Travels of the Great Prophet Who Trained One Hundred Thankful Heroes

All right, I've decided. I'm going on a journey around the world!

From my study, I abruptly made this proclamation as I placed my pen down on the desk.

Huh? What's gotten into you, Master Eisen? Why are you making such an announcement out of nowhere?

The elven girl with pale red hair who had been shelving books responded.

Do you remember, Linne? There was a man named Duke who became my disciple long ago.

Yes. Being long-lived, I have an excellent memory, so I remember him well . . . but what about him?

The other day, I got a letter from him.

My dear beloved master, Eisen Otis. I hope you are well. It has been twenty years since I became king. Thanks to you, Master, I have been able to handle not only political affairs but also various physically demanding tasks. The country's economy has improved, and every city has developed. It is such a wonderful place, so I would be delighted if you could visit us. Should you contact us on that occasion, we would be honored to welcome you as a state guest and introduce you to the various charms of our nation. Please take care of yourself.

That's what it said.

Ah, I see. We receive letters like this from your other disciples all the time.

Linne looked at the bookshelf.

Several letters lay there; she picked up a few.

This one is from Fraulst, who became a sage a few years ago, and this one came from Grand Knight Heinrich just two weeks ago, saying he defeated monstrosities and expanded the realm. Both of them write, "Please come visit me. I'd like to show you around." We've received them from others who became lords, magic university headmasters, and so on. From all of the Hundred Heroes.

Right? I've been receiving letters like that for ages now. There's nothing for me to do here anyway, and since they're all so eager to show me around, I thought I might as well visit them all.

I see. Should we send spell verses to those who wrote, or would you prefer to write back yourself, Master?

I shook my head.

No, I don't think I need to contact them.

Huh . . . ? Why not?

Well, they're all in demanding positions, right? I would just be a bother if I contacted them and took up their time, wouldn't I?

My disciples were all in incredibly busy positions—kings, lords, headmasters, and the like.

I doubted it was right to deliberately take up their time.

So I figure it's fine to just go by myself, enjoy things on my own, and if I happen to meet them along the way, I'll just say a quick hello.

I see . . . traveling incognito, then.

Exactly.

When are you departing?

I'm thinking of setting off today.

Th-that's pretty sudden, isn't it?

You're better off moving fast when inspiration strikes.

I'd already packed my bags earlier and said my goodbyes to the neighbors.

All that was left was to leave.

So anyway, I'm off. Linne, you're free to do as you plea—

In that case, I'm coming with you. Just give me a moment to pack my things.

My sentence was cut short by Linne, who rushed to the corner of the room and started putting on what looked like a backpack and other gear.

Um . . . Linne? You know you don't need to look after me anymore just because you're a live-in disciple, right . . . ?

Exactly, which is why I'll look after Master Eisen because I want to. I mean, I wasn't staying with you just because I was your disciple in the first place—it was my own choice. So this time too, I'll come along whether I'm your disciple or not. You did say I was free to do as I please, after all . . . That's okay, isn't it?

Linne looked up at me timidly.

Well, she had every right to make that choice. I had no business stopping her. Besides . . .

Having you along would be a huge help, so I'm grateful.

Linne's expression brightened.

Yes! Please hold on a moment. I've already got most of my stuff ready, and I'll have my equipment and travel gear sorted in just a few minutes!

Huh? Wait, I just told you about this trip, but you're already prepared?

Of course! I stay ready so I can go anywhere with Master Eisen! And I'm done already!

She gave a thumbs-up.

You really are quick to act, Linne.

Thank you . . . Though, Master Eisen, you don't look surprised. Did you see this coming?

I had a feeling this might happen.

I knew Linne was the type to take care of others.

So I had a feeling she might come along.

That's Master Eisen the prophet for you.

Hold on there. Just because I can use prophecy and prediction magic doesn't mean I can actually see the future, you know?

Prophecy and prediction magic weren't the sort of magic that could foresee the future.

. . . In essence, a prophet was simply a mage who used kotodama.

In the first place, the sort of magic wielded by prophets to scry the future could only offer a fleeting glimpse ahead at best, and even that came at the cost of various compromises or sacrifices.

