Soooo yeah...

I was busy in more stuff that I failed to update this. I was even planning to drop this but the ending on this fanfic was so good (my opinion) I can't remove this out of my mind. Sorry for the super late update cause by various reason.

I've been struggling financially and been searching ways to earn money. And my friend introduced me to the worlds of crypto. I don't actually invest though, he just let me play this game he said that earns money. I've been playing it for a month now and I didn't get anything so It's kinda frustrating. So I decided to stop that and continue updating this instead.

So regarding the fanfic. I see that some people's criticism was kinda out of place. I don't own Arifureta so I recreate every characters based solely on how I understand the main series. This includes the after story. So you could say, I study this novel down to details before I start this fanfic. I won't explain those parts, but I hope you guys appreciate the way I play with the details. That's all I want to say and... you can now start reading.

Enjoy...


The sun was up, the wind was fresh, and the smell of nature was very refreshing. Perfect day for any kind of outdoor activities. But that wasn't the reason why tons of people gathered at the field near the lake of Ur.

The crop field surrounded by lots of people, starts glowing in pink colored mana.

[ [ [ [ OOOOOHHHHHH!! ] ] ] ]

Loud cheers reverberates after that. Everyone's excitement would arisen in no time after witnessing the miracle in front of them.

Afterall, the planted crops on the field in front of them that was just whittled down a few moments ago, was regaining its vitality. It's was truly, a godlike feat.

[ ... *sigh* That should do it. ] A cute girl said with exhausted tone while brushing out the sweat on her forehead with her sleeve. It's Hatayama Aiko. She seems already used to how loud people were after her magic.

[ Fertility Goddess-sama! That was amazing! ]

[ You were truly unbelievable! ]

[ Please marry me!! ] One after another, compliments, and even those who was taking advantage of the noise loudly proclaimed their thoughts. More compliments flooded in after that, while Ur's residents starts gathering around Aiko.

[ N-no... I'm just doing my job. Nothing special really. ] Aiko said while waving both hands in embarrassment.

[ But it was still amazing whenever I watch it. Who else could do that, but none other than you, Fertility Goddess-sama! ] Fred replied behind Aiko.

Aiko smiled wryly while receiving the towel David presented. [ I-ignore that for now. There still more right? Let's finish this quickly before lunch. ] Aiko said while wiping the sweat on her face.

After hearing that, the people around looked at her in suprise for a second and smiled warmly.

Four days had passed already since their arrival, but nobody could get used to Aiko's immeasurably kindness.

Since the very first day they met her, she keeps working hard and keep doing her best for everyone's sake. Their's few incidents happened because of her at that time but such incidents was quite trivial facing such kindness.

Fred was about to reply, but a girl with chestnut colored hair interrupted.

[ What you need for now is to rest, Ai-chan-sensei. ]

[ Eh-... B-but, Sonobe-san. We're just getting started though. ]

[ Yeah, but look at yourself Ai-chan-sensei. You're already white pale after casting one spell. ] Taeko next to Yuka said in concern.

It wasn't mana overuse or deficiency that causes Aiko's complexion to be like that. The students knows that it was because of her lacking in sleep.

One could wonder how Aiko spends her spare time, but Yuka and the others knew. They knew how Aiko had been immersing herself to the job that she even forgot to sleep. Every time one of them walks passed by in front of Aiko's room, they always saw light coming out from the gap of her room's door, and heard scribbling noises and mumbling coming from her room. It state clearly that even at the time that Aiko should be resting, she rather spends her time for her job. It wasn't even that long since they arrive , but she had already reduce herself to this state, only to help the residents of this world that wasn't even related to them.

So it's only natural for Aiko students to be worried for her.

[ Take a rest for now Sensei, we'll get to other assignments for now while you're gone. ] Tamai said in reassuring tone.

[ [ Yeah! ] ]

Noboru and Akito immediately followed up to reassure Aiko.

Aiko faltered for a few seconds, before coming to a compromise.

[ If that is fine, I'll head back to the inn for now. Everyone also, don't overwork yourselves, okay?... ] She said with a sad smile.

[ Then I'll bring you there Aiko. ] David said while offering his hand to Aiko.

[ Hey Captain, don't be hasty! I'll bring her there! ] Chase immediately follow up.

[ You two really are hopeless. What do you think will happen if the Captain and Vice-captain leaves. The other templar knights would be unorganised. In your stead, I'll be the one to guide Aiko-chan! ] Joshua steps in and presented himself in front of Aiko.

[ No! I should be the one to bring her there! ] Jade make himself appealing for Aiko.

This four starts arguing themselves in front of the crowd, while Aiko and Fred watched them with dumbfounded expression. Fred immediately returned to his senses, and decided to talk to Aiko for now and lessen more of her concern.

