abcnovels
Chapter 45: Pray and Pray Again (3)
Chapter 45: Pray and Pray Again (3)
Chapter 45: Pray and Pray Again (3)
I spent a day and a half enjoying my newfound freedom alone. The ship that was to be used to catch the Sea Dragon had arrived.
I had heard it had a lot of defense devices and artillery…
By then, I realized close-quarter combat probably wouldn’t happen this time. I’d expected it after hearing the plan’s details, but that narrow deck made it even more evident.
A typical Raid involved fighting a boss while avoiding its attacks, but this thing wasn’t big enough for that.
Even if I tried to with my sizable gaming experience, the ship’s mast or outer boards would get destroyed, or the Sea Dragon might split it in half with its tail.
Either way, that was wholly unacceptable. We couldn’t risk the ship sinking just because we wanted to get close enough to engage it in melee.
However, that wasn’t really the problem.
“It’ll take a miracle to find a crew that can operate it, much less a captain…”
Whether it was finding people to lure it to the coast or to carry out a maritime battle, they would first have to enter the Dragon’s Gate… We couldn’t find anyone who would venture into that place.
“Is it that hard to find someone even in this big city?”
“Everyone who comes to us says they don’t really have the required skills, and if they do, what can we do if they don’t budge even after being offered hundreds of millions of Gal? I’m sick of it, too.”
Even Deb, who probably sought the help of the Information Guild, raised both his hands and feet into the air. That meant there wasn’t anyone who met our requirements in this city, at least.
“How come?”
“There are plenty of opinions about battling the Sea Dragon. Although we’ve been telling everyone that the ocean is slowly but surely getting destroyed, they don’t seem to believe us because nothing has happened here yet.”
The reason those with poor skills responded to our call was, ironically, because their skills were poor. They weren’t good enough at their job to make much money, so they volunteered to confront the Sea Dragon to earn some.
However, we didn’t need such people. What we needed was a first-rate captain.
“I’m currently in the process of searching for more and persuading them, but I’ll definitely get something in a few days. You got that?”
“No, you already went through so much. What can you do in this situation? It’s not like the talented people we need will suddenly fall out of the sky. Still, please keep it up a bit longer.”
“Okaaay…”
At that moment, I wondered whether that Windhand or whoever was on that list.
“Windhand.”
“What?”
“Didn’t you say with your own mouth that he is famous?”
After leaving some pretty lengthy video messages yesterday and today, I was worried that my tone of voice had softened a bit. I frowned at the thought.
“…According to the rumors, it should be possible for him. People consider him a descendant of Soldini, so his navigational skills must be exceptional.”
“But he’s a privateer…”
“And?”
“He’s a criminal! Although they are only implicitly recognized as pirates, according to the law, they are still criminals.”
The Inquisitor shouted, seemingly unable to make any sense of this situation. Honestly, I would have been disappointed if she stopped pointing out this sort of thing.
“I don’t care.”
However, when had I ever cared about criminal records and the like? I didn’t think that the ends justified the means, but that was just my own opinion. My character would use any means or method to reach his goal.
But given our position, I wasn’t against this choice. If we didn’t solve this problem quickly, the entire region might disappear soon.
If they weren’t that bad, wouldn’t it be worth trying to be a bit flexible? Like, try working with them first and, if they are too evil, send them to jail after?
Usually, characters meant to be supporters weren’t that terrible. Hmph, what was the point in ruining the player’s mood, right?
“B-But…”
The Inquisitor seemed to break down again, while the Archmage and Deb looked quite pleased.
“This might be a better move than you think. How should we go about negotiating with privateers? But… um, what about his notoriety?”
“As a privateer, he has some basic notoriety. However, I don’t think I have ever heard anything about him or his crew being particularly vicious. I’ve even heard that if one were to get robbed at sea, it’s better to get robbed by Windhand…”
“What? People hold that kind of opinion?”
“It’s the lesser evil. It’s better to be robbed by a privateer who is only after your wealth and guarantees humane treatment than by one who takes not only your wealth but also your life.”
There was no denying he was a criminal, as he robbed others, but he was far better than those types of people. If there were lines he wouldn’t cross, he was more morally acceptable, and this transaction would be much easier.
“Then it seems this option is quite feasible.”
“Even you, Sir Archmage!”
“Our situation is quite urgent, isn’t it? I’m not asking you to forgive him, but I want you to consider what takes precedence. If we don’t deal with the Sea Dragon problem, tens of thousands of people will die.”