Had that been all there was to it, my former self could have handled it, but not the current me. It was nothing more than a gut feeling.

That's right . . . You had to scatter most of your power across the world after your fight with the Demon Sword King.

If I'd held onto my power while I was in that state, I wouldn't have been able to control it and it would have run wild. I had no choice. Besides, now that I've rested here and my body has recovered, I should be able to get my power back.

I stepped outside through the back door built into my study for moving furniture.

Beyond the house stretched grassy fields beneath a rainbow-colored sky, the air itself shimmering with white light.

This was the place called the otherworld, located between the human realm and the spirit realm.

After being wounded in that battle long ago, an acquaintance had helped me come to this world.

Perhaps because of this world's unique flow of time, my body recovered swiftly. Even so, it had taken a considerable amount of time to heal completely. Nonetheless, my body hadn't deteriorated at all, and I still maintained a youthful appearance—I had returned to my former self.

Hmm . . . ? So does that mean you're going on this journey to recover your power, Master?

No, that's just a bonus. I'll recover it if I happen to come across it along the way. The primary goal is what I said before—to go sightseeing in the places where my disciples are. In secret, of course.

I raised my index finger as I spoke to Linne, then walked a few steps away from the house.

A door of white light stood before us. It was the entrance connecting the otherworld and the human realm.

But just as I was about to step through.

Oh my, are you leaving, Eisen Otis? And you too, Linne?

A woman materialized from the shimmering white light beside the door.

She was a young woman draped in thin white cloth like a dress.

Oh, Spirit Ex-Emperor. Thank you for taking care of us.

The woman known as the Spirit Ex-Emperor shook her head with a smile.

Don't mention it. I haven't been able to do much for you anyway.

That’s not true at all, Spirit Ex-Emperor. Thanks to you my body has fully recovered, you helped me deliver my disciples’ letters, and everything else you’ve done for us.

She offered a bitter smile in response.

You don't need to thank me so much, Eisen Otis. Your wounds from battling the Demon Sword King were, in part, our responsibility. Besides . . . thanks to having you both here, I was able to tell my children some fascinating tales, so if we're talking about gratitude, it goes both ways.

As the Ex-Emperor spoke, she glanced behind her. Small spirit children stood there. These children, perhaps still unable to materialize their bodies properly, took on translucent silhouettes.

Master! Thank you!

They waved their hands.

Oh my, Master Eisen. Even the Spirit Ex-Emperor's children are calling you master.

Linne, I think it's because you kept calling me master all the time.

Haha, well, you helped raise them, so it's not wrong, Eisen . . . If anything involving the spirit realm ever comes up, please call on us anytime. Not just me—the spirits you've raised and trained will surely lend their strength as well.

The Ex-Emperor extended her hand. I nodded and took it in mine.

Yeah, I'll count on you when that time comes, Ex-Emperor . . . Well then, see you later!

Everyone, take care!

As the former Spirit Emperor, I offer you both my blessing on your journey.

With the Spirit Ex-Emperor seeing us off, Linne and I opened the door.

Well then, Linne, shall we begin our incognito journey around the world without the other disciples knowing?

Yes, Master Eisen!

Accompanied by Linne, I ventured into the human realm for the first time in ages.

. . . Hehe. Really, Eisen the prophet—you've trained and raised not only the heroes but also the spirits who went to the human realm. The disciples who adore you in the human realm are no longer just the Hundred Heroes . . . I do hope you'll come to realize that.

†

Finally . . . this day has come . . . !

In an underground chamber beneath the royal castle in the capital city of Central Rega, King Duke gazed at the people within the magic circle, his voice resonating with unrestrained joy.

The roughly twenty people inside the magic circle were all dressed in robes, holding crystal balls aloft, sweating heavily.

They chanted in unison, their voices weaving words together. The same words that had been delivered moments earlier penetrated the king's eardrums once more.

A prophet shall appear in the human realm. One like the prophet who defeated the Demon Sword King, ally of the evil god who once sought to destroy the world . . .

King Duke had not misheard.

He tightened his fist.

