Technica, the largest nation south of the Divine Temple.

Maybe it was from spending too long on the train, but I felt as if I’d time-traveled again.

Noon sun beat down. Walking along a stone-brick road barely wide enough for one cart, I saw white and sand-colored earthen buildings on both sides. From afar, they almost resembled modern concrete structures.

Most houses were one or two stories tall, their walls slightly inward-sloping to form sturdy trapezoidal silhouettes. Tall, slender trees of an unknown species lined the orderly streets, making me feel like I’d stepped into a modern Latin American town.

Pedestrians bustled about as busily as in Bao City. But unlike there, many wore personal armor—looking every bit like adventurers.

Some gazes swept over Preman walking ahead of me, then landed squarely on me.

Remembering the ad-ven-tur-ers we’d encountered before, I couldn’t help tensing up.

Preman: "Relax, Seventh Ju."

Preman: "The ‘Three Battles’ tournament draws strong fighters to Technica. Anyone foolish enough to pick fights during this season is just cannon fodder with no real skill."

Seventh Ju: "I hope so…"

In truth, not a single person had even approached us since we crossed Technica’s border.

This might also be thanks to Preman’s winding route through back alleys.

Since the train’s terminus was close to the Lightdark Corridor, we quickly passed through Technica and entered Lightdusk territory.

The buildings and streets showed almost no change—only a border signboard confirmed we’d entered another nation.

Preman: "This is the ‘Lightdusk Realm’."

Without that sign, I’d have sworn the two nations had merged.

But here, I spotted a new kind of crowd.

Uniform long robes. Simple, plain patterns. Nearly identical to Miss Poppy’s last outfit.

They all faced north, palms pressed together. If not for their focused, bright eyes, I’d have thought they were making wishes.

These must be the devout believers of Xiv.

When you keep seeing such people in a crowd, you can’t help but believe you’ve arrived in a pious, tranquil land ruled by faith.

I recalled Poppy’s words: the Divine Temple showed no signs of corruption. The god’s faith truly governed its followers.

Standing before such a sacred, untouchable power… could I really fulfill Poppy’s wish?

Preman: "We’re here."

Seventh Ju: "Oh…"

After who-knows-how-long of walking, Preman and I stopped before a two-and-a-half-story inn.

A sign above the door bore two large characters—

—which I couldn’t read.

Preman: "It says ‘Qianmo’."

Seventh Ju: "…Thanks for translating. But it doesn’t cure my frustration." (Former honor student trauma.)

Pushing open Qianmo Inn’s door, I saw a spacious restaurant occupying the entire first floor. A dozen round tables were neatly arranged—easily seating nearly a hundred people.

Since it was lunch hour, only one or two tables sat empty. But most diners were finishing up, chatting boisterously without restraint.

Pushing through the crowd, I spotted a hulking figure slumped over the counter opposite—a resigned expression on his face. It was Aibin.

When the Fall of the Stars entity surfaced, Aibin had been injured during the retreat. His parents also discovered he’d run away from home, so Aiton sent him back.

He was probably brooding over that very thing now.

Seeing him managing the inn himself, his wounds must have healed.

Preman: "Yo, Aibin. Been staying off the booze since you got home?"

Aibin lazily lifted his head—then froze. He sprang up like a jackknife.

Aibin: "L-Lord Preman!"

Preman: "Shh—I don’t want to draw strangers’ attention."

Seventh Ju: "Too late. Most of it hit me by mistake."

Preman: "Haha, trying to scam compensation money?"

Seventh Ju: "Pointless. You’re footing the bill anyway."

The restaurant chatter had indeed hushed for a split second before roaring back.

After a brief explanation, Aibin grasped our purpose for coming.

Aibin: "…I see. I’ll prepare the quietest room upstairs for you."

Preman: "A double room is fine."

Seventh Ju: "…Wouldn’t two singles be better?"

Aibin: "—Seventh Ju! What’s wrong with sharing a room with the Supreme Commander??"

Seventh Ju: "I didn’t say I minded… You don’t have to glare like that."

Preman: "Easy, Aibin. Where are your parents?"

Aibin: "They… went advertising in Technica to attract guests. Our location alone wouldn’t draw this many customers."

Preman: "No wonder most diners look like adventurers."

Preman: "Aibin, bring us your recommended lunch set. We’ll eat here."

Aibin: "Should I carry this big trunk to your room first?"

Preman: "No. We keep it with us."

Aibin: "But… wouldn’t you prefer dining in your room? The restaurant here—"

Preman: "—It’s perfect."

Preman’s gentle yet firm tone shut down Aibin’s suggestion.

Preman: "The noisier the place, the clearer you hear things."

Seventh Ju: "…?"

…………

…………

Traveler A: "What do you think of this year’s Three Battles odds?"

Traveler B: "Hmm… hard to say. Feels like there’ll be big surprises."

Traveler C: "Right? Biggest issue is last year’s double champion’s still missing. No one knows if she’ll even show up."

Traveler A: "You mean the one personally titled ‘Soul of the Sword’ by Technica’s king?"

Traveler C: "Duh. Rumor says they might even adjust this year’s schedule for her. Technica’s aiming to create a triple champion!"