[ ... Your pupils is correct, Fertility Goddess-sama. We appreciate your effort, but all of it will be in vain if you catch illness from overworking. Leave the rest to us for now, and take the rest of the day off. ]

Hearing that, Aiko bowed and said [ Thank you. ] before walking to the inn's direction.

[ Wait for me Aiko! ]

[ Aiko-san! ]

[ Aiko-chan! ]

[ Aiko! ]

David, Chase, Joshua, and Jade stopped arguing after seeing Aiko that was about to leave, and chased after her. But an ice wall suddenly erected on the ground to block them and they all face planted on it.

[ We will be the one who will escort Ai-chan-sensei back to the inn! ] Nana said with a triumphant smile, while her side ponytail swayed along the wind. She looks like she just achieved something heroic. Well, she managed to blocked wild beast aiming for their sensei, so some might consider it heroic.

[ Yeah! Instead, you guys should help with the manual labor. Its a job for men like you, right? ] Taeko teased with a sadistic smile.

Anyone who see that definitely knew what she's implying to, but for these "Men" was a different storty.

[ T-that's right! ]

[ I'll offer myself for Aiko, even if I have to work until I drop dead! ]

[ How could I forget. I shall abide to my vows for you Aiko-chan! ]

[ Hey guys let's get back to work! ]

David and the others head back to the other Templar Knigts doing their job assigned to them, and start helping. Next, Tamai and co sends Yuka's group to escort Aiko back to their inn.

The job mostly consisted of digging, plowing, construction, and lifting up heavy objects such as; logs, woodplanks, and sacks of fertilizers Aiko prepared using Fertilizers Production. It's a skill that turn leftovers everywhere into manure in short amount of time. And because it was made with magic of a Farmer, it's quality was alot better to those that was made by someone else.

If someone looked the town in bird's eyes view, they'll see how drastic this town changed compared to before. The nearby trees had been chopped down and converted most of those locations into a new crop field. Some plots was planned to be use for new facilities like barns or storage area for the town using the wood they gathered as materials. In addition to this, new waterline was being dug down with the help of some Adventurers and Templar Knigts, who specialize earth and water magic. This was called Irrigation, and will expand the area Ur's residents' could use as a crop field, and eventually increase the amount they could harvest drastically.

These projects was mostly Aiko's idea but, she still take opinions from the officials of this town, on which they agreed without a second thought. It's an idea from a goddess, there's no doubt that it will bring prosperity for their town. The lake town of Ur was originally a tourist spot to begin with, so turning it into a large scale agricultural complex was heavy challenge because of its uneven landscapes. But with Aiko's help who atleast had enough knowledge from books and an hours of documentary she watched until she fell asleep, it will take no time to achieve such goal.

After watching the residents that was overflowing with determination, Tamai, Akito, and Noboru also starts heading to the area which was scheduled to be visited by Aiko today. It was one of the new plot that need to be prepared before planting up new buds.

Midway there, their eyes can't stop wondering to their surrounding. They can't believe it only takes 4 days to progress to this level, and it's quite amazing.

One of the example, was the device Aiko designed to plow new discovered lands. A single person could use it without problem, and the speed of work became 5 times much faster. By using a horse to pull it, a single person could plow the entire chunk of land all by themself in a single day. The students knows that there's vehicles and machines that would be far more better, but for this world that lacks in technology, that tool Aiko gave to them was revolutionary. It's not an exaggeration if the residents called that as an Artifact.

Seeing the smile of the farmer who was busy plowing the land with his horse, the boys can't help but smile too. Aiko had gone stronger too in different way than the rest of them.

But that smile of them vanished after seeing the crowd of people on the distance. They instantly minimize their presence and approached immediately.

Upon arrival, they immediately understood what's happening right their.

[ Aaa? - What do mean you won't pay for this? You requested for this right? ]

[ Y-yes, but the p-price we agreed on was different on what you were asking. ]

[ ... ]

It seems there's something troubling happening between Adventurers and Ur's residents.

[ 10,000 l-luta is a huge sum and we can't afford it. ]

[ It's only natural, you know? Do you have any idea how dangerous the mountains is. The path up there was pretty steep and so should the price too. But let me say this while I'm still asking nicely... that price is lower I can get. ]

[ ... I know the hardships you had encountered on the way there, but I can't really compromise on the price with that amount. ]

Tamai, Akito, and Noboru already knew that the inns and restaurants of this town put on a request for Adventurers to take to gather spices located on the mountain range. They didn't know how hard it was exactly, but the owner of that restaurants obviously stating the facts. That amount of money for small pouch of spices really was too much.

Usually, the guards of this town should be here right now to meddle between them, but everyone was busy right now so nobody can't do anything against this Adventurers. Only a few bystanders were watching in fear without particularly doing anything. It seems fear were gnawing in their mind to make a decision.

One of the Adventurers that seems to be the leader, stared with blank expression on the owner before shifting his gaze behind the owner. On the entrance of the establishment, he finds a beautiful woman that was looking at them in tearful gaze and a child that was ready to cry any minute.

