Chapter 11: Friends

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My body feels heavy.

If I didn’t have “Fool’s Mask” and “Martial King,” stopping those two would have been absolutely impossible.

Up until now, the stronger the opponent, the more skills I’ve acquired.

Just like when I first entered a dungeon and gained multiple skills from a Tyrannosaurus, this time I managed to gain several skills from just one blow from those two.

With that, I was somehow able to barely withstand their attacks.

There was a period when irregularities kept me from diving into dungeons. But…… even if I had been diving, would I have gotten stronger? At the very least, I’m “Level 0.” No matter how many monsters I defeat, my level doesn’t rise, and I don’t get stronger.

So, does that mean Akari-san and Touma-san are strong because they have high levels? Or because they were born with high potential? That’s certainly one factor in their strength. But not everything. Fighting them fist-to-fist, I felt it was the endless time they spent training and competing against powerful enemies—their experience.

Grandpa said I could use the Kamui family dojo anytime.

Just relentlessly defeating monsters isn’t the only way to get stronger. Even someone like me managed to beat Gai-kun. That…… it shouldn’t have just been the power of the mask.

The will to become stronger…… no, the will to protect the people I care about. For that…… I want to get stronger.

As I am now, I’m just moving around aimlessly. It feels like I’m relying on skills to exert power without really understanding them, like I’m myself but not myself at the same time. Even with the “Martial King” skill, I constantly feel like I’m being controlled by it.

Akari-san, Touma-san, that uncle who came later, and Marshal Sumeragi—they all moved without a single wasted motion or moment of carelessness. It’s because of the skills and experience they’ve cultivated over time.

The part I’m lacking the most right now: I can’t properly use the power I have. If I can learn more about “skills” from now on…… then what I should do now isn’t just to keep moving around blindly, but to face my own power—my skills.

Suddenly, the faces of my party members come to mind.

Again…… I ended up worrying all by myself…… Even though I told Hina and Shino that I want them to tell me what’s on their minds, I can’t even talk to them about a single one of my own worries…… No, that’s not it.

When I get back, I’ll talk to all three of them right away. And maybe if I ask Grandpa, he’ll teach me “martial arts”……?

While lost in those thoughts, I found myself in front of the Kamui family mansion before I knew it.

When I pressed the usual intercom, a curt “Yes” came through in a grumpy voice.

“I-It’s Suzuki Hinata.”

“I’m coming now.”

Haha…… Hina’s usual vibe does feel a bit intimidating, doesn’t it?

When the door opened, Hina’s sour expression quickly turned into a smile.

“Welcome back, Hinata-kun!”

“Hey. Huh? Still in your uniform?”

I’d assumed she’d have changed into casual clothes, but she was still in her school uniform.

“Yeah. Mom said Shino-chan’s sick and probably feeling lonely, so she suggested we have dinner over there.”

“I see. That’s a good idea, but are you okay with it, Hina?”

“Me?”

“Yeah. You don’t need to eat with your family?”

“It’s not that I don’t need to, but…… right now, I think I’d rather prioritize my party members!”

“Shino will probably be happy about that. But…… is it okay to barge into the Kagura house?”

“Yeah. Mom made a call for us. She said it’s fine!”

I see…… So the Kamui family reached out to the Kagura family.

It seems like there was something between Grandpa and them in the past, but if this helps the two families get along, I’d be glad. Plus, Touma-san and that uncle seemed pretty friendly too.

“Got it. Then, shall we go?”

“Yeah!”

I walked the path I usually take with Shino, this time with Hina.

“Actually…… I’ve always wanted to walk here.”

“Huh? Didn’t you walk here on weekends or something?”

“During the daytime, yeah……”

It should still be a little bright at this time, but with the rain, the road was darker than usual. It felt about as dark as when I walk with Shino.

“I was wondering what it’d feel like to see Shino-chan and Hinata-kun walking together~”

I didn’t mean to leave her out, but it’s true Hina’s usually not with us.

“I don’t think it’s anything special, but since we’ll be walking back today too, that’s a view even Shino hasn’t seen.”

“!? Y-Yeah, that’s right!”

Huh? What’s up with her?

We walked the road connecting the Kamui house to the Kagura house and eventually arrived at the Kagura family mansion.

Feeling a bit nervous, Hina pressed the intercom without a hint of hesitation.

“Yes, who is it?”

“I’m Kamui Hinata. Shino-chan’s—friend.”

“I’ll be right there. Please wait a moment.”

