Isekai Kansha - Chapter 57

Chapter 57: Preparations Complete

"—And that concludes what I’ve learned through my Appraisal about how Mana Fever works. Now then, regarding countermeasures…"

In one of the rooms inside the Adventurers’ Guild, Jin was explaining the nature of the illness currently spreading among the children.

On the large table in the meeting room were several maps laid out on top of each other, along with a few herbal encyclopedias and other reference materials.

Present were Guild Master Greg and staff member Aria from the guild’s side, while Temple Head Clark attended as the client representative. Jin’s party of three was also present, acting as observers and advisors.

Everyone there—especially Greg, who was hearing this for the first time—listened to Jin’s explanation with serious faces.

"As I’ve just explained, there are two possible countermeasures. The first is to locate and eliminate whatever is supplying this excess mana that’s causing the illness. However, at present, we have no clear leads. Even so, we can’t afford to ignore it if we’re thinking about the future."

Everyone nodded at Jin’s words.

Even if they managed to create a cure this time, it wouldn’t be a fundamental solution unless they identified the cause. Assuming it would "naturally fade away like before" just because old records said so would be far too optimistic.

And beyond that, the excessive supply of mana might not only sicken children—it could also invite an even greater calamity.

"The second measure is to create the Demonbane Elixir. As I mentioned earlier, we’ve already identified the location of one of its ingredients, the Madoren Petals, so I believe this plan is entirely feasible at this stage."

Jin unfolded a map on the table and mentally overlaid it with his MAP skill, aligning the scales. Of course, only Jin could see the actual MAP.

Incidentally, Jin had explained the MAP as a "mapping skill." In truth, it was one function of his unique skill Menu, but since that was complicated to explain, this simpler explanation would do.

"According to my MAP, the Madoren Petals should be found around this area here."

The spot he pointed to lay northwest of the city, near some mountains, with a small village not far away.

Geographically, the city of Lientz was quite far south of the capital. Several towns existed in the northwest region closer to the capital. Still, along the direct line toward the target area, the Apos Village, there were no major towns—only a few small villages scattered nearby.

"That’s far," Greg muttered with a frown.

"Yes, it’s a bit distant, but we should manage fine using a carriage, right?" Jin replied.

"That's right, I’d say about six days to reach Apos Village," Aria added, which matched Jin’s estimate fairly well.

"If we plan generously and allow one extra day each way, that’s fourteen days round trip. Add about a week for mountain exploration, and we’re looking at roughly twenty-one days total. That’s still within the one-month limit before the disease reaches its final stage. The potion itself can be brewed in two days, and since the temple’s healing magic is slowing the progression, we should make it in time."

Of course, that was the longest possible estimate. Since real children were suffering right now, the goal was to finish the gathering and return as quickly as possible. Especially for the younger ones like Airis, whose stamina was limited, and considering that other children might fall ill from colds or other infections, speed was essential.

The sooner they could complete the Madoren Petal quest, the better, and Jin’s party had the ability to do it.

"The issue here is that we can’t publicly mention the names Demonbane Elixir or Madoren Petals. I’d also like the guild to permit a false quest report and omit this from official records. The reasons are the same as I explained earlier."

This was a point Jin absolutely couldn’t compromise on—to protect Bean’s trust.

He believed Greg would agree, but as a guild master, refusing such a request wouldn’t be unreasonable. Jin was prepared for that outcome.

If Greg did say no, they could always issue the request directly through the temple. The reason they were involving the guild at all was to share information, especially to help investigate the cause and prepare for any unforeseen complications. The Adventurers’ Guild’s support in such matters was invaluable.

"That’s not a problem, I’ll gladly take on that kind of dirt."

Greg said flatly, brushing aside Jin’s concerns. 

Jin couldn’t help but smile, a mix of relief and admiration—that’s just like Greg-san. But despite his words, Greg’s face still looked stern.

"Thank you ver—" "However!" 

Greg cut him off sharply.

"There’s still one problem. Jin, what’s your adventurer rank?"

At those words, Jin froze for a moment—realizing what Greg meant.