“Th-that’s…”
“Should I find a way to contact him, then?”
“Please do. I’ll also tell the others, as well.”
“Sigh, I don’t know if it’ll work, though.”
Deb spoke weakly, asking how he could find people across the sea. But from the raised corners of his mouth, it didn’t look like it wouldn’t work out.
Rattle.
At that moment, the door to the guild hall opened. The conversation, which had been gradually wrapping up, was thus completely cut off.
“Yes, this is the Grü Teltz Adventurers’ Guild.”
“Hey, I’m trying to find someone.”
“Do you want to make a request?”
I was drinking some water at that moment, despite not being particularly thirsty, so I could glance at the person who had come in.
My character wouldn’t watch his surroundings like that, but it was inevitable that I would catch a glimpse of them even while staring ahead.
What I saw were two people wearing robes. One was approximately 170 cm tall and appeared to have a somewhat strong physique.
The other had decorations dangling down from under his hood to about his neckline.
“It’s not supposed to be a request. I just wanted to ask if you know whether that person is among the adventurers.”
“It would seem you are looking for designated employment, then.”
“Only if the person we are seeking is an adventurer.”
“Please describe what he looks like.”
Not only could I somehow perceive their appearance, but I could also hear their conversation. Perhaps because it was evening, the guild hall was surprisingly quiet.
Although we were sitting in the connected tavern, we were the only ones present.
“First, uhm, he carries a huge sword on his back and has an eyepatch… Yeah, that’s what they wrote down.”
That’s how I managed to catch what they were talking about from the other side.
“He wears black… Oh, right. Most importantly, the left and right sides of his hair are completely different colors! Do you know anyone like that?”
No matter how I looked at it, they were searching for me.
“…Like him?”
“Huh? Where… Ah, yeah! Just like… like…”
I saw one of the suspiciously dressed people mention me, just as he happened to catch sight of me, as well.
His voice slowed near the end before stopping completely, but then he suddenly raised his voice.
“Found him!”
What was going on?
“Demon Knight, do you know these people?”
“There sure are a lot of people in this city who know you, Mister.”
“Have you worked here before?”
Everyone in the party had something to say, but I had no idea. Even if I knew them, it would be extremely difficult to recognize them while they were covered in robes like that.
“Shut up.”
After stopping those three from chattering further with two simple words, I made eye contact with the person approaching me. Only a grinning mouth was visible beneath the hood.
“Hey, I had no idea that I would be able to find you right away.”
“And you are?”
I tried to guess my opponent’s identity through my usual rude manner of speech.
Honestly, there wasn’t a single person who came to my mind when looking at him. There were only a few I was involved with whom I could recall clearly, but none of them had a voice like that, and I didn’t necessarily remember others who might know me…
“Someone who wants to ask for your help?”
Even if he tried to speak cutely in that deep voice, I didn’t feel anything, so I just put that aside.
“Not interested.”
I had no idea when I would have to slay that dragon, so what’s with this random request now?
I didn’t know whether it was a short-term mission, but I wasn’t the sort to wait for others to explain the situation in greater detail or let them list their conditions. So, all I could say was no.
“Don’t be like that. Just listen to my story.”
“Get lost.”
The robed one who’d stepped forward scratched the back of his head at my stubborn attitude. The person behind him seemed moderately annoyed and took a step forward, but the first one promptly blocked him, making his efforts useless.
It was a wise choice I was grateful for. My character would never avoid a fight, after all.
I didn’t want to fight civilians if possible.
“Then I’ll just…”
“Please. People’s lives are at stake.”
Deb, who was about to sneak away, stopped at those words.
People’s lives. I had no choice but to narrow my eyes at that. Depending on the type of life in danger, I might not be able to ignore it and just move on.
“Quite a few, at that.”
It became even more challenging to refuse with so many at stake. My brows furrowed, and the Inquisitor made a face reminiscent of a puppy needing to poop.
“Let’s at least hear them out.”
So, when the Archmage gave me the right prompt, I could finally give a positive answer.
“I’ll only listen.”
“Good, good. But because this issue is quite intimate, I’d like to go somewhere else…. This place is a bit too open.”
The client muttered and left for the moment, saying he would borrow the reception room provided by the guild. Knock, knock. Deb, who was tapping on the table, opened his mouth.
“They must be from the Yabad region. Long earrings, braided hair, and bronze skin. Those are common traits in that area.”
…Why did that guy know so much? Were all thieves like that?
