The New Gate Volume 2 - Chapter 1 – Part 2

A minute discussion with the person concerned was proposed by Thoria and s.h.i.+n accepted, he would have to wait in the orphanage until the church closed. It was understandable because she couldn’t afford to neglect her work. Furthermore, he intended to keep the children company, too.

“Fox!?”

“It’s fox-san!”

“I want to hold it!”

“Me too!”

“Kuu~…”

The children of the orphanage were interested in Yuzuha.

Though it was bad for it to be made into a toy, he asked Yuzuha to put up with it this time. s.h.i.+n intended to join in if he saw the opportunity.

In contrast to Yuzuha, the children didn’t approach s.h.i.+n at all. Only Millie was near s.h.i.+n.

“Although it is understandable, what is this feeling of defeat…”

“…Don’t give up?”

The consolation caused his eyes to sting.

“…Well, to be attached to a guy who suddenly came and had a conversation is unreasonable, huh?”

As for the children, their wariness was strong. They would not trust him, no matter how much he was introduced by Thoria. All the more to the orphans who had lost their parents or siblings.

“Millie doesn’t want to join in?”

“I lose.”

“Lose what?”

“Yeah…”

Though a somewhat unexpected answer came back, the point was that she was defeated by a stronger opponent.

Millie remained anxious on whether or not to jump into the group that surrounded Yuzuha.

When he thought about that, Yuzuha was not able to endure anymore. It slipped through between the children, rushed to s.h.i.+n and climbed up to on top of his head. Its fur was somehow bristled up, as if it was being cautious.

“Yuu-chan, come.”

“…Kuu.”

When Millie called, after pausing a little while, Yuzuha barked and settled itself into Millie’s arms.

Yuzuha’s wariness seemed to have faded compared to when it met them the first time. And its nickname seemed to be Yuu-chan.

“With this, only I hold it.”

“What a schemer!?”

“Without effort, victory.”

“You are saying something like that!?”

She seemed to have foreseen that Yuzuha would not be able to endure it and would run away.

“Millie, you’re a frightening girl!!”

s.h.i.+n retorted. In the middle of such an exchange, from a distance, the children started to look at s.h.i.+n.

Now a relatively serious girl, who appeared to be the oldest, stood before s.h.i.+n as he thought ‘What’s up with that?’ There seemed to be courage in this girl. She might be a child in an elder sister position because she said, “Hey boy!” And she was not one of the children who had gathered around Yuzuha.

The girl had evenly cut, grey hair that extended down to her shoulders. If the children who gathered around Yuzuha were around lower grade elementary school students, this girl looked like an upper grade junior high school student. Her green eyes were tense, with an -ask something- look.

“…h.e.l.lo.”

“h.e.l.lo. You might already have heard it from Thoria, but I am s.h.i.+n. I am an adventurer. Nice to meet you.”

“Kua, it is. Nice to meet you, too.”

To make sure, he introduced himself again. Was it the result of her being fearless? She introduced herself without feeling pressured.

“By the way, this fox is Yuzuha. Please excuse my partner from too much whisker and tail pulling.”

“Are you the person who came to help us?”

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

s.h.i.+n would understand if she said, “person who came to help the Sisters”, but what about the remark “us”?

“Because the Sister told us that the place here might be lost.”

“The church will be lost?”

“No, only the orphanage.”

“Only the orphanage?”

s.h.i.+n, who thought the church and the orphanage were a set, was surprised at Kua’s words.

What will happen to all the children who live here if the orphanage is lost? From Kua’s perspective, it was not a nice premonition

“May I hear the story for the time being? I don’t really know the details.”

“…I understand.”

Was s.h.i.+n’s determination transmitted? Kua began to speak calmly.

And, he understood several things from Kua’s story.

First, the management of this church was not entrusted to someone unless they were a priest with a certain extent of ability, and Thoria didn’t meet the qualifications. The priest, in this case, referred to a job. Father and sister were similar to the priest job, they just differed in name.

Second, when one couldn’t meet the qualification as it was, another priest would take over the management here. Apparently, the man who was the next candidate would demolish the orphanage. It was really doubtful whether the man was a real Priest or not.

Third, a relative of the former manager. In the case of identical qualification holders, the relative would be put in a higher priority for the succession order. And this was the reason Thoria pushed it to the other Sister, Ras.h.i.+a. If Ras.h.i.+a succeeded this church, the current problem would be solved.

s.h.i.+n, who didn’t think that the child was well-informed about the circ.u.mstances, was a little surprised while he heard the story.

