Binary Soul

> Ellie PoV <

{Girls, sorry to interrupt your dinner, but we have visitors.}

Nano suddenly speaks up as we’re finishing up our meal.

“Oh? You mean people, right?” (Kira)

{That’s right. There’s four of them and they’re making steady progress through the forest. They’re probably Kira’s colleagues.}

“Huh?” (Ellie)

I thought Kira didn’t have anything like that!

“What?” (Kira)

See?!

{Sorry, my bad. I meant adventurers.}

“Can you describe them?” (Kira)

{There’s two humans among them, both holding swords and shields while being lightly armored. The third one is rather short and oddly proportioned, carrying what appears to be a crossbow. The last one is tall and really skinny, with pointed ears and green hair.}

“Is the short one bald? Also the green-haired one is carrying a staff, right?” (Kira)

{That’s right. You know them?}

Kira lets out a small sigh.

Doesn’t look to be a friendly relationship.

“I do. They’re a Rank B adventurer team. The short one’s a dwarf. They’re a bit clumsy with their feet, but their hands and fingers are nimble. Also their stamina is first class. The tall one is an elf - they’re weak physically, but have excellent heads and live several times longer than others. There’s a few exceptions, but the overwhelming majority of elves are either mages, researchers or artists.” (Kira)

Hmm, so I guess there’s different humanoid species no matter the world, huh?

Well, that is to say ones that aren’t trying to kill us.

Unlike the orcs and goblins we fought this afternoon as part of my training.

{Should I repel them with force?}

“Please don’t. Doing something like that unprovoked will be troublesome.” (Kira)

{If anyone is ‘doing something unprovoked’ it’s them. They’re currently attacking one of the drones. It was scouting for the edible mushrooms you mentioned and was ambushed. I ordered it to retreat for now, but they’re even giving chase.}

Kira facepalms with a long, drawn out sigh while Nano recounts the events.

“Should have known. I have an excellent idea why they’re here, though. Can you lead them to this place? I’ll meet them outside the wall.” (Kira)

{Understood. The drone’s right legs got damaged right away, so it doesn’t look like it can get away anyway.}

“Really now? Hmm… That can work to my advantage. Huhuhuhu…” (Kira)

Wow, I had no idea Kira could make such a sinister face!

If I didn’t know any better, I’d have thought she was a really sinister person!

“Ellie, get in gear and come with me. Things shouldn’t get violent, but you need to restrain them if that happens.” (Kira)

“Okay!” (Ellie)

* * *

We are waiting for our guests to arrive while standing outside of the outer wall.

By Nano’s estimate, they should be here in about ten minutes.

The sun is still setting so it might get dark soon.

“Kira, why are we meeting them out here?” (Ellie)

“Well, those guys probably came on a request to find the thing that flew over Runetap 5 days ago.” (Kira)

“Ah… You mean our house?” (Ellie)

“That’s right. It’s vital that we get them to lose interest in it and allow us to stake First Claim over it.” (Kira)

“What’s First Claim?” (Ellie)

“It’s a verbal contract when adventurers meet each other unexpectedly like this. If both sides agree to it, then it serves as a way to solve disputes over treasure, monster carcasses or land. If we don’t get their approval, they might dispute the land Nano’s tower is built on.” (Kira)

“I see. They’re trying to take our new home away from us!” (Ellie)

I unsheathe my sword and get ready!

How dare they try to take my new home away from me!

“Stop that! We’re not going to fight them! If worst comes to worst, Nano can just move the tower over, right?” (Kira)

{Hmm. It’s definitely possible, though it will be troublesome.}

“But what if they try to cheat and say they never agreed!?” (Ellie)

“If disputes get really bad, both parties need to head to the capital where an Interrogator can determine the truth. Those people have these magic tools that are flawless at detecting lies you see.” (Kira)

“... Nano?” (Ellie)

{I think I see what Kira’s saying. Basically if they try to go back on their word they’ll just end up wasting everyone’s time and then get punished, right?}

“Right, exactly. Violating the First Claim like that is grounds for being expelled from the guild, maybe even imprisoned.” (Kira)

“Alright. We’ll do it Kira’s way.” (Ellie)

“... What were you planning to do to them?” (Kira)

“Kill them of course.” (Ellie)

“Ellie…” (Kira)

Kira’s face went really dark all of a sudden!