Finally . . . ! Finally, this prophecy has come . . . !

With an expression of great joy, Duke addressed the people before him.

Well done, my beloved fortune-tellers!

The moment those words reached them, the fortune-tellers lowered their crystal balls and fell to their knees in tandem.

Hah . . . hah . . . How did it go, Your Majesty?

Yes—after years of struggle, we've achieved the result we hoped for, everyone!

Really?!

Yes, now rest well . . . !

At the king's voice, a shared look of relief and accomplishment washed over the fortune-tellers' faces.

Duke felt heartfelt gratitude to the fortune-tellers, quietly murmuring to himself.

All those years of investing my own money, hiring dedicated fortune-tellers, acquiring magic tools, and preparing . . . it was all worth it!

They did this every month: had the fortune-tellers accumulate mana for a full month, then had them harness all that power to cast prediction magic.

Even with all this budget, personnel, and equipment, we still couldn't match my master's precision, scale, or accuracy . . .

They were in a ritual chamber that had been designed and built over many years to enhance the fortune-tellers' mana.

Such magic, by nature, necessitated the use of specialized equipment and magical tools to empower the caster, followed by the accumulation of mana over the course of one month. Furthermore, invocation of this magic could only be achieved when multiple individuals activated it in parallel.

No one in the human realm was as skilled as his former master, who could cast prediction magic independently, so the cost was inevitable.

I'm grateful that we got this result . . . !

At the very least, however, they had learned that a formidable prophet would emerge at some point in the future.

It wasn't known when or even if it would actually be his own master.

Be that as it may, the likelihood that it would be his master was undoubtedly high. Should it turn out to be his master—

The moment I find you, I'll provide you with the finest hospitality, Master . . . !

After leaving the otherworld, we found ourselves facing a forest where sunlight filtered through the trees, and a well-maintained, firmly packed road.

A large city came into view beyond the road.

Ah, how nostalgic. That's the Frontier City, isn't it?

Oh yes, that's right. It was there even before we went to the otherworld. According to the letters we occasionally received, it's become quite modernized and much more livable.

I can see even from here that the farms and ranches are well-organized . . .

Thanks to the frequent letters, I became quite well-informed about the country and the world.

Still, witnessing it firsthand gave a different sensation than just learning about it through words, which was so fascinating.

Seeing the developments I'd read about in reports become a tangible reality before my eyes filled me with a surge of genuine excitement.

This is precisely what I've been seeking since I embarked on the journey, I reflected, remembering what I had read in the letters.

That city should have a Global Guild branch that's been operating for decades, right?

The Global Guild was an organization that collected and compiled information about professionals not just in this country, but around the world.

There, you could register your profession and obtain what they called a Global Card to verify your identity.

In cities and countries with checkpoints, this kind of basic identification was indispensable.

I'll probably need it for traveling too, so I should either update my identification at the Global Guild or create a new one.

The card I'd made back when I was a prophet had been destroyed in the previous war, so I'd need to have it reissued or get a replacement.

Linne nodded.

That's right. I don't have one either and would like to make one . . . Oh—um, Master Eisen? The book at the tip of that staff is glowing somehow.

In the middle of her sentence, she pointed at the staff I had at my waist.

It had a small, thin book attached to its tip and was a weapon I'd been using for ages.

And in that moment, that staff was indeed emitting a faint light, just as Linne had said.

The reason was simple:

Ah, this is detecting the power I sealed away.

Exactly. It was reacting to the power I had scattered and left behind in this world.

I added that function to this staff so I could search for it if I ever got the chance.

Oh, I see! So that means it's somewhere around here?

That's right. I remember hiding it somewhere before I retreated to the otherworld, but . . .

Back then, in the midst of my wavering semi-consciousness, my foremost concern was to leave it somewhere safe, a fact that rendered my recollection of the location imprecise. That was specifically why I equipped the staff with the function to react to it.

I decided to make use of it now, so I drew the staff and swept it around the area.

I found one spot where the light grew stronger.

Looking in that direction, I saw a large tree in the forest with thick vines wrapped around it.

Around here, then.

I brought the staff closer to the large tree.

