Volume 5 Chapter 12: Preparation for Entry
Volume 5 Chapter 12: Preparation for Entry
Night had fallen, and I returned to the inn to prepare for tomorrow’s challenge and hold a strategy meeting.
「And so, tomorrow’s attempt to enter the Spirit Realm will involve just me and Daisy, okay?」
After I summarized the discussion we’d had since returning to the inn, Saki let out a small sigh and nodded.
「Can’t be helped. When it comes to a speed-focused mission, we’re a bit lacking in that area.」
「Yeah… If I could charge in with my dragon form, I might keep up, but maneuverability would be an issue. If I veered off route for some reason it’d be bad.」
To traverse the Spirit Road, you needed speed combined with agility and the ability to withstand strong winds. That made me the most suitable candidate among us.
「And Daisy, are you sure you’re okay with staying hidden in my chest pocket?」
「Don’t worry about that, friend. I’m all good. Besides, if there’s no one skilled with repairs at the Spirit Spring, the whole thing will lose its meaning.」
「Thanks for that. And Berzelia, Saki, I’m counting on you and Gale to handle the beast subjugation.」
From the conversation I’d had with Cattleya earlier, I learned that even after the Spirit Road appears, monsters still sporadically show up.
We decided that someone needed to deal with those beasts to avoid unwanted interference.
「Of course. Even though any monster blocking your path wouldn’t stand a chance, we want you to focus entirely on getting through.」
「Exactly! Master, we’ll make sure the way is clear for you!」
With that, we had finalized tomorrow’s plan.
Now all that was left was to get some rest in preparation. Then, as I sipped tea in my room,
「Axel-sama. May I come in?」
I heard a knock and Botan’s voice from the other side of the door.
「Botan-san? Sure, come in.」
「Thank you.」
Upon receiving my reply, Botan opened the door and entered, accompanied by a wagon.
This time, however, it wasn’t carrying tea.
「This is the container filled with items Cattleya-sama has requested you bring to the Spirit Realm.」
On the wagon sat a wooden container about the size of a large bundle.
「Ah, thanks. But why are you the one delivering it, Botan-san?」
Cattleya had only just mentioned transporting items to the Spirit Realm earlier. As I wondered about this, Botan explained:
「Well, both the Magic Research Institute and the Medical Guild had items they wanted delivered as well. We had coordinated in advance, expecting an opportunity to transport them. This container is the result of that arrangement.」
「Ah, I see.」
So they’d prepared for a chance to transport items whenever the opportunity arose. Given that they’d made multiple attempts at crossing, it made sense they’d be well-prepared. While I was mulling this over,
「Please, I’m counting on you. We haven’t been able to make contact with them for quite some time… There isn’t a branch of the Medical Guild in the Spirit Realm, but I have many acquaintances there.」
Botan spoke with a slightly troubled smile.
From her expression, her concern was evident.
「Honestly, I feel bad for putting pressure on you before you even attempt to cross, when we don’t even know if it’s possible…」
「No, no, it’s fine. I’ll just do what I can. …Well, I’ll try my best to meet your expectations, at least a little.」
When I said that, Botan’s smile softened,
「…Thank you so much.」
And so, the time before our attempt passed quietly.
〇
Early morning.
As the sunlight barely began to filter in, I stood in the grassy field.
It was the same place where we drove off the beasts yesterday.
While I was shaking out my arms and legs and waiting for the Spirit Road to appear, Cattleya, who had been conversing with the research institute staff nearby, approached me.
「Are you all set, Axel?」
「Yeah, I’ve checked my equipment thoroughly. The contents of the Item Bag are fine. As for Daisy in my jacket—」
「—Of course, no problem, buddy!」
「Good, good. And the container I got from Botan yesterday is packed and ready. Everything’s good to go.」
「Umu. Excellent. If you meet anyone over there, please tell them these items are from the Magic Research Institute and the Medical Guild. That would be helpful.」
「Got it.」
As I was talking with Cattleya,
「Director! Monsters incoming!」
One of the staff shouted.
Looking ahead, beasts were running through the tall grass, drawing closer and closer.
「Oh my, so lively so early in the morning. Well then, everyone, as planned—begin the subjugation!」
Cattleya barely finished issuing the command when,
「Freeze Raindrop!」
「[Infernal Dragon’s Breath]!」
Rain-like icicles and a sweeping blast of fire wiped out the beasts in an instant.
Positioned to my left and right, Berzelia and Saki annihilated the beasts in the blink of an eye.
「…Huh?」
Cattleya and the staff let out sounds of astonishment. As for me, it was as expected.
「All done, Master!」
「That was just a warm-up. We’ll handle any beasts that show up during your attempt, so proceed without worry.」
「Yeah, thanks, you two.」
Just as planned, the beasts were successfully dealt with before the Spirit Road emerged.
「…S-So, this is the magic of the Heroes…」
「Yesterday was impressive enough, but today, we’re seeing something even crazier…」
The staff were murmuring in awe. Cattleya, too, seemed wide-eyed in astonishment.
「Well, well, the Dragon King’s magic is extraordinary, of course. But Saki—I’ve seen her magic plenty at the Magic Academy, yet she’s grown even stronger. It’s amazing. Axel’s calm reaction is equally remarkable, though…」
「Well, I’m used to it by now. …But didn’t you teach Saki at the Magic Academy? You’d know more about her magic than I do, right?」
When I said that, Cattleya gave a wry smile.
「Yes, well, at first, she was a bit of a loner during her first few months at the academy. I taught her, and before I knew it, she’d surpassed me completely, then went off to the war as a Hero. Every time I see her, she’s stronger than before. It’s always surprising.」
「I see. So Saki was already an incredible mage back then, huh?」
「Haha, exactly. And it seems her personality has changed quite a bit since encountering you, Axel. …But let’s save reminiscing about the past for later.」
「—Yeah, because the Spirit Road just appeared.」
A few minutes after the beasts were subjugated.
The Spirit Road appeared in nearly the same spot as yesterday.
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