＜Infinite Dendrogram＞

□ [Saint Knight] Ray Sterling

When the sun went up to the south, we were returning to the Sijima family, where we had completed enough sights of the Wind Star Festival.

It's trivial, but if the sun is directly south at noon, it seems this continent will once and for all mean the northern hemisphere.

Well, they say land is only on this continent, so it doesn't make much sense either.

"Welcome home. Um, is Louis...?

I hear you got your job done at the Sijima house. Mr. Farica was expecting us.

"Your friend invited me to do something else along the way"

"Really..."

Mr Farica said that somehow in a hospitable manner.

I'm supposed to be listening to Mr. Farica about Mr. Sijima from now on, but is there anything inconvenient about having Louis there?

"I'm sorry. I haven't finished fixing things yet. If I fix just two more pieces, I'll be free..."

"Oh, never mind. Prioritize your work."

Looks like he came a little early, so me and my senior got to wait a little longer.

It should be noted that Nemesis wants to concentrate on the third form of skill analysis because it is likely to make progress, and is now in the crest.

Well, I thought I'd talk to the seniors, but the seniors had taken some metal cylinders out of the item box and clenched them.

That looks like some kind of big... pod.

"Senior, what's that?

"It's an accessory to my gear. I need to fill the MP in advance before using it, but I forgot to fill only one, so I thought I'd do it now."

Gear accessories...... well, even in the fight against werewolf cherry blossoms, I didn't seem to use such a pod.

Well, I guess that means equipment that wasn't available then. Seniors have many shields, and I guess they use them separately by application.

From then on, until Mr. Farica's work was over, he chatted with his senior and killed his time.

◇

After about 20 minutes, Mr. Farica's work is done, and we move on to the point where we came to this house.

At the living room table, two of my seniors and I are sitting opposite Mr. Farica.

"Now let me ask you a question"

Quickly, the senior cut out the story.

"There are two things I want to ask you. Did Mr. Sijima say anything about his life“ beyond "? And you didn't do anything before you went missing."

"Um... before that, would you like one from me?

"Yes."

"I... don't think I need you to look for my husband"

"Huh?"

What does that mean?

For Mr. Farica, his husband, Mr. Sijima, has been missing for six months, and we don't have to look for it.

"But if Louis wants it, I'll tell you both about it."

"... please"

Hoping again from me, Mr. Farica nodded... slowly began to talk about Mr. Sijima.

◇ ◇ ◇

□ About Sijma

Sijima's first impression for Farica was "the one who gave me too much".

A dramatic encounter when a monster attacked me on Faddle Mountain Road.

At that time, from Farica's point of view, he was like a savior.

Because he left numerous monsters and saved the lives of Farica and Louis.

But that's not all he "did" to Farica and her mothers and children.

I spared no effort in using the recovery items I had in hand and gave Farica first aid.

I escorted him on the road to the village of Torne.

I helped move on behalf of Farica, whose legs were crippled by the injury.

He even brought me to a dark-haired [bishop] I knew, and even arranged for me to treat Farica's leg.

He also shows his face to the village of Torne every two weeks after the treatment and brings him his favorite preferences of Farica and Lewis as a souvenir.

He really took care of Farica and Louis so much that this was still the case.

Louis was purely happy with it, but wondering if I made it farica...... worse, it was even creepy.

Farica and Louis were only (...) helped by Sijima.

There was no reason for him to take care of himself so far, and it didn't mean he was a kind person to anyone or so far.

Therefore, even though Farica thought, "Mr. Sijima has some thoughts about us," it was an inexorable story.

So the next time Sijima visited, I thought about asking about it.

So now, even if the relationship between just asking Sijima to "give" ends...

◇

Even that day he came aboard Gringham. When it came to souvenirs, he was bringing large quantities of lem fruit, a luxury fruit.

Louis was still overjoyed, and a little hesitation arose inside Farica to see how such a son was.

But still, I didn't think we should stay like this, and cut out to Sijima, "We just need to talk to you two," he said.

Sijima seemed a little strange, but leaves Lewis' babysitting to Gringham, the horseman, and to Yuno, his own < Embrio >, to respond to Farica's story.

When we were alone that way, Farica questioned Sijima.

"What's the purpose of taking care of us?,".

