Chương 158: Chapter 41: "The Capital of Humite, Luonhumite"

Luonhumite is located about 50 kilometers inland from the northern port town of Posa on the Tia Continent. During the car ride there, I was forced to witness the plight of the Humite firsthand. The number of people suffering from starvation and disease was blatantly obvious. It wasn't that there weren't people struggling with poverty in Geesnatura, but over there, it felt like life was still sustainable, and there was a certain vibrancy. Here, however, all liveliness had completely vanished.

It felt like people were desperate just to survive today. Some had lost all their hair. Was it radiation sickness? My heart ached as I watched the utterly gruesome reality. I wanted to help even a little if I could, but my job right now wasn't to extend a hand to each individual's plight. Even if I did, there was a limit to how many people I could save. Unless I did something about the cause itself, nothing would change; new victims would just keep increasing.

It was painful, but I decided to turn a blind eye to them for now. Eventually, Luonhumite came into view. It didn't have the overtly futuristic feel of Diesnatura, but it still looked like quite a near-future city. Skyscrapers lined the streets here and there, and at a glance, one could see that it was highly industrialized. Perhaps because the urban design was closer to Earth's human sensibilities, it wasn't depressingly monochromatic like the silver city.

Instead, since the streetscape wasn't all that different from Tokyo, it lacked a bit of freshness, so to speak. If I looked closely, there should be plenty of differences, but you know how it is when you get the biggest culture shock right at the start. Anything with less impact doesn't move your heart as much. The car proceeded without delay and entered the city. There were no particular checkpoints; we passed right through. Many flying cars were running, but there seemed to be no Trive Gate.

Instead, I saw a floating train running inside a transparent tube floating in the air, similar to what I once saw in Edel. It seems the Trive technology is exclusive to the other side. Unlike the tragic state I had watched on the way, the capital didn't seem to be in such a terrible condition. I could feel a certain degree of vitality from the people walking on the streets. Soon, we arrived at the Royal Palace.

Surprisingly—or rather, considering his personality, not surprisingly at all—the building was simple, devoid of any decorations. With its pure white exterior, it looked like nothing more than a large house. In fact, many of the buildings I had seen so far seemed far more magnificent than this.

"Even though I am King, we don't have the leeway for luxury. I don't live in a special building. However, I haven't compromised at all on functionality for conducting government affairs." Saying that, Theo looked at his castle with nostalgic eyes. Shortly after, a stern-looking man with a magnificent beard rushed out in a panic. He looked quite old. The wrinkles carved into his forehead spoke of days of hardship.

He walked up to us with a face on the verge of tears, knelt on one knee in front of Theo, and bowed his head respectfully. Theo placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke words of appreciation." Banuda. You did well to hold Humite together while I was gone. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

"No. Not at all. To think that Lord Theo would return alive! Ah, there has never been such a happy day!"

"Thank you. You really worked hard. I caused you trouble. I'd like to let you rest a little, but—" Theo grinned.

"Sorry. It's going to get busy from now on. Let everyone know of my return immediately."

"Ha! As you wish!" The news of Theo's return raced through Luonhumite in the blink of an eye. The capital became very lively, and celebrations were held day after day, both formal and informal. Lasla, Asty, and Lorentz were personally awarded the First Class Medal by Theo. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

For the four who regrettably passed away—William, Nelson, David, and Myna—a state funeral was held, and they were also posthumously awarded the First Class Medal. There was talk of commending me extensively and giving me some reward, but I thought it would only confuse people if someone of unknown origin like me was praised on the public stage, so I dared to decline.

Rather than thinking "it was impossible without someone's help," the fact that Lunatope rescued him with their own power should give everyone greater hope. As for Lilna... since she is known among Humites as the worst Natura in history, she was treated as a guest in secret, never to be shown in public. Now, about our stay in Luonhumite. Lasla, Asty, and Lorentz each returned to their own places. They had been fighting for a long time. They must have people they want to see, and they probably want to relax a little.

Theo has been busy with government affairs ever since he returned. A villa belonging to Theo was assigned to Lilna and me. Even though there were many rooms, I was put in the same room as Lilna. I guess this means I'm supposed to keep an eye on her. Lilna had been somewhat restless the whole time, including during the trip. To those around her, she always behaved resolutely like a "Natura Weapon," but it didn't take long for me to notice her occasionally casting anxious glances at me.

And when I looked at her, she would pretend nothing was wrong and look away. It was a repetition of that. At the villa, perhaps relaxing a little now that it was just me, her expression became calmer. Looking at the nature spreading outside the window with gentle eyes, she finally spoke to me.

