An active hunter from Hokkaido was thrown into another world - Chapter 52

Request of the Goddess – Chapters

Chapter 52   Long-awaited Goddess Communication

“It’s been about a month since my last visit. I’ve returned to the Saaplast once again after a long time.

On the way, I stopped by Tokor Village and received Saran’s new sword at Doul’s forge. It was beautifully lacquered with a wooden scabbard and had a leather-wrapped handle for dual-wielding, following the elven style. Unlike the guard of a Japanese katana, it had a cross-shaped hilt when viewed from the side. Although it appears simple, this sword is the strongest in this world, forged with a core of alloy tool steel, originally a crowbar made from the elves’ strength-enhanced gold.

Saran was delighted as she was asked to try cutting various things. At the last moment, she joyfully sliced a deer’s body placed sideways into two halves… I must admit, even for someone used to disassembling things, that was quite gruesome to watch.

As a token of appreciation, she was pleased when I gave her another crowbar as a gift!

“Is there more?! Are there more!?”

Well, it wouldn’t be wise to create any more of these. If these cheat swords became widespread, it would cause serious problems.

Please cherish this one that I gave for you with great care for your personal use.

“Do you know about the Hero, Shin?”

So, I was at the guild, getting the furs sold and stuff, when the guild master, Buffalo Bal, comes down from the second floor and asks me. You know, it’s never a good sign when he starts a conversation like that. And just look at Saran’s face, she’s clearly not happy about it.

“You mean the person who fights against the Demon Lord?”

“That’s right. They hold a tournament in the capital once a year, and the strongest one gets appointed as the Hero.”

So, the Hero is the strongest in the country. Well, that sounds like a reasonable system…

“They must be the most powerful in the whole country if they’re fighting the Demon Lord. But it’s none of my business.”

“That’s true. They make money, become popular, and do whatever they want. Annoying bunch…”

“I see. Well, it’s not my concern.”

“Their current job is going all around the country, investigating any signs of the Demon Lord’s revival.”

“That sounds tough. I’m glad it’s not my job.”

“You, huh… You’re starting to understand how to deal with me, huh?”

“Do you think so? I feel like it’s been the same way since the first time we met.”

“Anyway…”

“So, should we start with the pigeons in the first warehouse? Can I do that now?”

“You’re not getting it――――!”

Ugh, what is it now?

“That’s because those guys are coming to this town next time!”

“I see. Well then, I’ll head back for today.”

“Why do you always do that?”

Because, obviously, it’s going to be troublesome.

“Enough already. We’ve already asked the Ballistes members for help. The pigeons are fine. They’ve all disappeared anyway.”

Well, that’s a relief.

Ballistes members, huh? It’s been a while, maybe I should pay them a visit.

I went to the Ballistes headquarters.

Everyone was there, getting ready for something.

“Wow, it’s been a long time! Come on in!”

As always, they welcomed me warmly. They’re all big fans of Saran, after all.

I ended up helping with the kitchen cleaning right away… Sorry, Saran.

“Anything new recently?”

“We have a big event coming up…”

Apparently, a Hero is coming to this town.

He’s quite famous, being chosen as the Hero for five consecutive years in the capital.

His name is Cross Wrench. Sounds like the name of a tool, doesn’t it?

“He’s requesting a guide for when he arrives.”

“Where to?”

“To an old shrine, one of the five ancient sites that seal the past Demon Lords.”

It sounds quite fantastical.

I put on my best “surprise” face and listen attentively.

“That’s why we’re investigating and checking to ensure that the seal isn’t close to being broken.”

“I see. But it seems like a job you’ve gotten used to. I don’t think Ballistes needs an accompany for that.”

“Well, it’s just that there aren’t many good rumors about them…”

“You seem pretty confident.”

“Basically, yeah.”

“There’s a shrine nearby in this town too, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Hmm…

It seems like Saran’s lunch is ready.

Before having our meal, I excuse myself to use the restroom, and suddenly, a Magic Bag appears right in front of me with a thud!

