Episode 22

“Are we outside the dungeon?”

“Looks like it…”

Every member of Glanz’s survey unit had been transferred out of the dungeon—without a single person missing.

“No way… It actually worked.”

They had improvised a “Unison Link,” adapting an unknown ancient spell on the fly, and the two of them accomplished a feat as hard as threading a needle in the dark.

“Did we finish the job?”

“…That’s all you ever say.”

Just moments ago death had been close enough to touch, so none of them could quite feel their survival yet.

“As expected, I’m completely out of mana now.”

The two who had earned the most credit sat down on the ground.

“…Of course you are. Why do you think I made you conserve mana?”

(So it was to prepare for contingencies…)

“I had to flog these old bones to make it happen.”

“Save it. I know you interfered with my magic formula… Unnecessary.”

“I only made minor adjustments. Hm… call it a side dish?”

“You’ve got some nerve comparing me to food.”

If one listened only to the words, it sounded combative, yet a strangely gentle air flowed between them—like comrades who had crossed a death line together.

(An unfathomable boy. He mapped ancient magical theory onto the modern framework.)

“…I’m sorry to address you like this while seated, but thank you sincerely for saving the survey unit.”

Glanz bowed his head with a solemn expression.

“If not for you, none of us would have returned alive.”

The other members of the survey unit were likewise full of gratitude.

“All responsibility lies with me. If there is anything I can do, say the word.”

“Don’t misunderstand. I did it all for my own reasons. I don’t need your thanks.”

His arrogance was unchanged, yet the air no longer froze over as it had the first time they met.

“…If you learned your lesson from this, don’t ever come near this dungeon again.”

“Yeah, I’ve had enough.”

“I agree. The risk is far too high for the gains.”

“But kid, are you sure about this? If we leave things as they are, this dungeon will be shut down.”

Report today’s findings to the kingdom, and it would certainly be designated a forbidden dungeon—that is, all dungeon operations here would be suspended.

“Do you think anyone is fool enough to maintain a worthless, negative legacy? Let the kingdom do as it pleases.”

“In a dungeon with many casualties, explorers only decrease anyway. It’s surely for the best.”

(If I recall correctly, the information said he’s only twelve… The only things I have over him are age and experience, it seems.)

Glanz had served in the mage corps since youth—for the kingdom, the people, his colleagues, his family, and for himself.

(Considering his age, his talent is astounding.)

Though many now called him “the Sage,” in the past some had dismissed him as a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. There was always a faction who thought specialization superior to half-mastering many magics.

(Judging from that Unison Link, he does have real grounding in magic.)

Even so, Glanz kept training—to walk the path he believed in.

(It is also an elder’s role to yield the road to those who follow. Perhaps this is where I should step back…)

He had run himself ragged—studying magic, learning tactics, seeking the essence of arcana—until he found himself in the vice-captain’s seat.

(I’m old enough to have grandchildren now. Watching the young who will carry the future from a distance might not be so bad.)

“Now then, everyone. Let’s reset here and return to the royal capital.”

“Yeah. I’m tired, but being alive beats the alternative.”

“You always add one needless comment.”

“Returning to the capital is part of the job.”

With the dungeon survey wrapped for now, each of them began preparing to head back.

“What about you? As one of us, you should have the right to an audience with the king.”

“How should I know? That’s your role.”

“…I won’t bother retorting anymore.”

“Sticking to your first intent, huh!”

Leaving the rear unit in charge, Glanz’s survey team set off. One encounter was about to end.

“See you, kid. Next time you come to the capital, I’ll treat you to a meal.”

“You look likely to cause a commotion, so I’ll accompany you when that time comes.”

“Let’s meet again!”

One by one they mounted their horses and departed. Only Glanz and Zeke remained.

“…You saved me more than once.”

“Can it. If you’d set your mind to it, you could’ve handled it anyway.”

“Even then, I couldn’t have saved everyone.”

“If that’s what you think, then never make the same blunder again.”

“You’re right… You are truly strict.”

Though they should have met for the first time today, they felt as if they understood each other. Glanz felt reluctant to let this meeting end.

“…I’ll give you a chance to repay the debt.”

“? If an old man can do it, name it.”

“A few years from now, some folks will come looking for you—a brown-haired man, a white-haired woman, and a few others.”

“That is… No, knowing you, you have something in mind.”

“They’ll have business with this dungeon. They’ll likely ask you to go with them.”

“That’s another dangerous request. Hard on an old man.”

“Then hone yourself before then. Discipline yourself. Don’t tread the same ruts.”

“I’ll carve it into my heart. If that will be my return of the favor—to you, Zeke-san.”

The dungeon survey reached its end—this time, unlike the original, without a single casualty.
Yet afterward, Glanz chose to leave the mage corps entirely and retire, yielding the path to those who followed. Looking only at the outcome, it matched the original… whether someone’s will lay behind that, no one knew.