Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 348: A Step into Hell
Tauro, Ragune, and Ankh carefully considered Zion’s request to join Black-Gold Wings.
“[Light Mage Monk]… As I recall, it’s a rare, versatile skill that can provide support magic from the rear and also fight in close combat,” Ankh said. “I once worked with someone who possessed it during my mercenary days. He could restore his own stamina and magic power, which made him extremely useful.”
“A [Light Mage Monk] can attack and support at the same time,” Ragune added. “Its defensive ability is somewhat weak, but its agility and strength more than compensate for that.”
Neither of them objected to Zion’s skill. The remaining question was whether Zion could keep pace with the team.
Zion had survived many quests as Gray Vultures’ baggage carrier and had become skilled at avoiding danger while carrying heavy loads. However, direct combat experience was almost nonexistent, and the abilities connected to [Light Mage Monk] remained largely unknown.
Perhaps sensing their concern, Zion hurried to continue his appeal.
“I followed Gray Vultures on many quests, so I won’t slow you down. I can carry the team’s equipment and do whatever work is necessary. The dragonfolk who appraised me also taught me several abilities and spells I can already use. I can heal minor injuries and temporarily enhance someone’s abilities.”
“What?” Tauro, Ragune, and Ankh exclaimed together.
Zion had spent only one day in the Dragonfolk Village. Learning several abilities and spells in such a short time should have been impossible.
“Can you truly use them?” Tauro asked.
The question was somewhat ironic coming from someone as abnormal as Tauro, but if Zion’s claim was true, then the child possessed considerable talent.
“Yes. The person who appraised me said my previous experiences had already brought me close to the requirements for those abilities. I had simply lived without realizing what I could do. Once the dragonfolk explained them, I was able to activate several almost immediately, although I still need practice.”
To Zion, Tauro wasn’t merely a savior but the heroic ideal to follow. Zion desperately wanted to prove useful.
“I’d be happy to welcome you, Zion, but I have one condition,” Tauro said.
Perhaps Zion’s desperation reminded Tauro of his own past. He wanted to grant the child a place where Zion could finally belong.
“If Leader accepts Zion, I have no objection,” Ankh said. “What’s the condition?”
“Our immediate priority is finishing the Flaming Crab subjugation. While we do that, Zion should return to the Dragonfolk Village and gain combat experience on the shallow floors of the dungeon.”
“I see. That’s an ideal place for Zion to learn how to use those abilities safely,” Ragune agreed.
“The village also has many people who understand unusual skills,” Ankh added. “Zion will receive better instruction there than almost anywhere else.”
“Zion, train in the village until you’re capable of fighting Flaming Crabs. When the subjugation is complete, if you still wish to join us, Black-Gold Wings will welcome you.”
“Really? I accept! I’ll do my best!”
Relief brought tears to Zion’s eyes alongside a bright smile.
“Thank you. I’ve been afraid ever since my mother died. Hagen deceived me with kind words, and after everything Gray Vultures did, I almost lost the ability to trust anyone. When Tauro-san broke the slave spell, I felt hope for the first time in years. I’ll become useful so that you’ll never regret accepting me.”
Tauro, Ragune, and Ankh silently hoped that Black-Gold Wings would become a cherished home for Zion.
Tauro took Zion back to the Dragonfolk Village and explained the arrangement directly to Chief Ryuga.
“I see. You want Zion to gain combat experience before you return. Leave it to us, Tauro-dono. Our people are accustomed to this sort of training.”
Chief Ryuga’s amused smile immediately filled Tauro with guilt.
Dragonfolk training was so severe that its participants often ended up gasping, “Damn it, kill me!”
Tauro imagined Zion’s future and made an expression straight out of a Kazuo Umezu horror manga. Unfortunately, this had been his own idea.
“Please don’t be too hard on Zion…”
“My name is Zion. Please train me without mercy!” Zion declared. “I have endured hardship all my life, so I can withstand almost anything. I need to become strong enough to serve Tauro-sama!”
Tauro maintained a calm face while screaming internally.
Zion, don’t raise the difficulty any further!
“Hoho… You have spirit,” Chief Ryuga said. “Very well. We’ll prepare an intensive schedule that will make you strong in the shortest possible time.”
The chief clearly intended to help Tauro by giving the training his full effort.
Ragune remembered her own training, turned pale, and whispered, “Damn it… kill me…”
Tauro heard her clearly and could easily imagine the hell into which Zion had just stepped.