Epilogue (3)
"Did you do well on the quest?"
"Uh-huh. Thanks to Cheru..."
"Oh really? You should thank him then."
The two of them chatted casually, their easy conversation catching the eye.
There was a blond-haired child stuttering and hesitating with his words, and the appearance of Han Sora nodding her head while listening to his voice seemed surreal for some reason.
She smiled and stroked his hair or pinched his cheek. It didn't take long for Serra who had been crying, to stop his tears, although he still sniffled and rubbed his nose from time to time. But now he seemed calmer and was telling stories with a steadier voice than before.
"So...?"
"Yeah. So, Domy keeps saying she's going to get scolded by Mom..."
"It was getting late, so maybe she'll get a little scolding. But we need to keep our promise. Auntie was so worried."
"Ah. Um, um, Mom..."
"You'll be with Dad, right?"
"R-really? Can I go see him?"
"He seems a bit busy right now, so let's meet later when he has time. Let's have Thro go up and see first."
"I'll be going then."
"I... I'll come with you too."
"Let's stay a bit longer with Sera's aunt. I haven't finished the homework my mom gave me yet."
"...."
"I'll help you with it."
"...."
"Let's do that."
"Uh-huh...."
"Nothing else happened?"
"No, I came here and bought cotton candy. I spent all my allowance, so I didn't have any money left. But that noona over there gave me some cotton candy too."
I couldn't help but notice a child with silver hair entering the guild hall, followed by Han Sora's gaze fixed on me.
She smiled and nodded as she listened to Sera whispering in her ear, but her gaze wasn't exactly friendly. I felt anxious and suspected something was off, so I immediately opened my mouth to speak.
"Hel... Hello. My name is Valerie. I'm here for the final interview for the Blue Guild entrance test..."
I wasn't sure what tone I was using or what words I was saying, but I saw the person rise to greet me quietly, realizing that I was an applicant for the guild.
"Ah, right..."
"Yes, my name is Valerie. It's an honor to meet you, Han Sora-nim!"
"Yes, Valerie. It's an honor to meet you too. I heard the kids owe you a favor..."
"Oh, no, they don't owe me anything. And please speak comfortably."
"No, you're a guest of the guild. I can't do that, Would you like to come in?"
"Yes...Yes!"
I took another step forward, and suddenly, the atmosphere changed. I could now clearly see the Blue Guild's landscape that was not visible earlier. The guild house was surprisingly large, considering that it was used by less than 20 guild members. Perhaps it was because they needed to support the guild members or maintain the business that the Blue Guild ran.
Potion business and items. They had to deal with things like water management and the Crack museums, so it was important work. The powerful figures and other guild masters who held important positions would also come by for work, so it's needless to explain how important the Blue Guild's role is on the continent. Despite that, the guild atmosphere feels liberating. You can see people drinking coffee and discussing work in the break room designated for employees. You can also see guards standing like statues or people training.
"The official guild members have a separate location they use."
"Ah...yes."
"Since you'll be having your interview there today...oh, I just realized we have some time left. Would you like to tour the guild house?"
"Yes, Han Sora. I'm a big fan, actually."
"Really?"
It seemed so sudden, but before I knew it, the words came out of my mouth.
"I'm a really big fan."
"Oh, thank you," She replied.
"I really am. I've been following you since the days of Laios. I followed you on the Day of Resurrection... and on the Day of Prophecy too. I'm trying to calm down a little, but I can't... I'm sorry. So, can I ask you a few questions? If it's okay, could you sign... no, if it's okay, could you take a picture with me? It would be a lifelong honor! And me!"
"Wait, hold on a second."
"Yes?"
"I understand. Please don't get too close."
"Oh..."
"..."
"I'm sorry. I was just so excited."
'I messed it all up...'
I regretted why I couldn't control myself and started blabbering, and now it seemed like tears were about to flow.
I ran recklessly without any regard to my surroundings, so it's understandable. I'm worried that this might affect my interview. No, what's more heartbreaking than the impact on the interview is that I might come off as a weird person. I need to get their attention. That's when I started to hesitate on how to apologize.
"No, that's not what I meant. I have a difficult reason... It's not that I'm uncomfortable, but there's a chance that Valerie could become uncomfortable. You don't need to apologize because I wasn't upset."
"....."
"I can't tell you..."
"Although it's difficult to say...."
"It's a curse..."
"How do you know?"
"Could I take a closer look? Maybe I can help."
"No, it's okay, Valerie-nim. More importantly, how did you know?"
It's not visible, but I can feel it. I've always been sensitive to magic, so I don't know exactly what kind it is. But I sense a dark energy that I've never felt before.
