Nihon 12

That day had been noisy since morning.

I was heading toward the archive room as usual. However, I spotted several people resembling guards running from the direction of the main shrine.

The guards were dashing past people, heading toward the outskirts of town.

Since they always took the same route, I decided to ask an elderly woman I knew well, who seemed familiar with them, about why they were running.

"You don't know? Those guys are off hunting monsters. Been happening more often lately."

With that, she handed me a fruit shaped like an apple—fresh and delicious.

I thanked the woman and headed toward the research archive.

Still, it seems the increase in monsters near the town has already become common knowledge. Not long ago, a messenger declaring war from the kingdom to the empire raced through the town, causing great turmoil among the populace. Some rushed about for business, others fled to protect themselves—everyone reacted differently.

I suppose I can view all this so objectively because, frankly, I just don’t care about war...

At the usual time, I began my research in the archive room when I encountered Kisei once again.

"Lord Taro, is your progress proceeding smoothly? Might I inquire what you are currently focusing on?"

"Yes, indeed. I've been learning a great deal, thanks to your guidance. Right now, I'm investigating the legendary beast said to have fought alongside the hero."

To be honest, no matter how much I investigate the legendary beast, I doubt I'll ever discover a way back to my original world.

The black hole that even the hero passed through is now the top priority for investigation. Since every past hero has been unable to return to their original world, yet there's a clear correlation between the appearance of the black hole, the emergence of heroes, and the appearance of legendary monsters, we can't afford to ignore it.

I'll thoroughly investigate anything related—whether it's the increasingly active legendary monsters, or any clues in the surrounding information—leaving no stone unturned.

"Ah! A legendary monster, you say... But why?"

"It's still just a rough hypothesis. I've noticed that the timing of legendary monsters appearing coincides oddly with the emergence of those called 'heroes'..."

"Something I've wondered about before... But surely, it's because legendary monsters appear that legendary heroes come to answer the call. That's the only logical explanation."

"Haha, I never expected someone like you, Master Kisai, to make such a definitive statement. There's actually another phenomenon that's been bothering me—personally, I'd say that one's far more pressing: 'Master Kisai! The Tenshu awaits your presence!'"

Mid-conversation, a young soldier arrived to call for Kisai.

"Sorry, Tarou-sama, I must be going now..."

Before he could finish speaking, Kisai had already left with the soldier toward the main hall.

I was left alone, the sole one to carry out the investigation.

"Kisai-sama... He truly is a wanderer and a monster... and he knows of the connection to the creature known as legend."

"Ah, as planned. Let's proceed with the strategy."

Kisai had already devised a plan to bring Taro to their side, though it wasn't clear when he'd formulated it.

Around noon, I came to the guild to arrange the necessary procedures, so I could leave at any time.

As soon as I met the lively receptionist I'd spoken to several times before, she said something strange.

"Hey, Taro, I'm not saying this to harm you—leave this town right now."

"Why?"

"Why? You've probably sensed it too, haven't you? This country will soon be drawn into a great conflict. Those with your power won't be allowed to escape. If you don't want to be used for someone else's convenience, get out of this country right now!"

"I can't fathom what hidden motives might lie within this country... but why are you choosing to stand by me?"

"Nothing's ever black and white, you know. I still love this country, after all."

"I'll be careful."

Even so, I intend to investigate every detail thoroughly.

That day, I began examining my secret collection of books in the afternoon.

Is there any commonality among the items used by the hero?

The legendary hero said to have existed 400 years ago wielded a greatsword. This weapon resembles the unique technique used as weapons in this country. Or rather, it feels more like the country's weapons were modeled after the hero's.

Pieces of information gathered from the archive, combined with everything previously learned about the hero.

And although the number is small, based on the methods of using and crafting the fragmented magical stones made public by this country, it appears the greatsword the hero used was replicated and several were produced.

As we've seen with Arasoot and Puetoji, liquid magic stones are applied to the sword during production and then baked at high temperatures—essentially a crafting method similar to forging a blade.

