Chapter 5

"Let's go hunting, shall we?"

"Yes."

The next day, we immediately headed to the area.

After all, we have no money. We need to earn some quickly or we'll starve to death.

Besides, I want to fight as soon as possible. After all, it's my first party battle. I'm hyped up!

In contrast to my excitement, Furu was looking rather gloomy.

"What's wrong?"

"Well, is it really okay? I've never fought before. I always took refuge in the box during battles."

"Yeah, that's fine. If an enemy appears, just take refuge in the box."

"Really? Is that okay?"

"Sure. I'll take refuge with you."

"Wh-What?"

Furu's eyes widened.

Well, I guess it's hard to understand just from that explanation. So, who's going to fight, right?

I activated my magic to explain to Furu.

Start. A squad member appeared next to me.

Surprised by the sudden appearance, I said to Furu:

"This is the skill of an Infinite Mage. It's called Summoned Clone. Number 1, say hello."

The last sentence was directed at Number 1.

"Hey there. I'm a man-made being born from nothing, Squad Member Number 1. Just call me Itchy, okay?"

His attitude was 30% more exaggerated than usual. I kicked him in the butt.

"Ouch!"

"Be serious!"

"Sorry, Captain! Sorry, Vice-Captain!"

"No, it's fine... Vice-Captain? ...Me?"

"Yes. You are the unshakable Vice-Captain of our 'Army.'"

Number 1 saluted sharply. He does look serious, but he's still messing around, isn't he? Maybe I should kick him again.

Being my copy, he sensed my ominous aura and quickly added:

"No, there's no need to be so formal. After all, there are only two of us, the Captain and Furu...

Naturally, you become the Vice-Captain. Let's move on to the strategy meeting! Captain, please clearly state our future plans!"

He's trying to cover it up.

"Number 1, you... well, it's fine. You're right, the strategy meeting is more important. First, our immediate goal is to level up and earn money by hunting goblins. Any objections so far?"

"Yes."

The last word was directed at Furu, but Number 1 raised his hand.

"I wasn't asking you."

"Please, give me a chance! I'll ask a serious question!"

"......Go ahead."

"Then... until now, we've been doing gathering jobs and scavenging. Even with the addition of the Vice-Captain, he is a non-combatant Spatial Mage. Can he become a force capable of eliminating the goblins?"

"Of course. I believe the combination of an Infinite Mage and a Spatial Mage is the best. Because the Infinite Mage can attack from within the subspace box."

Number 1 and Furu tilted their heads in unison.

It seems my explanation was still lacking.

"Number 1, the attack method of an Infinite Mage. You can move freely even outside the area. So, even if I, the main body, am inside the subspace box, Number 1 should be able to act outside."

"Ah, I see."

"As long as we stay inside the subspace box, Furu and I will be safe. And since there's no need to protect the main body, Number 1 can focus on attacking."

"Ah, that's a good plan... but in the end, doesn't that mean you'll be fighting alone? Isn't that a bit harsh?"

"It's fine. If you die, there's a replacement. So, don't hold back and charge in."

"......Vice-Captain, are you really going to follow this guy?"

"......Yes."

After a considerable pause, Furu nodded.

What, what's with that pause? Do you really think I'm a pretty bad leader? No way, I only overwork my clones!?

I wanted to make excuses to Furu, but I stopped myself to maintain my captain's dignity.

It's okay, it's only the second day. We can build trust from here.

"Let's go!"

With that, I started walking towards the area.