New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (1/2 chapters)
Ghost of Tower Lodge
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I returned to the Gnome-sama’s magic tool workshop with Shia and Yustin. Both of them looked calm as they surveyed the devastated scene, contemplating the situation. In the quiet workshop, even the rustling of our clothes and footsteps echoed.
“Hmm… It is reasonable to assume that a fierce battle took place here.” (Yustin)
Yustin was tracing the burn marks on an iron pillar with his hand, conducting an investigation. The burn marks indicated that Gnome-sama had used a railgun in this indoor space.
“I wonder what she was fighting against?” (Jack)
“Gnome resisted so fiercely that she destroyed his workshop. There’s no doubt it was a formidable enemy.” (Yustin)
“It’s not just a formidable enemy. Gnome-sama is one of the spirits, after all.” (Jack)
I was more anxious than Yustin. I had a bad feeling. It felt like a portent of a significant event about to occur.
“Lost, spirits aren’t really that impressive. That little girl was a reclusive magical tool enthusiast, so she’s probably much weaker than me.” (Salamander)
The red lizard, Salamander, perched on Shia’s shoulder, turned its stiff neck to speak. While the weapons it produces are thought to be the strongest, there’s that.
“Sala-chan, do you know why Gnome-sama was attacked?” (Shia)
Shia asked her pet. Salamander was boastful in attitude, but now it was just a pet. It looked ridiculous. It might just be that my personal grudges were making it look that way.
“Well, I haven’t seen Gnome in a while. But, considering Gnome’s personality, she’s not the type to be hated by people. Maybe it was a robbery aimed at her toys?” (Salamander)
“For a robbery, the destruction of magic tools seems excessive.” (Shia)
“You’re being naive. The main reasons humans target us are often for something much greater than this junk.” (Salamander)
“…?” (Jack)
I momentarily struggled to understand Salamander’s words. Something superior to magic tools. The meaning of those words had answers in our past adventures. We had traveled to various lands seeking that. Especially Yustin and Anfan-san had been fixated on it. Yustin seemed to have realized it too.
“Arsenal Volga?” (Yustin)
That’s right; other magic tools don’t even come close. The mysterious power, the Volga series. If a robber attacked, their aim was likely the Arsenal Volga.
“Salamander, is the Arsenal Volga in this magical tool workshop?” (Lost)
“Who knows… How would I know? But given Gnome’s nature, there’s no way she wouldn’t keep her own creations close.” (Salamander)
So, we could assume that the robbers who attacked here were targeting the Volga. After that, we spent a few hours searching through the devastated workshop for any traces, but we couldn’t find any clues about Gnome-sama. Yet, one thing bothered me.
The burn marks from the electric shocks in this workshop… It seemed excessive to be solely from the homemade railgun. There was countless burn marks left all over the workshop, as if drawn by lines of lightning. It didn’t seem like something that could be fired continuously, and it might be reasonable to think that the enemy also used electric-type magic.
Could the culprit be someone skilled in electric magic…?
—
After leaving the magical tool workshop, we asked around among the locals and investigated places we thought could be related. But time passed without us gaining any hints, and several days went by. I occasionally had Shia and Yustin look for information about Gnome-sama, but there was no new information. I was plagued by a sense of helplessness, and I didn’t feel like going to the dungeon anymore.
At dusk, I laid on the bed of a cheap inn alone. I should think a little more. It was better to lie down and do nothing when I’m thinking. Since it was still early, other guests might not have returned to their rooms, and only the quiet time ticked away.
Searching for missing persons. I recalled the incident in Dali Amor three years ago. Back then, several children were kidnapped. It was Tristan who discovered the whereabouts of the missing children.
Tristan… After the battle at Paradise Cyans, his subsequent whereabouts became unknown. Did he really die?
I want to return to the Rauda Continent quickly to find out. But with Gnome-sama kidnapped, I have a bad feeling that something unpleasant is happening. I couldn’t just throw everything away and cross the continent… Ah, this is a vicious cycle.
Tristan noticed something was off while observing the town and searched for the kidnappers. From there, he followed the trail and pinpointed the location of Paradise Cyans. He had not only combat ability but also high insight. He possessed the cool-headedness to not rush into capturing the culprits.
