Book 5: Chapter 2 (4)

Dark Continent (2nd)

For a few seconds after the bird disappeared into the distance, I watched the skies to make sure that it wouldn’t 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 someone I’m somewhat familiar with.

“How are you doing?”

“…uh, oh, I’m fine thanks to you.”

He was back on his feet now and held his arms out wide to show he was uninjured. His equipment was heavily damaged but there were no signs of injuries on his exposed skin. None of the other party members appeared to be injured either.

That’s good.

“I never expected to be saved by someone like you….”

“In a place like this, everyone needs help now and then.”

“….”

A complex mix of emotions ran across his face.

He’s 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 East’s Party, and the Academy City Party emerged 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 settlement would be heading toward the same destination, so it’s not at all strange for so many of us to have gathered like this. There aren’t any proper roads in the forest, but there aren’t any mountains or cliffs either, so most people will be travelling in a straight line from the settlement.

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, they’ll likely investigate to find the source. Especially if it’s someone screaming. 

“Did that really just happen!? Tanaka-san, are you a god!?” “Wasn’t that a Phoenix!?” “You’re amazing, Tanaka-san! No one can defeat a Phoenix on their own!” “I really think I’m in love with you!”

The first to speak was the Chara Bros.

I’m sorry, but I’m just going to ignore them.

There isn’t enough time in the day to respond to all of their questions and comments.

I should finish up things with the Hero of the West.

“Please, let me know if any of your party is injured. I can still spare the time to heal them.”

“What are all of you doing here…?”

After the remaining members of my party emerged 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.

“We’ve formed a temporary party for safety as we make our way towards the wall.”

“…is that so?”

“Yes.”

“….”

There’s no reason to hide what we’re 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 didn’t appear to be any real hatred between them. 

“…may I ask you one thing?”

“What is it?”

I expected the same request that the previous parties had asked of me. He’d start off as little more than a whisper and a slight hesitation.

“I’d ask that you accept my apology for everything I said about you in Suzanne’s as well as what I said to you during the battle. I apologize for my disrespectful behaviour.”

“I don’t think anything you’ve done or said to me deserves an apology….”

“When I think about what I’ve said, words aren’t enough. Please, allow the rest of my party to join you. They deserve to be with someone that can keep them safe.”

At this point, I’m 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. It’s unlikely that he’d be able to make it safely back to the village. I can’t be responsible for the death of a globally known hero.

“That’s fine. I don’t mind if all of you come along.”

“I-Is it really okay? And I wasn’t expecting such a quick answer.”

When I told him they could come, there was a look of genuine surprise on his face. 

I guess he didn’t expect me to accept so easily.

“Two people or one, three or two, it doesn’t matter. We’re on the Dark Continent and safety is a commodity. It doesn’t matter what everyone’s individual goals are, as long as we can all work together.”

“..do you really believe that?”

“I do.”

“….”

“Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing. Thank you. I’m happy you accepted us.”

“It’s not a big deal. It’s always nice to have more companions.”

“You’re doing us a favour by saying so. Thank you once again.”

I wonder if he should’ve consulted with the rest of his party before deciding. Well, none of them have voiced any complaints. It’s safe to assume that the decision of the Hero is final. 

“Sorry, I have one more request….”

“A request?”

“A feather from the Phoenix’s 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. It’s beautiful.”

“Would it be okay with you if I took that?”

“I don’t see why not.”

“…eh, u-uh, I mean you’re sure?”

“It doesn’t matter to me.”

The Hero of the West nodded but looked uncertain.

Did I say something strange?

“I just want to make sure you’re aware of its value. A Phoenix feather is a very expensive material. To put it simply, it’s odd for someone to give it up so easily.”

“Ah, I see.”

It’s something like that.

A valuable boss drop.

“My party, just like the Hero of the East’s, has come here to investigate for any signs of the return of the Demon King as the saints have predicted. However, we’ve come 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 forest’s centre, but I never expected it to be such a dangerous foe. I should’ve expected nothing less from the creatures of the Dark Continent. The rumours I’ve heard of the dangers of this forest didn’t do the creatures justice. I don’t see defeating one on our own as a possibility and I doubt we’d 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, I’ll 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 there’s no problem with me giving it away.

“The value doesn’t matter to me. If a brave hero like you needs it, then I’m sure it is something important that will benefit the world.”

And if I do him this favour now, there’s a chance he’ll introduce me to a cute girl later. The Heroes seem to have a lot of acquaintances and many of them are followers of the church. This means that a large percentage of them must be virgins.

“Are you sure? I’m not lying when I say it is incredibly valuable.”

With how much he’s reiterating the fact, he’s got me curious.

Maybe it would be best if I at least checked the price.

“I’m just curious, how much are they worth?”

“What country are you from?”

“I come 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 me is that it’s valuable. I was able to purchase Edita’s 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 should’ve thought about my decision more. Something like that must be hard to come by.

“That’s quite the large sum.”

“I plan on using it for something 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 come to the source itself.”

Since I’ve already told him he can have it twice, I don’t 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.”

“That’s an awfully big loan. The thought of what it might take to repay it scares me.”

“It’s fine as long as you can return it someday.”

“I don’t know when or even if that day will come.”

“Who knows what the future holds. You may find a way of repaying me that you never expected.”

“What’s your name?”

“You can call me Tanaka, Hero of the West.”

“Tanaka of the Penny Empire? I’ll remember that. You don’t need to refer to me by my title. I don’t think you could do anymore to honour me than by calling me by my name.”

“Of course, Pierre-san.”

“Pierre? Who is that?”

“Oh….”

Right, this guy’s name isn’t Pierre.

I gave him a name on my own.

Because his looks and his hairstyle just screamed ‘Pierre’ to me.

Rodriguez only ever referred to him as Hero.

“No, if you want to call me Pierre than you can call me Pierre.”

“…are you sure about that?”

“Absolutely.”

Pierre, the Hero of the West, gave me a satisfied nod.

It reminded me of when I christened Allen as a newborn Saitou.

“Then I’ll 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 Pierre’s.

The conversation winded down after we exchanged a handshake.

Now, let’s continue our journey to the wall.

***