New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (2/2 chapters)
Rescue Drama
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(POV switch – Shia)
Every night, there is a scene I see in my dreams. It is a dream of my father and mother.
I am taken into the forest and left in a certain village within that forest. Father and Mother enter the forest together and never return. As I cry alone, I am spoken to by an invisible woman.
“You will need to have the strength to live alone for a while.” (??)
That was a warm voice.
“I can share a little of my strength with you.” (??)
That voice echoes in my head, and eventually, I wake up. I wonder when this recurring dream began. When I notice, the words “Air Pressure Control” are floating on my arm bracelet (Managram).
—
Every morning, after waking up, I read a certain letter. A letter left by my father. No, this is just a scribbled note that cannot even be called a letter. It is simply a hastily written message on a piece of paper.
To Shia,
Father and Mother are going deep into the forest. We will return before it gets late, so be a good child and wait at home. Don’t forget to take care of your bow.
Loa Randall
That is all the message says. I read this note, which only takes a few seconds, every morning. So that I do not forget about my father and mother.
And so, every morning, I started with taking care of my bow. The large longbow propped up in the living room. The bow Father cherished. Before my parents disappeared, I was trained in bow maintenance and archery techniques. So, taking care of the bow became my job within the family. My archaeologist parents, busy with fieldwork, probably had little energy to spare for me, yet looking back, I had many memories.
Practicing archery under Father’s guidance. The Demon language taught to me by Mother. It wasn’t just that. Father taught me about manners with people, and Mother taught me how to beautify myself as a woman.
…But Father and Mother have died.
I somehow realized the reason. The owner of that voice who helped me back then cast a certain magic on me. I was saved by that power.
— I became able to live on my own.
However, whenever there were quests in the Lucur Great Forest, I often head to the forest. I felt that I might be able to grasp clues about Father and Mother. One day, when I set out for an orc subjugation quest in the forest, I met him on the coast. The moment I saw him, I felt something.
I quickly realized we were about the same age. His tattered appearance made me feel an unavoidable similarity in circumstances. As kindred spirits… I wanted to help him. Although he was a person who seemed to need no help from me. It was when I had finished my morning preparations and was having breakfast.
“Sorry, I heard this is Shia-kun’s house. May I talk for a moment?” (??)
A sudden visitor in the morning.
Though it was a bit annoying, I recognized that voice belongs to Yustin-san’s father. I didn’t know his true identity yet, but we traveled together for a long time through the desert and volcano. I don’t intend to be so unkind as to ignore him. I opened the firmly rusted door with some force and welcomed him.
“Yes!” (Shia)
“…Ah, I’m sorry for coming in the morning. I heard you know the Wind Sage Sylphid.” (Anfan)
“Yes, that might be true… probably…?” (Shia)
When I looked behind, Yustin-san was there too.
It seemed he told them about my connection to Sylphid.
“What is it?” (Shia)
“I’m really sorry for the suddenness, but could you guide me to Sylphid in the forest today?” (Anfan)
He seemed to be in a hurry.
“What do you need to see Sylphid for?” (Shia)
“It’s the same as when we dealt with Salamander at the Baira Volcano. We are to protect Volga.” (Man)
Another talk about Volga. I can’t help but be suspicious if it’s even necessary. But the aura of insistence from Anfan-san leaves no room for refusal. If I were to decline, he looks as if he would bare his fangs.
—
(POV switch – Jack/Lost)
I had been looking around the market stalls since the day.
Ever since returning from the Baira Volcano, I felt like there had been an increase in poor-quality blacksmith goods and magic tools. Plus, they were expensive. The prices were rising.
I understood the reason for that. It was because Gnome-sama was gone. Gnome-sama used to sell high-quality magical items and good weapons at reasonable prices. Each item she crafted had high quality, and she ran a high-end shop. That was why other poor-quality blacksmiths were kept in check with lower prices.
Now that her presence was gone, the balance of prices was collapsing. For example, this broadsword sold by a certain blacksmith. This was a B-grade item. According to the previous market prices, even at its highest, it should be around 10,000 Solidos. Now, it had been raised to about 40,000 Solidos. It was somewhat heartbreaking.
“Jack!” (Irene)
And recently, the lady who keeps appearing was chasing after me as usual. No, rather, it was because she chased after me that her appearances are frequent.
“I found you again today!” (Irene)
“You seem to be quite energetic.” (Jack)
“Thanks to Jack, I don’t even make noises at night anymore!” (Irene)
If she would only stay quiet, I would find Irene to be a cute girl. But she is so energetic that I think she’s loud.
