◇ ◇ ◇
Haruto and Teruche, having left the Hitia Duchy, were now based in Tsutrail.
With Orun officially branded the "Enemy of the World" at the recent summit and Lucila’s calculated performance, the likelihood of the Cult launching an attack on Tsutrail had plummeted. Even so, they couldn't rule out the unexpected. Haruto and Teruche had come to the city to serve as a rear guard—ready to intercept any invasion and immediately notify Orun’s group if the worst occurred.
"Haruto, you have guests."
Teruche found Haruto napping at the Copper Afterglow clan home and announced that they had visitors.
"Guests? Ugh... dealing with people is a pain. Just send them away," Haruto grumbled, rubbing his eyes and letting out a long yawn.
At his dismissive attitude, a sharp aura of bloodlust radiated from Teruche.
"I don’t recall ever agreeing to be your servant. Do you?"
"I got carried away! I’m sorry!" Haruto squeaked. Hearing the low, icy edge in Teruche’s voice, he immediately dropped into a frantic kowtow.
"Pfft. Isn't the Leader being a bit too pathetic?"
"He’s already completely under her thumb," Katina and Huey remarked, watching the exchange from the sidelines.
"Hey! You two! Shut up!" Haruto snapped.
"I told you, you're keeping people waiting. Now go," Teruche commanded.
"Yes, ma'am..." Haruto grumbled. He shot a final glare at the two laughing at him before scurrying off toward the reception room.
◇
"Huh? You guys are..."
When Haruto entered the room, he found Wilkes Sevary and Lucretia Otis of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky waiting for him.
"It’s been a while, Haruto-san," Wilkes said, offering a casual wave.
"To what do we owe the honor? What brings the busy explorers of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky to such a small-time clan?"
"A small-time clan? Haruto-san, you’re an S-Rank Explorer just like us. I don't think your clan is 'small-time' at all," Lucretia replied with a wry smile, trying to counter his self-deprecation.
"Sure, we both have S-Rank parties, but the scale is worlds apart. We’re barely a dozen people, while you’re a major organization with over a thousand members. Besides, didn't the Royal Family just pledge their support to you for the Great Labyrinth conquest? It’s presumptuous to even compare us."
"Listen, Haruto-san," Wilkes interrupted, cutting straight to the point. "What is Copper Afterglow planning to do from here on out?"
"What do you mean, 'what'?"
"The world is demanding the conquest of the Great Labyrinths. It seems Copper Afterglow hasn't bothered with deep-floor exploration until now, but I want to know if you have any intention of clearing them."
"Conquest, huh? Well, I hate to disappoint you, but for the time being, I have no interest in conquering the Great Labyrinth."
Wilkes and Lucretia were visibly stunned by his answer. Every explorer dreamed of conquering a Great Labyrinth at least once—to conquer the invincible fortresses that had stood unchallenged for centuries. The fame and honor awaiting those who succeeded were beyond measure.
However, until recently, conquering a Great Labyrinth was nothing more than an "explorer’s dream." To the average person, it didn't really matter. In fact, many had preferred the labyrinths remain unconquered. When the Great Labyrinth of the West was cleared the previous year, it ceased to function, cutting off the supply of magic stones and other vital resources. For most, the loss of those resources was a net negative.
But that sentiment had shifted overnight. News of the recent summit had spread like wildfire through newspapers and rumors. Now that the public knew conquering the Great Labyrinths was the first step toward purging magic beasts from the surface, the number of people praying for their downfall had skyrocketed.
"Why aren't you interested?" Lucretia asked.
"Don't get me wrong. I’m not saying the labyrinths shouldn't be cleared. In fact, I believe they must be conquered."
"Then why—"
"It’s a matter of priority. Right now, I have something else I need to do that takes precedence over the Great Labyrinth."
"Something else?"
"Yeah. It’s something so important to me that it might be the most significant undertaking of my entire life."
"...I see. Haruto-san, is this priority of yours starting immediately?" Lucretia pressed.
"No. I’m currently waiting for word on it. It’s not something starting today or tomorrow."
"Then, at least until you have to start on that priority, would you be willing to teach us how to fight?"
"Huh? How to fight? You guys are plenty strong already."
"No... we’ve realized that with our current strength, we aren't capable of conquering the Great Labyrinth," Wilkes said, his fists trembling with suppressed frustration.
"I admire the ambition, but why come to me?"
"Actually, Orun suggested it," Lucretia said.
Haruto’s eyes went wide. "...Orun did?"
"Yes. He said if we wanted to reach the next level, we should rely on you. He told us he learned a specific technique from you, too."
Haruto scratched his head, deep in thought. Then, he decided to test them.
"You realize Orun is a wanted criminal now, right? He facilitated a prison break and murdered the Grandmaster of the Explorer Guild. You’re going to take the word of a man like that?"
"Orun isn't some thoughtless fool who'd do that for no reason!" Wilkes shouted, his eyes narrowing. "It’s true he was expelled from the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky. He’s a criminal. But he's not...! I can't give you the details, but Orun isn't the kind of person who does things like that because he wants to!"
Wilkes was shaking, barely containing his indignation.
(...So these guys know a bit about Orun’s true motives? Though they don't seem to know about my specific history with him. Good grief, Orun, you sure left me one hell of a headache. If I have to train Wilkes and Lucretia on top of everything else, I’m going to die of overwork.)
