Seeker 118

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Chapter 118. Towards The Elf Village

The next morning.

There are only 97 days left until our return to the original world.

After rescuing the elves from the group of kidnappers, we entered the town, took accommodation for the night, and now we were leaving the town again, heading towards our destination.

Our destination was the Elf Village.

It was the hometown of Riviera and located about half a day's journey from the town.

"Alright, we've reached the entrance to the forest. We need to proceed through this forest."

Riviera, who was leading the way, turned around with a smile.

We were already far away from the main road.

One could easily get lost if we let their guard down.

But for Riviera and the others, it seemed like a familiar terrain.

"But monsters will appear in the forest, right? Don't stray too far from us."

"Hehe, I know. That's why I asked you, Daichi, and the others for help."

While saying that, Riviera happily stepped into the forest.

The other two elf girls were similar.

Before being kidnapped by the group of kidnappers, Riviera, and the others had been living in a human town located a little distance away.

However, because of the recent incident, they wanted to return to their homeland, the Elf Village.

There were various thoughts and concerns about their safety and other matters.

However, during the journey to the village, they could encounter some monsters.

That's why they requested our escort to the village.

Although calling it an escort, there's a chance we won't get any monetary reward.

After all, they had almost nothing with them, and couldn't pay us.

They mentioned they would show their gratitude once we arrived at the village, but I didn't have high expectations.

I also ignored Riviera's "I'll do anything" from yesterday for now.

Riviera would ask me, "Is there anything I can do?" But apart from imagining things that a healthy young man would think of, I couldn't come up with anything.

So I told Riviera, "If there's anything you want to ask, feel free to ask me."

It's what they call a "favor".

But more importantly, we had our substantial reward.

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Special Mission: Take the Elves to their Village

Experience Points Earned upon Mission Completion... 3000 points

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As usual, this message appeared.

Based on the current trend, special missions occur when we saw people in trouble or we get asked to do something.

In addition, there's also the regular mission of 'Arrive at the Elf Village' (3000 experience points).

Although it would take up a whole day, the prospect of receiving double the experience points and having a small risk didn't make it such a bad trade-off.

So now, led by Riviera, we ventured deep into the forest and aimed for the Elf Village. However--

In the midst of it, Yuzuki strangely picked on Riviera and the others.

"Hey, Riviera-san and the others, don't you dare lay a hand on Musou-senpai. Whenever he sees a beautiful woman, he immediately gets flustered. But remember, he's my senpai."

"Hehehe, I understand Hotaru's feelings. Daichi is such a wonderful man. It's a shame that he's a human."

"No, no, that's an exaggeration. Riviera and the others only see the good side of senpai, so they think that way. My senpai has plenty of flaws, you know."

"Hey, Yuzuki. Don't try to undermine the good impression of me that I've carefully built."

"I know everything about senpai, and I'm just telling the truth."

"Hehe, then Hotaru, do you like Daichi?"

When Riviera asked that, Yuzuki was caught off guard and fell silent. 

After hesitating, Yuzuki glanced at me and blushed, then replied to Riviera.

"I like him. I love senpai."

"See, Daichi is a good guy, right?"

"That's a separate matter."

"Hehehe, Hotaru is not straightforward, huh?"

"Anyway! Senpai belongs to Kazane-san and me, so hands off!"

"Yeah, yeah, I got it. I wouldn't dare to intrude."

Yuzuki seemed to express a possessiveness towards me. 

She didn't want someone else to take away the toy she enjoys playing with. 

However, Kazane-san was an exception, and it felt like they were sharing me between the two. 

Well, being told like so straightforwardly didn't bother me that much. 

Of course, Yuzuki's love doesn't have that meaning, but still...

"Now, Daichi, do you like Hotaru?"

This time, Riviera asked me. 

If Yuzuki drew her sword, I had to respond.

It would be impolite not to. 

Glancing at Yuzuki, I mimicked the cute behavior of my junior.

"I like her. I also love Yuzuki." 

Then Yuzuki blushed even more, widening her eyes, and her expression seemed overwhelmed. 

Well, what's with that reaction now? 

You were the one who said it first. Yuzuki changed her expression several times.

"Senpai, just to make sure, what does that like mean?"

"Uh... What do you mean? It means the same as what you said. Isn't it obvious?"

"Wha...!? Uh, no, no, that's what I meant... Um, Senpai. Just to be clear, what we're saying, it's probably not the same meaning."

"???"

I couldn't quite understand the meaning behind her words. 

Yuzuki and Wind Sound exchanged glances and let out a sigh. 

While having such a conversation, we continued through the forest for a while. 

In the monotonous scenery, Kazane-san suddenly reacted.

"Something's coming. It's approaching from the front."

With Kazane-san's warning, barely a moment passed. 

Rustling sounds came from beyond the group of trees ahead, indicating that something large was approaching.