Chapter 58: A ‘Souvenir’ from the Outlaw Tribe

“…Well, would you look at that. It really is here.”

Bathed in the morning sunlight, the gravestone shimmered ominously.

Having come to confirm the information she received from Irine, Maika was now standing alone in the public cemetery.

“Sorry about this. I know it's kind of disrespectful…”

There it was. Just as she'd been told, "Grave of the Vigilante Leader Ryoga" stood quietly in a corner of the graveyard, not a single offering placed before it.

“Let me have a look.”

Saying this, she took a small spade in hand and began digging in the otherwise deserted cemetery.

“…There’s a coffin buried here. Looks like this really is Ryoga’s grave.”

Of course, even Maika wouldn’t go as far as to desecrate a grave.

She simply dug a small hole in front of the gravestone—just deep enough to confirm a coffin had been interred there.

…If it were just a symbolic grave prepared during his lifetime for whatever reason, there wouldn’t be any need to actually bury a coffin.

There was no mistaking it—this grave was genuine. At the very least, someone’s corpse had been laid to rest here.

That was the conclusion Maika reached.

---

“Hey, lady. If you cast a healing spell on yourself in advance, could you instantly recover the moment you get injured?”

“No way. Magic that convenient doesn’t exist.”

Ever since I saw Ilyu’s baffling resurrection, I’d been completely thrown for a loop.

It was such a surreal scene that I started doubting my own sanity.

I couldn’t deal with it on my own, so I immediately went to Sakura—someone well-versed in healing magic—for advice.

“…Hmm. There was an artifact like that mentioned in ancient magic. I remember reading about it in Yowin.”

“R-Really? What kind of artifact is it?”

“Hard to say. There’s not a lot of documentation. Apparently, it’s shaped like a floral accessory, but no physical specimen exists, so it might just be a fictional item.”

…Huh. So basically, it’s the kind of sketchy, possibly imaginary relic that, if it does exist, would only be known by royalty or someone of similar standing.

Still, there’s a chance Ilyu found and equipped one somehow. If that’s the case, then what I saw could actually make sense.

…Could Ilyu be some really important person?

“Why the sudden interest in something like this?”

“Ah, no reason.”

Maybe because I dropped such a weird question out of nowhere, Sakura was now looking at me with clear suspicion.

Now what? If I tell her exactly what I saw, she might think I’m mentally unwell.

But I did see it with my own eyes.

“I heard this rumor… about someone who fully healed the instant they took a fatal hit.”

“…Oh? That’s certainly intriguing.”

Right. I’ll just stick with saying I heard a rumor like that—not that I saw it myself.

That way, she won’t question my sanity.

“If that’s true, then either they were using that artifact… or it might be a completely new kind of healing magic.”

“If that’s real, whoever’s using it has to be an insanely powerful mage, right?”

“Definitely. If the caster really is a healing mage, they’d be among the absolute best.”

The mention of healing someone instantly after a fatal wound clearly sparked Sakura’s interest.

Well, it is her field of expertise, after all—of course she’d be intrigued.

“Still, in most cases, rumors like that end up being pretty disappointing, you know?”

“…Disappointing?”

“Yeah. I remember reading a biography once… about ‘the greatest healing mage who could instantly restore every soldier on the battlefield.’”

She let out a breath and gazed into the distance, reminiscing.

Huh. I’d never heard of anyone like that before.

“Man, that guy sounds amazing. If someone like that’s out there, I’d love to recruit him.”

“You might want to rethink that. That biography had a punchline.”

“…Don’t keep me in suspense. What was it?”

When I asked, Sakura gave me a mischievous grin and replied:

“Turns out that mage wasn’t a healer at all—but a necromancer. He killed all his soldiers and turned them into his loyal undead followers to accompany him on his adventures.”

“…What.”

“The magic he used wasn’t healing—it was ‘corpse restoration.’ Once his secret got out, he became a wanted man and vanished. Last I heard, he’s still out there somewhere on the continent, tinkering with the dead. The end.”

……

“Cut it out with the creepy jokes, lady.”

“It’s not a joke. That story was really written in the biography, you know? Though, sure—it might’ve been made up or some kind of urban legend.”

“I really hope that’s all it was.”

Oh, come on, give me a break. If that were true, it’d mean Ilyu is already dead and being controlled by someone.

But when I talked to her, she didn’t come off like someone under anyone’s control. No, I was certain—she felt like a living, breathing person through and through.

