Chapter 334

Having reached the highest rank of adventurers in history, Tatsuro and his party consulted with the Guild Master about various additional details, including what to do with Wind Mountain.

After discussion, they decided to keep all the fossils in their possession to avoid the risk of strange magical beasts being born again.

The next day, Tatsuro and his group were in the treasure vault of Casapisti’s royal castle. They were there to choose rewards for completing their quest, with each member allowed to select one item as a reward for fulfilling all requests.

Everyone was browsing the catalog, examining items, and appraising their options. Nearby, an attendant followed each member, ready to answer any questions.

Tatsuro found an item in the catalog that caught his interest and decided to ask about it.

“This Restoration Magic skill card sounds incredibly useful just from its name, yet it’s been left untouched. Why is that?”

“Oh, that? It does seem quite useful, but no one has been able to install it. There seems to be some kind of condition, but we don’t know what it is... Still, it’s an exceptionally rare skill, so it’s been stored in the treasure vault for now.”

“A condition, huh? So some items require specific conditions.”

“Skill cards aren’t omnipotent, after all.”

Tatsuro asked to see it in person, and the attendant guided him to a white card, similar in shape to those received as dungeon prizes, stored in a transparent case. Using Dispel Magic to probe the case with Earth Magic to bypass it, Tatsuro discovered a lock resembling Locking Magic. This was likely the condition mentioned earlier.

(This might be...)

“Can I hold it for a moment?”

“Of course. But if you happen to install it, it will count as your reward. Is that acceptable?”

“That’s fine.”

With permission, the attendant unlocked the case and handed the card to Tatsuro. Bowing slightly, he took the card in his right hand and channeled a small amount of Spacetime Magic into it. The card briefly emitted a flash of light.

“W-What are you doing!?”

“...Oh, sorry. I’ll take this one.”

“Uh... does that mean you can install it?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“What on earth was the condition!?”

“That’s a secret.”

The attendant slumped in disappointment, unable to learn the answer to a mystery that had remained unsolved for years. Tatsuro felt a bit sorry but knew the condition was likely having acquired Spacetime Magic something he couldn’t casually reveal.

(Since I’m probably the only one who can use it, I’ll gratefully take it.)

Thus, Tatsuro acquired the Restoration Magic skill card.

Meanwhile, Ai had found something that caught her eye.

“Oh, this is cool! This might be the one! My instincts are telling me so!”

“You picked an unusual one.”

Ai pointed to what looked like a golden labrys—a symmetrical double-bladed axe. However, the back of each symmetrical blade had three protrusions resembling beast fangs in large, medium, and small sizes. By manipulating it with Ki Manipulation, the blades could move sideways to perform Bite.

In other words, it was a weapon that could utilize both Axe Arts and Beast Arts. Furthermore, as a piece of Celestial Gear, infusing it with Ki could trigger special phenomena.

“What kind of effect does it have?”

“This item has been left unused for a long time due to a lack of suitable wielders. From what I’ve heard, infusing it with a large amount of Ki allows it to attract objects.”

“Like a vacuum cleaner? Well, whatever. I’ll take this one!”

Thus, Ai acquired a new piece of Celestial Gear.

The other members also chose items that suited them. Cardina selected a cylindrical staff called a magic cannon, capable of firing any type of magic, with additional enhancements for those with Magic Bullet.

Jeanne chose Wind Flash Slash, a skill card for martial artists who can use Wind Magic a rare item left unused due to the difficulty of mastering both martial and magical arts.

Nana, advised by Leah, picked a jet-black gem that could enhance her Kachikachi-kun Staff.

Leah chose a crystal orb that could project images drawn in her mind onto paper created with magical power.

Athena, also guided by Leah, selected a translucent yellow mineral raw stone to improve her current scythe. Finally, Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi...

“Are you sure about that, both of you?”

Their cores glowed simultaneously, signaling their agreement. They had chosen the Blooming Stone, a five-centimeter stone that shimmered with a mix of red and blue light, capable of forcibly breaking through the level 49 barrier to reach level 50.

However, Tatsuro thought that Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi could likely break the level cap on their own with time, so he questioned if it was a waste. But the two were eager to catch up to their “sisters” and felt that their current limits were unpredictable, given how strong everyone had become. They wanted to seize this opportunity to advance quickly.

“There are currently six of these stones, so it may not seem rare, but these are precious stones our kingdom has collected over more than four thousand years since its founding. Discovering such a stone is considered a barrier in itself.”

“That’s an interesting perspective. Well, if Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi are fine with it, we’ll go with that.”

With their cores glowing brightly, their choices were finalized.

