I may have left some major details out.
A sage is a job that can learn the magic of both mages and priests.
The gear that a sage can equip is equal to Priest + α. They can use quite decent weapons, but heavy armour is out of the question.
A warrior may be a job that doesn’t feel the weight of their armour, but a sage is another story entirely.
The reason why things like that are decided by your jobs is because that’s how it was decided.
Whoever created the jobs (supposedly the same God that created Babel) made it so that belonging to a job is almost like wearing a spiritual shell around yourself.
By wearing a spiritual shell that is suited to magic, it becomes possible to manipulate magic using chanting and song, such magic that wouldn’t be useable otherwise unless you went through major rituals or used huge tools.
A spiritual outer shell ―― Using this external husk, the idea is to enhance the use of magic through it depending on the job.
A warrior would gain magical enhancements to their strength as they waved their muscles around. This way, a warrior can use techniques perfected by champions from ancient times, the so-called 【Arts of War】.
It also applies to a thief who needs to be speedy and agile, and to the jester who needs to dance and use sleight of hand.
I mentioned it before, but there’s six basic kinds of adventuring jobs. Warrior, martial artist, priest, mage, thief, clown.
However, there’s an exception to that, the seventh job: sage.
And I became that sage. Oh, no, it was actually a great sage. I hadn’t ever heard of it before, so I don’t really know the details myself. When I asked the goddess on the first floor she just gave me a smile and didn’t tell me anything. Maybe that goddess doesn’t know either.
Like I said earlier, the sage can use the magic of both a priest and a mage.
So, I decided to use some magic.
The monk’s highest ranking magic ―― resurrection.
Literally speaking, it’s a magic that can revive the dead.
But, there are conditions.
First. The target has to be an adventurer.
Second. The place where they died has to have a strong magical presence, such as the cursed lands or the tower.
Third. They have to be intact.
Fourth. No more than an hour can have passed since death.
Even if an adventurer loses their life, they’re protected by their job for a brief time.
Even if the body has been killed, the spiritual shell preserves the essence of their soul.
When I learned this magic, I also learned about its true nature due to my job as a great sage.
Resurrection is an ultimate magic that rejoins the essence of the soul still kept safe in the spiritual shell of the job back with the body.
I decided to use it on Aiza and Mills.
Honestly, I’m just experimenting with my new magic.
I want to make sure I can use it on Tina and Nyannyan if they ever happen to die.
So, to prepare for something like that happening, I need to test it first.
It’ll be great if it revives someone as they were originally, but things might be a bit messy if it turns them into a zombie.
That’s why I’m doing it.
…Well, I guess it’s also because I was once in a party with Aiza and Mills.
I cured Aiza’s body with healing magic, then started casting Resurrection.
After a long chant, Aiza’s body was wrapped in light, particles beginning to glow around her chest.
Now then…
Falling into the abyss.
A darkness without end spreads out below.
I’m tumbling down into that blackness.
I know. That darkness is ‘death’. And soon, I’ll be swallowed up by it.
Then, the words sprung to mind.
―― I don’t want to die.
I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die I don’t want to die!
I haven’t even gotten to do anything yet! Apart from being called a ‘hero’, what have I even done!? I have so much left I want to do!
I don’t want to die in a place like this…!
Then, something descended. It came down right next to me.
It was like a small grain of light.
Then, like that, it stuck to me.
As soon as it touched me, I realized what it was.
――Dylan’s revival magic…!?
That guy, he’s going to bring me back to life.
I’m confused.
――Isn’t resurrection a legendary magic…!? How is Dylan…!?
No, that’s not all.
His firelight was more powerful than my fireball. He even stole Ifrit, who I summoned!
――Just how…!? How am I so inferior to this guy…!!
I don’t want to admit it. I can’t accept something like this.
But, if I don’t admit it, I’ll just die here.
I’ll keep falling into that abyss.
――It might be disgusting, but…!
Resurrection… Dylan’s light enveloped me.
I trembled with bitterness, but I didn’t resist that light.
I admit it. Dylan Albertini, you’re superior to me.
No, that’s not all. During those three years we travelled together. So many times, Dylan saved me.
Using that dance of his.
Using those songs of his.
Using those magic tricks of his.
Most of all, just being a jester. He was the only one who kept the party going.
I didn’t want to admit it, I always averted my eyes.
But, right now, I have no choice but to do it.
The only reason the party of ‘heroes’ even made it to the demon continent in the first place was because of that playboy, Dylan.
And thanks to Dylan, we also didn’t die in that place.
Even if the party disintegrated right away.
But maybe that wouldn’t have happened, if only we didn’t drive Dylan away…
At the very least, I never would have killed those people.
Just where did I go wrong?
Why did things turn out like this?
I was wrapped in light. I lay on my back as it lifted me up, like I was floating to the surface of the water.
Don’t think I’m going to apologize though ――
“――I’m sorry…”
Her lips formed those words and Aiza opened her eyes.
Tina and Nyannyan who were holding their breaths behind me raised a cry of surprise.
“S-She really was revived…!”
“Master, you’re amazing, nya…!”
