So, we're almost at the capital once again. Yeah, you've missed that much. A whole seven days have gone by, and on the horizon, we can see the Capital. Luckily for me, I can turn off my Thought Acceleration skill, so, yes, it didn't feel fifty times slower. I can only imagine the torture of what would feel like three hundred and fifty days in this carriage.
Alright, let me just give you a recap of what happened during these seven days.
On day one, disregarding Akane getting mad at me for spending all that money, we didn't do much after that. We mostly just took one final look around Quendest, we even bought some new clothes since our others were mostly ruined in the fight.
Then, we went and got a carriage. The rest of that day was spent either sitting around or sleeping, of course.
Day two and three were nothing special, just talking and doing nothing.
On day four, however, we were attacked by a group of monsters. Since they were relatively weak compared to us, so, we managed to fend them off easily.
Day five, like two and three, nothing happened.
While day six was pretty uneventful, there was one strange thing that happened... in the middle of the night, my sword started glowing, and it did for at least an hour. I don't know why it happened, but I hope it wasn't important.
Now, we're here, nearly at the capital... and by nearly, I mean we're practically there at this point. Looking out the window, the large walls surrounding the Capital are right in front of us.
After just a few more minutes, we were now once again in The Capital. The first order of business, reporting to the king.
...
Seeing it again, the castle is huge. After a long, long walk, we managed to reach the royalty district... after some mishaps with a guard thinking we were trying to break in.
So, we're back here, huh? The castle really is something. I've never been too into architecture and stuff, but even I can appreciate the castle.
Huh...? I blinked and I missed it, but that same person who told us to investigate the cult is right in front of us.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, heroes. His Majesty has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Perhaps... you could have arrived the tiniest bit earlier." She spoke that last bit a tiny bit quieter... it's not like we had any choice, with such a strict time to return.
"See us again? Sorry, lady, have we met before?" It's nothing too surprising that Togeshi doesn't remember who she is, he is himself after all.
No response from her, huh? I can't exactly blame her.
"Please follow me." And now she's walking away... guess we should follow.
The castle is huge. It's even bigger than on the outside... And not just big, fancy, too. Not exactly my style, but I don't have a problem with it. The thing is, I don't get how somebody can even live in this place. Wouldn't you get lost all the time?
Hm? Oh, we've managed to make it to the room the king is in.
"His Majesty is in here, please head inside now."
Alright, well, I won't say no... she opens the door, and we all go inside.
Sitting at a quite normal-looking table considering where we were was the king, Mugra Draila. He looks the same as usual, graying hair tied up in the back, a long beard, and relatively casual clothes for this world's standards. He doesn't exactly act like some sort of king, huh?
"Ah, you three have returned. It is good to see you well." He smiled, staring at the three of us.
Ah, before I respond, maybe I should try and appraise him.
>Attention. Appraisal failed.<
Right, I should have expected that. Guess the king is super strong, huh? Maybe even stronger than that cultist we fought. Makes me wonder how he fights, but I can't exactly check that now.
Seeing how we've been just standing still doing nothing for half a second, I might as well respond in some shape or form. Let's go with something sort of respectful.
"Hello. We're glad to see you well." I took the initiative and sorta spoke for all of us, but I doubt we all shared the same exact feelings.
"Ah, yes... oh, I see you all have gotten quite the bit stronger, and in such a short period of time," he chuckled to himself a bit, "However, that's just what you would expect from the three heroes."
Hm? So, does he have the appraisal skill, then? I've heard it's a pretty rare skill, so it's interestingly that he has it.
"Yeah, we sure are! We even beat this super-strong guy!" Togeshi spoke up, grinning.
"Oh? I see that must have to do with your... 'investigation' of sorts, correct?" Well, doesn't he have just a great intuition?
"Yes, it does, and regarding that..."
...
So, I gave him the rundown of what happened. The tavern, the cult, all about how we fought the metal user, and finally... about their leader. He seemed completely focused on what I was saying, so I have to give it to him, he can be serious when he wants to.
"I see, then it seems they have begun to make their move..." Hm, they? Is he talking about the cult, then? Are you telling me who knew about them? Then what was the point of all of that...
"Who's 'they?" Akane questioned, a perplexed look on her face.
"The Cult of Tul Darle, worshippers of the evil god who has sealed away thousands of years ago." Oh, that's a lot of information. We've got a name for the cult, now... but I think I'll just keep calling it 'The Cult' for convenience.
Okay, Tul Darle was some sort of evil god that was sealed away, but by who? Other gods, or perhaps even a person...
Oh, I guess information like that doesn't really matter right now... we should focus on other things.
"Oh, right. You three are going to be participating in the tournament that's happening in two days, correct? I simply cannot wait to see how you all have progressed. I already have you signed up and everything... however, be it that you lose, I'll have to have you personally trained by one of my knight commanders. He's a wonderful teacher, so don't be too scared to lose a fight." A smile appeared on his face, one the tiniest bit unsettling... scary, he's not even giving us a choice in the matter. Oh, as they say, experience is the best teacher, so I won't pass up a chance to get stronger on a technical level.
"Oh... a fighting tournament!" Togeshi's grin went wider, obviously showing his excitement for the event.
Seeing this, the king chuckled once more, "Ah, I apologize for keeping you for so long, you all are permitted to leave now."
Great, and that we most definitely will.
>Chapter Y.10, end.<