When I returned from exploring the dungeon to save the world, I found out that my lover had been stolen, and I was blamed for the failed expedition. Enraged, I quit Japan's strongest party—only for them to self-destruct on their own. - Chapter 7

A piercing screech filled the air.

Standing before us was a monster that looked like it was made entirely of metal. Its insect-like appearance resembled something out of a Kamen Rider show.

I found myself glancing between the monster and Effie over and over.

“That’s the one! That’s the monster that attacked Effie’s village!”

Alright, I get it. But how the hell did you and your village survive an attack from that thing?

If your combat power is, let’s say, a 5, then that thing’s at 530,000.

Honestly, if you told me it just breathed near your village and wiped everyone out in one night, I’d find that way more believable.

The monster let out another shriek.

The moment it locked eyes on Effie, it charged.

Fast.

It moved like a martial artist using Shukuchi—a technique that allowed for near-instantaneous movement.

Effie, however, managed to dodge the scythe-like attack from its arm.

…What?

Did she just… avoid that?

I was caught off guard and didn’t think to grab her in time, but she dodged it.

What the hell was going on?

And then—

“For my people! Take this!”

A loud crunch echoed through the air.

Effie kicked the monster.

Wait.

Where the hell are her legs?! They’re buried under all that fluff!

The monster didn’t go down easily, though.

Spreading wings that resembled those of a locust, it spun midair and launched another scythe strike at Effie.

She dodged again, and the two exchanged a flurry of attacks—Effie maneuvering effortlessly while the monster swung its razor-sharp limbs.

The battle continued for a while, but the stalemate didn’t last forever.

The monster finally landed a hit.

Effie was caught by the scythe and sent flying.

“Effie!”

“You need to run!”

Despite being thrown through the air, she was more concerned about me.

She was so shaken she even forgot her usual way of speaking.

“Yeah, no. I’ll just heal you real quick.”

I stepped in between her and the monster, blocking the scythe with my sword while casting a healing spell.

The fight had been entertaining to watch, but from my perspective, it wasn’t really a big deal.

Sure, the monster was fast, but it was nothing I couldn’t handle. Its scythes were sharp, but I could block them. Its metallic body was tough, but it was probably weak to fire.

“Melt Burn!”

The scorching flames of my spell engulfed the monster’s limbs, melting them instantly.

It screeched in agony.

“You’re strong!” Effie gasped.

“I should be the one saying that. How the hell did you manage to kick it across the room and go toe-to-toe with it?”

“Effie is a proud warrior of the Spirit Tribe! Effie is strong!”

“Spirit Tribe? Not a fairy?”

Seriously?

The Spirit Tribe.

People had always speculated that they existed somewhere in this fantasy-ridden world, but no one had ever found them.

It was said they had the ability to neutralize mana toxicity—a condition where excessive mana exposure caused symptoms similar to poisoning, often leading to death.

That was one of the reasons the World Dungeon Association pushed for dungeon conquest.

They claimed clearing the seven high-level dungeons would save humanity.

Though I had my doubts about that.

There was a story about a spirit who once appeared and tried to coexist with humans. But greed got in the way.

During its attempt to help, it cured a group of humans suffering from mana poisoning.

That was its mistake.

People realized the value of spirits and began hunting them.

Since then, no spirit had been seen—at least, officially.

This would definitely cause a huge commotion if people found out.

For now, I decided to just keep calling her a fluffy fairy.

Yeah. That was easier.

“I’ve decided! Effie is going to follow you! You avenged my people! You saved me! You’re my benefactor!”

“Hmm… what should I do?”

“Why are you hesitating?! You should be thrilled!”

“I mean, I’m not really into fluffy creatures.”

“How cruel! One day, Effie will grow into a gorgeous woman and seduce you!”

With her tiny hands raised dramatically toward the heavens, she made the most ridiculous declaration I’d ever heard.

What the hell was she talking about?

Even if she did turn into some curvy bombshell, I still wouldn’t be seduced.

She was so fired up that I couldn’t resist teasing her a little.

(Tickle, tickle, tickle.)

“A-Ah! Stop that! That tickles—ahhh!”

“Cute.”

“Ugh! So mean!”

She curled up into a tiny, flustered ball, her face turning bright red.

It took me a whole hour of apologizing before she finally forgave me.

Honestly, dealing with her was a hassle. Maybe I should just leave her somewhere—

And then I heard it.

“Big brother…”

Huh?

It was faint, but I could hear Haruka’s voice.

“Big brother… help me…”

That was the charm.

The one I gave her.

She was calling for help.

Of course, I was going.

I didn’t know what was happening, but she was in trouble.

I was done hesitating.

I had locked away my feelings about Akane in the deepest part of my mind and sealed them away for good.

From now on, I would protect the people who cared about me—the people who valued me.

I reached out, twisting space with my magic, creating a portal to where her voice was coming from.

And then I stepped inside.

“Wait! What is happening?!”

…Oops.

Almost left someone behind.