“Are you going to the dungeon today? Or hunting?” (Irene)
“Today is—…” (Jack)
I still can’t stop thinking about Gnome-sama, so I can’t focus on anything else. But if adventurers stop doing either, they won’t be able to make a living. I need to be careful not to abandon my work…
At that moment, from the depths of the market’s hustle and bustle, I heard a commotion. Adventurers passing by seemed to have found something and were buzzing with excitement. Irene and I shifted our gazes toward that commotion. In the center of that buzz were members of the Magic Guild and the Holy Knights. Anfan-san, Giovanni Battista, and Liz were there. For some reason, Gina-san and Colin were not present. Behind them were Yustin and Shia. It was a peculiar combination of five people.
The commotion in the town seemed to be gathering attention due to the appearance of the charismatic magician Anfan-san and the town’s popular young magician Yustin, along with the blue-haired monster Shia. Irene and I rushed over to that group.
“Hey!” (Jack)
“Ah, Lost-san, good afternoon!” (Shia)
“Good afternoon, Shia… are you going somewhere?” (Jack)
I don’t feel excluded or anything, but as fellow adventurers, I want to know what’s going on. …Yeah, I’m not feeling excluded. I certainly don’t feel left out.
“Well, yes. We are about to—” (Shia)
“We are heading to the Lucur Great Forest.” (Anfan)
Anfan-san cut into Shia’s words and answered. I felt that his deep blue, three-white-eyed gaze was glaring at me. He was standing there in almost the same equipment as when he went to the Baira Volcano.
Why is this person inserting himself among us? And his armor is flashy too.
“Is something going on? Another large group…?” (Jack)
“…We are going to have an audience with the Wind Sage Sylphid.” (Anfan)
The charismatic magician hesitantly answered.
I can’t help but feel that there is some hidden intention in his hesitation. However, his expression is perfectly calm. He does not look particularly bitter, and he is expressionless.
…An audience? Didn’t this person say before that he wasn’t interested in having an audience with the sages?
“With such a party?” (Jack)
It clearly looks like a subjugation party for the most difficult dungeon. Isn’t it a bit too extravagant just to go for an audience?
“Ah, I’ve heard that the orcs have been rampaging in the Great Forest recently. I want to ensure safety so that we don’t end up in a situation like the recent Baira Volcano.” (Anfan)
The reason sounds plausible, but even in the Lucur Great Forest, Shia often wanders around alone. Their armaments are rather extravagant, and it feels a bit suspicious. It’s not just Anfan-san. Liz, who stands behind, is also properly equipped with her beloved bow. Her appearance hasn’t changed since the time I admired her during my Liberta days.
“Even Liz?” (Jack)
I spoke to Liz, as I had many things I wanted to consult with her. I wanted to know what I should do to find Gnome-sama. I just learned where she was staying the other day, and I was thinking about sharing some memories as well.
“Uh, I’ve been absent lately, so I have to work… I’m sorry, Jack.” (Liz)
“…?” (Jack)
Sorry? Why is she apologizing? Yustin, who is empty-handed, remains silent, and Shia, who has a large bow on her back, also stays quiet. Well, these two aren’t very talkative, so that’s normal for them.
While I pondered various people’s reactions, Irene, who stood beside me, tightly hugged my left arm with enthusiasm.
“So, that means I can monopolize Jack today, right?!” (Irene)
“Eh, um… ?!” (Jack)
Irene boldly questioned the group with that awkward atmosphere.
I couldn’t help but glance at Shia’s expression. She had a terrifyingly cold look on her face, glaring at my captured left arm. While her eyes were still narrowed, there was a darkness lurking in that expression.
“Hehe, how frustrating for you, thieving cat. For today, Jack is mine!” (Irene)
“…” (Shia)
Shia, in response to that situation, neither ignited her competitive spirit nor showed any tension, displaying an adult-like demeanor.
“Feel free to have him for a day.” (Shia)
That statement left me with a complicated feeling.
However, upon hearing that, Irene wore a satisfied expression as if she had won. Such an obvious reaction didn’t make me feel good either.
“Hey, wait…” (Jack)
“Well then, I’m off!” (Irene)
“Go ahead! By the time you come back, Jack won’t even be thinking about you!” (Irene)
“What are you saying, Irene?!” (Jack)
“Hehe.” (Irene)
Leaving just the two of us, that group of five passed by and headed towards the Lucur Great Forest.
I can’t ignore Shia’s cold attitude. Recently, I hadn’t been able to go out with just the two of us because of Irene’s clinginess. I can’t deny the possibility that my favorability has dropped.
As they passed by, Giovanni Battista glanced back at me briefly. That tall, blond man flashed a daring smile as he walked away. In his right hand, he firmly gripped the infamous thunder spear. It crackled with electricity.
The five-person party disappeared into the hustle and bustle of the market. For some reason, the lightning in Giovanni Battista’s right hand burned itself into my eyes and wouldn’t leave.
