I Left the State-Sanctioned Party, and Eventually Became a Hero in the Frontier ~ A Tale of a "Scoundrel" Starting Over as a Hero ~

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“Was that really Albert you saw?”
“Why would I lie?”

I answered Fimia’s uneasy question as we moved toward where the figure had disappeared. There’s always a chance it was a mistake, but that mop of curly black hair—no doubt, that was him.

“So if he vanished a while ago… does that mean he’s been hiding out in the unexplored region this whole time?”
“Do you really think he’s got the guts for that?”

Albert is a loudmouth—he’s not the type who could hole up somewhere like this for long. And to be honest, I don’t think he’d survive either.

…Something’s off. My gut tells me this kind of unease is something you shouldn’t ignore.

“Stop.”

I came to a halt and held out a hand to stop the other two. When you get a bad feeling like this, you need to be extra careful. Especially when something impossible seems to be happening.

This is unexplored territory—in other words, a dungeon. Nothing here would surprise me. And if you don’t treat every strange occurrence with the utmost caution, you won’t survive.

“We’re turning back. Rolo, Fimia.”
“What about Albert?”
“Even if it was him, we’ve got no reason to keep chasing. Whatever he’s doing out here, it’s none of our business.”

That might sound cold. But Albert is a former companion from Silhasta. He’s not part of Mercia, nor is he one of the adventurers who came to the new city. If anything, he’s just a suspicious individual who disappeared.

“I think it’s better to stop too. It felt like we were being lured in.”
“Yeah. Whether that was Albert or not… we shouldn’t follow any further. Let’s go back and report to Saran.”
“You’re right…”

Fimia might be feeling conflicted after the way she pushed earlier, but even she knows it’s too dangerous to press on. Wandering through a place where we might run into Scarr just to chase after that idiot would be plain foolish.

“Let’s save the al-mi’raj for tomorrow. Rolo, stay sharp—we’re heading back the shortest way possible.”
“Got it. Fimia, stay close to me, okay?”
“Yes. Understood.”

With Rolo, I keep a careful watch on our surroundings as we head back along the stream. There’s a faint sense of something behind us, but it’s distant. I can’t tell whether it’s a monster or Albert… but there’s a stench of something wrong in the air. We’re going to need someone smart for this.

After a while, we start picking up signs of people nearby. Looks like the job requests I handed out are working as intended. With this many adventurers roaming the area, even monsters should think twice before approaching.

“Alright, we’re back. Man, that gave me the creeps… felt like something was watching us the whole damn time.”
“…Kind of like that day, huh?”
“Yeah. Same awful vibe.”
“It’s a little frustrating not being able to sense it like you two.”

Behind us, Fimia frowns slightly as Rolo and I exchange grim nods. Honestly, not being able to sense it might be a blessing in disguise.

♦

“I see. There have been no other sightings… but if you two say you saw him, I’ll believe it.”
“No solid proof. We only caught his back.”
“Yeah. And… something about him felt off.”

After hearing our story, Saran narrowed his eyes in thought. Then he quickly sighed.

“This won’t do. We’re missing too much information.”
“Yeah, I figured. That’s why I want to talk strategy—do we search for Albert or not?”
“Normally, I’d say there’s no need… but I admit I’m curious. What about you two?”

Rolo and Fimia looked a bit surprised at being asked directly. Honestly, so was I. That scheming four-eyes, the one who always makes snap decisions on his own, asking for input?

“I think we shouldn’t. It creeps me out.”
“I agree with Rolo… but I have a bad feeling about this. Like something’s wrong.”
“To be honest, I’m with Fimia.”

Seems like just as Rolo and I can sense presence, the two spellcasters are picking up something from this phenomenon too. Hard to put into words, but the feeling is mutual.

“…Fimia, can I ask something of you?”
“A Revelation?”

Saran nodded at her question. Revelation is one of the high-tier holy magic… and one of the powers that make Fimia worthy of the title “Saint.”

“Understood. I’ll go purify myself and prepare to receive a vision.”
“My apologies. Asking you to use divine grace so casually…”
“No, I believe this is necessary too.”

Fimia nodded, then turned to Rolo and me.

“Is there a place nearby where I can bathe?”
“Yeah, there’s a spring a little outside the village. Rolo, take her.”
“Me?”

Who else would, dumbass? She’s going to be undressed to bathe, right? You’re the best fit for the job.

“Yulg, you should come with them.”
“What? Why?”
“We are in the middle of an emergency, after all. Fimia’s protection should be doubled.”

Saran made a good point. If that was Albert, this could get ugly fast. I don’t think Rolo would fall behind, but there’s always the chance.

“Fimia, are you okay with that?”
“It’s a bit late for modesty. I’ll overlook the details.”
“Alright. I’ll keep watch around us. Rolo, stay with Fimia.”
“Got it.”

The four of us nodded in agreement and exited the building we were using as a temporary command post. Saran said he had business with the receptionist, so we parted ways at the door. We crossed the village and exited through the archway.

“The spring’s this way. Watch your step.”
“Thank you.”

With Rolo escorting her, Fimia walked down the gravel path. I followed from behind, tension rising with every step.