Dark Continent (2nd)
For a few seconds after the bird disappeared into the distance, I watched the skies to make sure that it wouldnt return. After feeling confident that it really was gone, I got rid of my Stonewall and naturally turned my attention to the Hero of the West.
It will be easier to talk to soone Im sowhat familiar with.
How are you doing?
uh, oh, Im fine thanks to you.
He was back on his feet now and held his arms out wide to show he was uninjured. His equipnt was heavily damaged but there were no signs of injuries on his exposed skin. None of the other party mbers appeared to be injured either.
Thats good.
I never expected to be saved by soone like you.
In a place like this, everyone needs help now and then.
.
A complex mix of emotions ran across his face.
Hes probably used to being the indomitable hero that never has to rely on anyone else.
While we were talking, the Chara Brothers party, the Hero of the Easts Party, and the Academy City Party erged from the bushes led by the Dark Elf. In addition to those I recognized, there were several new faces as well.
I guess they must have joined the audience to watch my battle with the Phoenix.
Our party had now grown to over fifty people.
O-Our group has gotten pretty big.
Yes, we happened upon them near the trail.
Everyone that left the beach settlent would be heading toward the sa destination, so its not at all strange for so many of us to have gathered like this. There arent any proper roads in the forest, but there arent any mountains or cliffs either, so most people will be travelling in a straight line from the settlent.
If everyone wants to reach the goal first, a straight line is clearly the quickest path. If there are any loud noises that catch their attention along the way, theyll likely investigate to find the source. Especially if its soone screaming.
Did that really just happen!? Tanaka-san, are you a god!? Wasnt that a Phoenix!? Youre amazing, Tanaka-san! No one can defeat a Phoenix on their own! I really think Im in love with you!
The first to speak was the Chara Bros.
Im sorry, but Im just going to ignore them.
There isnt enough ti in the day to respond to all of their questions and comnts.
I should finish up things with the Hero of the West.
Please, let know if any of your party is injured. I can still spare the ti to heal them.
What are all of you doing here?
After the remaining mbers of my party erged from the bush, the Hero of the West was curious about this sizeable gathering of adventurers. The biggest cause of surprise was most likely the Hero of the East being a part of the group.
Weve ford a temporary party for safety as we make our way towards the wall.
is that so?
Yes.
.
Theres no reason to hide what were doing.
The Hero of the West looked unsure of how to respond. Based off their previous interaction that I witnessed, these two are rivals but there didnt appear to be any real hatred between them.
may I ask you one thing?
What is it?
I expected the sa request that the previous parties had asked of . Hed start off as little more than a whisper and a slight hesitation.
Id ask that you accept my apology for everything I said about you in Suzannes as well as what I said to you during the battle. I apologize for my disrespectful behaviour.
I dont think anything youve done or said to deserves an apology.
When I think about what Ive said, words arent enough. Please, allow the rest of my party to join you. They deserve to be with soone that can keep them safe.
At this point, Im used to people asking to join my party.
If I accept his offer, the Hero of the West will be left to wander the forest alone. Its unlikely that hed be able to make it safely back to the village. I cant be responsible for the death of a globally known hero.
Thats fine. I dont mind if all of you co along.
I-Is it really okay? And I wasnt expecting such a quick answer.
When I told him they could co, there was a look of genuine surprise on his face.
I guess he didnt expect to accept so easily.
Two people or one, three or two, it doesnt matter. Were on the Dark Continent and safety is a commodity. It doesnt matter what everyones individual goals are, as long as we can all work together.
..do you really believe that?
I do.
.
Is sothing wrong?
No, its nothing. Thank you. Im happy you accepted us.
Its not a big deal. Its always nice to have more companions.
Youre doing us a favour by saying so. Thank you once again.
I wonder if he shouldve consulted with the rest of his party before deciding. Well, none of them have voiced any complaints. Its safe to assu that the decision of the Hero is final.
Sorry, I have one more request.
