Chapter 29: Two Endings, One Continuation

At the end of July.

The reward for defeating the Undead King hasn’t been deposited yet. Although the large cloth and scythe were submitted as proof of defeat, several days are needed to ensure no curses arise from the [Polar Night Spirit Path]. Given the rarity of defeat reports worldwide, it’s understandable.

Information is expected to be confirmed by the beginning of next week at the latest. From what I overheard from the instructor, everything seems to be proceeding smoothly.

Kirishima-san, Shiraishi-san, and I gathered at a family restaurant.

Recently, I got new clothes, a plain, casual dress shirt and some basic denim. I outgrew the casual clothes I used to wear in middle school. Naturally, Ninna picked them out for me.

I arrived earlier than the meeting time, so I passed the time idly in the shade nearby. The cicadas are loudly in full swing these days. The people walking by in suits have taken off their jackets, and many buildings have put up wind chimes under their eaves.

Across the street, I saw the two of them.

Not only Shiraishi-san but Kirishima-san had also taken the time to do her makeup properly today. They mentioned they would visit Haruto-san’s grave before coming here, along with another companion who has since left the dungeon.

“Good work out there.”
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Next to smiling Shiraishi-san, Kirishima-san teased provocatively.

“You could have gone in ahead of us.”
“Who do you think I am? I can’t just walk into a place like this alone.”

“That’s nothing to be intimidated about.”

I’m still not used to eating out. Compared to this restaurant’s door, entering a dungeon’s gate is far less intimidating. Honestly, I’d rather have someone hold my hand through it.

“Come on, follow us.”
“Let’s go. It’s cooler inside.”

Sandwiched between Kirishima-san leading the way and Shiraishi-san pushing me forward, I entered the family restaurant. I was like a robot, just moving my legs between the two. I sat down at the seat they led me to. I’m the only one on this side, the two of them sat across from me.

“Order anything you want. We’ll cover today.”
“No, I’ll pay for myself…”

“I’m the client here. I won’t allow you to refuse the reward. At least, getting a drink and dessert is a must.”
“A must!?”

They handed me the menu. The vibrantly colorful photos almost made me dizzy. Then I glanced at the prices underneath. What is this, some kind of mental attack?

I wiped the sweat off my forehead with my fingertips. Then cleaned my hands with the wet towel.

“Whew… This is tougher than expected.”
“I can choose for you if you’d like.”

“No thanks. Kirishima-san would probably pile on delicious things.”
“Be happy about it.”

I shook my head firmly. While I appreciate being treated to my favorite foods, even among close friends, certain courtesies should be maintained.

Dismissing many of Kirishima-san’s suggestions, I settled on a hot plate grill with a variety of meats.
I nervously picked melon soda from the drink bar. I can’t even remember the last time I drank carbonated soda.

Kirishima-san pushed her glass towards the middle of the table. Following her lead, I did the same.

“Cheers!”

After taking a sip of orange juice, Kirishima-san looked at me.

“Thank you, Isshiki. Thanks to you, our goal was achieved.”
“We wouldn’t have been able to talk to Haruto without you, Isshiki-kun.”

“…Is that so?”

Was it really the case? Indeed, Kirishima-san’s collection of information didn’t mention anything about it.
I might have been the first to release a soul. But all I did was read the core of the Undead King.

“Isshiki.”
“Yes?”

“Don’t worry about getting scolded. Just answer me… what did you think of the Undead King during the battle?”
“…….”

I averted my gaze. Why is melon soda so green anyway?

“I’m not mad.”
“Each of his spells was on a completely different level, and… to be honest, it was incredibly exciting. I think the Undead King felt the same.”

Just before revealing our trump cards, we resonated intensely.

[Orgostra] and [White Underworld Path]—I still remember that sensation of mutual curiosity and murderous intent enveloping me, wondering if my full strength would work against such a formidable foe.

Shiraishi-san, who had been sipping cocoa, gently joined the conversation.

“Maybe that’s why you were able to use the final magic. Because you were in sync with the Undead King.”
“Connecting with a monster? During a fight?”

“Come on, it’s Isshiki-kun we’re talking about.”
“Haruka, you’re not planning to use that as an explanation for everything, are you?”

“Logic and Isshiki-kun don’t go together.”

Was that a compliment? Maybe. It could be seen as borderline rude, but Shiraishi-san isn’t the type to badmouth others, so I think it was praise… probably.

“Well, whatever. It’s all in the past now.”

Kirishima-san smiled and moved on from the topic.
We ate the food that was brought to us, and softly scraped through the dessert ice cream with a spoon.

When the moment seemed right, Kirishima-san broached the subject. By then, our drinks had turned to coffee and tea.

“So, about the 6 million yen reward—”

Glancing sideways, I saw Shiraishi-san nod firmly.

“I don’t need it either. All 6 million yen should go to Isshiki-kun—”
“Hold on! No way! Absolutely not! Just splitting it evenly so each gets 2 million is fine! Besides, Kirishima-san found the location of the [Mausoleum Palace], so even if she took 1 million more…”

“Seems like he’s saying something.”
“Yeah.”

