
After a two-week journey, Darren finally arrived at Noordoos. There he did not stop for too long because he wanted to quickly go to Avon.
But, according to Lionna's proposal, Darren took the time to go to the adventurer guild. There, he registered himself with the name Esema, just as he had used it in Friedlich.
Because the name Esema is still new in the list of adventurers, Darren was given a bronze rank and considered an amateur adventurer. This is according to Darren's plan.
After registering, Darren immediately continued his journey towards the demon continent.
Because the journey is blocked by the sea, Darren must use a ship and sail across the ocean.
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On board...
Tora is seen standing on the balcony of the ship while enjoying the serene view of the sea. The sun is shining, but it does not feel hot because the wind blowing is cool.
Shiro appeared from behind and approached Tora. It seems like he has something to say.
"Oh, Shiro-sama," Greet Tora while bowing.
Shiro was still trying to get used to the situation. So, he sometimes speaks in a strange tone shortly after being called by Shiro-sama.
"Darren-sama gave a new order," Shiro said. "We should call him Esema from now on."
Tora. "To hide identity, yes. Darren-sama is indeed great."
Shiro then walked to the edge of the ship and leaned his body against the guardrail.
"Tora-kun, do you feel like there's something that Esema-sama is hiding from us?" Shiro asked suddenly.
Tora smile. "I don't know. And I'm not curious anymore. But, if that's true, I'm pretty sure it's for a good reason."
"But I'm afraid he's pushing himself too much" Shiro said. "As about the Demon King yesterday. He said the Demon King was after him. But, there was no way that the Demon King would go after someone who was mediocre."
Tora nodded. "Maybe right. But, in fact the Demon King still did not catch Esema-sama."
"That's because Esema-sama defeated him," Shiro replied. "Esema-sama is indeed strong, extraordinarily strong. But I still worry about it."
Shiro continued. "Save a problem for yourself, and intend not to make it difficult for people. I'm afraid he's exhausted" he said. "At least, I want him to share a little of his problem."
Tora smile. "Shiro-sama cares deeply about Esema-sama. Does Shiro-sama like it?"
"Yes-Eh, yeah I'm just worried. He is my boss. As his subordinate, it is my duty to pay attention to his circumstances," Shiro replied stammeredly.
Tora laughed a little. He continued, "All right, all right. Maybe I can help Shiro-sama," he said. Then he began to explain. "Basically, humans will not reveal their secrets to people they do not trust. They are vigilant and think twice about the consequences that will be caused, both for themselves and for others."
Shiro touched his own chin. "So, you mean, Esema-sama hasn't believed in me yet?"
"Maybe yes, maybe not. We all know that Darren will equally protect those closest to him, even if it harms himself" Tora said. "However, it doesn't rule out the possibility that he just doesn't trust us yet."
Shiro scowled. "Then, what should I do?" Ask again.
"As per my explanation. Then I suggest that Shiro-sama try to get closer to Esema-sama."
Shiro was silent for a moment with a confused face.
"How is it?" His question.
"Perhaps, Shiro-sama could have tried to call her in a different way. Like for example, Darren-san, or... Darren."
Hearing that, Shiro's face immediately reddened. His hand that was holding the guardrail started to tremble and his countenance did not shake.
"D-D- Da-Darrrr-- Darren-ssan-" he said groggily. "Huwaa, I can't. This is too presumptuous. He could be angry at me."
"You can do it, Shiro-sama, " Tora said.
Shiro's face was getting red. The longer he imagined it, the more strange it felt. "B-But, do you think this is not too much. I'm afraid that Esema-sama will be disturbed" he said.
"I'm sure he won't mind. I'm sure of that" Tora said convincingly.
Shiro's mind was in chaos. He wanted to get closer to Darren, but he was afraid and hesitant. All along, he could only imagine himself calling Darren like a close friend, yet he did not dare to make it happen.
"Ughh. I'll go back inside" Shiro said as he staggered away from Tora.
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They all finally arrived on the ground. Yup, they had set foot on the demon continent safely. Their journey on the ship was smooth without any obstacles.
Darren took his foot off the ship. He was so stunned when he saw the scene before his eyes. The port of Avon is completely different from its expedition.
He thought the Devil kingdom would look creepy or feel dark. However, the port looks inversely proportional to what is imagined.
