Kapitel 56: Chapter 55
Chapter 55: Temporarily Joining the Brave (Sightseeing) Team as a Tourist
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Frieren's smile seemed to carry a silent trust.
Only now did Ash start to believe in this feeling, making him, who was genuinely worried about her, feel somewhat awkward.
"You said that from the start, didn't you? You believe me now? What happened to our friendship?" he asked, slightly teasing.
"It's fine. I can take care of myself," she replied.
"…Avoiding the friendship part, huh? But no one can guarantee they won't run into trouble, right?"
"You didn't seem this worried before," she replied, laughing at his almost paternal concern.
Frieren didn't voice her thoughts aloud but looked at him with some hesitation. "While I appreciate your worry… are you really okay?"
"Health? You look pretty healthy to me."
"If it's just a while, I don't mind… But I doubt I'll experience the 'luxury' that Flamme mentioned," she said with a small laugh, realizing Ash's reason for wanting to see the "grand" team Flamme spoke of might just be an excuse.
People their age shouldn't be chasing the wild dreams of youth, yet Frieren jokingly offered a bit of caution, even as she made a small compromise.
"What are you talking about…? I really did want to become a hero at one point. Please don't lump me in with Flamm8!" he replied, feeling her perception of him had missed the mark.
In truth, Ash found himself misunderstanding the entire team just as much. Their leisurely pace hardly looked like a world-saving party; more like a group on a sightseeing tour, perhaps even attempting to drain the royal treasury.
If the fate of defeating the Demon King truly rested on them, who knew how long the northern war would drag on? After all, the kingdoms on the empire's western front had already been destroyed when he arrived. If he waited for this group to save the world… probably only the empire would survive in the north.
And honestly, from what he could see of their skills, none seemed capable of defeating the Demon King. So, it might as well be an extended diversion. Besides, he had time to spare; if he spent every day training without purpose, who knew how many thousands of years he'd go on like this? Eventually, he felt, he'd go mad from boredom.
…
Meanwhile, as Ash and Frieren continued their conversation, three companions nearby observed them with curiosity.
"I never would've guessed Frieren actually had old friends," Himmel commented with a smile. "And she looks genuinely happy? I thought she'd be a lot more indifferent."
"Still, their acquaintance, this Flamme fellow… that's the same name as the legendary ancestor of human magic, isn't it? She must be quite powerful if she trained someone like her." Eisen nodded, stroking his beard in admiration.
Yet, like everyone else, none of them suspected that the Flamme Ash and Frieren were speaking of could actually be the legendary Flamme.
Heiter gazed at Ash's back unconsciously, a hint of worry crossing his face. "His strength is undeniable, but… he carries the scent of blood."
"Maybe he's just a battle-hardened magician?" one of them suggested.
"If that's all, then it's fine…"
"Frieren's friends must be good people," Himmel said confidently, trusting without any particular reason.
When Ash and Frieren returned, Himmel, wanting to ease her companions' concerns, asked directly, "Ash, it might be a bit forward, but could you tell us about your previous occupation?"
"Me? …A hard-working civil servant, I suppose?" He grew slightly pensive, remembering the long hours he'd once spent in service of the king.
Frieren noticed the underlying tension and looked at Ash inquisitively. But he merely shook his head and admitted, "There's no need to hide it. To be honest, I was a deserter once."
"A deserter…?" Himmel appeared a bit startled.
"I got tired of humanity's endless conflicts."
"So you just… left? But is it safe to say this openly? Couldn't there be consequences if you're found out?" she asked.
"It's not a big concern. I don't think anyone could actually defeat me," Ash replied nonchalantly.
"Haha… so it's simply a matter of winning or losing…" Himmel chuckled bitterly, sensing how different this was from the usual human mindset. He didn't seem to care about conforming to the law.
But Ash added, "Besides, nobody from that country would even remember me."
"Forgotten?" Himmel echoed in surprise, while Heiter was even more taken aback. "That's incredible. Could it be that… the country has perished?"
"There's a nation in the north on the brink of collapse," interjected Eisen, the dwarf, sighing as he closed his eyes. "That's why I keep saying we need to pick up the pace. At this rate, who knows how many more nations will fall? The South's strongest hero is already in the north, and we haven't even managed to pass through a single country."
"Then let him go first," Himmel replied with a smile, "because… isn't there joy in doing what you love while helping others? Imagine adventuring, clearing out dungeons, slaying monsters, hunting for treasure, and then, before you know it, saving the world. Wouldn't that be amazing?"
Eisen, who was clearly more serious-minded, just sighed. This wasn't the first time they'd had this kind of conversation, so he simply refrained from saying more. But as he started to quiet down, he seemed to remember something and added thoughtfully, "But if we could hurry up, we'd help people sooner by defeating the Demon King. And…"
"And?" they pressed him.
"I heard rumors of a terrifying demon appearing in the north. It supposedly fell from the sky like a meteorite, striking at the empire's rear. During a series of indiscriminate attacks, it killed many noblemen and even leveled three cities, resulting in at least 100,000 casualties."
Eisen's words were solemn, but Ash's expression became subtly strained as he listened.
After all… he knew they were talking about him.
Although he lacked horns, the fact he'd fallen from the sky was enough to make people mistake him for a demon. In the heat of battle, details often got lost. Even though he was certain he'd never actually destroyed a city, the rumors had clearly been exaggerated. Perhaps it was to intensify the sense of urgency, as if Flamme was trying to lure him—or others—to become heroes and join the front lines against the Demon King's army.
Regardless, Ash listened quietly, adopting the role of an uninvolved passerby while blending temporarily into this band of warriors.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein