Quite a feat, Kanami. No, he's calling himself Christ now, isn't he?

　A voice from above.
　Just like with Tida. I have a short attention span on high places. Especially after I've focused on the fight, I feel like that vice is more pronounced.

　As I'm wary with my glaring eyes, Rustyala jumps down from the roof of the tavern.

'It's been a while. Have I kept you waiting?'

　He approaches me, letting his long gold hair bounce around.
　The clothes are lightly dressed in fine cloth, just as they were when they attacked me before.

　There is only one difference. He has a silver sword at his waist.

　Me and Rastiara's eyes meet.
　As usual, they have eyes that I can't believe they are the same person.

''Not separately ....... I'm not waiting for you.

　I retort firmly and continue to look directly into Rustyala's deep golden eyes.

　I am different now than I was on the first day.
　I'm getting used to this world, and I'm gaining the strength to resist.
　The pressure I used to feel before is not as great as it was before.

　I keep my eyes on her with my full preparedness.


[Status]
　Name: Rustyala Hoozeyers HP 670/689 MP 312/315 Class: Hero
　Level 15.
　Strength 11.01 Strength 10.56 Skill 6.78 Speed 7.89 Wisdom 12.38 Magic 8.78 Elemental 4.00
　Status: none.
　Inherent Skill: Weapon Combat 2.12 Swordsmanship 2.02 Pseudo-God's Eye 1.00
　　　　　　　Magical Combat 2.27 Blood Arts 5.00 Sacred Magic 1.03
　Acquired skill: reading 0.52 elemental 1.00

[Heavenly Sword Noah]
　Attack power 7.
　Wear rate -99%.


　Details about Rustyala that I couldn't confirm before flowed into my mind.

　Levels, skills, weapons.
　All of them are first class.

　But it's within an acceptable range. Indeed, if I was a level 1 me, Rastiara would have been ten times as strong. However, the current me is a sufficient opponent to fight against.

I've been waiting for this day for a long time. I've been waiting for this day for so long.
'You said you're not hanging out ....... You're the reason I'm in a horrible place right now. ......
But it's not as big of a deal to Kanami as that, is it?
Oh, that much ......?

　Rastiara described the duel as being about that much of a duel with one of the best human beings.

'More importantly, that respectful term. Let's not act like strangers. We're supposed to be thoughtful to each other.''

　Rustyala smiles that there is no need for such a thing between us.
　Then, thickly and unapologetically, he says, 'That's what it's supposed to be.

　I increase my vigilance.
　I've been swept away many times by that self-serving behavior.

'That's fine. I wouldn't want to be polite to a guy like you either.
''Hmm. You're bullish because you've raised the bar. ...... Oh, I need to stop being respectful too. This ostentatious mannerisms are not appropriate for talking to Kanami, you know.
First things first. I'm not going to do what you want me to do. I'm not going to let you get attacked, and I'm not going to lose again.
'You're so rude to attack me. I'm always just doing you a favor and good will, you know?
And the result is that you're Mr. Radiant?
Didn't you get the benefit of the doubt?

　Rustyala continues to speak as if it's nothing.

　I don't see the slightest bit of agitation there. He seems to really think that that duel was no big deal.

　My position in the tavern.
　The danger of dueling with a sword.
　The impression the knights will have of me.
　This guy doesn't think anything of it.

"How could it possibly be useful--
'If you're a frame-up that you don't remember, you could have patiently explained it to me, right?　But Kanami received a duel. 'The Seven Knights of Heaven (this much) would be no match for me. Just right for an arm-twister," you thought, didn't you?
What--?

　Those golden eyes.
　I wonder if the 'pseudo-god's eyes' as the skill calls for is seeing through me.
　There is no doubt that it is reading my thoughts, no doubt about it. Lately, I feel like I'm only dealing with people with eye skills.

　It's hard to do anything about it.
　I can't help but miss Dia who was pure of heart and innocent.

　Rastiara looks at me, who doesn't return my words, and continues to talk by herself.

''Exactly, that's right. Sera and you have different things (・・・・・). The density of the soul in their bodies is different. There is no such thing as a level difference. I wanted to tell you that, and I wanted to share it with you. I thought it was just right, and so did I.

　Rustyala speaks with her cheeks high and her nostrils inflated.
　In the middle of it all, both of her eyes were glowing brilliantly with madness.