Many wooden buildings stand near the harbor. Fast parked ships lined up with each other and many people were trading.
This scene is not much different from the cities that humans live in.
But, this port is very quiet people. Since this harbor connected the demon continent and the human continent, it was extremely rare to be able to see humans here.
Moreover, there might only be cargo items and some demons working there.
"Hey you! The man over there," The inspector suddenly called Darren.
Darren was surprised. He walked over to the inspector.
"Yes?" Darren Sahut.
The inspector watched Darren from head to toe. He then looked at Darren sharply. "You're human, what do you want in this place?"
Darren was silent for a moment, while the inspector continued his warning.
"You don't know if this place is closed? If you want a tour, it's best to do it anytime" said the inspector. "If you're intending to have an adventure, I'm sorry, but the cops won't let you. Things are precarious now. You better just go home."
Darren replied calmly. "Sorry, but I'm here just to follow my master," Suddenly Darren pointed towards Shiro. "My master was coming home, so I followed him. If you don't believe me, you can ask him directly."
Shiro was surprised to hear that.
"What right?" The inspector glanced towards Shiro.
"I-Yes, right," replied Shiro. "I-I am his master."
The inspector was suspicious. He took Darren and Shiro seriously.
It's really dangerous. They lied to the inspector. If the inspector finds out that they're lying, then they might be arrested.
Suddenly, Tora came forward. She blatantly showed the inspector her slave necklace.
"Inspector, if you still do not believe. So, check this necklace," Tora said.
The inspector immediately checked. He can detect that the slave necklace is indeed real and is connected to Shiro magic.
"Okay, okay. But before you pass, can I ask you all your names?" Ask the inspector who then pulls out a small book.
"I'm Shiro, and they're both Tora and E-Esema-" Shiro replied groggyly.
"All right, I wrote it. Please pass by, "Subscribe the inspector while opening the way.
The three of them were allowed to pass. They immediately walked away from there.
"It looks like we've come a long way" Darren said, looking back. "Good work, Tora, Shiro."
They stopped at a tree to rest for a moment. Their breaths were puffing because of that.
"Esema-sama, where are we going now?" Ask Tora.
"As per the memory Lionna gave me, the city is still quite far away from here. We'll probably get there after a four-day trip" Darren replied. "Around here there may be a village or something to spend the night. But, we cannot continue to expect smoothly. People might not accept us."
"But the opportunity can be improved" Darren continued. "We can pretend that Shiro is both of us."
"Good idea, Esema-sama," replied Tora. "That's brilliant isn't it, Shiro?"
Shiro replied while being broken. "W-Does that mean I should call Esema-sama with a familiar call?"
"Yes. In order to reduce their suspicions" Darren replied. "You can call me: Esema-kun."
Shiro's eyes widened. His mind is between happy and groggy. He began to open his mouth slowly.
"E-IT... Es-eema..-can..." His face was flushed and his expression was filled with shame.
"good. You just need to get used to it, Shiro," Darren said. "It looks like we should continue acting like this into the future."
Darren looked at Tora. "Tora, you should also call me by a familiar name. Just call me: Esema."
"Ready," Tora replied as she changed her tone.
Darren cast his gaze into the afternoon sky. The sun is already in the western horizon and will sink soon.
"The city is in the southeast direction. The estimate up to is about four days. But, if we keep going non-stop, we might be able to get there two days" Darren added.
The three of them were about to set foot, when suddenly a demon appeared from the top of the tree where they were resting.
The demon landed in their midst and instantly attacked Darren abruptly with a sword.
Darren reflexively pulled out his sword and fended off the attack.
Cklangs! Their swords clashed with each other. But the demon power was stronger than Darren, so he managed to make Darren crash a little.
Shiro appeared with his spear and attacked the demon from the opposite direction. But the demon realized it and swung his sword right at Shiro's spear. Makes him lose his grip on the spear.
"I'm warning you now to get out of here" said the demon as he pointed his sword at Darren.
"Who are you?" Reply Darren.
The devil did not answer. But he's back to commemorate Darren. "This is your last chance" he said as he prepared to strike again. "Go! Otherwise, I can't guarantee your safety."
Darren has no intention of backing out. He gripped his sword even tighter and took a fighting position.
"I'm not backing out of here."
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