“Even so, why is that Priest not going to keep the orphanage, even though it’s the same church?”

Judging from the actions of Thoria and Ras.h.i.+a, the church was an independent organization that helped other people.

However, the next candidate Priest’s actions were strange in this situation.

“We hate that person.”

“What kind of person is he?”

The children behind her were nodding at Kua’s words.

He asked what kind of person he was, yet s.h.i.+n was somehow able to predict Kua’s answer.

“That pig is blinded by money.”

“…Ah, yes. Just that alone is enough.”

When a child said an abusive remark, one could imagine what kind of person that man was.

Though he understood that it was rash to judge only from one viewpoint, it was unreasonable in this state of affair.

By all means, there were always corrupt members somewhere in an organization. s.h.i.+n had a distant look.

“In other words, the acquisition of 【Purification】 is required so that Ras.h.i.+a can take over the church?”

As Els from the guild said, 【Purification】 was a skill, a very special one for a priest.

“Because s.h.i.+n-nii will help, it will be all right.”

“It can’t be a.s.serted with only this.”

He warned Millie who was full of confidence in herself.

This time he intended to teach by the original method without using the secret book. In this case, if the person in question didn’t make any effort, it would not have much effect, even with s.h.i.+n’s help.

He didn’t want to use 【Secret Books Creation】, because he didn’t know what kind of significance 【Secret Books Creation】 had in this world. Besides, he wanted Ras.h.i.+a to get used to fighting scenes.

From Kua’s story, he didn’t think that the problem of the church would be solved just by acquiring the 【Purification】skill. In 9 out of 10 cases, the predicament was that it would become a fighting scene. Although it was likely to end when Wilhelm started to rampage.

“But, if Millie-chan said so, I wonder if it’s really all right?”

Kua muttered and s.h.i.+n asked about it.

“Is what Millie says always right on the money?”

“Yes, although she seldom tells me something about when the shop is cheap or where the sweets are put away.”

“No, wait, that is something different.”

s.h.i.+n worried about Millie for being seen as weird because of her good intuition, but the unexpected reply about food came back.

“Weird?”

Millie looked up at s.h.i.+n.

“No, it is not weird. But it’s rather a good thing…?”

Because he thought he should cover the one he should conceal, he questioned if it might be good.

He felt that she had a grown-up mentality, which s.h.i.+n thought might be caused by 『Hos.h.i.+yomi』, as she had seen various things with that power.

“Well, it’s good if you don’t overdo it.”

He said while patting Millie’s head.

Initially Millie showed a face of wondering, but she looked comfortable after being patted.

“Being patted, love it.”

Afterwards, there were children of the beast race that looked enviously at Millie, who seemed very comfortable.

◆◆◆◆

They played together for several hours while Millie broke the ice with the other children. By the time Thoria returned to the orphanage, all of the younger children and some of the older ones were inside their dreams, leaving the other children behind.

“When I see the children sleeping…”

The words she was about to say stopped. It seemed that Thoria’s strength came from seeing the children who slept peacefully. As one might expect, she would hesitate to have s.h.i.+n, whom she just met today, take care of the children.

“…these children seem to be completely off guard, too.”

“That’s right, and it’s nice to see.”

There was the figure of the girl called Ras.h.i.+a in the church behind Thoria. She had gray hair and the same chignon as Thoria. From her brown eyes, s.h.i.+n could perceive the same tension as Kua had not long ago.

“Is that Ras.h.i.+a-san?”

“Ye-yes! This time I hope to get along with zu…iyai”

It appeared that she bit her tongue.

“Uhm, are you alright?”

“Though she has a little careless side to her, I can a.s.sure you she will do her best.”

This was followed by Thoria who showed a little bitter smile.

“Uu, I’m sorry. It was an unsightly scene.”

“Well, let’s be at ease. I’m s.h.i.+n. An Adventurer. I will instruct you in how to learn the skill 【Purification】. However, whether it can be mastered is up to Ras.h.i.+a-san. Don’t forget that.”

“Yes!!”

She returned an answer clearly this time. Those eyes showed earnestness itself.

“Then, let’s move on to the finer details. First of all, I want to ask you two; Do you know of a place where undead monsters with high levels appear in large quant.i.ties? If not, I will check with the guild.”

There were essential conditions for the acquisition of 【Purification】. Generally, how long it took for acquiring it would depend on the place.

“I think the famous one is ‘Wraith Plains’.”

“Wraith Plains?”

s.h.i.+n looked puzzled at the name of the place that came out from Thoria’s mouth, as he had never heard of it before.