After saying that... Farica blamed herself forcefully for saying "I couldn't have said anything else". The words were Farica's very doubts, but they were not too decorative.

However, Sijima quickly understood why he had been asked the meaning of the question, even though he would not decorate it.

As such, the floating look on Sijima's face when questioned seemed very... sorry (...).

"Excuse me, Mr. Farica. I didn't mean to upset you."

Sijima's answer was an apology.

Farica didn't know why she apologized.

"Yes, it is, isn't it? I did too much. I'm sorry. I didn't know how much was appropriate."

Apologize again.

The words were as if... Sijima herself had made a mistake, he said.

"What, you didn't get it?

"I didn't know exactly how much to thank someone."

"Thank you?"

Who says thank you to whom?

Farica and Louis just had Sijima help.

When Farica thought so, Sijima uttered a word Farica did not imagine.

"I just wanted to say thank you for your help."

I wanted to thank you for your help.

That's what Sijima said.

Sijima uttered the word potpourri even then.

"I was more than happy to have saved your life just waiting for death," he said.

"Because that meant so much to me“ over there, "he said.

Farica didn't know all the thoughts that were put into that word at that time.

But... I've figured it out.

That day, that time, Farica was saved by Sijima.

But Sijima was saved by it, too.

Understand that, and know that what you have done until then is his feelings without a backdrop.

Then, when I saw Sijima's crying face in front of me... there was no more doubt about Sijima in the phallica.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Farica. In the future, don't make me anxious for you anymore, here..."

Sijima, who realized her own failure, said so and tried to leave before her mother and child.

But the word was blocked by Pharica.

"Dinner, why don't you have it?

"Huh?"

Sijima, not knowing what she had been told, was taken aback.

"You've invited me several times before, but you've never had one, have you?

"So, but..."

"I got too much from Mr. Sijima... let me give it back. If you don't mind, I will."

"Mr. Farica......"

"I've been thanking you, so now you're going to have to accept our thanks."

That's what I said, Farica smiled.

Sijima, too, was smiling unknowingly.

"Wait a minute, please. Yeah, I need Lewis to help me, too."

"Um! Let me help you too!

"Yes, please"

Then, Louis and Yuno, who was babysitting him, go back to the house.

What they saw was Sijima unfamiliar with cooking and a vicious struggle and Farica cooking with him laughing.

Louis thought it was "strange," but he was happy because the two seemed to have fun.

Yuno remained silent, but looked "Mmm-hmm" and happy with a mother's expression that delighted her child's growth.

Then before long, Sijima began to live in the house of the Faricas… the following year she married Farica.

It was the twenty-seventh example of Tian's marriage since Infinite Dendrogram began.

◇

Sijima, Farica and Lewis lived in peace, but continued to be happy.

Sijima was the second husband to Farica and stepfather to Louis, but there was no fine dust in the ditch.

Naturally, the three of them were family.

It was six months ago that one change came to such a family life.

It turns out Farica's pregnant.

At first, Farica didn't even notice. I gained a little weight and I wonder if my body line is breaking down, etc.

It was considered impossible to have children between Tian and the Master, so I can't help it.

But day by day my stomach grew bigger and the obstructions began to appear.

Experience when she was previously pregnant with Louis made Farica realize she was pregnant.

The result of the doctor's visit was that she was definitely pregnant.

Farica was happy.

Because I loved Sijima and while I spent time as a family, I didn't think there would be any more families.

Three parents and children, plus Yuno and Gringham would be happy enough.

But if I had another child there... I would have thought I was happier than I am now.

Most importantly, I wanted to see Sijima's delightful face.

When I got home and reported my pregnancy at dinner, Louis was very happy.

Yuno also silently blessed him with applause again.

And Sijima was - crying.

I wept like a tear from its orbit and kept crying.

It's a tear of deep joy.

At the same time... Farica, who spent more than two years as a couple, felt that she seemed to be sparing something (...).

◇

Sijima was telling Farica that night in her bedroom.

It was a profound gratitude for hosting his child and... a mouthful of his determination.

"Farica. I have…" over there. "

"Does that have anything to do with this girl?

Farica asks Sijima as she strokes her belly, which houses her child.

Sijima nodded deeply.

