The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 106: Scene of Harmony (6)

A complex magic circle was etched into the floor.

Standing above it, Martin placed his right hand on the warp circle—a spell formation designed to transport people and objects to distant locations. Activating Omni Distortion, he manipulated the space within it.

‘Let’s enter the Adalbert coordinates….’

Numbers appeared one by one in the empty slots between the circle’s intricate patterns.

When all the gaps were filled, a blue light radiated from the circle, illuminating the surroundings. Only once the light had faded did Martin finally withdraw his hand.

“Alright, it’s set. You can now travel to the Adalbert estate anytime, and we can visit Altair Village as well.”

“You’ve done well, young master,” praised Barthez.

“Nothing compared to the effort put in by Grand Elder Barthez in crafting the warp circle. Now then, Grand Elder Alexandre,” Martin turned to the dwarf.

“Yes, what is it?”

“Since Altair Village and Ranens Village are already connected, it would be helpful if, for now, you could use the Altair warp portal when visiting us. I’ll have someone complete the setup on the Ranens side soon.”

“Well, there’s no rush. Using the Altair Village portal works fine for now.”

“That’s not enough; this connection symbolizes mutual trust, after all.”

“A symbol of trust… You’re quite the eloquent one, young master,” Alexandre remarked.

“Thank you,” Martin replied with a smile.

With this, his work in the Altair Forest was complete, and the only task left was returning to Varehein City via the portal he had just activated.

At that moment, Solenne, who had been watching from nearby, approached him.

“You’re constantly on the move, Martin.”

“What can I say? I was born with a busy fate. It’s just something I’ve come to accept.”

“I only wish I had more time with you. Even this time, we barely had a chance to talk.”

“Hey, we’ve met twice now; a third time is bound to happen. And now that the warp circle is set, come visit when you’re free. I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.”

“I would love that, but… I need to return to my homeland.”

“Right… you said you were planning to go back, but couldn’t because of me.”

“This time, once I leave, it’ll be a while before I can see you again. As you know, there are many in my homeland who hold strong anti-human sentiments.”

“Yeah, I can imagine,” Martin replied with a wry smile.

To other elves, Solenne was as important as a princess or queen would be to humans. Her kidnapping by humans likely only deepened their already strong resentment.

“However, thanks to you, I’ve realized something valuable: there’s nothing to gain by condemning all humans as evil. There are good ones too, like you and Sien.”

“Thank you for seeing us that way. And I can’t exactly call it a promise, but… in the north, I assure you that elves and dwarves won’t be taken and enslaved.”

“We can’t achieve everything all at once. I’ll trust that your resolve will bring change for all humankind someday.”

With that, Solenne stepped closer and wrapped her arms around Martin.

Though taken aback by her sudden gesture, Martin quickly relaxed.

‘A hug between friends isn’t a big deal.’

Even Sien, who stood by, nodded her approval, clearly unbothered. Martin carefully returned the hug, holding Solenne briefly before they both took a step back.

Then, Solenne turned to Sien and embraced her too, which Sien reciprocated.

“I hope we meet again, Sien.”

“I feel the same, and I believe we’ll definitely get another chance.”

“Your words always lift my spirits. I’ll look forward to that day.”

“With how elves measure time, I don’t think it’ll be that long,” Sien replied with a smile.

“One of the perks of a long-lived race,” Solenne said with a gentle smile as she stepped back from the warp circle.

“Hah,” Christian sighed as he watched Solenne go.

Apparently, he had hoped to catch her attention, only to see those hopes dashed.

“If I’d known this would happen, I would’ve joined the northern tour.”

“She wouldn’t have paid you any mind, not with your motives written all over your face. Trust me on that,” Martin teased.

“If you weren’t my lord, I swear…”

“And what would you do?” Martin replied, grinning.

Despite his frustration, Christian stayed silent. After all, Martin was a mere eighteen years old and already at the eighth circle.

More absurd was his mastery over fire, nearly as skilled as Christian’s own abilities, as well as his powerful control over wind, surpassing even experienced wind users.

In a fight, not only would he likely lose, but his pride would be shattered as well. Avoiding that embarrassment was the best choice, so Christian turned his gaze away.

“Seems like we’re ready to head back now.”

“Understood.”

“Alright.”

Martin turned to look at Armand and Paolo, who were preparing to leave.

As elders of each village, they would be staying at the Adalbert estate for a time, overseeing the new trade outposts.

They weren’t the only ones going either; both Altair and Ranens had sent five elves and five dwarves to work in the outposts and prepare supplies for their fellow adventurers.

“Once we arrive, I’ll speak to the Adventurers’ Guild. There should be no issues with elves and dwarves registering as adventurers.”

“That’s the least of my concerns. You’ll handle things well, young master.”

“Take good care of our people,” added Alexandre.

