Chapter 378
Chapter 378
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 378
Chapter Title: Colors from the Cosmos
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"What, you're going on a business trip, you fucker? Can't you just work in the city? No need to go all the way out there?"
"A meteorite fell. Gotta check it out."
Karin seemed to be against the trip.
"Huh? Meteorite? Oh yeah, now that you mention it, I think I've heard something about that. Never thought my husband would get hooked on a story like that."
Karin approached me as I sat on the sofa, settling between my legs and leaning back against me. I placed a hand on her stomach and whispered in her ear.
"Word from the Magic Tower is that a ton of shooting stars came down. Winia's convinced there's real potential, so that's why we're going. They say plenty of people have already picked up meteorite fragments."
"Oh, that Winia girl? Tsk, well, if she's vouching for it, then go ahead."
"'Winia girl,' huh."
"It's still a bit awkward calling her by name. But hey, we're sharing a husband, so I do want us to get along."
She rubbed her cheek against mine as she spoke. The way she was acting all cute like this was seriously giving me a hard-on.
"Bring her over next time?"
"Sure. Anyway, how long's the trip?"
"A little over ten days, probably."
"Fuck? That's the best you can do? You want me spinning webs here waiting for you?"
"Hey, webs? Watch your language."
"Sigh, no, but seriously, when the fuck are you leaving? Why drop this on me right now of all times? I'm already swamped as it is."
"Day after tomorrow."
"Then swing by tomorrow at dawn or night."
That was Karin's way of giving permission.
Anyway, since she said she was busy, we wrapped things up and parted ways. Next up: Lisha's place. Thinking about it, it was pretty amazing.
I couldn't believe I had to give this much heads-up just to go work somewhere far off.
"To Jongno?"
The moment I arrived in the slums, I summoned Seolun-do's compass.
—Gyaaaaaah!!!
—Thud thud thud!
Screams erupted from everywhere as the slum dwellers bolted upright and fled in terror.
No time today to leisurely collect compensation from those beggar bastards. Better to just scare them off before I get the urge to dropkick any familiar faces.
Today's slums were quiet instead of gloomy.
And so I arrived at Lisha's shop.
"You're here!"
"Whoa."
The moment I opened the door, adult-mode Lisha threw herself into my arms. I reflexively wrapped my arms around her waist.
"Heh heh heh, it's been days since you last came. I've been waiting so desperately. Has your arm gotten better?"
She nuzzled her face against my chest like a child and asked about my arm in a worried tone.
"All healed up now. Heh heh heh, were you really pining for this Kim Katt that much?"
"Lately, nothing brings me more joy than seeing your face."
"Same here, Lisha. Oh, you're in your true form today? Last time I was here, you said you were low on mana."
It had been since the time she let me drink her milk that I'd last seen her true form. I'd visited a few times while my arm was injured, but she'd been too low on mana to transform then.
"I've had a bit more leeway lately... Ahem. Sh-shall we head straight upstairs?"
"Sure thing. Oh, and you're looking extra cute today."
"To call me cute... Heh heh. Don't tease."
"How's that teasing? I'm just calling it like I see it—cute is cute."
"You're embarrassing me."
Anyway, I immediately scooped Lisha up and carried her up the stairs to the second floor. I laid her naturally on the bed and started undressing.
"By the way, Lisha. I'm heading out for work the day after tomorrow—somewhere pretty far. Might be late coming back."
"Day after tomorrow? When will you return?"
"Probably a little over ten days, that's why I'm telling you."
"T-ten days?! That's too long! Is it that important?"
It was definitely far, so the trip would take time.
"A meteorite fell, so I'm thinking of checking it out."
"Hmm... A meteorite... I don't know much about celestial bodies. Anyway, if you find something special, bring it to show me. Now then."
"Take it slow. Gently?"
"You rascal."
At my words, a blush spread across Lisha's porcelain-white cheeks. Her defense was so low I had to dial back my speed and strength to the absolute minimum.
"Before we get to it... Remember last time when I said I wanted to leave some proof?"
"Of course I remember."
I climbed over Lisha, now down to her underwear, and caressed her face. She touched my face in turn and continued.
"This black earring..."
Her hand moved toward my ear.
"Oh, my earring? Got it from the Swordsman Guild."
It was the earring Karin gave me as proof of guild membership after I registered at the Swordsman Guild in Isvant, trained for a month, and officially joined.
I could still remember her putting it on me herself.
I'd just kept wearing it without taking it off.
"This'll do nicely."
"For what?"
"Hold on."
—Crackle.
I heard a sound like that.
"Whoa, shit. Lisha, what'd you do?"
"Didn't I say I wanted proof that you're my man? There, that's it. Don't take the earring off from now on."
It happened so quick it barely registered, but she'd done something.
"Got it. But what exactly did you do?"
"It's a secret."
"I don't forgive secrets—aaargh!!!"
"Ah, aaah!! D-don't buck like that!!!"
And so we spent a blissfully one-sided bit of fun.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After stopping by the monastery for my final treatment and stepping out, the sun was starting to set.