He starts examining the woman's figure, and a disgusting smile suddenly appeared on his face.

Seeing that, the owner immediately discern what this guy was planning to, and immediately step between this guy's gaze on his wife.

[ Since we can't really get to agreement here, and we can't return this to the mountains anyway, how about a different method to pay?... ]

[ N-NO! NO! Not my wife! Okay I'll pay, so could you please leave already! ] Knowing the meaning behind those words, the owner immediately used his entire body to blocked this guy aiming for his wife.

The Leader-san, stops and stared on the owner. After that, he then turn his gaze to woman behind him.

Looking closer, Leader-san was undoubtedly a handsome man compared to the owner. So seeing him having a considerably beautiful wife filled him with jealousy.

The Leader's disgusting smile deepens and issues an order to his party.

[ Get this guy out of my face... ]

His party members who was wearing the same disgusting smile as him, immediately takes action and retrained the owner. There's three of them in total, and one of them should be strong enough to restrain a normal citizen of this town. Regardless, they all hold on him, and wouldn't allow anykind of struggle. One of them even went and cover the Owner's mouth while forcing him to watch scene that was about to happen.

[ ...So as you can see, your wimpy husband refuse to pay us. On his place, we'll accept anykind of compensation from you. Do you understand? ] Leader-san said while walking closer towards the entrance.

The kid was crying while hugging her mother's trembling leg. Both mother and daughter were in so much fear that they can't move from their spot.

The bystanders watched the leader who was about to reach for the woman's cheek in fear and disgust. Most of them were non-combat class after all but, there's still some who should be capable to deal with this situation, but they too seems unexperienced compared to them.

But suddenly... a small gust of wind blow out behind the bystanders, and a hole with the size of a coin appeared between the palm of he leader.

Must be because of his experience that he didn't hesitate to step back after getting wounded by unknown attack, [ ... Agghhh! Shit! W-what just happened!? ] he said loudly and he starts caressing his hand while looking around him. He didn't know what exactly happened but, he atleast understand that the culprit for what happened was one among the people around. But before he could issue an order to his companion to find the culprit, three boys steps forward while looking at them with blank expression.

[ ... Does being an idiot and pervert is already part of being an Adventurer? ]

[ I know, right? Wherever we go, there's always this kinds of Adventurers like this. ]

[ ... ]

Tamai, Akito and Noboru step in front of the crowd. Noboru alone didn't insult them cause he seems focusing. He had to suppressed his attack and aim properly to avoid destroying someone's property, and injuring the Owner's wife and kid. Judging from how center the hole on the Leader's hand, Noboru's aim was obviously top class. That's why, the Leader and his companions didn't waste any time and took on their fighting position. There's no one restraining the Owner-san anymore, but because of fear, he stays sitting on his position while looking at three worriedly.

[ Tsk... What are you kids doing, huh? Do you realize what you have done? ] Leader-san scowled while putting bandages on his wound. He's sweating from pain, but his facial expression remain calm despite the pain he's feeling.

[ Pretty much... We're technically guards, so it's our job to protect the people here. ]

[ Hoo... But, do you even know why we were doing this? Huh?... This man over here was refusing to pay us. So it's only natural to get compensated, right? It's our job after all. Judging from your clothes and weapons, rather than being guards, you three look more like Adventurers like us. ]

Tamai sighed in exasperation before replying [ Yeah... I hate to admit it, but we're also Adventurers. We just started 2 weeks ago though. ]

The Leader's and his companion's eyes widens in suprised. That sneak attack, Noboru did was no joke. That attack managed to caught them off guard, so it's only natural to think that these kids were high level Adventurers. But to think that they just started a few weeks ago...

The Leader smiles happily, before letting out a sigh in exasperation.

[ *sigh*... You guys. I'll give you a little favor and spare you this time. You boys were obviously not ready yet on the outside world, so I highly recommend for all of you to train more. Come and find me again when you get stronger, by then you should be able to entertain me. ]

The Leader atleast understands the potential of these kids, and as a fellow warrior, he wants to face them at the peak of their strength. Or atleast he think so. For some reason, there's impatience lingering the moment this three pop up, also, there should be atleast one or two among the bystanders who already called for help, they can't waste their time here to deal with Tamai's group.

Losing his interest, Leader-san's gaze turned once again on the Owner's wife and kid, and starts approaching towards them with vulgar smile. But suddenly...

[ Sacred Sheilds! ]

A transparent yellow barrier pop up in front of him, blocking his route.

Sacred Sheilds was a intermediate spell that cast multiple basic barrier spell, Holy Shield simultaneously. Akito trained his light element instead of his main dark element to make himself much useful on the battlefield. Their party was lacking support afteralll, and he was the closest one that fits that role.

