S-Rank Adventurer Betrayed by His Fiancée in the Hero’s Party Sets Off on a Journey to Heal His Broken Heart ~The Strongest Betrayed Adventurer Ends Up Forming a Harem Party~ - Chapter 18: A Sense of Unease

Chapter 18: A Sense of Unease

“And… done!”

“Wait, Abel!? We said its belly was the weak spot! Why’d you go and cut it from above!?”

“Huh? It looked like I could cut through, so I did.”

After severing the Moldrake’s neck and sheathing the Scorching Flame Sword, Elmie ran up to question me.

With Heedrise’s weight and abilities, its magic techniques pack enough power to brute-force through almost anything.

So, if it looks like it’ll cut, why not cut?

“Besides, Elmie, you could probably slice through its carapace if you really tried, right?”

“Sure, I could cut it… but splitting it clean in half is a bit beyond me.”

As expected of a 《Sword Saint》. When it comes to cutting, no one comes close to her skill.

My 《Blazing Ruin》 technique uses extreme heat to vaporize, explode, and burn through whatever it touches.

But Elmie? She can slice through purely with technique. That’s amazing in its own right.

“Wow… the cut looks like it exploded, but it’s still perfectly straight.”

“Abel! What was that? Did you use high heat to make it explode? Was it hot enough to instantly vaporize it? Can magic swords really do that? Or is it because of your mana capacity? Tell me!”

While we were chatting, Frey casually picked up the Moldrake’s severed head and inspected the wound on its body.

Maria, on the other hand, was unusually hyper, bombarding me with questions as she practically bounced over.

Has she turned into some kind of magic scholar over these past three years?

Before, she focused more on using skills and weapons with magic as backup. Did something make her change her perspective? It’s… unexpected.

“Maria, I get that you’re curious about the magic sword, but calm down for a second! Phew… Seriously, Abel, you’ve gotten so strong.”

“Yeah… It’s thanks to what you all taught me three years ago. So, what did you think?”

“Fuhe? Ahh, um…”

When I asked Elmie, who had taught me the basics of swordsmanship, about my blade technique and movements, she suddenly looked flustered.

Her eyes darted around nervously, and she tried to hide her face.

Is it just me, or are her ears turning red?

I was curious, but I decided to wait. Eventually…

“Um… y-you were really… c-cool…!”

“—Huh? Oh, uh, thanks… though, I meant more about my blade technique and movements…”

“Huh? Ah—gah…!”

Elmie’s face turned bright red in an instant.

Yeah, I get it. Saying something like that by accident would be embarrassing. Honestly, hearing it makes me a little embarrassed too.

I could feel my face heating up…!

As the awkward silence stretched between us, the sisters, who had been watching us with amused grins, finally spoke up.

“You two, stop staring at each other like that. Let’s pack up and head out already—”

“But big sis was shocked! Abel’s gotten so strong… and he looked so cool!”

“Ah!? That’s not fair, sis! Then I’ll say it too!”

Interrupting her sister, Frey wrapped herself around my right arm.

Not to be outdone, Maria, who had just regained her composure, latched onto my left arm.

Oh no, this isn’t a rescue… this is an attack.

“Hehe. Look how much you’ve grown… You used to be so cute, but now you’re both handsome and adorable, aren’t you?”

“Heh? —W-Wow… incredible…! Your arms and body are so firm and strong…!”

I could feel two soft things pressing into me from both sides…!

Frey whispered in my ear while her fingers lightly brushed against my neck and face, and Maria… for some reason, she was running her hands all over my arms and torso, mumbling something under her breath.

The mix of their gentle voices, warm breath, and that sensation made my ears and spine tingle.

I know they’re close and probably see this as harmless affection, but it’s way too intense!

They need to remember I’m still a grown man with… well, desires.

“Frey… Maria…!”

Just as I was struggling to keep my composure—

“Enough already!! You pervy sisters!!”

Our party leader, Elmie, finally snapped, unleashing a verbal lightning bolt that brought the chaos to an end.

We quickly got back to packing up and preparing to leave.

Still, something lingered in my mind.

The Blood Wolves and Moldrake—neither of them should’ve been in this region, let alone in an environment like this.

And on top of that, these two species live in entirely different habitats.

An abnormal number of magical beasts, ones that shouldn’t even cross paths, showing up here back-to-back… Is it really just a coincidence caused by habitat disruption?

“…No way.”

With that small murmur, we began our journey back to Cahel.

・　・　・　・　・

After returning from our investigation, we were directed to the third floor of the Cahel Adventurers’ Guild.

