161 - - Episode 159 Return

Having defeated the subspecies of Sea Serpent, the boss of the labyrinth, at the 70th layer, we decided to leave the labyrinth. I'm sure they'll be fine, but I'm worried about leaving Sara and the others alone. If we fly, we can be back home in a few hours, so let's get the hell out of here.

Yuta, those adventurers are over there. Shall we just pass by?"

While flying through the 56th layer, Sylphy spotted Wings of the Labyrinth and Muscle Star slaughtering a group of goblins. Well, if you don't notice them, there's no problem to go through, but if you see them, it would be polite to at least say hello to them, right?　I'm sure he's fine, but if he can't get home, that's a problem.

No, by all accounts they are fine, the Wings of the Labyrinth seem to be fighting with coordination and composure, and the Muscle Stars are, you know, knocking the goblins flat like whack-a-mole.

I wonder why sorcerers and priests are fighting in melee with large staffs and maces, but I guess with all that muscle, they have that option. A Muscle Star that goes on a rampage, splattering demon blood and guts, looks like an ogre to me. Good thing we didn't bring Sara and the others...that would have been a bad educational experience.

I guess it's no good telling them not to look at it now that the Bells are observing it with such interest ....... They don't seem to be afraid of it, so as long as they don't start exercising their muscles, we'll see what happens. I wonder if ...... spirits have muscles?

"I'll say hello when those guys finish taking out the goblins in the area. I'll wait here for a while."

"Okay."

We watch the A-rated adventurers battle while playing with Bell and his friends. The wings of the labyrinth are fighting smoothly, relaxed because they are fighting goblins. I wonder if that's the way well-trained people move.

"Yuta, the goblin reinforcements are coming, what should we do?"

"...... Well, if they're in a pinch, they're slashing and bludgeoning so fast, I don't think I need to join them. Let's watch some more."

Besides, I'd like to see a little more fighting. If I know how to act as a party, I can advise Sara and the others.

****

Wings of the Labyrinth and Muscle Star had no problem slaughtering any goblin reinforcements that came their way, and they moved quickly. They probably didn't want any additional demons coming because of all the noise. He left at once without taking any magic stone. Well, he is a rank-A adventurer, so maybe he doesn't need a goblin's magic stone with his occupation.

I follow them from the sky, and it seems that they are taking a rest behind a rock. I guess it's safe to show my face now. As I descend with a wave of my hand from the sky, he looks at me warily for a moment and then releases his posture.

"Is something wrong, Yuta-san?"

Alec asked me as soon as I was on the ground. He might have misled me into thinking something was wrong because he came all the way down.

There's nothing wrong. I saw you all on my way back, so I thought I'd just say hello. Also, if you don't return to the Adventurers' Guild, we may not be able to fulfill our promise.

"Oh, I see. This layer is more difficult than I thought. We have no problem defeating them, but there are many demons and they attack us at night. If I hadn't been fighting with Muscle Star, I would have spent a lot of time just defeating the demons.

If we fight too long, we'll probably get more reinforcements. If we are found, we need to quickly destroy the demons and move on, or try to avoid being found from the beginning.

"Well, we also have our physical limitations. It was troublesome once when we were attacked by a large army of orcs while we were fighting a group of goblins.

When Mr. Muscle spoke, Alec nodded his head in disgust, as if he remembered that time.

"Yes, we could kick them out if we used our big moves, but that would drain our strength and magic, and more demons would come closer to us when they heard the sound. It's really troublesome."

The wings of the labyrinth and the Muscle Star are getting impatient. It must be really troublesome.

"It must be a hassle. I don't need to tell you, but please make sure you return to the Adventurers' Guild safely. Well, I'm going back now."

We bowed and were about to part when Alec stopped me.

"We're going to leave soon, too," he said. Can you leave a message at the Adventurers' Guild that you will be back in about ten days?

Alec asked me to give you a message.

"I don't know what will happen since I don't plan to go to the Adventurers' Guild, but I'll let him know if I do."

I don't plan to go, but if I do, it won't be a problem at least to leave a message.

"Hey, wait a minute. Well, Yuta, aren't you going to report to the Adventurers' Guild that you took us through the 50th layer?"

Hmmm, do I have to go and report it?　As a normal member of society, I would think that a report would be in order, but I have no intention of getting involved with the Adventurers' Guild in any way. I'm not interested in getting involved with the Adventurers' Guild. I'd rather be just another adventurer with an Adventurers' Guild card.

I'm not sure if I'll ever go to the Adventurers' Guild. Marie will take care of the materials, and I hope the Adventurers Guild will do its best to act as a wall against recruitment.

"If you all bring back the magic grass and the almighty grass, we will know that we have fulfilled the request, and I will leave it to you to report back. Now, if you'll excuse me. Take care."

He bowed his head and looked at Sylphy while pretending to chant. She still looked like she wanted to ask me something, but I had no problem as long as they could return safely to the Adventurers' Guild, so I pretended not to notice and took off.