“And… the salt stains on their boots, the stiffness of their pants, and the smell of alcohol permeating their bodies makes me think they might be sailors. Considering one carries the slight scent of blood, they don’t appear to be ordinary sailors, either.”
Was he actually a descendant of Sherlock Holmes?
“That’s what I could read from them, roughly. Does any of that ring a bell, Mister Knight?”
However, even after he said all that, I couldn’t think of anyone, let alone sailors from Yabad; I had only recently learned about that region's existence.
“I think they just came here after hearing about your reputation.”
That might be true, as well… However, I doubted it was normal for a client to come to an adventurer in person. It would take me a while to properly express that concern.
“Well, let’s take the opportunity to ask them about Windhand. Since he’s also active in that area, they might know more than the people here.”
I had decided to hear them out anyway. I went to the reception room and slowly approached the guy calling me.
“Hmm, I’m asking just in case: are these three also part of your group?”
“It’s temporary, but we are moving together for now.”
Before I could say anything, the Archmage butted in. If I said I wasn’t part of this group, the situation would become much more complicated, so he probably thought it would be better just to handle it himself. It was actually a lot better for me, as well.
“If it’s secrecy you’re worried about, you don’t have to be.”
“…Hmm. Fine. I’ll take your word for it. It’s not like we have any choice, though.”
His companion seemed to be trying to intervene by urgently grabbing his arm, but the client was rather adamant. The door to the reception room was closed behind us.
“Good. Then let us start our conversation.”
The client sitting across from me sighed slightly and immediately removed his robe.
Then, I saw the Sland tribe’s unique long-pointed ears, a faded hood, and some accessories hiding beneath it. The only thing draped over his upper body was a coat, leaving the chest and stomach exposed.
“Urgh, I thought I would die of frustration.”
“…! L-Leader!”
“…Wait, that guy…”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Trust is the lifeblood of business, right?”
Behind me, Deb opened his mouth slightly, and the client smiled while trying to calm his companion. The next thing he did was grin and point at himself with his thumb as he looked at me.
“I’m Suriya from Jacrati. People usually call me Windhand, though. I’m in your care.”
…What?
* * *
* * *
“By the way, let me tell you in advance: I didn’t come here as a privateer captain but under the Lord of Jacrati’s order. Please don’t even think about reporting me. We have some circumstances which prevent us from attracting any attention, but we do have a temporary acquittal. I can show you if you want.”
Was he seriously Windhand?
“Your business?”
Frankly, I wanted to open my eyes wide and ask him if he was for real, but… my character wasn’t one to be surprised by such things.
I tried to calm my heart and let out a cold voice, ignoring the sound of Deb desperately covering the Inquisitor’s mouth from behind.
“You’re believing me just like that?”
“If what you said is a lie, I can just cut off your head. Do I need to know more than that?”
“How hotheaded. Anyone with the ambition to become a swordsman should be like that. Then, Mister Hotheaded Adventurer, can I hear your name?”
“If you called me here to make friends, I’ll leave.”
“You’re short-tempered, as well! Okay, I got it.”
Was it because of my attitude that destroyed whatever goodwill anyone held toward me? The Archmage, who had been just as utterly confused as me not too long ago, suddenly came to his senses and desperately jabbed me in the back.
Click.
However, my character wasn’t the type to allow such behavior…
“…?”
I looked back with my hand on the hilt of my sword.
“Do you want to die?”
The mage was a wise one; he immediately withdrew his hand.
“Then, let’s cut to the chase, shall we?”
Windhand also took notice of what happened and got to the point.
“Do you know Jacrati’s situation?”
“I don’t.”
“Then I guess I should start at the beginning.”
Windhand wound his drop earring around his finger and calmly constructed his next sentence.
“Jacrati is currently in a civil war. It’s actually been in a civil war for quite some time.”
As he said that, he mentioned names and incidents I had heard of before.
“It’s a fight that has been ongoing ever since the former lord of the castle, Vipurit, overstepped his bounds after his brother, Pion, rebelled against him and took his leadership.”
It was something Deb had told me while we were hunting pirates.
“While we call it a civil war, in reality, it’s closer to being harassed nonstop by pirates. Vipurit, who was driven out, started pirating openly, and all regions declared him a public enemy.
“The gist.”
“Vipurit’s forces have become very strong these days, though not enough to occupy a city or even advance all the way to Jacrati’s Castle.”
I had a rough idea now: the driven-out tyrant had returned with more power, and this guy came here to find forces to oppose them. It seemed they had chosen me as a target.
