Everyone Else is a Regressor Chapter 72

Everyone Else is a Regressor (72)

The exploration of the ruins ended prematurely due to a surge of unforeseen variables.

There was much to reflect on, and many things to reconsider regarding future plans.

Nevertheless, the party mbers who originally belonged to the Light Faction sohow returned safely, and the Werewolf who longed for freedom survived and ca into the world of light.

Of course, Lora, who was bitten by a Vampire, and the long Werewolf lineage would face many hardships before being fully accepted in this world.

"Is it really such an issue? Then, let's live together for the ti being."

When KiJun declared without much hesitation, the movents of nica, the lord's daughter and butler, who was passing tea to Lora, and Lora, who was receiving the teacup, abruptly stopped.

On the other hand, Gin, who was blowing on his portion of tea, didn't seem surprised since it had already been decided that he would live with KiJun, and he clenched his fists tightly and exclaid.

"Leave the housework to ! In my family, I was the one who took care of cleaning and laundry!"

"What about cooking?"

"I can cook too, but the dishes made by Jun are tastier. Hehe."

Seeing Gin, who seed to have regained so of his original innocence, KiJun couldn't help but snicker.

Then, noticing nica and Lora frozen in place, he glanced at In, who was sipping his tea as if nothing had happened, and asked.

"Do you know why they're acting like this?"

"I think I know. But if I say it, my life might be in danger, so I won't."

"What kind of ability of mine, unknown even to , could be putting you in danger...?"

KiJun sighed deeply and tapped the table to 'restart' nica and Lora.

"I wouldn't insist if it makes you uncomfortable, but my standing in Turris is quite favorable. Living with wouldn't subject you to strange looks from others. If In also lives with us, it could give off the vibe of sharing lodgings with party mbers, making it even more natural. Is that not okay with you, Lora?"

"No, it's not that I dislike it! It's just too overwhelming!"

Finally thawing from her frozen state, Lora exclaid with a trembling voice.

nica, who started moving as well, hurriedly tried to stop him.

"Jun, weren't you uncomfortable living with many people? If you wish to accommodate the party mbers, I can arrange rooms for them in the lord's mansion. No one would dare to cast strange looks then!"

"Ah, about feeling uncomfortable..."

KiJun pondered over that part.

Truth be told, if he were to live with Lora, In, and nica, he would have to give up hiding his identity from them.

However, believing that these individuals, each bearing the pain of their own races, would accept him even if they knew his origins were human, he hadn't really worried about it.

"...Jun?"

The problem was nica.

Revealing his identity to the newly ford party mbers was one thing, but it seed sowhat unfair to keep it from nica, who had just started assisting him with sincerity.

anwhile, nica, sensing KiJun's dilemma and roughly understanding his thoughts, slightly hardened her expression and took a step back.

"There were matters you wished to discuss with the party mbers. Then, I shall take my leave for today. You ntioned wanting to visit the forge tomorrow, so I'll see you by 11 a.m."

"No, nica. Stay."

"Y-Yes."

KiJun inadvertently called her by her na.

But she was probably just waiting for him to say that.

Seeing her quickly return to her spot, KiJun, sowhat flabbergasted, asked her.

"Can you keep a secret from the lord?"

"To be honest, I'm not particularly close to the lord. I will keep the secret."

"I thought about telling the lord too, but it seems unnecessary to go that far Well, anyway, good."

As KiJun touched the mask covering his face, all mbers instinctively swallowed and focused their gaze on him.

What's with this atmosphere, as if I should add sound effects?

Dum-dum-dum-dum...

'No, it's okay. Never mind, Lucy.'

Feeling the atmosphere becoming too tense, KiJun quickly removed the mask.

His skin, previously flushed red, returned to its human color, and his blazing eyes also reverted to normal.

His red hair turned back to black, settling down revealing KiJun, who, on the outside, appeared to be just a normal human.

'If only the Light Man race showed more outward signs, I wouldn't have needed to disguise myself.'