****

It's dark when I leave the labyrinth. Well, it was well past noon when we decided to go back, so it would be dark. Sarah and the others must have gone to bed by now. I wonder if they'll let us in if we go back there now.　Well, even if we can't get in, it doesn't matter. Let's get the hell out of here. We head for the museum a little too quickly.

Please come through.

The gatekeeper opened the gate for me. As you would expect from such a rich man, the gatekeeper works 24 hours a day. When I passed through the gate and stood in front of the door, I saw Sebas at the door. How did he know I was back?

Mr. Sebas greets me with a beautiful bow. Even at night, you're seamless. He welcomes us into his house and tells us about Sara and the others. He tells me that she has already gone to bed today, but that she has been a very good girl. I am glad to hear that Sara and the others are praised.

She also tells me that Marie will be here tomorrow morning. She will be notified as soon as I get back. The demolition site is set up and ready to go. I'm just glad she won't come storming in the middle of the night. I leave Sebas and go back to my room.

"Welcome back, Yuta-san."

Dolly greets me smiling as I enter the room. I'm a little happy.

"Dory, I'm home. Did you find everything okay?"

"Yes, Sarah and the girls have been good. And some people came to try to contact Mr. Yuta, but the guild has issued a decree, so things seem to have calmed down. However, there are people who are watching this house.

Surveillance. I wonder if the Adventurers Guild says not everyone will back off?　Like an illegal organization?

"Is it dangerous?　Wouldn't Sarah and the others be targeted?"

"It's okay. The Adventurers' Guild is sending people out to eliminate suspicious characters. They don't want to spoil Yuta's good mood.

Seriously ...... or is it obvious?　If the Adventurers' Guild's declaration had no meaning, it would have been a blow to their reputation. Unless someone more skilled than the Adventurers' Guild comes along, it seems safe.

If the Adventurers' Guild is sending someone, they'll know I'm back. Should we give Alec's message to the guard and watcher?　I'd better not, since he seems to be in hiding for the moment. He'll say something if he has to.

"Okay. Thank you, Dory. I'm serving drinks today after all your hard work. I'll summon Nomos, too, so you can all have a drink."

Sylphy and Dene helped us in the labyrinth, Dolly escorted Sara, and Nomos took care of the Fountain House, we would be punished if we didn't at least offer them a drink. They set three barrels of sake in front of Sylphy and the others, and summon Nomos.

"Oh, sake!"

Without even looking at me, Nomos discovers the barrels of sake.

"No, Nomos, at least talk to me before we find the barrels. Is there anything unusual at the Fountain House?　Are the animals all right?"

"Oh, Yuta, don't worry. Don't worry. We're not in trouble. The animals come out of their dens now and then, so I'm sure everything is fine."

They come out of their dens now and then. Speaking of which, now that we've called Nomos, the Fountain House will be completely unprotected. Are the animals all right?　It would be awkward to repatriate one of the Great Spirits in front of ...... a barrel of sake because we are worried about the animals. I mean, it's scary. Should we ask Belle and the others?

I feel guilty about making the little girls work in the middle of the night, but it would be sad if the animals were killed by the wraiths. Let's give it a try.

"Belle, Rain, Tulu, Tamamo, can you do me a favor?"

"What?" Cue?""" Help?" Cu?"　　

"Yeah, I'm worried about the animals since there's no one at Izumi's house right now. I'm going to send them back to Izumi's house until tomorrow morning, and I need you to protect them."

"Okay!" "Queue!" "Fluffy, I'll protect you!" "Cooooooooo!"

Cheerful, good response. Normally, I would ask her if she's up to the task, but she forgets that and is ready to do it. They like the idea of protecting animals.

"Thank you, guys. Thank you all.

We'll send Bell and the others back to the Fountain House. I'm a little worried about them, but I know they'll pull through. But let's get up early and get the Great Spirit back home. If they've already started drinking, they'll be drunk in the morning. I'm going to bed.

**

"Welcome back, master." "Welcome back, master." "Welcome back."

In the morning, when I woke up and went out of the bedroom, Sarah and the others gathered around to welcome me home. Good morning should be the proper greeting, but it is nice to hear them say welcome home.

"Hey, everyone, I'm home."

One by one, I pat their heads and listen to their stories. They are fine, but they have been trying to stay away from the outside and seem to be a little bored. I told him that he could go for a walk with Dolly, but he had voluntarily stayed in the house.

If she were a child, she would have been so bored that she would have gone outside to play, but she seems to have decided to be more self-disciplined or vigilant, and that going outside under the current circumstances might cause unnecessary trouble.

He knows that most things will be OK with Fukuchan and the others, but it is great that he can take action to avoid any trouble. I am a little ashamed of myself for agitating for Gilmas.

From what Sara and the others are saying, it is almost time for breakfast to be served. We need to send back Dine and the others and summon Belle and the others.