Chapter 32

It had been a while since Elerina and the rest last visited the frontlines, and not much had changed. For one, the alliance was still stuck at the same spot, enduring the restless attacks from the monsters. The fact that the monsters were all concentrated near the frontlines made the area behind them relatively empty.

Unfortunately, the monsters fighting near the frontlines were so dense that no large army could slip past them, preventing an effective rear ambush from being formed.

This meant it was a much more dangerous area for the three of them as well. Unlike in demon territory, where they could fight any enemies they came across, stealth is a priority near the frontlines.

“Go through the road on the left, then hide behind that tree in a clearing.”

Using the drone, I guided them to a hiding spot. A large group of wolf-like monsters passed through the road where they used to be. These monsters didn't see them, and using wind magic, Angen blew their smell the other way, hiding them from the wolves.

The wolves passed through.

“Area clear.”

“Alright.”

The carriage began moving once again. While my role isn't strictly necessary, it does make things quicker for them. I could point out the best routes from the air, and made precise adjustments on the fly while reducing the risks of running into monsters.

I still need to watch for the battery, though. Regular drones like this had limited battery life, and having to land in the middle of such a dangerous territory could be fatal.

“Just a bit more. Take that path to your right.”

On the flipside, the alliance had prepared numerous small paths and hiding spots, confusing the monsters while providing adventurers with safe passage. The dense tree cover also helped with hiding Angen's carriage.

Eventually, they managed to escape the maze and ride toward town. Relieved, I let Elerina recover the drone and quickly went to charge it. There was still some distance left to cover, though, giving us time to discuss what we would do once they got to town.

“I'll go and resupply while Memorus looks for intel. How about you, Ellen?”

The group had used a lot less in terms of supplies thanks to me being able to feed them. That said, there's nothing wrong with being prepared. Besides, it's not like they need to leave extra space for merchandise to take back.

“... I don't know.”

Her answer drew in curious gazes from Angen and Memorus.

“... You mean?”

“I don't know what to do. Usually I'll just accept a quest and go off.”

“You don't do anything else?”

“Maintenance, resupply… those kinds of stuff?”

The rifle had come in handy, allowing her to take less fights, and she had been doing weapon maintenance on the road. Angen would be taking care of resupplying, so she doesn't need to do that either.

“How about visiting your friends or family?”

“I don't have any.”

“Sorry.”

“It's alright.” Elerina let out a light-hearted chuckle.

•••

“Phew…”

Without anything else to do, Elerina went straight to the inn. Since she had given the quest to Angen, Angen could claim the reward without her. She took a bath, one she insisted me on joining her for some reason. I wasn’t sure if it was a part of her culture, but I complied. We still wore our towels, but were much closer than before.

After that, Elerina changed into a set of pajamas that I bought for her. I thought about bringing her shopping sometime after she came over, but she always wore her armor when she slept, and that looked uncomfortable, so I jumped the gun.

“How’s that?”

The pajamas I bought her had a bright yellow color that matched her hair. She twirled in place, letting the sleeves fly around.

“... It feels dangerous.”

“Dangerous?”

That’s the first time I heard someone describe a pajama with the word dangerous.

“Yeah, it provided zero protection against monsters. I never felt more vulnerable wearing something.”

“I- I see…”

Despite saying that, she didn’t look displeased. If anything, she was smiling.

“Oh well, if monsters reached the town, I'd probably have more than enough time to change.”

Elerina threw herself to bed. It required a bit of repositioning to align my bed for her. I didn’t actually have to do that. Elerina would float just fine. But, I wanted to be close to her.

“Elerina…”

She moved a bit and patted the bed by her left. Her bed was slightly lower than mine, so her hand sank into mine. The difference wasn’t much, though. I sat down and lay beside her, looking up at my apartment’s ceiling. Compared to the sights I saw in her world, this apartment room was extremely normal, boring even.

At the same time, such normal, boring sights are something Elerina’s after. We, who live in different worlds, share such a small space together. I genuinely enjoy her company.

“Hey… Nicholas…”

Elerina’s formed a little human with her index and middle finger. That little human walked toward my right arm, then squeezed on it.

“Yeah?”

Elerina said nothing as she gazed into my eyes. I couldn’t see anything reflected in hers, probably because the shadows didn’t travel through the middle dimension. And yet, I could see the life in her eyes, the burning desire to be free of the things weighing her down.

“... You won’t leave me, will you?”

I was about to answer, but I held my tongue. What she wanted wasn’t a quick response. After being supposedly abandoned by her father and kicked out by the other townsfolk, what she needed more than ever wasn’t empty promises.

I moved my hand and held her hand tightly, fully intent on showing my feelings and resolution.

“I’ll find a way for you to cross, somehow.”

Somehow, someway. The thing that stuck us together could surely bring us together. I believe that from the bottom of my heart.

“... Thank you.”

Elerina closed her eyes and cuddled into my chest. I lightly patted her back, letting her fall asleep in my arms.

•••

“Elerina!” I shouted. It was a foggy evening, so foggy that I couldn’t see more than a few meters in front of me. “Elerina!”

All I heard was the echo coming back to me. “ELERINA!!” I shouted until I was hoarse, but there was no reply. Nothing but the echo, nothing but the silence. A chill ran down my spine. I ran as fast as I could, not knowing where to go. I could only believe that if I ran fast enough I'd eventually reach her.

She’s out there, waiting for me. I’m sure of it. If I could get there fast enough-

I heard a loud screech coming from my right. I ran toward it. My muscles screamed at me, begging to stop. But I knew I couldn’t. Any second I waste, any opportunity I miss, Elerina slips further and further away from me.

“Elerina!”