Chapter 55: Reaper's Communication
"Well, Kakeru, you really did an impressive job! Wiping out the goblin stronghold in the western forest, discovering the underground passage, and crushing the enemy base... The content is worth 120 points, including valuable information."
"Thank you very much, Guild Master!"
"Also... Regardless of the guild, I want to express my gratitude for reclaiming Esperanza Fortress. As a Primera myself, I want to offer my thanks. Thank you, Kakero."
The Guild Master bows his head.
"What are you saying? Primera is my town too. Protecting it is only natural! Besides, it's not just my effort, you know?"
"I understand, but you were at the center of it, weren't you?"
"Well then, if anything, you should thank the god Mikoto-sama who sent me to this world."
"You're right! Let's make a visit to the temple after a long time."
(Hmm, the temple... If I have time, maybe I'll go check it out.)
"Guild Master, you're taking too long to get to the point. We're tired too, so hurry up and give us our rewards."
Catalina, who had been listening beside them, moves the conversation along. Honestly, it's appreciated.
"Oh, right, right. In any case, you've all done a great job this time. To be honest, there's too much information to sort through, so I don't think there will be any major developments for a while. Rest up. The reward has been given to Claudia."
This time, the request reward is three platinum coins. Split among the three parties, our share as the Black Reapers is one platinum coin. Since Claudia didn't take hers, dividing it among five people means each of us gets two large gold coins (equivalent to 20 gold coins), which comes out to around two million yen. It's quite impressive considering we earned it in just one day.
Furthermore, this reward is specifically for wiping out the goblin stronghold in the western forest. There will be an additional bonus reward for discovering the underground passage and capturing the enemy base.
Additionally, we're expected to receive rewards from the Knight Order and the Lord as well, so it seems we won't have to worry about money for a while.
Oh, right, I explained everything to Sonia properly. I also registered her in the party. Claudia gave me a pretty intense glare though (wry smile).
Leaving the guild, the sun has already set completely, and the city lights have started to illuminate the streets.
"Well then, let's go back to our home (Carlos-san's mansion)!"
"... Are you really coming with us after all? Even the Bunny Cats..."
"Don't worry, Kakeru-kun. I've settled things with Carlos-sama, so don't be concerned."
Catalina smiles sweetly, but it's a bit intimidating.
It feels like our group keeps getting bigger every time we return. I can't help but feel a little sorry, but it seems Carlos-san is happy about it. It looks like there are plenty of rooms available as well.
Passing through the mansion gate, Freya comes running toward us from the other side. At full speed. Careful, you might trip.
"Kakeru-san!! Welcome back!"
She collides with me head-on, but it's no problem for me with my physical nullification. I gently catch her and stroke her silky hair.
"I'm back, Freya. Has anything changed?"
"Yeah, everyone is safe. Dad and the others are waiting anxiously!"
There's some time until dinner is ready, so I immediately take out the Death Scythe.
I've been looking forward to this moment since my level increased and I saw the new information...
[Reaper's Communication]
The moment I saw this function, I couldn't contain my overflowing thoughts of "maybe." I was afraid of being disappointed after building up expectations, so I refrained from looking at the details.
With determination, I check the details.
[Reaper's Communication] Allows communication with registered reapers. Can register up to 1 million entries.
It's here!!! It's a communication function after all. Now I might be able to talk to Mikoto-sama. (I won't comment on the number of entries?)
Trembling with excitement, I check the registration list... There it is!! Mikoto-sama's name! The icon is a skull, not cute at all, and there are names of people I don't know registered as well, but right now, I don't care about any of that.
I press the name with excitement.
*Ringing sound*
It really sounds like a phone. Will it really connect? The ringing goes on and feels like an eternity.
*Ringing sound* "... Hello, Kakeru?"
Connected!! No doubt, it's Mikoto-sama's voice. It hasn't even been a week, but it feels like we've been apart for years. It's the voice I thought I wouldn't hear for decades, maybe even a century.
I want to talk right away, but my emotions overflow, and tears well up, making it hard to speak.
"... Mikoto-sama, it's Kakeru. Sniff... sob... Mikoto-saaaan..."
"Is Kakeru crying? It's okay. I'm always watching over you (thanks to Elise). I was truly surprised that communication became possible in such a short time. Kakero, you really worked hard..."
(... It's the first time I've heard Kakero-san's voice, but it sounds gentle and lovely. The way of speaking is full of thoughtfulness and kindness. I can see why Mikoto-sama and the other girls would be fond of him... By the way, Mikoto-sama's maiden-like sweet voice, I've heard it for the first time. But it's bad to interrupt the two now, right? Yet, I can't move! Wait... am I going to have to listen to these two talking forever? Even though I can't join the conversation? Ugh, no way~)
Despite Mikoto's soulful plea, the two continue their conversation, as if trying to fill the time they were apart.
***
"Alright then, Mikoto-san, it seems dinner is ready, so I'll hang up for now. I'm really happy we could talk, I love you, Mikoto-san."
"I love you too, Kakeru."
"Oh, by the way! Mikoto-san, who's this person named Ilize on the contact list?"
"She's my best friend and a goddess. If you're in trouble, it's good to consult with her."
"Huh? The goddess Ilize is... Wait, the call's already ended. Well, whatever."
It's been a while since I talked to Mikoto-san, and today was truly a good day.
But, it's quite surreal to have a conversation while wearing Death Scythe. Definitely can't show that to anyone.
As for the satisfied Kakeru, on the other hand, Mikoto had a different reaction:
"Mikoto-saaan! I want to talk to Kakeru-saan too!! I'll go crazy if I keep hearing lovey-dovey talk! Please do something!"
"Mikoto, do your best to become a god. Then you'll be able to communicate. That's the way."
"How many years is that going to take? Alright, got it. I'll go to Kakeru-san right now!"
"It's impossible. If Mikoto moves now, the people of this country will be wiped out... If you're still okay with that, I won't stop you..."
"...Understood. I'll work hard to become stronger as soon as possible! Just you wait, you monsters!"