“Of course. I’ll make sure they’re comfortable,” Martin replied, nodding sincerely.

Barthez and Alexandre could sense his honesty, the true weight behind his simple words, as only those who had lived long could.

“Well then, we’ll be on our way,” Armand said, raising his staff to activate the warp circle.

Flash!

The blue light enveloped Martin and his companions as well as the elves and dwarves, and in an instant, their bodies disappeared from Altair.

“I hope we’ll meet again soon…,” Solenne murmured, her words filled with genuine hope.

* * *

Upon returning to the Adalbert estate, Martin sought out Chief Beyren as promised.

“There’s something I need you to do, Chief Beyren.”

“Whatever it may be, young master, consider it done.”

“See, this is why I trust you. It’s actually quite simple. I brought some elves and dwarves back with me, and I’d like you to register them as adventurers.”

“…Excuse me?” Chief Beyren looked genuinely flustered.

It was such an unexpected request that he had to ask again, just to make sure he’d heard correctly.

“I apologize, young master, but could you repeat that?”

“There’s nothing complicated about it. Just register the elves and dwarves as adventurers. You’re authorized to do so, aren’t you?”

“Ah, yes, but… you may not know this, young master, but the Guild has never officially recognized non-humans as adventurers. The dungeon, after all, has been considered human territory.”

“Just to be thorough, I read the Adventurers’ Guild’s guidelines. Nowhere does it explicitly prohibit non-humans from becoming adventurers, does it?”

Chief Beyren was momentarily speechless at Martin’s response.

Those who wrote the guidelines had simply assumed only humans would become adventurers, never even considering other races. Hence, they hadn’t thought to include a prohibition.

It was this oversight that now bound them.

“Well… that’s true. The guidelines don’t technically forbid it, though there’s no precedent. Making them adventurers would set a first-time example… which might bring some serious political repercussions for you, young master.”

“Like?”

“Well, after dismantling the slave market, you’ve already shown a favorable stance toward elves and dwarves,” Beyren replied.

“True.”

“Since slavery is illegal, people tolerated that. But making them adventurers is a different matter. It would mean empowering a non-human force, a potential threat to humanity, by your own hand. This will definitely cause issues.”

“That’s possible. But, Chief Beyren, there’s something that everyone in the Empire—young or old—knows implicitly. Do you know what that is?”

Martin’s question made Chief Beyren fall silent. He knew the answer but was reluctant to speak it aloud.

The Adventurers’ Guild was required to remain neutral in all political matters, so discussing it wasn’t a risk he was willing to take.

“Throughout history, many fights for the throne have occurred. In the West alone, civil wars have erupted multiple times. Yet, the three noble families have never intervened, just as the imperial family refrains from involving itself in their succession battles.”

Indeed, the imperial family and the three noble families had never meddled in each other’s affairs. This was a principle maintained for a thousand years.

“But that’s changed. The First Prince and the Ferdinand family are actively moving to seize power from us in the Adalbert family and the Klaus family. The Klaus family, meanwhile, is attempting to sever ties with the Empire altogether.”

Martin’s voice grew heavier.

“It’s been a thousand years since the founding emperor subdued the heads of the three noble families. Now, after all that time, the Empire’s four powers are colliding once more. Compared to that upheaval, officially registering some elves and dwarves as adventurers seems trivial, don’t you think?”

Chief Beyren remained silent.

Martin wasn’t pressing for an immediate response, so he continued speaking calmly.

“

Besides, that’s not the only issue plaguing the Empire. After a thousand years of rigid hierarchy, resentment has reached its boiling point.

Add to that the rage festering among elves and dwarves forced to the continent’s edges. With everything ready to erupt at once, who’s going to care about minor issues?”

“…Understood. As you wish, young master. The elves and dwarves will be registered as adventurers. Just know this, though: due to the Crimson Reaper incident, some in the Guild view you unfavorably.”

“And why should I fear whispers from those who hide in the shadows? Thank you, Chief Beyren. I’ll take full responsibility, so don’t worry too much.”

“No need for that, young master. I’ve already decided to follow you.”

“And once again, I’m reminded why I trust you,” Martin said, smiling warmly.

Chief Beyren bowed respectfully, and Martin looked at him, pleased.

‘This is good.’

If the elves and dwarves officially became adventurers, there’d be no issue with them entering Varehein City or Adalbert territory.

The current laws contained no clauses prohibiting their presence, effectively making them legitimate allies or even mercenaries.

Additionally, once they began selling elven and dwarven goods, they would amass considerable wealth.

‘I just need the right person to handle it.’

Fortunately, he knew just the person for the job.

* * *

Krrr…

“Hm?”

Kurt Steinhoff shivered unexpectedly, puzzled.

With the fireplace warming the room, where had this sudden chill come from?

Resolving to take better care of his health, he refocused on his work, unaware of the task that awaited him.