𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎𝟏: 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬
Believe it or not, it’s been a month since I returned to the Clan House.
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“Ah, my nostalgic home.”
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After saying my goodbyes at the Adventurer’s Guild following the end of reinforcements to the Masrur Kingdom, I was criticized by Jennifer for not bringing any souvenirs from the Eastern Continent. But now, I have comfortably returned to my waterwheel spinning house.
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Strange. I didn’t used to feel this joy of coming home.
Indeed, a proper house is nice.
And having someone who manages it well is wonderful.
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“Welcome back, everyone.”
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Anita, who had been tending to a flower bed that had been created while we were away, noticed us coming from the town and greeted us with a full smile.
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“I’m back, Anita!”
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Asuka rushes in for a hug right away.
You, be careful.
If you hug her with all your strength, you’ll crush Anita’s delicate body.
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“Why are you worried? Mother.”
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Miliaria looked at me with disbelief.
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“It’s reassuring to have everyone back. Recently, the nights have been scary.”
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While distributing drinks to us who had gathered in the living room after unpacking, Anita spoke.
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Apparently, undead monsters have been lurking around.
The Clan House, including its premises, is covered by a holy barrier set up by Meisha, so impure undead cannot enter, but it’s a fact that it feels creepy to have such things wandering around.
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“Every night It call for Lionel. It seems the voice is getting louder, it’s creepy.”
“Me, huh?”
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It’s quite a specific target, but as an adventurer, there are countless opportunities to earn someone’s resentment.
There must be so many people who resent me that I could sweep them away.
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“Isn’t it the ghost of a woman you made cry, Neldan-san?”
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With a slight chuckle, I give Meg, who is teasing, a light chop on the head.
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Don’t say things that sound bad.
I’ve been made to cry, but I’ve never made anyone cry.
Probably.
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“Well, if it’s targeting me specifically, it’s easier. I’ll exterminate it tonight.”
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Saying so, I wave my hand and head to my room.
I’ll sleep now to recover from the journey’s fatigue.
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ㅤ
ㅤ
ㅤ
In the dead of night, I am awakened by the howling wind.
No, rather, it’s a voice calling me, mingling with it.
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“I must have slept soundly. That must mean I was really tired.”
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Scratching my head vigorously, I got out of bed.
I stretched lightly and put on my gear.
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“Alright. Let’s go.”
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I’ve been summoned.
I should go meet them.
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As I opened the door with a click, five people were already waiting in the hallway, ready for battle.
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“You didn’t have to accompany me.”
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A bitter smile crosses my face.
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“What if you get hurt again!”
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For some reason, Asuka is angry with me.
Strange.
When did I become the one to be protected?
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“Well, you see.”
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Even if I wanted to argue, I had once been seriously injured and caused trouble for everyone. I couldn’t act too high and mighty.
Meisha pats my tense waist lightly.
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“It would be a lie if you said I wasn’t going to join the undead extermination.”
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Indeed, a priest is essential.
We head towards the entrance in a group.
Along the way, Anita bows her head and wishes us luck.
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“Let’s go, everyone.”
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With that, I open the front door.
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“Liooooneeeellllllllllll.”
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I hear a voice clearly calling my name.
Moreover, it’s a voice I remember very well.
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“Luke. . . . . . .”
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I can’t help but mutter.
In front of me, trying to enter the clan house and being repeatedly repelled by the barrier, making a pitiful sound, was my best friend whom I had once killed.
Has he become a wandering ghost?
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“. . . . . . . . . . . . .”
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I let out a light breath and unleash Flame Cut.
I stare straight at Luke’s ghost and take one step, then another, closer.
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Don’t hesitate. You’re pathetic.
You’re not like that, are you?
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Recognizing my approach, Luke’s ghost looks at me.
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“Lionel! Lionel! Lionel!”
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The ghost looks delighted.
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“Please! Exorcise me!”
“What?”
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I let out a dumbfounded voice.
A ghost asking to be exorcised is a bit too innovative.
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“Hurry! Otherwise, I’ll be forced to do evil again!”
“I don’t understand what you mean. But, I’ll grant your wish.”
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I brace myself and prepare Flame Cut.
With maximum instantaneous power, I run through,
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“Swift!”
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In a flash.
I split the ghost in two.
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“I’m sorry. . . . . . I’ve caused you trouble again. . . . . . .”
“You always rely on me when you’re in trouble.”
“Thank you. . . . . . My friend. . . . . . .”
“It’s okay. Friend.”
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I had a brief conversation with Luke as he faded away.
The girls come running.
With worried faces.
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“I’m fine.”
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I smiled at each of them as I stroked their heads.
More to reassure them than anything else, because nothing is over yet.
Before I knew it, I was standing in a meadow, glaring at a man who was clapping in a contrived manner.
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“Well, that was a touching story of friendship. How does it feel to have killed your best friend twice? Lionel-kun.”
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He looks like a gentleman, but his mocking eyes and faint smile ruin everything.
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“It’s great. I’m so excited I could kill you right now. You who desecrate the dead.”
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I pointed the tip of Flame Cut at the man.
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