No matter what abilities I gained, I could never catch up to Tristan. In this incident, how would Tristan act? Not just Tristan. Alfred and Dwayne too. Hmm, I can’t seem to come up with any ideas. After all, I still can’t compare to those heroes.
…Ah, wait. Lizbeth is in this town, isn’t she? How about consulting Liz?
—Knock, knock.
As soon as I had the flash of inspiration, a dry sound echoed in the room.
“Who is it?” (Jack)
“It’s me. Can I come in?” (Irene)
“Oh, it’s Irene.” (Jack)
She had learned to knock, she had grown since three years ago. Irene entered the shabby room wearing simple clothes that she usually wouldn’t wear. Even though it was simple, her luxurious and glossy black hair flowed down her shoulders, and her poised demeanor felt noble. Her beauty shone brightly even without being adorned by clothes, dazzling me.
However, why is she dressed like it was sleepwear?
“What’s wrong?” (Jack)
“Um… Can I sleep with you tonight?” (Irene)
“Huh?!” (Jack)
That was sudden. I got up from the bed and secured my chastity safety for the time being.
“What are you talking about, all of a sudden?” (Jack)
“Please…” (Irene)
Still, her demeanor was a bit strange. It didn’t seem like she had come over impulsively. Normally, she would jump onto the bed like a wife who barges in, so it wouldn’t have been surprising. But today, she seemed a bit more reserved.
When I approached to take a closer look, I noticed dark circles under her eyes.
Was she sleep-deprived?
“Can’t you sleep?” (Jack)
“Yeah… That’s right.” (Irene)
“What happened? If there’s something I can do—” (Jack)
I hesitated mid-sentence. There wasn’t much I could do; my abilities were limited. I was feeling powerless right now.
“Actually, it’s about the room I’m staying in…” (Irene)
“The room you’re staying in? Where are you staying, Irene?” (Jack)
“At the Tower Lodge near the Adventurer Guild.” (Irene)
The Tower Lodge was the highest-end inn in the maze city. While most inns were two stories, the Tower Lodge was said to have seven. Built with the latest steel framework, it was safe even in the event of a riot. Located just a five-minute walk from the Adventurer Guild, a tourist attraction, it also had excellent conditions. Each room was decorated with the utmost luxury, and the security was perfect.
I heard it provided a safe labyrinth city experience even for the nobility.
As expected of a noble lady from the Stride Household! No, it isn’t surprising. If she were wealthy, she would definitely be staying there.
“It’s a nice inn. What’s the problem?” (Jack)
“Well, that’s…” (Irene)
She really looked down.
Usually, I’d be overwhelmed by her energy, but looking calmly, she had a delicate beauty befitting a noble lady. I feel it is a waste that she has feelings for me. Yeah, if she’s troubled, I should help her. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m just helping a girl in need. There’s nothing inappropriate about it.
“So, what happened at that high-class inn?” (Lost)
If it’s that they are troubled by noise being too close to the Adventurer Guild, there’s nothing that can be done about it. Well, they probably have soundproofing measures in place…
“There are ghosts…” (Irene)
So, now it’s a ghost trouble.
The high-end inn “Tower Lodge” is located along the main street a short walk from the main road in front of the Adventurer Guild. It seems that there are even unusual tourists who want to visit “Azalea Castle,” so the area near the Adventurer Guild is favored for its location. Azalea Castle is located near the 30th level of the labyrinth. We, the picnic party, have had quite a painful experience at the castle, but if there are people who would visit such a place for tourism, I think that would be crazy. It seems that seasoned warriors serve as guides for the tours, but there’s no guarantee of safety.
For now, I decided to accompany Irene to her room to check if there really are any ghosts. If it’s a ghost-type monster, a shot from an anti-magic bullet would probably blow it to pieces in one hit.
With Irene’s guidance, we arrived at the inn. It was already late at night, but the chandelier was brilliantly illuminating the first-floor hall. Maybe because it was night, musicians were playing the harpsichord and viola on the attached stage, creating a stylish atmosphere.
