The Seven Heroes

Just before reaching the town of Oslo, Sei had Kukuri stop the carriage.

It was to confirm the heroes' Gifts and consider how to handle things if it came to combat.

Up until now, four had been identified: Absolute Detection, Magic Destruction, Wrath, and Universal Barrier.

And here, Sei confirmed three more: Ability Manipulation, Complete Restoration, and Formula Bypass.

Ability Manipulation apparently allowed one to freely redistribute their own stats. For example, temporarily lowering agility to increase strength. It seemed like a subtle but quite useful ability that let you adjust your stats based on your opponent.

Complete Restoration was close to universal healing, but since it worked on objects as well as living things, it could instantly restore a weapon when it broke. It appeared to be a purely support-type ability. However, it couldn't be used on illnesses or poisons.

Formula Bypass allowed magic to be cast without formula construction, meaning spells could be deployed even faster than chantless casting. However, it could only be used with spells you had successfully constructed a formula for at least once.

Among them, the one Mako was close enough to actually communicate with was the hero with Universal Barrier, and she wasn't particularly on bad terms with the others either. Also, before being transported, none of them had particularly extreme personalities.

"The leader is probably Yamashiro-kun or Tsunoda-chan."

That would be the hero with Formula Bypass or the hero with Wrath.

"With Absolute Detection in play, surprise attacks are impossible."

According to Rei's information, the Gift could also sense hostility, malice, and danger. Moreover, it functioned not only actively but passively as well.

"Also, I'd like to deal with Universal Barrier and Wrath early on."

Both Universal Barrier and Wrath had levels. While Universal Barrier could still be broken through with enough damage, Wrath's ability boost from ally damage would become even more pronounced at higher levels.

Additionally, Formula Bypass and Complete Restoration meant they had two healers.

Now, let's consider what would happen if combat became unavoidable.

Absolute Detection probably wouldn't be much of a threat in combat. Even if they could sense their opponent's actions, there wouldn't be time to relay that information during a fight.

Magic Destruction was a poor matchup against their side, which was stacked with members strong in close-quarters combat. This one could be left alone as well.

Wrath would only get stronger the longer it was put off, so they needed to take it down early.

Universal Barrier was troublesome. It was difficult to deal with whether early or late. Ideally, they'd want that one to agree to persuasion.

Ability Manipulation… even with some stat fluctuation, it probably couldn't compete with the overwhelming stats of Sei, Mako, and Lavi. They could have Rui buy time if needed.

Complete Restoration was similarly troublesome, so they'd need to take it down early.

Formula Bypass meant a mage with rapid-fire casting, but judging by their total mana reserves, they could aim for mana exhaustion.

"Well, either way, we should start with persuasion."

"I think we can work things out with Chi-chan, but I'm not sure about the others."

"Let's enter the town for now. It seems they've just come out of the labyrinth and are somewhat depleted, so if we're going to fight, sooner is better."

The carriage set off again and entered the town of Oslo.

 

*

 

The town of Oslo had been heavily destroyed in the battle between Irina and a god.

"According to reports, the dragon that rules the labyrinth also participated in the fight."

Rei explained. The city with this labyrinth apparently had a fire dragon as its master.

Most of the buildings had collapsed, replaced by hastily constructed structures and tents. The one exception that had been rebuilt relatively quickly was the Adventurer's Guild.

Magic stones were needed for reconstruction, so the guild had been set up for that purpose. Inside, in addition to the guild facilities, there was an adjacent dining hall.

And there, occupying a large table and eating, were the seven heroes. Numerous hangers-on surrounded them.

"Yahoo, everyone doing okay～?"

When Mako called out in a light tone, one of the boys stood up.

"I was wondering who it was, but it's Tsubaki-san."

Apparently, he was the hero with Absolute Detection.

The seven at the table looked up, their expressions softening with nostalgia. One of them in particular stood up, rushed over, and embraced Mako with exaggeratedly spread arms.

"Mako-chi!"

"Chi-chan!"

The other six were looking at Sei and his group. Particularly, their gazes were drawn to Bungol the High Orc.

"Tsubaki-san, just to check, that… orc person? They're not a servant of the God of Greed, right?"

Absolute Detection could apparently also tell what emotions a detected target held toward the user.

It was like blue for ally, yellow for neutral, red for enemy.

"I'm a High Orc. And no, I'm not a servant of any evil god."

"Even so, that's quite a diverse party…"

The one who said that was the hero with Formula Bypass. One of the candidates for leader. Human, elf, dark elf, halfling, dwarf, high orc, vampire—it was certainly a bewildering lineup.

"Unable to identify… First time I've seen that."

Again, it was the hero with Formula Bypass who spoke. Including him, these heroes could use many skills and spells beyond their main Gift. That just now was probably Identify through Formula Bypass.

"Are you from Nihon? That's rare, you look as Japanese as we do."

The one who said that was the girl who was the hero with Wrath, staring at Sei.

"I have something to discuss, so could you spare some time after you finish eating? It's not something that will be to your disadvantage, so don't worry about that."

Sei's group also ordered drinks and observed the heroes.

