to her original village."

"Taro, have you made up your mind?"

"Yeah, the basic plan remains the same. We'll move safely and head to Luna Village. Since it's the current season, we should be able to travel securely by passing through the Forest of Beginnings and moving along the southern edge of the Empire."

Both nodded in agreement.

Nihon borders both the Kingdom and the Empire, but the distance between major cities is great, and there are also treacherous mountain ranges.

Moreover, there shouldn't have been any significant territory adjacent to our land. At least while we're in Nihon, we should be safe and well-prepared.

Still, why are the Empire and the Kingdom trying to go to war...

"Hey, Rō, Tarō!"

Startled by my name being called sharply by Coil, I snap back to attention.

"Seriously, your intellect is impressive, but when you get lost in thought like this, it's hard to rely on you... Well, what is it? Do you know something?"

I was talking to some high-ranking people in tech, and they seem to be worried about the revival of a legendary monster, but they don’t actually know much. Is it really just because the monsters are becoming more active?

"Legendary monsters... You mean that giant lizard-like creature I saw in the desert?"

"We’re not sure of the exact details... But I think your guess is roughly right."

"There's no point going further into this here. Just be careful, Taro! Don't stick your nose into anything unnecessary!"

"I understand. I think I'll soon get the answers I'm looking for. Once that's done, I'll leave this country right away."

With that, the gathering by the well came to an end.

The participants went back to their respective hideouts—some to their own rooms, others to the largest building in the country...

And inside that massive building...

"Oh, it seems you, Taro, are also investigating legendary monsters... Truly impressive, a mage making waves across the realm."

Yet, possessing such extraordinary power is, in itself, a kind of sin. This level of ability—something that would take decades of study and research to master. Honestly, it's a staggering threat to have someone with such power appear in a single adventure.

Such a brilliant mind—perhaps this person could even resolve the matter with Lord Tenshu... How regrettable.

In a country supposedly founded by a hero, the idea that the hero might have been the one to activate the monsters... this must absolutely be kept hidden... "

"Then, I'm off again today."

Taro said that and left the inn.