Haruto looked off into the distance, mentally cursing Orun.
"Please, Haruto-san! Even if it's just on the side, teach us that technique!"
"I’m begging you!"
Lucretia and Wilkes bowed their heads low.
"............Let me think for a minute."
Haruto retreated into his own mind.
(These two are top-tier among the general explorer population. But they’re weaker than me. At this rate, they'll never clear the Great Labyrinth. And yet, Orun still thinks highly of the Silver Rabbit's First Unit and his own disciples. Enough that he wants to entrust the conquest of the Great Labyrinth of the South to them. If he sent them to me, does that mean he thinks they'll transform if they master Ki manipulation? Ki, huh...)
He turned the thought over several times but couldn't reach a definitive conclusion. Finally, he gave up on logic.
(...Alright, I don't get it! Besides, why should I be the only one suffering through extra work? Exactly. I’ll just drag Teruche into this!)
He abandoned his reservations and decided to involve her. He never realized that this was exactly what Orun had intended.
◇
Haruto asked Wilkes and Lucretia to wait and headed back to Teruche.
"Hey, Teruche!"
Teruche, who was busy in the kitchen, scowled. "...What now?"
Haruto looked down and saw a large piece of meat simmering in a pot. "Oh, that smells great. Meat for dinner? Thanks for always handling the cooking."
At his genuine gratitude, Teruche’s expression softened for a fraction of a second before her scowl returned.
"It’s nothing. I was making it anyway. Is that all? If so, get out of my way."
"You don't have to be so cold. Actually, I have a favor to ask."
"...A favor?"
Haruto explained that Wilkes and Lucretia had asked for instruction on Ki. Teruche listened with a skeptical look, but her expression turned contemplative as he finished.
"If Master Orun suggested it to them, he must have a reason..." She touched her chin, trying to decipher Orun’s intent.
"For Wilkes, the goal has to be the Culmination of Ki," Haruto stated.
Teruche nodded. "Yes, undoubtedly. Reaching the state of Evil-Bane is the only way a Non-Special Ability User can hope to counter a Special Ability User or a demon. It’s a prerequisite for facing the boss on the 100th Floor of the Great Labyrinth of the South."
During the Fairy Tale Era, humans forced to fight against the Evil God and demons underwent a massive evolutionary shift. This resulted in the manifestation of Special Abilities and the mastery of Ki manipulation. Ki was a power inherent to all humans, but it was the pressure of those dire circumstances that allowed people to finally control it. The technique spread and became humanity's greatest weapon. Those who reached the peak of Ki mastery obtained the power to shatter mana itself: Evil-Bane.
However, only Non-Special Ability Users had the potential to reach that peak.
The reason was simple: Special Abilities were derived from mana. If a gifted person, whose body was unified with mana through their ability, tried to wield Evil-Bane, they would inflict catastrophic damage upon themselves. Because of this, gifted individuals possessed a subconscious "brake" that prevented them from using Evil-Bane.
Removing that brake and reaching the ultimate extreme was the essence of Orun’s Final Form: Mont Ende.
"But can it really be mastered in such a short time? Even in the legends, you could count the number of people who reached it on one hand," Haruto argued.
"Master Orun must believe they can. The real question is the other one... her Mana Tracking ability. Chasing the vestiges of mana... Wait, could it be...?"
Teruche’s brow furrowed as she explored the possibilities of Lucretia’s power. Suddenly, her eyes lit up as if the pieces had clicked into place.
"Did you figure it out?"
"Yes, likely. I’ll take charge of the girl. Haruto, you focus on the boy."
◇
"Alright! I’ve decided to grant your request and teach you!"
Haruto announced as he and Teruche returned to the reception room.
"Oh... thank you..." Lucretia stammered, caught off guard. Both of them were confused by the sudden 180-degree shift in Haruto's mood.
Ignoring the awkwardness, Teruche stepped toward Lucretia.
"You’re Lucretia Otis. I’m Teruche. I will be your instructor. I don't intend to go easy on you, so if you want to quit, say so now. It will save us both the trouble."
Teruche introduced herself without her surname, her voice sharp. However, Lucretia noticed a flicker of hidden kindness in her eyes and posture.
"I won't quit! I look forward to working with you!"
"...You don't need to be so formal if you aren't comfortable with it."
"Eh? Oh, okay. Thanks."
"Good. We’re heading to the Great Labyrinth immediately. Follow me."
Without waiting for a response, Teruche marched out of the room.
"Wait! Hold on!" Lucretia cried, scrambling to catch up.
"...Is she going to be alright?" Wilkes muttered, watching them go with a worried expression.
"Don't worry. Teruche is a softie at heart. Now then, let's get started on our end."
Haruto redirected Wilkes's attention.
"Yes, sir! Please!" Wilkes stood straight, his eyes locked onto Haruto's.
"You’re going to become the ultimate Defender. I’m going to beat the basics into you—line of sight, footwork—and then I’ll hammer in the technique you’re looking for. I’m going Spartan, so make sure you keep up."
"Bring it on! I'll master it no matter what!" Wilkes replied with a fierce, determined grin.
And so, the two began their grueling training under Haruto and Teruche.
Happy New Year! Thank you for your continued support this year.