Chapter 118 – The People of the Sword Master’s Family (1)

In these cases, the line between whether to call it luck or not is ambiguous.

The priorities of both of us are clearly different. Abel is searching for the bodies of her missing parents, while I, on the other hand, am seeking a supply of magic stones.

Even though our intentions are different, the ultimate goal is the same. And that is enough.

‘Dungeon of the Undead.’

I actively sympathized with Abel in our shared objective.

Abel showed a surprised expression at my attitude and then nodded.

After finishing our meal, we talked for quite a while. The main topic of conversation was coordinating schedules and sharing information.

Abel moved closer to me, sitting by my side. The distance between us was about a handspan.

She was quite close, but Abel explained without concern. She showed me a map on her phone.

“The Dungeon of the Undead is right on the border between Switzerland and France. Normally, the property rights of a dungeon would be a headache, but this place is not popular. There won’t be any issues with procedures.”

Abel tapped the screen of her phone with her fingernail when an important point appeared.

She had marked several locations on the GPS app, as if she had already been preparing for quite some time.

“And since it’s a rarely visited dungeon, there’s no staff at the entrance. However, you must register the names of at least three people to enter. Otherwise, we’d be violating the international law on heroes.”

Listening to such a clear and concise explanation of the key points, I was silently impressed.

I wasn’t born in this place, so my common sense and knowledge are quite limited.

When I have to make a plan, I dedicate myself to researching data through different means. However, there’s a clear limit to obtaining information through pure visual research.

That’s why I want the club members to join in conquering the dungeon.

To be honest, I’ve always relied on them to acquire knowledge.

Although I’m skilled at coming up with quick ideas, absorbing a lot of information on my own isn’t something I’m used to.

‘Honestly, it would have been quite difficult to attack the Dungeon of the Undead without them.’

On the surface, it’s a Class D dungeon, the lowest level. However, inside it, a high-level S-rank monster is sealed.

Draugr are also known as the hardest to defeat. Precautions had already been taken, but the route to enter was blocked.

But how does Abel know so much about it? Thanks to unexpected luck, it seems our dungeon expedition might go smoothly.

“Did you understand the explanation?”

After getting lost in my thoughts for a moment, Abel asked me, as if wanting confirmation.

“Yes, more or less. You’ve done a lot on your own.”

“…Yeah.”

Her response was timid. Only then did Abel realize how close we were, and her face turned red.

We had already spent almost four months at the Academy.

It was a cliché not being able to hide embarrassment in these kinds of situations and quickly stepping away.

She sighed.

That was probably true, but Abel simply swallowed the air. She cleared her throat and reduced the distance even further. A faint fruity scent brushed past my nose.

“Focus, this is an important conversation. First of all, I’ve taken the time to understand the procedures, geography, and interior of the dungeon…”

Abel shook her head and continued explaining. Her flushed cheek was visible through a few strands of her hair.

“You talk very seriously.”

That was understandable, considering it was about her family.

So much so that we could easily ignore situations like this. My cheek was probably flushed because it was warm.

Abel just rolled her eyes and looked at me.

“If you have any questions, ask me. There are only about thirty minutes left until Shail comes to pick us up. Once we return to the castle, we won’t have time to talk until the scheduled day.”

“Can’t I contact you to get additional information?”

“…Huh? You didn’t know? Castle Sigurd is outside the communication area, so it’s a signal-free zone.”

Ah, that’s right. Her house was in a valley in the Alps.

I hadn’t realized it since there were few places where I could have made contact.

Seeing my confused expression, Abel raised the corner of her mouth and trembled slightly. Then, she immediately defended herself.

“You thought it was because we’re in the mountains! That’s not it—it’s for the security of the Nibelung domain!”

Do all the women in this world have passive psychic abilities?

It’s the same with Media, Ryozo, and Abel.

As soon as they come up with something, they say it immediately.

If that ability truly existed, it would be terrifying.

…But if they had it, they would have already known that my existence is strange. Because it’s a secret only I have and have never shared with anyone.

