When I Tried Strengthening 【Rusted Sword】, It Evolved Into An Overpowered Magic Sword - Chapter 61

Chapter 61   Protected Zone

“A protected zone? A place to safeguard demons… is that it?”

Charm-san nodded as I repeated her words, tilting my head in confusion.

“Exactly. While demons are indeed enemies of humans, there are some who hold no hostility towards us, like that demon girl. And, there are rare humans who wish to help such harmless demons.”

She gave me a meaningful look. It was as if she was implying that I was one of those rare humans. I didn’t deny it because she wasn’t wrong. I was well aware that I was unusual in that regard.

“Due to the requests of these people, a plan was formed to exclude harmless demons from extermination and to protect them in a safe place. This plan is known as the Demon Protection Zone—‘Eden of Fantasia’.”

“Eden of Fantasia…”

I see. A special place to protect and shelter harmless demons. A place where humans and demons can coexist without conflict. It sounds like a dream world, hence the name ‘Eden of Fantasia.’ I had no idea such a plan existed.

This made one thing clear. Both Dia and I had protected a demon, an enemy of humanity, yet we were not reprimanded for it. This was because the concept of ‘harmless demons’ was already acknowledged among people. The planning of Eden of Fantasia was proof of this.

Realizing this, I felt a sense of relief. Knowing that there were others who shared my sentiments somewhere in this world made me feel somewhat redeemed. I wished I could talk to those people, even if just once, but since that seemed unlikely, I decided to ask at least one more question.

“The Eden of Fantasia? Where exactly is that?”

“It doesn’t exist.”

“What?”

“I told you, it’s an ‘old story.’ While the guild did indeed plan for the Eden of Fantasia, it never got past the planning stage. Various objections were raised, and ultimately, the plan was scrapped.”

I was taken aback by her unexpected response. As its name suggested, ‘Eden of Fantasia’ remained a mere fantasy. If such a place existed, it would already be publicly known, and I would have heard about it. The fact that it was abandoned at the planning stage explains why it’s not widely known.

“Well, demons are enemies of humanity. Some demons attack humans for their desires, and some even eat humans. Proposing to protect and befriend such demons was never going to be well received.”

Hearing that again made a familiar guilt rise within me. A feeling that perhaps I had done something wrong. However, Charm-san continued as if to dispel those doubts.

“Still, there are indeed harmless demons like this one. Considering the Eden of Fantasia plan, if we present her directly to the Guild Master, there’s a chance she might be granted permission to live in a human town permanently.”

“So, that’s why you want to take her to the guild headquarters?”

Charm-san nodded, her pink hair swaying. If the Eden of Fantasia was once planned, there’s a good chance the demon girl might be accepted. If they can see she’s completely harmless, they might grant her permanent residence.

“So, it’s clear why she needs to be taken to the guild headquarters, but… am I really the right person for the job? I’ve already pointed an artifact at a fellow adventurer to protect her.”

After all, I came to the guild to be punished for that very act. What would happen to that punishment? As I wondered, Charm-san put a finger to her chin, looking thoughtful.

“Well, taking the demon girl to the guild headquarters is sort of like your punishment. Since you’ve helped her, you need to take responsibility for her until the end. I mean, who else would be willing to do this?”

“Huh?”

“Many adventurers harbor grudges against demons. In fact, that’s likely why many of them became adventurers in the first place. Do you think those adventurers would go out of their way to take a demon to the guild headquarters?”

“…”

No, I didn’t think so. Adventurers are often called ‘demon hunters.’ There’s a long-standing enmity between adventurers and demons, and many adventurers must have become demon hunters out of a desire for revenge.

“Then, the only one who can help the demon girl is you, Rusty-kun. Also, I want to give you a piece of advice: this isn’t a ‘request’ as an adventurer, it’s just ‘advice.’ If you show the demon girl to the Guild Master, it’s merely suggesting that they might be able to help her. There’s no obligation. Since it’s not an official adventurer request, there’s no reward involved, and there’s a chance that she might not receive permission to stay permanently and it could all be for nothing.”

“….”

Charm-san slightly raised her gaze and asked formally,

“Now then, even after hearing all this, Rusty-kun, can you still move forward to help her?”

There was a faint smile on Charm-san’s cheek. It was as if she already knew the answer.

Without hesitation, I replied, “I’ll do it. Please let me.”

Charm-san’s smile turned into a reassuring grin.

“Is that so? Then, I’ll bring the demon girl right away. Please wait here for a moment.”

With that, she moved to the back of the counter. She probably had the girl waiting somewhere in the guild’s rooms. As Charm-san was about to retreat, she suddenly stopped and turned to Dia as if remembering something.

“Oh, and I’d like Silver-haired-chan to accompany Rusty-kun.”

“Huh? Me?”

“The same way Rusty-kun is the only one who can help the demon girl, I’m sure Silver-haired-chan is the only one who can help Rusty-kun. Could you please assist Rusty-kun in safely reaching the guild headquarters? Of course, this is not a request, but more of a ‘favor’ from me. I won’t force you.”

Earlier, when Charm-san mentioned what she wanted to ask Dia, this was what she meant. Upon hearing this, Dia froze for a moment, seeming to be experiencing both agitation and surprise. However, she quickly regained her composure and responded not with her usual timid voice, but with a clear one.

“Yes, please leave it to me.”

Seeing Dia’s response, I felt a mix of happiness and apology. She’s always been the one helping me out. I’ve been quite selfish in dragging her along with me. Even though I don’t quite understand why she continues to stay with me, I’ll make sure to thank her properly later. Perhaps giving her something she likes as an apology gift wouldn’t be a bad idea.

And so, Dia and I were tasked with taking the demon girl to the guild headquarters.

“When, by the way, what would have happened to that girl if I hadn’t listened to your advice, Charm-san?”

As Charm-san was about to retreat behind the counter, I asked out of curiosity.

“Well, from the guild’s perspective, we prefer to keep potentially dangerous beings at a distance, so we were thinking of driving her away to some distant area. There might have been a possibility that we assigned that task to you, Rusty-kun, as a sort of punishment.”

Charm-san said this with a smile on her face.

“…”

Charm-san’s words were unsettling, yet she maintained her cheerful demeanor.

I deeply felt that I made the right choice in heeding her advice.