Chapter 48
Episode 73: The Surprised Three-Person Alliance
「What… you have learned not only 【Presence Detection】, but also 【Mana Detection】?!」
「Yes, I was able to learn it by going to the dungeon with Ren every day! As expected, experiencing it firsthand makes it easier to understand.」
「I see… Selen-sama has learned quite a lot…」
At lunch the next day, when Selen-sama reported that she had mastered detection skills, all three of them were shocked.
And when they heard about her improvement in 【Magic Manipulation】 and honing her 【Imagination】, they were even more amazed, eventually looking somewhat resentful (sweat).
「It’s already enviable enough that you gained real combat experience in the dungeon, but you also learned detection, improved your magic manipulation, and even something called imagination, though I don’t fully get it… You’ve really grown a lot, haven’t you?」
When Slaine-sama asked us this, I answered.
「Selen-sama right now is about at the level of a C-class hunter. She can easily take down an orc on her own.」
「By the way, how about you, Ren?」
「I’m probably at A-class? Though I haven’t applied for it, so I’m still B-class (laughs).」
「Ren is amazing. She wiped out ten ogres with a single spell!」
「Man… I really wish I could have gone to the dungeon with you…」
Cantera’s words summed up how all three of them felt, looking dejected… so I made a suggestion.
「Why don’t you all come next vacation?」
「Really? Absolutely, I’ll go! Right, you guys are coming too, right?」
Hearing my suggestion, Cantera’s excitement shot up, and he called out to the other two.
「Absolutely! There’s no way I’m spending the break at home now!」
「I’ll definitely go too! There’s no way Father would allow only Selen to go. Honestly, I’d be ready to leave for vacation tomorrow (laughs).」
The three of them were getting really hyped. Selen-sama, watching them, laid down one condition.
「You’re welcome to come, but you’ll have to secure your own place to stay. Since Ren’s house is a single-mother household, men can’t stay over, okay? Understood?」
「Uh… we just have to book a place to stay, right? That’s totally fine!」
「「We leave the lodgings to you, Prince!」」
And so, it was decided that the entire A-team would spend the next vacation together in Spica City.
–
Episode 74: Subjugation Training
The second half of the school term has begun, and at last, it’s time for subjugation training.
Normally, first-year students would conduct their training in the plains, but because our A-team includes the first and third-ranked students in the academy, we’ve been given special permission to participate in forest subjugation training instead.
※ Slaine’s ranking was elevated to third place due to Cole being expelled.
「Since we’re heading to the forest, we’ll need to redo our study session on the terrain and the types of monsters that appear there.」
「I’ll handle the research on monsters. Cantera, since you’re the scout, could you handle the terrain?」
「Ren, I’ll help too.」
「In that case, we’ll also…」
As Slaine-sama and Stratos began to speak, Selen-sama gave instructions before they could finish.
「You two help Cantera with the terrain. Ren and I have enough experience with monster subjugation, so the two of us can manage on our own.」
She cut them off decisively, leaving Slaine-sama and Stratos speechless, while Cantera grinned mischievously.
We spent the days leading up to our departure preparing and researching.
On the way to the forest, we continued to discuss and share the information we had gathered during the carriage ride.
「Since it’s a forest, fire-based magic is strictly forbidden. Also, the forest is dense, so there’s a chance we could be ambushed by monsters. Plus, the roots of the trees make the ground uneven, so we’ll have to be careful.」
「With Ren and me both able to use 【Presence Detection】, we won’t have to worry too much about ambushes.」
We gained a solid understanding of the terrain.
「As for the monsters, we’re likely to encounter 【Goblins】, 【Orcs】, 【Wolves】, 【Ogres】, 【Beetles】, and 【Mantis Bugs】. If we’re lucky, we might run into the rare 【Moth King Bug】 or 【Earth Dragon】. There’s no need to worry about 【Goblins】 or 【Orcs】 since they’re slow. For 【Wolves】, they attack in packs, so it’s important not to panic. As for 【Ogres】, 【Beetles】, and 【Mantis Bugs】, their attacks are powerful, so having a strong wall in defense will be key. I’ll handle any encounters with the 【Moth King Bug】 or 【Earth Dragon】 (laughs).」
After finishing our discussion, we soon arrived at the forest where the subjugation training would take place.
Once we arrived, we received instructions from the teacher in charge of the forest area.
「The subjugation will last for seven days. The forest has a complex terrain and is home to a wide variety of monsters. I trust those with subjugation experience won’t take on enemies beyond their capabilities, but don’t push yourselves too hard. Be sure to bring back parts from any monsters you subjugate. Now, let the subjugation training begin!」
「「Yes!」」
And so, our forest subjugation training began.
–
Episode 75: A-Class Subjugation Begins
The forest subjugation training had begun.
We were given a detailed map from the academy and tasked with moving toward three checkpoints.
Once we pass through all the points, we’ll be able to move on to more challenging locations in the next subjugation training.
「Alright, let’s get going! You all know your roles, right?」
「OK!」
Our plan was to quickly pass through the three checkpoints and use the extra time to practice learning detection skills.
So, while Selen-sama scanned the surroundings using her sensing abilities, we advanced through the forest.
Of course, I was there to support her, stepping in if things got dangerous.
「At 2 o’clock, there are three orcs. I’ll need the shield bearers! The rest, strike at any openings.」
With Selen-sama’s precise instructions, we took down the monsters, gathered their parts, and continued forward.
The two serving as shield bearers were keeping their cool even against their first monsters.
We’re making smooth progress as we pass the first checkpoint and heading to the next checkpoint when my 【Presence Detection】 goes off, although Selen-sama hasn’t noticed yet.
It’s a response from a rather strong monster, so I decided to alert everyone.
「At 11 o’clock, about 1 km ahead, there’s a 【Land Dragon】. You guys won’t be able to handle it yet, but I can take it down. If you want to observe from a safe distance, that should be fine. What do you think, Selen-sama?」
「I want to see it! It’s a rare chance to witness a subjugation like this.」
「Got it! There’s a good vantage point up ahead, so you all move there and wait. I’ll take care of the Land Dragon!」
Everyone moved to the vantage point, while I approached the Land Dragon.
After confirming they had reached the spot, I revealed myself in front of the Land Dragon, and the battle began.
I brandished my dual spears and unleashed a〚Cross Slash〛at the dragon.
I left a cross-shaped wound on its tough scales, causing blood to spray.
Although I inflicted significant damage, the Land Dragon counterattacked by swinging its rock-like tail.
But thanks to my〚Future Sight〛, I easily dodged it and enveloped my spear in flames, superheating it to slice off its tail.
The Land Dragon let out an earth-shaking roar after losing its tail.
I then aimed at its large mouth and fired〚Freeze Cannon〛, an ice magic spell, blowing its head clean off, ending the fight.
Once the others confirmed I had defeated the Land Dragon, they joined me.
Selen-sama collected the dragon’s single horn, while Slaine-sama used his【Magic Bag】to store the scales and magic stone.
Though everyone looked like they had a lot to say, Selen-sama told them we should refrain from chatting while in the middle of a subjugation.
So, we decided to talk more during camp.
As the sun began to set, we passed the second checkpoint, and Cantera, who had scouted ahead, found a suitable spot for camping.
Thus, our first day of subjugation ended without any problems.
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