“Okay~”

Hina, who’d leaned a bit toward the intercom, turned to me and flashed a grin.

A maid soon came out from the main gate to welcome us.

Hina took a deep breath and stepped into the mansion.

Crossing the gate, she muttered softly to herself.

“Yeah. Crossing this isn’t a big deal.”

That’s right. Once you cross it, it’s not a big thing. I’d be happy if this helps the two families grow closer bit by bit.

As we were led to Shino’s room, Hina whispered, “Shino-chan too……” with a slightly lonely expression.

When the door opened, Hina immediately ran in and hugged Shino.

Somehow, Hina seemed different from usual—more proactive, maybe.

Perhaps that iron box was something that bound her heart. I hope one day both of them can be free in both body and mind.

Entering a room where two beautiful girls were hugging, the heavy door closed behind me, blocking out all outside noise.

“I can’t believe Hina-chan came to see me—I’m shocked!”

“Mom told me all about it! I’m so happy to be in Shino-chan’s room!”

“I’m so glad you came, Hina-chan!”

Even though they’d only been apart for a day, the two started chatting about all sorts of things.

We set up bento boxes on the usual low table. The easy-to-eat dishes were probably chosen because they knew Shino was bedridden from her illness.

When we finished eating, Shino’s smartphone lit up. It seemed she’d gotten an email.

Seeing it, Shino’s eyes widened, and tears welled up a little.

“Shino-chan?”

“B—Big brother said they’ve made progress on developing my earphones. And guess what? The ones he asked to develop it were—the Kamui family.”

“Our family!?”

“They’re the best in the world at machinery, after all. Big brother said I should look forward to it.”

“That’s great! Really great! Now we can walk outside together again, Shino-chan!”

“Yeah!”

Shino must have been worried, unable to imagine a future where she could leave this room.

Unable to do anything herself, just waiting. She said she first noticed something strange three weeks ago. I bet she’s been terrified this whole time.

“Shino. Hina.”

Both of them looked at me.

“……I’m a little upset.”

“Hinata-kun……?”

“Why didn’t you two…… talk to me about this? I don’t know what I could’ve done, but I want to worry with you. If we think together, maybe we’d come up with something good. And we could spend time together like this too.”

“Hinata-kun…… is that okay with you? You’d be tied down here, unable to do what you want because of our problems.”

“I don’t mind. Because you, Hina, Shino, and Fujii-kun are my party members. Not just for diving into dungeons—I want us to be comrades who can rely on each other anytime. So if either of you has something bothering you, please tell me right away.”

“Yeah……! From now on, we’ll talk properly!”

“I’ll speak up too!”

“Good. And I want to talk to everyone about my worries too.”

For some reason, their eyes sparkled as they leaned in.

“Actually, I…… I want to get stronger.”

“…………”

“As I am now, I might not be able to protect the people I care about if something happens. I want to protect them, even just a little, with my own power. That’s why I want to get stronger.”

“…………”

“I told Shino before about wanting to use the ‘Martial Arts’ skill more freely. I think I could get stronger than I am now if I could do that. I was thinking of asking Grandpa—what do you think?”

“…………”

“W-Wait……? H-Hina? Shino? W-What’s wrong? Was that…… too much for someone like me……?”

The two, who’d been staring off somewhere, looked at each other and let out a big sigh.

Maybe someone like me wanting to get stronger…… is too hard after all……

“Um, Hinata-kun?”

“Y-Yeah?”

“You want to get even stronger?”

“Huh? O-Of course! If I stay like this, I’ll just hold everyone back……”

They both gave me looks like they couldn’t believe what they were hearing, moving in perfect sync like sisters.

“Sorry……”

“…………”

“B-But! I-I’ll do my best as a porter too! No matter what—”

“Pfft.”

“Hehe.”

“Eh?”

“Ahahaha~”

They burst out laughing, tears streaming down their faces as they spoke.

“Hinata-kun, you—nah, that’s exactly why we wanted to form a party with you.”

“Yeah. It’s because you’re like that that I was saved…… and why I want to keep being with you.”

“Uh, um……?”

“Hinata-kun, didn’t Grandpa say he’d keep the dojo open for you anytime?”

“Y-Yeah.”

“That means he’ll train you whenever you come to the dojo.”

“Really!?”

“Hehe. So, Grandpa’s been waiting for you all this time, you know?”

I didn’t know…… I thought it just meant I could use the dojo freely whenever I wanted.