"To meet that child, I must undergo a certain trial (...). As a result, maybe... I could lose my life..."

"Oh no...!

"If I could, I would have stayed here until the end of the day... and lived peacefully with you. But I want to see that child... the whole family, including that child... I want to live"

So, Sijima says you have to take the test “over there".

Farica felt that Sijima's determination was firm and that its trials and doings were inevitable.

"When will you be able to come back if you survive that trial?

"... sooner or later, a month... no, I'll be away for three months in this time. Maybe it'll take more than six months"

"Not so..."

"But in any way, I will definitely come back... that's all I want you to believe"

He may go “over there” and lose his life, but he will always come back to his family, Sijima says.

Farica snorted at the words......

"I'll wait. Me, Louis and... three of these kids, I'll see you back... forever, I'll be waiting."

"... thanks"

That's how they held each other gently, laboring their belly child.

◇

The next morning, when Farica woke up, Sijima looked nowhere.

When Farica asked Louie, she said goodbye to Louie... and said she had gone somewhere.

When Farica heard about it, she realized she had gone to the "other side" for a test.

Farica didn't tell Louis that Sijima might lose her life “over there”.

Because even if I told you, I thought it would just make you anxious.

Besides, she believed.

Someday, I'm sure Sijima will come back to her family.

◇ ◇ ◇

□ [Saint Knight] Ray Sterling

"That guy will definitely come back. So... I don't think we need to look."

That's what Farica told us about her memories with Mr. Sijima and closed the conversation.

…………

Me, my senior, I was silent with no words to give back, no questions to follow.

'Cause even if I just listened to Mr. Farica right now, I get it.

Mr. Sijima leaves his “family” with strong determination, “beyond" … doing something in real life.

And based on the information we've obtained so far... we've also seen (...) Mr. Sijima's plight.

"Excuse me, can I talk to him for a moment?"

"Yes."

"Let's go, Mr. Ray"

When I couldn't say anything, the seniors said so and took me out of the house.

◇

"There's a good chance this one won't be achievable."

Outside the house, in the carriage, the seniors cut me out like that.

"... it"

"Ray, you've already predicted that, haven't you?

As the senior said, I've already grasped what seems to be the answer.

That a child was born between < Master > and Tian...... a long series of logins that should not be possible given the physiological phenomenon.

Mr. Sijima's thoughts on Mr. Farica and Louis.

“Trial" you have to take “over there”.

And Mr Sijima's words.

- If I could, I would have stayed here until the very end... and lived peacefully with you.

The ingredients that led to what we thought were the "answers” were too much.

"Mr Sijima, …?

When I tried to state the “answer” - the carriage swayed unexpectedly.

If anything, the ground is constantly shaking.

"Earthquake?"

That's not such a strong shake. As for seismic intensity, it would be three or so.

Not enough damage to people, not enough to worry about the medieval look or the collapse of a kingdom house where magic is used and strength is gained in architecture.

The festival can continue without any problems.

However, it was possible that Mr. Farica was injured in the earthquake, and so we went back into the house.

"Senior, I'm worried about Mr. Farica, so let's go back inside the house"

"Okay."

When I walked into the house, the contents of the cupboard dropped some and the ceramic plates and so on were cracked.

Fortunately, however, Mr. Farica did not appear to be injured.

"Are you all right?

"Yes, because I didn't hit anything"

"Clean up, I'll help you."

"But"

"It's your weight, so don't push it. Ray, do you have any cleaning equipment?"

"Yes, I do."

Mr. Farica was reluctant, but me and the seniors take out the hoes and the chisels and start cleaning up the broken dishes.

It should be noted that this hawk and chisel...... [Cleaning Set Ding] is also from Gacha.

... I thought it was a hassle. Even the items will be used.

Collect the broken dishes in a hourglass, pick them up in pieces, and place them in an appropriate empty bag.

"... that?

Proceeding with the cleaning that way, the ceramic fragments were mixed with what was dispersed.

There would be more than a broken plate because of the scattering of what fell off the shelf.

But it was emitting some discoloration.

That was a small silver worker.

The silver craftsmanship, apparently made with "sculpture" skills, had a slight creepiness that was not found in the atmosphere of this house.

I feel like I recognize that design somewhere.

".................. ah"

That brings me to what the silvercraft is like (...).

