“Hey John Doe, when can I get back to the surface?”
How would I know?
At least get strong enough to beat the monsters in the forest. We’ll talk then.
“I knew, but still. What’s with this forest, aren’t monsters here too strong?”
Still, if you can’t beat them, you can’t even dream of returning to the surface.
I’m with Nanashi, making him fight forest monsters.
I tried taking down the weakest monsters in the forest, the monkeys, and leaving one alive for him, but sadly, he lost completely.
It’s the weakest monster in The Abyss, but still has the power to overwhelm a pro seeker.
Monkey monsters move from tree to tree and attack in groups, but it’s not like each individual is weak.
Nanashi’s attacks wouldn’t graze it, and the monkey’s long claws ripped his arm and sent it flying, causing damage to his internal organs too. He’d be dead if it wasn’t for Healing Magic.
I finished off the victorious monkey and healed Nanashi, but the shock of losing so easily led him to look into the distance and say that.
Unfortunately, with his current power, it would be impossible even if he spent his whole life trying.
If he leaves the area around the lake that repels monsters, Nanashi will be monster food in seconds. He wanted it too, but I had him fight to show him that.
Now he should know that thoughtlessly leaving the mansion will lead him to be killed for nothing.
I understand Nanashi’s hurry. He said something about his friends, and that has to do with it. I understand how he feels, but that won’t solve anything.
There’s no option other than making him as strong as possible right now.
“How do I become like you, John Doe?”
Like me? Hahahaha! Stop it stop it, what a worthless life. I know I’m talking about myself, but I’ve been at death’s door multiple times, to the point where looking back, I’m surprised I’m still sane. That’s the kind of crazy situation I’ve been through.
Stop thinking about nonsense and walk your own path, Nanashi.
“…”
Nanashi silently looks at the sky from the ground.
Then we walk as I explain what kind of monsters appear in the forest.
He leaves the fighting to me, and doesn’t say anything about fighting for himself after that first fight.
I wouldn’t say he’s given up on becoming stronger. He’s been observing how I fight, focusing to desperately try to get something out of it.
“My father was a great man.”
Says Nanashi out of the blue.
I’m done guiding him through the forest, and since there’s no need to be alert near the mansion, we can talk casually.
“He was a seeker for a long time, and people called him the strongest seeker.”
I see, if he’s the strongest, that’s great.
Nanashi brags, but his expression is sad.
“But he died.”
…I see.
“It happened a long time ago. Apparently a strong monster appeared when he was exploring, and he acted as bait for his team to escape. There might have been some hope if they were saved, but most weren’t.”
…
“It was a pointless death, he should’ve ran away on his own. I always thought that, but when I was in the same situation, I did the same thing.”
That’s decent.
“Right!? Even if it was a pointless death, I couldn’t abandon my friends. I was proud when I thought my father felt the same way. I’m glad I’m his son.”
I see.
“You’re like my father.”
I don’t want to be your father.
“Shut up, listen. I don’t want a father. You’re looking after that pipsqueak. I don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl, but it’s being raised well nonetheless.”
I’m not Hinata’s father, it has parents. And with those wings, we’re not even the same species.
“Ah? So why are you raising it?”
Well I saw a baby abandoned in the forest and picked it up. I’m waiting for the parents to come.
“You’re still raising it. You’re definitely the father. Not being related doesn’t matter here.”
Why’s that?
“The pipsqueak sees you as a father. That’s for sure, so you’re the father. I don’t know about people that aren’t coming, so be aware.”
The forest opens up, and I see the lake. There’s a mansion nearby with a field near it, and many vegetables growing.
“Kyui!”
There’s Totaro, and Fuuma running around with Hinata on its back.
Fuuma comes running when it sees us, and Hinata welcomes us with a smile.
“Your father is great, pipsqueak.”
“Kyu?”
Nanashi whispers as he pats Hinata’s head, and Hinata looks kind of confused.
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