We’re currently traveling by carriage.It’s not like we want to go anywhere in particular. This is an escort job.As for why we’re doing this, Reimi suggested we take on a request.　She explained that to level up, I needed to complete a certain number of requests, and when she mentioned there was a perfect one available, I accepted it.The request was to provide escort services by carriage to a certain town.I had been thinking it was about time to take on a request, so this came at just the right moment.My sisters were also up for it, so we decided to accept the job.And so, we set off, swaying along in the carriage.　To cut to the chase, nothing attacked us.No monsters appeared, no bandits were in sight—it was a truly peaceful journey. I had been on guard a little, but it was a bit of a letdown.And so, we arrived at the town.After the coachman thanked us, we decided to head into town.“I don’t know how to put it, but it was kind of boring. Is this really what being an escort is

“...That’s how it happened...”“…………”Fine recounted what she had experienced, her face on the verge of tears.“I... didn’t know what to do... I wanted to save my sister, but... I thought there was nothing I could do on my own...”　From what I heard, there seemed to be quite a few soldiers there. It would have been too much for Fine to handle alone.“So… I ran away… leaving my sister behind… I couldn’t… do anything…”“…Don’t blame yourself so much. Running away was the right choice. If both of you had been captured, I wouldn’t have found out about this.”　I think Lapis deliberately acted as a decoy to let Fine escape.At least we avoided the worst-case scenario of both of them getting captured.“But… it’s my fault my sister got taken away… If I’d been more careful… if I hadn’t made such a clumsy mistake…”“But Lapis said they were the ones who ran into her, right? Then it’s not Fine’s fault.”“Even so… it’s true that I was getting carried away and wasn’t paying attention to my surroun

After registering at the arena, I was led by a staff member to a certain room. When I entered, I saw a large selection of weapons lined up inside.The staff member began explaining in front of the weapons.“You’ll be using these weapons in this arena.”“I don’t really need a weapon. I’ll use my own.”“You cannot use weapons you’ve brought with you. The rules prohibit bringing your own weapons.”“Huh? Seriously?”“It’s a rule to ensure fairness.”Huh. So bringing your own weapon isn’t allowed?Come to think of it, I think I remember seeing that rule as an option.“So please use the weapons we’ve prepared.”“…Do I have to choose from these?”“It’s the rule.”The room was stocked with several weapons: swords, axes, clubs, spears, and more. But swords were by far the most common.But all of these weapons are terrible. To put it bluntly, they’re junk.“Isn’t there anything else?”“Only what’s here.”“Seriously…?”“Those are the rules.”So I have to pick one of these? That’s a pretty harsh

Phew. I’m glad I managed to win. I was a little worried because I’d been out of practice, but I guess things work out somehow.Now I can save Lapis. I guess I can breathe a sigh of relief for now.Just as I sheathed my sword and was about to walk away,“...Hey.”“Hm?”“I want to ask you something.”　I heard a voice calling out to me from behind.When I turned around, Volgish was lying on the ground, propped up on his elbows, staring at me.“How the hell were you able to use Counter Slash? No, wait—why did you even try to use a skill like that in the first place?”“Well, if you ask me why…”“Counter Slash is one of those useless, hard-to-use garbage skills, isn’t it? You know that much, don’t you?”“Maybe so.”“Then why did you try to rely on a skill like that? You’ve got easier-to-use skills, don’t you?”The Counter Slash skill nullifies an enemy’s melee attack and immediately counters it.At first glance, that might sound convenient, but it’s actually surprisingly difficult to use ef

………………They're late."They're taking a while, aren't they…""Yeah…"A staff member told us to wait in the waiting room, but there's still no word. It feels like we've been waiting for about 30 minutes by now."I wonder if Sis is okay…"Fine stared at the door with a worried look."Don't tell me that bastard… is planning to pretend the promise never happened…""Wh, whaaaat!?""Honestly, he was a shady guy from the start. He didn't look like the type to keep his word.""S, so what happens to Sis then!?""…………"Maybe he took Lapis somewhere and is hiding her. That feeling was starting to creep in. But I know where his mansion is. If he really pulls something like that, I have my own plan."I'm going to go check on things. I'm worried about Lapis.""Then I'm coming with you!""No, Fine, you stay here. I'll go alone.""B, but…""Lapis might come back while I'm gone and we'd miss each other. That's why you need to stay.""………… You're right. Then please. Please save Sis.""Yeah. Leave it to m