The security at the Tower Lodge was impeccable. The reception area on the first floor was monitored by the inn’s staff. Additionally, a type of magic tool called a security card was handed to guests, and without that card, one couldn’t pass through the reception. Even if it were stolen, it would not work if used by anyone not registered as a guest. It seems to be a magical tool created with a principle similar to that of a Managram. They had certainly spent quite a bit of money on this.
“This way.” (Irene)
I passed through the first-floor hall following Irene’s guidance and ascended the spiral staircase. It seems that Irene, Davi-san, and Leona-san’s rooms are on the third floor. The reception staff at the Tower Lodge were wide-eyed at the combination of Irene’s elegant attire and my shabby clothing. The reception staff here wear black vests similar to those of the Adventurer Guild staff. That must be the general image of formal attire.
“This is an amazing world. Isn’t it out of place for a barbarian like me?” (Jack)
“You’re not a barbarian, Jack! You’ll become a member of the Stride Household nobility eventually!” (Irene)
Nobility. In fact, if I hadn’t been disowned, I would have been a noble of the Aldridge Household, which resides in Barwitch, just like the Stride Household. I’m certainly not out of place. Not out of place, but… perhaps due to childhood trauma, I become uneasy when I sense the atmosphere of nobility.
Walking down the corridor, I was astonished by the extravagance of each door. Relief patterns were carved, and jewels were scattered across them. If I stayed in such an inn, I wouldn’t be able to sleep comfortably. Following Irene’s guidance, I arrived at that room. Inside, it was just as decorated as the door. A spacious layout, a large four-poster bed, it looked very fluffy. The pillows were thick. It was completely different from the hard straw-woven pillows I prefer. The chairs and tables were also crafted from wood, showing the artisans’ dedication in their carvings. They looked like they would be comfortable to sit on.
“Hey, where are Davi-san and Leona-san?” (Jack)
“This room is just for me.” (Irene)
Oh, I see… It seems spacious enough for about six people to stay, but they’re not sharing a room together, are they?
“So, what about the ghost?” (Jack)
“…Yeah.” (Irene)
It’s kind of cute that Irene is scared of ghosts. She usually carries herself with dignity, so she doesn’t often show such signs. If she showed me her vulnerable side, I might change my mind… No, that’s not it. That’s not it at all.
“I’m sure it will happen soon…” (Irene)
Irene began to look up at the ceiling. From what I heard beforehand, during the night while sleeping, loud knocking sounds echo from the ceiling. I think it’s just the residents of the upper room making noise. Irene thought so too and filed a complaint with the staff, but they said that no one was staying on the floor directly above this room. From the moment she heard that, Irene became too scared to sleep and ended up sleep-deprived. Even when she consulted Davi-san and Leona-san, they just teased her.
“I’m so scared, I’ve decided to sleep in Jack’s room…” (Irene)
“Why does that lead to the conclusion of my room?!” (Jack)
“Since we’re going to be a couple anyway, it’s fine. It’s just a little ahead of schedule to start sleeping together.” (Irene)
“That’s not decided!” (Jack)
“Do you dislike me, Jack?” (Irene)
She looked at me with her big, sparkling eyes.
Don’t look at me with those eyes. I don’t dislike you. I don’t dislike you at all. In fact, I’m even happy about it. But it’s about timing or fate; I like the half-elf I’ve adventured with for three years. Please don’t say things that shake my heart like that.
“I don’t dislike you, but, um…” (Jack)
“It’s that thieving cat’s fault!” (Irene)
“Hey, don’t say it like that!” (Jack)
“What’s so good about her?! You really prefer me, don’t you, Jack?!” (Irene)
She was incredibly fierce.
Here we go again. I’ve thought this before, but Irene is honest about her desires. Rather, it seems to be a common honesty that nobles or successful people have. I feel a straightforwardness that people like me, Shia, and Yustin, who have been cast aside once, don’t possess.
“If that thieving cat hadn’t been around, we would have—” (Irene)
—Bang, bang, bang.
Here it comes. A noise came from the ceiling.
