Using Gacha to Increase My Companions and to Create the Strongest Girls' Army Corps

[[2024-06-09]TL note: fixed naming issues sorry about that. Thanks for letting me know.]

Six days after our promotion to B-rank, the day of the escort mission finally arrived.

The meeting point is in front of the eastern gate of the Capital.

So, we'll head to the Adventurer's Guild first to borrow horses, then proceed to the meeting point.

"Alright, let's get going."

"It's our first escort mission by ourselves... It's nerve-wracking."

"Yes. We're good at taking down enemies, but we're not used to fighting while protecting someone. We need to stay alert."

This will be our second escort mission. Last time, we had Grin with us, but this time it's just us. While I'm confident in our combat abilities, we can't just hunt as usual. We need to be more vigilant.

"Sisya, cheer up. Don't stay down."

"...Yes."

Unlike the rest of us, Sisya is looking downcast. The thought of not seeing Runa for over ten days seems to be quite a shock for her.

"Heihachi, are you leaving already?"

"Huh!? How are you awake? It's still morning."

As I tried to console the gloomy Sisya, Runa came into the living room. It's unbelievable; it's morning. This is such a rare occurrence, it feels like a miracle. Noru and the others were also surprised, and Sisya lifted her head and looked happy.

"I might not see you all for a while. It's not strange to come see you off, is it?"

Runa tilted her head at my reaction. Did she really wake up just to see us off? She can be cold sometimes, but she does care when it matters.

"Runa... I'm so moved..."

"I don't think it's that big of a deal... But thank you, Runa."

"If anything happens, contact me immediately through the transceiver. There's food stored in a bag on the table, so make sure to eat. There's money too, so use it if you need it."

"Yes, don't worry. If anything happens to you, call me immediately."

Noru was covering her mouth and trembling at the sight of Runa seeing us off in the morning. Estel smiled warmly, clearly happy. Even I felt a bit emotional. Runa waking up in the morning just to see us off was unimaginable.

"Runa-san! Runa-san!"

"Ugh... don't hug me..."

"But, but...!"

Unable to hold back, Sisya approached Runa and kneeled, hugging her tightly. Runa looked up at the ceiling with an exasperated expression but stayed still. This made Sisya happy, and she eventually started crying and nuzzling her cheek against Runa.

Oh... Runa is allowing Sisya to hug her this much. She must be feeling a bit lonely about the separation too.

"Oh my, it's rare to see you accept Sisya like this."

"Well, this is goodbye. I'll accept her one last time."

While being hugged, Runa gently patted Sisya's head with a kind expression. So, Sisya, you...wait, what do you mean by that!? That's something you'd say to someone on their deathbed!

"I-I won't die! Please don't talk like I'm going to!"

"Haha, just kidding. Make sure you come back safely."

Runa laughed in a monotone voice as she peeled Sisya off her. Then she gave a slight smile, patted her on the shoulder, and offered encouraging words. In the end, she did care about Sisya too.

●

We stopped by the Guild, borrowed horses, and arrived at the eastern gate of the Capital. There were already two carriages waiting. One was a luxurious black carriage, and the other was a simple wooden one with a cloth cover. The luxurious carriage was enclosed like a small house with black panels, even with a door.

"Ahem, are you part of Lord Adelbert's group?"

"Hmm—who are you?"

"W-We are adventurers who accepted the escort request from the Guild! We're not suspicious!"

A man wearing a white mantle and carrying a sword at his waist stood near the carriage. When I approached and spoke to him, he jumped back and drew his sword, pointing it at me. Huh, why is he so on guard just because I spoke to him!? I quickly showed him the silver plate hanging around my neck to prove I was an adventurer.

"That plate indeed signifies you're an adventurer... I apologize. Your appearance was suspicious. I'll inform Lord Adelbert, please wait."

"Ahaha... I'm sorry too."

The man lowered his sword and apologized after seeing my plate. Then he headed toward the black carriage.

I didn't expect to have a sword pointed at me right away. What did I do... oh? Suspicious appearance... could it be?

"Ookura-dono, at least take off your helm."

"We've gotten so used to it, I completely forgot."

"Indeed, anyone would be cautious if someone like you approached."

It seems the reason for such a high level of caution was me. I've been getting fewer suspicious looks lately, so I let my guard down. I'd better remove my helm now.

The man who had spoken to me opened the black carriage's door and spoke with someone inside. Probably Adelbert.

Soon after, a middle-aged man and a young girl stepped out of the carriage. The man wore a well-tailored black suit and had a calm demeanor. This must be Adelbert.

Following him was a girl with flowing brown hair, around the same age as Estel. She was dressed in a cute outfit with a frilly pink short-sleeved shirt and a black skirt.

"So you're the adventurers who will be escorting us. I am Adelbert, the one who requested the escort."

"Thank you for the introduction. I am Heihachi Ookura. These are my party members."