Some people know that I’m not from this world… This is an unexpected hypothesis. If that’s the case, how would it affect me?

If they’re an ally, it’s fine, but if they’re an enemy, it’s going to be complicated.

‘Well, that’s not going to happen.’

I briefly smiled and spoke.

“I think you have everything figured out, including the route. The most important thing now is probably the remaining party members. We’re two—you and me. One more person isn’t enough.”

“Huh? Why isn’t one more person enough?”

Abel looked at me, confused.

“You know, Shail.”

“Oh?”

“Shail is also from Joaquin Academy. Besides, she’s an exclusive senior hero of the association.”

…What is she saying now?

***

On the way back home, toward Castle Sigurd. We were climbing a steep hill.

Abel, probably exhausted, fell asleep in the back seat as soon as she got in the car.

‘Well, considering how passionate she was while explaining, it’s no surprise she’s tired.’

I sat in the passenger seat so Abel could sleep comfortably. Then, I made sure the seatbelt was properly fastened and working correctly.

This trip would take about 30 minutes. It was like my lifeline.

—Vroooom.

Shail gripped the steering wheel tightly. She stepped on the accelerator while keeping her piercing eyes fixed ahead.

The 270-degree turn coming up ahead looked like a tight curve.

The corners of Shail’s lips curled as she turned the wheel with one hand.

My pupils spun like a whirlpool as I followed the movement of the wheel. My life or death depended on this maid, damn it.

—Whooosh.

A reckless yet skillful maneuver. Shail smiled in satisfaction and accelerated again.

As I witnessed the series of scenes unfold clearly, I couldn’t help but swallow a bit of saliva.

‘This reckless maid is a senior hero?’

Within the universe of ‘Miracle Blessing M,’ the Hero Association is the organization that leads heroes.

The association classifies heroes for more efficient management.

It’s a ranking system similar to the level system in a famous game.

However, there are only three categories.

From bottom to top: “Junior,” “Senior,” and “Warrior.”

The association itself evaluates, estimates, and scores each hero’s performance.

Of course, academy cadets are excluded. The purpose of being a cadet is to study. A worldview that protects human rights in a strangely strict manner.

‘Maybe it’s not so bad after all.’

As a reference, the scores themselves are confidential, but a hero’s affiliation is public and referred to as hero points, or 【HP】 for short.

When I think of 【HP】, the first thing that comes to mind is a green health bar. However, in ‘Miracle Blessing M,’ there is no such thing as “Health Points” or a health bar.

Well, in reality, the concept of a “health bar” doesn’t make much sense to me, even as someone who has been thrown into this world.

If a health bar and potions existed, I’d like this a lot more.

But for me, the world of ‘Miracle Blessing M’ is a cold reality.

If you’re not careful, your limbs could fly off, and you’d end up in the hospital—so what?

‘Looking back, it’s funny…’

The most basic stat systems are missing.

Not just health, but mana, experience, and even levels are absent in this mobile game…

Of course, many players were fascinated by the difference, but just as many found it uncomfortable.

In a game where numbers are taken for granted, what comes to mind is a very simple interface.

In games with so much talking and riding, there’s something similar to a ranking system with “Hero Points.” It’s a strange world where a sense of unfamiliarity and familiarity coexist.

—Anyway.

From Bronze to Platinum is considered <Junior>, Diamond Master is <Senior>, and anything from Grandmaster onward is <Warrior>.

The difference in the number of members per level is enormous.

90% of heroes are in the Junior rank, and the remaining 10% is split in an 8:2 ratio between Senior and Warrior.

The point is this.

The beautiful maid recklessly driving beside me.

It’s shocking that Shail is part of the top 10% of heroes.

At first glance, I thought she was an extraordinary maid, but…

No, actually, she’s from Joaquin Academy, the cradle of senior heroes and even future top heroes.

I finally understood why security and crime prevention were part of her job. There’s probably no better crime prevention system than hers.

“Kang Geom-Ma, do you have something to say?”

