I Agree (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets)

I walked out of the room.

Weapons... had almost become a part of my body. Thinking about it, it was amazing that it had happened in just two years.

A shut-in had become someone more accustomed to the battlefield than a special forces soldier.

It was just ridiculous.

I picked up my weapon, turned, and stepped outside. I closed the door, letting the charcoal warm the room while I cooled off outside. I didn't want one sentence from this old monk to mislead me.

Rationally, I knew it was impossible. But emotionally, I still hoped I could become a hero, even though I'd long since outgrown my chuuni phase.

The courtyard was huge. The bright moon illuminated the temple, leaving it somewhat dim. Dead branches swayed in the breeze, their shadows on the ground looking a little hazy.

Centuries of history had given every corner of the temple the rich, aged aroma of time passing.

I walked down the dim path, gazing at the bare branches on either side and imagining how beautiful this place would be in summer.

As I walked, I looked around at the scenery. For a moment, I felt as if I'd traveled through time.

Was this the illusion brought on by the passage of time and the weight of history?

"Cough, cough... Female Benefactor, you haven't gone to bed yet?"

In the blink of an eye, I'd reached the temple's back courtyard. The place surprised me: there was a pond, and its surface hadn't frozen over. There were even fish in it.

"Old monk, why aren't you asleep?"

"Heh-heh. As you get older, you need much less sleep. I'm not very tired. Besides... I thought you probably wouldn't be able to sleep, so I waited here."

Yikes. This old monk's ability to read people seemed...