Act 5: Expedition

Act 5:
Expedition

 

NINE MONTHS HAD PASSED since my summoning. Over the past few days, I had started working on making potions in the research institute after class until late into the night. I had received orders for potions from not only my usual client, the Knights of the Third Order, but the Knights of the Second Order as well.

It wasn’t that big of a deal, though, since they only needed the usual number, which I could do easily so long as I had enough ingredients. I had always been able to make more potions than even those who specialized in the craft.

My absurd base level came with a ton of MP, and I could make a truly wild number of potions a day. My Stats probably explained this, but I had never shared those with anyone, and I wasn’t about to until someone irrefutably figured me out.

My magic training paid off in this regard as well. I could make potions even more efficiently than before. I had known the training would help me cast faster, but I hadn’t thought it would even affect my potion production rate.

Does this mean channeling affects pretty much everything about magic? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised—the grand magus considered it so important, after all.

As I diligently brewed my potions, Johan came over. It was getting to be pretty late, and it was unusual for him to still be here at this hour.

Did something happen?

“Working hard, I see,” he said.

“Thank you. I have to—there’s so many this time.”

“Because the Knights of the Second Order need potions as well?”

“Yeah. I wonder if they’re going to keep ordering from us.”

“They just might, considering how surprised they were by the batch we sent during their last expedition to the western forest.”

“Were they?”

“Of course. Though, I guess I shouldn’t say ‘we’ since everything they got was one of your potions.”

Because of my fifty-percent-bonus curse, I thought. But if they do keep ordering from us, that means more revenue for the institute. Maybe I’ll ask for extra experimental materials—there’s that one rare plant I’ve been wanting…

I had held off on buying it since it was a bit expensive, but I had a feeling we might have the budget for it now.

Johan had started the conversation all casual, but a somewhat tense air lingered, so I suspected he wanted to discuss something else as well. I had a feeling I knew exactly what, too.

“A messenger came from the palace today. They requested support during the next expedition, help with healing, specifically.”

“They want your support?”

“Don’t play dumb. They want you.”

Yup, I was right. So right that I couldn’t help making that joke. “I see. I understand.”

Johan paused. “You’re sure unruffled.”

“Well, we discussed it before.”

“I suppose I expected you to be a bit more upset.”

I returned his wry smile with one of my own. I knew this request would come eventually. Both Johan and Yuri had said so. In fact, just a few days ago, Yuri had said, “You might be about ready for the western forest.”

I was unsure about how I actually felt, granted. Going on an expedition meant running into monsters. While I had visited some of the forests before, we hadn’t actually seen any of the beasts, so I didn’t know what to expect, not really.

I had borne witness to the grievous injuries of the knights who returned from the western forest—I knew it was dangerous. Now they wanted me to go there. Of course that scared me. But I would likely be with the Knights of the Third Order, who had already protected my fellow researchers and me when we ventured out together before.

While my group hadn’t run into any monsters during that excursion into the forest, the other groups had. The researchers had helped with the fighting, but I heard the knights had acted swiftly to ensure that none of them were injured.

I didn’t think this time would be any different. I knew the knights were all good people, too. I doubted they expected me to face one of these monsters when all I had on my side was Holy Magic, which meant I had no way to fight back.

Therefore, even though I was scared, I wasn’t pessimistic. Not to mention, I was far from opposed to providing support to the knights I knew so well. In fact, I looked forward to this opportunity to help.

Also, I was sure Yuri couldn’t wait to go to the western forest. He wanted to see what effect my magic would have on the miasma, and his eyes shone when he talked about my potential journey there. Yuri sure was true to himself.

He wasn’t the only one looking forward to this—the assignment interested me, too, even if the primary purpose was for an expedition. My reason? Herbs, as usual. Within that forest grew a number of medicinal plants we couldn’t grow in any of our gardens.

When I had visited the other forests, I found all kinds of herbs and so forth, and they had varied between the two regions. Therefore, I hoped the western forest would have herbs that couldn’t be found in either of the other two.

