Year 141_Keireki Era_Spring/08
Soldiers attempting to leave the guild collapsed.
Near the entrance stood a massive man wielding a greatsword.
“So, you’re still alive, Gadvar the Helm-Crusher.”
Without shifting his aim, Yalba directed his gaze toward Gadvar.
Gadvar wasn’t unscathed.
Arrows protruded from him, and he bore other wounds from battles yet untold.
Stripping off his battered, nearly useless armor, he discarded it.
“Being stubborn is my specialty.”
That was his reply.
Perhaps he abandoned the armor because he deemed it meaningless against Yalba’s arrows.
In that case, it would only be a hindrance.
A resolute fighting spirit emanated from Gadvar, something both Yalba and Iserina recognized.
“I hear you’re a family man. If you lose your life here, there’ll be loved ones shedding tears for you. I have no intention of shooting you in the back.”
Leave.
Yalba, too, didn’t wish to fight Gadvar.
If even Yalba felt that way, the lower-ranking soldiers would certainly avoid a confrontation.
If we could just survive this moment, Gadvar would surely ensure Iserina’s safety and escape.
“Sorry about this. The Luluciette Adventurer’s Guild values Iserina deeply. And I’m not alone here—Roam will be here soon too. The one who might die is you, oh mighty Silver-Grey rank.”
The two men glared at each other.
We gained a slight reprieve.
From behind Gadvar came the sounds of something stirring.
Since Gadvar didn’t react, it must be an ally—likely Roam approaching.
Joining forces with Gadvar and focusing on escape seemed like a viable option.
But perhaps it would be better to buy time until Roam arrived and then confront Yalba.
No... that didn’t seem realistic.
A group of soldiers was closing in from behind Yalba.
In an all-out clash, the outcome was unpredictable.
In a chaotic battle, protecting Iserina would become nearly impossible.
“Iserina.”
“What… is it, Vi?”
Her face looked so haggard.
How much had she endured?
“When we make it out of this, will you teach me what’s needed to be an adventurer, what’s right and wrong?”
“Huh?”
“I don’t know anything. To survive from now on, I’ll need knowledge. I realized how unprepared I was during this job. Really, it’s been a wake-up call.”
“…U nderstood. But I’ll be strict, you know?”
Some color returned to her face.
A faint smile played on her lips, however slight.
Good.
Just seeing that smile made it all worth it.
“Iserina, thank you for giving someone like me, who has nothing, so many possibilities. I’m truly glad I learned to care about people—about everyone.”
“VI?”
I grabbed Iserina’s hand and threw her toward Gadvar.
“Go, Gadvar!”
Catching Iserina, Gadvar grimaced bitterly but turned to flee with her.
I sprinted toward the guild entrance, blocking the line of fire.
Though I doubted my body would serve as an adequate shield, I left it to chance.
And chance wasn’t something I had much confidence in.
I inhaled, exhaled, steadying my breathing.
“Yalba, did you give up your axe? It suited you. How are Wiminiea and Lukarsi doing?”
My tone was casual, though it didn’t match my inner turmoil.
Still, it reflected how much Vilgram—the man I once was—had become part of me.
“To think a rookie adventurer struggling with bandits would rise to become the Captain of the Knights—it’s impressive. Can I take some pride in the opening I created being useful?”
“That mission was supposed to have been buried... How do you know about that…?”
Oh? Did I manage to grab a sliver of luck?
Even so, I didn’t want to delve into my origins.
That truth had brought misfortune to too many.
“It’s been a while, Yalba.”
“Could it be… you’re… no, it can’t…”
But this time… sorry, Yalba.
If fortune’s on my side, I’ll take it.
I want to protect Iserina—and I still value my life.
“I am—”
About to say, “the insignificant adventurer you once knew, Gram.”
“Don’t let them escape! Fire! Fire!”
One of the soldiers, impatient for glory, shouted.
“Stop! Don’t shoot! Stop it!!!”
Yalba’s desperate voice, like a scream, overlapped almost simultaneously with the twang of bowstrings.
Arrows pierced my body, and I felt my consciousness rapidly fading.
I could no longer move.
It seemed I had fallen to the ground.
Through dimming vision, I saw Gadvar, now joined by Roam.
They glanced at me briefly before heading for the back exit.
It’s fine. Iserina will surely make it.
This must have been the right choice. But still…
──Ah. I don’t want to die.
I wanted to go on more adventures.
I wanted to spend more time with everyone.
What do you think about this chapter?
The OG 3 are my favorite