An ordinary profession creates the world's strongest

In reality, Hajime had indeed gone through a lot of hardship, so he didn't particularly correct it. It was just that the fact that a mermaid sympathized with his life... had somewhat of a psychological impact on Hajime.

Hajime regained his spirits and asked Liman many questions. For example: Do monsters have a clear will? How are monsters born? Are there other monsters that can communicate...?

According to Liman, almost all monsters act on instinct and have no clear will; as far as it knows, only its own species can understand language and communicate: and it does not know how monsters are born.

They also chatted about many other topics for quite a while. To the onlookers, the sight of a young man and an older man with a human-like face staring into each other's eyes was incredibly eerie, and the crowd gradually grew larger.

“Ugh, Hajime-san, everyone’s watching. You’re on a date with me, so why are you staring at an old-looking monster? If you’re going to stare, you should be staring at me, right?”

Shia folded her bunny ears and shyly grabbed the hem of Shi's clothes, pulling gently. Shi had no choice but to interrupt the conversation. Seeing Shi's helpless attitude, Shia's bunny ears drooped even more dejectedly.

Hajime found the conversation with Liman quite interesting, and he would have liked to have more conversations if possible. However... he had already decided to accompany Shia today, and ignoring her would be a violation of the agreement.

Liman also said, "Oops, I'm sorry to interrupt your date," indicating that he wanted to end the conversation. He is really an uncle who knows how to read people's expressions (but, he is a fish monster with a human face).

Incidentally, at this time, Hajime and Reiman's relationship was so good that they called each other "Uncle Rei" and "Brother Hajime". Hajime saw the manliness of a man in Reiman.

Hajime finally asked Liman why he was here, and his answer was...

"As I said earlier, I used to travel freely... But not long ago, while swimming in an underground water vein, I was suddenly sprayed to the ground... When I regained consciousness, I was lying on the ground in the grass next to a spring. I wouldn't have died even if I hadn't been in the water, but I was unable to move. So I used telepathy to call for help... and ended up being brought here."

A cold sweat broke out in his throat. This was clearly what happened when they were forced out of the Great Labyrinth by Meredith Lessen.

It seemed that Liman was caught in the crossfire and washed ashore. Although the direct cause was that idiot Miledy, they still implicated Liman.

Although feeling embarrassed, Hajime still asked Biman:

"Ah~ Uncle Li, um, do you want to leave here?"

"Of course I do. I'm naturally at home in the world. For a living being, being born in nature and returning to nature after death is the best way to live. I want to die in the ocean, not in a cage like this."

Liman's words were full of wisdom. Hajime had come to admire Liman greatly, and since Liman was imprisoned here because of Hajime and the others, he decided to save him.

"Uncle Li, I'll take you to a nearby river. It seems we've caused you to be in this predicament. I'll send a messenger to pick you up in a few minutes. Please trust me and let it take you away."

"Hajime-kun... Hey, I actually made this young man worry about me. I don't know what you're trying to do, but I'm not so depraved as to distrust those who want to help me. I believe in Hajime-kun, and I'll wait for your messenger to arrive."

Hajime and Liman smiled manly at each other.

Seeing the two (?) gazing at each other with what seemed like mutual understanding, Shia's cheeks twitched, and she worried that a rival in love might appear.

Hajime took Shia's hand and prepared to leave. Although she didn't understand why, she followed Hajime and left. At this time, Liman's "telepathy" was transmitted to her mind.

"Little girl, I'm sorry I scared you back then, but please don't let go of the hand that you were holding on to Hajime-kun."

"Huh? Huh? Uh, no, I don't mind! Thanks to you, I was able to have my first kiss with Hajime-san! And of course I won't let go!"

Despite not understanding what was going on, Shia answered clearly, and Liman smiled contentedly at her. Hajime, with a wry smile, said, "Nosy," and prayed for the best for his new friend (his first male (?) friend since arriving in this world), before leaving the aquarium.