"Mr. Farica, do you recognize this silver craftsman?

"Oh, that's what my husband wore before he got married. It's something I stopped wearing after I got married and left on the shelf..."

"Really?"

Mr. Farica doesn't seem to know anything about this silver workmanship… about the “population” that this means.

If you moved here from King's Capital four years ago, you don't have to know.

From what I saw earlier, it seemed that there was no “facility” in this village.

"... is that so?"

A senior peeking into my hand squeaks like that when he sees the silver worker.

Seniors also know about silver craftsmanship motifs, of course.

"Excuse me, let me leave you for a moment. Oh, I'll clean it up as soon as I get back, so please keep Mr. Farica."

"Uh, yes..."

That's what the senior said, pull my hand and get out of the house.

"Ray, do you have an app for group calls on your mobile device?"

"I'm letting you in."

"Then log out and connect to the next group of IDs. Because that guy (...) will be here soon."

Seniors say that and give me the ID of the call group in the app.

I asked twice and remembered my ID, and I logged out intact.

◇

As soon as I log out of < Infinite Dendrogram >, I launch the app on my mobile device and enter my ID.

Then I switched to speaker mode and placed it over the holder.

Soon, I'll hear senior voices from my phone.

'You're connected safely. I've contacted you and you should be here any minute.'

From the seniors' words,

'Thank you for waiting. Anything I need to talk to you about.'

I hear a familiar young man on the phone.

You don't have to ask anyone about the Lord of the Voice.

Make it the number two of my college senior...... [Assassination King] It's Yung Shilang Tsui.

"Dear Moon and Night is a little out of hand and I will take care of it"

"Yeah, the vice chairman would be better."

I agreed with the seniors.

I ask Senior Moonshadow on the other side of the phone.

"Senior Lunar Shadow, you knew everything about Mr. Sijima from the beginning (...)?"

"Yes, you're right."

Senior Tsukishi answered my query like it was nothing.

'The fact that I came to that answer came from Madame's story… No, I guess you found some physical evidence'

"Silver craftsmanship has been found. -" Three Days and a Closed Eye. "

I only know one organization that gets that symbol.

"Mr. Sijima was a believer in (...) < Lunar Sessions (...) > wasn't he?

"Exactly."

So when we met at the guild, we looked for it ourselves.

Yeah, I can definitely look for that.

Because you already have the answer.

Now that I think about it, I can tell it was something I could say because I know everything about the advice then too.

"Knowingly, why did you say that was a secret?

Personal information is protected, isn't it?

I don't know if you're serious about that, or if you're rolling in smoke.

"... then that's fine. But I really need to ask you something."

"Yeah, ask me anything."

"Mr. Sijima... what are you doing now?

"Even though that's personal information, isn't there any point in hiding it if we get here..."

Senior Moonshadow cut the words there and said 'I understand'.

'Now, let me explain it in order. our relationship with him, and his background...'

◆ ◆ ◆

■ Nearby and underground [■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■]

Sole woke up in the ground.

By an earlier earthquake...... not.

The earth trembles and so on, and the sole feels nothing.

But there is no reason why the earthquake earlier was irrelevant.

After the earlier earthquake, a very slight light was inserted from the overhead of it - the cracks in the ceiling closed by thick rock beds.

Because the earthquake broke the rock bed and created an earlier gap in the needle between it and the ground.

A very small amount of light that can't even read the letters. The same darkness on nights without stars yet.

But it was a big difference for Sole. The darkness and night of ignorance are as different for Sole.

Zero or ich is, like, different.

"KYAHAHA -"

When the sole rang, the ground rolled back into the dark of ignorance again.

No, you're not. The light is slightly entering from the ground - but the sole swallows all of it.

"KYAHAHAHA -"

Swallow the light and let the energy fill up little by little, Sole makes the squeal...... laugh.

Sole was waiting.

Three hundred years. Underground without the slightest light of the hon, without drinking or eating, and without healing the damage directly hit by the meteorite, he kept waiting for the light to shine one day.

It was like hibernation, like wreckage, waiting for this hour in the earth unnoticed by nothing.

Sole - Ancient Epic class (...) and the monster who was conceived had tasted the light for the first time in a long time.

of an impending festival (...), as an appetizer.

To be continued