Technically, it was just me who was summoned, but the three insisted, “No way we’re letting you go alone!” and tagged along.

I mean, I get it—they think of me as their little brother—but I’m an S-rank adventurer now, you know?

I’ve been through plenty of situations like this, so they didn’t need to come along… Oh, I don’t get a say in this? Got it.

But now, the three of them might be regretting their decision.

Because the person waiting for us was far beyond what any ordinary adventurer would expect to encounter.

“To vanish from Sildent (the royal capital of Sildiel) and reach the border in just two days… Truly worthy of an S-rank.”

The only person physically present in the room was Alvia, the Cahel Guild Master, who had requested this meeting.

But the real issue was the crystal ball placed on the table in the center of the Guild Master’s office.

“Yeah, yeah, I figured you’d already know that much. After all, it’s your organization that decides who’s S-rank. Isn’t that right, Kamul Belt, Adventurers’ Guild Executive?”

“Indeed, I understand that well enough, Sir Abel of the Four Swords.”

The enchanted artifact on the table, the “Far-Sight Crystal,” projected the image of an older man with slicked-back white hair.

The crystal’s function allowed for remote conversations with large groups, displaying a vivid, floating image in the air. Despite the deep wrinkles on his face, his sharp, piercing gaze radiated an almost overwhelming intensity.

This man held one of the highest positions in the Adventurers’ Guild, just shy of the top: Kamul Belt.

As the Chief of Conduct Oversight, he was responsible for maintaining order among all adventurers and was the one primarily in charge of appointing S-rank adventurers like me.

“You were the one who cut through the western mountain near the capital, weren’t you? The city’s been in quite an uproar.”

“They didn’t waste time spreading that through your network, huh?”

“Indeed. Still, we’re thankful it was just the mountain. Your restraint is appreciated—at least you didn’t cause chaos in the city.”

This old man’s gaze was as fierce as a tiger’s.

I was used to it by now, but for Elmie and the others, it was a different story.

Kamul’s authority was enough to end an adventurer’s career with a single word. They were visibly tense, cold sweat dripping down their faces.

I’d told them it wasn’t necessary to come along, but they didn’t listen. Now they were paying for it.

Meanwhile, Alvia, who must’ve been the one to report to Kamul, was completely out of her depth.

Dealing with S-rank adventurers was challenging enough, but being dragged into a conversation with someone at the Guild’s highest level had left her visibly shaken. Honestly, I felt a little bad for her.

“Well, I don’t like dragging things out. Let’s skip the formalities and get to the point.”

“Agreed.”

There was no subtle probing or pretense here.

With a gaze sharp enough to cut steel, Kamul fixed his eyes on me, as though he was ready to pierce through me entirely—

“I offer my deepest apologies. For the reckless actions of our subordinate organization and the disrespectful behavior of our staff, I sincerely apologize.”

Kamul bowed his head with such natural ease that it was almost hard to believe.

This was a high-ranking executive of the Adventurers’ Guild, an organization spanning the entire continent.

“—!? L-Lord Kamul!”

“The individual responsible for the article and those involved have already faced severe disciplinary action from the Guild. However, if you demand their head, I will personally see to their execution.”

“No, no, I’m not going to ask for anything that violent.”

The conversation continued calmly between Kamul and me, but the women in the room were utterly shocked.

Elmie and the others were wide-eyed, and Alvia even let out an audible gasp.

Honestly, isn’t that reaction a little insulting to me?

Though, I guess seeing someone of Kamul’s stature bowing his head is beyond what they could imagine.

“As for your so-called ‘actions,’ we’ll let them slide. The fault lies with those who lacked the resolve to wield their power responsibly. Besides, there’s no one strong enough to punish you. We won’t revoke your S-rank status, and you’re not the type to cling to it anyway.”

“Fair enough.”

As someone who once idolized the idea of being an S-rank adventurer, I’ll admit I was content when I finally reached it.

If they stripped the title away, it wouldn’t be a huge loss for me.

Besides, the Guild likely wouldn’t want to revoke it anyway.

S-rank isn’t just a “title.”

It’s a warning to others, a label marking individuals with catastrophic levels of strength as “abnormal.”

…I’ll admit it stings a bit to be considered an “abnormal” person.

But when I think about some of the others in this rank, I can’t exactly argue with it.

Why is it such a big deal that I just wanted to get stronger for my lover’s sake?!

And more than anything, the Guild wouldn’t want to lose a powerful one-man army they could rely on in times of crisis.