The Leader's eyes widened in suprised. That goes the same for everyone. That's because, nobody had heard Akito chanted before saying out loud his spell's name. Casting intermediate spell without chanting should be too advance for anyone, but this young man managed to do it without problem...

But everyone's conclusion to this was completely wrong. It wasn't because Akito used Spell Retention or chanted at high speed that nobody noticed him chanting. It was because of the method they invented. The silent chanting. Chanting in low voice wasn't different from voicing it out loud. What's more to this was, it removed the disadvantage any rear guard faced, when facing against anyone who was knowledgeable enough about magic. Casting silently a high level spells without giving your enemies any time to react, there's no way any of Tortus' residents know such thing was possible. By the way, Nana was the one who discovered this method when she accidentally used mana while reading silently the new spell she just invented, and almost killed everyone with her inside the room. (TN: I just come up with this idea. To be honest, it's quite rare to see on anime even on novel or manga of Arifureta, someone chanting before casting a huge ass spell. They always said that the chanting takes time, but I can't really see it that way when I read or watch it.)

The Leader stared at Akito in suprised for a few seconds, but it didn't take long for his composure to return immediately. As expected for a veteran, he could remain calm in any kind of situation. He starts touching the barrier while talking with mixture of pride and angry tone.

[ You think this flimsy barrier is enough to stop me, huh?! ] The Leader said before drawing his sword. He poured his mana on his sword in anger and hit the barrier with all his might. He was pretty confident on his skills, but contrary to his expectations, his sword bounce back, without even scratching the barrier.

[ W-what!?... ]

[ ...We're already surrounded by my barriers , so I suggest for you to give up, you know? Surrender already before you morons get hurt. ] Akito said with his hand holding his Artifact lifted above his head. Looking around, they were really surrounded by yellow coloured barrier.

Casting multiple barriers without anyone noticing? Such absurd skill despite their age. The Leader can't let his guard anymore.

[ ...You think we're trap here with you, huh?... Bullshit! You brats is trap here with us! Surround them! ]

The Leader ordered with concieted tone. Him along with his companion form a semi circle, and gathered around Tamai's group. They all take out their respective weapons, each were looking well used. Depsite doing something like mugging someone, this guys seems more professional compared to the three.

But despite the menacing aura, Tamai, Akito, and Noboru seems unperturbed. The surrounding people and even the owner, who was still inside the barrier, were looking at the three worriedly. They know that these kids were one among the God's Apostles, but they can't help but worry. They only saw them help on their normal routine but, they haven't seen them fight.

Tamai sighed in exasperation and draw out both his twin shamshirs located on his waist.

[ Don't hold back just because we're kids. Come at me with all you got. ] Tamai said before taking a stance. It's his very own sword style, but because it was based on Yaegashi Style, he named it Twin sword Yaegashi style.

[ Raahhhhh! ] Others starts rushing at Tamai and the others with battle roars. It was obvious that only Tamai was their only vanguard, and the other two shouldn't be able to deal with close quarters. If they rush in immediately without giving the enemy a chance to attack, they should win without a doubt. Akito and Noboru behind was standing still without doing anything fancy. The two was literally standing still without any changes for some reason, and the group of Adventurers find that little suspicious. But they attack the two too regardless.

But on contrary...

[ Twin sword Yaegashi style - Auto Counter. ]

Tamai activated an unfamiliar magic with unfamiliar language, and wind starts surrounding him. Leader-san and his companions stared at him in confusion. They haven't heard a magic or technique like that but, what makes it more confusing was the language Tamai used.

Auto Counter was a technique Tamai developed in order to maximised his prowess. It uses wind magic with 1 meters range around him to help detect enemies attack before it reaches him, and because he could block or parry it with one sword, he uses the other one for counter attack. That was why it was called Auto counter. Also, since they weren't putting any faith to the God of this world anymore, everytime the whole Yuka's party comes up with their own magic, they used Japanese for chanting.

Also, it seems there's a tough barrier surrounding Akito who was busy chanting, and Noboru who for some reason were standing still without doing anything.

Leader-san's companion decided to ignore them for now and focus solely on Tamai. There's plenty of ways to deal with that barrier later after defeating him.

Tamai starts parrying and blocking all of the attacks thrown at him with ease, while even countering at given moment. The Leader-san can't believe what the unbelievable scene right now, while his companions was confused. They all having a hard time landing any attacks and avoiding those counters, but as expected from a veteran, Leader-san was still calm enough to analyze Tamai's movements.

The Leader leaps back to their previous position along with his party members. Even with that, Tamai didn't dispel his magic nor let his stance down. He's only staring at their group with calm and serene eyes.

Looking at his companions, there's only number of scratches and shallow cuts all over their body, nothing lethal, which makes the Leader scoffs for overestimating Tamai.

[ For a kid, that was impressive. What rank are you exactly? ]

[ ... ]

There's no reply.