Flash!

The vines wrapped around the trunk began to glow.

The light on the vines gathered in one spot within seconds, taking the form of a sheet of paper.

[Unseal Condition / Certify / Return]

The words appeared across the paper.

Then it was drawn into the small book at the tip of the staff I held.

The book attached to the tip of my staff became thicker by one sheet of paper.

Linne, who had been watching all of this from nearby, looked puzzled.

Um, Master Eisen? Has your power been recovered with this?

Probably. I can tell by looking at this—

I opened the book at the tip of the staff.

This book contained records of all the skills and magic I could use as a prophet.

My disciples used to call it the Tome of Prophecy, among other things.

In reality, it was merely an auxiliary feature that could be utilized as a recording device, akin to a magical mediation tool.

Anyway, regardless of the past, being able to check what abilities had become available at moments like this was invaluable. I opened to the last page that had just been added.

And written there . . .

Recovery complete. [Skill: Mana Amplification I] acquired.

Yeah. It looks like my power has returned without any problems.

Really?! You're already unbelievably formidable, but you've become even mightier!

Haha, even if you say that, it's really just a minor enhancement.

This Mana Amplification skill basically only provides a slight power boost, one that is quite prevalent.

Even so, it's certainly better to have it than not.

Besides, I am equally happy that I am able to recover it at all. I can actually feel the power flowing back into my body.

Even something minor is worth being grateful for.

Right as I was thinking so . . .

Hmm.

Linne's long ears twitched.

. . . Master Eisen. I think you've noticed, but monsters are coming.

Linne looked toward the trees beside the road ahead, where rustling sounds came from.

. . . Gruu . . .

Boar-headed monsters with massive tusks lumbered toward us, sending tremors through the ground with their heavy footsteps.

Lesser monsters—Lesser Trolls.

Ah, I figured something might be lurking around. Even this close to the city, monsters still wander through.

There were three of them. The drooling beasts advanced, clubs clutched in their hands and their eyes burning with pure hostility.

Well, they're clearly not here for a friendly chat, so let's get this over with . . .

Right. Shall I take care of them?

Linne generated crackling lightning from her palms.

No, I'll handle this. It'll be a good test to see how my body and magic are holding up.

Since I've just recovered some of my power, I should put it to use.

I stepped forward and raised my staff.

The magic I employed was a simple form of prophecy magic that I had exercised several times, even in the otherworld.

Let these words reach you all—Flame Spear!

The moment I called out to the Lesser Trolls, blazing spears erupted from my staff and streaked toward all three creatures.

The flame spears struck their targets at dazzling speeds.

. . . Guoooh?!

By the time the trolls' eyes shot wide open in shock, their entire bodies were already engulfed in flames.

They crumpled to their knees and collapsed.

Ooh, Master Eisen's prophecy magic is as magnificent as always . . . !

Watching the spell take effect, Linne called out in delight.

By directing mana-laden words at a target, a phenomenon can be triggered.

That's one way to use prophecy magic.

Though kotodama users can also cast word-based magic.

While I pondered this, the three Lesser Trolls had turned to ashes.

Well, I used it plenty in the otherworld too, but I'm glad it works just as well here.

It felt the same whether I was in the otherworld or the human realm, which was only natural. However . . .

The flames are fiercer.

Now that you mention it, you're right. The flame spears were about twice as large.

It's probably the Mana Amplification I gained when I recovered my power.

Even in the otherworld, I could produce flames with the word flame, but I'd never been able to conjure fire intense enough to incinerate monsters this quickly.

Although it was a common enhancement, seeing its effects in action was still something to appreciate.

I looked at the carbonized Lesser Troll bodies. In the center of their blackened, charred remains, I could see gray-glowing stones.

Those were mana stones.

When a monster died, mana stones could be extracted from its corpse. They served a number of purposes, so it was good to collect them.

I picked up the mana stones. I could exchange them for money or trade them for tools later.

All right. Now that we've dealt with that problem, let's head to the city. I want to get a closer look at how it’s developed.

Yes, Master!

