章 28: Setting Out(2)

Gazing down at the smoldering remains sprawled before me, I channeled my arcane prowess to transmute the lifeless form into ethereal wisps, ensuring no lingering evidence of our encounter lingered. A wry smirk played on my lips as I contemplated the absurdity of the NPC's belief that revealing the tower's location would secure his salvation. His sins, etched in the ashes, bore witness to the inevitability of his demise. It occurred to me that perhaps these deranged individuals perceived themselves as virtuous, akin to misguided inquisitors. Yet, Marx, with his distinct aspirations, defied such simplistic categorization.

My attention shifted with a measured calm as a rustling bush betrayed an approaching presence. A glance revealed Kagura, her magical aura apparent even before her physical form emerged into the clearing. A nod acknowledged her arrival. "You're here, Kagura."

Reciprocating the nod, she inquired, "You're going to teach me magic along the way, right?"

Dismissing the notion with a subtle shake of my head, I responded, "Actually, your inaugural lesson begins now."

"Already?" Her shock was palpable. "I thought we were supposed to be discreet and make our exit."

"That was the original plan," I affirmed. "However, circumstances necessitate a deviation."

"Huh?" Kagura's confusion manifested in a quizzical tilt of her head.

"Magic," I began, choosing my words with deliberate care, "is akin to a fragrance—detectable by both creatures and adept mages. Even without hearing you, I sensed your approach."

Her nod signaled comprehension, inviting me to expound further. "It's crucial for any capable mage to master the art of suppressing their magical essence to avoid detection. Revealing your position can be fatal in the heat of battle, Kagura. Learning to efface your presence is fundamental. Granted, there may be individuals with uncanny abilities to discern your location, but that doesn't diminish the importance of this foundational skill."

A nod from Kagura acknowledged her understanding, prompting her to voice her intuition. "I sense there's more to your lecture than you've revealed."

Affirming her insight, I gestured behind her, and she turned to witness an unexpected follower, prompting a startled yelp. "You were followed, Kagura," I stated matter-of-factly.

"Mr. Hardwick, sir," she stammered, facing my impassive grandfather who had silently materialized behind her.

Minutes of contemplative silence elapsed before he calmly queried, "Where are you two going?"

"U-um, y-you see...." Kagura hesitated in her response, but I interjected before she could continue.

"You're well aware of our destination, grandfather," I confidently asserted. "The countryside's confines limit our growth; we must explore the broader world to attain true strength. Rest assured, I'll return once I've carved a name for myself and gained council approval for the guild. As promised, this place will remain our guild's base."

Gamgee scrutinized me from head to toe before responding, "We had a deal, Rex. You could leave when you turned ten or defeated me in battle."

I shook my head, addressing him directly. "Old man, waiting another year isn't an option. And the battle, it's inconsequential; I've long surpassed you."

He trembled, clutching his staff like a lifeline. Despite the emotional impact, I maintained a stoic facade. Gamgee sighed and spoke, "Yes... I've barely taught you anything, and suddenly you're at a level I can't hope to reach. Rex, please promise me something."

Observing someone typically poised and composed now exhibiting a sense of helplessness and desperation did sting a bit. It was disheartening to witness the effects of the inquisitors' actions, realizing the extent to which they had shattered his once-unshakable confidence. So, sensing the gravity in his tone, I inquired politely, "What is it, grandfather?"

"Please, just don't do anything stupid. Don't try to be a hero!"

Kagura's eyes widened, realizing he had already deduced our plan. Meanwhile, I approached him. With his head lowered and eyes fixed on the ground, my grandfather's gaze widened as I enveloped him in an embrace.

"Rex..." he began.

"Old man," I interjected, "I may refuse to tell you the truth, but I'll never lie to you, especially about something like this. If you're already aware, there's no point in playing dumb. We're heading to that Tower," I concluded.

"Rex, you don't understand; they're strong—"

"So am I," I asserted. "Besides, I won't be alone. Kagura may be weak now, but she has tremendous potential." I gestured towards Kagura, who sheepishly scratched her head.

"I know," he replied weakly. "It's just that I wish I could be stronger, to share some of your burdens, to help you out."

"I know, old man, I know," I acknowledged. However, the reality remained: how much room did an almost 80-year-old man have left for improvement? While he had made strides in the past five years, it paled in comparison to my progress.

Just then, a familiar noise echoed in my head.

DING! "For 9 years, this man has raised you like his own. Isn't it time you pay him back? Reward (For Gamgee Hardwick only), William Vangeance Template (Heroic) x1."

"Well, isn't this convenient? Thanks, Light, I owe you one," I expressed gratitude to my mental companion.

"...No problem," came his response within my mind.