“I’ve tried contacting other cities, but their situations are just as bad. Everyone is so busy protecting their own land and sea routes that it’s very difficult for us to get any help.”
“…I heard there is a lot of pirate activity around the southern coast, but was it to that extent?”
“Yes. I came here because I couldn’t find help anywhere else.”
After speaking to this point, Windhand looked straight at me. His black eyes reflected me perfectly.
“I saw you fighting. You have the strength of over a hundred men. I’ll give you as much money as you want, so could you please lend me some of your strength?”
What should I say to him? It was true that their situation was pretty urgent, but this was a very delicate matter that affected an entire region.
“…Rather, I have one thing I’m curious about. If it’s that urgent, wouldn’t it be better to ask the Lord for help?”
“Who doesn’t know that? But… the Yabad region has many port cities due to the operations of privateers. But I didn’t want to hire those kinds of people.”
He really didn’t plan on acting as the Privateer Captain Windhand.
“It’s much faster to hire adventurers than to expect those people to help. They move so long as they get paid.”
“Is it truly possible to turn the tide of that war with just adventurers?”
“I have a plan. I also intend to find and recruit more talented people besides you.”
Immediately after saying that, he added a ‘But’.
“The reason I sought you out first was just because I can’t take many people. My boat isn’t that big.”
If the number he could take was limited, it was understandable for him to value quality over quantity.
Why he’d locked onto me specifically… It probably was because, in his opinion, I was strong. I wondered just what he had seen to reach that conclusion.
“So, how about it? Have you changed your mind?”
The problem was our current situation. We urgently needed to do something about the Sea Dragon, so we needed a skilled captain.
Until we’d resolved that matter, it would be rather difficult for me to go anywhere else.
“Do you know of the Dragon’s Gate?”
So, what was I supposed to do? I needed to negotiate. My character wasn’t so stubborn that he couldn’t even compromise, okay?
“The Dragon’s Gate? Yeah, I know the place.”
“Can you enter it?”
“Hmm. That question’s a bit random… To answer you, probably. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m rather confident.”
“Then let’s do this: pay me my down payment first. I will then accept your request.”
“Huh? Down payment? That’s a bit… No, we can do it like that, huh? How much do you need?”
“I’m not in need of wealth or the like.”
“Then?”
“Your navigational skills.”
“…?”
Ah, of course, it wasn’t impossible, but I never said that I would be kind about it.
“Guide us through the Dragon’s Gate.”
Windhand’s expression became kind of strange.
“…I’m a bit surprised. Why do you want to get there?”
“We must hunt the Sea Dragon.”
“…What?”
The guy behind him had the face of someone who doubted his ears.
“Wait a second? What? The Sea Dragon?”
“Do you lack the ability to comprehend speech?”
“Wait, really? Why??”
I think that was actually a very normal reaction, but I tried to maintain a look of irritation in my eyes. Windhand struggled for words.
“Noisy. I’ll explain in detail.”
“Woah. You’re even serious enough about this to explain? Why are you hunting the Sea Dragon?!”
“Because it was corrupted.”
“…What?”
From that point on, it was the Archmage’s turn. The wizard took advantage of the opportunity I gave him to quickly and concisely explain the current situation.
Windhand and his companion inevitably sat there, mouths gaping open, throughout the explanation.
“No, no, what?”
Right. Of course, it would be rather shocking to learn that the place they came to in order to resolve their civil war actually had a much bigger time bomb to resolve. That was just the kind of world we were living in.
“…Okay, I understand the situation. You aren’t in a position to easily move right now.”
Fortunately, Windhand was quick to grasp the situation.
“I will withdraw my request.”
And he was also quick to cut us loose.
“I came here to find people to save our land, not risk my life.”
“Wait, please reconsider. This doesn’t just involve this city. The entire West Sea will be doomed.”
“I don’t know either, okay? The West Sea won’t be destroyed immediately, right? Unlike Jacrati! Jacrati is nothing more than a candle in the wind right now.”
“Didn’t we say we would accept your request? All you have to do is get us into the Dragon’s Gate.”
Windhand let out a sharp laugh at the Archmage’s request. He expressed that we should stop talking nonsense without even having to say it.
“I just need to get you into the Dragon’s Gate? How shameless! Unless you have the ability to walk on water, it’s obvious I would also have to steer the boat while you hunt the dragon!”
He blurted out the next few sentences without even giving the Archmage time to continue.
“My life isn't mine alone. The people of Jacrati sent me out because they believe in me, so I can’t die in vain here.”
