Chapter 80: Looking for Subplots
———Karra———
<5: 45 pm>
“<Have anything been happening on my end? Not really. Maybe because I live somewhere isolated, but no men or monsters are causing a ruckus around me.>” Edea answered. “<I understand you have been wondering about the dangers that are hiding amongst the masses, those that are way beyond your capabilities. I’d say you don’t need to worry about it, there are plenty of people like us around who are more than capable of it.>”
“...But you left that thing there?” I asked, wondering why didn’t they deal with it. I’d feel more reassured if something like that was dealt with earlier. Wiina only stepped in just then because that’s the first she has heard of it.
“<I never said I knew about it. Though I’m not surprised that something like that would appear.>” They answered. “<Of course, even without the demon there the place as a whole would’ve needed an intervention eventually. It’s just that many of us just see it as something that others could handle and stop before said theoretical boiling point.>”
“I don’t think most people would be happy to hear that explanation.” I can’t help but remark. It’s a rather callous thing to say, even if that sentiment isn’t all that different from how most look at trouble brewing from afar. The fact that they have the power kinda muddied things up a lot. “But we’re not here to discuss ethics. I just want to know what I should look out for.”
“<Well, there is not much I could think of. The abundant presence of mana have drawn mythical creatures out of the woodwork or from extinction. Demons are drawn to it as well, which is why they are more proactive than ever. Compounding that with the self-destructing nature of human society it is no wonder things have been getting so hectic in so many parts of the world. In your case the place you live in has very few things that could pose a problem, and there are a few individuals there to keep them in check.>” Edea started explaining, mostly just recapping stuff. “<While I did say most individuals like myself tend to not get involved with peril far from home until that pivotal breaking point, when it is right in front of us we act just like how anyone else will, trying to deal with it quickly and swiftly for our own interest. I’m sure you have a good idea by now about who I am talking about.>”
“...So is there like an underground organization or what?” They have been talking like everyone has some secret meeting place or something.
“<Of course not. I doubt I have names of everyone under that category, and each person has differing levels of power and age, and therefore vital information. You could call me a powerful figure, but I’m no ancient being who has been living around for many millennia. In contrast, that blacksmith I mentioned before who made that knife has millenia of life experience and knowledge, she would probably have a better understanding of everything that is going on. Perhaps there is an ancient underground cabal I don’t know about, but from what I understand, most just live their own lives, no matter how long.>” They answered. I still don’t really know that person’s deal aside from being an elf and living in Germany, if I remember right.
“In that case have all of you been doing nothing because you’re not sure if someone else would step in? Don’t want to ruin their flow?” I asked since that’s a bit more charitable of an explanation, just a teeny tiny bit. You know, misunderstanding, conflicting interest. All that jazz with the firepower would probably end up problematic.
“<I wouldn’t consider that a valid reason…>” They replied awkwardly. “<I wouldn’t say that sort of scenario hasn't happened before, but it was never anything disastrous, at least from my account.>”
“I would’ve imagined those who are fossils at this point to run into those sorts of things. Do you not talk to them about it?” The more it happens the more likely things will go wrong, isn’t that right.
“<I’d rather not. Those people always have something on their mind, and prodding on their long list of mishaps would irritate them more than anything. I’m not close with most of them, so I didn’t test my luck on the matter.>” So that’s why. I guess it would be asking too much for them to be acquainted with enough people to get a good reading on all situations.
“I guess that’s fair enough… I don’t think I have ever heard you alluding to where you get this power from. It’s pretty clear you had them before that inciting incident.” It’d be nice to know how people gain the ability to use magic before this point.
“<I’m afraid it is a rather personal matter I’m not willing to indulge.>” They didn’t even entertain the idea and just shot it down quickly. “<I can at least say my situation isn’t very simple.>”
“Is that so?” I said, not sure what to make of that vague hint.
“<Your situation seems to be much more simple and easy to make peace with. You are a fortunate person, and I hope you didn’t take that for granted.>” That’s… sounds a bit worrying. The tone is a bit more serious than with the earlier discussion. “<To wrap it back to what we started on, just chill out and enjoy your life. Any fantastical turmoil is something you have to react to, not be proactive in.>”
I want to ask more, but at this point I think it's fair to say that I probably look too much like a worrywart, so I shouldn’t press on the topic too much, I’m sure they’re getting a bit tired of the conversation. Now what?
———Wiina———
<7: 18 pm>
“Can you stand?” I asked, looking at the girl with a sprained ankle.
“I’ll… be fine, mostly.” She said, despite struggling to stand up.
“Wait a moment.” I said before she could make any hasty movement. Let me heal that up first.
