Volume 2 Chapter 2
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The inside of the Ice Palace is spacious, and each of us has our own room.
(It’s more accurate to say there are just not many people around.)
When I checked with my magic detection, there were about ten staff members in the palace. Even though this is a remote island, there are clearly too few people here. If this place is meant to isolate the Hero, there should be a lot more people around.
Since thinking alone wasn’t getting me anywhere, I decided to teleport back to the Base.
”Looks like things got complicated again.”
As promised, Kashiro is waiting for me in the Living Room.
”Not just the Mayuki situation, but this island itself seems pretty troublesome.”
When I told her that there are Demonkind all over the island, Kashiro didn’t seem too surprised. She probably has her own doubts about this island.
”I met 3 staff members from Ice Eden, but none of them responded to my ‘Analysis Magic.’ There might be technology in Another World that blocks magic.”
Hmph, they’re thorough.
Even Mayuki hasn’t mentioned anything about Another World until now, so Ice Eden must be a strict organization.
”I think not all magic is ineffective. My magic detection Necklace reacted, so there must be some conditions.”
However, it was unexpected that ‘Analysis Magic’ didn’t work. Not knowing what the other party is thinking makes me uneasy, and I can’t help but be on guard. …Back when there was no magic, that was just the norm.
”I was just thinking the same thing.”
Did she read my mind? Kashiro chuckles lightly.
”By the way, Mayuki is fine, but the administrator next to her has… an insane amount of magic power. We should act carefully.”
”Well, if we go against them, we might just get kicked out of the island. It feels like we don’t have any real choices.”
For now, we have no choice but to follow Ice Eden’s way. I just hope they’re pure allies.
”How does Ms. Winna look from Hyakudou’s perspective? She was wearing a sword… is she someone used to fighting?”
That person, huh. She seemed nice on the surface, but I don’t think she’s someone you can let your guard down around.
”I won’t know for sure until I try, but I think she’s pretty strong. There didn’t seem to be any openings, and she might even be stronger than me.”
”…I get it now, I wouldn’t stand a chance against her.”
”Don’t be too down about it. If you can’t handle it alone, just team up with your friends. Just like when we took down the Dragon.”
I borrowed my friends’ strength during the Ogre battle too, and there’s no need to go one-on-one. Our lives are on the line, so it’s definitely better to gang up on one enemy.
”There were 2 other male staff members besides Ms. Winna. While waiting for Hyakudou, I got friendly with the guys and we were arm wrestling…”
They have arm wrestling in Another World too, huh? Well, I guess that’s not surprising. It’s nice of them to join in on the student vibe.
”Both of them were super strong, and no one could beat them. Even Takaizumi and Tadahara, who are regulars in the sports club, were no match for them.”
Wow. Takaizumi the Hero aside, even the well-built Tadahara lost? Just because someone is strong at arm wrestling doesn’t mean they’re good at fighting, but… I should be cautious.
”I don’t really know what kind of organization Ice Eden is, but they might be close to a military in reality.”
”Well, they live on an island with Demonkind, so it’s not weird if they’re all top-notch warriors.”
But after hearing Kashiro’s story, I’m starting to want to challenge them too. I hope I get a chance to arm wrestle at the right moment.
”If Hyakudou happens to lose, it could affect everyone’s morale, so I think we should be careful.”
”What? Is there a chance I could lose too? Now I want to do it even more!”
I don’t mind fighting against someone stronger than me. Before I came to Another World, the only one who could match me was my big sister. If there’s someone with equal skills, I’d want to spar every day.
But now that I think about it, my win rate hasn’t been that great since I got here. I lost to an ogre in a pure strength match, and I got beaten by Kajihira when he was in a berserk and boosted state. I probably wouldn’t stand a chance against the Dragon either. Without ‘Eros Magic,’ I’m not even sure I could beat the president, and I likely would’ve lost to Shiragi, who used to be a Demonkind too.
”I’ve been losing quite a bit, huh…”
”You can’t brag about your strength anymore.”
Kashiro’s ruthless comment quietly pierced my heart.
* * *
When I stepped out of the ice palace, a dazzling silver world spread out before me.
The snow created a magical landscape, and in the distance, there was a ski resort.
”I wanna try snowboarding!”
Tsurué, totally in a resort mood, was pulling Takaizumi toward the ski area. Tadahara and Mizui reluctantly followed behind, and the 4 friends were drifting away.
”Cherie, please take care of them.”
Ms. Winna called out to a little girl. The girl, called Cherie, wore the same cloak as Ms. Winna and even had white gloves like him.
”Is that girl also part of Ice Eden?”
When I asked Ms. Winna, she answered while watching the girl’s back.
”Yeah. Her name is Cherie, and she was an orphan until the administrator picked her up.”
That’s a heartwarming story. If what she’s saying is true, that is.
”The administrator is a good person, huh?”
”We’re all here because the administrator helped us. They can be scary, but they’re not a bad person. At least, not for us…”
That’s a bit ambiguous. Does that mean they might not be a good person for us? Well, it’s normal to be lenient with your own people… but it’s nice to know they have some humanity. I guess I can feel a bit more at ease.
”By the way, what about you, Sir Hyakudou? We have things planned not just for the skating rink and hot springs, but also for nature observation tours.”
”Right now, I want to know more about this world rather than just enjoying a vacation. Is there a place like a library?”
When I asked, Ms. Winna’ face clouded over.
”I’m sorry. We do have a collection room, but with my authority, I can’t guide you there. If you let me know what kind of books you’re looking for, I can request them for you.”
”Then, can I ask for books about this country? Ice Eden isn’t exactly independent, right?”
Ms. Winna met my gaze and smiled gracefully.
”Yes, it’s natural to want to know. I’ll put in the request, so please give me a little time.”
”──Specifically, how many days will it take to get to me?”
I stepped in with my question, but Ms. Winna’ smile didn’t waver.
”I’m sorry. The administrator is quite busy, so I can’t give you a clear answer.”
”Got it, then there’s nothing we can do.”
”Thank you for your understanding.”
”While I’m waiting for the books, can’t you tell me a bit about it, Ms. Winna? Just a light overview is fine.”
She looked away and started walking.
”Since it’s not great to chat standing here, shall we move to the restaurant? I’ll explain what I can about this world.”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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