“I won’t ask or question what you did to survive before you came here… But please, try to refrain from killing people. You’re strong enough to do that, right?” (Kira)

“Sure… but why?” (Ellie)

If I kill them off then they never bother us again.

It’s simple, right?

“Because that sort of thing… It’s not right. Nothing but sadness spreads from the act of murder, no matter the circumstances. So please, promise me! Unless it’s absolutely necessary, under no circumstances kill any rational living being! Okay?” (Kira)

“What about the orcs and trolls?” (Ellie)

“Those are monsters. Vermin. Nothing good comes from leaving those alive. They cannot be reasoned with and just keep coming at you relentlessly.” (Kira)

Come to think of it, those monsters do seem determined to keep attacking us no matter how badly they’re hurt.

Even wild beasts would be more reasonable.

I see, Kira really is a kind, warm person after all.

To be worried about those that might bring harm.

{That’s a bit of a naive view of the world, Kira.}

“Probably, if we were talking about your world. Things here are different. I may still be naive even by this country’s standards, but I refuse to give up on my convictions. I will not allow myself or Ellie to do anything that will stain our souls or that I will end up regretting!” (Kira)

Kira’s will shines through those eyes of hers.

The determination to not take a life, huh?

As expected, Kira is amazing in many different ways.

“I want to do my best not to kill anyone. But-” (Ellie)

Kira raises a hand to stop me.

“I know. That sort of thing won’t always be an option. But please, go along with this selfish request for as long as you deem fit.” (Kira)

Kira makes an excellent point, there are going to be times when holding back would lead to tragedy.

However, I was going to say I’m really bad at holding back…

I might slice them in two if I use my sword by accident, even if I was being careful!

Ah, but it should be fine if I don’t use my sword on people, yes?

Okay, let’s just focus on incapacitating people with CQC or throwing knives!

“Understood. I promise to protect the creed by which Kira wishes to live.” (Ellie)

Kira’s gloomy expression turns into a relieved smile.

“Thank you.” (Kira)

Yep, a smiling Kira really is best after all.

I may have to break my promise if someone takes that smile away from her.

So I will work hard to make sure that doesn’t happen!

* * *

{They’re almost here.}

“They’re late. It’s been almost 20 minutes!” (Kira)

{My bad. I overestimated them. That dwarf in particular is really slowing them down.}

“Well, can’t complain. I was able to complete my preparations in peace!” (Kira)

Kira hid the black walls underground with Earth magic.

Nano’s drones and probes all retreated inside the tower and all the lights were turned off.

With the sun almost gone, the area round us is really getting dark.

“-- [Illuminate]” (Kira)

A small ball of light floated up from Kira’s staff and lit up the area around us.

All this is part of the plan to disguise our home as an old decrepit tower we found.

It doesn’t look that way to me, but it should confuse those without low-light vision like mine.

{Okay, here it comes! Time to put my acting skills to the test!}

“I’ll be counting on you. And Ellie?” (Kira)

“Understood. I’ll quietly monitor them in case they get violent.” (Ellie)

A drone burst out of the treeline into the little clearing Nano made.

Two of its legs were badly mangled with sparks coming out of them.

Four adventurers were chasing after them.

Just as Nano described - two armored men, one shorty and one robed elf.

The drone turned towards us, leading them on.

When the group saw us, they started yelling.

"Watch out! It's a new breed of monster!" (Shorty)

"Stay back! We have First Claim!" (Swrodsman A)

"Please stand back! The Rank B adventurer team [Red Fang] will handle it!" (Swordsman B)

Rank B?

So they’re higher in rank than Kira, who’s still at C?

Could it be… they’re actually amazing people?

Whatever the case, they seem to be misunderstanding something.

No, it's better to say they're completely wrong about all of it.