“Yes. After you leave the country, the plains are located in the north. Originally, there seemed to have been a dungeon there, but a part of it rose above the ground due to the former natural disasters.”

“A dungeon is above ground? Is there such a thing?”

“I heard that there are other, similar cases, but the details are…”

“Well, since this time the task requires undead monsters, I’d say it’s perfect.”

In this case, he felt it was too timely, but decided to not to worry about it. He was saved the trouble of looking for such place one by one. He didn’t seem to have much time according to the story he heard. It would be better to start early, s.h.i.+n thought.

“So, how long do you need to travel to arrive there?”

“You can expect ――”

“5 or 6 days by carriage.”

“…Ara, Will, did you just return?”

The one who interrupted Thoria’s words was Wilhelm, who had shown up at the entrance. He was carrying Venom in his hand, and was quietly raising his fighting spirit.

“Yo, I’m interfering.”

“Are you the adventurer who responded to the request?”

Though Wilhelm seemed calm on the surface, s.h.i.+n knew that Wilhelm was openly prepared for battle.

“That’s correct, since I have received the rewards, I don’t mind teaching 【Purification】.

“…What did you hear?”

Wilhelm saw through s.h.i.+n’s answer that the reward was not some kind of money or goods. His eyes were saying ‘I will not forgive a lie.’

s.h.i.+n took a short pause and replied.

“…Millie’s t.i.tle, and what kind of power she has. Afterwards, the talk of to make sure the information didn’t leak with the adventurers of orphanage alumni.

“Is it okay to put this much trust in him?”

The words were directed to Thoria.

“It’s okay. I don’t see him as a bad person. Besides, Millie also a.s.sured it. That it was all right.”

Wilhelm, who knew Millie’s power, was like “No way!” as he looked at Millie.

“…Did you see it…?”

“Yeah.”

“…I see.”

Millie’s word rendered him silent momentarily, and respond with a few words. He seemed to agree for the time being.

“Ah, did you settle the dispute?”

“Yes, since Millie said so, I will trust you for now.”

s.h.i.+n could do nothing but shrug his shoulders to that reaction.

“I never thought of spreading what I heard, abusing Millie’s power or anything like that.”

“Indeed. If someone dares to do such things, I will kill that guy.”

Wilhelm told the joke while waving Venom, but his eyes were completely serious. There was a hint that the spear could be sent flying anytime.

“Mu~, quarrel, cannot!”

“Oops.”

“Uu”

Millie, who sensed the tense atmosphere, sweetly interrupted it. Wilhelm, who appeared to not be in a mood to press any further, let go of his fighting spirit.

“I’m sorry, I’ve never been a patient person.”

“Will doesn’t have the habit of patience.”

“Impatience Will-nii.”

Thoria and Ras.h.i.+a followed up casually. It seemed like it was more to criticize than to follow up.

“They told you…”

“You b.a.s.t.a.r.d…”

s.h.i.+n had a hunch that if an ordinary man felt his fighting spirit, they would be completely frightened, yet Thoria and Ras.h.i.+a still remained calm despite being commoners.

“Well it’s fine. From the various things I’ve heard, in this case, they will receive information about 【Purification】, huh?”

“Just in case, keep it a secret from others.”

“Don’t worry. The information is about the church’s secret, it would be dangerous if someone were to talk about it.”

Others were nodding to Wilhelm’s remark. Apparently. s.h.i.+n thought the church had a large influence.

“Did you put up the eavesdrop prevention magic just to make sure?…Well then, the main subject. The acquisition method for 【Purification】 is to defeat at least 200 undead monsters whose levels are higher than 150, while having the item called 【Prayer of Saint Sphere】. Because it only counts the decisive blow that defeats the enemy, I will weaken the monsters first so that Ras.h.i.+a can defeat them.”

“…Oi, is it true, seriously?”

“I’m serious. The truth is, obtaining the 【Prayer of Saint Sphere】 is really difficult, but it’s okay this time, because I have it.”

s.h.i.+n talked about it like it was nothing.

Though he didn’t realize it, monsters whose level exceeds 150 were very dangerous existences to an ordinary person of this world. Ras.h.i.+a, who heard that she was required to defeat at least 200 monsters, was dumbfounded like her soul froze.

“Oi, Ras.h.i.+a!”

“Hahi!!”

“Oioi, are you alright?…”

Wilhelm tapped her shoulder and Ras.h.i.+a returned to her sanity. Besides, Ras.h.i.+a had no other option but to persevere.

“Oi s.h.i.+n. I will also go together with you this time.”

“Yes, it does not matter, but she might be more at ease if she had someone with her whom she knows.”

