Reborn Into A Dark Social Game World With Completely Loyal Friends. - Chapter 26: Future to pursue

Future to pursue

One month had passed since Minato was reincarnated.

During that time, the major event was undoubtedly the start of the original story and the turmoil that occurred in the royal capital.

Dubbed the “Royal Capital Disturbance Arc,” the upheaval did indeed occur, albeit with the unexpected appearance of Fenrir. However, it was ultimately resolved thanks to the Commander living in this world and those who cooperated with him.

“The Royal Capital Disturbance Arc has ended smoothly… All’s well that ends well.”

“Minato-sama?”

“Oh, sorry. Did I wake you up?”

Minato lounged lazily in the sun, beside Kei and the other children who were napping.

While the world faced various challenges, Minato quietly progressed with his own plans. Around Nebales Castle, many houses were now available for people to stay in—this was the result of Minato’s efforts over the past month, and the connections he had forged.

(Well, it’s all good for now, but it’s going to be tough from here on out…)

No, the Royal Capital Disturbance Arc alone was quite challenging.

Yet ahead, the Commander would face even greater trials, witnessing ceaseless bloodshed and numerous sacrifices.

(Hang in there, Commander… I’ll do what I want to do.)

After a month, Minato had somewhat adapted to this world. During this time, he had visited the Empire several times and had gone to frontier villages to help people in need. Strangely, things had been going smoothly—almost too smoothly.

However, no matter how well he adapted, whenever he returned after witnessing cruel scenes, he couldn’t help feeling nauseous. Each time, he would seek comfort from Mia, which he found rather embarrassing. But Mia seemed happy about it, so it was probably fine.

“Kei, how are the new kids doing?”

“Huh? They’re getting along really well! Though… one of the kids who was abused before coming here is still scared, but I think they’ll be okay soon, so don’t worry!”

“Haha, I see.”

Rescuing villagers and welcoming more residents here meant someone had to take on a leadership role. Initially, it was the villagers Minato first met who took up this responsibility, but surprisingly, Kei was the one looking after many children.

“It’s tough, but hang in there as the kids’ leader, Kei.”

“Yeah!”

“If there’s anything, you can come to me, or ask Ranka-san, the village chief, or anyone else. Everyone’s kind and reliable, so you can count on them.”

“Got it!”

Kei energetically replied to Minato’s words.

After that, instead of immediately returning home, Minato visited the area where the rescued villagers were still busy building their new lives.

“Minato-sama!”

“Thank you for coming!”

“Do you have any business here!?”

The people’s reactions to Minato’s visit were overwhelmingly enthusiastic. This was largely due to the dire circumstances in other villages, not unlike the initial villagers who had needed help.

Without food, living in dilapidated homes, and enduring harsh cold and hunger—it was a difficult situation for many. Moreover, there were diseases considered incurable and a myriad of other problems. Yet, Minato resolved all of these issues, instantly winning over their hearts. Despite Minato’s reluctance, they revered him almost to the point of worship.

(There are more people now… about a hundred.)

Yes, the population had grown to around a hundred, all saved from several villages. Some had passed away with regrets that Minato hadn’t arrived a bit sooner, but he pressed forward without regrets.

(This smile… It might sound cliché, but it really fills me with joy.)

Minato wasn’t saving people in the same way as the original protagonist. He had found his own path to salvation. Having come this far, there was no turning back. However, he didn’t bear the burden alone, with many expressing concern for him.

Minato’s battle was about showing hope and potential to those who had lost all hope in the future.

“Tana-chan.”

“Mm.”

Returning to the mansion, Minato called out to Thanatos, who was curled up on the bed. She stretched, then floated over and settled on Minato’s shoulder, her shadow spreading.

“I feel motivated seeing everyone doing well. Alright then, let’s go.”

“Understood.”

Minato headed to France, where he would spend time discussing future plans and important matters with Mia. Their meeting place was, as usual, in the secluded back alleys where Mia’s memory extended even to the darkest corners. Thanks to Mia’s influence, law and order in France had significantly improved, making her presence known and respected among the people.

“Oh, you’re here.”

“Huh?”

And so, Mia remained Mia after all. Even without prior communication, she could sense Minato’s presence as soon as he set foot in France. Perhaps it was due to her angelic powers, but her intuition was unnervingly sharp.

“Minato-sa~n!”

“Whoa!?”

She zoomed in like a rocket and then slowed down to embrace him.

It was a familiar sight within the Linear, and thanks to Mia, the little Thanatos perched on Minato’s shoulder had become somewhat famous. However, her true nature as the calamity-bringing black dragon Thanatos was kept hidden.

“Alright then, shall we go?”

“Yeah… but are you sure it’s okay?”

“It’s okay, it’s okay! The Pope is waiting too!”

Minato had heard about discussing matters with the Pope, but he had only learned last night that they would actually meet. The fact that the Pope, who would eventually be killed, had heard about the commotion and expressed a desire to meet Minato was significant.

“Pope Ligeen… I wonder what kind of conversation we’ll have.”

Ordinarily, it would be impossible for an ordinary human to meet the Pope. That’s why Minato couldn’t help but think, as he was led by Mia, how far he had come from the moment of his reincarnation.

***

“Did you arrive safely?”

“Nee-san… Isn’t this stalking?”

“Shut up. This is also a request from that young lady.”

“Well, yeah, but… Even so, didn’t you think it was suspicious that France’s top forces would go out of their way to contact us?”

“…I did think it was suspicious. But it felt nostalgic somehow… I don’t know what it is, but I decided to follow that feeling.”

“Oh?”

And so, such a conversation was had.