“Well, a rumor’s just a rumor. Best not to overthink it.”

“Yeah… you’re right.”

Sakura’s words helped me put my thoughts on pause for the moment.

…Ryoga’s grave. Ilyu’s resurrection. That unsettling rumor about a necromancer.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something important here. Maybe I should talk to Maika about Ilyu later.

She’s sharp—she’d probably be able to cut through the haze and give me some real insight. Maika’s someone I can always rely on.

“Well, thanks for hearing me out, Sakura.”

“Of course. Come by anytime.”

Alright, I’ll leave the tough thinking to Maika.

As for me, I’ve got to get back on track and figure out how to return to Irine.

---

“…A monkey, huh.”

“Yo, Karl.”

When I returned to the room to plan how we'd get back to Irine, I found Karl sitting in the middle of the room, looking gloomy.

Yikes, that’s unsettling.

“What’s up with you?”

“I don’t know… I just can’t get any food down.”

“Hey now, you’ve gotta eat. If we find the villains’ hideout and can’t fight right away, we’re screwed.”

Looking closely, Karl was in rough shape. His cheeks were sunken, and his eyes looked hollow.

He had two dear friends taken from him. For someone as compassionate as him, this had to be incredibly painful.

“I know that… But just thinking about what Lev and Irine might be going through—it’s driving me nuts.”

“I get it, you’re worried. I’m worried too—especially about Lev. But if we can’t fight when it counts, then it’s all for nothing.”

Half the reason Karl’s like this is because of me—since I’m in disguise.

Ugh… I really do feel responsible. Maybe I should just come clean to Karl now.

“Lev and Irine are both very attractive girls. Lev’s got her older brother from the villain tribe with her, so maybe she’s okay, but Irine’s a noble… It’s hard to imagine nothing’s happened to her.”

“Maybe young Lev is managing to protect her through Silent Blade Rey.”

“If that were true, it’d be such a relief. But just the thought that something might’ve happened to Irine…”

As he said that, Karl began to cry quietly.

Ah… crap. This isn’t good.

“…It’s all because I’m so useless…”

“This isn’t your fault, Karl.”

“If only I’d gotten there sooner. If I’d just caught up to those bastards back then—”

…Karl seems to have a habit of blaming himself when he gets depressed.

Yeah. I’ve had a hunch for a while, but Karl’s actually pretty introverted, huh?

“…Alright, that’s enough.”

“What do you mean, ‘alright,’ you damn monkey?”

“Get up, Karl. I need a word.”

I’m the reason he’s like this.

So it’s up to me to help him snap out of it.

“…What are you planning to do?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

I grabbed Karl by the shoulder, forced him to stand, and pulled him along.

He looked confused, but didn’t resist and followed me.

“Karl. Let’s fight each other with the sunset behind us!!”

“…Huh?”

Alright!! Time for some good old youth and passion!!

---

“Monkey Kick: Satchitchi!”

“Gah! That name’s a joke, but that kick was sharp!”

And so, I dragged Karl to the training grounds and started sparring with him.

‘If you’ve got time to sulk, then use it to train and prepare for the final battle, you weakling!!’

‘Gghh…! Y-You’ve got a point, Monkey Mask!!’

‘If you move your body, all that sulking emotion gets blown away. Then you’ll get hungry, and then you can eat! It’s a win-win!!’

That’s how I went about giving Karl a good old muscle-based pep talk.

When you’re feeling down, moving your body really does help. It lifts your spirits, guaranteed.

“Monkey Combo Rush!”

“Uoooooh!! Like hell I’m losing to some shady weirdo like you!!”

Of course, I made sure Karl wasn’t using his sword and fought him barehanded.

The guy’s got the supernatural ability ‘Absolute Severance’—if we went at it with weapons, I’d be diced meat.

“Could you try wearing something normal for once!? I have to cover for you every time, dammit!!”

“Owwww!! That was a dirty shot, you bastard!!”

Still, even unarmed, Karl was seriously strong.

Apparently, heroes receive absurd physical enhancements as part of the goddess’s blessing.

The body enhancement magic I use boosts strength by about 1.2 to 1.3 times. I tested that at home by lifting barbells (sister-forged), so I’m pretty confident in the numbers.

But Karl’s enhancement level is on a whole other scale.

I heard once that before the goddess chose him, he couldn’t even lift his greatsword—but now he can swing it one-handed like it’s nothing.

