Breakthrough with the Forbidden Master
chapter-356

Chapter 356 – Tag Rematch

“What? A game of tag?”

“”Yes ♪.””

I woke up in the morning, packed my bags, and was about to head for the elven settlement, then Espie and Slayer made a proposal to me.

“We’re heading there now, but it will take a long time if we go on foot. it’s okay if we take our time… but I thought we might as well play around on the way.”

“We’ll lead the way, so you can follow me and Slayer, Big brother♪.”

I finally understood what she meant when she said that.

“Oh, I see…… it’s the opposite of what we did in the past……”

They both grinned at my words.

“In the past, I was powerless to deal with your moves……. but, what about now?”

“Big brother, we’ve gotten stronger, you know? This time, we’ll be able to fight alongside you and even protect you. I’m not the same Seven Hero that the country sold for money and forced into service like before. Well, I don’t really need that title anymore, though ♪”

The genius, Slayer, and Espie, one of the Seven Heroes.

Unlike me, they had fifteen years.

Back then, they could only rely on their blessed abilities to fight, and they couldn’t keep up with my movements.

But now, I’m confident that things were different.

“I see. Certainly, my strength, having only just returned to this era yesterday, is the same as it was when you last saw my battle with Gouda. Are you saying that you’ve surpassed the me from back then~?”

I asked in a slightly teasing manner, and they said……

“We would never say something like that. We’re not underestimating the power of the Six Supremacy or the power of Brother, who defeated the Six Supremacy. The power that Brother showed back then…… that’s what we are aiming to reach.”

“We just want you to see it! We also did our best!”

Their two smiling faces were not saying, “We’re stronger than you,” but rather “Look at us now”.

Of course, if I am asked to do this, there is no reason to refuse.

Because I know better than anyone what it feels like to want people to see who you are now.

“Okay, you two. I’ll catch up with you. So, show me!”

“Yes! Hehehe, I haven’t played tag with Brother since the deck of that ship. Yes, it’s a great memory of me and you ♪”

“Mmm~~! I was the only one left out back then!”

For me, it was just the other day. But for these two, it was a fond and nostalgic memory that brought them joy.

But, for my dignity as their big brother, I can’t afford to lose easily.

I’m going all out.

『Hmm…… The mountainous terrain of Japone…… from here, no matter how fast you run, it will take a few days…… a few days…』

A few days. It seemed that something about it had been on Trainer’s mind, as if he had been contemplating something.

Something―――

“Well, then, Brother!”

“Ready~ set~, GO!”

“Ah! You cheats!?”

But before I could figure it out, Espie and Slayer dashed off from the spot, with an early start.

They ran through the forest in one go.

“Ah, I see.~…… – Don’t underestimate your big brother that much! I’ll see just how much they’ve grown!”

Anyway, I gave chase.

I used the radar to detect the location of the overgrown trees in advance, and used Magical Parkour to determine the shortest route.

“Oh, you’re here, Brother!”

“Un un! That movement~, it takes me back~”

“Just follow the plan, Espie.”

“I know. And be careful when that light…… the ‘Breakthrough’ that Norja was talking about, is activated.”

“Yeah. If we let our guard down, he’ll catch us right away.”

The two running in front of me look somewhat happy while looking back.

Do they think they can afford to do that?

But it was true that not only were their limbs longer, their running was smoother and more efficient.

Do they think they have some leeway? No, it seems that there is still a lot of room to spare.

But……

“Always take the shortest route, gradually close the distance…… and I’ll definitely catch them!”

Anyway, I ran after them, wanting them to show me――――

『Child. This game of tag…… is quite good training.』

“Eh?”

At that moment, Tre’ainar beside me whispered to me……

『Treat this not as a game, but as a form of training. Pursue those two with utmost seriousness. Regard them not from the vantage of one observing their growth, but as a challenger intent on besting them 』

Judging by Tre’ainar’s suggestion, it seems that Slayer and Espie’s powers have grown quite a bit now.

That may be true.

But that’s not all……

『Think of this not as a simple game of tag. This shall be a battle of endurance. And that will be the next challenge I impose on you, child…』

“What?”

『For now, child, experience firsthand what you need learn next.』

I didn’t expect that the tag showdown celebrating the reunion of an older brother, younger sister, and younger brother would actually turn into a training session.

But, if Tre’ainar says so, then it must have some meaning.

So, while taking note of how much they had grown, I decided to pursue them with all my might.