A few minutes later, a strange event occurred at the aquarium. A flying cross, with a basket dangling from its lower body, flew through the aquarium at high speed, smashing into Riman's tank. After deftly catching Riman as he was swept away by the water, the cross dispersed the pursuing staff (without causing any injuries), then destroyed the wall, flew out of the aquarium, and disappeared into the distant sky.

People were buzzing with speculation—was it a new monster? Or perhaps Riman's hidden ability? Even the officials of [Fren] were drawn into the matter, causing a major uproar... but that didn't matter.

On the other hand, at the same time...

Yue and Tio were walking through the commercial district to do some shopping. However, since Hajime's "treasure trove" was filled with plenty of necessary supplies, they only needed to replenish what they consumed during their journey, so there was no need to go on a lavish shopping spree. The two of them wandered aimlessly, browsing the various shops without buying anything.

"Well, speaking of which, Yue, is that really okay?"

"? ...Are you talking about Shia?"

"Yes, maybe by now, their relationship has already made great progress? Perhaps it's beyond your imagination."

When Yue was looking at the exhibits in the clothing store, Tio asked this question, with a hint of watching the show in her tone - "Is it okay for you to be so fearless? Be careful not to fall into the ditch?"

Tio had only just joined their journey, and she was curious about the strange relationship between the three of them. Since they were going to travel together, she thought she should speak her mind clearly.

Without wavering, she glanced at Tio and shrugged. She seemed to have no sense of danger at all.

"...I'd be very happy if there was any progress."

"Would you be happy if the man you like was intimate with other women?"

"...Because she's Shia, not some other woman."

Tio didn't understand what he meant. Yue continued to talk while walking around the store.

“…At first, seeing Shia clinging to Hajime was annoying because she clearly had some ulterior motive. But after observing her for a while, I understood.”

"Understand what?"

"...Well, for the things she cherishes and the people she loves, she always gives her all, moving forward bravely regardless of good or bad."

"Well, I can probably relate to this... So you were moved by her?"

Even though they had only known each other for a short time, Tio couldn't help but smile as she recalled Shia's appearance up to that point. Even though she had a troublesome physique unlike that of a demihuman, the bunny-eared girl was a mood maker and always had a smile on her face, which naturally made her smile.

Although Shia, still young, often acted half-heartedly, often ending up working for nothing, Tio still liked her hard work. However, the reason for asking her one and only lover to date someone else seemed a bit weak. So, Tio reassured Yue if it was simply because she had a crush on Shia.

"...I was half moved by her."

"Half? Well, what's the other half?"

Seeing Tio's puzzled expression, Yue smiled gently for the first time and replied:

“…Shia likes me too, much like she likes Hajime. It’s a different kind of liking, but the degree is the same. She’s cute, isn’t she?”

"...I see. So, to her, both Master and Yue are indispensable... Few people can be so cold towards pure love. That's her moral character, isn't it? Well, I understand Yue's feelings towards Shia... but what does Master think? Aren't you afraid of losing Master's heart to her? You're well aware of her charm, aren't you?"

Yue shrugged, thinking the question was stupid. She gave a seductive smile, narrowing her eyes, blushing her cheeks, and licking her lips with her little tongue.

Her figure was petite, like a young girl's, but she exuded a sensual charm that captivated passersby, both men and women, stopping to stare. People often accidentally bumped into others because they were so engrossed in her gaze. Even Tio, with her voluptuous figure, paled in comparison. Tio herself, mesmerized by the memory of Yue's delighted expression she had witnessed the previous night while peeping, couldn't help but stare intently.

While unconsciously (or consciously but deliberately ignoring) causing man-made accidents everywhere, Yue said:

“…I hope that more people will be ‘important’ to Hajime, but…I am the only one who is ‘special’ to Hajime. If anyone thinks they can take this position, then go ahead and take it. No matter when, where, or whoever it is…I will accept the challenge.”

The implication was "Will you take it away?" Yue's smile was so different from her usual expressionless face that Tio felt an inexplicable sense of oppression and took a step back.