What?! This is the first time this has happened. It startled me.

Curious about its contents, I open the bag and find the digital walkie-talkie inside.

Could this be what I think it is? Are they trying to contact me?

I put the walkie-talkie in my pocket, make the Magic Bag disappear, quickly finish my meal, and head outside.

While Saran is washing the dishes, I use the digital walkie-talkie to communicate.

“Hello, this is Nanotesu. Long time no talk! It’s been a while, Nakajima-san!”

Being called Nakajima after such a long time feels nostalgic.

“I always hear about your adventures.”

“I don’t think I’m that active, though…”

“Oh no, just knowing you can defeat monsters with a gun is a significant progress!”

“Nanotesu, do you want to promote guns in this world?”

“No… I invited you here to assess the situation. But seeing how cautious you are, I’ve changed my mind.”

“What do you mean by cautious?”

“When humans are given cheat skills, they often become arrogant. They make a lot of money, have many romantic interests, strive for power, and create many enemies. Some even try to eliminate potential threats…”

“Well, I’m not that strong to be arrogant. If Saran punches me, I’d die!”

“Hahaha! It’s good that you’re always humble, Nakajima-san.”

“I’m not so sure. For you, Nanotesu, wouldn’t this experiment be considered a failure?”

“Not exactly. It’s not about what abilities we give them, it’s about what kind of person they are. In the end, it’s about their character.”

…Well, I think that’s pretty obvious.

“I have no intention of becoming a hero or a defender of justice in this world.”

“What are your plans, Nakajima-san?”

“I want to live happily in the Elf village with Saran and be looked after by her until the end.”

“…How mundane, I mean, how normal.”

“Normal is the best… So, you contacted me for a reason, right?”

“Well, there’s something I want you to help with.”

“You too, Nanotesu… What is it?”

“Don’t get annoyed. Well, in this world, the kingdom selects its heroes every year in a martial arts competition. For the past five years, the same person has won.”

“You mean Cross Wrench?”

“Yes, exactly. Have you heard of him?”

“Well, he’s famous, so I must have heard his name somewhere. But I hope he’s not someone like me, a reincarnated individual.”

“No, he’s from this world. The thing is, he has been going on for so long that he’s gotten carried away, as they say. He’s constantly switching partners, living luxuriously, and acting high and mighty everywhere.”

“…Please don’t tell me to assassinate him or anything.”

“…”

I really don’t want any part in this.

I really don’t want to get involved.

“This guy is getting carried away and trying to revive the Demon Lord.”

“That’s awful.”

“He’s no longer satisfied with just inspecting the sealed Demon Lord’s shrines. He wants to revive the Demon Lord, defeat it, and become a renowned hero in the church.”

“Can he defeat the Demon Lord?”

“I think it’s impossible.”

“That’s the worst.”

Reviving the Demon Lord just to defeat it and become a hero. It’s all an act, isn’t it? If someone did that on the internet, they’d face heavy criticism.

And if he fails to defeat the Demon Lord, it would be catastrophic. The world could be destroyed.

“So, what do you want me to do? Assassination is definitely out of the question.”

“I’ve thought about it and came up with something that you might accept, Nakajima-san.”

“Who said I’d accept anything?”

“The hero has a witch as a party member.”

“A witch? Not a wizard, but a witch?”

“Yes, she pretends to be a wizard, but in reality, she’s a human who’s lived for over a hundred years and has almost become a monster. This witch apparently casts a spell at the shrines to weaken the seal.”

“And?”

“I was thinking if you could… ”

…

…

…

Hmm…

It’s like Golgo 13…

“Can gun bullets handle that?”

“Yes, that’s all.”

“Really, just that? You won’t say anything more?”

“No.”

“You know, no matter what happens, it’s not my fault, right?”

“Yes.”

“…What if I refuse?”

“Well, in that case, the best I can do is probably disable the Magic Bag.”

“…I’ll do it. I’ll do whatever needs to be done.”

“Okay, I’m counting on you.”