However, the monsters in the western forest were supposed to be stronger as well, so I didn’t know if I’d have time to harvest. I would be the only researcher this time, while the ones who knew the most about herb collecting would remain behind. Though a bunch of us joined the knights on an expedition a few months back, that had been an exception.

As a result, the possibility of me noticing a new kind of plant on the trip was decidedly low. Although I’ll probably spot some familiar species… I guess I’ll have to study up before we head there.

“You look like you’re actually more excited about this than anything,” Johan said.

“Huh? I do?”

Johan’s wry smile changed into an exasperated one. “I bet you’re thinking about all the new plants you might be able to find, aren’t you?”

My herb mania always showed through in the end. “Is it that obvious?”

“I’m glad you’re so passionate and all, but be sure to make some potions for yourself.”

“Why?”

“Because you’ll need some right? MP potions and the like.”

“Now that you mention it, I suppose you’re right.”

While HP and MP recovered naturally, downing potions was a much faster way to go about filling the tank, so to speak. In an emergency, I probably wouldn’t have time to just sit around waiting for my MP to well back up. Okay, then. I’ve reached my quota for the day, so I guess I’ll make some potions for myself, too.

And so, I kept on making potions long after Johan left.

 

***

 

Autumn had come to Salutania, and the sun rose pretty late now. I didn’t have an alarm clock, but the fact that I could still wake early and naturally on my own meant I had grown accustomed to the rhythm of this world.

That wasn’t the only reason for my pre-sunrise up-and-at-’em, though. My heart raced all night, leaving me unable to sleep. I jittered like a kid the night before a field trip. However, unlike a kid, some of that anticipation came from anxiety.

Today, we set out for the western forest.

I fell out of bed and brushed my teeth. As I brushed, I walked myself through the plans for the day and gradually wrangled my mind.

I washed and moisturized my face, as was my routine, although I supposed I wouldn’t be able to take time for such things during the expedition. I did stash my cosmetics in small bottles in my travel bag, just in case.

Finally, I got dressed. For the expedition, I traded my usual clothing for the kind of robes mages of the Royal Magi Assembly wore. Unlike a Lady’s Day dress, I could throw it on myself. It was easy to move in and not the least bit restrictive, likely since they had to be battle-ready. It only made sense.

They gave me the robe a few days ago, and I was relieved it wasn’t fancy like the one I wore during my audience with the king. Something so pretty would stick out like a beacon in the forest. Not to mention, I lived in fear of dirtying such lovely things, and it would’ve made me a basket case on an expedition.

I couldn’t forget to do my hair. I usually left it down, but I put it up in the back with a hairclip so it wouldn’t get in my way.

Once ready, I gathered my things for the trip and headed downstairs. It was too early for anyone to be working, but I heard people moving on the first floor—probably the researchers delivering potions to the Knights of the Third Order.

I stepped into a bit of a hectic atmosphere around the front door. I had delivered the potions the knights ordered the day before, but they had asked for even more when they learned I would be joining them. When I told them I didn’t think I would be able to carry so many extra potions myself, they rounded up a wagon for me to bring the extras with.

“Morning, Sei,” Jude said when I ran into him at the door.

“Morning. Were you assigned potion duty, too?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

I’d never seen Jude up so early before, so I worried he might be flagging. Usually, servants delivered our potions to the knights. Once in a while, a researcher might run a batch out to the barracks on a whim. I used to drop some off on my free days, but lately my schedule hadn’t allowed it.

I had assumed servants would once again take charge of transporting the potions today, since it had to be done before the break of dawn.

But if Jude’s here, he’s the one bringing them, right?

“Hey, they’re not making you run deliveries, are they?” I asked him.

“Yup.”

“It wasn’t easy for you to drag yourself out here, huh? I really thought they’d let you sleep.”

“I guess I just kinda felt like it this morning,” he said tentatively.

I gave him a quizzical look, but he didn’t offer a clearer explanation. Well, whatever.

I didn’t pry, and instead I helped him load up the wagon. When we were done, it was just about time to go.

“Sei.”

“Johan?” First Jude, now Johan. This was getting weird. “What’s up?”

