Chapter 16

Epilogue Adventurers at Rest A party of blue card adventurers had freed the fort in the west from demons. The receptionist at the guild—we just learned that her name was Amunea—thought at first that we had come back to rest. When we told her about Zolas and Raksha and showed her their magic stones as proof of their deaths, she finally believed us. “I—I’m deeply sorry, but…really…?” We didn’t fault her for her doubt, but Melvin pushed his wounded body all the way over to vouch for us. “These four saved our lives. After they liberated the fort, they rushed over to where we were fighting the other demon.” Brandt and Dorothea were carried to the hospital in town. I had no way of knowing what Brandt would think when he woke up, but I thought he should just be happy he survived an attack by such a formidable opponent. “Ah… A messenger from the western fort just arrived. A party of adventurers—three females, one male—freed the fort without incurring a single casualty. That is incredible! Absolutely incredible!” “You lot hear that?! Our sweet Lystie and her party did it!” “I always knew you could pull it off, Lady Platinum! You’re a cut beyond us nobodies who stayed cooped up in town!” “Does this mean Nanase is going somewhere far away? After she’s already pulled ahead of those of us who’ll never get further than a white card?” The usual faces were cheering up a storm. As expected, no one cared about me. Not that I didn’t understand, being a man myself. “That Might guy’s pretty good, too, appearances aside.” “Nah, screw him. Not only did he party up with all three idols of our guild, there’s a rumor that he’s even living with them!” “WHAT?!” Apparently, thoughts could warp the air. In a way, the stares were even scarier than the demons. Noticing what was happening, Lystie told Amunea, “U-um… It looks like there’s a misunderstanding going on, so we’ll come back another time.” “Wait, b-but the guildmaster and the mayor both want to talk to you! And I still have to give you your bonus reward for killing the demons—” “We’ll do all that another day!” Platinum snapped. “Might, let’s go!” “Wha—? If you’re going to carry Mr. Might, carry me, too, Ms. Platinum! You know I don’t have any stamina!” “RAAAAHHHH! He’s getting away! He may be a hero who saved our city, but still catch him!” Our whole party ran through the streets, with Platinum carrying me easily on her shoulder as a crowd of men crying tears of blood chased us. Um, I think I can run faster carrying the three of them instead. “Lystie, what’re we going to do now?” Platinum asked. “Good question. How about we leave the city and wait outside until the hubbub blows over?” Lystie suggested. Out of nowhere, Ursula asked, “How about all of you stay at my place for a while?” Platinum nodded. “Hm, I, for one, second Ursula’s suggestion.” “We do deserve a good rest after the big fight,” Nanase agreed. “But oh goodie, there’s so much to look forward to! Like the reward and the magic stones and—” Even though we had successfully killed Zolas and Raksha, the demon who had supposedly settled into some ruins close to the capital was still alive and well. Considering Lystie’s circumstances, we would probably have to head to the capital sooner or later. As we walked down the main road heading away from Fortune, Lystie said, “Ever since you joined us, Might, so much has happened, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. Is it weird that I think that, even though we’ve fought demons?” Platinum and Nanase exchanged looks, then smiled without saying anything. “Uh, is that a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’?” I asked them. “I wonder indeed,” Platinum replied. “You have to get to know us well enough to tell with a look,” Nanase chided. “It looks like you still have a long way to go, Mr. Might.” “What a tall order… Though I guess I am traveling to gain experience.” I had managed to change into the vocation that I wanted and obtained the ability to use something that was technically magic, which I had coveted my whole life. My second life as an adventurer was surely going to get even more boisterous and turbulent, but I had a feeling that I would do just fine with my new companions. I knew that my chance of meeting Falina’s group again was close to zero, but I myself knew best that “impossible” was not absolute in this world. If I could ever meet them again, I would apologize for having died once, then tell them this: “Even now, I’m still an adventurer. I’m at the First Town, and I’ve partied up with companions with colorful backgrounds and lots of room for growth, and I’m living out the same old life every day.”