"Being in enemy territory is unsettling. Did you feel like this too, Yu?"

"Any place you visit for the first time is unsettling. You'll get used to it soon."

"Is that so? I never thought I would end up coming to a place like this. It's a strange feeling."

"I also feel a little strange talking to Lilna normally like this."

"Fufu. True... So, how is it? Actually talking to me. You seemed to want to talk quite a bit."

"I guess I'm happy. Because I realized Lilna isn't that different from me." Then, for some reason, Lilna seemed slightly flustered.

"Hmph. Is that so. I'll say this just in case, but this is merely a temporary cooperative relationship. I haven't intended to let my guard down around you."

"That's fine. First, we both need to get back to perfect condition."

"Yeah. That's what I want." After that, Lilna received extensive repairs, and I underwent surgery to attach a mechanical prosthetic arm. Since Lilna's damage was significant, and I needed to connect the prosthetic arm to my nerves, it became quite a major repair and surgery. I was fine while sleeping thanks to anesthesia, but after regaining consciousness, the dull pain wouldn't go away easily, which was troubling. The news coming from the Elntia Continent across the sea was all disturbing.

Like a great purge beginning underground. Or the hunting of Humite remnants intensifying. I wonder if everyone at Ausarchluon is safe. And the biggest incident was the birth of a new special task force to replace Dielevats. Apparently, it consists entirely of special units called Prelion. Plateau was also present in the footage of the inauguration ceremony. Having finally gotten used to the attached prosthetic arm, I intended to head for the investigation of the Tia Continent around tomorrow.

It's no use going with too many people, and I want to let Lasla and the others rest slowly for a while, so I planned to leave alone. I'll be cured once I go to the next world, so I'm fine, but I also didn't want to expose Lasla and the others to radiation. It would have been reassuring if Lilna, the only Natura, was there, but it seems her complete repair will take a little more time. Apparently, some of her parts use technology never seen before, and repairing them is taking time.

It was when I was thinking about such things while training my Qi Sword outside.

"Here. You dropped this." A very familiar male voice came from behind——. Catching the thrown object with my prosthetic arm without looking back— snap —it was the World Gauge. I let out a small sigh.

"Is the timing good or bad? If you had come a little earlier, it would have been very helpful."

"Hey, don't say that. I struggle every time too." I turned around and called his name.

"I know. I'm glad you came. Lenks." A young man with blonde hair. Once a guardian-like existence, now one of my best friends. Lenks Stanfield was directing his usual cheerful smile at me.

"Wasn't it hard to retrieve this?" I asked, glancing at the silver watch in my palm. Lenks snorted as if he had been waiting for that question, and answered happily.

"Yes! Exactly! I don't know what grudge they have against me, but they chased me around desperately, blabbering about Humite and whatnot. Man, it was tough."

"So. What did you do in the end?"

"Of course, I handled them appropriately and escaped with momentum and guts. Using my ability strangely would stand out, so I snatched a car and stuff. It was quite fun." I was dumbfounded beyond admiration at his nonchalant answer. As expected of a cheat ability user. He does things I can't do calmly. I can only laugh.

"I think Lenks is the only one who can manage that with momentum and guts. It was a life-or-death situation for us."

"Well, skill and experience are different. You'll get stronger eventually too."

"Is that so."

"That's how it is. Don't worry too much about it now." Saying so lightly, he narrowed his eyes as if feeling nostalgic about something.

"However, what karma. To think even you would drift to Estotia." With that tone, it's almost as if——. Thinking no way, I asked.

"Could it be that Lenks has been to this world too?"

"Yeah. Well, there was a little incident a long time ago. At that time——" I never thought Lenks had been to this planet. If so, he might know about the true history. Expectations rose undeniably at the clue appearing from an unexpected place. But, wait? That's a little strange.

"Wait, hold on. Estotia? This planet is called Elntia." Then, Lenks also tilted his head in puzzlement.

"Oh? Did the name change slightly without me knowing? Come to think of it, it seems quite a lot of time has passed. It used to be a more beautiful planet..." He must have seen the disastrous state on his way here. He had a somewhat regretful face. While keeping his face in my field of vision, I was completely captivated by something else. Estotia. That name rang a strange bell. Somewhere. It feels like I heard it somewhere a long time ago——.

When I searched my memories in the'World of Heart', I suddenly understood what it was before long. I see. So that was it——! Oh my god! How could I not notice until now!" Estotia! Is this place Estotia!?"

"If my memory serves me right, it should be. Hey, what's wrong? Getting so worked up all of a sudden. Sure, it's a great coincidence, but."

"How can I stay calm!" Estotia. —— The world my mother once traveled.