Chapter 3

Since I had turned back without reaching the summit, I arrived at the trailhead much earlier than planned. Furthermore, I had stashed my heavy gear into my Spatial Storage and descended wearing only the bare minimum, which allowed me to walk incredibly fast. It wasn’t even noon yet.

This “Spatial Storage” Skill really was magnificent. The space measured 32 centimeters in height, 37 centimeters in width, and 63 centimeters in depth. The 75-liter rucksack I brought today fit inside without any trouble.

If I kept my mountain gear in there for the time being, I could rest easy regardless of when I might be summoned to another world. I had a tent and a sleeping bag, plus things that could serve as weapons, like my knife and ice axe. My gas stove, emergency rations, and portable water filter were in there, too. Even if I suddenly ended up having to camp out, I should be able to handle it.

“Next, I need water.”

Since I was climbing a winter mountain this time, I had only brought 300ml of water and 500ml of hot water in a thermos. My plan had been to melt the surrounding snow to create water whenever I needed it. I’d used up most of that hot water when I had the meal with Ria, so there was barely any left. From now on, I should probably keep several 2-liter plastic bottles ready at all times.

I thought about hopping straight onto the highway to go home after finishing my meal, but I decided to do some shopping first. I’m a natural-born coward, the type who needs to be thoroughly prepared.

I bought a variety of items at a nearby supermarket. Mostly water and food. I also bought snacks, juice, appetizers, and alcohol. I boiled water on my gas stove and refilled the thermos.

That handsome guy had mentioned that the flow of time inside the Spatial Storage was extremely slow. Because of that, the hot water would likely never go cold. Being able to use hot water instantly was bound to be convenient in many ways. Plus, I could just toss in perishables like meat and vegetables, which made things very easy.

While walking through the aisles, I noticed they were selling farming tools in a corner—perhaps a local characteristic of the area. It was a lineup you wouldn’t see in the city. They were also selling fuel like charcoal. I didn’t think I needed a sickle or a hoe, but they had small pruning saws and hatchet, so I bought those and stored them away. The hatchet was much heavier than a knife, and just holding it made me feel a bit more secure.

It was a tight squeeze, but I managed to fit all my purchases and my full set of gear into the Spatial Storage. Now I could breathe a sigh of relief. And once I felt relieved, I started getting hungry. I’d come all the way to Nagano, after all. I might as well eat some delicious soba noodles before heading back.

In a certain temple, in a certain country, in a world different from ours.

In a luxurious office, a man as thin as a rail sat at a massive desk, looking through documents. At first glance, he had a gentle expression, but in reality, he was strict with both himself and others. The old man was the Pope, the highest-ranking official of the temple. A young secretary entered the room after a knock.

“Your Holiness, one of the shrine maidens has sensed a new Summon.”

The Pope knit his wrinkled brows.

“A new Summon? Which country performed the ritual? I haven’t received any reports.”

“It appears it was not a summoning performed by human hands, but one by the God of Space-Time.”

The Pope set down the documents he was holding. He judged this to be a matter that required his full attention.

“Are you saying the God of Space-Time has summoned a human? Not a summoned beast?”

Until now, the God of Space-Time had established summoned beasts, but had never summoned a human from another world.

“It seems that, due to a divine mistake, they were summoned in place of a summoned beast. Therefore, this individual is a summon entirely distinct from the Hero Summons conducted by various nations; rather, they are a human classified as a summoned beast.”

The old man closed his eyes and fell into thought.

“Where is this person now?”

“They were in the Labyrinth of Lagas, but it appears they have already returned to their original world.”

“Are you saying a summon was able to return to their world of origin!?”

“Yes. That is likely the difference between one summoned through a Hero Summon and one summoned as a summoned beast.”

“Hmm… and what sort of Gift does this person possess?”