I concluded the hug, surprising my grandfather as I grasped his shoulders, squeezing them slightly. "Grandfather, there's a way for you to become stronger," I revealed.

"W-what are you talking about, Rex?" he asked in apparent confusion.

Instead of explaining, I decided to show him, producing William's grimoire from my inventory. The golden-hued book, adorned with a three-leaf clover and tree design, floated towards him, enveloped in a forest green magical aura. Gamgee's eyes widened as he sensed a connection with the grimoire and was bathed in a similar power. A smile played on my lips as I felt his magical energy steadily rising, knowing he would only grow more potent as he mastered the spells.

"World Tree... Rex, what is this, and where did you get it?"

To my surprise, this wasn't the tearful thank-you response I anticipated. I envisioned the typical anime scene, where we communicate without words, promise to meet again stronger, and embark on new phases of our journeys. However, being an unnamed side character, it seemed Gamgee hadn't received the memo on anime behavioral etiquette.

Kagura chimed in, posing a similar question. "Oh yeah, I've been wondering about it too. Where'd you get my scroll and sword?"

Cursing Kagura under my breath for her sudden curiosity, I pondered my response.

DING! "Host must remember he is forbidden from revealing the existence of the system. You are advised to think of your answer carefully; a penalty will apply if you're found out."

"Seriously, Light?" I glared at them, both eagerly waiting for my response. Succumbing to the pressure, I spread out my hands and replied, "Don't ask, 'cause I'm not telling. Just think that I picked them up."

They exchanged glances and sighed in resignation. "Okay...."

("Seriously, aren't you more curious?") - Light

("You want me to get in trouble?") - Rex

"Rex, can you do me a favor?" my grandfather interrupted.

"Sure, old man, what do you want?" I obliged.

In a déjà vu moment, he handed me a magically sealed envelope from his robe. "I'm guessing you're going to head over to the council's branch in Fiore. On your way, can you hand this letter to Fairy Tail's guild master, Makarov."

"Why? Don't you always mail your letters anyway? Why not now?"

He sighed, "Because this is a letter of introduction for you."

"For me?" I questioned.

"Yes, getting a recommendation from the master of Ishgar's number 1 guild will make your life a hell of a lot easier in starting your own."

"Ohhhhh....." I snatched the letter and stuffed it in my inventory. "Thanks, old man."

He nodded, and I continued, "By the way, where's Fairy Tail?"

He tilted his head in confusion. "Magnolia, I believe I've told you this before many times."

"Yeah, I know, Gramps, but where's Magnolia?"

"Just check your map, lad!"

"Don't have one, old man."

His face turned red, and he grew increasingly irritated. "Lad, remind me, just how were you planning to navigate?"

("Yeah, how were you going to do it?") - Light

("Huh? I was just going to ask you!") - Rex

("Why would I do that? Do I look like Google Maps?") - Light

("You made me work five years to find the Tower's location; the least you could do is guide me there!") - Rex

("Not doing it. That's not my job. Just find a map like normal people!") - Light

("Stingy bastard. I take back my previous words; I don't owe you anything!") - Rex

("....") - Light

I snapped out of my internal conversation, seeing my gramps ready to explode. Deciding to add fuel to the flame, I helped him out. "I was just going to wing it."

Veins popped on his forehead as he raised his staff and swung it downwards on my head. I could easily evade, but I let him vent like a filial grandchild. Bonk! A strong force collided with my head, making me slightly dizzy but causing no real damage.

"You dumbass!" he screamed. "How about food, shelter, money? Have you thought any of these things out?!"

"We can hunt on the way, I can easily create a makeshift home with my magic, and I'm sure we will run into quite a few bandits we can relieve of their worldly possessions."

His face reddened in fury even more before he took a heavy sigh out loud. Activating his "Requip," a game-like interface appeared, and he unfurled a large scroll, revealing a detailed map of Fiore. Pointing his finger to the map, he drew a red line, highlighting the safest way to the council. "This is Magnolia," he said as a star appeared on the path.

"Alright, and which is the most dangerous path?" I inquired.

He regarded me with a bemused expression and retorted, "You're kidding, right?" Behind me, I could sense Kagura echoing that sentiment.

Shaking my head, I continued, "No, I'm opting for the challenging route. There's no point in leaving the village if we're just going to play it safe. Hard times make strong men." My response elicited a sense of deflation from Kagura.

The old man sighed before magically drawing a blue line that meandered north, weaving through numerous monstrous obstacles. He looked at me skeptically, hoping I would reconsider. However, I remained resolute, much to Kagura's annoyance. Her initial frustration transformed into determination, tinged with a hint of anger towards me.

"Thanks again, old man," I said, carefully taking the map from him as if it were a priceless treasure and storing it in my inventory.