The drone accelerates towards us and hid behind Kira.

Since Kira’s ball of light is clearly lighting up the area around us, our visitors had no trouble witnessing that.

They stopped running, approaching us with weapons drawn.

How dare they draw a weapon on Kira!?

Ack, no, you promised Ellie!

Oooooohm.

Oooooohm.

Fuuuu.

Okay, I’m calm.

Seeing as how neither us nor the drone are hostile, they put away their weapons.

That makes things a bit easier for me.

“Good day, Oliver.” (Kira)

Kira greets them with a slight smile.

"Geh, it really is the Crackhead, huh?" (Short Baldy)

The dwarf with the crossbow muttered.

As expected, they really are as rude as Kira feared.

I promised to endure their behavior as long as it doesn’t get violent, so that’s what I’ll do.

That doesn’t mean these guys will get any respect from me, though.

Since the dwarf plans on being mean towards Kira, so his name is now Short Baldy.

Because he’s bald.

And also short.

A truly pitiful combination.

"Don't put your hands on another's prey!" (Swordsman 1)

"Prey? You're mistaking something. This is my pet." (Kira)

"... pet?" (Swordsman 2)

"That's right. He's a cutie isn't he? Who's a good boy!?" (Kira)

Kira crouched next to the golem and started hugging and patting it while scratching its head.

Kuh, that damn golem!

I'm not jealous, okay?!

The golem responded by swaying gently and letting out noises that sound like purring.

I had no idea those tiny servomotors could give out that sort of noise!

Nano’s acting really is top notch!

Kira stood up while hugging the drone.

"Anyway, as you can see, it's clearly obedient and definitely not a violent monster.” (Kira)

“... Okay. You’ve made your point. Stand down, lads.” (Short Baldy)

“But still, to think [Red Fang] would attack my precious pet… Your team mate even declared First Claim on something that has an owner, didn’t he?” (Kira)

“I’m… sure you misheard me…” (Swordsman 1)

“No. You clearly and loudly declared your intentions. But I’m sure that was a misunderstanding since this cute little thing looked a bit odd. Combined with the low visibility, it truly must have been a mistake. After all, a veteran party of Rank B adventurers wouldn't do something shameless like this on purpose. Right?!” (Kira)

Some of Kira's words were practically dripping with displeasure.

The mouth was smiling, but the eyes weren't!

Short Baldy flinched and shrunk away with each verbal stab.

It’s like he was taking damage without actually getting hit!

“*Cough* That's right. It was a misunderstanding. We were in the wrong. Please forgive us.” (Short Baldy)

Oh, Short Baldy bounced back a lot faster than I expected!

I guess the whole Rank B thing wasn’t just for show after all!

“There is no problem since you apologized.” (Kira)

Kira replied with a bright smile and put the drone on the ground.

It scuttled around and hid behind Kira.

Nano’s acting really is masterful - I could swear it was genuinely afraid!

“So. What’s a loony like you doing out here anyway?” (Short Baldy)

“I live here.” (Kira)

Kira replies while pointing at the forlorn tower behind us.

The shape of the tower must look like a silhouette against the barely lit sky to these guys.

Short Baldy gives it a quick glance and turns back to Kira.

“Huh?! Since when? No, nevermind, I don’t actually care. I’m just glad it’ll get quieter around the guild again without you poking your face in it to complain every other day!” (Short Baldy)

“Right… What about you, Oliver? Why are you out here?” (Kira)

“A job of course. What else?” (Short Baldy)

“I see. Must be good money to risk spending the night in this forest.” (Kira)

“It is! We’re looking to find the remains of that [Fallen Star] that-” (Swordsman 1)

“Shut it, Nigel!” (Short Baldy)

“... sorry, Oliver.” (Swordsman 1)

“Anyway, we were the ones entrusted with this duty, so don’t try to butt in!” (Short Baldy)

“But what exactly is this [Fallen Star]? How can I stay out of your way if I don’t know what to avoid?” (Kira)

“Where have you been, under a rock?!” (Short Baldy)

Kira points to the tower in the distance once more.