Traveler B: "But she vanished last year! Some say she was assassinated."

Traveler C: "Ridiculous! If someone could assassinate the ‘Soul of the Sword,’ they’d have wiped out all of Technica by now."

Traveler B: "Then… maybe she retired? Like, secretly married some nobody and spends all day tangled up in—"

Traveler C: "AAAH—don’t defile my ‘Soul of the Sword’! A powerhouse like her would never settle for a man!"

Traveler B: "But she’s still a woman! Women need men!"

Traveler C: "F*** you! Insulting the ‘Soul of the Sword’? I’ll kill you!!"

Traveler B: "You psycho? Drawing a knife?? Are you insane??"

Traveler A: "Hey, you two—look around—"

Aibin: "—GENTLEMEN. WHAT. ARE. YOU. DOING?"

Traveler C: "…………"

Traveler B: "…………"

Traveler C: "Sorry… it’s a custom back home… we slice meat with our own knives before eating…"

Traveler B: "Yeah… yeah…"

Aibin: "Since you love meat so much, how about two extra premium beef sets?"

Traveler C: "…Fine."

Traveler B: "Wait, premium beef? My wallet can’t—"

Aibin: "—HMMM?????"

Traveler B: "…………"

Traveler B: "Okay… I’ll take one too…"

Aibin: "Thank you! Coming right up!"

Traveler C: "…………"

Traveler B: "My poor wallet…"

Traveler A: "…Serves you right."

Seventh Ju: "……"

Seventh Ju: "…………"

Preman: "Haha. Heard something interesting? And Aibin’s reliable, right? His size alone solves most trouble."

Seventh Ju: "I’ll stick to eating. Less eavesdropping."

…………

…………

Armed Man A: "Where to this afternoon?"

Armed Man B: "Visit the Grand Colosseum first?"

Armed Man A: "Too early? No sparring allowed before the tournament—we can’t scout opponents anyway."

Armed Man B: "Then… apply for pilgrimage at the Divine Temple’s outer circle?"

Armed Man A: "Got enough cash?"

Armed Man B: "…Good point. If I blow my savings on pilgrimage and don’t rank well in the Three Battles or catch a sponsor’s eye… I won’t have fare home."

Armed Man A: "I’ve got a better idea—hit the casino?"

Armed Man B: "HAH!? Are you crazy??"

Armed Man A: "Don’t underestimate me. Small bets for small gains—no problem."

Armed Man B: "You idiot… have you forgotten the ‘Gale Empress’?"

Armed Man A: "Know her. So what?"

Armed Man B: "You’d dare enter a casino in the land that birthed that monster?!"

Armed Man A: "Tsk. You’ve been away from gambling too long. Out of touch."

Armed Man A: "The ‘Gale Empress’ quit the tables three years ago. Her shadow’s long gone from Numeria, Technica, and the Lightdark Corridor."

Armed Man B: "…Really??"

Armed Man A: "Probably cashed out. Smart move for a gambler."

Armed Man B: "But…"

Armed Man A: "Hmm? What is it?"

Armed Man B: "Didn’t those guys at the next table mention the ‘Soul of the Sword’ disappearing?"

Armed Man A: "So?"

Armed Man B: "First the ‘Gale Empress’ vanishes from gambling. Then the ‘Soul of the Sword’—double champion of the Three Battles—goes missing… Doesn’t that feel off?"

Armed Man B: "Top figures from different fields vanishing one after another… that’s suspicious, right?"

Armed Man A: "Now that you mention it, it does reek of conspiracy. But in Technica? Nothing’s worth questioning."

Armed Man A: "No one holds the ‘peak’ there for long. That’s what makes it thrilling, isn’t it?"

Armed Man A: "Before and during the Three Battles, any weird event or ‘monster’ appearing is normal."

Armed Man B: "True… Maybe this year both monsters will make a comeback!"

Armed Man A: "Yeah, yeah. Or maybe ‘the next peak is you’ could happen too!"

Armed Man B: "Mocking me again! Making the ‘Main Battle’ finals would already be Xiv’s blessing!"

Armed Man A: "Hahaha! Enough talk—casino time! Boss—bill please!"

Aibin: "Coming—!"

Seventh Ju: "……"

Seventh Ju: "…………"

Preman: "What? Tempted by the casino? Or interested in the Three Battles?"

Seventh Ju: "Neither."

…………

…………

Preman: "Aibin, we’re done eating."

Aibin: "My apologies for the humble meal. Let me clear the table."

Preman: "I’m taking Seventh Ju to the Divine Temple this afternoon. Also finding a proper school for him to learn essential skills."

Preman: "I’ll also visit my first potential sponsor. Won’t be back until the sun’s a quarter left."

Aibin: Got it. If you need anything else, just say the word.

Preman: Enough. This isn’t boot camp—loosen up. We’re heading out first.

Seventh Ju: Catch you later, Aibin.

Aibin: Oh, take care.

Aibin: ...

Aibin: .........

Aibin: ...............!!!

Aibin: Crap... I forgot to warn them about the “woman” in this country who absolutely must not be provoked.

Aibin: ... I just hope they don’t get noticed.