When a summon is brought to this land from that distant place via a Hero Summon, they are invariably granted a single divine blessing known as a Gift. These are often extraordinary powers—the ability to manipulate all forms of magic at will, strength enough to shatter boulders, or an unparalleled talent for martial arts. This is why nations continue to perform Hero Summons despite the astronomical costs involved.

However, the name of the Skill that left the secretary’s lips caught the Pope completely off guard.

“Courage x6.”

“Hah? Courage x6? What on earth is that?”

As the tension drained from the old man, the secretary replied with a somewhat wry smile.

“It is a Gift that simply increases the individual’s own courage sixfold.”

“…I suppose such Gifts exist. I truly cannot fathom the minds of the gods. If it were Courage x100, it might be of some use, but…”

The Pope was right, of course, but the protagonist of this story had obtained the power of Courage x6, not a hundredfold. It was certainly a trivial power. One might not even call it a “power” at all.

Yet, neither the Pope nor his secretary had realized it yet. That this man would acquire a new Gift, one after another, every time he crossed the boundary between worlds.

“How shall we proceed?”

“Does this person possess any other special powers?”

“No, they are said to be an entirely ordinary human. They cannot even use a single spell…”

“Then there is no need to be alarmed. Simply add their name to the new Summoned Beast List and circulate the bulletin. …Still, Courage x6… pfft… hee hee!”

It seemed Courage x6 had struck a chord with His Holiness; for a while, the sound of delighted chuckling echoed throughout the office.

Having satisfied myself with a large serving of ten-zaru soba,¹ I was driving my car back home. I’d be there by evening. It would be the first time in a while that I’d be having dinner with Emi. I felt a bit anxious, but I was looking forward to it, too. Going out to eat would be nice, but maybe making something together is an option.

I wonder if we’ll be able to communicate well. I should check in with her before I get on the highway.

.
.
.

She didn’t pick up.

I sent a message, as usual.

—I’ll be home around four. What should we do for dinner?

I waited a while, but no reply came. Since she was working through the weekend, maybe she’s still in the middle of a task? Feeling a bit restless, I started the car.

It happened shortly after I got onto the Chuo Expressway from the Suwa-Minami Interchange. Before I knew it, I was back in that familiar small room.

Wait, I can get summoned even while I’m driving?!

Being summoned is one thing, but I have to be careful when I go back. When I return, I go back to the exact same time I was summoned, so the moment I let go of the doorknob, I’ll be behind the wheel. I have to be mentally prepared before I head back.

That aside, it’s time for the highlight: Skill Time! My heart was racing even more than it did when I played with Card-das as a kid. I put some strength into my fingers and turned the handle on the side of the machine. I wonder what kind of Skill I’ll get…

…Now that I think about it, I’ve had terrible luck with draws since I was a child. There were times when all my friends pulled rare cards and I was the only one left with a common one. After all this time… a little thing like this doesn’t make me sad at all!

Once I confirmed the Skill’s details, the card flashed brilliantly and then vanished. Even so, “Sowing,” huh…

I guess there’s no reason to be that depressed. Maybe I’ll move to the countryside when I’m old and till the fields. I’m sure there will come a time when this Skill is useful! I forced myself to be convinced by imagining such an unlikely future.

Besides, this Skill only truly becomes mine once I fulfill the contract with the summoner. I don’t even know if a contract will be established yet. If the person who summoned me turns out to be a villain, I plan to head back without making a deal. By the way, if I don’t make a contract, I have to clearly tell the summoner that I am declining. If I don’t, I won’t be able to return here for a while.

“By the covenant with the God of Space-Time, I have been summoned to this land. O Summoner, what is it you desire of me?”

I practiced the predetermined line once more. The handsome guy told me to say this as much as possible when being summoned. He said it’s fine to ask for compensation during the contract, too. I’m grateful I don’t have to work for free.

Alright, I’ve got the lines down perfectly. It’s time to go meet the person who summoned me. I reached out and placed my hand on the door leading to the other world.