“Don’t ‘what’s up’ me. I’m here to see you off.”

“Huh?!” That was why he was up so early?

My gape of surprise was met with an incredibly exasperated look from not only Johan but Jude.

Huh? What? Did I do something wrong?

“Never mind. In any case, the expeditions can get a bit…chaotic. So take care of yourself, and be sure to come back safely.”

“Thank you.”

“And the second you think you’re in the least bit of danger—run away. Got it?” Johan said with an unusually stern expression.

I nodded reflexively. “O-okay.”

Then he patted me on the head, too. What the heck was with him today? It was time to go, though, so I didn’t have a chance to pester him before I had to get in the wagon.

“I’ll be back before you know it,” I said as Jude got the wagon moving.

I waved in their direction; Johan returned my wave in kind, as did a servant who had come out to help us load the last potions.

“He sure is making a big fuss about all this,” I said after a moment.

Jude smiled wryly, reminding me that he had shared Johan’s exasperated look. “Well, of course he is.”

“But why?”

“You’re going on an expedition. I went on one back when I was at the Academy, but it was to the eastern forest—and you’re going to the western one, right? It’s a dangerous place.”

So I had heard, but could it really be that much more hazardous than the eastern and southern forests? I did remember the salamander had come from the west, and I realized other monsters had to also lurk there. But, well, I had never encountered any monsters at all, so maybe it just didn’t feel real to me, or perhaps my mind just refused to consider the possibility.

If it really was such a perilous place, then I guess I could understand Johan’s behavior.

“Be careful, okay?” Jude said. Even he was worried about me.

“I will.”

“I’m serious. Don’t go wandering off on your own just because you spotted some interesting herbs.”

“I know, I know.” Unfortunately, considering how easily distracted I had been on my last expedition, all I could do was nod meekly and take his warning to heart.

When we arrived at the barracks of the knights a little later, I began to stiffen. The tension was palpable as the knights rushed about, making their final preparations.

Jude and I climbed down from the wagon and he spoke to one of the servants, who began ferrying the potions over to the knights’ caravan. I watched the servant go as Jude came back over to me. He wore the same grave expression Johan had.

He really must be concerned, I thought as he smoothly took my left hand and held it.

“Come back safe and sound,” he said as words of parting. It wasn’t a long speech or anything, but we had already talked some on the way.

“I will.”

Jude dropped his gaze to the ground for a second before showing me that usual carefree smile of his. Then he headed back to the institute. I watched him go and turned on my heel. It was time to find a certain someone.

After a bit of wandering, I spotted the person I sought coming toward me already.

“Sei,” Knight Commander Albert called.

“Good morning,” I greeted him.

“Morning.”

During my last meeting with the official, he confirmed I would be traveling with the Knights of the Third Order. I was glad, since I had trained with the Third Order and knew many of the knights personally. I would have been exhausted traveling with people I didn’t know very well. Considering what lay ahead, we needed to limit the potential for any kind of exhaustion as much as possible.

Later, I heard from the knights that the Second and Third Orders had quarreled a bit over who I would travel with. I didn’t doubt this to be true, given how strangely fervent the Second Order could get about me. To be honest, their attitude, uh, kind of unsettled me, so I was truly relieved the Knights of the Third Order had won.

Apparently, I had Grand Magus Yuri to thank for that turn of events. Also, Lord Smarty-Glasses was Albert’s older brother, so maybe brotherly backup had something to do with it, too?

“Will you ride in the carriage until we reach the forest?” Albert asked.

“That’s what I heard.”

“I see…”

The official had said as much, since the western forest was a ways from the palace. I feared it would be a bit boring to be stuck inside a carriage by myself, but I figured it might not be so bad if I napped. However, Albert’s expression darkened. Did the idea of my lonely carriage ride bother him?

I got the answer to that riddle when we reached the carriage in question.

“Good morning, Lady Sei.”

“Huh? Grand Magus?”

To my surprise, we found Yuri standing right beside it. I was pretty certain I had heard the Royal Magi Assembly were departing from their own barracks.