Once everyone had made their selections, they took their chosen items from the treasure vault, which was then locked securely again. Next, they would receive medals and land deeds to complete their rewards. Guided down a corridor, they were led to the Audience Chamber.

Upon entering, about fifteen people—likely high-ranking officials—lined both sides, all turning their gazes toward Tatsuro and his party. Their looks were filled with curiosity and admiration, with no hostile glances among them.

Under the watchful eyes of these adults, the group walked steadily toward the throne. At a slightly elevated position, the king sat, and they stopped at a distance close enough for conversation, as directed by their guide, who then stepped aside to the wall.

Flanking the king were Fardolha, a man they had met before, and one of the two elves who had accompanied him previously.

As Tatsuro and his party stood still and the atmosphere settled, the king—Howl Luisarch Casapisti—spoke.

“This is an informal ceremony, so it’s rather simple. Please forgive us. If you were to become nobles of our kingdom, we could arrange a grand parade even now”

“No, that’s quite alright!”

“Is that so? That’s a pity.”

Despite his words, Howl didn’t seem disappointed, as if he had expected the refusal. He flashed a playful smile at Tatsuro’s flustered reaction.

“Then, we shall now proceed with the conferment of the Hyalva Medal.”

Howl’s expression shifted from casual to dignified, and after delivering a formal speech of gratitude and recounting their achievements, the medals were finally presented.

Tatsuro and Ai had imagined badge-like medals from movies or anime, but what was brought out reverently by an aide on a small stand was a purple plate faintly engraved with Casapisti’s national emblem. Each member, including Cardina, Amaterasu, and the others, received one and was instructed to hold it firmly, which they did.

“In the name of Howl Luisarch Casapisti, I confer the Hyalva Medal upon these nine individuals!”

As if his words were a trigger, the purple plates in their hands turned into particles and were absorbed into their bodies.

“It should now be registered in your systems. Please check.”

“Let’s do it.”

When Tatsuro and the others opened their systems, a new entry labeled “Casapisti” appeared alongside the usual options; Stats, currency, party, skills, Map Function, Item Box, Adventurer’s Guild, and help.

Opening the Casapisti entry revealed the Hyalva Medal, complete with an image of an ornate medal and a description explaining its significance. Displaying it would make it clear in any country that they had achieved great deeds in Casapisti and held a status equivalent to nobility.

After confirming this, they closed their systems and turned their attention back to Howl.

“We’ve received it properly.”

“Good. Next is the land deed. This can only be given to one representative. Who will take it?”

“Uh... I’ll do it,” Tatsuro said, stepping forward as the others gestured for him to take the role.

Another purple plate, this time hexagonal and engraved with the national emblem, was presented. As Tatsuro took it, Howl spoke again.

“In the name of Howl Luisarch Casapisti, I grant this individual Solrumesia and Solrulesif!”

As before, the plate turned into particles and was absorbed into Tatsuro’s body. Following Howl’s instruction to check, Tatsuro opened his system, navigated to the Casapisti entry, and found Solrumesia and Solrulesif listed below the Hyalva Medal. Opening these revealed maps of the territories and detailed ownership information.

“Yes, I’ve received them.”

“Good. With this, the conferment ceremony is complete.”

Thus, Tatsuro and his party officially received their medals and land from the king.

Afterward, they were invited to dine with nobles from other countries, and one even proposed marriage to Athena, but they managed to deflect these. They then met in a separate room with Howl and his entourage Fardolha and the other three from before to discuss various matters.

These included arrangements for delivering Laranest meat and requests (not mandatory) regarding the management of their newly acquired land.

For the meat delivery, a warehouse would be set up in the town nearest to Solrulesif’s forest and plains, where a merchant selected by Howl would collect it. When Tatsuro raised concerns about spoilage, Howl explained that the warehouse would be a giant freezer using Magical Tool technology, and the meat would be transported in a “frozen magic vehicle” (T/N: A large vehicle with a freezer, pulled by magical beasts) to maintain quality.

Tatsuro considered that storing the meat in his Infinite Item Field with time stopped would preserve it better but decided it wasn’t worth mentioning, as the proposed method seemed sufficient.

Regarding land management, the main requests were to prevent magical beasts from approaching towns and to thin their numbers appropriately. Tatsuro noted that they wouldn’t always be present, so constant management was impossible, but he had an idea in mind and thought it would be fine.

Tax-related matters were also discussed. Fixed asset taxes on the vast land and any future facilities would be fully exempt due to their heroic privileges. However, for resources like Laranest seafood, forest products, or potential mineral resources sold from undeveloped land, or if they opened a business and earned money, they were asked to pay a portion to the kingdom to maintain fairness with other merchants.