“Am I being brushed off here!?”

Suddenly they seemed so aloof.

“6 million yen is a lot. Do you get it? You could buy 600,000 candies costing 10 yen each.”
“What would you even do with that?”

“Eat them, I guess.”

“Let me just say, if you try to spend 6 million yen, it goes quickly. Getting a set of home appliances, a phone for staying in touch, extracurricular activities, high school fees, cram school—you want all that, right? It goes in a flash.”
“I understand, but…”

It feels unsettling as if all the credit for defeating the Undead King belongs solely to me.
It was a victory won by the three of us. And thus, I want to properly distribute the gains.

“Hey, Yuko…”

Seeming to have thought of something, Shiraishi-san tapped Kirishima-san on the shoulder and whispered in her ear. Kirishima-san first looked stern, then started nodding gradually.

“Alright. Let’s do that. –Isshiki.”
“Yes?”

“We’ll take 1 million yen each, after all. But that’s all. We won’t take more.”
“…Understood. Thank you.”

As a result of the negotiation, my share was 4 million yen. For the Isshiki family, this was a revolutionary income. Adventurers are amazing.

I drank my tea and exhaled.
My hands trembled slightly as I thought about the 4 million.

◇

Two weeks have passed since the defeat of the Undead King.

With August here, the frequency with which Itsuki ventured into dungeons had significantly decreased.
His family was on summer break, and he spent time with them.

“I heard Isshiki-kun’s younger brother started playing baseball. They say he has a natural talent.”
“Seems like he was bragging to you.”

“Yeah. ‘My brother has amazing athletic abilities,’ he said.”
“What a doting brother.”

Near the dungeon entrance, on a bench close to the gate, Haruka and Yuko were seated.

Until now, meeting Itsuki was entirely up to chance. He didn’t have a phone, and his arrival time depended on his family circumstances.

But things have changed. Using the 4 million yen reward, he finally got a smartphone. Of course, it’s a cheap, used one with the lowest plan. The store clerk suggested “it would be better if you had a little more data usage…” , but Itsuki refused adamantly, showing strong determination.

Modern apartments come with routers, so as long as there’s Wi-Fi, staying in touch is not a problem.

Since today was one of his trips to the dungeon in a while, Haruka and Yuko had come here as well.

Looking into the paper bag they held, both of them giggled mischievously.

“He’ll definitely be surprised when he sees this.”
“He might even get mad at us.”

Itsuki arrived and walked straight towards them.

“Good morning.”

A polite greeting from the boy.

“Morning, Isshiki-kun.”
“Good morning, polyester boy.”

Itsuki raised his head, looked at Yuko, and tilted his head.

“Yes. I’m in polyester again today.”
“You’re graduating from that.”

“Excuse me?”
“—Starting today, use this.”

They handed over the items they held to the puzzled Itsuki.

He reached into the bag and his eyes widened at the feel of its contents. At first glance, it looked like just a black hooded cloak along with a shirt and pants. However, the fabric was no ordinary material.

“This is… from the Undead King, isn’t it?”

“It might not have much value as material, but we think you can make the most of it. Just like you figured out the magic in the core.”
“Take it. Isshiki, you’re going ahead of us.”

Haruka would soon return to her job in exchange and currency operations after a leave period.
While nothing was set in stone, Yuko would likely begin training as the next instructor.

Both of them were retiring as adventurers.

Only Itsuki would continue the path ahead.

The time they fought together as comrades was brief. Compared to what was to be a long adventuring life, it was but a fleeting moment.

Even so, the time the three spent together would never be lost.
The 2 million yen given to Yuko and Haruka was intended to support his future.

The world’s probably only one-of-a-kind, custom-made equipment. Meant to protect Itsuki in place of themselves.

“—Thank you!”

Itsuki smiled, like a boy his age, genuine and straightforward.

He trotted off to the changing room and returned in his new attire. The cloak, primarily black with cool blue embroidery, suited him well.

“Take care.”

Waving and sending him off, he leaped into the gate.

“I’m off.”

As soon as he disappeared from sight, the two also left the area.

They exited, stretched grandiosely, and Yuko cast a sidelong glance at Haruka.

“Hey, Haruka. What do you think of Isshiki?”
“Think, as in?”

Haruka’s face was calm as Yuko smiled slyly.

“Do you like him?”
“Going straight for it, huh?”

Haruka answered softly, unfazed. This wasn’t the first time Yuko brought up such a topic.

Haruka’s answer had always been firm. As a former adventurer herself, she spoke plainly.

“I can’t love someone when I’m unsure they’ll return safely.”

Yuko’s response was matter-of-fact.

“He’ll come back, you know.”

Yuko’s expression, almost exasperated, or perhaps entirely confident, reinforced that sentiment. Looking away, Haruka eyed the stoplight before them.

“Do you think so?”

She questions herself.
The signal, which was red, changes as soon as they arrive.

“I hope so.”

The noises of the bustle and the pedestrian signal echoed.

Even Yuko beside her missed the final words.