Seeing he won't getting any answer, Leader-san's face becomes annoyed. He let out an exasperated sigh and started talking with condescending tone [ Nevermind... Just so you know, we're pretty famous white rank party, and I'll be soon to be promoted to Black. Do you realize what that means?... ]

After a long pause, Tamai decided to reply with a sigh. [ ... *sigh* We still got something to do, so let's get this over with, okay? ]

A vein bulge on Leader-san's head and his once calm expression was dyed in pure anger.

[ Is that so! Then we won't hold back then! Everyone attack him! ]

Leader-san and his companions launched a full force attack focused entirely on Tamai. His spell was still active, but unlike before, they start landing a few hits on him now. Their attacks synced with each others and the speed and power also wasn't the same on the beginning. Judging from the layer of mana covering their body, they were undoubtedly using Body Strengthening.

Deep cuts and bruises starts appearing all over Tamai's body. But despite that, his expression remain unchanged. It's like he don't know what pain was.

It was all thanks to his skill, Serene Mind. Tamai can clear his mind and focus entirely on fighting. No emotion won't penetrate his laser focus. Calm as lake spring.

The Leader and his companions didn't really expect that fight to take long. There's too many of them fighting a kid, and even a baby knows the result of this fight already.

until...

[ ... Mission Complete. ]

Tamai whispered, which confuse everyone. And suddenly...

[ Twin sword Yaegashi style - 100 blades! ]

Tamai shouted, and the thin mana covering his body begun glowing brighter. The wind intensifies, and his speed and power sky rocketed

100 blades was Tamai's technique that can release 100 slashes in matter of seconds. By covering his twin shamshirs with multiple Wind Blades, he could decrease the aerodynamics which makes his sword light as feather, and increased his speed 5 folds.

Leader-san and his companions eyes widens in suprise. Since they were focusing on attacking, all of his companions was blown away by Tamai's power. Only Leader-san manage to block some, but it wasn't like he could get away unscathed. Wounds appears on both of his legs, and arms which makes his dominant hand unable to weild his sword. He used the force of Tamai's attack he unleashed and leap away from him. He clutched his wounded chest and his legs crumbled. He can't stand, he can't weild his sword, and his companions were all knock out. He can't fight now.

Seeing that, Tamai dispersed his spell and let out an exhausted sigh. He sat on the gound and clutched his wound located on his shoulder. He has wounds and bruises everywhere, but that one was deep enough that he might die from blood loss. He fetched a bandage on his racksack and starts drinking recovery potion.

[ *gulp* *gulp*... ahh-... Oi Noboru, comeout already and restrain him... ]

After drinking the potion, Tamai starts applying bandages while saying that. For some reason, he was staring at the empty air instead of his friends behind him.

Everyone's attention gathered on the empty air, and suddenly...

[ Hahahah... I guess this way of hiding your presence is no match against Detect Presence. ]

Out of the empty air, Noboru's figure suddenly pop up. Everyone's mouths and eyes were wide open in shock, but that wasn't the only reason. For some reason... there's also another Noboru standing next to Akito. There's 2 of them?

Noboru was able to turn invisible was all thanks to Refraction. For someone who studied science before and can suddenly bend light at will can easily make something invisible. Refraction was a spell Akito come up with after training himself with light magic, and combining his knowledge from earth. By covering something with a layer of light magic, he could redirect the light and hide something from plain sight.

[ I was in stand by just in case you got in danger, but I didn't expect you managed to knock them out without killing them. ]

[ As much as possible, I don't really want to do it. I'll use all possible ways to defeat them without killing anybody. ]

[ Yeah... we promised to Sensei afterall. ]

While the two were exchanging dialogue, the Leader-san who was suprised like the others, immediately come up with an idea. While the two were busy, he crawled towards the Owner, who for some reason remained seated and didn't move at all.

[ Then, patch yourself up already. I'll handle the re-- ]

[ DON'T MOVE! ]

Noboru was interrupted by the loud voice. He turned his gaze to where the voice came from and saw Leader-san poiting the tip of his sword on the neck of the Owner. He'll die in an instant once he stabbed him.

[ If you move, if you come closer, I'lll kill him. ] Leader-san said while gritting his teeth in pain.

The Owner's wife and daughter starts shouting the Owner's name whie crying outside the barrier. They both want to get close to him, but the barrier was still up, and they can't break through.

For some reason Noboru, Tamai and Akito remain unfazed.

[ W-what's up with you kids. Getting on our way without knowing anything. You louts are adventurers too right, so you should be able to sympathise with us. This guy is refusing to pay us. Why can't you understand!? ]

Hearing that, Tamai let out an exasperated sigh and stand next to Noboru. His bleeding already stopped, and he's brimming with vitality.

[ The reason you manage to make this blunder this big was because we didn't interfere immediately. ]

The Leader's eyes widens in surprised.

