Chapter 8

Let's find our first prey.

Using my enhanced hearing from magic, I detected the presence of two monsters nearby. It seems this forest really does have a lot of monsters.

"I've found some monsters, so let's head down into the forest."

After confirming that the three of them nodded solemnly, I lowered the flying carpet. As we entered the trees, I could see the monsters moving slowly. Upon identifying them, both turned out to be Rank 2 Goblin-type monsters, and they hadn't noticed us yet.

"Then, I'll immobilize the monsters. Please wait a moment."

I jumped off the carpet and landed on the ground. I told them I would use an item to stop the monsters, but unfortunately, I don't have such an item, so I used magic. I took out a random dagger for camouflage, as if I were using an item, and stabbed it into the ground after kneeling on one knee.

At the same time, I activated the magic. I extended my magic, imagining thin, strong steel wires, and entangled the monsters, pinning them to the ground. This method uses magic directly rather than a spell, and the thinner the wires, the less visible they are, making them suitable for assassination. It's like the scene in samurai dramas where they strangle someone with a wire and kill them with a snap.

After confirming that the monsters couldn't move, I lowered the siblings to the ground.

"Really, they're not moving at all."

"There are two monsters, so Mina and Kyle, one each. They won't counterattack even if you attack, so feel free to try."

"Um, what about me?"

"It will take Mina and Kyle some time to defeat them. During that time, Hannah, let's work on increasing the power of your magic."

Mina and Kyle nodded at my words, checked their weapons, and began their attacks with determination. Mina's spear can be used without magic, but Kyle's bow requires magic to function. Kyle's magic power is around 100, but each arrow only consumes 1, so he should be fine for a while.

Both are Level 5, while the monsters are Rank 2, equivalent to Level 20 for humans. Due to the large level difference, it will probably take about an hour of continuous attacks to defeat them.

In the meantime, I'll have Hannah experiment with the principles of fire.

"Will the power really increase?"

"Yes, let's try it with fire magic. First, make a fire as you usually do."

"Okay, I'll try."

Hannah nodded vigorously, extended her hands in front of her, and shouted, "Fire!" Instantly, a small flame appeared at the tips of her fingers, but it disappeared after 10 seconds.

"I'm sorry..."

"It's okay. The real test is just beginning."

Hannah seemed dejected because the flame she produced was so small.

"Normally, fire won't ignite without something to burn. So, what do you think is burning in the fire produced by magic?"

"I think it's magic power."

"Correct. Now, what do you think is burning after the fire from magic is transferred to wood?"

"Of course, it's the wood, right?"

"Yes, correct. But it's not just the wood that's burning."

"Huh, what exactly...?"

"Let's try it."

I created two candles using a duplication spell, placed them on the ground, and lit them.

"Now, which fire do you think will last longer?"

"Um, since both are the same size, I think they'll last the same amount of time."

Thanks for the expected answer. It makes it easier to explain.

"Yes, but what if we do this?"

I created a glass and placed it upside down over one of the candles, sealing it. After a while, the fire under the glass went out.

"Do you know why the fire under the glass went out?"

"I... I don't know."

"There's no need to rush. Take your time to think about it."

Smiling and speaking gently, I saw Hannah nod and stare at the candle, her serious expression endearing. It feels like being a tutor.

"...Ah, maybe..."

"Did you notice something?"

"Yes! I might be wrong, but is it because the air stopped flowing?"

"Exactly! Good job!"

Hannah showed an innocent smile, clearly pleased with the praise. I wanted to pat her head but resisted the urge. Touching an adult woman's hair could be considered harassment and could lead to a lawsuit, which I would lose.

"That's right! Not only do objects like wood and candles burn, but the air around them can also be burned!"

My explanation might be scientifically inaccurate, but I prioritized clarity. I hope it was effective.

"What?!"

Of course, I heard that as a hallucination, but Hannah's reaction was perfect.

"Is that true? So that's why the fire gets stronger when we fan it while making a campfire!"

"Exactly! Now, try to imagine burning the air and produce a fire!"

"Okay! I'll try!"

Our excitement was rising. Get fired up!

"---Fire!"

With a whoosh, a basketball-sized flame appeared, much more powerful than before. It seems my makeshift scientific theory can be applied in this world.

...But, scientific knowledge is really powerful. The effect is too great. It could revolutionize the magic in this world. I'll have to make sure to keep it a secret.

"That's amazing! With this, we can defeat the monsters!"

That completes the second experiment. And the third one is...

"---Wait, this feeling... Could it be a level up!?"

