GalaxyTL
To answer the question, there’s no need to worry!
I understood why, after hearing about the members who stayed behind at Ortus. Firstly, Dr. Ludo, who’s always watching over Ortus. That alone makes me feel relieved, I wonder why. He might not be as strong as everyone else, but he’s incredibly perceptive, so his countermeasures are perfect. He can’t do house calls until everyone returns, but the other medical members will be handling that, so there’s no problem. He’s amazing.
And then there’s Nika-san, in terms of combat ability. He’s also staying at Ortus for a while. He’s usually out on jobs. He has such a large presence, just having him at Ortus is reassuring. And he really is strong!
“And the receptionists are also quite capable, you know? I’ve personally taught them all kinds of traps. And I’ve also set up a few myself, so those with malicious intentions won’t be able to get a single step inside!”
That’s incredibly reassuring. The receptionists have actually been rigorously trained by Saura-san. If she’s saying that, then I’m sure it’s fine.
“Adol’s handling the reception, so there’s no problem! And my brother’s also there, so we’re all set in terms of Support magic! Well, my brother’s a bit too excited about staying behind with Maryla, so I’m a bit worried about that.”
Wyatt-san, saying this, his hands clasped behind his head, was beaming happily. Ah, that’s Owen-san’s twin brother. Owen-san’s always giving him a hard time, because of Maryla-chan. His light green eyes are sparkling… he must have been incredibly stressed.
Now, putting that aside! They should tell me now, right! What, you ask? The names of those who are participating in the tournament, of course! I’ve been told it’s a surprise. I can’t wait any longer!
“Saura-san, who’s participating from Ortus?”
“Ah, I haven’t told you yet, have I? Fufu, it’s fine. I’ll tell you.”
According to Saura-san, only four people from each guild can participate. Ah, there aren’t any limits for the children’s division because there aren’t that many participants.
But four people? Juma-nii and Ronny are definitely participating. And there’s also Kei-san, Schlie-san, Wyatt-san, and Gil-san, and a few others. Even if Saura-san’s working behind the scenes, and Reki came as part of the medical team, there are still more than four.
“Juma and Ronny are participating, and also… those two, over there!”
“Eh!? Really!?”
It seems like Schlie-san’s here as Asuka’s guardian. Ronny’s in the adults’ division, but Kei-san’s his advisor. Wyatt-san’s here to protect our base, and everyone else is helping with the tournament. Dad’s of course, helping too. So…
“So Gil-san’s not participating.”
I thought he was definitely participating. Dad, hearing me say that, chuckled, saying, “What are you talking about, Meg?”
“Gil would win if he participated.”
“Ah, that’s right.”
It’s true that he’s leagues above everyone else in terms of strength. I’m sure even those from the other Special-grade guilds wouldn’t be a match for him. I don’t really know how strong they are, but if Dad’s saying that, then it must be true.
I already knew that, though. I’m sure he’s here as my guardian, just like Schlie-san and Asuka. I should have realized that, why did I assume Gil-san would be participating?
『 I’ll definitely defeat you! 』
『 …Come at me. 』
Ah, a precognitive dream. Or is it Dream Walking? Hmm, but I’m sure this is the future. And besides, I’ve seen this before. Licht and Gil-san glaring at each other.
A pale, white light was emitting from Licht’s longsword, and he swung it, sending that light flying towards Gil-san. That light is like lightning, it looks like it would char anything it hits. But Gil-san easily dodged it, with just one swing of his sword, and then blocked Licht’s longsword with his own.
『 Is that all you got? 』
『 That was just a warm-up! 』
Ah, ah, I’ve seen this! It’s the exact same precognitive dream as before! If I remember correctly, Licht then gathers a massive amount of magic power… and tries to use an attack spell. It’s dangerous. Just as I was thinking that—
“Meg?”
I came back to my senses when Gil-san called my name. Ah, that’s right. I’d completely forgotten about it when I saw it before, but I remember everything now.
There was also a time when I vaguely recalled this. And that’s when I assumed Gil-san would be participating in the tournament. That this was something that would happen at the tournament.
But that makes it even more…
When and where will that future happen?
“What’s wrong? You seem to be spacing out.”
“U-Um, it’s nothing.”
I don’t think I can tell anyone yet. I mean, I can’t just tell them that Licht and Gil-san are going to fight. That they’re going to fight, even though it’s not the tournament, it’s not normal. And besides, even I…
Huh? Wait a second? What I just saw, it was the same as before. That means the future hasn’t changed since then. So that’s going to happen, if nothing changes. I don’t know when, but judging from Licht’s appearance, it’s not that far in the future. Because his human form’s unchanged, it can’t be years from now. And I’m sure I’m also going to jump in before he uses that attack spell.
