Chapter 70
Chapter 70
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Chapter 2. The Tenth Fragment, Althemia
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Preparations for departure were complete. Everything necessary had been stowed in the <Bag>, so aside from a pouch holding a small amount of money and a few swords, there was nothing else to carry. He picked up the coat made from Requiem's leather that lay on the bed and draped it over his shoulders. It felt quite heavy—likely from the weight of the fur. He let out a deep breath and scanned the room one last time. It was the house he'd shared with it for nearly eight years. But now, it was time to go. When the appointed time with Jeanne arrived, Judah descended from the second floor.
"All packed?"
Down on the first floor, Tia was waiting, looking up at him with a smile. Judah nodded as he came down the stairs. Behind her, containers that looked like they held side dishes were stacked high—something she'd prepared in advance. He'd wondered why she'd been cooking nonstop since morning, and sure enough, these were the results.
"I made some to eat on the road. You have that sub-space, so carrying them shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"Yes, thank you. Tia, you must be tired after preparing all this."
"It's for my beloved disciple—what's a little effort? It wasn't hard at all."
But contrary to her words, exhaustion was plain on her face. It was understandable. When he'd told her yesterday that he was leaving, she'd been thrown into confusion by how sudden it was. They'd talked about this and that, spent time together, and before he knew it, the hours had flown by. She'd pulled him into a tight embrace, and Judah had made love to her once more. It had been a fierce, intense night.
Only at dawn had Judah finally managed some sleep, but she'd gotten just one or two hours of rest before rising even before sunrise to start cooking. At breakfast, he'd been stunned by the table practically bending under the weight of all the dishes. It had been hearty and delicious. Judah carefully stowed every container she handed him into the <Bag>.
"I'll eat it well."
"Make it last. And don't share with anyone—it's all for you. Got it?"
Judah let out a chuckle at her words.
"Yes, I'll eat it all myself. Now, you'll come with us, right?"
"Of course. I'll see you off at the north gate."
Tia walked with Judah to the shoe rack and slipped on her shoes. She tied the laces securely around her legs and stood. Before opening the door, she grabbed his wrist from behind and pulled him into her arms. The soft swell of her breasts pressed against him, along with her warm body heat. Judah closed his eyes, savoring the comfort, and hugged her back.
"Be careful out there. You promised you'd come back—no forgetting that."
"Don't worry. Tia, I told you: this is the only place I have to return to."
"...Right."
Tia gave a wry smile, pushed him away gently, then pressed her lips lightly to his before lingering much longer on his forehead. Eyes closed, it was as if she were bestowing a blessing. Judah didn't rush her. He could feel her affection in the gesture, so he waited until she was satisfied and let go.
"Let's go."
Only after a long while did she pull her lips away, speak, and open the door. Just then, Jeanne came walking up from down the street. As they stepped out front, she broke into a run. She was wearing the exact same coat as Judah. Tia let out a small sigh and took hold of Judah's hand.
"Sorry, it seems I've kept you waiting."
"No, we're still early, so don't worry. All set?"
"Yes, I've bought what we need and packed it in my backpack."
Jeanne turned to show the pack on her back. It looked quite heavy. Judah considered offering to store it in the <Bag>, but figuring it held personal items, he decided to suggest it later. They headed toward the north gate together. The gate stood open, and the guards were meticulously recording the identities of those passing through.
It was a far cry from the free-flowing traffic at the west and east gates. And for good reason—this north gate was Serenia's only route to other nations. Passing through here led either to the [Nation of Revelry, Uruun] or the [Nation of Knights, Philoria].
People's gazes naturally turned to Judah. As the city's hero—with a statue planned near the east gate—it was only natural. The murmurs grew noisy.
"Take good care of Judah."
"Don't worry, Lady Gentia. I'll protect him for sure."
Jeanne looked at Tia with shining eyes, urging her to trust in her reliability. Tia gave a small smile at the sight and shook her hand. Finally, she pulled Judah into a hug for farewell.
"Take care. Judah."
