“If you can use Healing Magic, I really wish you would use it on others too.”
I hear the guild’s old woman from the door.
I can never feel her presence. I didn’t even notice her entering the infirmary.
“It’s a secret. I only use it on friends.”
I say without looking at her, and she responds with a disinterested tone.
“I heard what happened. Is this your first time losing partners? That’s what the dungeon is like.”
“…A nasty guy said the same thing. So what? What’s that supposed to mean!? Are you telling me to regret it!!?”
“Don’t take it out on me, I’m just saying you should be ready if you’re going back into the dungeon. Having partners is reassuring, but the damage losing them does to you is just as great.”
“…Can you leave me alone? I can’t stay calm.”
The tension broke when I left the dungeon.
Chisato wasn’t the only one to take big psychological damage over losing Toufu and the others. Now that I have time to think about it, many emotions are swirling inside me and making sure I can’t stay calm.
She lets out a sigh, and leaves the infirmary after saying she’ll tell me if any family members come here.
And Chisato is still sleeping with a steady breathing.
◇ ◇ ◇
Members of their families gather in the guild, and an employee explains what happened.
Apparently Kuroitsu informed them, so no one presses me.
I can only bow.
I know it’s meaningless, but I just have to.
I’m sorry. I’m sorry I couldn’t save them. I just keep bowing.
It’s for my own sake. It’s to calm my spirit.
Some people are angry, but that’s fine. They can hit me too.
◇ ◇ ◇
Toufu and the others are lying on beds. Family members cry loudly when they see them.
They were all in their early twenties. Younger than me.
Their parents are in good health, and they have siblings. People who care for them, and lovers.
Their sadness is much greater than mine. Losing someone they knew for so long is immeasurable.
I hear people I assume are parents cry, and bow.
ーーー
Toufu’s burial is over, and I head to the hospital.
Ruri, Takeshi, and Naito’s wakes were yesterday, and Hajime’s burial has been postponed.
The reason is related to why I’m here. Chisato is hospitalized here.
Her parents are waiting in front of it, and I bow as I greet them.
Both say thank you, and I go inside.
“Hey. How are you feeling?”
I say to Chisato, who’s on a bed.
But she doesn’t react, she looks blankly outside through the window.
“Did you eat anything? You won’t get better if you don’t. You’re thin so… What?”
I sit next to her bed and talk, and she suddenly turns and stares at me. I don’t feel life in her eyes, I feel darkness and something akin to hope for the end.
And tears flow from those eyes.
Her heart was broken after she returned from the dungeon.
Her partners were killed in front of her, and she almost died herself. The doctor said the shock closed her heart as a self-defense measure.
He also said there was no way of knowing when she would get better, or if she ever would.
She’s in great danger right now. She’s not eating anything, and will try to kill herself if she gets a hold of a sharp object like a knife or scissors.
She even took a knife from her mother as she peeled fruit and tried to cut her neck. I just happened to be here and took it from her, but who knows if that won’t happen again.
Something has to be done.
“I’m sorry if me being here brings back bad memories. It’s the last time, so bear with me.”
I take a round object the size of a softball from my Storage Space.
“I was looking forward to go exploring with you all. Everyone going around having fun eating together, taking down monsters, partying afterwards. I’m sure it would be fun.”
I hold it with both hands as I look at her.
“You want to be a childcare worker, right? I’m sure you’ll be a good one. So you can’t stay here forever.”
I hold it to her forehead.
“Didn’t you tell me to look after Daiko… I mean, Mio?”
This is what I got from a treasure chest on the twenty-sixth floor.
When I got it appraised by the guild, I was told improper use of it was a crime.
Its name is jewel of oblivion, and it has the effect to erase memories of a period of time ranging from half a year to a year.
There’s no guarantee that it will restore Chisato back to normal. Still, when I explained it to her parents, they said they definitely want me to use it.
She’s their dear child. If there’s a chance, they want to bet on it.
And…
“Chisato, I wanted to protect you too.”
I press it against her forehead, and activate it.
Her lips move a little, but don’t make a sound.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t.”
And I’m erased from her memory.
◇ ◇ ◇
I’m walking through the shopping district at night, passing by many people.
Some are going to drink after work, some are heading home, some hold signs and call people to their establishments, some hand out fliers, students are gathered… It’s the same as always.
The same sight, the same people, the same laughter.
I keep walking. Just walking.
I see many bars and restaurants, and think about how I went there before, the karaage there was nice, and face down when I realize they’re memories with them.
I eventually reach a cafe, and operate a touch panel as I was taught before to order a frappuccino.
I take a gulp, and the sweetness is such that I grimace.
I walk through the shopping district again, drinking it little by little.
After leaving the shopping district, there’s a big park.
I plump down on a bench, and drink what’s left of the frappuccino.
I look for a trash can nearby, and see an elderly woman with her granddaughter Mei.
Mei is full of energy, and the woman watches over her with kindness in her eyes.
It’s a peaceful sight. But then Mei takes off running, leaving the woman behind.
She’s fast, and the woman doesn’t try to chase her.
But then, she suddenly trips on nothing and almost falls in front of me.
I use Physical Strengthening, and catch her before she falls.
She closed her eyes in preparation for the incoming pain, and hasn’t opened them yet.
“It’s okay, you can open your eyes.”
She reacts to my voice and does so.
And after seeing she can stand on her own, I let go of her.
“Thanks mister!”
She says with a smile. I almost laugh because she’s missing teeth in front.
“Be careful, you’re going to worry grandma.”
The old woman running over here is out of breath.
She tries to say something, but can’t.
Is she okay? I think, but then I notice Mei staring at me.
“What? Do I have something on my face?”
She shakes her head.
And…
“Did you get hurt, mister?”
“Why do you ask? No.”
“It looks like you wanna cry.”
I’m a little stumped.
“…Yes.”
I struggle with finding a response, and put on a bit of a brave front.
“It hurts just a little.”
The same sight as always is a little blurry.
ーーー
Haruto Tanaka (24)
Level: 24
Skills: Earth Magic, Trace, Healing Magic, Spatial Grasp, Toughness, Magic Energy Control, Physical Strengthening, Poison Resistance, Storage Space, See Through, Parallel Thinking, Sewing, Limit Break, Dismantling, Magic Energy Circulation, Consumption Reduction (Stamina), Wind Magic
Equipment: divine bird boots, greatsword of fortitude
Status: Fat (All abilities boosted)
ーーー
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The story was much better when it was just a comedy. Now it’s turned into a cringe tragedy for teenagers.