　Her tone became increasingly theatrical, revealing that she was drunk with herself.

'Me and Kanami are on a higher stage of life, closer to the spotlight of our stories. The world loves us, gives us, and we are blessed. We are the chosen ones. Immediately we will be alone and there will be nothing left but each other by our side - so let's hold hands, that's what I'm saying.

　Rastiara finished speaking and extended his hand to me.
　I need to firmly spin my words so that I don't get consumed by the madness.

...... It may be a reasonable story, but it's a narrow-minded story. But it's a narrow-minded story. ...... So what's the point, after all, you want to do?
Oh, what?　That's not very responsive. This was still a pretty well thought out invitation.

　Rustyala nodded his head at me as I answered leisurely, not letting the momentum flow through me.

''See. It's a good thing that you're not the only one. That's why I'll be listening to the story all the time.
'Hmmm, I'll admit that it's certainly half a hobby: ....... But you'd better believe I'm half serious, too. I'm serious about looking for a partner. Simply put, I want you to add me to your labyrinthine quest. I'd love for you to join me at .......
No. No.

　I didn't think about it, but answered with a spinal reflex.

"You're early. Eh, you have to think about it some more. It's too soon!

　Rustyala waves his hands in a hurry.
　I handle it calmly.

'Isn't it obvious?　You are too mysterious.
It wouldn't be fun if they knew who I was from the start! As time progresses, wouldn't it be more interesting if they found out who I am?
No, I'm not looking for fun or anything: ......
'What?　Then why are you hiding in the maze?
That's ......, I'm going home.

　There's no one around.
　Still, I won't go so far as to say 'where' I'm going back to, as someone might have heard me. But Rastiara, who would know that there are two worlds, would be able to get through this.

''Eh, you're going back?''

　Rustyala replies in a surprising manner.

'Of course. That's all I can think about. Ever since that day.'
'Heh ......, hmmm. Then I guess you'll need me even more.

　I know what Rastiara means.

　Certainly, the search will be easier if we can get this Rustyala's help. On top of Deer Class' talent, he has the ability to be vanguard-oriented. Honestly, I want it by the throat.

　Once I recognize the value of Rastiara like that, my words naturally soften.

'Sure, it would be reassuring to have you on my side, but ...... I don't know you too well. I can't do that without at least making sure our interests are aligned.
'Interest, ....... I think we're in agreement, don't we?
So tell me. What do you want?

　The purpose of Las Tiaras.
　To heal my body on the first day.
　Purposely attacking me in the middle of the night and forcing me to level up.
　Forcing the Celestial Knights to track me down.
　Forcing me to fight a duel with a knight named Radiant and selling myself.

　If I didn't understand those reasons, I would perceive Rustiala as an enemy for the rest of my life.

　As if my intention of not being able to pull this one off, Rustyala showed a different expression and dropped the words in a pout.

''I have only one purpose. -- I want to do it. Adventure (...)''

　His eyes were still straight and mad as ever. But unlike before, I felt a human-like longing in them.

'Do you want to have an adventure?'
Yes, an exhilarating adventure. I'd like to enjoy the labyrinth with a companion, if possible. Oh, a companion should be someone who doesn't treat me any differently, you know?　Also, you have to be able to follow me. That's important.
Sure, I fit that bill, but ......
I've always been bored ....... I've been in a basket since I was born. No stimulation, nothing. A prison that is just given to me. That's why I was jealous of the heroic tales, the adventure stories, and the people in them. I envied the lives that I had lost or acquired at will. -- I was envious of them.

　Rastiala speaks with unstoppable emotion.
　It's obvious and straightforward.
　It sounds like a cry of the heart, with poor, innocent envy intact.

　It sounds like a child's tantrum, and you can't fake the sentiment, you feel it.
　And I thought it sounded like someone (...)

...... I think I have a pretty good idea of what you're thinking.
'If you understand, I want you to take responsibility for your actions. It wasn't until I met someone as hilarious as you that I was able to keep me in check, you know?　And yet, with the skill "Gentile", with the skill "Gentile", with wounds all over my body at level 1, exploring the labyrinth alone in a state of near-extremity - I couldn't help but be envious of the guy who was so envious. I couldn't help but wonder which story's protagonist was going to have the most adventures. So, I want you to mix it up. Please go to .......