The man approached us and introduced himself as Adelbert. I bowed my head and introduced myself, then gestured for Noru and the others to do the same.

"Heihachi Ookura... are you the one who fought against Deus and his team, an E-rank adventurer?"

"Ah, yes. That's me."

Adelbert put his hand to his chin, seemingly recalling something, then asked me. It looks like he knows about that incident... I hope he doesn't have a bad impression.

"I didn't see it myself, but that event caused quite a stir. And now you're already a B-rank. No wonder you defeated Deus and his team. I'm looking forward to this."

"Thank you. I'll do my best to meet your expectations."

Adelbert laughed as he spoke. Thankfully, it seems the impression isn't bad. But I feel like the bar of expectations has been raised... Well, let's do our best.

"Father."

"Annely, what's wrong?"

"Are these people the adventurers escorting us?"

"Yes, they are."

The girl who had been silent suddenly spoke up. She looked at us and asked Adelbert if we were the adventurers. Hmm? It feels like she's not looking at me but at someone behind me. Is she looking at Noru and the others?

"That girl looks about my age. Is she really okay for this?"

"Rest assured. These people are B-rank adventurers. They're among the best in their field."

"Hmm... is that so."

Annely seemed to be looking at Estel. She might be wondering if a girl her age can really serve as a bodyguard. She's holding a staff, so she should be recognizable as a mage... but maybe she finds it hard to believe.

Adelbert seemed to hesitate for a moment before answering. Annely didn't seem fully convinced, made a discontented sound, and returned to the carriage.

"I apologize. She didn't mean any harm."

"Oh, it's fine."

Adelbert apologized to Estel, but she just smiled and touched her cheek, indicating she wasn't bothered. I thought she might be upset by the suspicion, but it seems she's okay with it.

Adelbert also returned to the carriage, and preparations for departure began. First, we needed to confirm how we would proceed to Queres.

"Before we start, let me confirm a few things. I am Egon, Lord Adelbert's personal guard."

The man I had first spoken to turned out to be the personal guard. There were also two other similarly dressed people with the simple carriage. It seems these people were hired for close protection, and we were hired as guards against monsters.

After introducing himself, Egon began discussing the travel plan. The carriages were divided into Adelbert's carriage and a supply carriage. Egon and his team would drive the carriages, and we were asked to split into two groups: one to lead and one to follow the carriages.

We also discussed how to handle encounters with monsters. If monsters appeared, the carriages would stop until safety was assured. Egon and his team would defend the carriages, but at least one of us should stay near them. If we couldn't fend off the monsters, the priority was to ensure the black carriage escaped.

"Any questions?"

"Then, may I ask something?"

"Go ahead."

After Egon finished, Estel raised her hand with a question. I didn't think there would be any questions, but... what could it be?

"Is it okay if I cast support magic on the horses?"

"Huh, you can do that!?"

"Oh, I can. I just haven't had the chance. I can't enhance objects, though."

So she can enhance living things with support magic? That's a surprising revelation... Well, thinking about it, it makes sense. We hadn't had the opportunity to try since we always used beacons and magic carpets.

"It's fine if you can do it..."

"Then I'll do it. It should reduce the burden on the horses."

Egon looked incredulous. Perhaps normal mages don't do this sort of thing? If she could use support magic, we might reach Queres faster than planned. But is it really okay to do this? While support magic doesn't consume much MP, it would need to be recast multiple times over hours of travel. Even if Estel is amazing, this could be burdensome...

"Are you sure you're okay with this?"

"Yes, my natural MP recovery rate is quite fast now. Maintaining support magic isn't a problem. Don't worry."

"Alright, but let me know if it gets too much. Don't push yourself."

I asked out of concern, and Estel assured me she was fine. She was probably referring to the MP recovery speed boost from her gacha equipment. If she says it's okay, I believe her, but I still don't want her to overdo it.

We settled the matter and turned to discuss how to handle the horses. We planned to have two people per horse, but who should pair with whom...?

Noru and Sisya can ride horses, so they must be split up. That leaves me and Estel to decide.

Sisya and Estel are both for magical support, so they should pair with either Noru or me. While Sisya can fight in close quarters, I plan not to make her fight this time.

"Hmm... Let's split into Noru and Estel, and Sisya and me."

"That seems balanced. We'll lead, so Heihachi-dono, please cover the rear."

"I'll be with Noru... I'm a bit anxious."

Noru agreed with my suggestion and offered to take the lead. She's the best with horses, so it's a good choice.

Estel looked uneasy about pairing with Noru. While Noru is great with horses, Estel's expression worried me... I hope it's just my imagination.

"Heihachi-san and I together... it feels like you might do something lewd."

"I won't!" I retorted.

Despite the jest, riding with Sisya would be the envy of any normal man. However, knowing her as well as I did, I felt none of that allure. With the mission ahead, I hoped we could complete the escort safely.