"That's right. Requests that require crossing city borders are restricted to C-rank and above. No matter how close your actual ability is to C-rank, your current rank is still D. And the place you're heading to, the Dazul Mountain Range, is home not only to C-rank but even B-rank monsters. It's far too dangerous for you. I’ll call in some B-rank adventurers and have them take on this request instead."

For Greg, it was a painful decision. Of course, he understood that speed was crucial this time, but even so, he couldn’t just ignore the rules and let Jin’s group go. Those rules existed for a reason: to prevent inexperienced adventurers like them from getting themselves killed.

"That won’t work. They may know where the Madoren Flowers are, but they have no idea what they actually look like—so I can’t tell anyone else how to find them."

Jin understood Greg’s feelings, but this was something he couldn’t simply nod along to.

"Then go with them yourself. That way, I can at least feel comfortable sending you out there."

What Greg said made perfect sense. This was a mission where failure wasn’t an option, so it was only natural to want to ensure everything went as smoothly as possible.

Jin didn’t disagree. If it were only about him, he might’ve accepted that. And he understood Greg’s worries—that last line had probably been Greg’s true intention.

Even so, Jin had his reasons for refusing.

"Thank you for your concern. I’m sure anyone you recommend would be trustworthy. However, I can’t risk spreading any more information about the Demonbane Elixir to people I haven’t personally verified."

Bean hadn’t called it a "forbidden matter" for nothing. Having heard that, Jin believed he now carried both a duty and a responsibility to protect that secret.

"Besides, my MAP skill isn’t just for searching. By setting monsters as targets, I can avoid unnecessary fights along the way—which means the danger during travel will be greatly reduced."

"But still—"

"And also!" Jin cut Greg off before he could continue.

"Even if the opponents are people, it’s not a problem."

He said that while keeping his gaze locked on Greg’s, the words carried a double meaning.

After a brief silence, Greg slowly sank back into his chair, letting out a long sigh.

"And… well, this isn’t exactly a big reason, but I actually have a few more secrets I haven’t told anyone yet," Jin added with a small shrug, as if it were an afterthought.

He hadn’t planned to hide those things if necessary, but since it was related, he mentioned it anyway—though it turned out to be the final blow for Greg.

Letting out another heavy sigh, Greg exhaled as if releasing everything bottled up inside.

"I suppose spreading any more information about Jin-san at this stage would be… rather risky," said Clark, who had been silent until now, speaking up to voice what Greg was thinking.

If their attempt to protect Jin ended up exposing him to greater danger, it would be completely self-defeating.

It was only because Greg and Clark knew Jin personally and trusted his character that they could accept just how extraordinary he was. But if someone saw Jin’s abilities for the first time without context, there was no guarantee they’d react the same way.

Especially since Jin’s adventurer rank was still only D. Without the rank to back up his strength, anyone hearing about his abilities might become suspicious, or worse. In his current situation, where he had no real means of defending himself from public scrutiny, it would be far too risky to let that information spread.

That was the shared understanding between Greg, Clark, and Aria—the older and more experienced members present.

Incidentally, Jin himself, being similarly experienced in his past life, did understand the danger, just like Erza and Rachel did. That’s why he was usually reluctant to reveal much about himself to people he didn’t trust. Still, if the situation truly demanded it, he was prepared to deal with the consequences. Perhaps he was just a little too carefree about it.

Meanwhile, everyone in the room, Jin included, agreed with Greg’s concern about their current lack of combat power. Strengthening their team would certainly increase their chances of success.

Each of them silently began running through potential candidates in their minds, individuals or parties who might fit the bill, but none seemed to click perfectly.

Then, amidst that hesitant silence, one person spoke up.

And interestingly, Greg had already considered that same person as his top candidate.

"I’ll go."

The one who volunteered—of course—was Aria.

"I may be a guild staff member, but I’m also a C-rank adventurer. I believe the Guildmaster is aware of my capabilities."

They’d heard that Aria used to be a skilled adventurer, and Jin’s group had briefly considered her as a trustworthy companion. But since she’d retired from active duty six years ago and had long been known primarily as a guild employee, they eventually ruled her out as a candidate.

