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I Got a New Skill Every Time I Was Exiled, and After 100 Different Worlds, I Was Unmatched (Web Novel) - Chapter 371: The Failures You Can Choose With a Smile Are More Valuable Than Success
Chapter 371: The Failures You Can Choose With a Smile Are More Valuable Than Success
This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl
“Uwaaaan! Ed-saan!”“Whoa!?”
And so, having secretly returned to the inn borrowing the power of Tia’s spirit magic, I was welcomed by the tearful face of our hero.
“What’s up, Jinku? What happened?”
“It’s not ‘what’s up’! I thought something incredible happened when I felt so exhausted, and then I went to the inn, and find Doma and Kain here too! What’s this about a giant of light?I have no idea what’s going on!”
“Ah, I see… Yeah, sorry about that.”
With Jinku excitedly bombarding me with questions, I gave a wry smile and patted his head. While it seemed like Jinku might know various things given the situation, in reality, I hadn’t told him much… especially about what happened after I passed out.
In front of me, Doma and Kain were staring at me with intimidating eyes.
“Hey, give us an explanation, Ed-san! I have no idea what’s going on!”
“That’s right! I couldn’t hear anything from a certain point, and what about Hyde-kun…? What happened to Hyde-kun!?”
“Alright, alright. I’ll explain. Listen carefully, that was…”
“That was…?”
“It was all a dream!”
Asserting confidently, I declared it before Doma and the others, who then burst into laughter. However, they quickly regained their composure and fell silent, waiting for the next words… but that would be the end of what I had to say.
“…What? Seriously!? Come on, isn’t that a bit too much, making fools out of us?”
“No matter how you look at it, I can’t accept that! Please tell us properly!”
“…I see. Then consider this a warning. In this world, there are things better left unknown. For you guys, the events just now are undoubtedly one of those. Saying ‘it was all a dream’ is the most peaceful way to end this, but… do you still want to know?”
With a serious expression, I conveyed this. Not knowing, not understanding, indeed, it could be unsettling, but it also meant not shouldering any responsibility. At least for a fledgling adventurer like them, lacking significant power, this secret was too heavy to bear just to alleviate their anxiety.
It seemed that the intention was clearly understood by Doma and the others. They pondered seriously… and timidly, Kain asked for clarification.
“Um, about that dream story… Jinku-kun, do you know about it?”
“Hmm? Yeah, some parts. I don’t know everything, but I know a bit. If I kept everything a secret, I wouldn’t have been able to bring you guys here.”
“…Then, we want to know too.”
“Are you sure?”
I emphasized, and Doma and Kain nodded firmly.
“Yeah! At first, we thought it might be okay if Jinku didn’t know, but if he does, we can’t be left out.”
“Exactly. Whether we get involved or try to cover it up, it’s better if we’re all in this together.”
“Doma, Kain…! Ed-san, we understand that you’re considering us, but…!”
With those words from their comrade, Jinku also directed a determined gaze towards me. Faced with such expressions, there was only one answer.
“Alright. Tia, please.”
“All right, I’ll set up a barrier,”
At my request, Tia erected the same protective barrier around the room as before. Unless someone was intensely focused on us, the conversations inside would remain unheard. I believed it should be fine, but it never hurt to be thorough and cautious.
“Now then, as you wish, I’ll tell you about the events in the dream. But don’t forget? I’ve said it many times, but this is purely a story from a dream. Most likely, if you tell someone, they’ll dismiss it as a tall tale… But, in the off chance that someone takes it seriously… you all better be ready to move to the dream world together. Understand the responsibility that comes with knowing. Are you really okay with this?”
In response to the final confirmation, Jinku and the other two silently nodded after exchanging glances. Seeing that, I left Tia, who was meticulously maintaining the barrier, as is and began recounting everything that had happened up to this point.
I spoke about our journey to the demon realm, one of the countries ruled by the Demon King. There, we proposed negotiations for the subjugation of the fourth… Demon King. The surprise of finding the Demon King right beside Doma and the other. Our anxiety leading us to ask the queen of the demon realm to teleport us to this point. And above all else… the revelation that Hyde, whom they considered a friend, was the Demon King.
“Wait, Hyde was the Demon King!? But, that giant of light…”
“Why, though!? We were getting along just fine! Why did this happen?”
“Everyone may have their own thoughts on that, but I can’t say anything about that. I presented objective facts… Well, it’s just a story of a dream. How you choose to interpret it is your own concern.”
Although my words may seem dismissive, it reflects the reality of the situation. According to the story I heard from Doma and the others, Demon King Hyde had been actively participating as a member of their group for two months.