Back at the lodging, Cloudy and Winia had already mostly packed our gear.
Our stuff wasn't that much to begin with.
Clothes, equipment, Winia's books, and some daily necessities and consumables. Still filled four backpacks to the brim. For a long stay, it was on the light side.
Topped off with Alraune's flowerpot—that was all our luggage. The room felt empty once it was packed.
This would make moving a breeze.
"Blackie got back earlier than I thought. Figured you'd be balls-deep till midnight."
Anyway, Winia pressed her chest against me as she spoke.
She was glaring... Was she pissed?
"W-Winia? You're not mad, right?"
"Why would I be mad? I get it already."
"Winia babe, I love you."
"Love outta nowhere? Well... Love you too. Hug me."
I gave her a quick hug at her request. After a moment, she slipped out of my arms, sat in a chair, and said,
"Anyway, blackie. I'll explain the travel plan, so listen up."
"Katt, come sit here."
They'd planned the trip while packing.
This must be the mage's thoroughness.
"Can't we just take a carriage?"
I pulled out a chair and sat.
"No, carriages are tricky this time. No routes go that way."
"Really? Can't we rent one? With our credit, it should be fine."
Oh, but since we don't know if we'll score the meteorite, better not splurge. Renting a carriage ain't cheap.
"Blackie, why do you think there are no carriage routes? The terrain's too rough for them. Paths carriages can't handle. Got it?"
"Ah. Yeah, I get it."
"That's why walking makes more sense."
In cases like this, taking a carriage might mean detours and more time. So, on foot it was.
Fuck, that meant trekking a bit over five days' distance.
"Winia, won't that be rough?"
Without a carriage, we'd haul all this bulky luggage. Long trip meant we needed clothes and supplies—we couldn't cut back much.
If anything, it'd pile up.
Even with our solid average stamina, lugging heavy packs on a long march would wreck us. Especially morale.
"Heh heh, Katt. Think Winia overlooked that?"
"Blackie, you think I wouldn't have thought of that?"
Both women spoke up at once.
"We've got it covered. There's a rental spot for pack Cockatrice subtypes over there. We'll borrow some on mage credit and use 'em for luggage."
"What? Pack Cockatrices? Oh yeah, those exist."
Pack Cockatrices sounded unfamiliar at first, but in this world, besides horses and donkeys, they domesticated drake-like subtypes and sturdy-legged bipedal avian monsters like Cockatrice subtypes for transport and riding.
Common enough to see on streets.
When I first arrived, I was scared shitless and confused by dinosaur-pulled carriages and ancient ostrich-looking thugs.
Ancient history now.
"Then we just walk light. Problem solved."
"Exactly."
Domesticated Cockatrice subtypes were cheaper than horses.
Easier to handle across terrains despite less strength.
Every mount has pros and cons.
"That subtype's called Quites or something. Rent 'em, load the gear. If we find meteorite, pile it on. I'll handle the rental."
"Winia, you're the best. So reliable."
Then tomorrow buy travel supplies, and day after we're off.
"Anyway, travel plan's done. Blackie, you get it all?"
"Crystal clear, fuck. I'm not an idiot."
"To me, blackie, you look like one. You don't know jack about half the stuff."
"Bullshit."
"Heh heh."
"But is the meteorite spot exact?"
"Not 100%. That's why we're searching the area."
Anyway, that's the deal.
If Winia was this pumped, we'd snag at least a meteorite shard.
One piece could turn costs into profit. Faith in the payoff for time and money.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Two days later, at dawn.
We hauled our stuff downstairs. Winia and Cloudy each shouldered a backpack; I had two, front and back.
Didn't forget Alraune.
The flower had grown big, but we packed it discreetly and hooked the pot to a pouch on Winia's pack.
"You've stayed quite a while— not re-upping?"
The lobby staff asked.
"Got a long trip. If we come back, we'll renew."
"Understood. We've got the key back."
And so we left our cozy lodging.
After the meteorite hunt, we'd stay here again.
"Blackie, sis. Follow me."
Winia led to the Quites rental.
We'd carry packs till there. Bulky and full, but not heavy.
Felt my strength every time like this.
Back in the army, full kit marches had me cursing nonstop.
Now? I'd spot a kid a hike and still smoke 'em.
Full-speed mountain march? Piece of cake.
Mind, muscle, stamina, endurance—all superior.
With this, snagging the meteorite was guaranteed. Morning broke; hours later, we hit the Quites rental.
—Quck, quck!
—Kweeeek!
—Gyuk! Gwreeeek!!
The rental was right outside the city walls, big fenced yard—business must be good.
Smaller than city walls, but it'd block thieves and monsters. Close to town anyway, low raid risk.
Mostly to keep livestock in.
—Quweeeek!!!
Already fucking loud.
—Quwek! Quck! Quck!
That was the cry of the domesticated Cockatrice subtype, Quites. Lowly monster roots showed in the savage screech.
Stinky too.
As we entered, a brown-haired girl who looked like staff came running out.
"Welcome! You're the mage from the Magic Tower who reserved the other day, right? We've got your pack Quites ready as requested!"