“Good morning,” I greeted him when I recovered. “What brings you here, Yuri?”

“I thought I would accompany you.”

“Accompany me…in the carriage?”

“That’s right.” Yuri smiled with a nod—an expression diametrically opposed to the one Albert wore. “It will take some time to reach the forest, so I thought we might discuss magic along the way.”

“As in, have a class?”

“Exactly. I heard you were supposed to travel by yourself, and I thought you might grow bored.”

While this nixed by nap plan, it was nice of Yuri to offer me another lesson, especially since I was worried I would forget everything I had worked so hard to learn during the stress and chaos of the expedition.

“That’s very considerate of you,” I said.

“Don’t mention it. It’s about time to depart, yes?” Yuri’s smile curled further.

“Looks like it.”

Preparations were about finished. Several people were climbing atop their horses or ready on standby. At Albert and Yuri’s urging, we made our way to the carriage door. I was the first one in—out of decorum, I guessed. The door was high up, and as I grabbed on to the frame to climb in, someone held out their hand to me… Albert. I shyly thanked him as I used his sure and steady hand for support.

I guess I’ve gotten used to being escorted like this. Maybe it’s thanks to my lessons on etiquette?

Yeah… I sure was getting good at making excuses for myself.

The carriage was a great deal larger than I had imagined, and blankets covered the cushioned seats. Some care had been taken to ensure my comfort, and I was grateful for it.

I sat in the back, and Yuri came in after me. He sat down beside me, but I didn’t mind much, seeing as this carriage was so much bigger than the one I had shared with Albert when we went to the capital that one time. Thank goodness for that! I really wanted to avoid having to be in direct contact with a devastatingly beautiful guy the whole way.

The door to the carriage closed, and a few moments later, we were off. It would take us a whole day to reach the western forest. While Yuri lectured me, I made sure to ask about the forest as well.

 

***

 

It actually took more like a day and a half. We took breaks along the way, which I worried were for my sake. Traveling by carriage did take its toll, though it hadn’t affected me much on my brief trip to the capital. Fortunately, Yuri suggested I periodically cast Heal along the way, which really helped.

Though the travel took a lot out of me physically, it had less impact mentally, outside of how physical discomfort can wear you down. Yuri played a big part in keeping me occupied. Our lesson along the way focused on the expedition, so it ended up more like a lecture on battle than magic.

Yuri taught me about my role in the fighting, though he said that for the most part, we would just be patrolling. Having grown up in peaceful Japan, I had absolutely no experience in battle, so overall the lesson was invaluable.

However, it lasted for only a few hours because during our second break, I casually told Yuri about the enhanced herbs. I wanted to thank him for the advice he had given me. Of course, the conversation naturally flowed in the direction of how I accomplished the enhancement, and I inevitably told him about the mysterious magic…

When I offhandedly said, “I cast some spell but don’t really know what I did,” the look in his eye changed immediately.

Uh oh, I thought, but it was too late.

If Albert, who was with us during one of our breaks outside the carriage, hadn’t interceded, we would’ve been rooted to the spot forever. I was grateful for his gentle suggestion that we resume our discussion inside. It wouldn’t have been great for me if others overheard our talk.

After that, we discussed the magic I had used on the herbs the rest of the way. Although, it was more like being interrogated than having a conversation. Yuri had no idea what I’d done, so he kept asking me all these questions. He wanted me to show him the magic, but when I confessed I hadn’t successfully cast it since, he wilted. No surprise there.

However, I assured him I was practicing in hopes that I could enhance more herbs and that I would show him once I figured out how to do it again. That brightened him up a bit.

This was how we spent our time until we reached the first campsite, where we convened with the Knights of the Second Order and the Royal Magi Assembly. I had assumed we were an especially large group, but apparently we were traveling in the same numbers as the last expedition. All in all, a whole lot more people were involved than our trip to the southern forest.

I suppose the western forest really must be trouble if they’ve even brought people to ready the campsite. Comparatively, the southern forest was a day trip.

