Kays Translations

Chapter 72: Everyone's Warrior Training

163rd Day in Another World

The next day, preparations began at dawn.

All the Japanese members were heading towards the southern heroes.

If they arrived at an awkward time, they might pass by the others. That's why they planned to arrive early, before the heroes set off.

They could have asked the scout Lev to go ahead... But showing unfamiliar faces might make them suspicious. So they decided it would be better to arrive early and surprise them.

"It's been a while since we all did something together. It's fun, right?" said Natsuki.

"What are you talking about, Natsuki? We were together yesterday building the waterway, weren't we?" said Touya.

"Touya-kun, don't say such uncool things!"

"Yes, Touya. Minus one point," said Natsuki.

"Uh..."

(Touya should just go along with it... He still has a lot to learn in these situations.)

While everyone was heading to the dungeon, Natsuki stayed in the village. It seems she was happy to do something like this.

"Hey, Village Chief! You're not working!"

"Oh, really? Sorry, sorry."

So there I was, driving the wagon. I was receiving guidance from Touya, who was sitting next to me.

"Focus more on the reins. It's meaningless if you don't convey your will to the horse. Geez, concentrate more," said Touya.

"Hey, Touya, it's embarrassing to scold the Village Chief!"

"That's not it. I'm just giving guidance..."

Touya worked as a coachman every day when they headed to the dungeon, and now he had acquired excellent driving skills. According to Master Rad he was very skilled and had an excellent rapport with the horses. He was irritated with me, but... this level of annoyance was cute. I decided to accept it.

We enjoyed the journey and eventually arrived at our destination.

◇◇◇

Smoke was rising from the fortress, probably indicating that breakfast was being prepared.

Although we arrived early, it seemed they were already awake, which was a relief. Since someone seemed to be there, I decided to call out to them for now.

"Hey, sorry for coming so early. It's me, Keisuke!"

"Good morning!"

As we called out, there were sounds coming from inside. They immediately came to greet us, so we fixed the barrier and entered.

"We brought the Japanese members today. Is it okay?"

"Yes, of course. Everyone is welcome."

"Thank you. Then, let's introduce ourselves inside."

"We're coming in!"

"Good to see you!"

Even though we came early in the morning, Hayato and the others warmly welcomed us. Naturally, they were interested in the supplies we brought, but... at least they didn't have any ill feelings.

Since Hayato and the others hadn't had breakfast yet, we brought bread and fruits and ate together while starting the self-introductions.

The rice and wheat we gave them last time seemed to have run out long ago, so they had been eagerly waiting for us to come. The women honestly revealed this.

"Keisuke-san... I'm sorry about this."

"It's okay. I'm glad you're honest. That's what I think."

"Thank you. I'm also happy to see you again!"

Even the Hero himself said so with a smile. With this, it seemed that we could maintain a good relationship.

"Has anything changed since then?"

"Changed...? Oh, I can now defeat orcs, so I don't have to worry about delicious meat anymore!"

"Oh, that's great. This time we brought more rice, so please look forward to the staple food too."

"Really, thank you for everything..."

The grateful Hayato came close to tears. I appreciated his feelings, but I changed the topic as I didn't want him to cry.

"Now that everyone has introduced themselves, let's get to the main point of today. Is that alright?"

"The main point?"

"Yes, actually... I wanted Hayato and everyone to teach us skills and magic. That's why we came so early, I apologize."

"I'm glad you came, but teaching... Is there anything we can teach you?"

"Of course. We would appreciate it if you could."

"Well... Then, how about we teach each other?"

"That would be helpful. Hey, everyone! We have Hayato's permission. After you finish eating, please teach each other."

Thus, Sakura was paired with Kyoko-san, Haruka with Akiho, and Touya studied under Hayato.

Tsubaki and Natsuki were assigned to instruct the other members of the heroes' group while demonstrating their farming and craftsmanship skills.

"What about you, Keisuke-san?"

"I'll help with unloading the cargo slowly. Once that's done, I'll go around and check each place."

"Then, I'll help too!"

Surprisingly friendly, Hayato didn't seem to want to leave my side.

"No, my friends can't wait any longer. I appreciate your kindness, but it would be helpful if you could stay with them a little longer."

"If that's the case, I'll do my best to help!"

"Kyoko-san, I'm also bringing this tool."

"Yes, Natsuki, please do."

"Got it!"

After a while, we finished unloading the cargo and took a break in the fortress.

When I secretly asked about the appraisal results, I learned that the levels of the heroes had increased considerably. Even the non-combatants had leveled up evenly.

(Most likely thanks to Kyoko-san's suggestion.)

She had been the de facto leader since their first meeting. There was no doubt that she was the reason they had come this far.

"Now then, where should I go first?"

With nothing else to do, I decided to head towards where Hayato was.

"Hoo... Ha!"

"Haaa!"

"Ku..."

When I arrived at the open area along the river, I saw Haruka and Akiho sparring with Hayato. It seemed they were having a simulated battle.

As expected of heroes, I suppose. Despite being at a lower level, Hayato's swordsmanship was not inferior to the two of them. If anything, it seemed like Hayato was pressing the advantage.

He must be using his swordsmanship skills, physical enhancement, and perhaps even activating his intuition. With a higher level and facing the two of them, he swung his sword without any hesitation.

"Hey, Touya, how is Hayato doing?"

"As you can see, it's like a completely different dimension."

"Is that the case even from your perspective, Touya?"

"Yeah, it looks that way. He seems to be unstoppable."

"I see..."

(Most likely without the Magic Swordsman skill.)

That's what we were talking about telepathically.

(With the Magic Swordsman skill, how about it?)

(Right now, there's no doubt that I can kill him. But if the Hero's level goes up, who knows?)

(I see. Well, this time, please deal with him accordingly.)

(I understand. But I also want to grow through battles with the Hero. I want to take it seriously to some extent.)

(I trust you. I leave everything to you.)

It seems that Touya is still looking ahead.

Instead of becoming conceited, he was eager to become stronger. I admired that about him and genuinely respected him.

"Phew, thank you."

"No, Hayato-kun, you're strong!"

"Yes, it was a good experience."

"I also learned a lot."

"Hey, about your moves earlier..."

It seemed the first round had ended. They praised each other and discussed the simulated battle for a while.

Hayato's skill, "Super Recovery," must have played a role. He showed no signs of fatigue and immediately started a simulated battle with Touya after the conversation.

"Touya-kun, I'm at a disadvantage. I'll go all out from the beginning!"

With that declaration, Hayato enveloped himself in a radiant aura and charged at Touya.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter