"...A well?"
"That's right. Old wells have long been known as thresholds between worlds. Other examples include bridges and rivers. Sometimes, even outhouses were considered such places, at least around Kozuke and Shimotsuke. That's what the boss told me, anyway."
Kozuke? Shimotsuke? Where are these places?
I didn't know what the monster was talking about, but that didn't matter right now.
"So, using this well, we can get to the Immortal Realm?"
"Exactly. I'll open the passage to the other side. Only a
Gatekeeper
or someone like me can perform this type of magic."
"...Alright."
"Once we take care of the
Oni Blight
, balance will return to the Immortal Realm. No humans will die on this side, and you'll get your sword. That's what you'd call a win-win."
"..."
As the monster spoke, it moved closer to the well. Stretching out its
Silveit
, it wove a magical barrier around the ancient structure.
To be honest, I wasn't desperate for a cursed blade or anything.
What I really cared about was the peach said to exist in the Immortal Realm. If that fruit could heal Nina's heart, then that was all the reason I needed to go.
"It's ready. Heh-heh, I'm feeling pumped!"
The monster cackled eerily as I peered into the well. Through the dim light of the shaft, I could see another world entirely.
A bright, blue sky stretched out over fluffy white clouds. Verdant greenery thrived below, creating a lush, pastoral scene.
"So, I just jump in?"
"Exactly. Once you pass through, you'll be in the Immortal Realm."
The one-eyed monster flashed a grin. Its large eye made it impossible to miss its excitement.
I nodded and glanced at my father. He returned my look with a serious nod of his own, then carefully lifted the unconscious blacksmith using
Silveit
.
"I've heard the explanation. It's hard to believe, but if the Immortal Realm does exist, it explains the
Gatekeeper's
actions. If this is real, I'd like to come along, but..."
"That won't work, sir. Adults who aren't acclimated to the Immortal Realm's magic won't last long. The mana will kill them."
"...I see. There's no helping it. I'll wait here, then."
He seemed to steel himself with those words.
"If anything happens, come back right away, Itsuki."
"I will, Dad. I'm off."
With those words, I turned my attention back to the well. Beside me, the monster spoke up.
"Alright, kid. I'll go first. Follow after me."
The two exchanged awkward glances before Nina spoke up, her voice quiet but resolute.
"...Because I haven't repaid you yet."
Her words carried a weight far beyond their volume.
"You say I have the aptitude, right? Then if I come to the Immortal Realm, maybe... Maybe I can be useful to you, Itsuki. Maybe I can finally repay the value of having you by my side."
Her voice grew softer as she continued, trailing off into near silence.
I hesitated, unsure of what to say. I'd told her many times before that I didn't expect her to prove her worth to me. But her belief in this debt seemed unshakable, and convincing her otherwise was likely a lost cause.
Turning to Aya, I asked, "What about you?"
"I-I tried to stop her! But then I ended up coming through too, and, um... I thought maybe the Ice Queen's power could help you, Itsuki..."
Her reasoning sounded flimsy, likely something she'd come up with on the spot.
"What now, kid? Should we send them back?"
"No!" Nina's voice rang out with unexpected strength.
"I have to... I have to prove myself useful to Itsuki!"
Her plea left the monster glancing at me for guidance. After a brief pause, I made my decision.
"They've already come this far. Let's look for the
Oni Blight
together."
"You're too kind, kid."
Was this kindness? I wasn't sure. Nina and I had been exorcising monsters together for over a year now, and doing so in the Immortal Realm wasn't much different from doing it at school.
Aya, too, had joined us on a few hunts. This wasn't new territory for any of us.
As I reflected on this, a strange rustling sound came from the surrounding forest.
Enjoy exclusive adventures from empire
"...Huh?"
"What's wrong, Aya?"
"Itsuki... Did you feel the wind just now?"
"Uh, not really. The trees moved, though."
As I replied, the rustling grew louder. The trees swayed violently, but there was no wind—just a strange, unnatural motion.
The air remained still, but the forest trembled as if caught in a gale.
"...What's going on?"
Focusing my magic, I cast an enhancement spell to sharpen my vision. Peering into the swaying trees, I froze.
What I'd thought were trees were not trees at all.
The rustling sound wasn't the wind brushing through leaves.
It was laughter.
The forest wasn't made of trees. It was made of wizened old men, their bodies gnarled and cracked like bark. They stood rooted in place, their mouths stretched wide in eternal, raucous laughter.
The rustling grew louder, a cacophony of their eerie voices overlapping.
"That's..."
The monster's voice broke through the noise.
"This is the Immortal Realm."