—
I have fought against Giovanni Battista once. It was when I was held up in the paradise of Cyans. I only recently learned that that thunder spear was one of the Volga series. Keraunos Volga… In the end, it is said that the spirit Timaeus lives in the sky, but I had no intention of meeting him. I’ve already met all four of the others, so I can’t say I’m not curious about his existence.
What kind of sage is he? Is Timaeus-sama also a peculiar person like the other sages? Is he even human?
“Jack! What should we do today?” (Irene)
Irene is as energetic as ever. She doesn’t care about my thoughts at all. Thinking that the five-person party headed to the forest means there are no obstacles, she seems to be even more cheerful than usual. The five-person party is heading to the forest…
Even if it is for safety, is it really necessary to gather that much firepower? Moreover, they are equipped with Keraunos Volga. Wait, Keraunos Volga is a thunder spear. …Thunder? There were scorch marks from electric shocks crawling like lines in Gnome-sama’s magic tool workshop.
I thought the culprit was someone skilled in electric magic. It was considered to be purely magical. But, you can cause electric shocks without magic. They could be using Keraunos Volga. Moreover, I thought the culprit targeting Gnome-sama was a “thief” aiming for the Volga series. But it’s not just thieves who are after the Volga series. Those guys from earlier as well…
“Hey, is it no fun that we finally have the whole day to ourselves?” (Irene)
I also sensed urgency from Anfan-san. Even Liz’s reaction seemed suspicious.
— An audience with the Wind Sage Sylphid.
Why are they going to see Sylphid-sama? They have only been focused on the Volga series. Their target is surely the Aerial Volga. In terms of wanting the Volga series, the people from the Magic Guild feel the same way. So, they shouldn’t have any reason not to go to Gnome-sama. The fact that that sage is not present doesn’t seem to bother the people from the Magic Guild.
And the other day, at the Tower Lodge. The Magic Guild was using that high-end inn as a base. Moreover, the noises that continued throughout the night from that floor… It sounded like they were announcing their presence to the guests below. I feel like everything has connected.
As soon as I realized it, I started running towards the Tower Lodge.
“Could it be?!” (Jack)
“Eh? Ah, wait, Jack—-!” (Irene)
“Irene, come too!” (Jack)
To the Tower Lodge.
If my deduction is not wrong, Gnome-sama is indeed there.
—
I arrived at the Tower Lodge while matching Irene’s speed.
“What, what is it, Jack…?” (Irene)
“Hurry and get the security card! We’re going to the room!” (Jack)
“Eh, to the room?! …Suddenly?!” (Irene)
“Of course!” (Jack)
“Eh, that’s… I, I’m not ready for that yet…!” (Irene)
“Hurry!” (Jack)
I couldn’t suppress my anxious feelings.
“Okay!” (Irene)
Irene’s face turned bright red, possibly from her uneven breathing, and she looked like she was struggling. As she clumsily authenticated with the card, I pulled Irene’s hand and ran up the stairs.
“Wait! I’m happy, but…!” (Irene)
“You saying that now isn’t the time!” (Jack)
“Eh, but, be gentle… be gentle with me…!” (Irene)
Somehow, it feels like our conversation isn’t matching up. Well, it’s not a situation where I can care about that.
I passed the third floor and headed to the fourth floor.
“Eh, why the fourth floor?” (Irene)
I brought Irene to the front of that room.
“Ha…ha… isn’t this where the Magic Guild members sleep?” (Irene)
“Isn’t this door openable?” (Jack)
“I can’t do it with my card… it has to be the third floor.” (Irene)
“I see, got it.” (Jack)
There is no choice but to destroy it. However, if my deduction is wrong… no, it doesn’t matter if it’s wrong. I can compensate for it no matter how much it costs. There are plenty of people with good financial standing.
“Irene, stay back!” (Jack)
“Eh?!” (Irene)
I gathered strength in my right arm and began to run. With a loud explosion, the door was destroyed in one hit.
“Ah!” (Irene)
Kicking the rubble of the door aside, I violently invaded the room. The remnants of the luxurious door scattered into the beautifully decorated room, dirtying it instantly. After the explosion, the room fell silent. A voice entered my ear.
“What the?!?!” (Colin)
As soon as I entered the room, I saw Colin, who was sitting on the bed with his knees crossed and lying on his back.
“Colin Briggs…!” (Jack)
“You’re Lost, aren’t you?! What the hell are you doing?!”
Colin seemed flustered by my sudden intrusion after breaking down the door. But more than that, I was shocked by the abnormal sight before me. “What the hell are you doing?” is what I should be asking. In that room were Gnome-sama and Gina-san. Both were tied to two chairs side by side.
Why is Gina-san here too?
“Colin, you bastard…!” (Jack)
I trembled with anger.
No, I know that my anger is not directed solely at Colin.
