Hero Party Dissolution
From now on, the border region they were heading to was located northeast of the Royal Capital in the Ersha Kingdom, an area known as a disputed zone due to frequent clashes with the Pronya Allied Kingdoms. On top of that, being a remote frontier, it was overrun with fugitives who'd committed crimes and fled, making it a hotbed of problems.
That was probably why the kingdom had largely washed its hands of the place, leaving the local nobility—who ruled the surrounding areas—to act like kings themselves.
Smack!
"Guh!"
"Urk…"
"You bastards? Can't you do anything right?"
"Can't you just forgive us now, please?"
"Every time one of you drops, that's ten more laps added."
"A-Ah, got it!"
"It's because of you that it's piling up!"
Where was I? Right. Since the kingdom had washed its hands of it, the nobles ruling the nearby regions were practically kings.
"Ah, do you know these people, doing something like this?"
Turning his head, a blonde beauty in a blue dress stared at him with a shocked face.
"Why?"
"Those guys might not look like much, but they're still the sons of local nobles. Even if they came at you first, couldn't we just talk it out and resolve it nicely…?"
What an idiotic thing to say. Why bother talking when he could just beat the crap out of them?
"W-We won't come near you ever again."
"Cough… Please, just spare us."
See? The effects of education were already showing. Conversation only worked with equals. There was no point mixing words with beasts who came at you with blades first.
"I see you're quite skilled in martial arts as well."
The head of the Barden family, who had followed behind at some point, clapped in admiration.
"Family head, we've caused offense. If there's any issue…"
"It's fine. You subdued that many without even drawing your sword—clearly self-defense. I vouch for it in the name of House Barden."
They were numerous, sure, but individually, not one was worth a kingdom soldier. What could you expect from guys who just chased after women?
"……."
What was her name again? Remi? Lein?
"Lein, you handle the cleanup."
"Wh-Who do you think you are, ordering me around like that? …And I'm not Lein, I'm Lena!?"
Lena, was it? Whatever, it didn't matter.
"I shook off your stalkers, so this much is fair."
"I didn't ask you to! …Though I am grateful you stepped in."
She answered while averting her gaze, bowing her head hesitantly.
She's scared, huh.
The ancient sages said: one punishment, a hundred warnings. Beat one as an example, and the rest fall in line. Old sayings never missed the mark. The effect was crystal clear.
"So, you won't do it?"
"I… will."
She fidgeted with her fingers, clearly watching his mood. Good.
The moment she answered, he gave a slight nod to the Barden family head and strode off without hesitation.
Gotta get to the border quick.
He had urgent business to handle, and time wasn't on his side.
After he left, Lena—who had stayed silent for a long while—finally spoke up slowly.
"Ahem! Um, Sir Tanas… if you have time, would you care to stop by our estate for some tea…?"
But there was no reply, not even a hint of presence.
"…Lady Lena, Sir Tanas left quite some time ago."
They left without me?
It was her first time ever being stood up, so…
"Eh…?"
Her eyes widened like a squirrel tasting almonds for the first time, a faint blush rising.
**************
Thanks to hurrying along—
Neighhh!Clatter—
Got here faster than expected.
As planned, they reached the border before midnight.
"Halt! Past curfew—who goes there?"
"State your identity!"
Ting—
He tossed a silver coin to each of the two guards blocking the road.
"Go on in, inspector."
"Welcome to Artem."
He entered the village without pause.
Just like in the game.
True to its status as the largest town in the borderlands, even late at night, the streets bustled with people.
"Hey, where you going? One more round!"
"Hic… You sane? How much you planning to drink…"
Merchants still hawked wares everywhere, drawing in customers.
"You never know when the Demon King's army might strike! Stock up on herbs now!"
"Quality leather armor here! Hurry—limited stock!"
"Protective amulets to save your life! Buy now!"
The mood wasn't great, of course. It looked lively at a glance, but the lifelessness was obvious.
"……."
Things might blow up sooner than thought.
The place he headed was a rundown appraisal shop on the outskirts.
"Heh heh! What a night for a customer."
There was a bigger, fancier appraisal hall in the village center, but he had his reasons for this one.
"I want this unidentified item appraised. Can you do it now?"
He pulled out a smooth, white orb.
Extra dungeons and quests mattered, but figuring this out came first.
"One gold… Hand over the item."
He silently placed ten gold coins on the rickety table.
"Heh heh… A big spender, eh?"
The old man grinned grotesquely, handling it with enthusiasm.
Of course—Pop!