Just from that, it’s safe to say he’s got at least a 2x buff or more.

“Full Power Monkey Punch!!”

“Too soft!!”

In other words, I’m outmatched when it comes to raw strength.

Right now, Karl is catching my full-powered, buffed punch—and overpowering me with brute force.

I knew I couldn’t win… but still.

Losing in a muscle showdown just pisses me off so much.

“Uooooh, c’mon body, hold together!! Muscle Enhancement Fist Style: Triple Boost!!”

“A triple stack, huh?”

Normally, you’d beat an opponent like this with technique.

But I refuse to give up on winning through sheer strength—no matter who the opponent is. Even if it’s a hero chosen by the goddess!!

“This is my full power!!”

“Ggh… I’ll admit, that’s some dumb brute strength…”

Alright, I managed to hold him off somehow.

Karl and I have different base muscle mass, but if I stack enough buffs, I can match a hero’s physical ability!

“Take this, you handsome bastard!!”

“Like I’ll lose to a shady freak like you!!”

From here on out, it’s a battle of wills. Even if he’s a chosen hero—I won’t give up my muscles.

When it comes to muscle, I’ll never lose to anyone────

──

“…Oh my. What are those two doing?”

As sunset approached, Maika returned to the vigilante corps’ hideout.

“Welcome back, Maika-san.”

“Are those two fighting or something?”

“Nope. They say it’s youth or whatever. Looks stupid if you ask me.”

That macho, soap-opera-style fistfight had continued until the sun went down, all because of my desire to “duke it out with the sunset behind us.”

Just in case either Karl or I got injured, I also had Sakura and her retainer on standby nearby.

Sorry for dragging you guys into this for so long.

“…Well, Karl’s looking a little better at least.”

“Yeah, a bit.”

With the sunset as our signal, that day’s training with Karl came to an end.

Maybe it was just my imagination, but I thought I saw a spark return to Karl’s eyes—despite him being drenched in sweat.

That’s good. Really good.

---

"Alright, everyone's here. We're starting the Operation 'Rescue Lev-tan and Irine-tan' strategy meeting now."

"Yeah!"

After dinner, our group—Karl's party—was called back to Ryoga's room.

"Sorry about earlier this morning. I lost my composure. But don’t worry—we have no intention of harming Lev-tan."

"...Yeah. I believe you."

To Ryoga, Lev is family of his "parents' killer."

And now Lev’s been taken. Maybe she even gave in to her brother’s persuasion and joined the Villain Tribe.

And yet, Ryoga declared he wouldn’t hurt Lev. That must be his way of showing his manly resolve.

"...First, we need to pinpoint the enemy's hideout. We've been continuing the search today, but so far, results have been poor."

"Well, it’s not like they’d hide out somewhere easy to find. They are wanted, after all."

"Exactly. So starting tomorrow, we’re increasing the manpower devoted to the search. Naturally, I’d like your group to help as well."

Hmm, so we’ll be joining the search starting tomorrow.

They’re moving to save Lev-chan. No reason we wouldn’t help.

"This is about one of our comrades. Of course we’ll help."

"Good to hear. As the vigilante corps, we’d like to settle things with the Villain Tribe while you’re still here."

Karl was all fired up. Honestly, he looked like he’d charge off right now if he could.

Seems our little punching match got him to shake off some of the gloom.

"So, yeah. Sorry to rain on the mood, but I need to bring up something unpleasant."

"...What is it?"

"Don’t get mad, alright? The enemy is the Villain Tribe. We have no idea what kind of state Irine-tan and Lev-tan are in. To be blunt, it’s possible they’ve already been badly treated—or even killed."

"..."
"Think through that possibility now. Imagine it. Run the scenario. You need to be ready to deal with it calmly. It’s a potential outcome—don’t let your emotions run wild and lose control if it comes to pass."

...Ryoga was harsh.

That Lev-chan might have been hurt or even killed—he was right. That’s not something we can deny.

But if it’s true… could I stay calm?

"...I don’t even want to think about that."

"Think about it anyway. Visualize it. Prepare for it. If you’re going to call yourself the leader of this party, that’s your job."

Karl couldn’t help but grimace, but Ryoga didn’t stop.

Pointing sharply at Karl with an intense glare, the vigilante leader pressed on.

"Don’t rely on others. If you’re going to lead, you can’t let your emotions control you."