After Aiza opened her eyes, her gaze shifted to look at me.
“………. You revived me.”
“Are you mad about that?”
“Of course I’m mad. You’re just a playboy. But, even so, I…”
I didn’t think her idiocy would be cured by death, but this is strange.
She’s not as angry as usual, actually it’s a little awkward.
But, I spoke.
“So, you’re ready to die again?”
“Wha……….!?”
“I’m kidding.”
Aiza looked down, speaking quietly.
“I’ll admit it… The only reason we got as far as we did is because of you. Getting rid of you from the party was a really bad idea… If you stayed then… Then, I… Things would never have turned out like this…”
“Oh?”
This is interesting. Did her personality change because of the resurrection magic?
She never thought of me like this back then.
“So please, Dylan. I really do want to fulfill my duty as a ‘hero’ this time. So that some day, I can become a member of the royal family.”
“Hmm?”
“And then, I can make you my brother-in-law in the royal family of Sandrelia. So, please lend me your power. We’ll rebuild the party and travel together as ‘heroes’ again. Of course, you’ll be rewarded――”
“Haa?”
Aiza began to babble about something I didn’t really get.
So, just like last time, I listened to her whole story before I repeated it back to her.
“I see. Basically, when Aiza becomes a part of the royal family, I’ll join it as your brother-in-law. What’s more, I’ll become Aiza’s ‘favourite’, and also be your late night advisor. What’s more, I can even have my own royal harem. Hmm, not a bad reward at all.”
And then,
“But, I refuse.”
“Huh…?”
“I’m not interested in royalty anyways. And, to put it bluntly, I never want to see your face again.”
“………..Huh?”
Aiza looked dumbfounded.
Then, her face turned bright red.
She’s getting mad. Before she could open her mouth, I put my forefinger against Aiza’s forehead.
“Hypnosis.”
Just like the name suggests, it’s a priest magic that hypnotizes its target.
Aiza lay back on the grass, fast asleep. Even if she has high magic resistance, it’s not enough against me after my level rose.
Man, oh man.
It was going fine when she was reflecting on herself and apologizing, but trying to bribe me with a post in the royal family so she can use me was a bit much.
Honestly, maybe I should have just let this idiot die?
Well, I spent too much time on Aiza. Mills might actually die if I leave her be. Well, honestly, I wouldn’t care if she died but it would be a waste.
Even if I brought Aiza back to life, she was in that strange condition, so I need to get more research data.
And just like before, I used my resurrection on Mills.
And, Mills opened her eyes.
“How are you feeling?”
“…Indescribably horrible. I was completely betrayed by the church.”
“That so?”
“But, it’s incredible that you’re able to use Resurrection.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“I’ll admit it, Dylan Albertini. When I thought of you as insignificant, looking down on you, I was wrong… In the name of Monte, I will repent…”
“Oh?”
“Therefore, Dylan Albertini. I have a request I must ask of you. Return to Launtissary alongside me to remove the pus that contaminates the Monte faith, wiping out all the corruption. Of course, you’ll be rewarded. First of all――”
Mills began to babble about something I didn’t really get.
So, just like last time, I listened to her whole story before I repeated it back to her.
“I see. In other words, once Mills takes charge of the church, she’ll install me as one of her head cardinals, a position of true power in the faith. Every day, pious believers will come and here my words. I can preach Monte’s teachings and live a truly blessed life. Hmm, not a bad reward at all.”
And then,
“But, I refuse.”
“Huh…?”
“I’m not interested in Monte or his church. And to put it bluntly, I never want to see your face again.”
“………..Huh?”
Mills looked dumbfounded.
I have a bad feeling about this.
Why is it that these heroes who seem to hate each other have so much in common when it comes to stuff like this…
“Mills. Take Aiza and get out of here. If you were betrayed by the church, just seek refuge in Garland.”
“…I can’t do something like that. Please consider it just one more time, Dylan Albertini. If you――”
Ah, this is getting annoying.
“Hypnosis.”
And, Mills fell to the ground, fast asleep.
Honestly, I should have learned this magic years ago, it would have saved me a lot of trouble. Actually, no, would my magic be strong enough back then to get through Aiza and Mills’ magic resistance?
Haa, and with a sigh,
“Later, Aiza, Mills. The three years I spent with you were… Really fucking shit.”
I told the two of them who were still deep asleep.
Now then.
Apparently, resurrection magic works without a hitch.
I was pretty convinced when I revived that party of four who were killed by the ninja.
Maybe it’s because that ninja died, but all of their heads suddenly appeared alongside their dead bodies. What a mysterious phenomenon.
After attaching their heads to their bodies using healing magic, I used the resurrection spell. Sorry if it looked like an assembly line, but time is short.
Every member of that party, the three girls and the one guy, tearfully thanked me as they grabbed my hand.
“Dylan! Thank you so, so much!”
“Thank you very much!”
“I’ll owe you a debt for life!”
“I’ll never forget what you’ve done for us!”
I had a bit of an awkward smile.
