The alliance between our team and Behemoth has allowed the search for relics on the southern continent to proceed at an ideal pace. Soara has also returned, and peace has returned to our base.
“2345, 2346…”
“Could you stop doing those disgusting exercises?”
“Not even if you ask me nicely…”
While I listened to Kiaris’ complaints, I continued my training as usual.
Today, I was doing one-handed push-ups with my index finger pointing up while holding a rock between my legs as an extra weight.
I had to do exercises like this to feel the proper load. Although my strength had increased over time, I still needed to train to use it properly. Also, since I was too strong, I had to make more effort not to hurt others.
It was also a way to relieve stress and enjoy my pastime.
“And why don’t you say anything to him?”
“Gurjin is a special case, he’s trying to become stronger. But what you’re doing is inhuman, it gives me the creeps.”
The group leader, Gurjin, was doing squats with weights all over his body with only half of his clothes on.
His face was contorted with pain and he was sweating profusely, but it was obvious that he was doing his best.
It was unfair that he could do this and I couldn’t.
“Sorry to interrupt your training. But there’s someone who wants to meet you and has a serious injury, so I’m treating him right now.”
I stopped practicing when one of the group members approached me.
“Where is he from?”
“He’s from Izasu, in the east.”
There was a base built by the land of Izasu in the east.
It was known to have several famous adventurers, especially Chiba Daisuke, who was very powerful. Although we didn’t have a close relationship with them, our policy was “Help when we have time, destroy when they attack,” so there was no problem in helping them.
“Let’s go see him. Where is he?”
“Here.”
The group member led us to the treatment room.
“Ayatsume, I won’t forgive you! Should I take revenge now?”
There were two men in the treatment room. One was being treated for a bleeding wound, while the other was half-naked with bandages on his body, mumbling to himself.
Before introducing myself, I decided to help the injured man first.
“Give them a potion, both of them, it will help them heal faster.”
The treatment team seemed relieved and went to get the potion.
Although the method of making the potion had already been discovered by the ancient races and established by various countries, it was still expensive and not easily accessible to outsiders.
However, I decided to use it because the situation was not conducive to negotiation.
I was curious to know why they had come here injured, so I asked them.
“I am the leader of the Manyu Brigade. Welcome to our base.”
“I apologize for coming without introducing myself. I am Chiba Daisuke. I am very grateful to you for saving my life.”
“You don’t have to thank me. You should take a potion as well.”
“I appreciate it, but I cannot accept it. I have been helped enough already.”
Chiba sat down on the ground, put his sword aside and bowed deeply in gratitude.
“I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. Are you Toru Eiban?”
“Yes, I am.”
His eyes sparkled for a moment, as if he wanted to draw his sword and attack me, but he stopped himself in time.
“Do you remember me? After my demon partner attacked me from behind, I searched for you to take revenge. But now that I have finally found you, it turns out that you saved my life. What a shame, what a shame.”
Suddenly he started to cry after being angry. He was an emotional man.
Then he straightened up as if he had made a decision.
“The favor I received must be repaid, but my way is the way of the sword. After repaying this favor for saving my life, I would like to challenge you to a fight. Are you willing?”
“Well, I don’t need you to repay a favor. But still, do you have something to tell me?”
“I want you to listen carefully. This concerns all adventurers working on the southern continent, not just me and my team.”
Chiba slowly began to explain the situation.
His team, the Isa’s South Exploration Team, was a government-run, adventurer-focused organization dedicated to exploring ruins and recovering artifacts. After arriving at the site and establishing a base, they began successfully collecting artifacts.
“We were satisfied with our achievements. We would become famous when we returned home. And the reward we would receive would be enormous. It would be enough to live comfortably for the rest of our lives. But then they came and attacked us, as if they were waiting for the right moment.
The Isas base was attacked by someone.
Because it was night, the response was slow and allowed the enemy to break through the outer wall. The difference in strength was about two times. They fought hard, but had to abandon their base because they had no other choice.
“Less than half of us survived. I tried my best to escape with my teammate.”
“Who were the attackers?”
“Krisnadam. In the midst of the chaos, I saw Spike leading the attack.”
Ah, that guy. They attacked me recently, so his face immediately comes to mind.
I thought it was Spike’s decision, but it seems Krisnadam has this policy. This could become a multi-country problem. They are not considering the risks, they are not in their right mind.
“We cannot let this end here. I want you to inform the other bases.
It seems he wants me to tell my base as well. It’s not too far from the Isas base, just a day and a half on foot. And Spike has me in his sights. It would be strange if they didn’t come after me.
“I’ll send the information to the other bases right away.”
“Thank you.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“Of course, I will take back the base. The bodies of my comrades are still there, abandoned. As someone who shared the same fate, I must honor them.”
He grabbed his sword and tried to stand, but his legs gave way and he fell.
“Do you want to return to a place full of enemies in this condition?”
“I will, even if I have to crawl. If I keep moving, I’ll be able to stand up eventually.”
He really wants to go back even if he has to crawl. It would be hard to let him go in this state.
“Do not worry. I’m willing to help you, so get some rest.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“We don’t know what Krisnadam is thinking, but they crossed a line they shouldn’t have. Destroying the base is too much. Isn’t that right, Kiaris?”
Kiaris and Takigi entered through the door while listening to the conversation.
“Yes, we should strike them before they become a threat. They have defeated the Isas base and are reckless. We can’t miss this opportunity. I also want to clarify that I was just passing by and overheard the conversation. He was the one who eavesdropped from before.”
“Hey, you! Don’t blame me! You’re a spoiled knight!”
“It doesn’t matter where you come from! Correct what you said!”
These two started arguing again, what a nuisance.