It was a very sound rejection. Although, the Archmage wasn’t one to retreat lightly, either.
“If you say you will help, I will do my best to send aid directly to Jacrati from the Mage Tower and the Temple.”
“Hey, how can you guarantee they’ll move? Do you think I don’t know how heavy those bastards’ asses are? Or do you have some connections, maybe?”
“I have no connections, but as an archmage, I oversee part of the Magic Tower. I’m not lying, so please believe me.”
Did he not expect this? Windhand’s expression softened a little.
“…Fine, I can’t verify whether what you said is true or false, but I’ll just believe you for now. Even so, my opinion remains unchanged. I don’t think those selfish Magic Tower bastards would help Jacrati if they didn’t have something to gain from it.”
Of course, believing didn’t mean accepting.
“And the Temple… You all know the Yabad region doesn’t favor the Temple, right? You should have just mentioned the Magic Tower, you know? How stupid.”
What did he mean? I frowned at hearing that the Yabad region very much hated the Temple.
“…”
When I glanced back, I saw that the Inquisitor wore a complicated expression.
It was a bit strange that Deb had been completely silent for some time now. I wondered if that was the reason why.
“Whatever. Talking more would just be a waste of time. I’m leaving now. There are probably many more adventurers and mercenaries of the same level around here.”
“…Until this matter is resolved, it’ll be rather difficult for you to achieve your goal in this city. Those who claim to be skilled will likely mobilize to slay the Dragon.”
“What?”
“I’m pretty sure the Lord is in a similar position. The closest city to the Dragon’s Gate is Grü Teltz, after all…. If this matter is left unattended, this city will be the first to suffer damage.”
“…Are you threatening me now?”
“How could I? I only gave you some advice because I didn’t want to see you waste any more of your time.”
Such things were usually called threats, but…
I kept my mouth shut. No matter how I looked at it, I would only benefit if the Archmage won this argument.
“Shit…”
Windhand chewed on his lips, his expression baring the intent to punch the Archmage in the face.
For a person representing a group, he didn’t seem very good at managing his facial expressions. Or maybe he was just that anxious.
“…How about this instead. If you help us deal with the problem in Jacrati first, I will also help you.”
A minute later, Windhand gave us another suggestion.
There was also the option of going to another city, but it seemed like he wanted to find his solution here.
“Then the West Sea will suffer further damage. Are you saying Jacrati’s problem can be resolved in a day or two?”
However, as the Archmage said, the problem was that this matter wouldn’t be settled anytime soon. Maybe in a few days at the earliest, but it would most likely take longer.
And during that time…
?In any case… If this continues, the only thing awaiting us will be death…?
?But why couldn't you save my mom??
Small towns might be unable to endure it any longer and disappear into oblivion. No, it had taken far too long already.
“Then what about the Dragon? Can you catch it in just one or two days, then?”
“That’s…”
Was it now my turn to step forward?
The order didn’t really matter, but taking turns helping each other seemed to be good for both sides.
Thus, I just needed to reassure them that it would be fine if their turn got pushed back a little. If they were worried we would take too long, I just had to assure them that we wouldn’t.
“No, is it even possible to hunt it to begin with? Do you actually think it’s possible to kill a dragon?!”
And I was better suited for that than the Archmage. That was my character’s specialty.
“Why do you think it’s so absurd?”
“What?”
“Let me ask you. How long does it take to get to the Dragon’s Gate.”
“Hah, I should have already told you. Unless you help us first, there’ll be no deal…”
“I asked you how long it would take.”
I lowered my voice but spoke very clearly and with plenty of emphasis. Windhand seemed to feel something and stopped there, staring straight at me.
“If we leave from this place, it won't take more than a day.”
“You sure?”
“It’s not that far away, right? I memorized the entire West Sea, so yeah, I’m sure. No more than a day. If you just want to go there, half a day’s enough.”
“Well, it’ll take half a day for me as well.”
“What?”
Now came the most important part.
I declared it as if trying to brainwash myself.
“Taking off from this city, slaying the dragon, and returning to this city.”
Due to the Raid environment, close-quarter dealers wouldn’t play an active role. Also, the abilities of the party we would be raiding with were unknown. In fact, we hadn’t even discussed the proper strategy to attack the Dragon yet, either. I simply ignored all these problems.
“Half a day, no, one day would be enough since it’ll be a round trip. Assuming the time you just gave us isn’t incorrect.
Because roleplayers didn’t really care about that!
So please do a good job, my future self!