If they were only 2 people, he guessed it would be severe. s.h.i.+n who considered Ras.h.i.+a’s mental state.

Although he saw Ras.h.i.+a’s reaction, even if it was an adventurer in this world, it would be difficult to clear the trial s.h.i.+n talked about. s.h.i.+n thought he himself was prudent, but he unconsciously based it on the standard from the game era.

“Then, Ras.h.i.+a, try your best.”

“Yes, I will do my best!”

While s.h.i.+n was thinking, Ras.h.i.+a somehow appeared to have recovered, too. Since she held responsibility for the church, she had to get over this.

After Ras.h.i.+a settled on her resolution, the discussion of minor things came to an end.

While it’s better to move quickly, the preparation time for each person was considered. The meeting place was decided to be in front of the east gate.

◆◆◆◆

After s.h.i.+n left the church, the others started preparing for tomorrow. Ras.h.i.+a and Thoria explained to the children while preparing for the journey.

Wilhelm had gone out to purchase the necessary food and goods for the long journey.

He called out to trusted adventurers who were orphanage alumni, while at the same time, walking along the main street to buy the necessary things. It was because the Priest who tried to demolish the orphanage was not likely to make a move if someone was there.

Even if it was the adventurers from the orphanage, the people who knew about Millie’s power were limited. He had to convey all members to be on the lookout, since there was the possibility of a long time absence. While busy, Wilhelm kept thinking about a certain man.

Needless to say, it was s.h.i.+n.

He met him for the first time in his favorite restaurant and shared a table by chance. Though s.h.i.+n just became an adventurer, Wilhelm was surprised that s.h.i.+n was talking to him without fear, despite him having Venom. Thus he was able to recall him immediately when they met again in the orphanage.

He heard that Thoria talked about Millie’s power with s.h.i.+n in the church, and thought that no matter how he looked at it, s.h.i.+n was being trusted too much, but he consented for the time being since Millie a.s.serted that it was all right. Moreover, Millie said “I saw it”. Somehow, though he couldn’t say so himself, at least he was sure that s.h.i.+n was not a dangerous person. Otherwise, he didn’t think that Millie would support s.h.i.+n.

However, it didn’t change the fact that he didn’t know s.h.i.+n’s true character.

If he thought about it carefully, he noticed that there were many odd things or spots. Especially the remark “Did you appraise it?”, and when he asked about the appraiser’s skill level, too.

Now that he thought about it, s.h.i.+n’s expression at that time was like saying, “Then it is impossible”.

And then the 【Purification】 acquisition requirement. s.h.i.+n said “defeat at least 200 undead monsters whose levels are higher than 150”. And then afterwards, he continued with “I will weaken the monsters so that Ras.h.i.+a can deal the finis.h.i.+ng blow.” Judging from the way s.h.i.+n talked, it didn’t seem that Wilhelm was included in the combat capability.

If what he said was not a lie, then that means that he has the ability to defeat opponents of Lv. 150 or more by himself. In addition to that, he was able to take Ras.h.i.+a along, who would be a burden in that situation.

(Did he really just become an adventurer?)

When they shared a table, he sounded like he had some battle experience before he became an adventurer, and it was not strange if the information for his skill was circulated. But no such information were found, even when Wilhelm asked the information dealer of the orphanage connection.

To be able to defeat monsters level 150 or more, the rank of adventurer would be at least B or higher. It would not be unusual if it was in the case of rank A.

What kind of person was he, that he was unknown until now?

(Possibly, that guy…)

He unintentionally stopped walking.

Words appeared in Wilhelm’s mind. Certain words that only a few people know.

Words that indicated the existence of a power that was not conceivable within the common society.

A person who had kept a lot of skills and knowledge, and deviated from the concept of level in this society, a ‘Chosen One’ as its generic term. Furthermore, Wilhelm had a deep connection with a Chosen One himself.

“A Chosen One…huh?”

Wilhelm’s spontaneous muttering was not heard by anyone, as it disappeared in the clamor of the town.

At dawn the next day.

s.h.i.+n quickly finished his breakfast, and told Tsugumi that he wanted to check out of the room since he would be out for a long time. The remainder of the inn fee, which he had paid in advance, was received. Because all of the baggage was put inside the Item Box, he didn’t need packing and was able to leave without spending too much time. It was because Tsugumi didn’t want to let go of Yuzuha that he couldn’t depart immediately. s.h.i.+n felt that it was the movement of a hunter who had found their prey. After all, was it because of the family name ‘Bear’? s.h.i.+n guessed so.