Because of all the people, the knights were accompanied by servants to wait on them. Thanks to these servants, I got to lounge about in the carriage until everything was ready. Although, I did help out with cooking at the request of the Knights of the Third Order. They knew how good the cooking at the institute was, so I couldn’t say no. Actually, I preferred delicious food myself, so I didn’t even hesitate.

As I cooked, I was pleasantly surprised to find herbs among the ingredients that had been brought. Jude or Johan’s doing, perhaps? At any rate, I happily included them in my recipes.

It’ll be obvious everyone’s physical abilities have been enhanced tomorrow…but there shouldn’t be an obvious connection, since this is dinner and everyone’s going to sleep after, right? I thought, so I didn’t hesitate to put my all into the meal.

Dinner was a huge hit with the members of the Knights of the Third Order. Johan had warned me against cooking in public, but the Knights of the Third Order already knew what I could do, so it felt pointless to try and hide it from them now.

The next day, we set out for the western forest again, and we arrived a little past noon. We still hadn’t eaten, so we stopped for a lunch break.

After hearing about the Third Order’s delectable dinner the night prior, the Knights of the Second Order and the Royal Magi Assembly wanted me to cook for them, too. There was no way I could manage a meal for that many people on my own, so I supervised and had other people do a lot of the work. Since we were about to start the expedition, it would’ve been helpful if I had found a way to amplify everyone’s abilities, but since Johan forbade me to do so, it was probably a good thing I didn’t.

From the first bite, my recipes were a big hit with the Second Order and Royal Magi Assembly as well.

After lunch, we determined we would head into the forest for a survey while it was still light out. However, I was to stay behind, since they were just going to scout.

Being the novice I was, I followed their orders without question. However, since I had time to spare, I got permission to search for herbs growing at the edge of the forest. I didn’t want to waste the opportunity after coming all the way here, after all.

Graciously, Albert offered to be my escort. Yuri, on the other hand, was only too happy to join the scouts. He said something about needing a warm-up.

On our third day after departing the palace, we finally entered the forest. Though it was the middle of the day, the density of trees in the western forest made it dim. The eastern and southern forests were far clearer, even maintained, likely due to the number of academy students who moved through them. The brightness of those forests made this one even darker.

We split up into several different groups. Mine consisted of some knights from the Third Order, Albert, and Yuri. Because the grand magus was with us, we had half the number of mages as the other groups. I’d thought our group wouldn’t include Yuri at all, but he insisted, saying it wouldn’t do if something were to happen to me.

I thought having both Albert and Yuri in my group made us excessively strong, but Yuri wouldn’t budge on the matter. Also, I was pretty certain the real reason Yuri wanted to be in my group was for his research.

Albert surprised me more. As knight commander, he used his authority to stick with our group, even though normally he would have been more judicious and lent his strength to any group lagging in that area. In the end, he only changed our group’s formation.

We’re definitely overpowered.

I did soon get to see my first monster at around that point, but I didn’t even have time to be scared before Yuri annihilated it with a cheerful hum. Even Albert chuckled as he slew a monster that leapt out at him from the side.

Yuri had said he hadn’t gone on an expedition in a while, and he had a certain kid-in-a-candy-store sparkle in his eye, but he didn’t seem at all out of practice. In fact, he was casting more powerful spells than I had seen at the training grounds one after the other. I knew he was strong, but I hadn’t realized how true that was.

I suppose it only makes sense for someone of his rank to be so skilled, right? Speaking of, does that mean Albert’s as powerful as he is? And I’m in a group with both of them? We really do have an outrageous team.

“Oops!” I had been trying to pay attention to my own two feet, but of course my toes caught on a root. I probably would have fallen if Albert, who was walking next to me, hadn’t caught me.

“Are you okay?”

“Y-yes, thank you.”

Not only was it hard to see our feet due to the lack of light, slippery fallen leaves littered the path. The absence of small trees led me to assume they had been cut down in advance, but it was still hard to navigate—especially as we couldn’t just watch our feet the whole time. It was a bit of a conundrum.

I straightened my posture and noticed Yuri had a hand to his chin and seemed to be lost in thought. What’s with him?

“Is something the matter, Grand Magus?” I asked.

