Published: January 24, 2026
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After freeing Oliver and the others in Tsutolairu, I moved directly to the Royal Capital of the Nohitant Kingdom.
From there, I used long-distance teleportation through the Downing Trading Company in the Royal Capital to return to the Principality of Hitia.
“Seriously, are we really already back in the Principality of Hitia?”
Not only Derrick, but Luna and Aneli also wore expressions of disbelief.
Oliver, already aware of the existence of long-distance teleportation, wasn’t surprised.
Considering that just a few hours ago we were in Tsutolairu, and now we’ve traveled to a place that would take nearly a month by carriage, Derrick and the others’ reactions are understandable.
“This is going to revolutionize logistics…”
“We’re using it freely now, but considering the costs, it’s not something you can use casually. More research is needed to effectively apply long-distance teleportation to logistics. …Anyway, everyone, good work. Sorry for pushing you so hard. Chris—please coordinate with the head of the trading company to prepare guest rooms for everyone. For today, just rest up.”
“Marquis Forgus is setting things up to have Orun declared a wanted criminal, right? We’re also escapees, so we know we can’t stay long in the Nohitant Kingdom. No problem,” Aneli said.
“Yeah. We’re not that tired anyway. So, what do we do now?”
Those two didn’t sound like they were bluffing—it really seemed they weren’t exhausted.
I had worried their physical strength might have dropped after being detained for a year, but maybe that worry was unnecessary.
“There’s nothing you need to do immediately. But I suspect that the flooding of dungeons around the world will happen soon. When that time comes, I want you to join the operational forces of Amuntzarse and head out to hunt demonic beasts in various locations.”
“Cooperating with Amuntzarse, huh. That’s a bit complicated,” Luna muttered with a wry smile.
To her, Amuntzarse was an enemy organization until just a few hours ago.
It’s harsh to expect her to switch her feelings so quickly.
“True, Amuntzarse has been killing explorers up until now. That past won’t disappear. But the current organization does not condone murder and is trying to save as many people as possible. …Still, Luna, I understand your feelings. Until you’re ready to come to terms with it, you don’t have to push yourself—”
“No, it’s okay. Sorry for complaining. I made up my mind before coming here.”
I was about to say she didn’t have to force herself, but Luna cut me off.
Her eyes held a strong will, and her words clearly weren’t just bravado.
“…Understood. Aneli and Derrick, are you both alright with this?”
“Yes. Oliver told us in advance that there’s a high chance we’ll cooperate with Amuntzarse in the future, so we’ve already come to terms with it.”
“Same here.”
“I see. Thank you, all three of you—”
“—Orun, welcome back!”
As we were continuing our conversation in the room engraved with the teleportation circle, the door suddenly burst open and Shion entered.
She immediately shifted her gaze beside me, spotted Oliver, and flashed a mischievous smile.
“Oliver, long time no see! I heard you nearly killed Orun at last year’s thanksgiving festival?”
“Long time no see, Shion. But it seems you tried to kill Orun before the festival too,” Oliver retorted without backing down.
Knowing their relationship, I could tell they were just teasing each other, but the content was pretty alarming.
Well, neither of them was wrong…
“Are you sure that’s the first thing you say when reuniting with a friend you haven’t seen in ten years…?”
“Because past mistakes need to be properly remembered,” Shion said.
“Right. It serves as a warning not to repeat such foolishness.”
As Shion and Oliver shared an understanding, Luna widened her eyes in surprise.
“I’ve never seen this many ice spirits gathered here before…”
Hearing Luna’s whisper, Shion turned toward her.