But what caught their attention more was the hangers-on.

(I can sense hostility and malice. But it hasn't reached killing intent yet.)

Sei thought this while watching the heroes eat.

 

*

 

The heroes had been provided with an especially large tent.

When Sei's group of nine entered, it did feel cramped.

The heroes' gazes were mainly directed at Rei, the commander. As the ruler of this region—in other words, an important person—that was understandable.

But for now, Sei was the one standing at the front. He sat down on the mat and got to the point.

"I'm Sei Kojima, and I've come to send everyone home at the request of Earth's god. Those who wish to return can go back immediately. What do you say?"

The impact of those words was significant.

"… W-we can go back?"

One boy and two girls immediately pumped both fists in the air.

Three boys and one girl had complicated expressions.

"It's great that we can go back, but… is there any merit to returning?"

The one who asked was the hero with Wrath.

"Ah, sorry, I was just told by the god to send you back. I don't actually know what will happen after."

This had come up before, but he should have confirmed the conditions for the heroes, not just himself.

"… Honestly speaking, among us, there are those who would rather stay in this world than go back to Earth."

The hero with Wrath glared at Sei as if to say she was one of them.

Honestly, Sei understood that.

Looking at Ria's home or the magic city of Avalon, Nears' civilization level surpassed modern Japan in many areas.

But they had been fighting against evil gods on this mud-covered front line.

While many probably wanted to see their families and friends again, it wasn't unreasonable for them to want some kind of reward in return.

"I've heard from the general that with achievements like these, we could become nobility."

At the hero with Wrath's words, Rei nodded.

"Considering your achievements, you would all likely receive at least the rank of Count. Additionally, your subordinate soldiers would be formally accepted as proper retainers."

"Ah, but here's the thing."

Sei interjected. This was something he had to say.

"If you all don't return to Earth, Earth will be destroyed."

At those words, the heroes began to stir.

 

*

 

After the usual explanation, the heroes sighed.

But among them, one person asked an intelligent question.

It was the hero with Formula Bypass—the other one Mako had mentioned might be the leader.

"We were summoned by the power of this world's gods, but are there any perks for returning to Earth? Honestly, after risking our lives all this time, just being able to go back is way too harsh. Besides, even if you say Earth is in danger, we have no way of knowing how urgent it actually is."

Unlike Sei, they had no perks whatsoever.

But for Earth's god, their return was necessary to save Earth. Shouldn't there be some kind of benefit?

However, Sei had no way of knowing. He couldn't contact Earth's god.

No, Sei reconsidered.

"Hold on. Let me ask if we can get in touch with Earth's god."

And what Sei pulled out was his usual smartphone. The contact, of course, was this world's god.

"Hey, it's been a while."

Though not much time had passed since they parted, it had been a while since they'd contacted each other—it was Ria's voice.

 

*

 

"So anyway, are there any perks?"

"Skills you've acquired here can be kept as-is if they also exist on Earth. As for memories and abilities, that depends on negotiations with Earth's god."

Apparently, Ria would arrange for them to meet with Earth's god when they returned. And the abilities boosted by leveling up in this world could be carried over to some extent.

… Honestly, this was something he should have asked much earlier. Rather, why was he only asking now?

"It seems that skills you've acquired here and abilities you've leveled up can be carried over to Earth to some extent. For example, strength or agility—you could try becoming a pro athlete. And if your intelligence has increased, wouldn't that be advantageous for entrance exams?"

At Sei's explanation, the heroes exchanged glances again.

"Also, regarding Earth's danger—apparently it's actually on the scale of thousands of years, but if they allow even one exception, summonings will keep happening one after another, so they can't compromise on that."

"By the way, what happens if we say we won't go back?"

Chi-chan asked, and Sei answered honestly.

"I'll send you back by force. Most people agreed properly before going back, but there were a handful who said they wanted to stay in this world."

"By force, huh…"

The hero with Wrath's eyes sharpened. But the hero with Formula Bypass held her back with his hand.

"We can't give an answer immediately. Ever since we became a group of seven, we've always acted only after everyone agreed."

At that response, Sei nodded as well. He had hoped they would reach a conclusion now while they were depleted, but that was probably unrealistic.

"How much time do you need?"

"Let's see… three days. That should be enough for us to come to an agreement."

Sei nodded again and decided to leave for now.

"Then I'll come back in three days… in the evening. Please talk it over until then."

After the group departed, it seemed discussions were immediately beginning inside the tent.

"So, are we actually going to wait honestly for three days?"

At Rei's question, Sei shook his head slightly.

"I'll apply some pressure. If we fight all seven heroes head-on, we'll take damage on our side too."

Since they couldn't deploy Lavi on the front line, they'd have to think things through on their end as well. Besides, they had an ace in the hole: Demon General Rei. Setting the time for evening was also to ensure Rui could participate.

"Well, it would be best if they just agreed to go back quietly."

Sei looked at Mako. Those who could approach without issue were Mako, and possibly Kukuri as well.

Even if it came to fighting, they would likely win, but they should still take precautions.

Sei gazed at the piles of rubble, contemplating various things.