Having recovered part of my power—even if it was a secondary objective—I walked toward the city, savoring both a subtle sense of satisfaction and the atmosphere of the human realm.

†

Linne and I had reached the outskirts of the city.

Since then, no monsters had gotten in our way, which resulted in a peaceful journey.

The road through the grassland was well-maintained and easy to walk on. I could sense the years of care and devotion put into the small details to make life slightly more comfortable.

The stream running alongside the road was clear and clean.

It really is pleasant.

The Global Guild is located in the city center. Hopefully, my pleasant mood will last all the way there. With that thought, I continued down the road with Linne.

Just then . . .

It's not here . . . it's not here . . . !

Looking toward the sound, I saw a patch of knee-high grass. A woman wearing a green hat was rustling around in it.

What should I do . . . without that, the storehouse won't open . . . everyone will be in trouble . . .

Judging by her ornate coat and skirt, the woman was well-dressed. Yet she was pushing through the grass without any concern for getting her clothes dirty.

Right as I was wondering what she was doing . . .

Oh . . . ?

She seemed to have noticed us.

Our eyes made contact.

She stood up and rustled her way out of the grass patch.

Um, I'm sorry to ask so suddenly, but have you seen a jade-colored key around here? About this size?

She held up her thumb and index finger a few centimeters apart. It was quite small.

A key? You mean a key for opening doors?

Yes, that's right. I was collecting medicinal herbs around here when a monster—a kobold—showed up. I fought it off, but somehow my chain broke and I dropped the key . . .

The woman showed us the thin chain at her waist.

It was made of metal and looked sturdy, but it had clearly snapped in two.

I see . . . Either the monster damaged it or it shattered from sudden movement.

This area was close to the city, but monsters still showed up from time to time, making such incidents unavoidable.

We'd been attacked ourselves just earlier.

So, did both of you see anything like a key around here . . . ?

She asked with exasperation.

Nevertheless, we had just arrived here ourselves, and I didn't recall seeing anything like that during our walk.

Unfortunately, we just got here ourselves. We haven't seen it.

Same here.

Linne concurred with my answer.

The woman's face fell.

Ah, just as I thought . . . of course . . . What should I do . . . I'm running out of time. But I have to keep searching . . . it must be somewhere around here . . .

She looked dejected as she muttered to herself, clearly at a loss.

Clearly, it was important to her.

Somehow, it seemed that regardless of how much time elapsed, the damage wrought by monsters upon humans would never cease.

Well, it doesn’t feel right to disregard someone in trouble right in front of me . . .

And when it comes to searching for lost items, there are ways I may be able to help.

Would you like me to help?

What?! Really?!

At my suggestion, the woman's face lit up with joy.

Oh, but searching around here would take quite a long time. I'd hate to impose on you like that—would that really be all right . . . ? You just arrived and everything, and I’d hate to get in the way of your plans . . .

She seemed to be mindful of our situation.

Even though she was the one in trouble, she was still thinking about others. That showed she was probably a good person. Still, I shook my head.

It won't take that long. Besides, you'll be the one who finds it.

Huh . . . what do you mean . . . ?

Well, just wait a moment.

As soon as I said that, I placed my palm on the ground.

O earth, lend me your words. Tell me about what was attached to her waist chain.

I spoke to the ground itself.

This was a form of prophecy magic that asked nature questions and sought answers from it.

!

Almost immediately, the answer came back to me as invisible spirits in the ground fed information directly into my mind.

With that information in hand, I stood up.

U-um, are you all right? You suddenly sat down . . .

Yeah, no problem. Actually, let's see . . . You dropped it over there, right?

I pointed to the grassland near the stream that flowed alongside the road.

The woman's eyes bulged as she looked at me and nodded.

Y-yes . . . that's right. Were you watching me?

No. I just found out about it now. So if that's the case . . . there's a tree growing next to that grassland, right? If you search around there, you might find it. Could you go take a look?

Eh . . . um . . . y-yes . . .

The woman looked perplexed, but she headed into the grassland despite her confusion.

She walked over to the trees and stared at the ground for several seconds, then—

I-I found it?!

Her voice rang out.

After picking up something from the ground, she rushed over to us.