Indeed, it was proven that accumulating knowledge can also increase one's level. Hannah's level went from 7 to 8, and her fire magic rank increased from 1 to 3, a two-level jump.

"Congratulations. Your fire magic rank has also increased."

"Really... to level up so quickly in such a short time..."

This must be unprecedented. Hannah was in shock, so I decided to give her some time.

Next, I'll check on the girls.

◇ ◇ ◇

"Hey!"

"Yah!"

The two were attacking with battle cries. It was like watching a school play, quite endearing.

It had been 30 minutes. They had been attacking continuously and seemed to have improved their movements. They are indeed latent skill holders.

However, the monsters still had about 30% of their health left. Even with the power of magic weapons, they were only Level 5, and their attacks were dealing minimal damage.

"You seem to be getting used to using the items."

"Huff, huff... But we can't defeat them yet."

"How many more shots do we need, sir?"

"Well, the monsters' health is below half now."

"...We still have a long way to go."

Their voices lacked strength, indicating they were nearing their limits. What should we do?

"Shall we take a break? There's no need to rush."

"No, we'll continue."

"I'll continue too!"

Good answer. Giving them a potion to fully recover would be safer, but it would diminish their sense of achievement. They've worked hard this far, so it's better to push through with their last bit of strength. The experience of pushing to their limits will be valuable in the future.

"Then, I'll teach you a special move. Mina, try thrusting your spear while spinning it and channeling magic. It should increase the power."

Bullets and baseballs gain more power when spun, so the same might apply to spears. It's fine; I've already tested it. In this world of magic and adventure, I've been testing various two-dimensional special moves from comics. Many didn't work, but this spinning spear technique was easy and effective.

Mina's spear is a magic item that amplifies power through magic. Magic is about imagination. As long as you have a plausible reason and the will to believe, most things are possible.

"I'll try."

Mina spun her wrist, solidified her image, and thrust her spear at the monster again. At first, she couldn't transmit the power well and tilted her head, but gradually the sound of hits changed. She must have felt the difference. She seemed to be impressed by the deep thrust into the prey.

"Amazing power... Does it have a name?"

"Let's call it 'Twisted Spear.'"

Mr. Maekawa, I'm sorry.

"Uncle, uncle, teach me too!"

"Sure. Kyle, try shooting two arrows at the same time and hitting them simultaneously."

I've tested this technique as well. When two attacks hit simultaneously, the damage is quadrupled. This usually happens in party attacks, but the principle is unclear. It might be a characteristic of the monsters created by the Demon King's magic.

...Such convenient mechanics only reinforce the suspicion that this world is a game.

"Wow! You can shoot two arrows at once! I'll try!"

Kyle was very enthusiastic. He seemed impressed by the idea of shooting two arrows simultaneously. Imagination is key in magic. It was a good lesson.

However, shooting two arrows at once was easy, but hitting them simultaneously was challenging. He was trying different ways to hold the arrows, place them on the string, pull the string, and apply force.

He must have found the answer. The monster glowed for a moment, proving the success.

"The monster glowed, so it worked."

"Yay, yay! Uncle, what's the name of this technique?"

"Let's call it 'Twin Arrow Mastery.'"

Mr. Watsuki, I'm sorry.

"Alright, just a little more. Both of you, let's finish with special moves."

"Okay!"

"Sure!"

---Soon.

The monster hit by Mina's spear.

The monster hit by Kyle's arrows.

Vanished from the world.

"Ah..."

"They disappeared, sister."

"Uh-huh..."

"Did you really defeat them?"

The two looked at me. I nodded in affirmation.

"Yes, you defeated them. You did it with your own power."

It was their first time defeating a monster. It's understandable if they don't fully realize it. I didn't either when I first did it. So, I need to make sure they understand it clearly.

"Yay!!"

Kyle jumped on me. He must have been very happy.

Mina followed, jumping on me too.

Yes!

Mina is melting!

This is it.

It's the sign.

I can pat her head without her getting angry.

I can touch her hair without being sued.

But, kissing her cheek...

No, that's not allowed.

I have a fetish for hair.

Of course, only for girls.

As a child, I often stroked my sister's long hair, which she didn't like.

...Wait, was I always a bit of a pervert?

"Good job. You did well, you did well."

Without children, I praised them awkwardly, patting both of their heads with both hands. Damn, I don't want to touch a boy's hair, but I can't just praise Mina and make Kyle pout.

"Thank you..."

Mina whispered softly. It was probably a monologue, but I heard it clearly with my enhanced hearing.

I didn't respond, just increased the pressure on her head slightly.