　First it was a request, and then it was a plea at the end.
　It was as if his posture was inconsistent. With every second, Rustyala's emotions were in full view, as his emotions were fluctuating.

　The more they conversed, the more the instability of the person called Rustyala was revealed.
　Frighteningly unstable. The kind of thing that could collapse at any moment, like a trump tower.

　An immature mind that is not commensurate with his mature body and level of maturity.
　If the story is any indication, it's probably because she was a typical boxed girl.
　That gap gives others the impression of a child playing with crushed ants.

'...... haha. I've learned a lot about what a very childish fellow you are.
'I'm serious, Kanami. I'll help you with your 'return' goal, and I want you to help me with my dream. Please.

　Hearing my frank opinion, Rustyala becomes indignant and continues to negotiate with a serious expression on her face.
　The way she looks at me confirms that she's old enough to know better.

　It's clear that Rustyala is still in danger. However, if it's not unidentified, it can find a use for it. The negotiations are not bad either.
　It is a fact that if even Rastiara's childishness can be successfully controlled, there is no gem as good as her.

　On the contrary, if I miss her, there will be a huge disadvantage that will be greater than the advantage of missing her. If I let her, who possesses my information, escape, the possibility of her information being leaked always follows. If that's the case, it's also appropriate to monitor her under the watchful eye.

　I quickly account for my losses and gains in a small amount of time.
　Then, slowly, I choose my words.

'...... Right. I'm always open to collaborators. If you'd rather party with me just to see how it goes--
Yes, thank you!

　Before I could finish, Rustyala joyfully shook my hand.
　I was forced to do what I was told to do and offer the terms of the party.

'But if you do anything crazy, I'll beat you right back. I'll have you pinned down and kicked out of the party.

　If you decide that you can't control it, you have to shut your mouth immediately.
　I have to make up my mind to do this.
　But I'm not sure how much I can do to keep my mouth shut.

'It's fine, it's fine. I just want to play in the labyrinth with Kanami. I won't do anything weird.
And you can clear up any misunderstandings with the Leidiants.
'What?　Hmmm, let's keep that one going. I don't think there's much of a chase when it's set up as a lover. Those people are so sacred to love that it's more convenient for them to be here.

　Love is considered sacred?
　Yes, I agree that love is a precious thing. But I also think it's an idea that doesn't belong in this world.

　...... It's a no-brainer to think about.
　That's not the point.
　The important thing is that we're in pursuit.

Wait. I'm sure your pursuers will be following you for the rest of your life.
I'll get my own thing, and my training partner will follow me!　Kanami, this is a great buy!

　They seem to follow me.
　Indeed, nowadays, an opponent of that caliber must be described as a training partner.

　I feel like I'm being pushed around a bit by Rustyala, but things are always a test.
　If it comes down to it, I'm willing to let it all go.

　Above all, dueling with a knight is a real learning experience.
　Neither too strong nor too weak, yet they have a lot of skill. They are following the rules, so there's no need to kill them. I chose a short term duel with Raydiant-san, but in some cases, you can take your time and observe the enemy's techniques.

''Haha ....... Well, okay, .......
'Yes!　You just nodded!　I certainly nodded!　You can't say no later, you know!

　Seeing that I nodded vaguely, Rustyala grasped my hand tightly and swung it around here.


[Rastiara Foozeyers will be joining the party]
　The party leader is Aikawa Uzumi.


　And this is where the 'display' of party participation appears in view.
　It's a party system I've been using for some reason, but it seems that the conversation I just had has fulfilled the conditions for joining the party.

　I'm not sure about the details until I try it out, but for now, it seems that we just have to say it out loud and agree to join the party.

　--This makes four people in my party.

　There are now four of us in my party, two more in the past two days.
　Probably not a bad thing with the increase, so it's good ....... Maybe .......

''Well then, let's go to Kanami's base. Oh no, I'm looking forward to our adventure tomorrow!
Wait, wait, wait. You're not going to just follow me home, are you?
Yeah?

　Rustyala replied with a natural smile.
　That smile was full of girlishness. It wasn't neutral like Dia's, nor was it juvenile like Maria's. It's a girl my age, about the same height as me. There's no way I wouldn't be aware of it.

'Hey, wait a minute ......!　Let me think about it: ......!

　I hurried to put a stop to it.