Um, th-thank you so much!

She expressed her gratitude with a mixture of joy and amazement in her voice and expression.

Well, I'm glad you found it.

I had the opportunity to test out how non-combat magic felt as well, so it was like killing two birds with one stone. As I was thinking to myself—

Ex-excuse me! That magic just now! Did it perhaps see my past and future?!

The woman asked, still bearing an expression of amazement.

Huh? No, it's not that advanced. I just used magic that's common in fortune-telling and such.

Indeed, to be precise, I simply asked the earth about her movements and interpreted the response.

The earth spirits remembered everything: how she had been startled by a monster in the grassland and had immediately driven it away; and how, at that moment, the chain had snapped against a sharp part of the tree, causing the key to fall.

These invisible spirits weren't strong enough to speak on their own, but they could be heard if we made an effort to listen and helped them along.

And now, I had even managed to pinpoint the spot where it might be.

Well . . . I couldn't make out the exact shape of the key, though.

That was why I thought it would be faster to have her search for it, so I sent her to look. While I was mulling this over . . .

Th-then that means you're a famous fortune teller?!

Ah, no, I'm not a fortune teller. I just listened to the voices of nature spirits . . .

In fact, communing with spirits that dwell in nature was a standard technique employed by prophets.

The Find prophecy magic was a relatively simple technique, nonetheless.

Listening to voices from nature and spirits, gathering information, and making predictions—that was the fundamental work of a prophet.

Needless to say, that was just the basics. As a prophet, I could do other things, but . . .

This girl seems to be reacting like . . . she's seeing prophecy for the first time.

Perhaps prophets had become rare.

Even before I went into seclusion, the number of people entering the prophetic profession had decreased considerably.

That said, this was near a major city. Prophets typically settled in places with large populations.

In major urban areas in the past, most people were familiar with prophets . . .

Perhaps times have changed . . .

You listened to the voices of spirits—which means . . . you must work in spirit magic. I see . . . Thank you so much. Might I ask your names?

Somehow the conversation had moved forward on its own.

However, it wasn't something worth interrupting the conversation to correct.

There were actually aspects that were close to spirit magic. So for now, I'd just answer her question.

Ah, I'm Eisen. This is Linne.

Mr. Eisen! And Ms. Linne! I'm truly grateful for this! I'll definitely repay this debt . . . ! . . . Um, since you just arrived in this town, are you planning to settle here, or are you just traveling through?

I'm not planning to live here, but . . . I think I'll be making this my base of operations for a while. I also have business with the Global Guild.

I see! Then please visit the Alchemists' Garden next to the Global Guild when you have time! I'm in a rush right now, but I'll definitely thank you properly later!

Oh, got it.

Thank you very much! Well then, see you later!

After hurriedly saying this, the woman rushed off toward town with quick steps.

She was quite the energetic girl, wasn't she? An alchemist, apparently.

Yes, well, she seemed quite happy that her key was found. I was thinking how considerate you are as always, Master Eisen.

Well, we were in such a good mood, so I wanted to keep that feeling going. Besides, now we can head to the Global Guild in good spirits too.

Hehe, that's true. Then let's go in good spirits, Master Eisen!

†

The Frontier City had no checkpoints.

So, we entered the city directly, and now I was standing with Linne in front of the Global Guild in the city center.

It was a tall, multi-story wooden building.

Reinforced with mana stones and metal, its structure was fairly sturdy, and the interior, visible from the entrance, appeared rather expansive.

I believed it had fewer floors and wasn't nearly as spacious in the past, but . . .

Compared to before I went to the otherworld, it's been considerably expanded.

That's right. We received a letter from a guild master supervisor, and they wrote, "After consulting with Master and following your advice to properly maintain guild facilities in urban areas with the professionals in mind, the congestion has been resolved and security has stabilized! Thank you so very much!"

Ah . . . I do remember being consulted about that.

I never thought I'd see those results with my own eyes.

Amused by this turn of events, I entered the guild together with Linne.

The first floor was as spacious as it had appeared from outside.

In addition to the reception counters, a tavern area had also been built into the space.

