Chapter 52
Chapter 52
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: The Twenty-Fourth Fragment, Carpediem
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Judah slowly opened his mouth.
"Tia, I'm going to change. I might become numb to killing, or cowardly in the face of unexpected trials. I might even overlook injustice. As I travel through various countries and meet countless people, I'll become vastly different from who I am now."
That was inevitable. And that, too, was growth. Tia was about to say it didn't matter, but Judah continued first.
"But even if I change like that, I can return to the pure days like now, to my original self. If you wait for me here, Tia. Knowing I have a place to return to will give me the strength to overcome trials without yielding. And when I come back, I, stained by the world's filth, will return to the pure form you remember. I believe that."
"......"
"I'm a coward. I don't want to show you me changing, and I especially don't want to lose you right in front of my eyes like my parents because I'm not strong enough. Because I love you the most in this world right now. Because I treasure you the most. I won't ask you to wait for me at the only place I'll return to... I just want you to stay here. I want you to live here peacefully, happily."
At those words, Tia closed her eyes. She was worried, just as Judah feared. Worried if he'd die somewhere, get seriously hurt, or get scammed by someone. But after he'd said so much, insisting on going with him would be like ignoring his sincerity. This child was truly mature. So mature that she sometimes felt like he was her peer. In a voice that seemed like a small sob, she said.
"...You're cowardly."
"I know."
"And despicable."
"That too."
"But I'll understand. Your heart must hurt too, Judah."
Tia let go of Judah. Escaping her restraint, Judah let out a small sigh and rose from the sofa. It wasn't like he was leaving right now, yet seeing her so downcast made him feel sorry. Her ears drooping atop her head looked pitiful, so he pulled her into an embrace. Seeing her come without resistance, Judah patted her back.
"Do you love me?"
"Yes."
"Even though there's quite an age difference? Even though others see us as master and disciple?"
"It doesn't matter. You're my first love and my master. I'm yours, and you're mine. If someone says something about our relationship, we can just show them. That we love each other like this. An adult like me deciding who to love—what does anyone else's opinion matter? As long as we love each other, that's enough."
A smile formed on Tia's lips, and her tail danced at her hips. She seemed in a better mood.
"Really. You sure know how to talk."
Tia let out a long sigh.
"Fine. But promise me this."
"I'm not leaving right now... What is it?"
"That you'll definitely come back. You can sleep with other women, become a coward, do whatever. Just come back here in one piece. I'll wait. Even if you have no money. Your master will take care of everything. Just come back alive. Got it?"
It was an easy promise. He had to survive and return somehow. Even if he died, he'd revive.
Judah nodded and, instead of answering, kissed her forehead, then her nose, then her lips in sequence. When their lips met, she sent him a gaze with moist eyes and naturally returned the kiss. As their short kiss parted, a glistening strand of saliva stretched between their lips before snapping.
"I'll come back."
I love you, he whispered to her. He never thought the word "love," which he usually found cringy, could taste so sweet.
"But I'm not leaving right now, so don't be so sad. It feels like you're already trying to send me off."
At that, Tia flushed and averted her gaze.
"W-what can I do? You're the one who made me feel like you'd vanish without a word."
Her tail swished in embarrassment. She really wasn't honest. Being able to read her emotions through her tail and ears was incredibly good and charming. He wasn't sure if she'd keep this feeling, but Judah trusted her anyway.
"Trust me. At least I haven't broken any promises so far, right?"
She let out a small chuckle.
"You're right. You haven't broken any, so I can trust you."
"Of course."
+ + +
Arriving at the west gate, Judah looked around as he walked. Unlike the quiet east avenue, the streets bustled with mercenaries and adventurers, merchants hawking wares, and touts making noise. What a lively place. Having never come to the west avenue at this hour, Judah found it all fresh.
But he had no interest in them. Occasionally, a few who recognized him whispered, but it was quickly drowned in the clamor. Passing through the west gate was far easier than the east. Just flash your identity token and go. It was practically a free pass. After hurrying to a less populated area, he moved quickly.