*Shine*
“There, are you feeling any better?” I asked, seeing her somewhat bewildered expression.
“Y-Yes, thank you.” She said before standing back up, trying to not make too much movement. It’s not a complete recovery, so that’s the right call on her part. “...Where are we?”
“The fourth floor. Thankfully you didn’t fall any further than that, otherwise you probably won’t be able to move for a while.” I didn’t even expect anyone to come at this hour, what is she doing down here? I know it’s open until midnight, but shouldn’t you go to sleep or play some games instead? “Let’s go back to the surface. I’m sure you don’t want to linger around here.”
Despite me saying that and the condition she was just in, she seems rather hesitant. What’s her deal?
“So why are you here this late? Most would rather go dungeon diving before nighttime.” Might as well ask, since there seems to be a story behind this odd act.
“I was just…” She tried to say something but stopped herself, as if realizing that she doesn’t have a good excuse. “I was just trying to do a dungeon run by myself. I always had someone else along, but this time I want to do it alone.”
“I see…” And considering where that gets her, there is probably a good reason why she’s always with someone before. “Well, I think we should leave that test for another day. Let’s go back.”
“Wait.” Now what? I thought it was clear that she should go back home and rest. “You’re Jass from the Perfect Class right?”
“Can you guys stop using that corny name? Really giving everyone a weird idea. In the first place, why does that matter to you?” The way I’m presenting myself right now is that of a guy who can heal and wield a sword. Slightly bulky, but simplistic sword. The type of appearance that would’ve got me bullied in this type of scenario, but the closest that ever came up with was with a jackass who tried to bully everyone anyway. So what’s her deal?
“C-Can you help me going through the lower-
“No.” She should recover, not trying to brave through the pain and risk her life again. It’s not like the sprained ankle was her only injury either, so stop with that. “Just go home, get a good sleep, and do this later.”
“B-But, I want to explore the dungeons without my brother getting in the-
“No. If it’s seriously that petty of an issue, all the more reason to go home. I don’t know who this brother of yours is, but if it’s such a problem then go talk to him, not trying to die.” I don’t want to hear someone rant about their grievance that I have no part in, especially if it isn’t that urgent.
She looks like she’s about to say something again. This is gonna get annoying isn’t it? Then let’s try this out… Let’s put myself here and then…
“Please, can’t you help-
“What is this crappy drama I am witnessing right now?” I asked as I walked into the scene as if I am a newcomer. She is understandably shocked to see me, though it’s not like I concealed my appearance when visiting a dungeon that often anyway. I think there were a few sightings inside here. “The kid from that special class and a girl who looks his age? Got some sort of lover’s quarrel going?”
“Shut it, it’s not something like that.” Keep it cool and don’t cringe. Just keep up the act. “Just ignore this and go do your thing.”
“Hmm… I suppose so, but it’s not like I have a plan right now… So what’s her deal?” I asked, just to repeat what I already know.
“Something about wanting to come here alone late at night. She got injured and really should go home and rest, doesn’t want to listen and is being annoying.” I said, expressing my feelings on this matter verbally. It’s not like I don’t get that she is feeling frustrated, it’s just that this is really not the time or place to dwell on it.
“Huh. You know what? I’ll bring her back to the surface myself then, you can go do your thing.” I said to myself before pointing at the girl’s mouth.
“Mfph!” I cast a binding spell on her so she wouldn’t protest. Sorry, it’s a bit rough, but I want to get this done quickly, if you’re overwhelmed by the situation maybe you’ll lose your drive.
“Alright, let’s get you back up.” I said while nonchalantly taking her and her belongings out of the dungeon while my other body stood there to watch the scene. She is clearly struggling but with the vast difference in strength, it’s not going to be a problem. Maybe the guards standing watch would be a bit startled, but they’re way too afraid of me to say or do anything.
As for whatever problem she has, she just has to talk with those close to her about it, not me. I don’t want any part in this, get your friends or family to do it for you, not someone you barely know.
“There. Be a good girl and go home, alright?” I said to her as I placed her on the ground. She’s still so startled she didn’t immediately stand back up… Oh, I should get rid of the gag. There.
“Agh! What was that for!?” Oh, she’s turning feisty already.
“Just go home. Stop with this suicide mission. That’s all I’m going to say.” I said while glaring at her, and she quickly crumbles under the pressure, starting to take a few steps back and her whole body is shaking. “That’s what I thought.”
I then walked away from her, just far enough for no one else to keep track of me before I rejoined with my body still in the dungeon.
Okay, back to what I was doing, time to do a casual run.