Everyone was happily eating, drinking, and enjoying their time.

Enjoying the pleasant atmosphere, I headed toward the reception counter with Linne and got in line.

There were many counters, and the few people who had been in line ahead of us were quickly served.

Next person, please!

With almost no wait, our turn came up, so we approached the counter.

The receptionist gave a light bow to both Linne and me.

Welcome to the Global Guild. What can I help you with today?

She asked, smiling.

It was a polite business smile, but I felt nostalgic that this kind of exchange hadn't changed since the old days. I stated my business.

I'd like to get a card.

A Global Card, I see. Understood. What will you be using it for?

I want to travel around the world.

The moment I stated my purpose, the receptionist's eyes widened.

Oh my . . . is that so? Rather than joining a company, you're planning to become an "adventurer," aren't you?

She seemed mildly surprised.

Is that really such a surprising thing?

I don't think travelers are that rare. I thought so, but . . .

Yes. In these peaceful times, there are few people who travel the world or go adventuring to gain knowledge without joining some professional organization—a "company." You're the first person to say they want to become an "adventurer" since I've been working here.

The standard practice at the Global Guild when receiving a card was to join a "company," which was essentially a professional organization comprising individuals in similar fields, she explained.

People who took up a profession and traveled around completing various jobs were called "adventurers."

In the past, roughly seventy percent joined companies while thirty percent became adventurers, but . . .

Apparently, that balance has shifted.

As I was musing on such things, the receptionist looked at us, her expression shifting from a businesslike smile to something softer.

Hehe, you two are quite brave, aren't you? I have to admire that.

Well, it's just that I wanted to travel.

Even so, I think you're courageous. But we're getting sidetracked. Let's get started on creating your card, so please fill in your name and profession on this form.

She handed us a sheet of paper. There was a space for names, and . . .

. . . Wow, Master. Look at all this text. Are these all profession names?

So many professions were listed that Linne, who was probably seeing the document for the first time, was taken aback.

Nearly a thousand profession names were crammed together in tiny print.

Indeed, when they reached a certain age in this country, an aptitude evaluation was administered at the profession temple to ascertain their ideal line of work.

In principle, individuals were only well-suited to a narrow range of occupations.

If I recalled correctly, I had the aptitude for about four or five, including prophet and scholar.

At the Global Guild, you made a selection from among those you were matched with, depending on your goals. The receptionist offered us a similar explanation.

So please circle the professions that were identified at the profession temple. You can choose one or several. Some people use different cards for different professions. It's really up to you.

Ah, understood.

With this, a card would be created that clearly indicated their profession and served as a guarantee.

It was a multipurpose item that could be used in various ways, such as working at a company, identification at checkpoints, and other everyday uses.

Though mine got destroyed by an attack during the war with the evil god.

I thought it was a convenient system since you could get new cards issued as many times as needed, so I started filling out the form when . . .

Huh?

Something caught my attention.

Is something wrong?

No, I was just thinking that "prophet" isn't listed as a profession here.

Hearing this, the receptionist gave me an odd glance.

Uh . . . um . . . are you really planning to claim you're a prophet? For the card, for real?

Was that something bad?

The receptionist looked bewildered for a few moments, then—

Um . . . no, how should I put it—if it's a joke, I think it's better not to say such things.

She leaned in close and whispered to me in a hushed voice.

Huh? Did I say something that bad?

Intrigued, I whispered back, and she nodded earnestly.

Yes. Some people might not take it well. That's a dangerous joke.

Dangerous?

I hadn’t been joking, though.

Even so, wondering what she meant, I listened to her explanation.

Yes, it's dangerous. You see, prophets went extinct fifteen years ago when the last member of the Prophet Company died, so claiming to be one would be like impersonating the dead. And that would summon the death god.

It was an unanticipated answer.

Uh . . . extinct . . . seriously?

Yes. The last prophet was unmarried with no family. They apparently despised books and refused to leave any behind—they wouldn't even let anyone keep records. Because of that, there was no one left to inherit their techniques . . . There was also a building called the Prophet's Hall, but it was destroyed in the war. With all that knowledge completely cut off, no new prophets can emerge anymore . . .