[ We were watching, listening and gathered information before we act in the first place. And according to the bystanders, you guys did this before. ]

Like the Leader said, they were pretty famous alright.

[ You guys were selling spices for absurd prices. And this wasn't your first offence. ]

[ Nonsense! Do you have any idea how dangerous the mountain range is. It's only natural for us to ask for a price equal to our labor! ]

[ Yeah, I didn't know that. That's why we didn't stop you immediately in the first place, after knowing your true identity. We continue watching you guys, waiting for what you would do next... But as expected, you were harassing the residents of this town. You're no different from a normal day bandit. ]

Tamai said coldly, while both hands reaching for his twin shamshirs on his waist.

[ DON'T MOVE! I still have his life on my hand! I will not hesitate to kill him the second you take a step forward! ] Leader-san was getting desperate.

[ Let me escape and I'll make sure nobody would get hurt. ] Leader-san already discarded the idea of escaping with his companions. Even his chance to escape was close to nothing, so he don't had any leeway to think for the others.

[ *sigh*... You should surrender already before you get yourself in more painful situation, you know?... ] Noboru said while taking a step.

Seeing that, Leader-san immediately thrust his sword to the Owner's neck. [ I SAID DON'T MOVE RIG--! ] but he was interrupted by the light particles that suddenly dispersed.

The Owner's figure crumbles and starts turning into light particles.

[ W-w-w-w-wha-- what happen? ] Leader-san asked in confusion. His face looks like he lost hope.

[ That's why I said you should surrender, right? ]

The Owner's family, mother and daughter, despaired. Seeing the man of their family fading in front of their eyes.

[ W-what did you do? ] Leader-san asked.

Noboru didn't answer and turned his gaze behind. There was Akito who was silently chanting. The Leader and Akito's gaze met, and he start shivering in fear.

He's a veteran alright, that's why he knows the depth of that gaze, the amount of concentration Akito was in.

Seeing the Leader like that, Akito took a sigh and lowered his orb artifact. And suddenly... *crack* *crack* There's a sound of glass shattering and the barrier casted by Akito dispersed.

Since the barrier was gone, losing her support, the Owner's wife who was clinging on the barrier went on all fours. She keeps looking around with hopeless eyes. But a sudden changes caught by her gaze. The Noboru who was standing next to Akito, emits a faint light, and the figure of her husband suddenly materialized. She didn't know how, or why, but she didn't enough time for such trivial thoughts, and immediately get back on her feet. She was about to run towards her husband's direction, but a shadow outrun before her and went straight to him. A small kid jump with all her might towards him without hesitation. Seeing that, she too run towards her husband's direction with all her might, and hug both her daughter along with her husband.

The family starts crying without caring to their surrounding.

Everyone was watching them with a warm gaze, but someone was still in confusion...

[ Ho- W-what did you do? ] Leader-san asked in low tone.

Noboru who was standing in front of him, magic sealing handcuffs on his hand, started explaining while putting those on Leader-san and his companions.

[ While you were busy fighting Tamai over there, my friend Akito, helps me sneak him out. He replaced him with an illusion using Illusion waltz without you guys noticing, and I brought him to somewhere safe. ]

[ B-but... I should at least noticed if something was off. ]

[ That's how skilled my friend is. He also can fake (Owner) Michael's presence so you guys won't notice. He was actually doing a simultaneous chanting, laying out light and dark magic one by one so you won't notice. ]

Bending the light or Refraction, required tons of concentration and continues chanting when it was used on a moving target. On top of using the barrier, he's also casting that spell, while maintaining those illusions...? the Leader thought.

Akito had managed to cast 3 intermediate level spells all at once with a single long chant. That's completely outside the common sense of the Tortus' residents.

[ Also, if you hit that barrier with enough magic, you should be able to escape there, you know?... ]

The eyes of Leader-san went wide in suprised [ W-what do you mean? ]

After finishing cuffing all them from behind, Noboru gathered Leader-san's companions next to him in sitting position, before he answered [ That barrier wasn't supposed that strong, right? I broke it before. ]

That's right! the leader thought. He had seen that spell already, that's why he was confident he could break it with a single hit.

[ It was that strong, because instead of using the required mana at once to cast it. He instead build it slowly with all the mana required. ]

[ Y-you mean, If I hit it as soon I noticed it, I should be able to break it even without magic. ]

[ Yeah. But you keep blabbing, and he managed to fortified it enough that you can't break through it alone anymore. ]

It's one of the method they learned during their group sparring from the Barrier Master Suzu. By slowly infusing their mana on their spell, the spell itself could absorb and use the natural mana on the atmosphere and make it far more stronger. Studies about the magic of this world was quite vast, but thanks to the whole class, they managed to review and cover up the huge chunk of it. It wasn't close to perfection, but it was advance enough to create new or make existing spells stronger. (TN:This is like when Yue filled that reservoir on the Akanji. On my theory, Yue didn't use her magic alone to fill that up. She probabbly had a method to manipulate magic to her surrounding cause you know, she can manipulate magic directly.)