“Oh, no, it’s just that I couldn’t help but notice how there seem to be fewer monsters than before,” he said.

Considering it was my first time here, I couldn’t say for sure. I looked to Albert for confirmation, which he gave with a nod.

“Is it because of the last expedition?” I asked Albert.

“It could be, but it feels like there are even fewer than there should be,” he replied.

Both of them had pensive looks as they thought this over. No answers would come from thinking alone, though, so Yuri started asking Albert questions while we walked.

“There were more last time, weren’t there?” asked Yuri.

“Yes. I’ve been keeping count.”

“And we haven’t seen any weaklings either, have we? So far today, we’ve only encountered the middle tier.”

“Now that you mention it… Yes, you’re completely right.”

Yuri glanced at me. Albert followed his gaze to me as well.

Huh? What? I tilted my head at them in confusion.

Yuri nodded as if he had come to a conclusion.

“Shall we keep going?” Albert asked.

“Yes, let’s.”

Hey, come on, don’t leave me in the dark here!

I contemplated demanding an explanation, but I lost my chance as we immediately ran into another monster.

As we continued, the intervals between monster encounters lessened little by little. Just when I thought we had to be pretty deep in the forest, the people in front of me came to a stop.

I thought this odd, but Albert, who stood beside me as usual, explained. “From this point on, we encounter the strongest monsters, so we usually take a moment to prepare ourselves.”

“Ah, I see.”

A mage in our party cast Holy Magic spells to improve offensive and defensive capabilities.

I should help, too. I moved to a good location and prepared to cast an area-of-effect spell of my own. I released my magic into my surroundings with Area Protection, which was a spell for increasing defense against both physical and magical attacks.

The basic version of the spell was Protection, which could only be cast on one person. There were also Physical Protection and Magical Protection spells, too. However, Yuri had taught me the spell for casting both at once, since for me, it was easier to use. Not to mention, it cost less MP.

Apparently, casting any kind of Protection was considered tough, but I grasped it relatively quickly. I was sure my Holy Magic level “infinity” had something to do with it.

Actually, the first time I cast Area Protection, Yuri laughed so hard he nearly fell over. I thought it a bit rude, seeing as he was the one who taught me. I also wasn’t sure whether he laughed because I had cast a difficult area-of-effect spell or because of the astonished looks on the other mages’ faces, but I didn’t let it bother me. It was a real time-saver to cast it as an area-of-effect spell than do a bunch of smaller spells one at a time, after all.

With our defenses shored up, offense came next, which was where my work came to an end. Casting such a potent area-of-effect spell had taken a hefty chunk out of my MP, so I downed several mid-grade MP potions. The other mages followed suit. We could have waited for our magical power to naturally recover, but we were going to move soon. Once we finished our potions, the group set off.

Everyone looked far tenser than before as we headed for the deepest part of the forest. The other groups had taken different routes, but we shared a destination. I heard the closer we got, the stronger the monsters would be, and this soon proved true. We also ran into monsters more and more frequently.

Up until that point, the skirmishes had wrapped quickly, but the fights started taking longer as well. Also, where we had run into only one monster at a time, now we encountered packs. Once we finished off one pack, more monsters rushed at us in a ceaseless stream.

People got hurt. I had to start joining in to provide support with Heal. Thanks to Yuri’s special training, I was able to cast with speed and efficiency on my very first expedition.

Albert and his knights protected me, so I managed to stay safely in the rear without getting injured myself, which I think helped me remain calm. However, I couldn’t help the growing anxiety.

“They’re really swarming now. Was it like this last time as well?” Yuri asked between skirmishes. He had a look in his eye like he had just uncovered something curious.

“Yes,” Albert answered, already prepped for the next skirmish. “And it’ll get worse the deeper we go.”

“Huh.” Yuri grinned, chuckling as he licked his lips.

I feel like some kind of forbidden switch got flipped on Yuri’s personality.

The second I thought that, Yuri cast multiple spells in rapid succession, completely obliterating a wave of monsters that had been heading our way. I had never seen him cast spells at that speed.

