“They’re weaklings. They shouldn’t have run from there.”
“You!”
“You hurt one of our comrades. I will kill you.”
Kiaris and Benare drew their weapons, but I stopped them and told them not to move.
Behind Spike was a subordinate knight with a staff instead of a sword at his waist. They seemed to be versatile knights who could use both sword and magic.
There was only one way in and out, and if we moved incorrectly, we would be attacked by a rain of magic.
“What is your purpose? Are you looking for relics?”
“That’s all there is. Oh, aren’t you the leader of the famous Manyu Brigade or something? You seem to be having a lot of success lately. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve gained a lot of experience here.”
At that moment, they gave the signal and unleashed magic at the same time.
Of course, I had no intention of getting hit. I used my seal to summon Kuratan and create a barrier to protect everyone.
“Stop. Maybe we should work together.”
“There are no rules in this place. There are no judges. There are only winners and losers. And the winner is the one who can collect the most relics.”
So they think they can take whatever they want.
It’s true that it’s more efficient to collect relics that way, minimizing damage from monsters and getting great results. But that’s not how adventurers think.
“Spikes have no romance.”
“Romance?”
“Adventurers are adventurers because there is adventure. Have you seen landscapes that excite you? Have you had exciting encounters? Have you fought in a battle where there is only risk?”
“Your preaching is beginning to annoy me, old man. You’re too annoying. Die.”
In the blink of an eye, I saw a large scythe heading for my neck.
“Old man? I’m still in my thirties!”
I smashed the scythe with my fist.
The shockwave also knocked Spike down. This caused him to be thrown outside the wall of the archaeological site.
Uh-oh… I think I used too much force. I hope he’s not dead.
“He defeated Spike with a single blow!”
“He’s a true beast!”
“Retreat! Let’s get out of here!”
The knights fled.
I don’t know what kind of rumors are circulating about me, but this will definitely make things worse.
“Leader, your strength is still legendary.”
“Yes, as long as we’re with him, nothing bad will happen to us.”
I still haven’t gotten used to this kind of praise.
After that, the four of us collected the relics and left.
****
Our fortress is made of very strong stone.
Not only is it physically strong, but it also has defensive barriers against magical attacks and barriers against monsters created by mages.
Below the fortress, there are dwellings with fields and animals.
The people who live here have been evacuated from other places, those who came in search of riches but lost everything and have no way to return, as most of the ships have returned to the other continent. Even if there were a ship, they would refuse to let outsiders on board.
So while we wait for the next ship, we protect ourselves here. Some have adapted to life here and have become temporary members of the team. We help them level up so they can at least defend themselves.
“Oh, here comes Nei-sama.”
“I see her.”
Looking down from the top of the fortress, I saw Nei leading the team through the gate. The exploration of the southern continent will finally begin.
“Toru! I missed you so much!”
“It’s been a while. You seem to be doing well.”
Next to her were Marianne, Alyusha and Kaede. As soon as they were in front of me, I couldn’t help but hug them.
“I’ve been looking forward to this day. I really wanted to see you.”
“I’m sorry for worrying you so much.”
Hugging Kaede, I felt her warm embrace after such a long time. Then I looked down and saw Clara, Knox and Kite.
“Wow, you three have grown so much since the last time I saw you.”
“Dad!”
The three children clung to my waist.
I decided to bring them here so they could get used to these new lands.
We still don’t know what path they will choose in the future, but at least we want to pave the way for them to become successful adventurers.
“Ah, and as you requested, we brought the three giants as well.”
“Thank you… I see they have grown a lot as well.”
Three larger giants were outside, and three giant offspring were running and playing among them.
They had been abandoned by the elf village, but they had grown too big to control. So I decided to bring them here. Originally, it was thought that the habitat of the giants was on the other side of the sea. But it’s very likely that the southern continent is their true home.
Behichiro, Jiro, and Saburo stand over 20 meters tall.
Although they seem to eat very little, they were too big to live in the Elf Forest.
“When I went to get them, my older brother got very angry. He told me never to bring another behemoth. And if my older brother doesn’t speak to me for years. Toru-sama, make sure you apologize properly.”
“All right, I’ll apologize to him when this is over.”
Alyusha was very angry at the way she was treated.
By the way, the other wives didn’t come here because they are busy taking care of the babies. But I’m sure they’re safe with Panda and Grandma Neze.
“Well, then let’s prepare the meal.”
Kaede and the others went into the kitchen.
Nei, the children and I sat in the chairs, and Kiaris stood against the wall behind Nei, as if to say, “I am Nei-sama’s subordinate.
He even gave me a sharp look.
I understand, do what you want.
“As you can see, the base has already been built. I’ve also made a map showing the surroundings and important points. And since I was bored, I explored three ruins.”
“Did you find any artifacts?”
“Enough to compensate for what we lost in the colonization and expedition, and even gain more. Combined with the materials I obtained, it’s a great benefit. This is the estimated amount.”
I pulled out an income report that Kiaris had prepared.
The selling price of the artifacts varies depending on the market at the time. It’s probably the most valuable now. Even I was surprised by the selling price.
There really is a mountain of treasure here. So it’s not hard to imagine that many adventurers will rush here in no time.
And our island will be integrated into the sea route and become a trade center.
To be honest, colonizing the island and exploring the southern continent weren’t my ideas. It was the result of my deliberation and decision after receiving advice.
“I see I made the right decision after all.”
“Eh?! Soara?! Why are you here?”
“Hehehe, it’s been a long time, Toru.”
To my surprise, Soara entered the room wearing a robe, and a few seconds later, a boy and a girl entered wearing elegant clothes fit for royalty.
Soara came here to see if the investment she had made was worth it. She didn’t come here to introduce her father to her other two children.
Well, thanks to Soara’s vision and financial support, we’ve gotten this far.
So Nei handed the report to Soara.
“If things continue like this, we’ll soon recoup our investment.”
“I’m always amazed at your money-making instincts-”
“Please say it as a gift of faith. God told me to make money.”
“I’m still surprised that you haven’t changed at all after all these years.”
Don’t say that, Nei. This is nothing new.