After saying that, Noboru calls out for Akito, who was being asked various questions from the wife of the Owner. He can't really explain how complicated it was, so he was just there smiling wryly while scratching his head awkwardly.

Hearing Noboru's call, Akito immediately went on all the injured and he starts healing them 1 by 1. Other than Leader-san, they were all still unconscious, but no one was fatally injured so a basic spell Heal was enough.

Leader-san's thought was full about this kids. For their age, they seems far more experienced compared to them. What kind of situation this kids had faced that they manage to reach this level.

[ Oh, since we didn't have anywhere to put you, I think our Sensei will just talk to you guys and after that, they should let you free. ]

After saying that, a group of Templar Knights make their way on the crowd.

[ Thank you for apprehending them for us, Tamai-sama, Akito-sama, Noboru-sama. We'll handle the rest from here. ] One of the Templar knight said while bowing respectively. The help everyone needs arrived when all was over.

[ No problem. We're basically guards too, you know? ]

[ That's right. Sorry but, we'll leave them to you cause we still had something to do. ]

The knight stared at Noboru and Akito in surprise [ ...Of course... ] and replied with a bow again. Base on their calm tone, this feat wasn't that big a deal for them.

[ Also can you put them on temporary cell for now. Sensei is currently resting so we'll deal with them later. ]

[ As you wish... ]

After that, 8 Templar Knights start carrying all of the Adventurers defeated by Tamai's group. Only the Leader was still on conscious, so they had to carry the rest with stretcher.

The three watch them go, and they all simultaneously let out a sigh.

[ How many did we caught already since first day? ] Tamai said with fish deah eyes.

[ I lost count already. ] Noboru replied with same eyes.

This wasn't their first encounter on this kind of situation. They already meddled multiple times, dealing with different kind of Adventurers on the very first day. At first, lots of innocent people were getting hurt, and they can't to bear the idea that they were that weak to be much helpful. Even the girls group was having a hard time. That's when Yuka lost her patience, and she comes up with ideas on how to deal with future incidents along with her party members. They even hide that meeting to Aiko to avoid adding more burden on her. Instead, since they were still considered kids by the others, they let Aiko judge them without particularly mentioning all the details. Adults knows what's the best, and their opinion doesn't had the weight to convince someone, even with their standing as one among God's Apostles.

[ Well atleast we can increase the helping hand. ] Akito said with joyful expression.

[ *sigh* Not gonna deny. Sensei's idea to let them work to atone for their crime wasn't a bad idea but... ]

[ Yeah... The number of people falling for her increased every time we send someone for her to judge. They were criminals a moments ago, but after she talks to them, they turned into devote followers. ]

What's up with this world? Is this also that God's scheme? The three thought with their gaze on the far away sky.

The three let out another sigh and trudged towards their destination without saying any word.

Later on the town, a rumor about the trio of dead looking kids helping and finishing the jobs at fast rate will spread...


[ Does Ai-chan-sensei asleep already? ] Asked by a girl with side style pony tail. It's Miyazaki Nana.

Her eyes was full of concern watching the girl in front of her, leaving one of the rooms of the inn, closing the door behind her.

[ Yes, she's resting now... ] Yuka replied dejectedly.

[ You seem tired too, huh? ] Taeko next to Nana asked in concern.

The two waited outside Aiko's room while Yuka went in and waited for her to fall asleed. They had to be cautious, cause they know Aiko very well. She bound to take others her priority rather than herself, so they pretty much would worry the entire time if they just leave her alone on her room.

[ ...Well, it's because I have to rely on that for her to rest. ]

[ Y-you mean. You use magic?... ] Taeko asked nervously.

[ I don't have a choice though. When Ai-chan-sensei lays on bed, she just stared on the ceiling without pactually taking a rest. Her eyes was so... *sigh* I can't leave her alone like that so I have to hypnotized her to get some rest. ]

Thanks to one of her skills, Jack of all Trades, Yuka could learn any kind of skills within a certain level. Learning basic spell Sleep from dark element was a piece of cake for her.

Taeko and Nana looked at Yuka more in concern rather than afraid. If she had to rely on that, the two knows that it really was a big deal. The two looked down sadly, but Yuka immediately bring out an idea to cheer them up.

[ Let's get some lunch, before we regroup with Tamai and ther others. ]

[ Yeah, might as well... ]

[ Now that you mentioned it. I'm kinda hungry already. ]

Yuka smiled happily and said [ Let's go... ] with soft tone before taking the lead downstairs.

Once they reach the bottom floor, they immediately went to their usual spot assigned by the owner, Foss. It's on the corner of the inn, that was covered up with curtain.

