The 4th side chapter of the web novel is titled 「その頃のS級冒険者」 in Japanese, which translates to "Meanwhile, an S-class adventurer…". It was first released on Syosetu (December 2015}), and later translated to English by Yoshi on LightNovelBastion (April 2019). For a full list of media related to this chapter available on the wiki, see this category.
Synopsis[]
An S-class adventurer, Schneider, and his party, ostensibly operating as Alda's followers of the Amid Empire, are in reality an activist group of Vida followers. When they hear about Duke Marme's request to kill Vandalieu, they realize that they failed to save the "child" indicated in the Divine Message they had previously received.
Summary[]
In the maritime nation of Kalahad, we enter a bar-like building serving as the base of a S-class adventurer. Far inside the bar, a lesser nobleman in his thirties, with numerous scars on his face and a well-trained body, is seated with two men, who appeared to be accustomed to fighting, standing behind him. Facing them was Schneider, who was sitting irreverently. In the background, an ordinary bartender and waitress work, serving a drunk patron.
They confirm that they're messengers sent by Duke Marme, and request that Schneider "investigate" the Warhammer's handle ... and exterminate a certain dhampir. Hearing this, Schneider predicts the conversation will take some time, and asks Lissana to bring some drinks. The lesser noble attempts to suggest that the room should be vacated, since it was a private conversation, but is initimidated by Schneider to not push the matter any further. The nobleman sincerely apologizes immediately. Schneider's bloodthirst soon vanishes and he continues the conversation as if nothing had happened. Lissana serves them some tea, which the men use to moisten their dry throats.
| “ | The Demon King's shadow stirs once more. It must be found and destroyed | ” |
— Alda to Bormack Gordan in chapter 57 | ||
They refer to Alda's previous divine message about the Demon King, saying that the duke believes it refers to the dhampir. When Schneider grows silent deep in thought, the lesser noble tries to sweeten the deal, by reassuring him that he will be substantially compensated for his trouble, however Schneider refuses the quest, using his declining health as an excuse. Though thoroughly unconvinced by Schneider's reasoning, they were unable to counter and were left with no other choice but to leave.
| “ | The messenger’s words made it clear just what people all over the Empire thought of Schneider. A worldly-minded person who loved money and women despite being loved by Alda, the god of law and fate. This was the nobles’ image of Schneider. (...) The messenger was saying something that would become a terrible scandal if it ever became public. | ” |
Once in private, Schneider asks his companions for their opinion. Emerging from the background, they see it as the pope simply being impatient, rather than Alda being involved. They chuckle amongst themselves, and a drunk Dalton notes that they expected quite a lot. Lissana comments that he's drunk too much and should calm down with some tea, to Dalton's derision. Zod hands him a "refill", secretly revealing to Lissana that it's merely mint-flavored water. Hearing the title Demon King worries Lissana, whose disguise begins faltering at the thought and is prompted to collect herself by Dalton. However Merdin deduces that the dhampir has no relation to the Demon King, since Vida would not have helped the dhampir if that was the case.
| “ | I feel bad that I couldn’t save his mother, but I’m not all-powerful, either. I’ll apologize when I meet him one day, but until then, I’ll just have to do everything I can. | ” |
— Schneider to his companions | ||
Although Schneider wants to meet this dhampir, traveling to the warhammer's handle would rouse the emperor into action, on the suspicion that Schneider could make contact with the pure-breed vampires there. Besides, he knew he had failed in fulfilling the mission Vida assigned him, but still wished to obey the second part of her divine message, by staying away for a while to prevent hostilities building between them.
With this in mind, Schneider set his mind to all the other work he had to deal with over there, and prepared for tomorrow's labor: Helping a clan of merfolk exterminate a group of krakens. He also inquires if seaweed is good for hair growth, commenting that his hairline has receded somewhat lately, however his companions firmly state he's being delusional.
Trivia[]
Appearances[]
| Volume 1 | |
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| Volume 2 | |
| Volume 3 | |
| Volume 4 | |
| Volume 5 | |
| Volume 6 | |
| Volume 7 | |
| Volume 8 | |
| Volume 9 | |
| Volume 10 | |
| Volume 11 | |
| Volume 12 | |
| Volume 13 | |
| Volume 14 | |
| Volume 15 |
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| Volume 16 |
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