As usual, Yuzuha rode on his head while he walked down the road where the pedestrian traffic was spa.r.s.e. He arrived at the east gate at the appointed place at an earlier time than usual, probably because it was not crowded like it was in the daytime. Though s.h.i.+n thought he was a little early, there was already a waiting member there.

“Yo.”

“Good morning, you are early.”

s.h.i.+n replied, while feeling a little surprised that it was Wilhelm who came early and was waiting.

The way to know the time in this town was to hear the sound of the bell which basically rang at regular intervals. It was difficult to match the meeting perfectly, so either one would have to wait. The merchants were an exception because they have their own clocks, but adventurers were unexpectedly poor when it came to timing. Tsugumi and Douma said that rus.h.i.+ng at the last moment was not unusual.

There were still 20 min before the appointed time. s.h.i.+n understood that thanks to the game system. Somehow, he regretted that he went out too early.

“Are you always this early?”

“No, I just want to confirm one thing before departing. Just follow me for a moment.”

s.h.i.+n was at a loss at Wilhelm’s frightfully serious look. He followed after Wilhelm while thinking, “What’s the matter?”. Yuzuha was still relaxing on top of s.h.i.+n’s head. It didn’t seem to feel the danger in particular.

“Come to think of, where is Ras.h.i.+a?”

“She was asked for a trivial errand. She will be late.”

It looked like he didn’t want to be asked by s.h.i.+n about Ras.h.i.+a somehow.

They began to walk for several minutes. Wilhelm stopped in front of a certain shop.

It looked like a restaurant judging from the signboard. The signboard had a gla.s.s and a spoon combined drawn on it.

After knocking on the door three times at fixed intervals, Wilhelm opened the door. The inside of the shop was dim, but the brightness was kept at a level where it was not inconvenient to walk. Three tables, five counters seats and a bottle of sake were displayed in an orderly manner inside the shop as they entered his sight. And then, a bartender polis.h.i.+ng a gla.s.s.

It appeared that this shop was like a bar.

“Sorry. I’m going to borrow this place.”

“…………”

The bartender nodded at Wilhelm’s words, opened the back door and left the shop. He should have noticed Yuzuha, but didn’t say anything. s.h.i.+n thought on whether animals were going to be declined due to hygiene, but it seemed to not be a worry about in this world. He might have thought that s.h.i.+n was a tamer in this case.

“Someone you know?”

“It’s one of the orphanage connections. Didn’t you hear about such fellows from Thoria?”

“Oh. The bartender from a while ago is an adventurer?”

“Something like that.”

The two of them were chatting while standing, before sitting on a seat in front of the counter.

Then, Wilhelm suddenly began to talk.

“I want to confirm one thing. Are you a Chosen One?”

“…What, is that?”

s.h.i.+n asked back as he had never heard of those words in his memory, while tilting his head. The reason for his slight pause was due to him trying to search his memory for that t.i.tle by the name. However, there was no t.i.tle called the ‘Chosen One’ as far as s.h.i.+n knew.

“You don’t know?”

“No, not in the least.”

“…………”

Wilhelm observed s.h.i.+n’s state after he replied, and began to talk calmly after a short time.

“A chosen one has skills and t.i.tles since birth, and they have knowledge that is not supposed to be known. The person himself has strength not conceivable for their level.”

“Since birth? You don’t say! Did the baby talk or fire some magic?”

From Wilhelm’s speech, s.h.i.+n imagined the mysterious phenomenon of a baby being able to talk due to a restart from reincarnation, which he read about occasionally in web novels.

“I’ve never heard of such a story. Instead, there are numerous stories, such as a boy with a single digit age killing a Tetra Grizzly with his bare hands, or suddenly being able to use a secret skill.”

“A person strong since birth, huh? How should I say, like normally being branded as a monster.”

Though the ability was influenced since birth, it was strange to acquire skills and knowledge from the beginning. Though it depends on the point of view, the dwellers of this world surely have said such thing to a chosen one.

“With all of that knowledge, does the Chosen One have the memories from their previous life?”

“No, mostly item and monster knowledge, but the story of a fellow who remembered their past life is unheard of.”

“I see.”

While hearing Wilhelm talk, one possibility popped up in s.h.i.+n’s mind.

(Several skills can be used from the beginning, has a t.i.tle, and the ability is high…could it be, the reincarnation system is still functioning?)

Originally the reincarnation was conducted in the temple inside THE NEW GATE, so a start over for a baby inside this reality world was not that strange. He couldn’t deny that there was the possibility that he would be born normally in some family if it could happen.