Thinking back to when Han Sora told me not to come closer, it could be a curse that transfers to anyone who comes into contact with Han Sora-nim.
Perhaps there's a safety device in Sera, or maybe the curse is targeting a specific person.
Of course, I have neither seen nor heard of magic that distinguishes people like this...
'Because I'm seeing it now.'
The level difference can't be expressed simply. Even the first paragraph of this complex incantation is incomprehensible. I could only sense it.
Still, with a hopeful mind, I slowly moved my mana at that moment.
'Die.'
What?
'Die.'
Why is my dagger pointed at me?
'Die.'
Aimed at my neck...
'Die.'
When the dagger was brought to my neck against my will, I felt someone grab my hand tightly.
"Oh... Han Sora just now."
"I'm sorry."
"Yes?"
"I'm experiencing some side effects from a recent study failure, so I've been refraining from contact with others. It's more effective to experiment on my own body, haha... Don't worry, it's not a curse and there won't be any other side effects. I'm already sensitive enough, and it seems like magic reacted strongly because you were trying to dispel it."
"Wow, that's impressive. I almost died just now."
".... "
"I don't know how this is possible... it's really amazing. Wow..."
"I think Valerie is even more amazing. If I remember correctly, I heard that new guild members have to be unarmed fighters."
"Yes, I'm an unarmed fighter. My actual job is a unique class called a magic boxer, but I'm also studying magic a little bit. And... I caused trouble again."
"Trouble? If I think about what I heard from Sera, I feel grateful instead."
"Th-thank you very much."
She noticed a child hugging one of Han Sora's legs tightly.
After giving a smile, I looked back at my own hands. It was a situation where I couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous it was.
'Amazing.'
To think that a dispel spell could show this level of counterforce.
"Truly amazing."
Once again, I felt the severity of the difference in level between myself and those known as the top adventurers of the continent. I never expected to be able to keep up with them, but it felt like an impossible mountain to climb.
If I passed, I would be living with these people, training alongside them, and learning from them.
Although it was brief, my body trembles. I can't help but feel like my lips are curling up. I see Han Sora nodding her head with an awkward smile on her face. There seems to be a hint of apology in her expression...
"I'll show you around. Would you like to take a walk with me, Sera?"
"Sure!"
"Oh, yes."
Even while walking around the guild house, I can't take my eyes off of the neatly maintained gardens, the fountains on top of them, the shops and restaurants located inside the guild house for the welfare of employees, and various convenient facilities that catch my eye. I even see youth education facilities that I had only heard about before.
"I don't know where to start showing you. We have magic research facilities and alchemy workshops, and since you said you were interested in close combat, you might be curious about the martial arts training facilities... Recently, the training facilities have become very nice, and the close combat personnel use them frequently. Oh, you'll receive equipment, so the workshop might be good too. Or... ah... Valerie-nim... Wait a moment. Ah... yes, Jung Ha-yan?"
"....."
"No, I, wait a moment... Could you greet Sera for me... Yes. Yes, right now? Yes, of course I can go. But... ah... yes. Yes, of course that's how it should be. Yes, please wait a moment. I'll go as soon as possible. Have you had your meal? Ah, yes. Ah... I'm sorry. I thought you would eat with the Vice guild master... Ah, yes. Yes, Jung Ha-yan. Actually, I came prepared ahead of time. Ah, shall we go together... yes, with Sera too... ah... ah... yes. But let's go together."
"I'm sorry. I had some urgent business to attend to. I'll see you later, Sera. Let's go."
"Okay, auntie."
It was only for a moment that she looked very surprised on the call.
"What should I do?"
Han Sora and Sera are no longer in sight.
"Did Jeong Hayan call you?"
That must be it, since her name was mentioned in the conversation.
Of course, I can understand, but the problem is that I don't know where I am right now. It's not easy to go back since the area is so large. Even though there is still a little time left, it's not good to be late.
'Why are there no people here?'
Unlike the place where a lot of people were seen, no one is visible here. If there were people walking around, I could at least ask for directions...
"Who's there?"
"Yes?"
The voice was heard right at that moment.
"Intruder?"
"No, I..."
Along with the sound of footsteps, something short came into view.
A black object swung.
"I don't think you're an intruder... but it doesn't matter if it's fun. If you need help, anytime."
"I don't need it. I'll just stretch my body a bit."
"Hey, be gentle!"
Huh?
"I'm just lying down for a moment."
Instinctively, I take a step back and throw a punch.
With a smirk, I aim for the doll buried in my arms with a right hook.
"Once again, punch and then straighten up."
Before I even swing my fist, it feels like my body is flipping over. And then...
"Not bad."
Everything in front of me goes black.
~~~
this is the most confusing chapter I've ever translated yet.
Especially the last part