“You really found this place well. Hehe, I’ll give you credit for that.” (Colin)
Colin got off the bed and spat out a line that sounded like something a villain would say.
I glanced at the two of them. Gina-san looked extremely exhausted. She had bruises as if she had been hit, and a cut marred her beautiful cheek. Her head was bowed as if she had lost consciousness, and she was unaware of our presence.
Gnome-sama seemed to be showing joy at seeing me, moving her mouth as if to speak, likely due to the residual energy of a spirit. However, she was gagged, and his voice couldn’t come out. Moreover, from his appearance, Gnome-sama was covered in bruises and swelling all over her face, looking painfully beaten.
Had she been tortured?
— A despicable act.
And that despicable act is not solely Colin’s doing. Anfan Schwarzschild… how can he calmly do such a thing?
“Hehe, well, since you’ve seen me, there’s no helping it… I guess it’s time to return the favor from that time.” (Colin)
“Jack…” (Irene)
Irene’s voice came from behind.
She sounded worried.
There’s no need to worry. All I need is for her to be careful not to get caught up in this.
This guy is nothing compared to Salamander.
“With my snake style—” (Jack)
In an instant, I punched him. Right in Colin’s face. Faster than I had imagined.
“Buhuh!!!” (Colin)
With a loud sound, the bed’s frame also flew away.
“That’s not enough…!” (Jack)
I kicked Colin’s torso further.
He seemed to have lost consciousness before he could even get into a stance for his own style. His body slammed against the wall and fell to the floor. It happened in a moment. In a fit of rage, I acted as if I would kill him. It felt as if time had stopped. But I wouldn’t regret it.
I didn’t like his attitude, and more than anything, I couldn’t remain calm seeing Gnome-sama and Gina-san tied up like this.
“Irene, help me!” (Jack)
“Uh, okay…!” (Irene)
Irene and I worked together to untie Gnome-sama and Gina-san and remove their gags.
“Ahh… I finally caught a glimpse of hope…” (Gnome)
As expected of a spirit.
Despite her young appearance, she still seemed to have the energy to speak. Gina-san was indeed unconscious. I asked Irene to take care of her and also to ask for help from Davi-san and Leona-san. Eventually, this floor would likely become chaotic due to the security breach.
“What on earth happened to you?” (Jack)
“…What happened… right, it’s not the time for explanations! Just come with me!” (Gnome)
Hearing Gnome-sama’s voice after a long time, I felt slightly relieved to hear she seemed well.
“Was it the Magic Guild’s people? Are they after the Volga?” (Jack)
“It’s not just about the Volga! The entire city could disappear!” (Gnome)
Eh… the city could disappear…? The scale is suddenly too large for me to comprehend.
“Anyway, we’ve got to stop them!” (Gnome)
“Y-yes!” (Irene)
I chased after Gnome-sama, who began to run energetically. Irene seemed to be complaining behind us, but there was no time to look back given the situation. Speaking of which, I wondered how long Gnome-sama had been confined in that room.
If she was captured while we were at the Baira Volcano, it must have been at least a month of confinement… She is surprisingly energetic for someone who had been locked up.
As I was escaping the Tower Lodge, the noise almost got us stopped by the staff, but I managed to shake them off. Right now, I was running through the city towards Gnome-sama’s magic tool workshop.
As she ran, she began to explain the situation to me a little. First, the reason Gina-san was captured was simply that she tried to help Gnome-sama. Gina-san must have stuck to her own sense of justice to end up in such a situation… Then, I couldn’t forgive that magician who was the source of this.
And the Magic Guild’s aim was not simply to protect the various Volga series as they had explicitly stated. By gathering those five, they intended to break the seal of the labyrinth and obtain Rhizomata Volga.
Rhizomata Volga is the source of the mysterious power. Details are completely unknown. There are no records in literature. All that is understood is that it is a weapon created by the ancient great magician Emped through a pact with a God, but whether it is actually a weapon or some type of magical tool, no one knows. It’s almost an anecdote at this point, but there are a few beings who know about that “mysterious power”.
“Gnome-sama! What exactly is Rhizomata Volga? What happens if the seal is broken?” (Jack)
“That’s not merely a weapon. It’s hard to explain, but to put it simply, it is this world itself!” (Gnome)
The world itself. The scale is too large for me to understand.
“If the labyrinth’s seal is broken, Emped will be resurrected! Rhizomata is sealed along with Emped!” (Gnome)
And then, there’s the crisis of the so-called “Dread Overlord” being resurrected. The embodiment of evil depicted in storybooks was actually close at hand. The Magic Guild probably doesn’t take it seriously. They are probably only seeking the existence of the Volga out of intellectual curiosity. Had I been helping with such matters?
Ignorance is indeed a crime.
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