Hehe, perhaps that's due to the Contractor's will.

KiJun placed the mask on the table and awkwardly smiled at those who were silently observing him.

"In truth, I am human. To be precise, a Rare-grade Light Man, but my foundation as a human hasn't changed."

The notion that the human race, even with growth, is inherently limited is widespread in Leta.

Due to the racial characteristics, it's believed that dramatic physical, magical, or spiritual changes are unlikely, leading to the misconception that their growth is inherently limited.

If they knew just how incredible the Light Magic that constitutes KiJun now is, such thoughts would vanish instantly.

"I've been told that revealing my human identity could complicate things, by a rchant I have an exclusive contract with. That's when I got an item perfect for disguising my race and started using it. I refused to stay at the lord's mansion because I was worried about my identity being exposed."

"Jun..."

"That's all there is to it. If you're disappointed to find out I'm human I'm sorry."

*Sigh*

For so reason, Lora fainted again.

As In expected, he caught her and laid her on the sofa, then silently nodded at KiJun.

"I had suspected you were not rely a Fla Human. You were too dearly loved by the light."

"Ah, right. While we're at it, let introduce her. Lucy?"

Hello! From today on, I'll be eating at the sa table too!

Lucy, as if waiting for her cue, hopped onto the table, making her presence known.

KiJun briefly explained Lucy's identity and his own abilities to the bewildered party.

"Spirit Magic... It's more surprising that you're not a Fla Human but that. So 'Ur,' what we knew as the Fla Beast, is also a spirit."

"Correct. Lucy is a Light Spirit, and Ur is a Fire Spirit."

Kiiii!

After finishing his explanation, KiJun looked around the party with an awkward smile.

Lora had fainted, In was nodding as he had guessed as much, and Gin, not fully understanding the difference between Fla Humans and humans, thought it was ti for applause and clapped his hands.

And nica was rubbing her forehead with a very tired expression.

"nica?! I-I didn't an to make you feel bad"

"No, the fault lies with . I spoke without knowing that Jun ca from a human background."

nica closed her eyes tightly, then gathered her hands demurely in front of her abdon and bowed deeply to KiJun.

"I apologize, Jun. I always believed I was fair, but in the end, I was a fool swayed by prejudice. To think there are people like you among humans, and yet I spouted nonsense as if I knew everything about the human race. I have no way to atone for this..."

"People naturally judge based on their experiences. I'm not claiming all humans are righteous. I've been wronged by humans too."

"I assure you, I have no intention of belittling or underestimating you because you are human, please understand..."

"I know. Thank you."

KiJun consoled her with a bitter smile, and seeing that he wasn't truly angry, nica felt sowhat relieved but still wore a troubled expression.

"Is there still a problem?"

"No, it's fine. Even if he's my father, he won't be..."

nica murmured sothing in a low voice, shaking her head sternly.

KiJun heard her clearly but chose to pretend he didn't, thinking it would only lead to more trouble.

"Alright, then I've said everything I needed to. So, there's no objection to us living together here?"

"Lora would never object. However, Jun."

In spoke in a solemn tone.

"I think it would be best if I left the party. And of course, I won't be staying here either."

"What?"

KiJun was taken aback by the unexpected statent.

In had always had a good impression of KiJun, and they had communicated well even within the ruins.

Knowing a bit about his complicated family situation, and realizing that not only was In skilled with the staff but also wielded Ishtar's divine power, KiJun had no doubt In would be a great asset against Vampires in the future!

"In, if there's sothing lacking in , please tell . I can't promise to fix it right away, but I'll try."

"No, I am the one who is lacking."

In firmly shook his head.

"There wasn't much I accomplished in this expedition. I neither aided in defeating the enemy nor did I properly protect Lora. Instead, she was endangered because of . Honestly, I've co to realize my own weaknesses."