"B-but still…!"

"I know how painful it is. But if the people next to you really matter to you, then step up."

—Those words carried weight.

We’ve seen it with our own eyes. No matter how much pain Ryoga’s been in, he always swallowed it down and kept acting like a leader.

This wasn’t born of malice or criticism. As someone who’s taken on the same role before, Ryoga was advising Karl.

"...I can’t argue with you. Got it. I’ll do it."

"That’s what I’m counting on."

It was surely an unbearably painful task for Karl.

But even so, Karl didn’t run. He chose to face that awful possibility head-on.

"I can’t keep dumping the dirty work on Maika forever."
"Hmm, well, yeah. I’ve always taken that on, but maybe it’s time for Karl to stand on his own two feet."

If the worst had happened without any preparation, Maika would’ve taken over as commander.

She’s always borne that cold and painful responsibility alone in this party.

"It’s really supposed to be the leader Karl’s job anyway."

...I guess I’ve been relying on Maika too without realizing it.

"Heeey, sorry I’m late—was finishing dinner."

"That wraps up today’s meeting. Come back again tomorrow morning. I’ll assign you your search areas then."

"Thanks, Ryoga. Alright, guess we’re done for today."

"Heeey. I walked in and it’s already over… boohoo."

And thus, Karl steeled himself as a leader.

As a head of an organization, Ryoga is as close to ideal as they come. I hope Karl can learn from him and grow into someone just as capable.

"Also, Karl, Monkey—you both reek of sweat. Make sure you take a proper bath."

"Yeah, I was just about to. Monkey Mask, wanna join me?"

"Actually, my body turns into a woman's when I bathe in hot water. So let me go in alone."

"...You really won't take that mask off no matter what, huh. Fine, whatever."

"Oh, and dibs on the first bath! The one who gets in first is always me, Ilyu!"

Phew, that was close.

This time, I’m planning to switch back to the noble lady mask when I take a bath, so there’s no way I can bathe with Karl. Looks like Ilyu’s going in first, so maybe I’ll go in last.

"Still, we’ve got to consider the possibility that Lev and Irine were killed... If Silent Blade Rei did kill them, what should I do? I feel like I’d lash out without thinking."

"When the enemy does something unforgivable, that’s when you need to stay calm. So you can ‘take them down’ more effectively."

"Bath time, bath time... Ouch. I’m sorry, I bumped into you."

"...That hurt."

Karl, still sweaty, keeps talking with Ryoga. Looks like that conversation's going to take a while.

Meanwhile, the greedy nun Ilyu rushed off the moment she heard "bath," charging down the hall and bumping into someone in her excitement.

…Honestly, she’s way too hyper. Her behavior’s seriously childish.

"Since there’s a backlog, why don’t we go in with Ilyu too?"

"Good idea. The girls’ team’ll take the bath first. No peeking, okay?"

"Yeah, go on ahead."

"I got a bump on my head."

"Ahh! I’m so sorry, Lev! Are you alright?"

Has Ilyu really managed to keep being an adventurer with that kind of personality? I don’t mind it, but I feel like she must've annoyed a lot of people.

Come to think of it, didn’t she say her last party broke up after a falling-out?

Maybe she was one of the causes.

"Ah, Karl. I’m back…"

"Hey, Sakura! Before your bath, could you take a look at the bump on Lev’s head?"

"Ah, sure… Um, well…"

"It’s just a scratch. I’m fine…"

If the girls are going in first, that works great for me. Karl and Ryoga can keep their debate going and bathe together too, maybe.

Then I can take my time soaking in the tub alone—

"...Wait, why is everyone frozen like that?"

"…………"

………

Huh? Lev just casually walked into the room?

"Eh? Oh, Lev, you're okay?"

"…Yeah. I made it back safely."

"Oh my. Looks like it’s really her."

Sakura, looking confused, gently patted Lev’s head to confirm it was really her.

W-Well, I’m glad she’s okay, but how did she manage to get back?

"I told Big Brother I wanted to come home, and he let me."

"...Seriously?"

...That’s all it took, Silent Blade Rey?

"Oh, and here’s a souvenir. Villain Clan Steamed Buns…"

"Villain Clan Steamed Buns."

In the awkward silence, Lev pulled out a strange package labeled 'Evil is Beauty' from her bag.

…Silent Blade Rey of the Villain Clan, huh. Can’t underestimate someone who has manners on top of everything else.