“…!” (Irene)
Irene grimaced and looked anxiously at the ceiling. Then, she looked at me.
—Bang, bang, bang!
“See?!” (Irene)
The pounding sound from the ceiling was increasing in intensity.
No, it’s definitely someone’s doing.
“This is definitely from the room above, right?” (Jack)
“B-but no one is staying there!” (Irene)
Even if the staff said that, there’s a possibility that someone snuck in… But the security is impeccable, maybe not. The possibility of an animal sneaking in… the upper floor is the fourth floor, so they probably can’t climb that high. There’s no point in thinking about it. It’s quicker to check directly.
“Jack…! Where are you going?!” (Irene)
“I’m going to check. This noise is definitely coming from upstairs.” (Jack)
—
(POV switch – Anfan)
In the past few days, I had infiltrated the Great Labyrinth twice. Carrying two of the Volga series. One was the Thunder Lance Keraunos Volga. And the other was the Ice Staff Aquaram Volga. It was an infiltration with Giovanni, Yuu, and me. There was something I found out from that investigation. It seemed that it was not always necessary to gather all five of the Volga series.
We infiltrated Azalea Castle and reached the pedestal for the Volga with Yuu’s guidance. At that Volga pedestal, there was a statue of the Wind Sage Sylphid. It seemed that it was meaningless unless we fit the Aerial Volga there. From there, we continued exploring and found all five sage pedestals. The pedestals were designed to allow the grips of the Volga to be fitted into them. This part was fine.
When I fitted the Aquaram Volga into the pedestal with the statue of Undine, the entire Azalea Castle began to vibrate and move. Furthermore, when I fitted the Keraunos Volga into the statue of the Thunder Sage Timaios, the entire Azalea Castle lifted upward. It seemed that the seal was, in fact, the seal of Azalea Castle itself.
If it continues like that, I believe that inserting three or four Volga will break the seal. It’s turning into hopeful speculation. However, no one has ever tested this. Gnome-sama also wouldn’t disclose the whereabouts of the Arsenal Volga. Furthermore, I don’t know if Lost-kun’s fake Volcanic Volga will contribute to unsealing.
As the uncertainties have increased, we need to take the Aerial Volga and verify it with three Volga. And we must get closer to the essence, the Rhizomata Volga.
“Now then, Lizbeth, I’d like you to accompany me to the Lucur Great Forest.” (Anfan)
I called out to Lizbeth, who was standing beside the room. The sermons of the past few days had taken their toll, and she had become quite intimidated.
“Yes, of course.” (Lizbeth)
“Because we wasted quite a bit of time on the trip to the Baira Volcano.” (Anfan)
“…I’m sorry.” (Lizbeth)
Lizbeth knew that the Volcanic Volga no longer existed at Baira Volcano. It seems it is in the possession of the leader of the adventurer party she used to belong to. Nevertheless, she kept that information to herself without sharing it with us. I can understand her feelings of not wanting to betray her comrades. However, as a guild member working as a team, that is inadequate. She needs to be more self-aware. But, because we went there, Lost-kun was able to create that replica, so it wasn’t entirely a wasted trip. Therefore, I will suppress my reprimand. Right now, achieving our objective is the top priority.
“Besides, you would be interested in the Aerial Volga, wouldn’t you?” (Anfan)
The Magic Guild had been interested in the practicality of the Aerial Volga for years before targeting the Rhizomata Volga this time. Because of that, they had made several negotiations with Sylphid over the past few years. During those times, conflicts arose with wizards and archaeologists outside the guild, and they ultimately failed to acquire it. So, this time, we will not engage in leisurely negotiations and will instead increase our surprise attack capabilities.
“I am interested. But if Sylphid and Gnome find out about our bullying, it may cause resentment from Jack—no, from Lost and Yuu, right?” (Lizbeth)
Lizbeth seems to be quite displeased with the method of imprisoning Gnome. People who come from being adventurers tend to value human emotions, but despite understanding it intellectually, Lizbeth seems unable to let that go.
