The Paper User: Exiled for a ‘Trash Skill,’ Awakens True Power and Rises with Two Unique Skills ,Volume 2 - Chapter 35

Chapter: Kinako

In a room of the Flame Dragon Guild mansion in the eastern district of Tansa, Kinako and Melt were talking.

“Calling me out here… does that mean you’ve got information on Zeldia?”

Kinako sat cross-legged on a chair made for catfolk.

“Yes. Zeldia apparently shows up frequently in villages created by followers of the Dolls religion.”

Melt placed a map on the wooden table and pointed to a marked location.

“The village is somewhere in the forests of the Exnis Highlands. Most likely, Bishop Rugal is there too.”

“Exnis Highlands, huh.”

Kinako’s sharp eyes fixed on the map.

“That area has many dangerous monsters. It might be a good place to hide a village.”

“There’s probably a temple there as well.”

“So, will the Flame Dragon Guild move in?”

“…No.”

Melt shook his head.

“Many of our guild members died in the last battle. Right now, the Flame Dragon Guild can’t act. It’s frustrating, but that’s the reality.”

“I see.”

Kinako fell silent for a few seconds.

“…Thanks, Melt. At last, I’ve got a chance to kill Zeldia.”

“Wait—are you planning to take on the Six Demon Stars alone with just your party?”

“No. This isn’t the party’s job. I’ll go alone!”

Kinako said it firmly.

“Don’t be ridiculous!”

Melt slammed his palm on the table.

“Fighting a Six Demon Star alone is suicide!”

“I don’t intend to die. At least not until I’ve killed Zeldia.”

“…Why? Why not fight alongside Yakumo and the others? You admitted Yakumo’s strength, didn’t you?”

“Yes, Yakumo is strong. But the Six Demon Stars are in a league of their own. They’re more dangerous than disaster-class monsters.”

Kinako’s fur bristled for a brief moment.

“I won’t put my comrades at risk just for my personal grudge.”

“Kinako…”

“I fought alongside them to defeat Zeldia, but… I guess I ended up liking Yakumo and the others more than I expected.”

A faint smile crossed Kinako’s face as he stood from the chair.

“Well then, Melt. I’ll also take care of Rugal while I’m at it.”

With that, Kinako left the room.

That night, Kinako sat at the counter of a familiar tavern and received a gourd from the owner.

“Kinako-san, as requested, I’ve stocked Navai Chur liquor for you.”

“How old is it?”

“It’s a 208-year vintage, an exceptional year.”

The owner explained.

“That year had perfect weather, producing the best Chur fruit. Fruity with a gentle acidity, and the aroma is exquisite. Navai Chur made from such fruit is considered a drink worthy of the gods. And this particular bottle was personally crafted by Mother Solfy.”

“Mother Solfy—the mother of Chur liquor?”

“Yes. Many say that just a sip makes them feel embraced by a mother showering them with unconditional love.”

“…A mother, huh.”

Kinako closed his eyes and lifted his face.

After a few seconds of silence, he placed a large gold coin on the counter.

“Keep the change.”

“Thank you very much.”

The owner bowed respectfully.

“Are you heading into a dangerous battle?”

“Why do you say that?”

“Whenever you order a vintage bottle of Chur liquor, it’s always before a dangerous fight.”

“…That’s right.”

Kinako gave a self-deprecating smile.

“This is a special battle. I wanted the best liquor prepared.”

“A special battle…?”

“Yes. The fight I’ve been waiting for.”

The corners of Kinako’s mouth curled upward.

“…Master, thanks for everything.”

“No, please come again.”

“Hah. If I live through this, I’ll drop by again.”

Kinako swished his tail and left the tavern.

The night town was bathed in the light of a giant moon.

The cold wind rustled Kinako’s orange-striped fur as he walked down a dim alley toward the massive western gate.

Before him, the grasslands stretched wide.

“Alright… let’s go.”

Kinako started walking toward the forest to the west.

Then—

“Kinako…”

A voice called from the grasslands.

When he turned, Yakumo was standing there.

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