Level Eater

With preparations complete, they decided to inform the three that they could accompany them immediately.

"I understand. If we can get directions along the way, we're fine with accompanying you." (Tatsuro)

"Really?" "Is that true!?"

"Yes." (Tatsuro)

Saying so, Tatsuro removed the dark magic that had obstructed their view and revealed himself to the three. Then, their faces were visible in the moonlight.

Firstly, the man and another woman had brown hair, with animal-like ears and tails. The remaining woman had no animal features and had blackish-gold hair. What they all had in common was that they looked similar in age to Tatsuro and the others, maybe even younger, and had appearances more fitting for boys and girls.

On the other hand, the people who had scattered nearly twenty bandits from a distance were clearly skilled adventurers. They were surprised by the two, who looked no different from themselves.

"What are your names?" (Tatsuro)

"Um… yes. I'm Jema Miliat." (Jema)

"I'm Catherine Semprin. We have been childhood friends with the two of them. So, what about you?" (Catherine)

Since they would be indebted to them one-sidedly, Catherine timidly asked, wondering whether it was okay to ask for their names.

Thinking that it was acceptable to share names, they introduced themselves as well.

"I'm Tatsuro Hasami." (Tatsuro)

"I'm Ai Yashiki. Nice to meet you." (Ai)

"Nice to meet you." "Nice to meet you too."

"Well then, we're heading to Lyadas, so until then, you'll be riding on this." (Tatsuro)

"Is that… a carriage?" (Jema)

Jema looked up at the rhino cart and asked such a question. Firstly, the fact that horses were not pulling it meant it was already not a typical carriage. It had been modified to accommodate three additional passengers, resulting in an appearance resembling a camping van.

Whether it was an unfamiliar form in this world or not, the three stared at the vehicle in astonishment.

"Well, it's something like that. You guys can climb up that ladder and take a seat over there" (Tatsuro)

"Do we not have to do anything?" one asked.

"Yeah, if you really don't like just sitting there, you can help out. It seems like someone there can use scouting magic" (Tatsuro)

"Understood," Catherine, who seemed to be the user of dispelling magic, eagerly nodded. They did not know her level, but scouting magic was considered basic, so they decided to trust her with that.

Afterward, the three were invited to climb onto the rhino cart. Tatsuro and Ai sat in the driver's seats, and Cardina lay down on their laps.

Jeanne watched them with envy, but Cardina pretended not to notice and snuggled up to the two.

"I'll let Jeanne have her turn to snuggle during the next break, so hang in there" (Tatsuro)

"Neigh!" Jeanne happily neighed at Tatsuro's words, and with the added weight of the three, the cart was pulled by the power of wind magic.

The initial movement was rough due to the added weight of over a hundred kilograms from the accustomed load, causing a momentary strong shake. However, it adapted once it got going, and the journey proceeded smoothly.

"How much longer until we reach Lyadas?" one of them asked.

"It was supposed to be around tomorrow evening, but that was an estimate for the fastest route without getting into trouble. So, it looks like we'll be a bit delayed, maybe until the day after tomorrow, around noon" (Tatsuro)

"Yeah, and the fact that we took quite a bit of time just for this round didn't help," (Ai)

"Not to mention that we tend to wake up late" (Tatsuro)

"Tatsuro doesn't let me sleep!" (Ai)

"On the journey, you haven't done that either, and you sleep earlier than me, don't you!?" (Tatsuro)

"Is that so?" (Ai)

"Yeah, it is!" (Tatsuro)

Being the one always awakened by Tatsuro, Ai had no choice but to play it off and distractedly whistled a lousy tune. Tatsuro lightly patted her head and pulled her closer, resigned to the situation.

As they continued playing around in the driver's seat, the three on the cart were discussing while holding onto the handrails.

"Big brother, this carriage is incredibly fast, isn't it?" (Jema)

"That's true, but what's pulling it? I can't smell anything." (Salva)

"Is it some kind of creature like an astral projection of a magical being?" (Catherine)

"So, it's a magical being?" (Jema)

"At the very least, it's not an ordinary animal, considering it can use wind magic. Besides, that bird with the two of them seems to use scouting magic over a wider area than I can." (Catherine)

"Is it that person Tatsuro-san? He used magic, right? So maybe Ai-san tame it?" (Salva)

As always, the two individuals, peculiar to this world's people, were once again shrouded in mystery.

"In any case, it seems like we can't do much." (Salva)

"Even though we're not that much older than them, they're amazing." (Jema)

"It seems like my dispelling magic isn't handy, so this feels like plain parasitism." (Catherine)

In this rather pitiful situation, the expressions of all three darkened. This was because, in the process of escaping to this point, they had already sacrificed three people. Thanks to those three who had held back the pursuers to let the fledgling trio escape, they were alive today.