It depended on the reincarnation frequency, but there were a lot of reincarnation benefits, such as t.i.tles and skills inheritance, bonus stats, and so on. s.h.i.+n thought that this possibility was the highest if he overlooked some of the contradictions.

However, the place where the temple was became a danger zone because of the monsters, so it was hard to enter now, and the confirmation seemed to be difficult.

“Do you happen to know about it?”

“Yes or rather no.”

s.h.i.+n was at loss for that answer.

He himself had reincarnated too, but that was the story in the game, and one was not reborn as a baby like in this world. But the ability of s.h.i.+n might only be explainable as the chosen one to the humans in this world. In addition, it was not possible to make an excuse that his abilities were high because he was some long life species, since s.h.i.+n stuck to being a human in the guild.

He didn’t know whether Wilhelm would believe him if he spoke honestly, and even if Wilhelm believed it, s.h.i.+n would be in trouble. Since High Humans were supposed to have gone extinct.

“It’s dull…well whatever, I don’t have any reason to make you spit out everything. I wouldn’t want to say either, I guess.”

“I am relieved when you said so.”

“Because you seem to not be aware of it. But to take on a level 150 alone is what an advanced level adventurer does. It seems thoughtless when it comes from you, a rank G.”

“Now that you mention it, that’s right. No, thoughtlessly!!”

Oops, s.h.i.+n let out a wry smile while scratching his head. In this world, where level became the evaluation standard, s.h.i.+n’s judgment of the importance of stats might be unconventional. Though he roughly understood just in case, it was already found out.

s.h.i.+n had a little flashy reaction, and his mind was not calm. Even though he intended to be careful when he saw the reaction of Ras.h.i.+a for 【Purification】, he had done it again. However, it was not long ago since s.h.i.+n came to this world, so he didn’t completely understand the way this world worked. In a sense, it was a severe world compared to the time of the game. It was not possible, even if he already spent a few days, to adapt to the sense of values and common sense.

“A Chosen One’s given name is not known by many people either, since trouble would follow around when their ability was exposed. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“…That…might already too late.”

“Oi, did you do something?”

“I guess that I might have had a match with the guild master and won, reported that I defeated a Skull Face which had the level of a King cla.s.s, and even defeated a near three-digit amount of Skull Faces, where p.a.w.n and Jack cla.s.ses were combined…alone.”

“…Oi, that’s too ridiculous to respond too. What is this, these insanely strong topics?”

“It can’t be helped I guess. Even I didn’t expect all of this stuff to have happened. Or rather, it’s not that I voluntarily invite myself into trouble.”

Certainly it was s.h.i.+n who approached the unique monster Skull Face, but the introduction letter of Tsuki no Hokora was the cause of the fight with Barlux, and even the near three digits amount of Skull Faces appeared when he was just saving Yuzuha. s.h.i.+n insisted that it was not his fault. Especially the Skull Face, where he couldn’t just choose to leave it alone.

“Good grief, although something makes me feel that this is not a joke. Be careful, seriously. The Chosen Ones tend to be respected for their ability. But from what you said just now, it’s like you were treated as a taboo child.”

“That’s only natural, I think.”

“There was also this guy who prattled that he descended from an oracle…actually, the ability’s strength might be restricted while growing up, as there are fair differences from the environment. Well you might say, most chosen ones are protected by the church or the country so it isn’t a serious problem up until there.”

“Is that so? Even if I feel worried about it, but how many of the chosen ones are in the different countries?”

If the chosen ones were the existences that experienced the reincarnation as s.h.i.+n thought, the person might be able to destroy a country in some cases. It was the number that he was worried about.

“It depends on the country. If you accept published information, there are 4 chosen ones in this country, including the guild master. Generally, there is 1 person in the neighboring countries. In each countries power relations.h.i.+p, there is a considerable difference in individuals, as for the power of the chosen one, some fellows only specialize in combat, and they are said to be the superior ones. Even if Bayreuth is at the top in ability for battle, the neighboring countries will form an alliance and oppose Bayreuth if they conducts tyranny. No matter how powerful a chosen one is, they can’t wipe out an army alone. Even if after they used their secret weapon. So now, balance is maintained. Well, there is also an unspoken agreement that all countries will conceal their chosen ones, too.”

“The countries won’t show their trump cards, huh? Even so, it is difficult for the chosen ones to annihilate an army. By the way, how much power does the strongest person have?”

