Chapter 334

Having completed the advancement of both professions, Kanzaki Rei returned once more to the basement of Atlante City.

He had stayed here long enough.

Rumor had it that exchanges between the people of Loren and Misirushi were becoming increasingly frequent. Atlante City was even considering establishing diplomatic relations with Loren.

They weren’t even planning an invasion to turn Loren into a vassal state.

...How surprisingly benevolent.

If it had been someone like Lothdan, upon discovering a lone, weaker nation nearby, he would have likely launched an invasion immediately.

The difference in temperament between leaders... was stark.

But...

It probably wasn’t that simple.

Atlante City was merely one city within Misirushi—a city-state of sorts. Misirushi itself was far larger, and Atlante was only a part of it.

Now that the Loren Continent had appeared nearby, it had naturally drawn the attention of other nations as well.

With interests entangled and held in check, perhaps they simply hadn’t yet agreed on how to deploy troops—or who would take the first move against Loren.

...Whatever.

It had nothing to do with him.

Rei had already decided—his observation of Loren ended here. He had no intention of following its fate any further.

Kiyomi still hung upside down from the ceiling beside him.

"When are we leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"I asked the port. A ship returning tomorrow is headed for Moonfall Island."

To traverse the Moon Sea, it was best to use Moon Sea vessels—special ships unique to these waters, capable of shortening the distance between two points.

However, they could only travel along fixed routes.

The Moon Sea was simply too vast. Even at Rei’s speed, moving at full force, it would take less than a century to cross it entirely.

Travel required these specialized ships.

There were also unique transportation methods in the Secret Sea that could drastically shorten travel time, but those were rare and controlled by major powers—unlike the relatively widespread ships of the Moon Sea.

"Moonfall Island? Where’s that?" Kiyomi asked.

Rei thought for a moment, then pulled out a large map.

He had bought a physical copy despite already memorizing it within his Memory Palace. It wasn’t expensive, and with his current wealth, it was a trivial purchase.

"To reach the World Center Tree, we first have to go to the Land of Moon’s Sight. Moonfall Island is one of the routes."

Kiyomi looked at the unfolded map.

The Land of Moon’s Sight lay at the very center of the Moon Sea.

Misirushi was in the south. They would need to travel north, following one of several marked routes that led toward the center.

Since most travel relied on ships moving between fixed islands, the routes were essentially predetermined.

If one disembarked midway, they would face the endless Moon Sea—flying for months before encountering the next landmass.

"Moonfall Island, Verdantwood Continent, Dreamseeker Isle, Twin Divide Island..."

There were quite a few route options.

From Misirushi, several continents could ultimately lead toward the Land of Moon’s Sight.

"We’re taking a ship with other people?"

"Yeah."

"I checked—there aren’t private rentals available. You can charter an entire ship if you pay enough, but... there’s no need."

If there were Level 6 or Level 7 class holders aboard, they’d likely have tens of millions in savings. Outbidding others would cost far more than necessary.

Rei had the money—but saw no point in wasting it.

Besides, having other passengers meant access to more information.

In his future simulations, there were scenarios where only the three of them traveled together... and others where the ship was filled with passengers.

Even the destinations varied.

This time, it was Moonfall Island.

Another time, it had been Verdantwood Continent.

Across different simulations, those continents were largely similar—relatively peaceful.

But Moonfall Island stood out.

Fewer people.

More monsters.

A higher density of dungeons.

...Exactly what Rei wanted.

He had no interest in stirring trouble.

He preferred to remain hidden—like a hermit—quietly cultivating strength until he reached the peak.

And... he did want to hunt monsters.

With fewer people, there would be no massive crowds gathering around high-tier dungeons.

Perfect.

He also had numerous experimental ideas for potions...

At times, he felt like a mad scientist—constantly tinkering with dangerous concoctions.

"Got it."

"I’ll just follow your lead."

...Follow his lead?

Trusting a child to plan everything... that was admittedly a little strange.

"Kanzaki—"

"Mm?" Rei replied, flipping through a book on enchantment.

"Can you... guide me?" Kiyomi suddenly said.

Rei turned, meeting her gaze directly.

Until now, while they had fought together and trained in combat, he had never formally taught her.

This was the first time she had asked—not for sparring, but for guidance.

"I... I know you’re strong now. I admit it."

Her face flushed slightly, as if the words themselves were difficult to force out.

Admitting his superiority clearly didn’t sit well with her.

"So... I want you to teach me."

Rei turned back to his book.

"That’s not really the right attitude when asking for help."

Kiyomi clenched her teeth.

"Then what do you want me to do... I can help you too."

Rei sighed, glancing back at her.

"You’re too aggressive."

"You’re a kid—you should act a bit cuter. If you want help, at least don’t sound like you’re issuing an order."

"And if you want to become a top-tier assassin, learning to disguise your emotions is essential."

Kiyomi opened her mouth to retort... then paused.

"...You’re right."

"That was my mistake."

She stepped closer.

"Kanzaki... big brother... can you teach me how to become a powerful assassin?"

Her delivery was stiff and unnatural.

She grabbed his hand, pressing herself awkwardly against him.

...

Where did you even learn that from?

There wasn’t a single trace of charm in it.

"Alright, alright—I’ll teach you..."

"But my time is limited. You’re an assassin—I can teach you how to fight, but how you walk the assassin’s path is something you’ll have to figure out yourself."

"Every night before sleep, I’ll guide you for forty minutes."

Kiyomi nodded seriously.

"Understood."

"Master Kanzaki."

...Master, huh?

Before he knew it, he had become someone’s teacher.

Satisfied with his answer, Kiyomi left with a rare hint of happiness.

Rei let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head.

Then he turned back toward the pile of materials on the table.

"God-Tier Talent — Extraction."

"Convert all non-living matter into enchantment materials usable for enchantment."

His next phase... was already beginning.