{Laranest aside, we’re not really interested in the rest}

{Yeah, unless there are other tasty magical beasts}

Since they weren’t short on money and the tax was minimal, they agreed without issue. Their private beach and delicious seafood were their main priorities, so it wasn’t a problem.

The discussions with Howl and his group concluded peacefully. Declining an escort to avoid being followed by the kingdom’s officials, they left the luxurious guest room, guided by a maid toward the castle exit.

As the door closed behind them, Howl and his four companions watched Tatsuro and his party leave. Fardolha, who had previously opposed granting them vast land, spoke up.

“I never imagined the joke I made back then would actually come to pass.”

“What do you mean, Lord Fardolha?” asked Res, the only human among them, puzzled by the comment.

Howl answered for Fardolha. “When we were discussing which town to recommend if they asked for land, Fardolha jokingly suggested giving them Solrumesia or Solrulesif to manage.”

“But didn’t you oppose it at the time?” Res asked.

“I was surprised, yes. But agreeing too readily might have made them suspicious. I wanted to show there was some opposition.”

Howl continued, “Still, I trust them, Res. Yogi’s skill to read emotions showed no malice in them.”

“If Yogi says so, they must be trustworthy,” Res nodded, convinced.

Yogi, a fishfolk with the ability to perceive emotions as colors, confirmed their sincerity. “That’s not all, Res. My sources tell me they are the Servant of the Martial God and Servant of the Magic God.”

“What!? Is that true, Your Majesty!?” Res exclaimed.

“No reason to lie. With two such individuals, their character is vouched for by the two great gods. And consider this—if you were from another country, how would you deal with a nation where the Servants of the Gods own vast land?”

“I’d avoid any acts of war, that’s for sure. Interfering with them would be unthinkable.”

“Exactly. Their mere ownership of that land acts as a deterrent to other nations. Since they requested it themselves and not because we designated it a danger zone, there’s no room for exploitation. They’ve saved our kingdom and will manage the danger zone, so we must offer them every convenience. We can’t afford to be seen as merely using them, lest we incur divine wrath.”

“How about gathering information on delicious ingredients to share with them? They seemed quite fond of food,” suggested Jinedine, an elf.

“Good idea, Jinedine. Arrange it,” Howl ordered.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Jinedine and Fardolha, the two civil officials, left to resume their duties. Yogi, watching them go, added, “Your Majesty, if we get Laranest meat, please save some for me.”

“I know, you love it too,” Howl chuckled.

“Not as much as you, Your Majesty.”

“Haha, true.”

Res, left out of the banter, silently wondered if the food was the real priority over political strategy but kept his thoughts to himself.

Meanwhile, news reached the king of Heldamdo that Tatsuro and his party had been granted vast land in Casapisti.

“What!? Damn, they beat me to it! I wanted to build a strong relationship with them before any other king... Where were they given?”

“Solrumesia and Solrulesif,” reported Ashil, one of the Magic Twelve tasked with gathering intelligence to avoid further affronts to their kingdom.

“Solrumesia and Solrulesif!? Is King Howl trying to exploit the Servants of the Gods? Has he gone mad!?”

“No, the information suggests they requested those lands themselves. They’ve even secured a discreet deal for trading aquatic resources, and their relationship is reportedly very good.”

“They requested it themselves? ...Could it be some divine revelation? If only they’d come to our kingdom first... Why, gods, did you send your Servants elsewhere when they visited us first?” the Heldamdo king muttered, his youthful face twisted in regret as he looked skyward.

“Perhaps we should have dealt with Don sooner,” Ashil suggested.

“Perhaps. For now, we may have to rely on the lord of Lyadas to forge a connection.”

“She’s quite busy, Your Majesty. While befriending the Servants is important, she’s also shaping our kingdom’s future.”

“True. But if they visit Lyadas, tell her to inform me immediately. I’ll rush there, no matter where I am.”

“As you wish.”

As Ashil continued sharing information, the Heldamdo king’s frustration grew with each tale of Tatsuro’s heroic deeds. A lifelong admirer of heroes, inspired by his grandfather’s stories of their kingdom’s founder, he had once aspired to be a hero himself but was hindered by his lack of exceptional skills.

He then sought to find or nurture heroes, but true heroes were rare. When he learned of two heroes who were Servants of the Martial God and Magic God, he saw them as superstars. Heartbroken at missing his chance, he sat alone on his throne, muttering, “I wanted to meet them... At least get their autographs or handprints.”