“Ah, no, it’s all fine, good sir, young ladies. Rather, if it wasn’t for me…”
The assassin who murdered you only came to the tower because of me. So, I’m sorry that you all got caught up in this.
When I explained that, the four people seemed convinced about something.
Then, the oldest amongst them, the warrior, spoke,
“I’ve heard about something like that. Stories where the headless bodies of adventurers turn up.”
There have been cases where decapitated corpses of adventurers have shown up for the past three years. When I was around, there was nothing like that.
Then, the thief who was like a reliable older sister,
“Ah, me too. Everyone was saying that it didn’t seem like a monster did it, right?”
The priest who seemed very fluffy,
“Right~? Monsters don’t usually just eat someone’s head~”
Then, the lively little mage girl,
“There’s that one story! ‘The Head Hunting Hobbyist Monster’, have you heard of it!?”
” ” “We have not!” ” ”
The mage got triple straight manned. I feel a little sorry for her.
I spoke up.
“I guess all those headless bodies were the work of that ninja, then? He seemed to have a hobby for that kind of thing.”
As I remembered just what I saw in that barrier hell of his, Mage-chan got all excited,
“Right, right, that’s what I mean!”
There’s something about this energetic girl that reminds me of Tina.
Speaking of Tina,
“So, that ninja ―― he has killed adventurers before?”
“That’s possible!”
Mage-chan nodded.
To that ninja, adventurers seemed to be an eyesore, so I guess eventually he just started taking jobs with adventurers as targets.
No, even more than that, he might have just killed any adventurers that caught his eye, like this time.
It’s pretty awful to think about. That’s not just an assassin anymore, isn’t it more like a serial killer? That’s the kind of feeling it gave me.
“So, he targeted me for that kind of reason…?”
As I thought about it, Tina rubbed her chin with her fingers and told me something ridiculous.
“Actually, isn’t it a good thing that Dylan was targeted? That way, since you beat him, he won’t be able to kill any more adventurers!”
“As expected of master, nya! Ninjas are just like insects to you, nya! You’re like an assassin bug trap!”
“Don’t talk about me like that. Because, if I’m an ‘assassin bug trap’, I’m going to be in danger all the time, right?”
“That’s okay, Dylan-san! If you’re ever in trouble, I’ll protect you! I’m the tank, after all!”
“That’s right, nya! We’ll protect master, nya!”
Wasn’t I the one doing most of the protecting?
“Well, thanks.”
“Fufu~” “Munyaa~”, they sounded happy as I tussled their hair.
The warrior laughed as he watched us,
“As expected of the jester, Dylan. To travel with two beautiful girls like that. It seems the nickname ‘playboy’ wasn’t just for show?”
“Uh, wait just a moment. What do you mean?”
“I meant what I said, did I say something wrong?”
……………..
I see two people.
Yep. He’s not wrong.
But as I looked at the three women behind the warrior, he said,
“Dylan-san. Actually, we’re all siblings.”
“Eh, is that so?”
“I was actually going to ask you…”
“Haa?”
“I’m married with kids, but my sisters are such tomboys that they can’t actually find anyone. If it’s okay with you, would you mind getting along with my sisters?”
“W-Wait, what are you talking about, brother!? Can’t you see you’re troubling Dylan-san!?”
“I don’t mind~”
“Dylan-sama… I might be a bit of a clutz, but I’m in your care!!”
Then, my two comrades behind me shouted.
“Wait just a momeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeent!!”
“Stop right there, nyaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!”
Tina,
“I’m going first! Since I got here first, okay!?”
“Then, you have to go through me, nya! I had to wait my turn as well!”
Jeez.
I smiled.
The number of people at that night’s activities increased dramatically.
As soon as we got to the eleventh floor, we went straight to the teleportation room.
Not long after we got back to the first floor, we met with a messenger from the kingdom of Garland.
I handed Aiza and Mills over to him.
According to his story, Aiza committed a terrible crime. When she returns, she’ll probably get executed. Seriously? Why did she even invite me along then, this woman…
Mills won’t be able to return to the church either, so whatever happens, happens. Well, I don’t really care.
The messenger also brought me a message from King Theoderic.
Apparently, I don’t need to return anymore.
In addition, his kingdom will support my party.
But, since it might be troublesome, I’ll keep it on hold for the time being. There’s no such thing as a free lunch, after all, especially where sponsors are concerned. I don’t want people complaining about my way of doing things.
As we walked back to the mansion, I talked with Tina.
“But, I was really surprised the Demon King was born out of a curse from the Monte church!”
“Ah, that’s a lie.”
“Ehhhhhhh!?”
“It’s impossible for magic like that to create something as strong as the Demon King.”
“Ehh, but!?”
“I said what I thought would work the best on Mills at the time. Though, other things interfered.”
“Is that… soooooooo!? Uwaa, you tricked her! As expected of Dylan-san!! You’re a really bad person!!”
“That’s a weird way or praising me… Oh, but it is true that the Demon King used to be human.”
“Ah, that’s right! Then, the reason that Dylan-san changed jobs is…”
That’s right.
That’s the reason I changed my job to a sage.
This time, I’ll defeat the Demon King.