“Right, stupid question. It’s what the guild is calling the huge flaming thing that flew over Runetap five days ago. People say it landed somewhere in this forest.” (Short Baldy)

“Ah! Well, sorry Oliver, but I already found it. In fact, it’s become my new house, see? Since I found it first, I’m willing to split the reward with you.” (Kira)

Kira once again points at the tower, to which Short Baldy responds with a sneer.

“Hah, yeah right! You think I’ll believe towers fall down from the sky like that?!” (Short Baldy)

“This one did, though.” (Kira)

Kira responds plainly.

Well, it’s not a lie, it just wasn’t really a tower at the time.

“Leave her, Oliver. Her head is bad as usual.” (Grunt A)

“Yeah, she’s being as delusional as she always is.” (Grunt B)

The two swordsmen cut in with their worthless opinions.

They’re clearly looking down on Kira inside their heads.

Therefore, they are now Grunt A and Grunt B!

The elf is being really weird though.

... its leaves should have the desired effect, but the smell is too strong. I should try mixing it with … (Herb-obsessed Elf)

He’s completely in his own world of herbs and leaves ever since this conversation started.

What an odd fellow.

Well, he’s not being rude so I won’t mind what he does on his own time.

“Yeah, you two have a point. Nothing good ever comes out of talking with the Crackhead.” (Short Baldy)

Short Baldy keeps mocking Kira.

The way he says ‘Crackhead’ makes it obvious it’s meant as an insult.

I keep getting angrier and angrier, but I promised, so I’m being quiet.

“I’m being serious though! I just want a fair cut and we can all call it a day. I’m even willing to completely give up on my First Claim if you give me a good price!” (Kira)

“Look missy, I know your type! I won’t be sucked in by your money-grubbing schemes again!” (Short Baldy)

The dwarf keeps getting more and more irritated, clouding his judgement.

I see… so this is what Kira meant by ‘negotiations!’

What formidable foresight and preparation!

“Then you have no qualms about letting me keep it?” (Kira)

“Absolutely none! You can rot in that old ruin for the rest of your life for all I care!” (Short Baldy)

“Mister Picorio, it's fine with you as well?” (Kira)

The elf suddenly snaps to reality and looks at Kira.

“This place is remote. Inhospitable terrain, no signs of the previous residents and my team has given their consent. I have no objections.” (Picorio)

Picorio responds in a stiff monotone.

It looks like he was carefully considering the scene, even though his head is filled with leaves.

That’s quite the impressive feat in some ways...

“Therefore, as acting leader of adventurer team [Red Fang], I concede the right of First Claim over this land to individual Kiressara mil Quasse.” (Picorio)

Wait, this guy is the leader?

Even though Short Baldy acts like he’s in charge, isn’t he actually an underling?

“Thanks Picorio. Pleasure dealing with you.” (Kira)

Kira bows slightly.

“Now then, would [Red Fang] kindly get off my property?” (Kira)

Oh, right!

Even if First Claim is settled for a plot of land, that’s just an agreement between adventurers.

We still need to go and register this place with the city, then pay a fee and some taxes.

Kira says I need to focus on my training before we head there though.

"Hah, don't have to ask me twice! Come on you lot! We have a [Fallen Star] to find!" (Short Baldy)

I really don’t get that guy though.

You’re just a Short Baldy, and yet you dare to act so bossy?!

“Aye!” (Grunts A & B)

The group of five start to leave.

“Goodbye. Stay safe out there. Say goodbye, Ellie.” (Kira)

I guess there’s no more reason for me to keep quiet.

They tick me off, but let’s follow Kira’s brilliant example and be courteous.

“Goodbye.” (Ellie)

“UWAAK!” (Short Baldy, Grunt A & B)

The three idiots jump up and stare at me in shock.

Did they notice me just now?

I mean I was right next to them!

Ah, I put too much effort into keeping quiet, didn’t I?

I’m bad at holding back, after all...

Picorio seems to be mostly fine though.

He’s still thinking about his shampoo recipe.

His ability to not mind things is on a level far beyond my own!