Chapter 343: Ch 342: Relieving Stress - Part 1

Setting up a guild was not an easy matter. There was too much paperwork involved, not to mention meetings and other setup. Kael felt exhausted by the time the first day was over, and the guild was not even functional yet.

But at least he was not the only one suffering here. Officer Tyson’s eyes were bloodshot, and it looked like he was having a hard time even staying awake.

And yet, he forced himself to keep working, all for the sake of this world... or rather, his paycheque.

Kael felt worried for him, so he suggested that the officer rest. But Tyson gave him a look that asked him if he had lost his mind.

"Rest? And me? Are you even serious? We have so much to do, and if I do not finish, then I will not get my paycheque. Do you have any idea how hard it is to live in this economy without a paycheque?"

The look of horror in Officer Tyson’s eyes told Kael that it was better if he did not ask him any questions. So he decided to ignore him and turn towards his companions, who seemed to have finally adapted to this new world.

"So, how does it feel to live in this world?"

Lyra was the first one to answer him.

"It’s... different. There are a lot of convenient parts, but just as many irritating ones. The science is really advanced, but there is no advancement in magic, which makes me frustrated at times."

Well, that was true.

It was not like magic was readily available to everyone in their previous world. But everyone here had enjoyed relying on it quite a bit. So staying without it must be annoying for them.

"Well, that should slowly get better over time. Want to head the research department, Lyra?"

Kael asked her in hopes of keeping her busy. And Lyra did look interested at first, but the more she thought about it, the more her expression changed.

"Well, being in power again does sound nice, but annoying at the same time. I would rather help you out instead."

She declared, and Kael did not push her anymore.

Dinner was kept simple that day because they were all exhausted. And they knew that the next few days were going to be even more exhausting.

...

"Ugh, would a dungeon open up already? Why are we stuck working with humans? Ugh, I really want to smash something up."

Lyra complained as she read through another paper on her desk. But no matter how many she sorted, the pile in front of her did not seem to be getting smaller anytime soon.

She was not the only one in this state, since everyone else was just as frustrated as she was. But unlike her, they were not voicing these words out loud.

"Do you want to borrow the training room to let this frustration out? It is magic-proofed, and you can—"

[Ding! A new dungeon has opened]

Just as he suggested this, the system indicated that there was a new dungeon for humanity to explore, and the timing could not have been more perfect.

Lyra stretched her back and quickly got up.

"I will take the dungeon. Kael, want to come with me?"

Lyra claimed the right to head to the dungeon before anyone else could, and Kael let out a sigh before he stood up and followed her out.

"Sure, I will come with you."

He decided without missing a beat, making Lyra let out a breath of relief. She was almost afraid that he would say no to her.

"That’s good. Everyone, we will be heading out now. We will see you once this disaster is over."

Lyra looked far too happy, and Kael spotted everyone else a sorry look as he followed after her. After all, he knew that everyone was just as frustrated as he and Lyra were, but since she looked ready to explode, he gave her the first chance to let her frustration out.

Special gear had been prepared for them by the authorities that was capable of withstanding the dungeon... or so they claimed.

But Kael had even better resources in his inventory, so he took them out and handed them over to Lyra.

The attire he handed her was similar to the one she wore as the demon queen, and she chuckled and took the clothes.

"You truly feel prepared for every situation. Honestly, I think I would have a hard time if you were not there. I kept feeling as if something was missing the whole time I could not recall you."

She confessed, and it was Kael’s turn to chuckle at her words.

"That might just be your feelings talking. But in reality, none of this would have ever happened if I was not here. You would have continued to live your life as a demon queen—"

"Don’t say that. I lived two lives, and I still fell in love with you in both. So don’t say that things would have been different if you were not there. Who knows? I might have continued to miss someone who did not even exist."

Lyra joked around, but some part of her told her that it might be true.

"Goddess Aria split her soul into different fragments because you existed. I don’t think I want to live in a reality where you are not there."

The confession was heavy, and it reminded Kael that this was not the first time Lyra had confessed to him.

Her feelings seemed to be genuine and had not faded, and it made him curious whether he could actually pursue a relationship with her or not.

Romance was not something he had thought about before, but maybe it was time to give her a chance.

"Lyra, are you still interested in me?"

He asked, and Lyra paused while walking and looked back at him with a startled, blushing face.

"W-What kind of question is that? I-! Of course I am interested in you. Why else would I keep confessing to you?"

She asked, and Kael had his answer.

"Hmm, then, would you want to date me once we finish this dungeon?"