"Before, I was going to give you some food and money, but if you're so capable, I'm sure you can figure things out," he grumbled. I chose to ignore his jab.

Gamgee then turned to Kagura, lightly patting her head, and causing her to blush. "Be safe, little one. If my brat gives you a hard time, just let me know. I'll straighten him out."

"T-thank you, Mr. Hardwick, and I will." I thought, traitor.

Gramps chuckled gently before responding, "Just call me Gamgee like everyone does, or else I'll start calling you Ms. Mikazuchi."

She blushed again in embarrassment. "O-okay, Mr.—I mean, Gamgee... sir. Goodbye, and thank you for letting me stay in your home."

"Heh heh heh, don't mention it, child," he responded warmly before turning towards me, lightly squeezing my shoulder. "I guess this is farewell, lad," he stated.

I smiled and playfully punched him on his chest. "Come on, old man, let's not be dramatic and make this goodbye harder than it has to be. I'll be back in less than a year, you know."

("You just raised a flag.") - Light

("Nah not this time.") - Rex

("How do you know?") - Light

("Gut feeling") - Rex

Forcing a smile, he let me go. With nothing left to say, we turned our backs on him and gave him a final wave.

------

While walking down the forest path with Kagura at my side, her serious expression never wavered as she diligently worked to reduce her magical emission. Lost in my internal musings, I couldn't help but inwardly whistle at the decision to head north again.

"You seem a bit excited," my companion remarked in my mind.

"Of course, I am. Because of you, I never got to recruit those three last time. It's a small world, and if I meet them again, I'm gonna force them to join me. They owe me one, after all."

"Guilt and gratitude only go so far. Why do you think they're gonna join?" he responded.

"No-named NPCs like them probably have nothing going on for them. What reason do they have to refuse?" I chuckled in response.

"No name... what are you talking about?"

"Huh, you know, they're nameless side characters like my gramps and those inquisitors."

"What do you mean, side characters they may be but they're not no-named!" Light retorted.

In confusion, I asked, "What're you talking about? I never got any reward for meeting them like Kagura?"

"....Ohhhhhhh," Light drawled.

"Oh, what? I asked"

Instead of responding, a string of notifications entered my mind space.

DING! "Completed Side Quest: 'Meet Gray' Description: Socialize with Gray Fullbuster Reward: Summon Ticket (Rare) x1."

DING! "Completed Side Quest: 'Meet Ur' Description: Socialize with Ur Reward: Summon Ticket (Uncommon) x1."

DING! "Completed Side Quest: 'Meet Lyon' Description: Socialize with Lyon Vastia Reward: Summon Ticket (Uncommon) x1."

"....Light?"

"I may have forgotten," he finally admitted.

"So you mean I may have missed out on recruiting not one but three named characters because of you! And based on the rewards, one of them seems to be a central figure!"

"What? I'm not all-powerful or all-knowing. Even I make mistakes."

"Oh, trust me, I know!" Recalling the Nihilus fiasco, I pressed on. "Now I'm just curious about what else you may have forgotten!"

"Alright, don't shoot the messenger. Instead, blame my lazy creator, who is trying to sneakily fix a mistake he made in a past chapter without getting caught!"

("Achooooo, thanks a lot, it's not sneaky anymore.") - hmak27230.

"Whatever, just point out Gray," I demanded.

"The one with the black hair."

"The crybaby, huh? Well, I suppose that one does radiate protagonist vibes. If this were canon, his teacher would've likely perished, leading to a falling out with his fellow disciple before embarking on his path."

"Damn, you're surprisingly close!"

"So, what happened?" I asked Light.

"Not telling you, host!"

Tsk, the annoying bastard. My internal conversation was interrupted as Kagura anxiously tapped my chest. I then realized that we were encircled by a pack of wolf-like magical beasts, growling down on us like we were prey.

"You see, Kagura," I began, capturing her attention, "This is what I was talking about. Although your magic suppression isn't perfect, they didn't track us through that, so you don't have to worry about being the cause." That made her sigh in relief. "Rather, they tracked us through our scent. This brings us to the downside of magical suppression. Primitive beasts like these confuse us, hiding our magical energy as simply having none or less, like these guys. Although they tracked us by our scent, they chose to attack us based on the mediocre amounts of magic we're emitting. So, the weak point of this fundamental technique is that it makes many weaklings arrogant enough to think they can fight us, bringing on a lot of annoyance."

As she nodded at my explanation, I continued, "But this works in our favor, as it brings us, or rather you, some training materials."

She gulped and asked, "You want me to fight them?" pointing to herself.

"Of course," I nodded.

"B-by myself?" she questioned again.