Tio noticed that she had unconsciously retreated, and a look of surprise appeared on her face for a moment. Then she smiled bitterly and raised her hands in a gesture of surrender.

"...I have no intention of competing with you. Being scolded by my master is enough for me."

"……abnormal."

Yue looked at Tio with an annoyed expression, but Tio just laughed heartily.

Yue also saw that Tio had chosen this topic deliberately in order to establish a good relationship with them. Therefore, Yue sighed deeply at the dragon man she admired, who did not change his nature. However, she still smiled wryly, thinking that Tio would be able to get along well with them.

Just like that, Yue and Tio's relationship grew a little closer, and they continued their stroll peacefully. At this moment—

“Guaaaaa!!”

“Puwaa ...

A loud bang echoed, the walls of a nearby building crumbled, and two men were blown away. They wailed as they plummeted to the ground, their faces scraping against the ground, sliding for several meters before finally coming to a stop. They lay motionless, like corpses—no, they were corpses.

Several more men smashed through the glass of the same building, uttering the same wailing cry as they flew out like pinballs. The building erupted in the sound of violent destruction, each time accompanied by a violent tremor. Cracks appeared on the exterior walls, and debris fell to the ground.

A dozen men lay collapsed on the street outside, some in a state of disfigurement, some with their arms and legs bent in strange directions. The building finally seemed unable to withstand the onslaught, collapsing with a resounding roar.

As the crowd screamed and fled, Yue and Tio noticed a familiar voice and breath, so they stopped where they were and looked at the people in the dust in silence.

"Ahh, it's the scent of you two as expected."

"Eh? Miss Yue and Miss Tio? Why are you here?"

"...That was my line. Your date was way too intense."

"Really? Master, what kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?"

As Yue and Tio sensed, the figures that rushed out from the dust were none other than Hajime and Shia.

The two were dressed the same as when they left the house, weapons in hand, as they approached Yue and the others. Shia was wearing a cute outfit, but she had a ferocious warhammer on her shoulder, which looked very strange.

"Ahaha, I didn't expect this date to turn out like this. As the situation unfolded... we naturally ended up destroying facilities related to human trafficking organizations..."

"... Fighting a secret organization naturally?"

Yue looked defeated by them, Shia smiled awkwardly, and Tio looked at Hajime, demanding he explain the situation.

"We're shorthanded. I'll explain the situation and ask you to come and help."

Hajime put Donal into his holster, and in order to prevent the men lying on the ground from obstructing traffic, Hajime threw them one by one onto the rubble. He ignored the pile of men and began to explain what had happened to Yue and Tio.

After leaving the Meisutat Aquarium and enjoying lunch, Hajime and Shia strolled through the flowerbed maze and circus street. Shia was clutching several bags of food she'd bought from a street vendor, currently enjoying what looked like vanilla ice cream.

"You really know how to eat... Is it really that delicious?"

"Ah... yes! It's delicious! As expected of Fran, even the street vendor's food is of high quality."

"Be careful not to get fat by eating too much."

“…Hajime-san, you can’t say that to a girl.”

Shia stopped eating instantly after hearing what Hajime said, but she excused herself by saying, "I'll exercise later anyway... I'll be a little more restrained tomorrow..." She continued enjoying some sweets from the street vendor, while Hajime walked beside her with a wry smile. Suddenly, he looked surprised and glanced down at his feet.

Seeing this, Shia was puzzled and asked Hajime:

"What's wrong, Hajime-san?"

"Hmm? No, my aura sensor detected a human presence..."

"Are you using aura perception?"

"I basically keep my breath sense activated all the time. It's also a form of training."

"Hmm? Is there something that bothers you? You mentioned the human aura..."

Xia looked around and thought that there were people everywhere.

"No, it's not like that... The aura I sensed is from below."

"Down there... the sewers? Uh, could it be someone managing the facilities?"

"If that's the case, I wouldn't mind it. That aura was so small and weak... probably a child, and very frail."

