Nihon 11

As usual, there were no issues, and I headed toward the research room.

Normally I'd begin my investigation alone, but today was unusual—Kisai was already there.

"Goodness, it's been a while, Kisai-san. How have you been feeling?"

"Indeed, it has been a while... My health is holding up, though. The requests from Lord Tenshu are quite taxing for an old man like me."

"Please take care of yourself. In any case, how have you been spending your day today?"

Yes, there's something that's been on my mind. It seems Mr. Taro has been looking into matters beyond the Hero's Legend lately. How have you been doing with that?

Indeed, when researching the Hero's Legend, information about monsters naturally comes up. It's only natural to investigate those as well.

I see... Honestly, why is it that those called heroes always end up facing legendary beasts?

"You're right—this timing is almost too convenient. It's as if they've appeared just to fight the monsters."

Taro, engrossed in reading the displayed documents, hadn't been looking at Kisei, but his expression was one of intense horror, tinged with sorrow.

Suddenly sensing something, he turned around—there was Kisei, as always, wearing a smile.

"Ah, the truth—just what is it? That's what makes research so fascinating, isn't it?"

Saying that, he walked out of the room.

Puzzled, yet undeterred, he continued searching through descriptions of the many heroes—those called heroes, and others who, though not named as such, were known as wanderers.

As always, before he knew it, the sun had set. But having read through ample materials, he had come to understand much.

No wonder this is a country with both history and records.

Let me summarize what I've understood so far.

First, there are multiple individuals referred to as "heroes."

A hero is a person among those who came from a world known as the "World of the Lost," those who were drawn into a mysterious black hole, and who have achieved notable accomplishments.

It is believed that all the Lost came to this world after being sucked into a mysterious black hole.

The Lost appear from various different time periods, not from the same era.

The sense of time is drawing closer to the modern era.

In other words, if I were to somehow return to my original world right now, it's not impossible that I could do so without feeling much of a temporal gap...

Especially in this investigation, the key elements seem to be the Lost, the black hole, and legendary monsters.

To be honest, with regard to the mysterious black hole, there are only eyewitness accounts, and we have absolutely no idea what it is. However, based on the documents we've read, sightings have mainly occurred around this country.

Especially me, I'm the one who appeared. The area near the Starting Forest has the highest number of sightings. We can pass through there, so let's go check it out.

Then there's the legendary monster. Honestly, it's far too dangerous, but considering what lies ahead, it might be better to investigate it further.

In line with the documents we've been reviewing, I'll also gather more information about the legendary beast.

Unaware that I'm still being watched in that very same way...

After Taro left the archive room at his usual time, Kisei arrives.

"How was it? What were you looking into?"

A person emerges from what should have been empty shadow.

Several books are presented.

"Whether it's expected or not, whether it's impressive or not, I've been focusing on reading books about the legendary monster's appearance times and locations. It seems he's noticed as well."

"What would you have me do? If you wish, I can have it gone within a single night."

"No need for anything. For now, let's just observe—there might come a time when it could still be useful. Here, take a look at this."

With that, Kysai pulled out several sheets of parchment.

The figure in the shadows examined the contents written on the paper handed to them. Though their expression remained unreadable, a faint surprise was detectable.

"One who, from your perspective, might seem unremarkable, has demonstrated a consistent method of treating the otherwise insurmountable condition of bodily petrification. Though it requires specialized skills that demand rigorous training, the number of individuals capable of reliably administering this treatment is steadily increasing. Indeed, they are strong enough to conquer large dungeons. It would be a shame to kill them, provided they don't become enemies."

The shadow said nothing, having already vanished without a trace.

But how should I handle this... I'd like to somehow bring them over to our side, but they don't seem like the kind of man who'd fall into an organization's grasp. In the worst case scenario...

Kisai walked slowly down the long corridor, lost in thought.

"Fufu, Kisai. You seem troubled, don't you?"

"Lord Tenshu!? What are you doing here!? And you too, Tokiagen-sama!"

"What, I just felt like taking a stroll. Tokiagen came along with me."

The man called Tokiagen gave a slight bow.

"What are you up to, using shadows... No, no need to go into detail. I know exactly what you're doing, after all."

Speaking thus, he covered his mouth with the long sleeves of his robe, his face clearly showing a sly, stifled smile.

Though in another world he might pass for a geisha, in this realm he is unmistakably a princess.

The man known as Tōgen, likewise dressed in an ostentatious manner, was completely concealed in full-body armor, hiding his entire face.

It's odd even indoors to be wearing full-body armor, but this is his usual appearance.

The two, both adorned with crimson decorations, suit them well.

"Lord Tenshu, there's no need to hide from Lord Tenshu. I'm simply keeping watch to see if the so-called mage is making any suspicious movements at this moment."

"Hmm, is that so? Then, is this mage possibly connected to the legendary beast?"

!?

"That's why I said it. No need to go into such detail. I know everything. No, I could see and hear everything."

"So you're aware of the connection between the wandering one and the legendary beast, then."

Kisai's cold sweat wouldn't stop in silent agreement.

"What would you suggest we do now?"

"What do you mean by 'what'?"

There's a connection between legendary monsters and those who are lost. In fact, whenever someone is called a hero, it's almost guaranteed.

"You're saying that creature is a hero? That kind of person?"

"No, I didn't mean that... but still..."

"Don't worry. Not every lost soul summons a monster. There's a difference in rank—heroes are set apart."

Kisai, who had been looking down, raised their gaze. Their eyes fell upon a man standing beside the woman known as the Tenshu—not the Tenshu herself.

"Fufu, don't make such a worried face, Kisai. Heroes are made from lost souls, after all. This man is no lost soul."

The Tenshu, as if to say there was no need for further worry, walked away with a graceful stride.

Kisai watched the man intently, his head slightly lowered, as he followed the Tenshu's retreating back.

I will post again in one week.