To which I responded, "Yes, I will provide no help whatsoever. How do you plan to face an entire cult and rescue those precious to you if you can't even work up the courage to fight a bunch of mutts?" I then sat down on the dirt ground and gestured for her to go ahead.

Kagura drew her katana 'Archenemy' from her waist, keeping it in its scabbard, reinforcing and coating it with dark magic. Her trepidation quickly turned to resolute bravery as she charged at the groups of magical wolves.

------

Meanwhile.

Gamgee Hardwick:

As I stepped into my home at Bag End, a sense of unexpected emptiness enveloped me. The atmosphere, once vibrant and full of life for nine long years, now seemed drained. Even during Rex's ventures outside, the house retained a lively aura, always hinting at his proximity. Yet, at this moment, it felt devoid of vitality, reminiscent of the days after my family gradually departed from this world, leaving me in solitude—a hollow sanctuary for a simple, lonely old man.

However, this desolation was only temporary. Retrieving my 'Grimoire,' a name that resonated deep within my soul upon our bonding, I knew that things would change. Just as Rex and Kagura were destined to grow, so was I, ensuring the return of vitality and safety to our village. Despite Marx's irksome nature, he had a point. I had neglected my potential, a fact even Master Precht warned me about when I decided to retire.

No more neglect. I was determined to train in 'World Tree' magic and my own 'Devouring' art, aspiring to reach the pinnacle achieved by our esteemed emperors. It was unacceptable for the gap between family members to remain vast. People would inevitably judge Rex based on their perception of me, and vice versa. It would be disappointing if either of us hindered the other due to a lack of strength.

Turning my attention to the communication lacrima on the coffee table beside my rocking chair in the living room, I encountered a buzzing spherical glass ball. "Yajima?" I mused aloud, puzzled by the unexpected contact. Usually, the communication was initiated from my end. "Did they find the tower?"

Seating myself beside the ball, I tapped it, summoning a magical projection of Yajima. His figure materialized before me—an elderly man with thick light-brown eyebrows and a small toothbrush mustache reaching halfway to his mouth. Clad in a brown long-sleeve shirt with black vertical stripes and a black three-spiked hat, his typically squinted eyes were now wide open. Beads of sweat streamed down his cheeks, his typically calm visage nowhere to be seen, intensifying my growing anxiety. It became evident that he had sealed himself in his office, a practice reserved for private conversations, signaling a matter of utmost confidentiality.

"Yajima, what's wrong?!" I demanded, a surge of concern coursing through me. Did the council discover the Tower, or worse, had they decided to eradicate it due to its perceived threat, forsaking the kidnapped individuals?

As if sensing my apprehension, he responded, "Don't worry, Gamgee, this has nothing to do with the Tower. To this day, that damned cult still eludes us."

"Alright." I huffed a sigh of relief, sinking back into my chair. If it's not about the cult, why did you call, I pondered internally.

My old friend then spoke up, "Gamgee, where's Rex."

I immediately narrowed my eyes, emphasizing my words with power. "Yajima, what do you—no, what does the council want with my grandchild."

He sighed, "You're not the type to play dumb, at least not with your friends. So you don't know."

"Don't know what, Yajima?" I incredulously questioned, my patience wearing thin.

He spoke up, "What you're about to see is from a few minutes ago." The screen transitioned to a different image—a colossal demon wreaking havoc in an Arctic tundra town, facing off with a woman. Even in the countryside, I had my ways of staying informed about the world, mostly courtesy of my friends Yajima and Makarov, so I recognized the people.

"Ur and Deliora," I mused aloud. My heart sank as she appeared outmatched, seemingly prepared to cast a forbidden spell for victory. However, my shock deepened when, caught off guard like those in the recording, a brilliant light assaulted the battlefield.

My heart dropped like a pin as Rex emerged from the light. "No, no...this isn't possible," I muttered and denied aloud, as if reassuring myself. He was just here; there was no way he could be on the other side of the continent. Yet, the way he walked, his mannerisms, and the crude gesture he gave the foul beast were just like my Rex. As for common sense, he was never one to follow it to begin with.

I watched impassively, my shock intensifying with each passing moment, as he began to summon ice, a skill I'd never witnessed him use before, easily fending off the beast. He casually restrained the tyrant that had wreaked havoc on Ishgar for years and pierced its chest with a cutting disk. I felt nothing as he soared to the sky to dodge the Demon's disastrous magical blasts and summoned a construct of ice resembling a holy dragon that slayed Deliora.

The recording ceased, returning to Yajima, who looked down on me with pity. "Gamgee, I'm afraid the council has taken a very 'special' interest in your grandson."

I slumped into my chair, feeling defeated, and hysterically murmured aloud. "Oh, Rex, what have you done?"