“And I’m all for it. On the days you go to the dojo, Hinata-kun, I’ll practice swordsmanship there too~”

“I want to learn martial arts too~”

“You too, Shino?”

“Yeah. My ability—it’s suited for martial arts.”

True…… with her hearing, she could probably distinguish an opponent’s movements with both her eyes and ears.

“And Fujii-kun’s probably fine with it too. He’s got some experience with archery, right? Hina-chan, your dojo has an archery range too, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah. It’s the dojo next door, but it’s right beside it.”

“R-Really? That’d be a huge help!”

“How about instead of coming back right at dinner time, we return two hours earlier, train at the dojo, and then eat?”

“Oh! That’s a great idea! Nice one, Hina-chan!”

I can’t believe…… it all came together so easily.

Talking it out with everyone like this really can lead to answers. I’ll need to explain everything to Fujii-kun properly too. And get his permission, of course.

Just then, Shino’s phone lit up again.

“Hm…… Oh! It’s done!”

“Awesome!”

“Yeah…… Uncle said he’d prepared it in advance…… I’ll have to thank him next time we meet.”

“Hehe. Dad’s been so worried about you, Shino-chan.”

“I see…… Someday, I’ll get strong and thank everyone! And I’ll work hard so Hinata-kun doesn’t leave me behind!”

Wha—!? M-Me!?

“Me too……! My Absolute Ice power. Lately, I’ve been relying on Hinata-kun too much, but I’ll work harder to control it myself!”

They both looked at me.

“Yeah. I’ll get stronger to protect everyone. Not for anyone else—but for myself too.”

Shino thrust her right fist forward, and Hina matched her, stacking their fists together.

I thrust my right fist out too, and the three of us bumped fists.

“Let’s do our best~! Yeah~!”

“Yeah~!”

Our party’s just getting started, and there’s still so much we lack, but we decided that night to move forward together, one step at a time.

On the way back from the Kagura house to the Kamui house.

Today’s Hina was a little different from usual—more proactive about everything and talking more.

Up until now, she feared showing her emotions, kept her words few, and suppressed her feelings, living in fear even after being freed.

Without me nearby, she was terrified every day, unsure when she might release her cold air again.

But maybe after the iron box was seen, or because Akari-san risked her life to fight, something seemed to break free within her, and she started showing her true self.

“I was jealous of Shino-chan.”

“Jealous of Shino?”

“Walking together alone on this night road every day seemed so nice~ I couldn’t do that.”

“O-Over something like that?”

“It’s not just ‘something like that’……? It’s important, you know?”

“I-I see……”

“I’ve never gone into a dungeon alone with you either, Hinata-kun~”

“If you’re saying that, what about Fujii-kun?”

“Don’t you eat meals alone with Fujii-kun?”

“No, no, that’s just because of the dorm.”

Hina stopped walking and looked up at the sky.

“There are still so many views I don’t know. Ever since my Absolute Ice power awakened, I stopped walking forward. So it’s only natural I couldn’t see them.”

“I…… feel kind of the same way.”

“From now on, I’ll face forward and walk properly! I’ll give my all to everything!”

“Me too. Let’s do it together.”

“Yeah!”

Unusually, Hina clung to my left arm. Shino and my little sister are always proactive about this, and while Hina sometimes does it too when influenced by Shino, this is the first time she’s done it when it’s just the two of us.

“Let’s head back~”

“Yeah.”

Wrapped in a gentle fragrance, we returned to the Kamui house.

I was about to see her off and head back to the dorm when I noticed Grandpa standing on top of the wall.

“Kid.”

“Grandpa?”

“Come inside for a bit.”

“Understood.”

Wondering what was up, I followed Grandpa—unusually, he led me to, of all places, the iron box.

Hina’s room…… I saw it for the first time today, and it’s something so shocking I’ll never forget it.

“Akari got her hands on a magic stone and can use it without any issues now.”

“Big sister!?”

“Don’t worry. She’s unharmed.”

“Huh? Touma-san said he’d made progress too……”

“Yeah. They found another magic stone. Akari and Touma didn’t have to fight. Because of this, the Kamui and Kagura families have entered a cooperative relationship. Well, there’s still a big rift between their leader and me…… but that’s not something the young ones need to worry about. You shouldn’t trouble yourself either—just focus on what you need to do and what you should accomplish.”

“So that’s why Mom said it was okay to go to the Kagura house……”

“Exactly. You young folks should spend time together freely.”

