Dragged Into Another World Because of My Otaku Friend

I was taken aback by Reymond's sudden directness.

"I-I… we don't know her current location. We were separated at the entrance of this town because of a monster attack. However, they managed to enter the town safely. She said she wanted to go to the shelter," I said, bowing slightly.

"I see," Reymond replied, closing his eyes.

"Even though she entered the town safely, the number of monsters here is far greater than outside." He looked genuinely worried.

"Sir Dave, please assign personnel to escort this lady to the nearest shelter. It's still a few blocks away," Reymond ordered.

"Yes, Prince," Sir Dave bowed.

"Wait a minute… err… Prince," Bob suddenly spoke up.

"Just tell us where the shelter is. We'll escort this lady there ourselves," he said.

"What are you doing, Bob?" I asked.

"We'll bring her to the shelter and, at the same time, look for Michael. He must be there," Bob replied.

Reymond looked at him, then nodded. "If that is your request, then I won't object. The shelter is just at the end of this line of buildings, then to the right." He pointed toward one of the roads.

"Thank you. Madam, let's go," Bob said urgently, stepping forward to help the woman walk.

We followed close behind him.

Prince Reymond watched us sharply as we walked away. His eyes were focused on Linus.

'To think someone could withstand my Meteor Dive and come out unhurt… He's really something,' he thought.

"Are you alright, Prince?" Sir Dave approached Reymond, noticing he was deep in thought.

"I'm fine."

"That man is Linus. He's one of the new members of the Dawnbloom Guild. The other two are Bob and Alan. I assume they're the same ones involved in the Lily Town incident," Sir Dave said.

Reymond's eyes widened.

"Why didn't you say that earlier?" Reymond raised his voice slightly. Being told this after the people in question had already left was pointless.

"Well, whatever. Now isn't the time for that. Once everything is settled, bring them to see me."

"Yes, Prince. Oh... and one more thing, one of ours said they've found the location of one of the Kaoslith."

"Is that so? Then what are we waiting for? Let's move."

He then marched off with his army toward the deeper part of town.

---

"Peekaboo!"

"Bleeegh!"

Me and Bob were making silly faces.

The baby in Linus's arms giggled as she watched two grown men playing with her.

Her mother, named Emma, was currently riding on Plump.

"Who's a cute little girl?" I tickled the baby. I had to admit, I've always had a soft spot for babies and toddlers. Maybe that's why all my nephews and nieces got so excited whenever I came back to the village. I always spoiled them a little.

After several minutes of walking, we arrived at a large building near the end of the block. From the outside, we could see a lot of movement, people bustling around in every direction. Some carried others on stretchers, some had heavy loads slung over their backs. Shouts echoed in every direction. The place was in chaos.

"Please let me go! My wife is still out there with my baby!" a man cried out, struggling as the crowd tried to hold him back.

"Please calm down, Rodri! People are already out searching for your wife. Don't act recklessly!" someone tried to reason with him.

As we got closer to the commotion, Emma suddenly cried out, "Rodri, my dear!"

Rodri, who was now being restrained by three people, immediately turned at the sound of her voice. The moment he saw her, his eyes welled with tears.

"Emma!" he shouted, breaking free and rushing toward her.

Emma then got down from Plump and hugged her dear husband.

"Thank God you're safe, Emma." He held her tightly.

"Me too," Emma said, tears flowing.

Everyone around them smiled at the reunited couple. At least in this disaster, there was still something to smile about.

After several seconds of hugging, Rodri suddenly looked around, searching.

"Where is my Erin?" he asked.

Linus stepped forward and gently handed the baby to Rodri.

Rodri looked at us cautiously.

"They're the ones who saved me, darling," Emma said, smiling at us.

"Thank you. Thank you, all of you. I don't have the words to describe how grateful I am." Rodri bowed multiple times to us.

"It's okay. We just did what needed to be done," I replied.

We then left the small family and headed into the building, with Bob leading the way.

Inside the massive hall, the scene in front of me triggered an old memory. I was immediately reminded of the time during the recent epidemic in our world, when those infected were quarantined in a big hall like this, isolated from others for nearly two weeks. Ever since then, I had sworn to keep myself healthy and hygienic at all times.

"Excuse me, do you know a kid named Michael? Is he here?" Bob asked around.

Linus and I also helped with the search.

But every time we asked, the answer was the same, they didn't know the boy's location.

"They said they do not know where he is, Bob," I told him as we gathered back at the center of the hall.

"Do we keep asking? I think we'll just get the same answer," Linus said.

Bob looked around, clearly worried. I knew exactly what he was thinking, he was scared that the boy might've already been lost to the monsters.

"Are you searching for someone?" Rodri suddenly asked us.

"Yes, we're looking for our friend's little brother. But it seems he is not here," I said.

"If you can't find him here, maybe he's in the other shelter in the south area. Hopefully, he made it there safely," Rodri said.

I looked at Bob and Linus. There was still hope.

We then asked Rodri to keep an eye out for Michael as we made our way to the next shelter.