CH 145

Episode 145 – Street Brawl

TL Note: Sponsored chapter (4/4). Thank you!

“Relying on us… In Seykoll, you did the most out of all of us, and you won all of the mock battle tournaments too! For you to say you haven’t been growing as much… what about us then?” (Lyra)

Contrary to what I expected, Lyra had a terribly sorrowful expression on her face. It was true that I won all of the mock battle tournaments, even though they had all been close fights. Perhaps Lyra was lamenting the irony of it all.

“No, that’s not—” (Lewin)

“That’s not exactly true, is it? Lewin.” (Byrne)

As I was about to elaborate further to Lyra, Byrne, who was sitting on the bed, spoke up.

“You weren’t comparing yourself to us when you said that, right? You were looking at yourself in terms of your own personal potential and growth when you decided that you couldn’t stay in Grezesta anymore. That’s why you’ve decided on this, right?” (Byrne)

“I really can’t see where you’re coming from, Lewin. If it were me, I’d be satisfied with how strong I’ve become in such a short time. After all… I’m already fairly satisfied with my current level of strength.” (Porta)

“…….I agree. I’ve been inspired by your growth over the past year, so we’ve been able to work harder than ever because of it. You’ve always been trying even harder than us, so for you to still be thinking this way… it really gives me a lot to think about.” (Nina)

If anything, I should have been the one saying that to them. Because I was inspired by everyone in [Iron Gear], I had the courage to never give up in my efforts.

“….That’s true, I suppose. You were always looking ahead, Lewin. Sorry for saying such weird things. I just felt so much… sadness and frustration bubbling up inside of me.” (Lyra)

“It’s nothing to apologize for, Lyra. It’s also my bad for saying this out of the blue, and I didn’t explain enough.” (Lewin)

“…So back to what we were discussing. You’re leaving Grezesta to go on a journey to develop yourself, is that right?” (Byrne)

“Yeah, that’s correct. I haven’t decided on a departure date yet, but I’m telling you this now because I expect to leave by next month.” (Lewin)

“So that’s what it is… Then, I guess that means we won’t be able to go with you on plant gathering trips anymore,” Porta muttered.

“That’s how it is, unfortunately. I’ve had so much fun going on these plant gathering trips with you guys, so it hurts to let go of this lifestyle…” (Lewin)

“I guess you’ve made up your mind then.” (Lyra)

“Yeah… I want to aim higher,” I responded seriously to the four of them who were looking at me with somber eyes. They slowly nodded after hearing my words.

“Dang it, we can’t afford to lose again. Lewin is going to get too far ahead of us.” (Byrne)

“Seriously! Just when I thought we had built up a great relationship, you overtake us and leave us in the dust.” (Lyra)

“I don’t feel like I’ve overtaken anyone at all though. I hope the four of you will continue to be my friends… and my rivals.” (Lewin)

“Haha, pushing yet another unreasonable demand on us, Lewin?” (Byrne)

“…For real, man. I don’t think you even realize how tough it is to be your rival, Lewin.” (Porta)

I could feel the tense air beginning to loosen up. I was a little miffed that my statement of continuing to be rivals made everyone laugh for some reason, but I felt more comfortable in this loose atmosphere with the members of [Iron Gear] than in the tense atmosphere from earlier.

After that, we talked for a long time in Byrne’s room, engaging in silly, lighthearted chitchat, before I left Bee House.

When I stepped out of Bee House, the sun was already beginning to set, painting the town in a beautiful shade of orange. I was thinking of going to inquire about Ahmed’s whereabouts, but it was already evening. If I went to the Adventurer’s Guild now, they would still be open, but… I didn’t want to get too close to the Adventurer’s Guild at night because it was the least safe at this time.

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In front of Bee House, I pondered for a while, but since I didn’t want to waste any time, I decided to go straight to the Adventurer’s Guild.

When I arrived at the Adventurer’s Guild, I immediately spotted some adventurers having a rowdy fistfight in the front. The onlookers were cheering boisterously, making for a totally obnoxious scene. This kind of scene would normally deter me from going in, but since I had already come this far, I didn’t feel like turning back.

Pushing through the riotous crowd of bystanders as I made my way to the entrance of the Adventurer’s Guild, I caught a glimpse of the people having a fist fight out of the corner of my eye.

…Seems like a pretty strong person.

I stopped pushing my way through the crowd and joined the onlookers in watching the fight. One side was a massive man that didn’t look any smaller than an Ogre, and the other side was a woman with fiery red hair, whose demeanor somewhat reminded me of Ahmed. The two of them looked drunk, but it didn’t affect the way they swung their fists. Every one of their strikes was well-placed and aimed towards the vitals of their opponent.

Who in the world are these two people?

As I was intently watching the fist fight with doubts in my mind, the red-haired woman’s uppercut connected solidly with the big man’s jaw. Perhaps receiving a jolt to his brain from the blow to the tip of his chin, the big man dropped to one knee. But his fighting spirit wasn’t affected in the slightest and he started to get up immediately.

If he could stand back up, the match could still go either way—

Just as all the onlookers, including myself, were thinking this, the red-haired woman drove a merciless straight punch into the man’s face as he was trying to regain his footing.

“YEEESSS!! I knew Leila would win!” I heard one onlooker shout enthusiastically.

Leila… where have I heard this name before?

If I wasn’t mistaken, this was the name of… the party leader of [Azurite] who was at odds with Ahmed.