"What...! That's because the enemy was too strong. It's not that you were lacking. Moreover, if we're to bla, it's my fault for neglecting the enemy despite knowing about it"

"Lora now has the power to protect herself. Moreover, the power of a priestess of Ishtar remains intact."

KiJun earnestly tried to dissuade him, but In seed to have already made up his mind.

"Putting it bluntly, Lora, who overlaps with my position, is in a superior situation compared to . It's as if my occupying a spot in the party is a nuisance."

"The position of a priestess of Ishtar can overlap as much as needed! It would be a huge help when facing Vampires!"

"I truly appreciate your high regard for , but..."

In looked at KiJun with a serious expression and argued.

"If you truly intend to infiltrate the kingdom of Vampires"

He already knew from discussions with the party mbers that Lora had the ability to track Carmilla.

Thus, there were talks of launching a preemptive strike before the Vampires could attack.

KiJun had thought that In would certainly participate in that surprise attack, but it seed he had other thoughts.

"It would be better to take soone better than . With a knight, a hunter, and a priest in the party, it would be wise to look for a mage."

"No... Look here."

"If no suitable talent appears by then, I'll gladly participate. But it's unlikely. Your reputation is bound to grow."

In stood up and walked towards KiJun, extending his hand.

"Could we shake hands as a nto?"

"Ah... Of course."

Realizing there was no changing his mind, KiJun sighed softly and shook his hand.

The half-orc clasped KiJun's hand with his large, pot-lid-like hand, shaking it while laughing.

"It was an honor to be with a hero."

"It won't be easy to find soone as capable as you. Don't forget your promise to join us when the ti cos."

"Of course."

In nodded and whispered in a slightly quieter voice.

"Please take good care of my precious sister."

"Leave it to . I'll definitely protect her."

"No, it seems unnecessary to just protect. Respect her wishes."

"Huh?"

"It's nothing."

Leaving behind enigmatic words, In left without any hesitation.

Afterward, when Lora awoke, KiJun assigned her and Gin rooms to stay in, sent ho nica who oddly didn't want to go ho, and only when it was ti to sleep did KiJun realize one thing Lora was no longer just a simple priestess.

"Indeed, now that Lora can fight on the front lines, it ans I shouldn't just protect her but also train her to fight on her own!"

Ah Yeah, I think that's probably what he ant, Contractor!

The next day.

After dining at the sa table with nica, who had arrived surprisingly early, along with four others and two spirits, KiJun visited the forge as he had discussed with nica the day before.

The forge's master, Glittertos, personally greeted KiJun, but contrary to expectations of being led to a private space, Glittertos brought him into an open area visible to anyone who entered the forge.

"Glittertos? There are quite important items here."

"Yeah, let's see those important items."

Feeling the unabashed stares of outsiders, KiJun spoke with a hint of panic, but Glittertos nonchalantly urged him on.

Are dwarves such an inconsiderate race? KiJun was perplexed, but nica calmly nodded.

"Jun, it's ti to show off. Just do as the master says."

"Show off...?"

"People died. The expedition ended too quickly."

KiJun caught on to nica's blunt words.

He had been focused solely on the expedition's details and hadn't grasped how their venture might be judged...

"From the outside, it might look like we fled from a failed expedition."

"That's exactly right. The master has naturally set the stage for you to prove in public that your expedition wasn't a failure."

KiJun felt both remorse and admiration.

Dwarves... were the epito of attentiveness?!

However, Glittertos didn't care what KiJun was thinking and simply urged him to show what they had obtained from the expedition.

"Alright... First off, these are the Werewolf's claws."

"Werewolf? You've been dealing with so bizarre creatures again. It was very wise of you to bring their claws..."

Glittertos, incredulous at the items presented, blinked a few tis, then, likely due to so item appraisal feature in his monocle, ticulously examined them.

"Can't believe it's actually Unique?"

Then, dismissing it with a scoff, he looked at KiJun, who was keeping a composed face, and chuckled.