A request?
A feather from the Phoenixs tail. It was knocked loose by your fireball.
The Hero of the West glanced over to where I had fought the Phoenix. When I followed his gaze, I spotted a golden feather lying on the scorched ground. It was a single feather that the bird had lost when it escaped to the air.
Oh, I see. Its beautiful.
Would it be okay with you if I took that?
I dont see why not.
eh, u-uh, I an youre sure?
It doesnt matter to .
The Hero of the West nodded but looked uncertain.
Did I say sothing strange?
I just want to make sure youre aware of its value. A Phoenix feather is a very expensive material. To put it simply, its odd for soone to give it up so easily.
Ah, I see.
Its sothing like that.
A valuable boss drop.
My party, just like the Hero of the Easts, has co here to investigate for any signs of the return of the Demon King as the saints have predicted. However, weve co here for another purpose as well. To gather Phoenix feathers.
Another dangerous job for the heroes.
I thought we were lucky to encounter the creature so far from the forests centre, but I never expected it to be such a dangerous foe. I shouldve expected nothing less from the creatures of the Dark Continent. The rumours Ive heard of the dangers of this forest didnt do the creatures justice. I dont see defeating one on our own as a possibility and I doubt wed be able to sneak into their nests to obtain any.
I understand.
I felt guilty for intruding on their fight with the monster they were after, but considering my intrusion led to there being no casualties, Ill consider this a net positive.
And the only wings or feathers that I want belong to the Green Sylphs.
I have no use for this feather so theres no problem with giving it away.
The value doesnt matter to . If a brave hero like you needs it, then Im sure it is sothing important that will benefit the world.
And if I do him this favour now, theres a chance hell introduce to a cute girl later. The Heroes seem to have a lot of acquaintances and many of them are followers of the church. This ans that a large percentage of them must be virgins.
Are you sure? Im not lying when I say it is incredibly valuable.
With how much hes reiterating the fact, hes got curious.
Maybe it would be best if I at least checked the price.
Im just curious, how much are they worth?
What country are you from?
I co from the Penny Empire.
You could easily purchase a mansion on a valuable plot of land in Kalis with a single feather.
The Hero of the West walked across the scorched earth and picked up the fallen feather. All that tells is that its valuable. I was able to purchase Editas atelier for around 100 gold, so a mansion like that in a nice neighbourhood may be worth 1,000 gold.
If I spent it wisely, I could probably live comfortably without working for several years. I shouldve thought about my decision more. Sothing like that must be hard to co by.
Thats quite the large sum.
I plan on using it for sothing else entirely so nobody will profit financially from it.
I see.
Commodities like this rarely make it to the public market, so we were left with no choice but to co to the source itself.
Since Ive already told him he can have it twice, I dont feel like I can go back on my word. This is my fault anyway for not knowing more about this world.
Maybe we can consider this a loan.
Thats an awfully big loan. The thought of what it might take to repay it scares .
Its fine as long as you can return it soday.
I dont know when or even if that day will co.
Who knows what the future holds. You may find a way of repaying that you never expected.
Whats your na?
You can call Tanaka, Hero of the West.
Tanaka of the Penny Empire? Ill rember that. You dont need to refer to by my title. I dont think you could do anymore to honour than by calling by my na.
Of course, Pierre-san.
Pierre? Who is that?
Oh.
Right, this guys na isnt Pierre.
I gave him a na on my own.
Because his looks and his hairstyle just scread Pierre to .
Rodriguez only ever referred to him as Hero.
No, if you want to call Pierre than you can call Pierre.
are you sure about that?
Absolutely.
Pierre, the Hero of the West, gave a satisfied nod.
It reminded of when I christened Allen as a newborn Saitou.
Then Ill do just that.
I hope we can get along well on our travels.
I do as well.
I stretched out my right hand and shook Pierres.
The conversation winded down after we exchanged a handshake.
Now, lets continue our journey to the wall.
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