　Rastiara is going to use my house as a base.
　I don't know anything about how parties in this world socialize with each other, but is it common for them to share a place to sleep?　If you're a fledgling explorer with no money, it makes sense to me that you're saving money. Now that you're a part of the group, it's not a bad idea to work together - but if you can afford it, isn't it natural to stay in separate places?

　I mean, I've said I'm going to be one of them with my mouth, but I want to keep her as far away from me in normal times as possible.
　She's not as weak (...) as Maria.

'Kanami, yet?'
'No, I'm just a bit amused ....... But could you stop staying at my house?　I don't know about this world, but in my world, it's a little embarrassing to have men and women close in age sleeping under the same roof. Let's stay in separate places. You've got the money, right?
'I don't know much about this world or Kanami's world, so I don't know much about it, but in the ...... book, our friends always stayed at the same inn, right?　I think I would enjoy it more, and money isn't infinite either. You have to save money when you can. That's what I think.

　Rastiara doesn't seem to know the common sense of adventurers either.
　However, he seems to have learned some things from the books he was reading. If that's what the adventurers of this world are doing in this world's adventure stories, then that's what the adventurers of this world are doing.

　They save when they can.
　That's what I agree with, even in my value system.

'Well, I see. ....... So that's how it works, then: ......?

　When I was attacked in my sleep before, my life was not even taken.
　So I don't think I'll have to worry about being killed by Rustyala's hands while I'm sleeping.

　Then it might be okay to lend them a place to sleep.

　The rest is a problem with my embarrassment.
　It's a matter of being close to a beautiful girl named Rastiara (...).
　I'm sure I'm happy as a man, but I'm also sure that such feelings are useless to me right now.

I'm not sure if it's something that bothers me that much: ......?　You could take it more lightly: ......?

　Unable to see me continuing to think in agony, Rustyala interrupted me.

''...... All right. Just follow me. There's a lot of room.
'Yeah, do you have a lot of room?　It's not an inn?
Yeah, I have a house. I just got it the other day.
'Wow, that's lucky, though. I was looking forward to the ramshackle inn, like the one in the adventure story. Like the one Kanami used to stay at.
You mean before, on your first day? That was an expensive inn.
I see. That means there are more piggyback lodges than that one. Sounds like fun.

　Rastiala seems to have a longing for a life of poverty. If someone who is really suffering from poverty would listen to him, he would no doubt be outraged. This kind of insensitivity is Rastiara's fault.

　And so, now that we've finished, we start to prepare to go home.

Oh. Finally, stop calling me Kanami. Here I call myself Christ Eurasia.
Mmm. All right, Christ. ...... By the way, what does that name mean, by the way?
It's the name of a famous teaching and continent in my world. People who know them will be very surprised to hear them.
'I see, so it's convenient for you to find someone from your hometown. Huh, it's interesting, even if it's a coincidence. Same thing as me.
I don't remember your last name being the name of the country. If it's your country's name, do you have royal blood in your veins?　That would be kind of disgusting.
'Hmm. That's true, but it's not uncommon in this confederacy. There are more than a hundred powerful people and nobles who call themselves kings. This confederation is made up of many kings. This confederation is made up of many kings, a remnant from the past when they foolishly took over small countries.
'Heh ....... Interesting, since I don't know anything about this world.
'It's funny because the great powerhouse Hoosiers were led by a ridiculous idiot at the time. It's one of my favorite heroic tales. After stealing a country, he doesn't kill the one who claims to be king, but instead praises him for the opposite. So many times they fail, but their leader never gives up. He fights on for decades, hoping to make people smile. So--

　Rustyala seemed to be enjoying himself as he started talking about his heroes.
　As I listen to the story, I start walking home.

　Next to me, Rastiara continues to talk without getting bored.
　I think it's not a bad idea to learn about the history of this world, so I keep listening to Rustiala's stories for a long time.

　Then I think about what to do after I return home.
　Maria is waiting for me at home.

　Although it's now a party of four, Dia, Maria and Rustiala - each of them thinks it's a party of two with me.
　It gets a little complicated, so I think about how I'm going to explain to each of them, and then I quickly stop.

　We'll probably end up introducing ourselves lightly to each other anyway.
　It's not that big of a deal.
　I walked to the house where Maria was waiting for me, without a care in the world.