"Another failure? I came all this way hearing you had skill… Disappointing."
No results, as expected.
"Th-This can't be… I've appraised items here for over fifty years! Why…"
Won't work with a regular appraiser.
Not surprising. He feigned a troubled look, shaking his head.
"No helping it. I'll take the money back…"
"No! G-Give me one more chance!"
"No one else around, so if you can't, I take it back."
Hinting at the answer, the old man's eyes lit up as he perked up.
"O-Other person? …Ah!! Wait, just wait, sir! I'll fetch my master!"
With that, the old man dashed downstairs with a clatter.
That fast, huh.
"……."
After time for a cup of tea—
"Sorry to call me out again."
"Foolish disciple. Aren't your days numbered? Still need your master's help…"
"But this time, I need guidance…"
Money's what he needs.
Following the old man came a prim-looking young man in a monocle, polishing it as he approached.
Right place after all.
"…Hm? Who're you?"
Eyeing him suspiciously, the man crossed his arms with a strange expression.
Well, he'd notice unless it was fake.
"Martier."
The moment Tanas said the name, the man's eyes sharpened.
"Who are you?"
He scowled, glaring keenly.
"Does it matter? It's a deal."
"……."
Doubt filled his eyes—natural. But what could he do?
Martier, Archspirit of Knowledge. A hidden NPC who gave fitting rewards for proper payment.
Still in the early game, as expected.
"Don't be so guarded. Just here for a trade."
After a pause, the man waved the old man out.
"The price?"
Tanas pulled the black ribbon from the treasure hall from his inventory.
"Hm… A fragment of a relic from an evil god?"
A bit of a waste, but finding another deity was necessary.
"You know it—makes this quick. You like research, right?"
Martier nodded with a satisfied smile, examining the black ribbon.
"For something like this… Fine, deal."
"Good."
"Hero, what do you want?"
Leaning back leisurely on the sofa, Tanas held up three fingers.
"Just three things."
"Three requests for a relic… This'll be tough."
"First: appraise this."
He placed the smooth white orb on the table.
"That goes without saying… What else?"
"Second and third…"
He paused, steadying his breath.
"Dissolve the Hero Party contract."
"…Hm? Say that again?"
Martier tilted his head, as if hearing nonsense.
"Not the Hero's contract—that's impossible. The Hero Party's contract."
"Doesn't make sense. It'll drain my power, and for you…"
"Sure, you'll cover the penalty I get too."
"……."
Why trek to the kingdom's border to find Martier? The current party was useless, and they'd already stabbed him in the back. How could he beat the Demon King with them?
Not going home?
The Hero Party was a contract under the gods' name. Even a Hero couldn't arbitrarily kick members.
That's why, when forming the initial party, compatibility with the Hero himself was priority over raw skill…
What did he do to pick up only those types?
Tanas couldn't fathom it.
"Why hesitate? You're neutral, right? No beef with the gods."
"…True, but feels like I'm taking the loss."
So?
He dangled the black ribbon slowly before the slightly annoyed Martier.
"Relic for payment—you can handle that, right? I agreed; just play middleman."
"……."
Not taking it?
Say no then.
The deliberation didn't last.
It was too tempting to refuse.
"No choice. I'll draw power from the main body."
With those words, brilliant green light flashed through the room, warm energy enveloping Tanas's body.
Weeeeng—
Godly power's no joke. The waves are intense.
How much time passed?
"……."
The green light faded slowly.
Done?
Martier spoke.
"It's finished. Got the Goddess's permission—gather the other four and perform the ritual again."
The Hero Tanas's party has been disbanded.
All twelve gods' blessings granted to the party have been dispelled.
"……?"
Was his body under blessings like this?
Blessing of the God of Light, Aseria's Grace of Light has disappeared.
Blessing of the God of Bonds, Diana's All-Ability Enhancement has disappeared.
Blessing of the God of Justice, Tyr's Unyielding Will has disappeared.
* * *
"Why so quiet?"
"……."
Who could blame him? Even Tanas was a bit stunned.
"Hm… Even with a relic, this doesn't balance out."
Ignoring Martier's childlike grumbling, he stared silently at the blue window.
Power of Recovery transferred to party member Seria has been returned.
Agile Movement transferred to party member Lein has been returned.
Firm Oath transferred to party member Arshe has been returned.
Flow Control transferred to party member Lurein has been returned.
The mystery was solved. Why the "Recovery" Hero—a supposed supporter—had been a powerless hack.
Who knew there was this backstory…