Published: January 22, 2026
After the fierce battle with the dragon ended, we continued exploring for a while before returning to the clan home.
“I'm back—”
“Oh, welcome back, everyone. You're home quite early today.”
As we entered the home, three small, boyish-faced boys who handled all the clan’s administrative work alone were there.
Huh? I didn't say anything wrong, did I?
One of them spoke to us as we came back.
This boy’s name is Miles Lampling. Fifteen years old.
Miles has a supernatural ability called 【Clone】, which allows him to multiply his body into several copies.
Apparently, all of these copies share unified memories and thoughts.
Honestly, that ability sounds like it could drive someone crazy if used.
The definition of self would become so vague, I’d be too scared to use it myself.
“Well, it’s thanks to Fuuka’s stupidity running wild.”
“Don’t say such rude things. I didn’t run wild, you know?”
“Huh!? You started scattering magic stones everywhere as soon as we reached the ninetieth layer—what kind of nonsense is that coming from your mouth!”
“But Haruto said we needed a large amount of dragon scales.”
“I did say that, but it meant to take time, right!? That’s why we started the dungeon exploration from the morning!”
“Was that so?”
After Kati pointed it out, Fuuka finally seemed to realize the full plan for today.
Yeah, from now on, I should only let Fuuka carry the absolutely necessary magic stones.
“Ahaha… Ms. Fuuka is as usual, it seems.”
“Today was the worst one in recent times…”
“Oh, that’s right. Your father is waiting in the reception room, so Captain and Ms. Fuuka, could you please go to the reception room?”
Miles’s father is the head of the Lampling Viscount family.
A few years ago, we saved Miles from some villains, and feeling grateful, he helps with the clan’s work while his father provides financial support.
We didn’t do anything special, but I think they’re a sincere father and son.
“It’s unusual for you to come here. Understood. Fuuka, let’s go.”
◇
I took Fuuka with me to the reception room.
When we entered, there was a dignified middle-aged man with a beard and a maid.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Alf.”
“You’re back quite early.”
“We gathered what we needed earlier than planned. Still, it’s rare for you to come here. Is there an urgent matter?”
“I just came to see my son. Also, I have a favor to ask of you all.”
“What is it?”
“It’s about the thanksgiving festival being held in two weeks. You know there’s a martial arts tournament as one of the main events, right?”
“Yeah, I know. I’m not interested though, so I’ve never participated or even watched it.”
“Until now, most participants were officers from the Central Army or regional armies, as well as B-rank or lower explorers. It was rare for A-rank or above explorers to join. Marquis Forgus doesn’t like that situation. This time, he wants to gather only advanced explorers and have them fight. He personally approached me about it.”
“Sounds troublesome. So you want Fuuka and me to participate too?”
“To put it bluntly, yes. Sorry, but the opponent is the marquis. You can’t refuse.”
“Putting Fuuka in it—does the marquis have a screw loose? He’s obviously aiming to restore the hero’s reputation, but if Fuuka participates, she’ll definitely win.”
“I know Fuuka is strong, but is she really that strong?”
“The tournament is fought with martial arts and supernatural abilities, no magic, right? Fuuka’s physical abilities are extraordinary, and her supernatural ability is definitely top-class. Even with magic, no one can beat her, so without magic, there’s no way she can lose. Right, Fuuka?”
“...Probably?”
I asked Fuuka, who had been munching on sweets like a little squirrel since we came in, and she gave a vague answer.
“It’s rare for you to be modest. Will it snow tomorrow? Oh no… I already put away my winter clothes.”
“I’m not being modest. I really don’t know.”