And even being saved was a source of shame for adventurers, as it meant they had to rely on the help of other adventurers and even parasitize a town.

"I wonder what happened to Jonas and the others." (Jema)

"They won't go down easily, but the fact that thieves were catching up to us means…" (Salva)

"But maybe, just maybe, they're still alive! We can file a missing persons report when we get to town!" (Catherine)

"Even if we file a report, we don't have the reward to match it." (Salva)

"Ugh…" (Catherine)

"Damn it, why did this have to happen?" (Jema)

Regretfully, the three shed tears and prayed for the safety of those who had bought them time. They remained oblivious to the heavy emotions swirling on the cart.

Meanwhile, Tatsuro and Ai took care of Cardina together, occasionally sharing kisses and cuddling between themselves.

However, it was impossible to maintain their vigilance continuously, as Cardina's scouting magic detected neither the thieves' nor any monsters' reactions.

"Do you think it's working as a display of force more than we thought, or are they gathering their comrades somewhere? What do you think?" (Tatsuro)

"Well, I hope it means they've given up on us with wishful thinking" (Ai)

"It would be nice if that were the case, but if they find out we let the upper three escape as well, they might come after us in earnest." (Tatsuro)

These words stemmed from the thought that if they gave up here, they might as well have never started. Tatsuro felt he understood the meaning behind the words, so he did not leave everything to others and entrusted Cardina with scouting.

However, despite their efforts, there was nothing significant to report, and it was soon time for Jeanne to restock and for a slightly delayed lunch.

Since they started slowing down without prior notice, the three on top became anxious and called out to them.

"Did something happen!?" (Catherine)

"Nothing! We're just stopping to have lunch!" (Tatsuro)

"Got it!" (Catherine)

Having been absorbed in their own world, Tatsuro had forgotten they were carrying passengers. He said that and stopped the carriage, quickly resupplying Jeanne and then preparing lunch.

Meanwhile, the people on top also descended using the ladder. With just a glance, Tatsuro continued grilling meat at his own pace.

Soon, sounds of hunger emanated from everyone except Tatsuro and Ai.

"Hey, big brother!" (Jema)

"It can't be helped. It's a bodily function!" (Salva)

His sister gave him light taps while she seemed to be doing something.

Seeing this, Catherine told him not to worry about it, so Tatsuro returned his attention to the meat sizzling on the grill.

After seasoning the meat with some spices and a pinch of salt and finishing two servings, they were about to start eating when they heard Salva and the others' stomachs growling, loudly voicing their hunger.

"If you're hungry, why don't you eat something?" (Tatsuro)

"We had to discard as much luggage as possible while escaping, so we only have one meal each left." (Salva)

"Didn't you have an [Item Box] skill?" (Tatsuro)

"Rookies like us don't have that kind of skill. If we had the luxury, we'd use it elsewhere." (Catherine)

Tatsuro realized he had become more relaxed than he should have, even though he should have noticed this first. Therefore, he made a not entirely unjustified excuse.

However, as it turned out, eating meat in front of those without food was exceptionally cruel. They still had enough supplies, and even though it was only for three days, they understood the anxiety of living with limited rations. Therefore, they silently communicated and decided to share.

"We still have plenty of food here, so if you're okay with just meat, we can share some." (Tatsuro)

"No way, after you've done this much for us, we can't just take your food away." (Jema)

"But even we can't eat so openly when there are hungry people nearby. If you're going to say that, you should have hidden it better." (Ai)

"Uh, sorry." (Jema)

All three of them wore embarrassed expressions and lowered their heads. They should have stayed on top of the cart if they genuinely felt that way.

"So, go ahead and eat. We won't say it'll fill you up, but it won't be a significant loss if you eat about as much as we do." (Tatsuro)

"We're sorry. We'll repay this favor someday." (Salva)

"You don't have to worry about that. We are not helping you in exchange for gratitude. But if you really want to repay the favor, make it back to town safely, become respectable adventurers or something, and help someone in need like we are now." (Tatsuro)

"Got it. Even if it's not right away, I'll become an adventurer who can help someone like you guys." (Salva)

"Me too!" "Count me in!"

Determined expressions filled the formerly disheartened eyes of the three. If they could make it back to town safely, they had planned to seek a less risky profession than becoming adventurers, as they had initially set out with rather frivolous intentions.

However, they had a change of heart, thinking that if they could grow and help someone in need, they could at least face their companions who had bought them time.

While they could not fully understand the deeper reasons, Tatsuro sensed something had changed in the three. Without saying a word, he continued grilling the meat for them all.

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