Foss had to come up with idea to deal with flood of people visiting his inn every moment in time whenever Aiko and her pupils were eating. Business was business, and Aiko's group wasn't enjoying their food anymore like they used to whenever there's someone want to greet, and take blessings from Aiko. This was only what he could come up with, but thanks to Yuka, meddling on the residents, less people were now taking their time whenever they were eating, and if someone was insisting, only those stuff that was important that could pass through.

The three takes on their spot, and Foss immediately took their orders. There's less people by now cause everyone was busy on their work, so Foss reacts faster than usual to Yuka's group.

Taeko didn't hesitate and ordered lots of stuffs that it makes Foss eyebrows twitch while sweating nervously. This group of girls were ordering set of meals enough to feed 7 people. He knows they'll pay for it, but this was his very first time meeting girls with this kind of appetite.

While Foss was preparing their order. Yuka once again come up with a topic to talk about.

[ Should I tell Ai-chan-sensei about that?... ]

Yuka's plan was to think for something to talk about, but she seems only talking to herself.

[ You mean... ] Nana trails and glance around nervously.

Yuka nodded and continues [ Ai-chan-sensei was asking lots of questions regarding Nagumo, and I can't answer any of that without revealing that. ]

That's probably one of things weighing her mind... Taeko and Nana thought while watching Yuka nervously.

[ She just lays on bed while asking me "why did Nagumo do that? ", and "Is there something I can do for him back then?" or "Did that happen because of my fault?". Like, am I a therapist somewhere? ]

[ ...Ai-chan-sensei was thinking about that, huh? ]

[ It was only natural that she would ask you that. Other than than Shizukucchi, you're the closest one to him to properly hold a conversation with him. ]

For some reason, Yuka smiles faintly, and talk with a sad tone.

[ I... still don't know anything about the new Nagumo. All I know was his purpose, and pretty much his opinions regarding to all of us. ]

[ That's kinda surprising. I bet even Kaoricchi don't know anything about the new Nagumocchi too, but here you are bragging about that. ] Nana teased while smirking.

[ Hey, I'm not bragging! ] Yuka protested.

[ Ow! ]

Yuka got embarrassed by that, that she hits Nana's head on impulse.

[ It's just that... I did look on his perspective. "What would I be if I'm the one on his feet?" that's what I ask to myself. Getting bullied and... that traitor. Suffering like that would really push someone outside their true self and be reborn to someone else... But still, I can't even understand anything more that I know. I'm still wondering his reasons for saving us on that day, you know? I guess other than Kaori-chan, nobody really bothered knowing the previous him. ]

[ Yeah, that... I could understand. Oh, on that topic... Do you have any suspicion who's the traitor on that day. ] Nana asked with calm voice. They already accepted the idea that there really was a traitor among them.

[ It was obvious who it was though. The reason was definitely jealousy... then, is there anyone comes to mind when you think it that way? ] Taeko replied with a grim expression.

[ Hiyama's group? ] Nana answered in question. She's still not sure.

Taeko's nervousness wasn't because of the topic, but because Nana's assumption was correct. And those guys was still teaming up with others, despite that unforgivable deed.

[ Welp, I bet Shizuku-chan already figured everything out before they left the castle. She won't let something like that happen for the second time... I hope. ] Yuka seems confident, but there's still uneasiness lingering.

It was only natural, they were dealing with their own comrade, which they swear to protect in front of their teacher. There's no helping that Yuka would worry. Whoever that traitor was, was still free to do whatever they want, and Shizuku alone can't monitor every single one of them to find the real Traitor.

[ Yeah... l and Kaoricchi probably would deal with it when the time comes. ]

[ I know right? Kaori-chan probably pin pointed who really was the one who pushed Nagumo-kun down there. ]

The girl called Shirasaki Kaori wasn't an idiot by all means. She might be quite oblivious and airhead sometimes, but she got the brain to think for herself, and overcome any kind of obstacles in front of her like the rest of them. That's why, figuring out the culprit would be a piece of cake for her.

[ ...For some reason, I'm getting a goosebumps when I tried to think on what Kaoricchi would do to the traitor. ] Nana said fearfully. Looking closer, she really had goosebumps.

[ D-don't be absurd. Kaori-chan is so kind. She'll never do that... probably... ]

A weird silence atmosphere lingered after Taeko's statement. Nobody tried to talk anymore, and they all drown on their thoughts.

Good thing they didn't have to wait for long, cause Foss arrived at that timing carrying their food on their table.

After getting set up and saying their gratitude to the owner, Yuka speaks with confident tone to remove the weird atmosphere caused by their thoughts.

[ Let's eat for now, and forget about that. Focus on our mission for now and worry about lets worry about that with them later. ]

Taeko and Nana looked at Yuka in suprised, and after that [ [ Yeah! ] ] both yelled energetically before picking up their utensils.

But before they could start eating, someone asked a question that for some reason nobody asked since the beginning of the day.

[ Oh I just forgot... Where's Shimizu-kun?... ]