"Of course, you wouldn't just beat up so low-level Werewolves."

"I didn't bring out the ones below Rare grade, but would you need those?"

"What kind of question is that? Bring out everything above Uncommon grade. Looks like I need to raid the treasury today."

The dwarf sealed a huge deal with a hearty laugh.

By then, the onlookers, who had been sneaking peeks, began murmuring that the expedition might not have been a failure after all.

"Need a Werewolf heart too?"

"Is it Unique grade?"

"Yeah."

"It's the best catalyst. I'll buy all above Rare grade."

In fact, the loot obtained by KiJun's comrades, not killed during battle, slightly declined in quality, and in the case of the last Werewolf, Quinodon, Gin had dealt with it personally, leaving no loot.

Nonetheless, after selling all the loot from the Werewolves, KiJun recovered the 2,500 gold spent on buying full plate armor here and even amassed an additional 2,000 gold.

Of course, he had to share so with the party mbers, but even considering that, it was a significant amount.

"Werewolves... are expensive."

"High-grade corpses are always in demand. Not to ntion these are Werewolves were talking about."

KiJun inwardly applauded himself for not reacting and nica for pretending not to hear.

"Next up is..."

It was ti for the Moonlight Stones.

Naturally, the dwarf flipped out again.

"This is a new material! I'm losing my mind, really!"

As the dwarf clapped silently, an attendant rushed over.

"Bring the treasury here! Now!"

"Calm down. I can't sell all of this."

"I know, but I wanted to express my wish for you to sell as much as possible!"

Moonlight Stones contain the power of the moon.

Although they enhance Vampires and Werewolves, that also ans they're effective for Lora and Gin, who have beco fixed mbers of KiJun's party.

Thus, KiJun planned to either make new equipnt for the two or enhance their existing gear with Moonlight Stones.

He also wanted to keep a few samples...

Fortunately, they had mined a large quantity of Moonlight Stones at the mine they visited to obtain moon-infused silver, allowing Glittertos to purchase a satisfactory amount.

This added another 5,000 gold to KiJun's coffers.

"Are you really okay with this?"

"Do you want to know what Im thinking? Today's a big day for the dwarf community."

Glittertos responded seriously to KiJun's concern about being overpaid.

In fact, nica also seed to think they could have gotten more, so it seed Glittertos wouldn't go bankrupt.

"More?"

Glittertos grinned.

"You didn't just bring things to sell, right?"

"Youre sharp. From now on, these are not for sale. I brought things I want to commission."

"I've been waiting. As long as I can get my hands on it, that's all that matters!"

KiJun, as if waiting for this mont, brought out the moon-infused silver, 'Silver Moonstone'.

It was a lump of ore from which he could extract about 2 kilograms of pure silver even after removing impurities.

"......"

The dwarf was speechless, coveting it.

"Divide it into three. One for coating a blade, one for a gun, and one for adding to my future shield."

Hearing his words, Lora and Gin, who had accompanied him to the forge, perked up their ears.

The two looked at him with moved expressions, but KiJun, now used to it, ignored them.

"This... such a treasure..."

Glittertos, seemingly not interested in conversing, rubbed his cheek against the Silver Moonstone with a grotesque expression.

KiJun poked him with a wry look.

"Hey, there's more."

"Nothing can surpass this... This 'Silver Moonstone' is a miraculous substance that won't appear again in this world... The god of minerals must have blessed ...!"

"Really? More amazing than a divine beast?"

"Wait a mont."

Glittertos quickly ca to his senses and adjusted his posture.

"Say that again, VIP. Keep in mind that your remarks could upgrade your custor status to VVIP."

That day, Glittertos Forge was literally turned upside down.

The news that a Legendary-grade divine beast had appeared and that Jun, the Fla Human, had captured it spread throughout Turris in no ti, and faster than KiJun anticipated, it spread across Gratia, making him known to everyone in the region.

KiJun beca a VVIP custor of Glittertos Forge.

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