Perhaps this is why many Japanese people have been involved in this process for generations...

Even so, is this really the extent of their technological capability? They may have the skill to create things, but not necessarily the ability to teach others.

In the end, the knowledge was passed down only in fragments, which may explain how the current system came to be.

There's no definite proof, but I accidentally came to understand how the weapons in this country work. This... maybe it's better not to say anything about it.

...If I've learned this, I should probably leave this country as soon as possible. I should pack my things today and get out—quietly, as naturally as possible...

I head back home and start walking toward the main gate. Before that, I wonder if I can meet with Kisei, so I look around briefly.

Then I spot someone from an earlier mock battle. Was it Dato Masamitsu? I think so.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for Kisei. Where might I find him?"

"You must be... Lord Kisei. Please wait at the Technological Institute. I'll relay your message immediately....May I ask you a question as well?"

"Of course, please go ahead."

"Why did you lack momentum during the previous match?"

"Lack of momentum...? What do you mean by that?"

"I'm sorry. I'm not very good with words... Yes, I suppose. There's no point in pretending. I didn't feel any killing intent from you."

"Killing intent?"

I don't understand what he's talking about. Isn't this about the match...? Why would I need to show killing intent? And how do you even produce it anyway?

"It seems we're not on the same page. How are you supposed to defeat an opponent without showing killing intent?"

He went to call for Kisei without expecting an answer to his question.

I still hadn't found a response to his question.

After a while, Kisei arrived, calling out to the dazed me.

"Master Taro, Master Taro, is something the matter?"

"Oh, ah, sorry. I was just lost in thought..."

"Master Taro, you're always lost in thought. You're more like a researcher than an adventurer. Now then, what brings you trouble today?"

"I was thinking of moving on to the next investigation, as our research here has progressed sufficiently."

"Wha—? So that's the case... Well, wouldn't it be better to focus our efforts on this country instead? I imagine the streets here are familiar to you, Taro..."

"Thank you for the kind invitation. However, I wish to learn more. I must uncover the truth behind the legend of the hero, and the method of traveling to another world. That is why I must continue onward."

"I see. Yes, I understand. Thank you for meticulously translating the hero's diary during your investigation. Thanks to you, I've come much closer to a complete understanding. Please visit us again if you ever come to this country."

With that, Kaisai bid farewell to Sōsō, left the main hall, and returned to the lodging.

So thinking, he returned to the lodging.

"Both of us want to leave this town as soon as possible."

"Understood. I'm ready."

"Right, we'll go together. Let's leave at the same time as dawn."

As we had previously discussed, we continued preparing.

Meanwhile, in the research institute's archive room.

A figure known as Shadow—a man resembling a ninja—Kisai, Takagane Toshiro, faced off in conversation.

"Kisai, I heard that fellow is planning to leave the country."

"Yes, I intended to quietly integrate him into our nation's forces, but people's hearts are unpredictable."

Even you, hailed as a genius unparalleled in the history of this nation, cannot manipulate people's hearts. Well, it's not surprising. Your strategy of keeping people through intellectual interest alone

It was never possible from the start. People's hearts are easier to control through fear or charisma than through intellectual curiosity.

That seems to be the case.

"Still, what should we do? He knows, doesn't he? Everything."

"Yes, an incredible level of intelligence and knowledge. By mere prediction alone, he seems to have deduced the methods for crafting weapons in this nation. Where on earth could he have acquired such extensive knowledge? Or perhaps the original world he came from possesses technological advancement far surpassing this one. If that's the case, he truly is dangerous."

"Hmm... Perhaps we should apply light pressure first, and if he refuses to comply, suppress him by force."

"Still, if possible, please settle this peacefully. He's a valuable asset after all."

"That's entirely up to him. If he resists unnecessarily, he'll die. Surrender already."

Takagane Toshiro walks away from Kisei, a smirk playing on his face.