Chapter 3

I made some revisions.

To go to the New Continent, we must first go to the continent inhabited by the demon race.

The continent inhabited by the human race, the continent inhabited by the demon race, and the New Continent.

These three continents are all the continents we know.

Traveling within the human continent was peaceful.

The journey from the human continent to the demon continent takes a few hours by sailboat.

The voyage to the demon continent was blessed with good weather and was peaceful.

On the demon continent, we travel by shared carriage. Naturally, most of the passengers are demons.

"Uncle, do you want to eat this?"

"Ooh, are you giving it to me?"

"Yep!"

A cute demon child on the carriage gave me a snack.

The demon continent was also very peaceful.

I felt very happy, but at the same time, I felt a little sad, thinking that my role as an adventurer was coming to an end.

Several days after leaving the capital, we arrived at the town of Kariari, which is said to be the closest to the New Continent.

It was a small port town. No, it was more like a fishing village.

When I entered Kariari, a strong demon man called out to me.

"Hey, you're a human, right? Are you going to the New Continent too?"

"That's the plan."

"I see. Humans are tough. It's amazing you go so far."

The demon man was a fisherman from Kariari.

The fishermen also know about the existence of the New Continent.

However, they don't seem to want to go there.

"You can catch plenty of fish around here, so there's no need to take such risks."

They don't think it's necessary to spend dozens of days and risk their lives to go to the New Continent.

They seem to genuinely feel this way.

"Humans are very curious."

"That's impressive."

The fisherman nodded in admiration.

Contrary to the general image, the demon race has little territorial ambition.

However, they tend to be warlike because they value strength.

The reason demons attack is similar to a "test of strength."

For the attacked side, it's a nuisance, but it's not an invasion for territorial gain.

When humans, who have greater territorial ambitions, are attacked, they tend to misunderstand that the demons are after their territory.

This is why things get complicated.

The reconciliation after the defeat of the Demon King was possible due to the culture and character of the demons.

The hero party, who realized the culture and character of the demons, won the "test of strength" and brought about reconciliation.

I can understand the fisherman's attitude because I know the culture and character of the demons.

He probably misunderstands that we are going to the New Continent to test our strength.

Demons won't go there until they are sure there are strong beings there.

"I'm praying for your safety."

"Thanks."

After parting with the fisherman, I headed towards the pier.

A large sailboat, which I would likely be boarding, was anchored offshore.

Since the pier usually only accommodates fishing boats, large sailboats cannot dock.

As I was looking at the sailboat,

"Theo, I've been waiting for you."

I was called by the guild master of the capital's adventurer guild, who had recommended the New Continent to me.

"…Why are you here, Guild Master?"

"I'm going to the New Continent too."

"Did you get demoted? That's tough."

"No! I volunteered."

Upon hearing the details, he had volunteered to be the leader of the expedition team.

In fact, the guild master was the one who initiated and advanced the plan for the expedition team.

"I'm really grateful that Theo is joining us."

"It's motivating to hear that."

The guild master is a dwarf over seventy years old.

Dwarves live longer and age more slowly than humans.

Even so, seventy is no longer young, yet he is very determined.

"I can't let Theo face the dangers alone."

"…What's the real reason?"

"I have grandchildren now, and I want to go on adventures freely."

"I see. That's how it is."

I don't have children or grandchildren, so I don't quite understand.

"Yes, that's how it is. And please call me Victor, not Guild Master."

"Alright, Victor. Nice to meet you again."

"Yes, Theo. Nice to meet you too."

Victor was the guild master of the capital's adventurer guild.

The capital's adventurer guild is special among the many guilds.

As the guild master, he is one of the highest-ranking officials in the entire adventurer guild.

Moreover, Victor is a born noble.

Despite this, he doesn't act superior to ordinary adventurers or guild staff.

He is very polite and humble to everyone.

However, he is also a warrior feared as the "Dragon Slayer" and "Bloody Victor."

Because everyone knows this, no rough adventurer dares to look down on Victor.

"I'm not going to lose to the young ones."

Saying this, Victor stroked his long, proud beard.

Victor is undoubtedly still a top-tier combatant.

"I'm counting on you."

"Yes, I'm counting on you too, Theo."

Victor smiled warmly.

After that, Victor introduced me to the members of the expedition team.

Fifteen B-rank adventurers, three young and talented scholars.

Including me and the expedition leader Victor, there are twenty members in total.

B-rank is the rank of top-tier adventurers.

A-rank is for the best, and S-rank is an exceptional rank given to heroes and their companions.

Incidentally, Victor is A-rank, and I am S-rank as a companion of the hero.

The races of the adventurers who joined the expedition team varied.

There were humans like me, dwarves, elves, and even demons.

The three scholars are a geologist, a climatologist, and a monsterologist.

"I would like to bring craftsmen, but it's too early for that."

If the survey results show that the New Continent is suitable for human habitation, they plan to bring craftsmen.

"Until then, I might have to rely on Theo's crafting skills."

"Sure, I'll do everything I can."

When I said this, Victor smiled kindly.

I asked about something that was on my mind.

"By the way, what about the sailors?"

"Unfortunately, we don't have the resources to hire professional sailors..."

It seems the adventurers in the expedition team are also sailors.

There isn't enough room for professional sailors, food, and water.

Victor will also serve as the captain.

"We have magic bags, but they have their limits."

The magic bags the expedition team will bring are two from the guild and one I own.

Magic bags are very expensive and rare.

The fact that the guild lent out a magic bag shows their commitment.

When I tried to introduce myself to the expedition team,

"I know you. You're the famous 'Jack-of-All-Trades Theo,' right?"

"We've been waiting. It's reassuring to have you here."

I was welcomed warmly by everyone. It was a heartwarming experience.

The expedition team set out for the New Continent three days later.

The ship is not a large one like those from the Age of Exploration.

Since humans have not ventured into the open sea before, it is a relatively small ship.