AFTERWORD

For anyone who is just joining us, it’s a pleasure to meet you. For those of you picking up where you left off in Volume 4, thank you very much for your continued patronage. We’ve been fortunate enough to make it to the fifth volume with your help and warm support. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I’d like to jump right into the topics touched on in this volume, so I’d gently advise you to read it first before continuing here.

Are you ready? All right, let’s do this.

In the last volume, Arihito and the gang had no time to rest. This time, though, I was able to include an episode at a resort, as promised. However, I imagine a few of you may be wondering, Did they actually do any relaxing?

But accidents are bound to happen once you step foot into a labyrinth. Arihito could not avoid raiding a labyrinth; his fate was sealed by the very fact the Guild’s health resort was located in one—though I’ll admit that’s a bit of an excuse. At the same time, I wanted to include the heartwarming story, the likes of which we may or may not see again, of how an enormous penguin joined the party on their journey. I suggest everyone cling to a large penguin stuffed animal, or if you don’t have one, fluff up the nearest beanbag chair, or even put some penguin videos on in the background while you read that part of the story. These methods are sure to enhance your relaxation.

Sadly, real penguins abound with natural enemies. I cannot help but mention their love-hate relationship with seals in particular brings some very mixed feelings. Even the cutest penguins are in a constant battle for life or death. Meanwhile, Snow (Arihito’s Jeweled Wings) and the Coral Peigoes will almost certainly live out their days peacefully in the ranch, free from intruding enemies. I hope this can convey in even the smallest way my wish to protect all the lovely penguins out there.

By the way, the battle against Jeweled Wings in this book differs greatly from the web novel version. If you were to ask, What kind of penguins look most like the Coral Peigoes? I would have to say it’s the southern rockhopper penguin. I think that may really help you picture these little guys in your mind. I’d like to thank my editor once again for this piece of advice.

In any event, I myself would love to visit the warm, thickly forested island the Coral Peigoes call home, especially at night. I can just imagine the crystal-clear spring with its shining bed illuminating everything in the water around me. It’s like something straight out of a movie or an RPG cut scene, don’t you think?

No one in the party has to worry about running out of breath while swimming as long as Ryouko goes along. Maybe one day they’ll raid an underwater labyrinth… That being said, the labyrinths they visit will change depending on what the group decides to do. So not all the labyrinths that lie in wait for them will make an appearance in this story. We have already heard of the Sleeping Marshes, whose idyllic-sounding name belies the deep connection it shares with Theresia. There is a chance the group may double back to labyrinths in districts they’ve already left, but in any case, I’d like to depict their journeys into as many labyrinths as possible.

However, as described in the prologue this time, the situation surrounding Shirone will also raise tensions between Arihito and the White Night Brigade. I imagine Arihito and company will continue pressing on in their quest to save Elitia’s friend, after perhaps a short break, and eventually collide with the Brigade head-on.

But look at me, spending so much time on all the serious aspects of this story. I do want to share one regret I have about this fifth volume. That is: I could not find a way to include the nighttime bits we’ve all come to expect.

Now you may be thinking, What is he going on about all of a sudden? Nevertheless, the interpersonal aspects of the group are just as important as the seeking they do, and I have a duty to gradually reveal what the party members are doing to Arihito in his sleep night after night. Spelling even that much out risks exposing too much of what yours truly intends for the series, so I’ll hold my tongue about what will happen next or what new details I want to add to this book version of the story.

Ideally, I would love to use these portions to incorporate my readers’ requests as well. As an author, you more or less have a general idea of which characters readers prefer. But once you can clearly see which characters your audience wants to see more of, you’re left with an ever-present reminder, and desire, to do everything you can to fulfill those wishes.

I’d like to start by adding new episodes I think need to be included for the moment. We left our heroes at the end of this volume heading off into the depths of the labyrinth, so I’ll do my best to work those into the next volume. They’ll mostly be calm scenes to help alleviate some of the building tension or stories of antics that can only truly come alive after nightfall. However, please feel free to write a letter to the editor or otherwise leave a comment on the web novel or on the forum if you’d like to read about any other kinds of anecdotes.

The etymology of the chariot’s name as well as the appearance of the alioth crystal are both pretty big hints as to the worldview in the Labyrinth Country. But I’ll hold off on saying more about that until we get a little further into the story. Of course, the nine stars on the Guild’s door are another big hint. You can see a panoramic overview map of all of the Labyrinth Country in the manga version by Rikizou. You may discover something if you look at all these factors together.

The manga version is based on the light novels, but it’s also Rikizou’s fresh interpretation of the story, so I’d definitely recommend it to those who have already read the original work as well. If you haven’t had the chance to read the manga yet, the first, second, and penultimate chapters are available online. I do hope you take a look whenever you have a moment.

I’m almost out of space, so I’d like to switch over to expressions of gratitude.

To my editor, for whom I caused a whole world of trouble this time, I promise to do my utmost in the next volume to ensure this will not happen again. Thank you for thoroughly examining the fine details and for all your suggestions on how to improve the work. These pieces of advice at times focus on the content or expressions used, but most serve to strengthen the story’s foundations and sometimes even alter it in a major fashion. All your careful consideration ensures the series is headed in the right direction. I look forward to continuing to work under your guidance so I can deliver even better versions of World’s Strongest Rearguard to my readers.

To the illustrator, Huuka Kazabana, thank you once again for your wonderful artwork!

Your spectacular illustrations paint our heroines in the cutest light and make the battle scenes seem larger than life, while your depictions of Arihito are faithful to the finest detail. All of your invaluable work helps tremendously in bringing the world and atmosphere of World’s Strongest Rearguard to life for readers. This volume also had some swimsuit scenes, and I’m sure readers will look forward to those illustrations. I know I am.

To the team of proofreaders who work tirelessly to maintain accuracy and consistency throughout the text, I pledge to do all in my power to lighten your load going forward. Thank you for all your hard work in this volume. Every time I read a comment you kindly point out, I gain a better understanding of the things I tend to overlook. It is all thanks to you that this book made it out into the world. My devotion level for you is off the charts.

As I mentioned briefly earlier, Rikizou has taken over an extremely dense project with the manga serialization. Thank you for putting so much strength, figuratively and literally, into your artwork. Please do take good care of yourself so as not to overexert your masterful hands. As a fan of your work, I look forward to reading the series.

Above all, to the bookstores, ebook publishers, and everyone else who has been a part of this project in one form or another, you have my sincere gratitude. Thank you all very much.

By the time you have this book in your hands, summer will most likely be upon us. I think I’d like to go to an aquarium if I ever have a moment. I want to see the crabs—but, more importantly, the penguins.

I wish you all good health and cool moments in the midst of the summer heat.

Happy Reiwa,
Tôwa