The receptionist told me this with a hint of sadness.

Nothing about her expression implied that she was fibbing.

The Global Guild exchanges information with the temples, but no one with prophet aptitude has appeared in ages. Setting aside those who've lived since ancient times, the reality is that fewer and fewer people even know the profession of prophet once existed. The Hundred Heroes, who are called the "prophet's disciples" and are active in this world, are among the few who understand the power of prophets. They tell us about how phenomenal that power was. I only know through hearsay what someone called a prophet could actually do.

So that's what happened . . .

Yes. So making jokes about prophets or disparaging them would upset the Hundred Heroes too, which isn't good. And even setting aside the death god business, there's something much, much more dangerous.

Eh . . . there's still . . . something else?

Actually, this is where things get serious.

You probably don't know this since you're casually trying to claim you're a prophet, but . . . for years now there's been royal decrees from the king: "Report any rogue prophets or individuals claiming to be prophets immediately!" and "Mobilize all town guard units and surrounding guild members to protect that person before making contact!"

Seriously?

That's right. So if you were to claim you're a prophet, we'd have to report you to the king whilst also doing all those troublesome things.

After saying that much, the receptionist took a breath.

So, what will you do? In the past, someone made false claims and they were imprisoned—it's such a serious matter . . . but should I still make your card as a prophet?

It wasn't a falsity that I was a prophet.

That much was certain.

But hearing all this, I realized it would be wise to keep quiet. After briefly exchanging glances and nods with Linne, I quickly corrected myself.

Ah . . . no. Let's just say it was a joke. Please register me under a different profession.

I see, that's good. Then please fill out this new form.

Accompanied by a reassuring smile, the receptionist handed us a new form.

Thank you for explaining all of that, miss.

Not at all, I'm just glad I could help. It would be a shame if someone who's going to become an adventurer got into trouble over a simple joke.

She spoke with a relieved smile.

Ah, I am grateful this woman is thoughtful enough to explain all these things to me.

I can't possibly let them be inconvenienced by mobilizing the entire security force in town like this.

If that were to happen, I’d feel awful about it.

It really was the right choice to come incognito.

The Duke I remembered went to the extremes when he got serious.

Since I knew my disciple's character reasonably well, I could have foreseen such things to some extent.

Even so, I was really glad I was able to learn this information.

Had I remained ignorant, there would have been no telling what might have ensued.

I thought there were still other prophets alive, so I assumed I could claim the prophet profession, but that was a mistake.

To think that the head of the company had already passed away.

We weren't close enough to exchange letters, and besides, I was in the otherworld so I couldn't have known.

Fifteen years had passed.

Even such a short time was enough for techniques to be lost completely.

I was taught that the history of prophets stretched back eons, yet when it came to an end, it happened in the blink of an eye.

Well, throughout my training as a prophet, I was repeatedly warned that the loss of our knowledge was inevitable.

I just have the feeling that the time has finally come.

What is lost is lost, and there’s nothing that can be done about it. For my own ends, I forge ahead.

Thinking so, I looked at the professions listed on the form.

I had to choose a profession that wouldn't draw unwanted attention or cause trouble, while still being useful for travel.

Prophet was out of the question.

In that case, the professions I was qualified for that would serve that purpose . . .

Let's see . . . spirit mage, I think. Yes, I'll go with that.

As a prophet, I've had my fair share of dealings with spirits.

There's a good chance I can put that experience to use.

Spirits are everywhere, and being able to ask them about local specialties and such would be a huge advantage.

With that in mind, I circled the words "spirit mage" and submitted the form.

Taking it from me, the receptionist smiled.

Yes. I've received it. I'm issuing your card now, so please wait just a moment.

She placed a metal card beside the form.

Then she took out a large stamp and pressed it firmly against both the paper and card.

The occupation I had circled, along with my name, was then pasted onto the card. She picked up the card and handed it to me.

Yes, that completes it. Once again, welcome to the Global Guild, spirit mage "adventurer," Eisen.

And so, from that day forward, I set aside my identity as a prophet for the time being.

I became a spirit mage "adventurer".