“And as for the Guild Master here, Alvia… she’s new to her position. The issues involving that problematic adventurer fall under the responsibility of her predecessor. Still, as the one responsible for overseeing the Guild’s conduct, I’ll take accountability for this.”

“Lord Kamul, please, it’s entirely my fault…!”

“Her improper behavior also stems from our lack of proper training. Once again, I extend my deepest apologies.”

“I don’t mind, but other S-rank adventurers might not be as forgiving. Make sure they know how to handle us properly.”

“You’re absolutely right. Alvia, once this is over, I’ll send you the necessary training materials. Study them thoroughly.”

“Y-Yes… Sir Abel of the Four Swords, I deeply apologize for my behavior.”

From across the table, Alvia bowed her head in apology, her face filled with guilt.

Honestly, I wasn’t particularly upset. If anything, I didn’t feel like I deserved to be addressed so formally as “sir.”

“Now then, apologies alone are something even children can offer. As an adult, I wish to compensate you properly for the trouble. Unfortunately, I’m unsure how best to reward you. So, I’d like to propose this instead: consider it a debt you can call in against me in the future.”

“A debt, huh? How big of a debt are we talking about?”

“Three requests. Barring anything improper, I will grant you three wishes using all the authority and resources at my disposal.”

“…Heh.”

Kamul was the head of the Guild’s conduct oversight division, someone who shouldn’t be able to act so freely.

And yet, here he was, offering me something this significant.

“Why go that far? I thought you hated people like us—S-rank adventurers.”

“I despise the fools who inevitably cause problems, no matter what. While you’re more reserved than most, even you aren’t entirely innocent. That said, your power has been a significant force in defeating the Demon King, regardless of your motives. As someone who also lives in this world, I feel a sense of gratitude toward you… You could call it a debt of honor.”

A debt of honor. The man with stark white hair slightly softened his piercing gaze as he said those words.

“I see… Alright, if the time comes, I’ll call on you for help.”

“Finally, allow me, someone who has walked this world for more than twice as long as you, to offer a few words to this hidden hero of the realm. Regarding this recent incident… it’s unfortunate.”

“…Ah, you mean with Millia? Look, I get that you’re the Guild, but could you not stick your nose into my personal matters?”

“When you’re at the center of things, your so-called ‘personal matters’ tend to spiral beyond that. Still, it’s hard not to feel something when watching young people struggle through life. Are those women behind you your new support system?”

Kamul’s gaze shifted to Elmie and the others.

“That’s not it. They’re the ones who first pushed me forward—important people who’ve helped me in countless ways. And let me make this clear: if anyone dares lay a hand on them, it won’t be a mountain I destroy next. It’ll be the Guild’s headquarters reduced to rubble.”

“I have no intention of committing such folly. I’d rather not provoke a dragon’s wrath.”

Well, yeah, provoking a dragon is just asking for trouble.

Kamul’s sharp gaze flicked to Elmie for a moment. She, noticing this, straightened her posture, the tension evident as she responded in a clear, unwavering voice.

“I’m Elmie, leader of the A-rank party Oathsworn Radiant Swords.”

“I’m Frey Estumué, a member of the party.”

“And I’m Maria Estumué, also a member.”

The three introduced themselves.

Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I heard the sisters’ family name. Most adventurers just use first names when addressing each other.

“Hmm… Oathsworn Radiant Swords, an A-rank party. If I haven’t heard of you, that likely means you possess not only skill but also commendable character. That’s a rare and admirable trait.”

“We’re honored…”

“Those who pushed a hero forward must themselves be unsung contributors to this era. I’ll remember you.”

“Abel calls us his benefactors, but to us… he means even more than that.”

At Elmie’s words, Frey and Maria straightened their posture and nodded in agreement.

“I see… You’re not just the ones who gave a hero his first push forward. It seems there’s more to your bond. Kindred spirits, perhaps.”

The man’s gaze lingered on them, and after a moment, he closed his eyes as if shielding them from something too bright.

Finally, he left us with these parting words:

“To the champions of a wounded world, may your rewards surpass all expectations.”

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

Hello, this is Sora Akatsuki.
This time, we’ve got a slightly longer chapter, and the twin sisters’ family name makes its debut!
I just never had the chance to include it until now…

The story might pick up a bit more in the next chapter, so stay tuned!

P.S.
By the way, I haven’t done much with the gift I received yet… Should I release something for my supporters?
Like deleted scenes, short stories, or behind-the-scenes info about the setting?
What kind of content would you like to see on the KinGen Note? Let me know if there’s anything that would make you happy!