A moment later, stepping back from him, she waved with a bright smile—but her drooping tail and ears clearly betrayed her sadness. Ignoring the onlookers, Judah approached without hesitation, stood on tiptoe, and kissed her on the lips. The distinct smooch echoed, and her eyes went wide. It was a short kiss, but they'd never done it in front of others before, so she seemed quite shocked. Cheers of "Ooh!" rose from the crowd.
"I'll be back. Stay healthy, Tia."
"......"
She touched her lips, unable to speak. Instead, her previously limp tail and ears perked straight up. Judah waved goodbye and headed to the gate checkpoint. Behind him, he heard her calling out, "Take care, Judah!" He turned away quickly—lingering would bring tears. There were people entering, but hardly any leaving. His turn came fast.
"Oh, Judah—got some skills, huh?"
The guard greeted him familiarly. On closer look, it was the soldier who'd advised him during the black wolf ambush a while back to focus on thrusts over slashes. Small world—he hadn't expected this guy to be on duty right now. Judah just smiled at the guard's words without replying. The man shrugged at the silence, then jotted his name on a paper covered in writing.
"Judah Arsher... And this one?"
"Jeanne Atroar."
"Jeanne Atroar. Alright, all logged. Safe travels."
"? That's it? There's usually more to fill out."
He knew it wasn't usually this simple—the guard had only written their names. Yet they were cleared? At Judah's question, the guard shrugged again.
"The lord said to let you through no questions asked. It's been the standing order for days. Nothing strange about it."
Judah nodded as if it made sense.
"Ah, the lord. Well, works for me. Thanks for your trouble."
"Yeah, wherever you're headed, safe trip. Stay healthy."
The guard gave a light wave, then bellowed "Cleared!" They passed through the north gate. Much easier than expected. After the gate, Judah glanced around as if searching for something, then spotted a carriage by the walls and headed there. The distance from Serenia to Philoria was considerable, so traveling by carriage was far more comfortable. The roads, paved with aid from various nations in the past, were perfect for wagons—wide enough for several to run side by side. Two sturdy horses neighed as Judah approached. The coachman, who'd been dozing in his seat, opened his eyes. Spotting Judah, he yelped in surprise and hopped down hurriedly.
"Judah Arsher, right?"
"Yes. Here's my ID."
Judah showed the bronze plate issued by the adventurer's guild. Confirming the engraved name, the coachman flashed a friendly grin and opened the carriage door himself.
"Right this way. I'll get you to Philoria safe and sound."
Judah and Jeanne boarded, and soon the carriage lurched forward with a "Hyah!" It wasn't as nice as the one the lord had lent them before, but it was decent enough. As the carriage rattled along, Judah gazing out the window, Jeanne spoke up.
"You're heading to Philoria."
"?"
Judah suddenly wondered—he hadn't told her the destination outright. But then he recalled explaining everything when recruiting her as a companion. It must've just been her way of starting a conversation.
"Yes. No changes from what I mentioned last time. Not yet, anyway."
Philoria was a neutral nation northeast of Serenia Citadel. Like Serenia, it was a fine place to live: honest administrators, kind people, fertile land—a true paradise. But its appeal drew frequent invaders. Still, as the [Nation of Knights], it boasted skilled knights who repelled every incursion with ease.
"Hm. Going to Philoria at this time of year—does that mean you're entering the [Green Flag] tournament?"
The [Green Flag] was a kind of martial arts tournament, a Philoria tradition and event. Countless novice knights and mercenaries took part, but only those using close-range weapons like swords or spears qualified. Among the flag tournaments, the [Green Flag] was exclusively for total newcomers who'd never entered before.
In the game, its difficulty was low if you'd leveled up early—decent control was enough to win. It was a must-pass event, with the prize money quite generous. You could outfit companion characters with new gear, but spending it meant game over. To get the second fragment, you couldn't touch the winnings. Judah had planned to enter the [Green Flag] to fund the fragment hunt, but after completing Chapelin Pearson's "The Lord's Request" quest, he'd earned plenty. No need now.
Hunting black wolves had brought extra income too, leaving him with surplus funds. Winning the flag tournament also granted a full plate armor enchanted with magic—green plate mail—but Judah didn't need it now. Jeanne already wore her exclusive Blue Lance Knight armor, so it'd just be ornamental. Judah shook his head at her question.
