Unexpected Reversal

As Amy's interest piqued, Tess explained further.

"It's one of the advanced Schema techniques. Users layer multiple Schemas on top of each other to build up their abilities. Reversal flips the order of these Schemas in an instant. In other words, the Schema at the very top suddenly becomes the base."

Shirone found the concept intriguing.

"What's the advantage of reversing the Schema?"

"The base Schema differs depending on the user's profession. Fighters, for example, usually have Strength Enhancement as their base and place Cell Activation at the top. When a dangerous situation arises, they trigger a Reversal. That way, Cell Activation becomes the base, drastically accelerating their healing process. Of course, their Strength Enhancement loses some effectiveness in the process. It's essentially a switch strategy."

"Ah, I see."

Amy was equally surprised. She had only learned how to open a Schema, so this new concept fascinated her.

'Now it makes sense…'

That explained why Freeman, who had taken a direct hit to the head from Fire Call, was able to recover so quickly.

Marsha pointed her fork at Freeman.

"This guy's a total coward. Just when things get serious, he switches to a defensive strategy instead of going for the win."

Freeman didn't argue. As long as he could protect Marsha, any disgrace was a small price to pay.

Changing the topic, he asked, "So, what will you do now? We're leaving the island as soon as everything's settled. It'll take a few days. If you need anything before then, I'll help however I can."

Shirone was a benefactor to Freeman. Marsha, too, nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, we came here just to have fun and got caught up in this mess. If there's anything we can take advantage of, we should. Just say the word. This island's tourist spots are still under our control for now."

"Ah, we're heading to the Kergo Ruins."

Marsha raised an eyebrow.

"Kergo? Not much fun there."

"Well, actually…"

As Shirone explained why they had come to the island and what they had encountered at the ruins, Marsha's eyes widened.

"Oh my, so that's the secret. I actually don't know much—I was away from the island. Freeman, did you know?"

"To some extent. Falcoa has been dealing with the natives. That place is full of secrets."

'Ah, that makes sense.'

The mercenaries they encountered at the ruins had been stuck at the Room of Achievement and Sacrifice, but Falcoa had managed to distribute large quantities of Loop at the tavern.

That kind of arrangement would have been impossible without connections to the high priests of the Kergo Autonomous Region.

Marsha rested her chin on her hand.

"So, you want to enter the Kergo Autonomous Region? Do you think you can pass their test?"

"We have an idea. Not certain, though."

She glanced at Freeman.

"What do you think?"

"If simply getting there is the goal, I can help. Falcoa recently dealt in Loop, so if we show Freeman's organization's travel pass, they should let us through. That guy is highly capable in these matters, so they'll trust him."

Amy frowned.

"Something seems off. If there's an illegal route, why does the Room of Achievement and Sacrifice even exist? Maybe the two paths lead to different outcomes? Otherwise, why would skilled people insist on the harder route?"

Tess shrugged.

"Aren't you overthinking? Maybe they just didn't want to spend money on bribes. Or it could be a Kergo tradition. The smaller the culture, the more they cling to rituals."

"That's true, but still…"

She couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

If the test were just a formal process or a tradition, Alpheas wouldn't have specifically suggested they take it.

Freeman intervened.

"Why not check for yourselves? You don't have to choose just one option. If necessary, I'll get you the travel pass. I can have it ready right away."

Shirone nodded. "Yes, please."

They hadn't decided on a route yet, but having multiple options was always a good strategy.

After giving orders to his subordinates, Freeman added, "You'll also need someone who speaks the native language. We don't have anyone in the mercenary group."

"Huh? What about Falcoa?"

"Since coming to the island, Falcoa has built independent connections outside the mercenary group. One of them is a black market broker. He likely used their interpreters."

"Hmm, then we need to find an interpreter too."

Yuna raised her hand hesitantly.

"Um… I'm not sure if this helps, but…"

"Huh? Go ahead, say whatever's on your mind."

"My brother knows a bit of the Kergo language."

Amy turned in surprise.

"Jis does? When did he learn?"

"Because of me. He did all sorts of jobs when we were younger. Before he became a dock worker, he worked at the ruins as a guide. He must've picked it up then."

Freeman smirked. "That works. Then we'll hire him. I'd find him myself, but I don't have time. We need to leave the island before the Magic Association tracks Marsha."

Being hunted by a national-level organization meant even this moment was precious.

Though reviewing a battle was a rare opportunity, especially when it was real combat, Shirone decided to leave the conversation there.

As they stepped outside, the late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the island. If they left now, they would arrive at their destination by nightfall.

"Here, take this."

Marsha handed them teleportation bracelets.

"They're easy to use. The magic is already set—just input the coordinates."

After setting the nearest exit's coordinates, she fastened the bracelets on each of them.

"When you reach the exit, a carriage will be waiting. Take it back home. I don't know if we'll meet again, but be careful. And make sure to see a healing mage when you return."

"We will. Thank you."

Marsha gave a bittersweet smile.

A mere favor wasn't enough to repay the debt she owed.

As Shirone walked towards his waiting friends, he suddenly stopped and turned back.

"Will we see you again?"

Would she truly be able to start a new life?

"Don't worry. Clay Marsha will find you no matter where you are."

A promise that she would make it happen.

As Shirone activated the bracelet, a flash of teleportation magic surged into the sky.

Watching the bright arc fade, Marsha muttered, "The Kergo Ruins… will they be okay?"

Freeman, as composed as ever, answered, "Probably not."

Marsha scowled at him, but he simply continued in his usual tone.

"But they'll make it through. They're strong."

Marsha paused, then turned her gaze back to the sky, a small smile playing on her lips.

"…Yeah."