Shail asked while keeping her eyes on the window’s reflection.

It seemed she had sensed my gaze even at that moment.

I took a moment to choose my words. The hesitation didn’t last long.

In the end, I had to go to the Dungeon of the Undead with Shail and Iza.

Besides, due to her status, she would be the leader for both Abel and me.

At this point, I leaned more toward speaking openly.

“I heard from Abel earlier. Lady Shail will also be accompanying us to the ‘Undead Dungeon’…”

“Yes, my abilities are limited, but I will do my best not to cause trouble for the young lady and Kang Geom-Ma.”

If you’re too humble, it can sound like a joke.

A senior hero above the level of an instructor saying, “I won’t hold you back” is something that would shock anyone.

“I can only say this now, but I’m truly grateful to Kang Geom-Ma.”

“…Yes?”

Shail glanced at Abel, who was reflected in the mirror, still asleep. Abel was sleeping deeply. Shail smiled at the sight.

“Before entering the Academy, Lady Abel was always alone. Within the Nibelung domain, there was no one her age, and due to her personality, she never approached anyone.”

I was slightly surprised.

Normally, Shail would just knock on doors silently, but now she was speaking fluently. Her pronunciation and tone were clear, almost like a news anchor’s.

“Perhaps Lady Abel has told you, but I graduated from Joaquin Academy.”

Shail turned the wheel with one hand. With a skillful movement, the scenery outside the window passed by rapidly, as if flipping through a movie.

“The fact that I was able to attend the academy and that I’m still alive is thanks to Nibelung.”

Shail’s sincere conversation continued. Her expression was calm, but the content wasn’t entirely detached.

“Ten years ago, I was taken in by Lady Abel’s parents, who are no longer with us. Until that moment, I was in a center—in other words, an orphanage.”

“Wow…”

My reaction made Shail let out a light laugh.

She seemed to be trying to lighten the dense atmosphere that had formed.

“Who in this world doesn’t have a story? I’ve been fortunate. There are so many corrupt nobles, but I was employed by Nibelung.”

It was an understandable statement. In an aristocratic society full of trash, there were few families as honest as Nibelung.

“And besides, I am always grateful to Lady Abel’s family, who saw something in me—a mere maid—and sent me to the academy.”

“Shail, you’re incredible. Only 21 years old and already a Senior? It seems like it wasn’t just talent.”

“I owe a lot to Nibelung. The only thing I could do to repay them was to give my all. I can’t say I don’t have talent, but compared to the Sword Master, I’m probably just average.”

While the car sped along at 200 km/h, Shail’s tone carried a faint melancholy. That disconnect created an overwhelming sense of discomfort.

“Anyway, even though my skills aren’t great, joining the dungeon expedition was my request.”

“Was it really your request?”

Shail nodded.

“It’s to find Lady Abel’s parents, who gave my life meaning. It was more like my request to Lady Abel.”

“Ah…”

Shail slightly turned her head toward me. A faint crescent moon adorned the curve of her eyes—a mature smile.

‘Is this what it feels like to be an adult…?’

I coughed lightly and changed the subject.

“By the way, what do you mean by thanking me?”

“…Umm.”

Suddenly, the sound of Abel waking up in the back seat could be heard.

Shail gave a subtle smile and then spoke, moving only her lips.

“I’m an outstanding alumna. Maybe that’s why, every time I see articles about how the Sword Master rigorously trained you, I find it so satisfying.”

“…Ah.”

“In any case…”

Soon, her gaze landed on me. While driving at an insane speed, she was distracting me. A panicked scream was about to escape my throat.

Shail let out a soft chuckle and, in a teasing tone, continued speaking.

“―Isn’t it a bit much to wear a tracksuit on a date? Lady Abel must be really mad~”

“…”

I was about to say something but held back since this reckless driver-maid was behind the wheel.

Soon, the silhouette of Castle Sigurd appeared through the window. Then, Shail made a spectacular gear shift.

—Vrrrooom.