“Grandpa…… Okay!”

Grandpa gazed fondly at his delighted granddaughter with a warm expression—it was a wonderful sight.

I need to properly express myself too……!

“U-Um! Starting tomorrow…… please teach me martial arts!”

“Heh heh. The dojo’s always open.”

“Thank you! I’ll make sure to come before dinner!”

Grandpa raised his right hand and walked off somewhere.

Hina stood in front of the iron box’s entrance.

“I used to hate this room so much. But not anymore. This is an important place for me too. So, Hinata-kun?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you for feeling sad for me. But I’m okay now.”

“Hina……”

With that, Hina smiled, opened the iron box, and went inside—waving with a smile until the very end.

Hina took a step forward beyond her resolve. I’ll…… start working hard tomorrow to get stronger too……!

I greeted Auntie, explained that my schedule would change a bit starting tomorrow, and left the Kamui house.

Returning to the dorm right away, I saw light coming from Fujii-kun’s room, so I visited him.

As usual, he greeted me in cute loungewear.

“How was Kagura-san?”

“Yeah. I think she can come to school starting tomorrow. I wanted to talk about something.”

“What’s up?”

“I want to learn martial arts from Hina’s grandpa. Would it be okay if we cut dungeon runs a bit short starting tomorrow and head to the Kamui house?”

“I think that’s fine! Depending on the dungeon, we could reach the third floor if we hurry, and it’d give us some time to spare, right?”

“Thanks. There’s an archery range too, and we can use it.”

“Hehe. Then I’ll practice archery again after a while. By the way…… it feels like something happened today, huh?”

“Huh? W-Well……”

“I can’t fall behind either—I’ll have to practice archery……! Oh, by the way, Hinata-kun, are you fighting without a weapon as is?”

“Since I’m using martial arts……”

“I see~ Even martial artists use weapons sometimes, you know? Like a club.”

“A club…… Maybe I’ll ask Grandpa about that tomorrow too.”

“That might be a good idea. We can get weapons made at my family’s magic tool shop!”

Come to think of it, our party funds keep piling up, and Hina once said that money just sitting in one place doesn’t help the economy circulate.

“Got it. I’ll keep that in mind within what we can afford.”

“Afford……? You don’t need to pay!”

“Huh……?”

“It’s for a party member, and if I refer you, the cost won’t be an issue. Plus, the shopkeeper at the store in Seishin Town loves making weapons as a hobby—he’ll be thrilled.”

“I-I see……”

If I keep refusing, it might feel like I’m dismissing Fujii-kun’s resolve to be in our party.

“Alright. I’ll take you up on that then. Looking forward to tomorrow and beyond.”

“Yeah!”

I was worried since Fujii-kun seemed a bit sad earlier today, like he’d been somewhere, but it looks like everything’s fine.

Back in my room, I opened my phone and made a call.

“Big brother~!”

Hearing my little sister’s voice over the phone, I couldn’t help but smile.

Meeting Akari-san or Touma-san always makes me want to call my sister for some reason.

“Rin. Everything okay at school and home?”

“Yeah~! Same as always~ I got calls from Hii-nee and Shii-nee too~”

“From Hina and Shino?”

“Yup! They said you’re getting cooler and cooler, big brother!”

“Whaaat!? I-I don’t think that’s true……”

“Hey, big brother~”

“Yeah?”

“Next year, I’m definitely coming there, okay?”

“Sure. I’ll be waiting. So, Rin, you’ll be living in the dorm too, huh~”

“About that—big brother, you’re rich, right?”

“I don’t think I’m rich……”

“Then, instead of the dorm next year, how about we live together, just the two of us~?”

“Live together!?”

Sure, living with my little sister would be fun…… No, if I get stronger by then and start earning from dungeons, maybe we could manage rent and living expenses.

Plus, thanks to Hina and Shino, we’ve saved up quite a bit already.

“That might be a good idea.”

“Really!? Yay~!”

“Let’s plan it out, keeping living together as an option.”

“Yeah! I’ll tell Mom myself~”

“Sure. I’ll leave it to you.”

“I’m so excited to live with big brother again~”

If I graduate high school, go to college, and Rin and I end up at different universities, we might not get to live together again.

Thinking about that makes me a little sad, but Rin will always be my little sister no matter what.

“Rin. Even if we’re apart, you’re still my little sister.”

“Yeah, Obviously~ Big brother is Rin-chan’s big brother, after all~”

We chuckled at the same time and burst into laughter together.