Chapter Ten: Until We Meet Again

"Yes, that is exactly what I am truly worried about," Kari sighed softly. "You should have seen it yourself earlier; he used a sword and shield to perform a Demon Flurry Dance."

"The length, weight, and center of gravity of dual blades are repeatedly modified and adjusted specifically for 'Demon Mode' and 'Flurry' maneuvers before they are finalized. I could activate Demon Mode while holding a sword and shield, but if I tried to perform a Demon Flurry Dance with them, I would likely sprain my back or end up slicing off my own wrists."

Joda, also a dual-blade user, nodded. He finally understood why Kari was always so uneasy about Oran.

"Then why did you suddenly decide to leave?"

Kari wore a somewhat strained smile. "Because I suddenly realized that he has truly grown up. He has been promoted to a one-star rank, become an official hunter, and is capable of standing on his own. If I were to forbid him from going where he wants or doing what he wants, he might still listen now. But would he listen forever? Not to mention, I am not even sure if the advice I have given him is right or wrong. The Guild Master also warned me that if I continue to control him like this, the boy might even turn to extremes. I..."

Kari let her shoulders slump, looking slightly powerless. "Perhaps the one who was truly bound was not him, but me. Perhaps the time has come when I must let go."

Joda gave Kari a sympathetic look. He had children of his own, not even two years younger than Oran, who spent their days running around like fools. They were mediocre children, ill-suited to be hunters—and certainly not scholars or merchants either. Most likely, they would find steady jobs and live quiet, stable lives. Oran was far more talented than those children, but at the same time, he had far more to face and far more to endure.

"Is there anything you need help with?" Joda asked.

"He once promised me that he would not use any weapon other than the sword and shield until I gave him permission. I imposed that restriction because the sword and shield is the most balanced, easiest to master, and safest weapon of them all; perhaps it could protect him from hurting 'himself.' But now, perhaps the time has come to lift that ban."

Having said this, Kari rested her hands on her thighs and lowered her shoulders and head. "Please, help me pass this on to him. Tell him to ask his own heart three times; if the answer is 'yes' each time, then whatever he wants to do, he should go and do it. His teacher will always support him. This is the key to the house. After I leave, he must take care of himself."

"Why not tell him yourself?" Joda asked, somewhat puzzled. "Before you leave Loc Lac, don't you intend to see him one last time to say goodbye?"

"No," Kari stood up and bowed deeply once more. "The boy's personality is just like mine; we aren't used to such things. Let any sighs or complaints be saved for when we meet again in the future."

***

Brought to the Guerrilla squad's warehouse and outfitted in a brand-new set of Citadel Guerrilla armor, Oran turned, moved his arms, and stretched his legs. It felt quite a good fit. This set of armor was a lightweight type that emphasized agility, so his movement was not hindered, which he liked very much.

"Is there anything that needs adjusting?" the craftsman nearby asked.

Oran felt it over carefully. "The abdomen and belt area—could you tighten it just a little more? Maybe about two centimeters."

"Certainly."

This level of adjustment was simple; the craftsman did not even make him take off the equipment, simply readjusting the straps to finish the job.

"Thank you very much." After thanking him sincerely, Oran walked out of the warehouse.

"Whew!" Resha, waiting outside, looked him up and down and let out a whistle. "You look really!"

"Really what?"

"Really, really like a Citadel Guerrilla!"

"..."

"Just kidding! Don't be so serious, little Oran!" Resha laughed. "Do you need a weapon? Although the best the Guerrilla squad can offer is the standard ore-based starter weapon, just like the hunter's dagger you're using now. But if you want to use other types of weapons, we can provide them, like dual blades or something. Sage mentioned to me just now that you know how to use dual blades, right?"

Oran hesitated for a second, but shook his head. "No, thank you. I have no plans to change my weapon for the time being."

"Fine, suit yourself."

"However, speaking of weapons, I have a question."

"What question?"

"Mr. Joda is a dual-blade user, right? And Ms. Resha, you use a hunting bow."

"I told you not to use those honorifics!" Resha cast an unhappy look at Oran. "That's right, Boss Joda's specialty is dual blades. He holds a five-star hunter license and has hunted a Diablos solo. Pretty strong, right? As for me, I actually started with dual blades, but later realized they didn't suit me, so I switched to the hunting bow."

"A swordsman turned gunner... that's quite a transformation."

"Oh, my mom was in the Citadel Guerrilla when she was young, and she used dual blades, so I was forced to learn a bit back then. Later, when I was exposed to ranged weapons, I realized I really liked the feeling of 'pew-pew-pew!' so I switched! Anyway, you said you had a question—what was it?"

If she hadn't brought it up, Oran would have almost forgotten. "Including you and Mr. Joda, the Citadel Guerrilla members I've seen so far all seem to use light weapons. Things like dual blades, swords and shields, light bowguns, and hunting bows. Long swords are rare, and I haven't seen a single great sword or gunlance. Is there some restriction on the types of weapons members can use?"

"Ah, that question. There aren't any restrictions, but it's a matter of suitability," Resha explained. "Take the emergency incident you experienced this morning as an example. It was appropriate to use a sword and shield to deal with the monster in the crowded street full of stalls. But imagine if you had used a great sword or even a gunlance in that scene? It would have turned into a situation where people would be screaming, 'What kind of protection is this?!'"

"I see..."

"However, the Citadel Guerrilla does have heavy weapon users, but those muscular brothers and sisters mostly don't participate in routine city patrols. You plan on taking more subjugation missions later, right? They are responsible for that area. They are all straightforward, generous people, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to deal with them in the future."

Oran nodded in understanding.

"Equipment is ready. Now, I'll take you to the dormitory. A heads-up: don't have too high expectations for the conditions; after all, it's just a dormitory. Oh, right, there's one more thing I almost forgot to mention." Resha suddenly turned around. "Are you not used to wearing a helmet?"

"Yes, that's right," Oran did not hide it.

"Get used to it as soon as possible. Whenever you're on duty, remember to wear the matching straw hat." As Resha spoke, she put on her own face veil, leaving only her eyes visible. "The Citadel Guerrilla is, after all, an official department with certain law enforcement functions. Maintaining a degree of dignity and mystery is necessary. For swordsmen, it's the straw hat; even for us gunners, if we can't wear a hat, we must wear a veil. Do not chat casually with passersby while on duty. Be serious, do you understand?"

Sage, standing to the side, rolled her eyes at her. "That's not for you to teach Oran, nya. Just make sure you pay attention to it yourself, nya."

"Symbolic significance, I understand. I won't be self-willed."

Oran pressed the straw hat onto his head and pulled the brim down, letting the shadow shroud his face.