"Don’t call me Guildmaster… But yes, I suppose that makes sense. Can I count on you, Aria?"

For Greg, this was the best possible outcome. Ideally, he would’ve accompanied Jin’s party himself, but as the leader of the Lienz Guild, he and Melinda, its second-in-command, couldn’t afford to be away for long, especially with the ongoing issue of unexplained mana abnormalities. They had to remain ready for any unexpected emergencies.

"Aria may only be C-rank, but within this guild, her strength comes right after mine and Melinda’s. Even after becoming a staff member, she’s helped us on multiple missions. You don’t need to worry about her being rusty."

In emergencies where high-ranking adventurers weren’t available, experienced guild staff sometimes took on high-level quests. Greg and Melinda often brought Aria along for those. At first, they practically dragged her into it, but soon Aria began volunteering on her own. Though she never officially returned to adventuring, she fulfilled her role perfectly as part of Greg’s "rehabilitation plan."

There were a few other former B-rank adventurers among the staff, but despite being a rank below them, Aria’s actual combat ability surpassed theirs. Lately, she’d even requested combat training from Greg and Melinda and occasionally went adventuring alone on her days off. She had been pushing herself harder than ever.

And as for why Aria had changed so much lately—well, anyone who knew her could easily guess the reason.

"Jin-san, Erza-san, Rachel-san," Aria said, standing straight. "Would you allow me to accompany you?"

"Thank you. Please do," said Jin.

"That’s reassuring," added Erza.

"We really appreciate it," Rachel said with a smile.

Since Greg had vouched for her, there was no reason to refuse. Gaining a capable and trustworthy ally filled the three of them with gratitude and relief.

"However!"

That single word from Greg brought tension back into the room.

"For me to entrust this mission to you, there’s one condition—no, one promise."

His expression hardened as he looked at each of them in turn.

"If Aria tells you to kill, you kill. Without hesitation. That’s it."

Jin’s group immediately understood what he meant. In an emergency, emotional hesitation could be fatal—and Greg wanted to make sure they accepted that now.

"""Yes, sir!"""

They met his gaze head-on and replied without flinching.

"Good. Then this request will serve as your C-rank promotion exam. Aria will accompany you as both your guild-appointed witness and escort. Since it’s an exam, the details won’t be made public—I’ll fill in the paperwork with something harmless. The guild will also arrange your carriage. You three should focus on preparing your travel supplies today. Understood?"

"Understood. But if possible, please make it a four-seater carriage—lightweight and built for speed."

Greg frowned slightly at Jin's request. 

"That type can’t carry much luggage. You planning to restock at a village along the way?"

"No, I have this."

Jin answered by opening his Item Bag. A disk-shaped portal appeared before him, and he began pulling out food, potions, and other items, placing them neatly on the table.

The sight of objects emerging one after another from a floating circle was so bizarre it almost looked comical.

"I can store all our travel supplies, food, water, everything, inside this. So as long as there’s room for the four of us to sit, the carriage doesn’t need to carry cargo."

Jin said it casually, but everyone else was too stunned to speak.

"Is that… Spatial Magic?"

Aria finally managed to ask, searching her memory for something that could explain what she’d just seen.

"Ah, not exactly. Let’s just call it a skill called Infinite Storage."

Jin said with a sheepish smile. He felt a little pleased that spatial magic apparently existed in this world, and as with his MAP, he made up another plausible-sounding skill on the spot.

Jin had decided to reveal his Item Bag only to justify why he wanted a speed-focused carriage, but seeing it in person left a far stronger impression on Greg and the others than he’d expected.

"Jin."

"Yes, what is it?"

Greg called out to Jin, and Jin answered obediently.

"Restrain yourself."

At those words from Greg, everyone except Jin nodded firmly in agreement. It was a unanimous sentiment.

"Eh?!"

Even if he trusted everyone there, maybe Jin really did need to start thinking things through a bit more carefully.

He was, after all, just a little too reckless sometimes.

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