"No, we're not entering. The [Green Flag] is every four months, right?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"It's July now, so less than a month till the next one. Nothing to do in Philoria that whole time. We're not tourists. We're just stopping by the capital <Aslan> for something."
"Stopping by? That's a shame. I thought it was a great opportunity."
Hearing Philoria, she'd hoped for the [Green Flag]. Seeing her disappointment, Judah decided to adjust the schedule for her later.
"Not right now, but we'll enter the [Green Flag] in December."
"Really!? You promise?"
"Yes, of course. But December. We have things to do first."
Jeanne nodded. As leader, he'd set the plans—she'd follow gladly. And with the tournament promised, she just had to wait. Satisfied, she fell silent, no longer speaking to Judah. Her question had clearly been about the [Green Flag].
The carriage continued quietly along the road.
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#Setting 2. "The Nation of Knights - Philoria"
Philoria is a neutral nation of knights who prize martial prowess, honor, and conviction. Its administrators are honest, its people kind, and its lands bountiful—never short on food or vital resources. A land anyone would want to live in, it naturally faces frequent invasions. Yet they repel foes with outstanding might and wisdom, suffering minimal losses.
Still, the ever-present threat of attack keeps Philoria's knights and citizens in constant training, ever vigilant. But as peace endured, that tension faded, breeding complacency. The leadership realized they needed a solution.
After much deliberation, they began hosting skill-based martial tournaments in the capital <Aslan>. These became not just a Philoria tradition but a prestigious contest for knights across the continent.
Called the [Flag Tournaments], they divide into five tiers.
First, the [Green Flag]—for total newcomers.
Next, the [Blue Flag], open to anyone who's entered the [Green Flag] at least once.
Winners of <Green> or <Blue> advance to the [Red Flag]; exceptionally renowned figures can skip straight to <Red> with universally acknowledged fame. <Red> winners enter the [Black Flag]. All are tournament-style. <Green> runs every four months, <Blue> every half-year, <Red> yearly, <Black> every two years. Prizes are lavish across the board, but <Black> offers something special—befitting winners who often wield spirit swords.
The [Medal of Glory]. Holders qualify for the ultimate [Golden Flag], held every eight years. It ranks participants by finish order—a matter of national pride. Yet the contestants themselves ignore the rankings.
Spirit sword wielders relish pitting pure strength against peers of equal or greater skill. Non-wielders are content with the lessons from them.
Thus, [Medal of Glory] holders never miss the [Golden Flag] in Aslan. During it, no wars erupt continent-wide; warring nations declare truces.
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========== Afterword ==========
Ahh, a bit late.
I was wondering why so many donation coupons suddenly... turns out it was an event.
Thank you all.
I'll list everyone who donated shortly!
First, thanks to jyh638, Cassel, Riakaerin, and Muljuajassi for the coupons before the event! Riakaerin and Muljuajassi, I think I saw you during the Norse stuff too, right? ^^ Worried my poor memory won't let me remember everyone else.
Wow, the donor list is huge. Feels great!
Kinda wanna say "Thanks for the star balloons!" lol.
Anyway.
Prette, ChildWhoSmilesInPleasure, Naribunjihwa, Shihane, EXYE, Bartra, Playerd, WooSunhee, ArmyK, Jabril, Mantis, PearlSir, Cleiser, 多念多想, ljj2626, Sihane, MultiLayeredSoul, Wilhelmina, Nepflichov, Tomma, efalkdw, ArrogantCat, Farnir, Ilioor, Cicus, Cidon, WatchWhenBored, Terion, mean12, PotatoCandy, BlackBullet, baka5957, KarmaArc, BookOfDemonArts, HundredYearOldSocks, Riant, WolfZload, InvincibleDuck, Shapol, Panorama, WanderingCorpse, ShiinaMafuyu, DevilCrow, TreeRoddy, SwordHee—thank you so much.
Also, deepest thanks to readers who sent manuscript fee coupons!
I always write with gratitude toward you all.
Summer's not far off, but with the heat warnings continuing, everyone stay cool!
(Kuh, what an honest and polite afterword!)