So this is was it means to master your magic. I was stunned.

“Something must be happening farther in,” Yuri mused.

“The Order came to the same conclusion, which is why we’re going all the way into the depths this time,” said Albert.

“I wonder what it could be.”

Versus Yuri’s nigh predatory expression, the mages now wore resigned looks. They were clearly familiar with that lurking forbidden switch. Really, Yuri looked just like he did whenever we discussed my magic. One of the mages muttered that there was no stopping the grand magus now. I saw what they meant and felt it in my bones, and I followed after them in silence.

We headed ever deeper into the forest, all the while slaying every monster we saw.

“Reflection.”

I lost count of our battles as I cast the barrier spell that caused monster attacks to reflect back and damage them instead. The knights used these opportunities to strike back as the monsters flinched. I cast this one at just the right moment.

“Nice timing,” Yuri said as I was feeling proud of myself.

“Thank you.” His words of praise really did feel sweet.

However, that feeling only lasted for an instant, since we were on the move again. We couldn’t ever stay in place for long, or the monsters would gang up on us if given half the chance.

Perhaps because we were nearing the heart of the forest, the downtime between battles was basically nonexistent. Somehow, the air grew stale as well. An awful sweat trailed down my back, and my clothes stuck to me. According to Albert, this uncomfortable feeling was due to the density of the miasma.

So this is the miasma. I did hear it condenses in the depths of forests.

Just as we arrived at the very center of the western forest, the knights spearheading our group began to murmur in confusion. Albert and Yuri headed toward the front of the group, and I followed a step behind them.

The place considered to be the heart of the forest was now a kind of crater. We stood at the top and gazed down into its depths, where something like a black swamp seethed. Monsters crawled out of it one after the other.

Albert and Yuri peered grimly into the swamp. Due to the distance, the monsters had yet to notice us, so they spoke to one another in hushed tones.

“What the hell is that?” Albert asked.

“Good question,” Yuri said.

I tried to breathe as quietly as I could as I gazed at the swamp from behind the two men. It looked like the monsters didn’t move away immediately—they lingered at the perimeter of the swamp for some time. There were so many that they crowded the edge. If a single one of them noticed us, the rest of the pack would instantly follow their gaze.

I really hoped that wouldn’t happen. No matter how strong Albert and Yuri were, surely they couldn’t take on so many beasts. I couldn’t help but tremble at the very thought. Yup, there’s no way we’d get out of here alive.

The longer I stared at the swamp, though, the weirder it seemed. Just looking at its pitch-blackness filled me with uncanny dread. Between its unnatural color and the monsters writhing out of it, there was absolutely nothing normal about this swamp.

Even worse, it seemed like this was the first time my companions were seeing it. They didn’t seem to know what to make of the dreadful thing, either.

The miasma’s supposed to condense closer to the heart of the forest, so…does that mean this swamp might actually be the miasma itself?

Albert and Yuri turned then, silently signaling their men to stand down. Some of the monstrous horde had started in our direction. I tried my best not to make any noise as I followed the command as well.

Then a scream erupted from the direction we were heading. I strained my eyes through the dark and caught a faint orange light.

What in the world? The second I thought that, the light blazed into searing flame, swallowing up all the knights in front of us. Oh no!

“They’re coming!” Albert screamed from behind me.

I was petrified.

I turned to see a wave of the monsters that had clustered by the swamp charging up the slope toward us. Had they heard the commotion? A chill shot down my spine.

“It appears to be a salamander,” Yuri murmured. I hadn’t noticed him come over to me.

“What?”

So that horrifying blaze was the flame of a salamander.

Up ahead, white light flared as a mage cast Healing Magic. Yuri had started casting spells to attack the monsters coming at us from the rear.

Right. I can’t just stand around doing nothing. I glanced up front and saw a mage racing toward the people who had been consumed by the flames. A magical barrier had shielded the victims, so they were singed—some worse—but alive.

I frantically began casting Heal as well, channeling the same amount of magic I used when regrowing lost limbs. From the cry of joy that followed, I knew I’d made the right call. I spread my attention to cast Heal on other knights as well, and I didn’t forget to give aid to the rearguard, either.

