Chapter 82

"Over there in the bushes. A pack of wolves."

Following Sheila's instructions, a light from a magic circle appeared in Ashley's hand.

"Heat Fog!"

It was a 5th-class water magic. A dense fog formed in the corner of the forest where Ashley had extended her hand. This magic, which involved high-temperature gas, was quite lethal. For example, if inhaled, it would not be harmless, and it would be impossible to keep one's eyes open. It would also be difficult to defend against it with a shield or armor. Moreover, dealing with a magic like Heat Fog for the first time was challenging.

Even if one managed to minimize damage by closing their eyes and holding their breath, their actions would still be significantly hindered. It would be necessary to use wind magic to disperse the fog. None of these options were available to the wolves.

"There they are."

Having been ambushed and exposed, the wolves were accurately shot through the head by Ilmhirte's arrows from above. They seemed unable to retaliate or evade, still not having recovered from the damage.

Most importantly, from Ilmhirte's perspective, who had gained high mobility through levitation and multiple air blasts, the opponents on the ground were like stationary targets. As a lamia, she could not gain propulsion by kicking a shield. Therefore, maintaining high mobility from the start was more advantageous.

Sheila, who had descended straight from the air, changed her trajectory to a horizontal flight. With the sound of air blasts and the glow of battle aura, she sliced through the head of an Angry Mush as she passed by.

Grace, on the other hand, was fighting a large creature. She was battling a Rock Bear, a monster with skin like rock. She dodged the claws that came down with a roar by jumping to the side. Then, she swung her axe in the air and kicked the Rock Bear's side with the momentum.

The Rock Bear, which was several times larger than Grace, staggered and let out a groan of pain.

Grace's brute force control in the air was possible because of her exceptional physical abilities. Although Zalbash had said she could only move in a straight line, she could change her trajectory using both hands and feet, greatly expanding her range of feints and maneuvers.

Unhappy with being hit by Grace, who was much smaller, the Rock Bear wildly swung its arms and chased after her. Grace kept a certain distance without engaging in direct combat. Normally, she would have countered such attacks head-on, but she was trying a different approach to train with her new equipment.

She leaped high and raised her axe. The Rock Bear braced itself for a direct hit, but the axe's blade got caught on something in mid-air. Grace, still attached to the chain, kicked a shield and drew an arc in the air, positioning herself behind the Rock Bear. At that moment, she turned and the other axe glowed with battle aura. She kicked off the air and approached with the speed of an arrow, cutting down the Rock Bear from behind.

By generating a shield at the base of the axe's blade, she could hook it onto nothingness. This allowed her to adjust timing, pull herself, or perform unique maneuvers like Tarzan's rope work.

Grace did not incorporate levitation into her aerial combat to prevent the reduction of destructive power during attacks. Without levitation, she could not use air blasts for propulsion, but it seemed to be fine for her. Her combat style remained as sharp as ever.

The magic stones embedded in the equipment were not complete on their own. The user supplied the magic power to the magic stones. Using them too flamboyantly would consume magic power, but that was not a problem since magic potions could be used freely.

"Move forward."

On my side, I was controlling golems to crush Kira Plants, Angry Mushes, and Whisper Mushes with sheer numbers to train my control abilities and for the purpose of dividing and conquering the battlefield. I had slightly modified the golems to hold stone spears and formed them into a dense formation, advancing in a phalanx. This tactic, which had fallen out of use in Earth's history, was effective here because the opposing side lacked cavalry. As long as I did not disrupt the control, the golems would not lose formation. Being golems, they did not fear injury or pain, making them likely stronger than ordinary infantry.

"How does it feel?"

When we returned to the temple and asked for their opinions, we received generally positive evaluations.

"The new ones are much better. They are well-made and easy to use."

"The magic power consumption is also better."

The equipment had been adjusted and improved through daily training. The aerial combat and coordination were quite impressive. Ashley had also learned the magic circle, showing significant growth as a magician. Being able to use a magic circle meant she had a good grasp of the incantations, could adapt them, and had improved her magic power control to the point where she could form magic arrays with magic power. The ability to cast higher-level magic without delay was a significant advantage.

"Ah, Theodore. Just in time."

While checking the equipment, I was called out. Turning around, I saw Chester's exploration team.

"Hello, Lord Chester. What brings you here?"

"I just returned from the dungeon. I need to purify myself and report to the castle and the temple."

If it was a report from Chester...

"We finally discovered the sealed door in the Great Rotten Lake. It was in the center of the deepest part of the lake."

"That's... congratulations."

I offered my congratulations, but Chester seemed to be looking far away as he spoke, more relieved than joyful.

"It took a long time. I want to thank you."

"Me?"

"You provided advice on the Great Rotten Lake through Prince Albert, didn't you? I wanted to thank you when we found the door. The idea of using magic tools to understand the dungeon's characteristics was yours, right?"

"...I see."

"Well, that's what I think. Anyway, thank you."

Chester scratched his head and smiled, then bowed with his team and left.

Hmm. If I consider the people who know about the dungeon and Chester's situation, it would lead to me. Indeed, Prince Albert's strategy was quite accurate.

--- It was autumn.

We had been adjusting and upgrading the aerial combat equipment to balance magic power consumption for each person. I had planned to go to the workshop after cashing in the loot at the guild to relay the feedback to Alfred, but unfortunately, he was not there.

He had been adjusting the party's equipment to avoid gaps in the schedule. He had been working all night again. According to Viola, they had met in the morning.

He said he would come back, probably after taking a nap at the castle. I might as well come back another time. Maria had also mentioned coming today.

When I arrived at the house, I saw a carriage parked in front.

Hmm? That...? It looks familiar.

...Autumn. Right. It's autumn.

The harvest had ended, and the estate was at a lull. With the winter making travel difficult, it was a good time to visit Termwillis if there was something to discuss.

Glancing at Grace, she nodded slightly, understanding the situation.

As I approached the carriage, a familiar face peered out.

I had thought a steward or servant would come as a messenger. But it seems that was not the case.

...Perhaps because the servants would not help, as I had mentioned before? They might not even bring those people along.

It was uncertain if they accompanied Termwillis, but seeing him come in person... I think he is trying to show some consideration.

For my part, I need to have a talk with him, and this might be a good time.

The person who stepped out of the carriage was Henry Gartner, Earl of Termwillis. My father.

"It's been a while, Theodore."

"It's been a while, Father."