“As far as I know, the strongest is the second princess, well the second princess, if in melee, the first princess if in magic. For the first princess, her magic could cover a wide range of 1000 enemies, but somehow she is ‘out’ if approached. The second princess depends on physical strength and strategy to defeat the enemy. Even if there are multiple combat specialized chosen ones, there is a considerable difference in the individual strength of their abilities, the combination of Bayreuth’s princess is excellent.”

s.h.i.+n calculated the abilities of the chosen ones while listening to Wilhelm’s words. Since ordinary soldiers didn’t have the benefit from the reincarnation system, their stats would not reach 300, even if they were max level. Of course the limit was not dependant on the abilities of the equipment, but still, only a few stats would reach 300.

When he thought about it, since human was another race that had high magic resistance, the INT of the first princess who was able to take on 1000 opponents would exceed 500, and even her MP would be quite large. It was extraordinary in this world to be able to use several magic attacks at once. And then the second princess who paired with her, probably had high HP, and one of STR, VIT, AGI values was near 500. He couldn’t help but smile wryly as he divided the warrior type and magician type splendidly.

“It’s somewhat easy to understand. In a sense, the duo princesses are unrivaled as a set, huh?”

The first princess defeated the enemy with magic, the second princess defeated the enemy who approached them. He had the feeling that the success in battle would rise if both of them came, as it would be interesting to a match with a thousand.

“That’s right. No matter how many combinations are made, it’s those two people after all. If similar chosen ones appear and compete, the victory or defeat will be decided by the difference between the ordinary soldiers. Because all countries also have a similar condition, it’s the reason why they cannot easily reveal their hand.”

“I see.”

In other words, the chosen ones with ability probably didn’t have much of a difference in stats. Though there was no conclusive evidence, s.h.i.+n’s definition of the chosen ones was that they had the stats of reincarnated people, which were around 500.

A justifiable request would come to Schnee, s.h.i.+n thought. All her stats exceeded 800. He didn’t know what weapon she was using now, but with added compensation, her STR would be close to 900.

If s.h.i.+n used the wide area magic he had learned before, he could annihilate not just 1000 but 10,000 enemies in a single horse ride. It’s easy to imagine the neighboring countries being annexed in a flash, if he served the country.

(Come to think of it, neither Els nor Celica-san asked me about the chosen one.)

Because they were guild staff, he thought that they would know about it. However, going from Wilhelm’s speech, there was the possibility that only the high-ranking staff and adventurers were informed about it. Well, they were likely to forget since the impression of dispelling Tiera’s curse and the Skull Face subjugation were too strong.

“Thank you for the advice. Although it’s too late, I will be careful.”

“Please do so.”

“Even so, it’s nice that Wilhelm is unexpectedly taking care of me. Is it really true that you are feared?”

s.h.i.+n talked about what he felt. s.h.i.+n sensed an unusual gap between the impression that he heard about and the impression he got when he actually met Wilhelm.

“That is because the surrounding people just think as they please, I guess. Even I don’t understand it.”

“But you are protecting the orphanage, right?”

“Other fellows are just not enthusiastic. Even when the Father was about to kick the bucket, that greedy pig guy was still meddling in the church. Because of that, the brats were crying. And a brat’s cry is harsh on my ears.”

Wilhelm said, while grimacing. However, it was probably because of a sense of incongruity he had acquired a long time ago that he felt irritated in the situation where a child was crying. Or otherwise, s.h.i.+n guessed.

“So, did you silence the guy who tried to meddle?”

“Just that. Recently, I think the brats came up with strange ideas. A kid should be a kid, they should run, sleep, and eat without worries.”

(Darn, this person is a good guy.)

s.h.i.+n thought, when Wilhelm talked bluntly.

In other words, a child should act like an innocent child and Wilhelm would not forgive the guy who was letting them cry. The t.i.tle of ‘big brother’ suited him really well.

“Good gracious! You are not being honest aren’t you?”

It was so amusing that s.h.i.+n unintentionally smirked.

“Aaah?”

“Sorry, it’s nothing. By the way, I am little worried, is it a good if I intervene in the inheritance of the church when that pig guy can use 【Purification】?”

He tightened his face to show his worries. Though the opponent was not to be liked, he shouldn’t be underestimated if he acquired the 【Purification】 by himself. A pig that was able to fight was not just a plain pig.

“It is d.a.m.n annoying, but that pig indeed possess 【Purification】. But that scoundrel’s fighting power is like, to be frank, a small fry. The method you mentioned yesterday is impossible for him. It was not possible with his level.”

“Do you know his specific level?”

“I heard it was 40.”

“It is indeed impossible. Then, it is from 【Secret Books Creation】 huh?”