Since the rear was now the front, the front was mainly composed of mages. As a result, few mages remained to heal those in the new rear, which faced the wave of freshly spawned monsters. Yuri cast recovery spells between offensive ones, but I realized it would be far more efficient if I took over recovery wholesale.

For some time, we were trapped in a deadly stalemate. The front struggled to fend off the salamander. Meanwhile, Albert, Yuri, and the other knights in the rear slew monster after monster scrabbling toward us with their various combat proficiencies. However, the swamp just kept belching up more ferocious creatures—it never ended.

I didn’t need to fear running out of MP so long as I had potions on hand, but things would turn dire when my supply ran out. The glimmer of desperation grew in my companions’ eyes. Yuri always spoke so politely, but now I heard even him curse—proof he was being pushed to his limits.

My stomach suddenly hurt, and sharply.

Just then, I heard someone shout, “Watch out!” from behind. I turned back to see a fireball from the salamander hurtling my way.

Whoa, wait a minute! I didn’t have time to cast a barrier spell, and Yuri was so busy protecting the rear that he didn’t have time to help me, either.

From far, far away, I heard Albert scream my name.

Everything seemed to slow, like I was watching a revolving lantern. In the next instant, a chill took the air as a towering wall of ice shot up over me from behind.

I had thrown up my hands to cover my face, but the ice wall blocked the fireball, which exploded against it. Steam from the ice drifted in the air around me.

Strength drained from my limbs. Yuri caught me by the arm before I could collapse on the spot. “We’re not done yet. Keep your legs steady.”

“I-I’ll try.”

“That must have been the magic in your hairclip.”

“My hairclip?”

“Why, the enchanted one you’re wearing, of course.”

I had completely forgotten. The hairclip keeping the hair out of my face had been given to me by Albert, and it was indeed enchanted.

So that protection spell was what it was enchanted with… It’s thanks to Albert that I’m still standing.

My heart warmed, and I clenched a hand to my chest. I somehow managed to stand straight on my own, and judging I was okay to stay up, Yuri let go of me to leap back into the fray.

The situation was still highly unpredictable, with no end to the monsters in sight. Something had to be done about that swamp, or they wouldn’t ever let up.

Someone might die.

That fireball never would have reached me if the knights had been aware enough to block it. Although we could heal ourselves physically, we couldn’t treat our mental fatigue. Everyone was losing focus and getting hurt more frequently, and more terribly.

What can I do? Are healing spells my only option? Those thoughts raced through my head as I kept casting. I want to do something about that swamp. I have to…

“Knight commander!” One of the knights cried out, seizing my thoughts.

I whipped around in their direction to find Albert staggering back from a vicious confrontation with a demonic black wolf. Albert managed to kill it, but another black wolf lunged toward him.

No, stop!

The next thing I knew, something flowed out from within me—the same golden magic I had seen before at the institute. In an instant, the shimmering gold torrent of magic reached Albert, and when it swallowed the black wolf, the monster evaporated into black smoke.

Albert stared back at me in open astonishment. And not just him—several others did as well.

Granted, I was pretty surprised myself.

What was that just now? Whatever I did, it was ridiculously powerful.

The golden magic flowing from me didn’t stop, despite my surprise. Indeed, it kept flooding out and away. It had happened so suddenly yet again, but perhaps I could direct it—perhaps I could change our fate?

Like I had when I first conjured this spell, I folded my hands together in front of me in prayer, all the while thinking: I want the monsters and the swamp to disappear!

The speed at which the magic expanded increased even more, and the golden mist covering the ground swept toward the salamander, the monsters surrounding the swamp, and even the swamp itself—until all had been swallowed. When the entirety of the swamp was blanketed in gold, the magic burst with new brilliance.

Golden sparkles rained down from the sky. The monsters and the swamp had vanished, leaving behind only the forest.

“Is it…over?” Albert whispered.

“It seems so.”

At Yuri’s reply, the knights, who had been rooted to the spot, burst out in cheers of joy.