Atelier Tanaka

Book 5: Chapter 1 (10)

Dark Continent (1st)

In the end, I was turned down by every party

It was as if I was applying for a job after graduating from an F-ranked university.

Eventually, I started losing confidence in myself and couldnt even give myself a proper introduction without stuttering. It got to the point where some parties wouldnt even acknowledge my existence.

what am I supposed to do?

No, seriously, what am I going to do?

This lonely feeling is too much. For the first time in over ten years, I was reminded of someone in charge yelling, Okay, everyone pair up! Even just thinking about it makes my stomach hurt. Ever since getting hired by a major company, any pairing up that was done was decided by the higher-ups, so I havent had to think about it for a long time.

Now isnt the time to be thinking about the past.

I have to work hard for my future.

But what if everything Ive worked for is already lost?

Excuse me, Rodriguez, would you like to go adventuring with me?

you should just give it up already.

.

I was shaken to my core after my last hope disappeared.

Its possible that everyone saw me approach the party of all women first. I gave everyone a bad impression of me right from the start. I was reminded of when I would go out marriage hunting and would always target the most attractive women.

But breasts are the best and I will never feel ashamed for thinking this.

I want to fight side-by-side with a woman whose custom made armour struggles to hide all of her oversized chest, revealing the glories of her sideboob to me.

I feel the need to tell you this again: this place isnt meant for amateurs like you, and nobody here wants to look after an inexperienced adventurer.

But.

Rodriguez chastised me once more.

He was a surprisingly good guy who took the time to talk to me and even offer me advice to ensure my safety.

Im not saying this to be mean, but it might just be better for you to return home and plow the fields.

.

That being said, I cant give up so easily.

The Elixir of Youth is at stake.

This setback doesnt mean I cant just fly to the place I visited yesterday. However, the sky over the Dark Continent is dangerous. As soon as I take to the air, Ill attract the attention of every monster capable of flying. Theres no way I can make it to the Green Sylphs easily.

Bringing in a train of monsters to their settlement would be in poor manners. I dont know how powerful the Green Sylphs are, but If I recall what Edita Sensei told me, I doubt theyd be able to fight such a large amount of monsters from the forest.

Defeating all of the monsters before arriving at their settlement is also out of the question. There seemed to be an endless amount of them before. Its not about how many fireballs Id need, but my own safety. One of these monsters is as strong as the long-haired man and a single mistake could prove fatal.

Then, going on foot seems like the best option.

Which is why I really want to join a party.

.

If anyone is capable of freely walking through the Dark Continent, they must be as powerful as Christina. If they were as big as her in her Dragon form, the creatures of the forest wouldnt even bother them.

The Great Dragon that chased me yesterday was not as big as the loligon. Theres no doubt in my mind that shes far superior in terms of level and status in the dragon hierarchy.

Damn it. I wish I had come with the loligon.

If another opportunity arises, Ill ask her to fly us here.

Id happily clean a thousand or even ten thousand of her scales for her help.

Oh, this commotion is bringing all the big names in.

Rodriguez muttered and motioned to the door.

My line of sight was naturally pulled towards this direction.

Another noteworthy figure must have arrived.

The doors swung open and a person that I recognized stepped into the shop.

She walked towards the bar with her long silver hair flowing behind her. It didnt take long for her to stop in her tracks once she noticed me. She braced herself for an attack and let out a strange noise,

Wha-!?

The Dark Elf traitor.

The dark-skinned elf that I met previously during the conflict. She showed off her unparalleled skill in battle on multiple occasions.

I never thought Id meet her again. Especially in a place like this.

Its been a while. What has it been now? Over a month?

Y-You. What are you doing here.

The surprise in her voice was clear.

That was what I was going to ask you. I never expected you to be on the Dark Continent.

When Christina blew away the entire castle, I assumed the Dark Elf was caught up in the attack. She said that she betrayed me after being promised to be released from slavery and the lack of a slave collar means that Drill-chan must have kept her promise.

Ku.

The Dark Elf quickly placed her hand on the sword hanging from her waist.

I was expecting this reaction.

She just arrived at the shop but Rodriguez already knew of her. Its possible most of the adventurers here would side with her if a fight were to break out. In addition to this, the title of best breasts in the shop now belongs to her. Both their size and shape are perfect.

I want to rub my yellow skin against her dark skin and feel her soft springy breasts against my skin. Theyre definitely warm. I want to enjoy the feeling of her erect nipples against the palm of my hand. Finally, Id bury my face in her chest and take a deep breath.

Which is why I must win.

I thought I had missed my chance to do this, but a second chance has appeared.

Sorry for asking this so suddenly, but would you like to party up with me?

ah?

The look of anger in her eyes slowly began to mix with confusion.

She clearly was thinking, Is this guy serious?

Umm, theres one other thing. Have you heard about the situation in the Pussy Republic?

.

I guess she has.

The castle there is still being rebuilt.

Gu.

Viscount FitzClarence has been financing the build as well as procuring the necessary materials. The woman that helped you is being held prisoner in the Empire. I actually met with her just the other day.

Unu~u.

I only now realized that I was in full control of the conversation. 

The reason she travelled to such a remote frontier must have been to avoid any punishment for what she did. After the Pussy Republic was defeated, she wouldve been left with no allies and, as far as she knew, people looking to avenge my death.

This is a great chance.

We can form a party and let everything that happened between us remain in the past. A new start to an old relationship. Dont you think it would be nice to be able to share your dinner table with an old friend? What do you say? Please?

The traitorous Dark Elf was still tensed up.

For some reason, she still looked cool. She should be well aware of my abilities which means she wont deny me like the rest of the parties here. Just because the scenery has changed to the Dark Continent doesnt mean my abilities have.

After a few seconds of thinking, she replied,

What is this party for?

Im going to do some research into the mid-tier area of the forest. Of course, if you become my party member, I would never do anything that would endanger your life. I promise that you will return to this village unharmed.

i-is that true?

The Dark Elf with the hips perfect for giving birth was slowly starting to relax.

Didnt you ask me that once before?

.

She was torn between the belief that I would want revenge and my sudden proposal to her.

Her breasts trembled as she crossed her arms and thought about it.

T-That sounds fine.

Thank you. Lets get along well.

All right, one friend get!

***