As expected, it seemed that he acquired that skill from an item. Otherwise, it was impossible for such a low-level to learn 【Purification】. A reincarnation person ― A chosen one in this world ― Though it was possible, from Wilhelm’s way of speaking, it was different from s.h.i.+n’s thought.

“The church has secrets, one way or another. Even if there are such things, it is improper. More like, it was clearly unpleasant. The high-ranking priest at the headquarters’ seem to be a skill successor from a conversation I heard.”

“But even then, why is it that fat guy was let loose, is there not an eye for people? Is it the power of money?…It is the latter no matter how much I think about it.”

Certainly, for a leader’s position, there is no way that people could turn a blind eye. Besides, after thinking various things, money was indeed one of the comprehensible power.

“At first, I thought you were one of that scoundrel’s underling.”

“Is that so?, Come to think of it, isn’t it strange?”

An adventurer with 【Purification】 skill turns up with this timing. It was impossible not to doubt s.h.i.+n without Millie. All the more, she know the circ.u.mstances.

If there was no Millie, he didn’t know what would happen.

“Millie too, on her own accords, was seen talking to other people about something. I was thinking about what kind of relation they have.”

“Really? What kind of people does Millie talk to?”

“Are you interested?”

“Millie approached me as well.”

“That’s right… I cannot say in detail, but it was a black dragnil, a pixie with blond hair, and an elf with silver hair.”

“Right.”

While s.h.i.+n was lightly replying with an agreeing response, he suddenly had an idea one of the descriptions.

(Black dragnil, blond hair pixie, silver hair elf…it was a feature I heard somewhere. No, this combination itself is not that rare. However, one of the three people seems familiar.)

Though it was insufficient details for a person, “Is it that person?” question appeared in his head.

“Hey, for the last silver hair elf, is it Schnee Raizar?”

“Huh? Why do you think so?”

“Intuition…I cannot say, but I just have a hunch.”

“Intuition, huh?”

s.h.i.+n look straight into Wilhelm’s eyes.

“May I hear what Millie said to the elf at that time?”

“…‘Soon, coming back’. I don’t understand what she meant by that.”

“I see.”

“Do you know anything about it?”

“No, I don’t know.”

“You don’t know, even though your face looks convinced?”

“That I cannot say too.”

Still, s.h.i.+n who wasn’t able to say it himself, was surprised at Wilhelm who unexpectedly informed him of the contents of the conversation. By some chance, Millie already expected s.h.i.+n to come here.

“Well. Hmm?”

“You have to tell me next time no matter what.”

“Sorry, please wait for a moment.”

A message suddenly started blinking on the edge of his view. It seemed like a message from Tiera.

He told Wilhelm to wait, and opened the message.

『To s.h.i.+n

The reply from Master arrived.

For some reason, I was asked a lot of questions, so I only answered what I knew.

She will return home in a great hurry, as soon as her work has ended.

In case you are leaving Bayreuth, please let me know.

P.S.

There were a lot of questions and I was a little scared, what on earth did you do to Master?』

“…………”

The amount of questions became too scary, he thought while sending a consent message. Whether it was the result of became worried after 500 years of no news, s.h.i.+n decided to meet first to make sure so there was no problem when they were traveling together.

In the place where he was about to close the menu screen while having a bitter smile, he noticed that the column of 『Important Things』 was flas.h.i.+ng. He opened to see the 『Tsuki no Hokora Letter of Introduction』 s.h.i.+ning silver.

“Hmm? …Ah!”

s.h.i.+n thought about why it was s.h.i.+ning, and the time when he met Barlux suddenly crossed his mind. It was said that the letters of introduction of Tsuki no Hokora resonated with each other with magic and was how one knew whether it was a genuine thing.

“That means…”

He took out the letter of introduction which in this state was formed into a card. Because he didn’t know what design would appear, he covered it by hand to prevent it from being seen just in case.

The letter of introduction emitted silver light in the state which formed into a card.

“This is…”

“Oi, don’t tell me, do you have the letter of introduction of Tsuki no Hokora?”

What? Wilhelm asked what s.h.i.+n was about to say.

Then s.h.i.+n noticed and asked back.

For that a letter of introduction to emit light, that means ――

“You too, do you have it?”

“The letter of introduction s.h.i.+ned after all!”

Wilhelm took out a piece of card from the open s.p.a.ce with surprise look on his face. Similar to s.h.i.+n’s, Wilhelm’s card emitted silver light.

“…that is, no way!”

“…It surely is.”

s.h.i.+n and Wilhelm looked at each other.

An indescribable atmosphere filled the place.

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