Some wandered hoping to find overlooked relics—maybe the fragment wasn't far but nearby, just missed by others.
Once he reached a secluded spot, he opened <Records> and pulled up an old memo.
「1151.6.28: In the forest northwest of Serenia, the Blue Spear Knight clashes with the Scarecrow.」
June 28th—two days left. Recording everything he remembered when he first arrived in this world was a stroke of genius. With time, he'd forgotten much; without his notes, even recalling was hard.
Comparing the player's privilege with a store-bought regional map, he set off.
'If I just find the ruined temple before 3 PM.'
After 3, it was random. The Scarecrow victorious and near death, or the Blue Spear Knight victorious and near death, or both dead.
He hoped the Blue Spear Knight won, but unsure, he wanted to arrive before the fight and watch. With a small sigh, he spent the night in a suitable spot and hurried at dawn.
The forest blocked paths like a maze, but Judah had two maps—no issue. The store map gave rough terrain; the player showed directions, so no getting lost knowing north, south, east, west.
'At best tonight, at worst tomorrow morning.'
Checking positions against both maps whenever doubtful, he neared his goal. Then, metallic clashes echoed from between the trees.
"?
As he scanned for the source, a boom! explosion rang out. Black smoke rose. Judah cautiously headed there. Monster roars grew closer.
Another explosion, and something flew toward him. Startled, he ducked behind a tree; it crashed into the ground with a thud.
Kyak! Kyaa!
Peeking out, a beast—likely flung by the blast—writhed in agony, charred black. Judah drew a dagger from his belt.
'Hmm, goblin?'
Unburnt green skin and childlike size confirmed it. First goblin he'd seen here, he eyed it curiously, but interest faded. Common fodder ahead.
Known for cunning minds and brutality, they bit until death. This scorched one glared hostilely.
"Can't do anything..."
Its fearless glare impressed. Growling beastly, Judah smirked, snapped his wrist, and threw. The palm-sized dagger plunged into its nape. It gurgled black blood and slumped.
Unexpected goblin kill; Judah scanned around—black smoke rose afar. Flames and foliage obscured more.
Small stature, green skin—goblins for sure. First sight sparked curiosity. Cunning, brutal, persistent biters per his knowledge. True, as they fought adventurers without retreat despite deaths.
Likely thinking numerical superiority. Over twenty goblins against four adventurers.
'......'
As wind dispersed smoke from flames devouring greenwood, he glimpsed an adventurer's face.
Ah.
Head throbbed at recognition. Silver-armored blond boy swung his sword, felling goblins. That armor for holy knights only. Too young for most in their twenties.
Cain Sabnak.
He was in this west forest. Vaguely expected, but seeing him sighed. Never thought they'd cross paths.
Judah smiled wryly, crept closer to check his party.
[Black Wolf's Leather Set] effect? Neither the dozen goblins nor Cain's group noticed him.
One priest, one mage. Pink-haired slim mage—Riel for sure. Stuck with Cain, now adventuring together. Hunting goblins here for experience, maybe.
The last one... where?
Four from afar, now three fighting. Missing melee left a gap; two goblins charged Riel and priest.
'Dangerous.'
Riel readied a fireball from her staff tip, but unlikely to kill both. Cunning, they kept distance after explosions. Hesitating, she swung and hurled it.
Fireball arrowed, swelled near goblin, exploded. One engulfed, slammed into tree.
Preparing next spell, but one goblin neared. Riel's eyes widened at leaping dagger-wielder.
"Riel!"
Cain, slashing upfront, yelled in shock. Judah frowned at Riel's fear, hurled his dagger hard.
Thwip!
But as it flew, nearly simultaneous—a longsword from behind him, same direction.
"!"
Dagger hit head, sword body. Before seeing, Judah gripped bastard sword hilt. Seeing trajectory, he hastily drew.
Clang!
Half-drawn blade barely blocked. Sparks flew inches away, scraping.
Judah gaped at ambusher.
'Scarecrow Ea!'
Seeing his shock, she smirked.
"Rats, huh? It's a person."