“Hmm!? That’s bad, isn’t it? Maybe he fell through a hole somewhere and got swept away! Hajime-san! Let’s catch up! Which way should he go?”

After hearing what Hajime said, Shia immediately ran out.

Hajime believed he had followed his son's teachings and not lived a "lonely life," but the fact that Shia had taken action before him made him smile bitterly. It seemed that Shia's lively and upright personality had indeed had a positive influence on Hajime.

Hajime and Shia followed the aura flowing underground at a considerable speed. Hajime deduced that the underground waterway, structured so it would flow along the street they were currently on, so he leaped ahead of it in one breath, his hands pressed against the ground as he infused it. A red electric current shot out, and a hole immediately opened up below.

Hajime and Shia jumped down into the cave without hesitation. Just before they were about to touch the foul-smelling sewage below, Hajime hugged Shia and leaped with his aerodynamics, landing in the passages on both sides of the waterway.

"Mr. Hajime, I've also grasped that aura. Let me jump in and pull the person up!"

"No, don't worry."

Shia didn't care at all about getting her date clothes dirty, and was about to jump into the sewage. However, Hajime grabbed Shia's neck to stop her, and once again pressed his hand against the ground to infuse the energy.

As the red current surged, a railing rose from beneath the waterway. Because it was angled, it caught the child caught in the current and floated directly toward Hajime and the others. Hajime activated the mechanism in his left hand, extended his prosthetic arm, grabbed the child, and pulled him up the channel.

"This child is..."

"He's still breathing. Anyway, let's get out of here. It stinks."

Shia's eyes widened in surprise upon seeing the rescued child. Hajime, upon seeing the child's appearance, knew from his own knowledge that it couldn't possibly be there, and was quite surprised. However, this place was not good for the child's body or mind, so he decided to leave.

The child's condition didn't seem like an accident, so Hajime decided that exiting directly through the open hole wasn't the best option. He blocked the hole with his Refined Energy and, while recalling the locations of the buildings above ground, used his Refined Energy to dig a horizontal hole through the sewer. He then took a blanket from his "treasure vault," wrapped it around the child, and carried him as he moved.

At the end of a dead end, a red electric current suddenly erupted, creating a hole in the ground. Hajime and Shia nimbly leaped out. Hajime sealed the hole with his Reincarnation, then returned his gaze to the child in his arms.

This was a child about three or four years old, with long emerald green hair. Although young and dirty, her appearance was still decent and cute.

The most striking feature of the child, and the one that confused Hajime and Shia, was her ears. Unlike those of a human, they were two fan-shaped fins. Furthermore, when the little hand emerged from the blanket, a folded membrane could be seen between the fingers.

"This child is from the Sea People tribe. Why is he in a place like this..."

"That's definitely not a valid reason."

Although the Sea People are subhumans, they are a race with a very special stance.

They live at the end of the Western Continent, in the offshore city of Enisen, just off the coast of the Great Gulun Desert. They capitalize on their unique racial traits, catching 70% of the continent's catch. Therefore, despite being demihumans, they enjoy official protection within the Kingdom of Heilig. While discriminating against demihumans, they protect them because they are considered useful – a truly pragmatic approach.

She was a protected seaman and a young child. It was impossible for her to drift in the sewers of an inland metropolis. This matter exuded a strong sense of crime.

Hajime and Shia looked at each other, their faces filled with indescribable expressions. At this moment, the Seaman girl twitched her cute nose and then opened her eyes.

At first, the Sea People girl's gaze shifted, seemingly confused. Soon, her large, round eyes locked onto Hajime, staring at him silently.

Hajime didn't avoid her gaze and stared at her. They stared at each other, staring at each other non-stop.

"What the hell are you two doing...?"

In the inexplicably tense atmosphere, Shia leaned forward, seemingly unable to bear it. The Sea People girl's stomach then made a lovely growl. Her nose twitched again, and her gaze finally shifted, this time fixed on the food bag Shia was holding.