“Hmm, I think I need to be careful about that as well. Children may not understand, but sometimes an adult’s response is necessary.” (Anfan)
“An adult’s response, you say…” (Lizbeth)
“Yes. I will deceive Yuu, Lost-kun, and the other children.” (Anfan)
“Deceive?!” (Lizbeth)
Lizbeth raised her voice in surprise. At the same time, I thought I heard footsteps coming from the hallway. We have the fourth floor of this Tower Lodge booked exclusively, and I’ve bribed the staff to inform that no one is staying here. I thought it was unlikely for anyone unrelated to visit, but it’s concerning that our voices are a bit too loud.
“I don’t intend to harm them. I just need their help for our goals.” (Anfan)
“But…” (Lizbeth)
“Are you still planning to resist?” (Anfan)
“No, I’m sorry.” (Lizbeth)
Lizbeth and Gina are both in their twenties, I believe. They are still children. Even so, I didn’t expect Gina to be so opposed to our methods this time. When we return to the headquarters, there will be strict penalties.
—Creeeek.
Indeed, someone was walking down the hallway. I stood up from my chair and opened the room door to look down the hallway.
“Who is it?” (Anfan)
In the darkness of the hallway, there were two shadows. They were hiding in the corner, but I could see through that level of presence concealment.
“………!” (Anfan)
The two there were familiar faces.
“Lost-kun… and isn’t that the young lady of the Stride Household?” (Anfan)
“Oh, ahaha…” (Jack)
I hope they didn’t hear the conversation just now.
“Why are you here?” (Anfan)
“What do you mean why?! Are you the ones staying upstairs?!” (Irene)
“Upstairs…?” (Anfan)
“It’s noisy every single night! Bang, bang, bang! I thought it was a ghost… The crime of making me sleep-deprived is severe!” (Irene)
“Irene, be quiet.” (Jack)
The young lady had tears welling in her eyes as she squeaked with frustration. From the situation, it seemed she was staying on the floor below us.
Noisy…?
“I’m sorry, Anfan-san, it seems there’s quite a noise coming from above…” (Jack)
“Oh, ah… I’m sorry. It’s a bad habit of mine; when I’m thinking in a chair, my feet tend to cramp up.” (Anfan)
It must be Gnome’s doing. Leaving her tied to the chair was probably not a good idea.
“What?! If that’s the case, you should have said so sooner… I was really scared!” (Irene)
“I’m sorry. I’ll be careful not to do that from tonight.” (Anfan)
From what I could gather, it seemed they hadn’t heard the earlier conversation.
The timing of events can be terrifying. Just when you’re having a conversation you don’t want overheard, they happen to be right nearby. Is this what the great wizard was studying, “causality”?
“By the way, is it just Anfan-san who is staying here?” (Jack)
Lost-kun asked something that seemed to get closer to the truth. He’s not necessarily calculating.
It’s just his excellent intuition that makes him naturally perceptive. Saying I was alone would raise suspicion. However, considering the possibility that other team members might be spotted if they come to this floor, it would be better to answer honestly for future convenience.
“There are other team members staying on this floor besides me.” (Anfan)
“So, that means Liz is here too?” (Jack)
“Of course. Each in separate rooms, though.” (Anfan)
“Ah, that makes sense.” (Jack)
Lost-kun and the girl beside him seemed satisfied after clearing up their questions. After exchanging night greetings, the two turned on their heels and left.
“Speaking of which…” (Jack)
But then, he turned back again.
“Why did the staff say no one was staying on this floor? Anfan-san and the others are staying here, right?” (Jack)
“…That’s because we’re on a long-term mission, and we’ve been told to keep it quiet to avoid leaks.” (Anfan)
“Oh, I see. When it’s work, you have to be careful not to leak information.” (Jack)
It was quite a struggle, but it seems I managed to avoid being suspicious. He’s definitely someone to watch out for. It seems that trouble is likely to arise in securing his cooperation. Since it’s unclear whether the fake Volcanic Volga he creates has the ability to unseal the labyrinth, I should consider that the Fire Sword is nonexistent.
Lizbeth later peeked her face into the hallway.
“Anfan, are you alright?” (Lizbeth)
“Oh… I was just worried that someone might be snooping around.” (Anfan)
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