The battle ended, and the surroundings were enveloped in silence.
Il stood there in a daze, staring intently at me.
"Il? Are you okay?"
"Ah!"
When I called out, she finally seemed to snap back to reality.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. I was just a bit surprised..."
Il stammered, then timidly asked me,
"Hey, Zeros. That was a skill just now, right? How can you use it with the Crest of Null?"
"...Hmmm."
I pondered for a moment.
The reason I can use skills with the Crest of Null—namely the Inheritance Shrine, Grant Point—is not something I want to hide at all costs.
Of course, I don't intend to tell everyone, but... there might be times in the future when I'll need to form a party.
If that happens, teaching my party members and helping them strengthen might be beneficial.
(My Crest of Null may be versatile, but it can't cover every role.)
I only have two arms, after all, so it can't be helped.
That said, for now, it's more efficient to gain experience and skills while working solo. So, I'm not planning to form a party just yet.
Given the current situation, it's safer to keep the Inheritance Shrine, Grant Point, a secret.
So, the most practical response for now is—
"I actually learned it through a little trick."
I'll just have to bluff my way through this.
Il tilted her head in confusion at my explanation.
"A trick? I've never heard of such a method..."
"Only a few people know about it. So, I'd appreciate it if you could keep it to yourself, Il."
"O-Of course! Zeros, you saved my life, so I wouldn't do anything you don't want me to!"
"Thank you. I trust you, Il."
I breathed a sigh of relief. For now, the bluff worked.
"Well then, the next issue is dealing with these guys."
I pointed at the fallen adventurers.
"It would be best to hand them over to the appropriate authorities as criminals, but..."
"Yeah."
Il nodded, looking a bit troubled.
"But there are four of them. It's about a 30-minute walk to the town, but it would be hard for the two of us to carry them all..."
"It's quite a hassle. It would be best to get some guild staff to come here."
I considered asking the town guards, but incidents in dungeons are usually under the jurisdiction of the Adventurer's Guild.
Reporting it to the guild should be sufficient.
For now, I would stay here and keep watch, while Il would go fetch the guild staff.
About an hour later, I sensed people approaching from a distance.
Il had brought a large number of guild staff.
"Sorry for the wait!"
The man at the front called out.
"We've been informed of the situation. Thank you very much for your help."
"Alright, I'll leave the rest to you."
The staff efficiently started to collect the fallen adventurers.
During this time, the man explained the situation to us.
"These adventurers had been causing problems for a while. With this incident, they'll definitely be facing punishment."
"Just as I thought."
"Yes. Also, the Guild Master has a message for you. He wants to give you a reward, so could you come to the Adventurer's Guild at your convenience?"
"Got it."
After conveying the message, the staff took the adventurers away.
Immediately after, Il approached me with a worried expression.
"Hey, Zeros..."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Do you think those guys will report your skill during the interrogation?"
"...Hmmm."
I folded my arms and thought about it. It's certainly possible, but...
Well, the words of criminals are usually taken as nothing more than the whining of sore losers.
If it gets exposed, I'll deal with it then.
"It'll be fine."
"Y-You're so carefree..."
Il looked both exasperated and impressed.
As we chatted, we made our way back to town.
At the town entrance, I said goodbye to Il.
"Alright, I'll head off from here."
"Yeah, thank you so much for today, Zeros. You're a lifesaver. I'll definitely repay this debt."
"You're exaggerating. Don't worry about it... See you."
I waved lightly and parted ways with Il, heading back to my mansion.
And so, my second day in this new life came to a close.