Well, I mean, it’s only natural, right? They’re both incredibly important to me, so I know I’d instinctively jump in. The issue is… what happens after that. Because the dream ends there, so I don’t know what happens to me after that.
The dream ended there last time, and it ended there this time too, so maybe something terrible happens… eh? Don’t tell me… I die? Again? No, no! I know I have a long lifespan, but I want to at least become an adult!
And here’s another fact I can’t hide my shock over:
I just had a precognitive dream…! I have absolutely no control over it at all! I want to cry. No, no, no, it’s too early to feel dejected, Meg! I’ve only just started training! I can’t give up this easily. I have to pull myself together!
“Now then! Everyone’s here, so let’s have a luxurious dinner! Tioris gave me a lot of food!”
“I bought all kinds of things at the food stalls! And alcohol!”
“Ooh, good job, Juma! I also bought some alcohol!”
“Woah, seriously!?” Juma-nii and Wyatt-san were getting excited. I’m sure those two get along because their ages seem close.
“Honestly, there’s no helping you two. You better not overdo it, okay!?”
Saura-san, who would normally scold them, just said, “Good grief,” and rested her hand on her hip. So it’s okay to let loose today. I looked around, and the Ortus members were diligently starting to prepare. There’s a stack of firewood, so I guess they’re going to light a fire there? I’m excited, it’ll be like a campfire.
“Meg, let’s help too!”
Asuka suddenly popped up in front of me, saying this. His eyes were sparkling with excitement, it’s so cute! I feel healed. That’s right, we have to have fun, while we’re here! There’s no point in worrying, what happens, happens!
“Okay! Let’s set the table!”
“Okay!”
We took each other’s hands, and jogged towards everyone.
Ah, I haven’t felt this lively atmosphere in ages. Ortus is so comforting.
We struggled, trying to lift a heavy table, and Juma-nii and Wyatt-san, laughing, easily lifted it for us. And when I got tangled in a large tablecloth, Ronny came to my rescue. I honestly think I ended up creating more work, but everyone was laughing happily, and that made me feel content. We? We ended up quietly arranging the plates. Asuka’s sullen expression was so cute.
The sun had set, and it was dark before we knew it. “I’ll prepare the lights,” Saura-san said, but Asuka volunteered. I get it, you want to help out if you can!
“Shaio, light up all those lamps!”
『It’s no problem at all.』
Asuka used nature magic, with his first contract spirit, the Light spirit, Shaio. All the lamps instantly lit up gold, illuminating the area. Ah, wait, it’s actually too bright. Did you get too excited? Asuka hurriedly spoke to Shaio, who was a proud, gold elephant.
“Sh-Shaio, that’s incredible! But could you… um… lower the lights a bit…? I wonder if it’s too difficult… but I think you can do it, Shaio.”
『Of course I can! It’s easy!』
The lamps, which had been too bright to even approach, were then dimmed to a comfortable level, and everyone sighed with relief. I see, so Shaio’s a bit proud. And Asuka’s good with words. He’s praising Shaio, saying, “That’s incredible! As always!”
I see, so those kinds of things happen when you don’t properly communicate. And it’s important to reassure them because spirits are trying their best. I’ve never had those kinds of problems because Shou-chan’s with me. It’s unfair, but it can’t be helped because Shou-chan’s too amazing!
『Ufufu! It’s true that I’m amazing, but… that’s not all! Everyone loves Master so much, they’re always trying to understand what she’s thinking! Master’s incredible, you know?』
“Shou-chan…! Uu~, I love you all!”
Shou-chan must have heard my thoughts, because it came flying over and gave an impassioned speech. It was so cute that I almost collapsed. It also brings tears to my eyes that it’s now able to openly acknowledge its greatness. That Shou-chan who was so insecure…! And everyone else who’s working so hard, I love them all!
“Now then, let’s begin! Don, give us a few words, since it’s a special occasion!”
“Huh? Ah, yeah, this is just the beginning. Let’s all have fun, and make sure to pull yourselves together! Cheers!”
That was a short greeting. He definitely just wants to drink. But everyone seemed to be feeling the same way, because they happily cheered. Fufu, that’s Dad.
And so, the first night, the first step towards the tournament, began in a lively manner.