**Episode 027: Premonition of Farewell**

“So, what are we going to do tomorrow?”
After our meal, we discussed our plans for tomorrow. Currently, we have a rough idea of how things will go in terms of food, clothing, and shelter. We’ll need to start taking actions toward our medium to long-term goals.

“Well, I want to level up.”
“I have things I want to do, so I also want to level up. Plus, considering we don’t know what might happen, it’s probably a good idea for each of us to have some stockpile.”

It seems both of them are eager to focus on leveling up.

“Nii!!”
Enjyu, too, climbed onto the table, following up with energetic cries.

“Enjyu wants to level up as well. How about the three of us level up together tomorrow?”

I proposed this idea, interpreting Enjyu’s words for everyone. With the current three, unless something significant happens, they should be fine.

“That sounds good. With our current equipment, the three of us should be able to handle most challenges.”
“Yeah.”
“Nii?”

While the two nodded in agreement, Enjyu asked with a slightly sad expression if I wouldn’t be joining them.

Ugh… Please don’t make that face…

“Ah, sorry. I plan to stay at home tomorrow.”

“Nii…”

Suppressing the desire to go with them and patting her head, I conveyed that I couldn’t join them. Enjyu drooped her head, looking a bit lonely.

It’s regrettable to make her feel sad, but while the situation is calm, I want to assess my abilities to some extent. I’ve only encountered one type of Shadow so far, but I don’t know when other types or completely different monsters might appear. I wanted to grasp my own strength before that happens.

“When I come back, we can be together. Please be patient until then.”

“Nii!”

As I stroked her head, Enjyu understood and raised her front paw to make a sound.

Too cute…!!

“There, there. Thanks for understanding.”

“Nii~”

I praised and continued to stroke her, and Enjyu, feeling comfortable, relaxed her expression and closed her eyes, curling up on my crossed legs.

Ah… Blissful moments…

“Now, what does Rokudo plan to do?”
While I was being comforted, Shuji asked.

Shuji seems curious about the reason I’m staying at home.

“I’ll be assessing my magic and other skills. I’d like to do it as soon as possible.”

“Indeed. You have a lot of them.”

Shuji nodded in understanding of my response.

“If I can use magic or production-type skills, I’d also like to enhance the defense capabilities of this place.”

“Specifically?”

“To narrow down the entrance to the shrine and cover the entire area around here with walls. If we could do that, it would be great.”

“If we can surround the entire area, it would be reassuring unless a vortex occurs.”

“Right.”

Surrounding the base with a wall would provide security as long as no vortexes occurred.

“Covering the entire area might take a while, but initially, it would be fine to enclose just the grounds of this shrine.”

“That’s true. We don’t know exactly what constitutes the entire area, so we can’t say much about it. But it’s definitely a vast area. If we were to surround that, it might take months of in-game time.”

“That would indeed be quite time-consuming. Sounds tough.”

Shuji made a disgusted face at Satoshi’s explanation.

“It can’t be helped. I just want everyone to have a place to live where they can feel at ease. Just having that makes a huge difference in how you feel.”

“Indeed. Having a safe place to return to brings peace of mind.”

“Right? By the way, Satoshi, what’s your thing you want to do?”

After finishing my explanation, I became curious about what Satoshi had mentioned as his desired goal.

“Searching for my family.”

“That’s…”

Surprised by Satoshi’s answer, I found myself at a loss for words.

Despite worrying about their families, they prioritized helping me over searching for them. Even though they should be quite concerned, they are truly good people.

“No, no, with the current communication, we know they’re alive. I’ve conveyed what I know about their awakening, so it should be fine. The safety of this base will increase further, and Rokudo-kun seems okay, so I’m thinking of moving soon.”

“Thanks for staying behind just for my sake.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Really. You’re so considerate.”

“Haha…”

Listening to Satoshi’s words, I expressed my heartfelt gratitude, and the two of them shyly smiled. I truly feel fortunate to have met them.

“Indeed, in that case, leveling up is never a bad idea.”

“That’s right.”

“Ni?”

While they agreed, Satoshi expressed unusual gratitude with his shy smile after hearing my heartfelt thanks. I think meeting these two was truly a blessing.

“Certainly, in that case, having a high level is a good idea.”

“Exactly.”

“If you’re going to rescue, then I have to go save my mom too. I’ll go with you.”

“Shuji-kun…”

In response to Satoshi’s words about going together, even Satoshi, who rarely shows a grateful expression, seemed thankful.

“Cut it out, cut it out. I’m just worried about my mom. I hope she’s safe, but…”

The embarrassed Shuji dismissed it with a grumble.

“Of course, I—”

“No, Rokudo-kun, I want you to stay here and protect this place.”

Even though I wanted to go together, for some reason, I was told to stay behind. I’m grateful to them, so I wanted to help if possible.

“May I ask for the reason?”

“If you’re not here, who will protect this base? Besides, this place was entrusted to us by the old man, right? What’s the point if you don’t defend it?

Satoshi asked me, looking bewildered, as if to say, “Why would you even consider leaving?” I had just mentioned creating a place for everyone to return to, and I had forgotten that. Still, even so, I wanted to repay them somehow.

“That’s true, but can’t we fortify the defense and then go?”

“Why not? If a vortex occurs inside, it’ll become a monster’s nest. Besides, we’ll be fine once we become strong enough. Don’t worry.”

Certainly, what Satoshi said makes sense. I should be able to exterminate any Shadows that appear, even if a vortex occurs.

Ugh. I can’t argue with that.

“Alright, I get it. I’ll quietly stay here and wait for you two to return safely with your families.”

I surrendered, raising both hands, following Satoshi’s words.

“Thank you. With this, I can search for my parents with peace of mind.”

“Don’t worry about it. We’re friends, after all.”

“Even so.”

We laughed together. After discussing tomorrow’s plans, we decided to take turns keeping watch alone, just like yesterday.