Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World

“I’m sorry, Tenko. I don’t know the details either.”

As soon as Rebecca spoke, she apologized with a guilty expression.

It’s one of those late summer days clinging to autumn, and I’d come to the Adventurers’ Guild to check on the status of the special request made for me.

“They only said, ‘I need a child adventurer who can use [Earth Wall],’ and that’s it.”

“That’s odd. Even if it’s a repair job, there’s no reason to limit it to children.”

Rebecca and I tilted our heads, separated by the counter.

It had been five days since I’d been contacted about the special request from Mannen Mansaku. I’d been busy dealing with Emily’s situation, but that didn’t mean I’d ignored it completely. The day after I was contacted, I visited the guild and left a message with another receptionist because Rebecca wasn’t there, saying, “I’m busy at the moment.” Now that things had settled down, I’d come back to check on it, and Kyutes Ipjit was still waiting for me.

“What will you do? You don’t have to take the request if you don’t want to.”

“At this point, I can’t just turn it down. I’ll at least go listen to what it’s about. Whether I accept it will depend on the details.”

“I’d appreciate that. To be honest, we can’t afford to get on bad terms with the council member either.”

With a weight lifted off her shoulders, Rebecca scribbled an address onto a piece of parchment. I took it and headed to Kyutes’ home.

Kyutes Ipjit is one of the newly appointed council members. About six months ago, Risuria’s replacement was decided—a woman named Mumer Tershein, who works as a private tutor. The reason it took so long was that both were selected from the civilian sector. If they were from one of the three major academies, the Magic Guild, or the Guard’s commander, they would’ve been selected without needing the council’s approval. But that’s not the case for civilians.

Even if they meet the qualifications based on their achievements or abilities, whether they accept the role is entirely up to them. Unlike academy heads, who are selected almost out of obligation, their position is different. It must’ve been quite difficult to find replacements after losing two civilian council members at once.

Kyutes’ house was located in the southwest corner of Selen, near the outer walls, practically the opposite side of town from my own home. Naturally, this area was also part of the slums. After asking passersby for directions several times, I finally arrived at my destination.

Before me stood a humble, single-story brick house. The property was modest, with narrow gaps between the neighboring homes and no visible garden. It was the kind of place meant simply for sleeping—a far cry from the type of home you’d expect a council member to live in.

At first glance, the outer walls weren’t severely damaged, but considering how worn-down the house was, it was probably a wall repair job after all. A council member would also be familiar with road repairs. Perhaps they were strapped for cash and that’s why they specifically requested me, a D-rank adventurer.

When I knocked on the door, a gaunt middle-aged man appeared after a brief wait. As he glanced at me suspiciously, I bowed politely.

“I’m Tenko, a D-rank adventurer. I’m here regarding your special request—”

“Finally! You’re late, you know!”

Kyutes waved me in hurriedly, and I entered the house, stopping in my tracks almost immediately.

What… where am I supposed to walk?

Kyutes Ipjit, successor to Yarz Alaster. His home was a junk-filled mess.

No—calling it junk isn’t quite right. The piles everywhere were all research materials and documents. Now that I think about it, Isnira had mentioned Kyutes was a civilian researcher. That tracks. He was a researcher, through and through.

Kyutes navigated his way through stacks of parchment, books, and various tools with practiced ease and sat down in a chair that had somehow managed to remain uncovered. He motioned for me to come in, and though reluctant, I made my way through the room, being careful not to step on any documents.

“Have a seat somewhere around there.”

“It’s all a mountain of papers, though.”

“It won’t damage them if you sit. And those aren’t particularly important books anyway.”

“I see… Well, I’ll just stand.”

“You sure? Alright then, let’s get started.”

Kyutes, still seated, spread his arms wide, gesturing toward the heaps of research materials.

Surely not… does he want me to clean this up?

“Mr. Kyutes, do you remember the contents of the request you made with the Adventurers’ Guild?”

“What’s this sudden question? Are you mocking me?”

I handed him the request form I’d brought with me.

“It says here that you would explain the request details in person. I’m here to hear those details.”

“Oh, right. I left out the details to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Completely slipped my mind.”

Kyutes dug through one of the piles—possibly a desk—and magically pulled out a cup. As he tilted it back, he began to explain the request.

My guess had been a little off. It wasn’t to clean up but to help him move. Since he’d been appointed to the council, they’d assigned him a new residence, and he wanted help moving his belongings.

Well, it’s not unheard of for adventurers to help with moves. The odd part was that this is usually a job for F-rank or E-rank adventurers. It’s rare for a D-rank, especially a solo adventurer, to be specifically requested. And with all these research materials crammed into the house, it would be hard work even for a team.

“I heard you specifically requested a child who can use [Earth Wall]. Does that mean there’s also some repair work involved?”

“No, no repair work.”

“Then why make such a request?”

“I’d heard you were a capable adventurer. To think you’d ask such an idiotic question… I’m disappointed.”

Kyutes shook his head, looking exasperated.

I’m the one who’s disappointed here. None of this makes sense. I’ve never been told I’m good at moving or cleaning, nor do I think that’s the case.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t quite understand what you’re getting at.”

“Helena is my former student. Does that explain it?”

“…Ah, so you used to be a teacher?”

“Years ago. I passed the position on to Helena.”

The council, and Helena’s former teacher. The connection seems to be [Earth Wall], but that doesn’t explain anything.

I asked with my eyes once more, and Kyutes let out a dramatic sigh, as if to show his exasperation.

“You still don’t get it? The academy’s standards have dropped. I don’t trust just any adventurer with my research materials. You’re capable enough to transport them safely without ruining them. Though, I’m starting to have doubts about that.”