Next Time, Let’s Go Together

Half a day after the defensive battle at the Hero Gate.

With the Goblin General defeated, the remaining goblin forces—now nearly annihilated—fled deep into the forest.

Something resembling Horned Rabbit meat had been found on the corpses of the defeated goblins, and the Fortress City’s conclusion seemed to be that they had used it as food, making it appear as though they had temporarily disappeared…

In other words, it was predicted that with this incident over, the monster distribution beyond the Hero Gate would return to normal.

“That’s basically the outcome this time.”

“I see. Still, even though they’re monsters, they turn each other into food.”

“That’s just how it is. It’s probably close to the relationship between us and animals, right?”

“…That makes a lot of sense.”

After the defensive battle ended, Kikori collapsed as if he had fainted and was carried to the clinic… and now on that bed, Kikori listened to Kuon recount the events of the battle.

Apparently Kikori had been treated with top priority because he was considered a major contributor in this defensive battle.

“Still, it sounds like it was pretty dangerous. Collapsing from over-mana—I’ve only heard of that happening to people doing reckless magic training.”

“Mana limit exceed phenomenon, right?”

“Yeah. It’s something people who train by using their mana to the limit to promote growth get, but… in Kikori’s case, well.”

“Hahaha…”

At the end of Kuon’s gaze were the armor and axe named berserk mail.

It had happened because he repeatedly used the charge function of that armor… but the fact that it could absorb mana from the Lizard Runner probably let him overuse it far more than expected.

“But still, that means my mana should grow at least a bit, right?”

“Hard to say. A lot of people deny the limit-break theory. Some say it just borrows growth from the limit you already had.”

Either way, if he could grow, it was all good for Kikori… but it wasn’t really the atmosphere where he could say that.

“…Well, regardless. I’m glad you’re alive, Kikori.”

“Yeah. I’m glad you’re safe too, Kuon.”

When Kikori said that, Kuon showed a rather complicated expression.

“Safe, huh. I guess I am safe. But back then, I still regret not going with you.”

“…Because of your Luna Eclipse, I fought better than usual. That was definitely your achievement, Kuon.”

“Thanks. But you know, this is just a matter of responsibility as a companion. I abandoned that… it’s not something that should be forgiven.”

“That was my selfishness. You had no obligation to go along with it.”

“No, I didn’t. But even so, I think I should’ve gone with you.”

As Kuon fell silent… Kikori quietly held out his hand.

“Then next time, let’s go together. That’s fine, right?”

After hesitating a little, Kuon firmly grasped the offered hand.

“…Yeah. Next time, let’s go together.”

After wiping the tears at the corners of his eyes, Kuon stood up, saying,

“Well then.”

“Alright, I’ll head back for today. Once you’re discharged, let’s go adventuring together, Kikori.”

“Yeah… wait, you’re leaving already?”

“Yeah, I am. Since earlier… um, the pressure’s been intense.”

Looking further past Kuon, at the person peeking in from the entrance of the room… Kikori couldn’t help but give a wry smile.