What kind of interactions took place during that time, and what kind of relationship had developed between Hyde and Doma’s group? Just as I kept my relationship with Hyde hidden from them, the relationship between Hyde and Doma’s group was exclusive to them.
“Alright, that concludes the discussion. So, what’s your plan now, Jinku? Are you heading out on another journey, or do you want to take a break here for a while?”
“Well, about that…”
In response to my question, Jinku looked at me with an expression of unprecedented concern. He seemed hesitant, avoiding eye contact and glancing downwards several times. However, after a final glance at Doma and the others, he gathered his courage and spoke up.
“I’m thinking of quitting my journey.”
“What!?]”
The surprised voices came from Doma and Kain. However, I remained calm and addressed Jinku, looking into his eyes.
“Hmm, why is that?”
“Well, you see! I’ve been greatly indebted to you, Ed-san, and I feel bad about it! But, in the end, I…”
“Calm down, I’m not blaming you. So, let me ask again. Why do you want to quit your journey?”
“…Because Doma and the others were in danger.”
“Hey, Jinku, what do you mean—”
“Hush. Let’s listen quietly for now.”
Tia gently restrained Doma, who was about to interject. I briefly glanced in that direction, then focused on Jinku, waiting for him to continue.
“After what happened earlier, I started thinking. Ah, I see. While I’m on this journey, Doma and Kain could face danger, or even worse, they might end up dead. Haha, it’s foolish, isn’t it? It’s obvious and something I should have known… But once I realized that, it was already too late. I… I want to be with these guys.”
“Oh? So you’re giving up on the dream of becoming a hero that everyone knows about?”
“Well…! I don’t want to give up on that, but if I have to choose between the two, I’m fine with it. Being with these guys, being their companion, is much more important to me than becoming a hero! So… I can’t go on this journey anymore! I’ll… I’ll become stronger here with Doma and Kain!”
“…I see.”
With a smile full of understanding, I patted his shoulder. Seeing Jinku’s bewildered expression, I laughed and conveyed my response.
“Ed-san?”
“Listen, Jinku. There might be people who, without understanding, call you ‘a fool who missed the chance to become stronger’ or ‘a coward who ran away from the journey.’ But I don’t think that way. You chose a future where you live with your companions, not for your own glory. It’s as valuable as being a hero who saves the world. I genuinely celebrate and respect you for being able to clearly articulate that choice you made.”
“Even though I…! I brought it up on my own, but… with Doma and Kain pushing me, and now… why is this happening…?”
“Haha, sometimes you need to take a detour to see things clearly. And there’s nothing wrong with deviating from the path you chose or turning back. If you go on a journey, become a bit stronger, go through various experiences… and if that helps you realize your true feelings, then it’s all good. Look, I’m fine. More importantly, they’re waiting for you, right?”
With a pat on the back, Jinku turned his body towards Doma and Kain. There, Doma and Kain wore complex expressions, and behind them, Tia watched over the boys with a smile full of affection.
“Doma, Kain. I…”
“You’re an idiot, Jinku! We sent you off with such excitement, and now you’re throwing everything away and coming back!?”
“S-Sorry. I promised that the next time I come back, I’ll be the world’s strongest swordsman, but still, I…”
“Well, it can’t be helped, Jinku-kun. But isn’t it fine? It’s just like you not to keep your promises anyway.”
“Huh!? Wait a minute, Kain. I’m not like that, am I!?”
“Not really? Come on, there are quite a few items you bought, saying, ‘This will definitely come in handy!’ and ended up not using. They’re cluttering up my room because you went on a journey, but some of them are pretty annoying.”
(T/N: Jinku A true RPG player)
“Well, it might be like that sometimes, but isn’t breaking promises different?”
“Don’t sweat the small stuff! So… it’s like, don’t worry about the trivial things!”
“Doma… Kain… Is it really okay?”
“That’s because it doesn’t matter whether it’s good or bad! It’s just a story of reducing two years of pee time to two months! Don’t keep dwelling on boring things!”
“Doma, again with that!? Can’t you come up with a better analogy?”
“Shut up! Kain, what was that just now? It felt like even I would question it!”
“That’s inevitable! Even I can’t come up with something clever right away!”
“Then we’re the same!”
“Hey Doma, Kain! Stop arguing over such things—”
As the two started arguing, Jinku tried to mediate. However, they both reached out to Jinku with a smirk.
“Hey, Jinku! Now that you’re back, there’s something you need to do, right?”
“Fufu, welcome back, Jinku!”
“…Yeah! I’m home!”
Grabbing Kain’s hand with his left and Doma’s with his right, Jinku, tears streaming from his eyes, said, “I’m back!” And thus, the short heroic tale of the hero Jinku came to a close once again.
