Chapter 12

That day, I woke up even before the sun rose.

"Hmm... I had nothing to do last night. Maybe I'll go for a walk."

Since I had made enough potions and oils, I must have gone to bed early, which is why I woke up at such an odd hour.

It was too early for breakfast, so I decided to go check on the fields and stepped outside the house, only to find Persia swinging her sword in the square in front of the mansion.

"Good morning, Persia."

"Craft. You're up early."

"Just woke up. You're quite dedicated."

"Well, all I can do is swing a sword."

"I don't think that's true."

No one who just swings a sword could be a bodyguard, especially for just two people. Only a select few could handle that.

"...Craft, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Yeah?"

After a moment of hesitation, she turned to me with a serious expression.

"Follow me."

I followed Persia as she led me into the mansion.

"Be quiet."

"Okay, but this is..."

Persia tiptoed to the end of the hallway, where Kyle's bedroom was.

(Oh, hey)

(Look)

Following her words, I shifted my gaze to the bed, but it wasn't Kyle sleeping peacefully.

"Ugh... ugh... hmm... ah..."

Kyle was groaning in pain, drenched in sweat.

"Hey, we need to wake him up—"

He clearly wasn't in a normal state. I tried to wake him up, but Persia stopped me.

(Be quiet. It's fine)

(But he looks really in pain!)

(This is Kyle's daily routine)

(What do you mean?)

(Well, compared to the past, it's much better. Especially since he started taking Stamina Potions, he can fall asleep now.)

I hadn't realized this was his daily routine.

(It's only at night now. The Stamina Potion must be working. But when the effect wears off at this time, he starts suffering like this again)

(That's terrible)

Persia left the room silently, and I followed her.

We returned to the square and sat down on a log bench.

"Kyle's in such bad shape, huh?"

"He usually puts on a brave face. It's understandable that you didn't know."

I see, that's why Persia and Alphard were so overprotective.

"What's his illness?"

"I don't know. He was born with it. That's why I need to ask you for a favor."

"Leave it to me."

"You haven't even heard what it is yet."

"Do you think I wouldn't understand the situation? I'll try to make a Cure Potion."

"...Thank you."

"Sure thing."

The Alchemist's Emblem has rarely been of much use to anyone. But with this Twilight Alchemist's Emblem, I'm sure I can help someone this time!

There is one problem with making the Cure Potion: I don't have enough materials.

"I don't have enough materials. I'll go do some research."

"Okay. Let me know if there's anything I can help with."

"Then, the best help would be to protect Kyle."

"Protecting Kyle with my life is my duty."

"Thanks. See you later."

I hurried back to the Provisional Guild Hall and searched through the materials that only Reifan and I were allowed to see.

I flipped through the herbal encyclopedia to find the habitat of the necessary herbs.

"I was wondering why there aren't many Cure Potions available, even though Healing Potions are quite common. It's because of the materials."

The Alchemist's Emblem revealed the materials, and I learned about the market's unfairness.

"They weren't overcharging after all..."

The necessary herbs mainly grow in wetlands.

And most wetlands are dangerous areas for humans.

I spread out a map from the materials.

It was a simple one, but it provided the necessary information.

"There's a wetland a bit away. ...Should I go check it out?"

If I told Kyle and Reifan, they might try to stop me, so I decided to leave before they woke up.

◆

"Of course..."

Multiple-headed giant snakes roaming the wetlands. Hydras.

"Three heads, four heads... even seven heads."

Hydras are born with two heads and gain more with each molt, making them the lords of the swamps. One of the reasons humans rarely venture into wetlands that could be cultivated with a little soil improvement is the presence of hydras.

Using the "Far Sight" spell from a safe distance, I surveyed the wetland.

I spotted the target herbs blooming deep in the vast wetland.

"I can't just sneak in and pick them..."

If the hydras were clustered together, I might have been able to use magic to handle them, but with them scattered over such a wide area, offensive spells alone wouldn't be enough. I needed a front-liner.

I decided not to push my luck and returned to the village.

"Ah, Craft. Where have you been?"

It was around lunchtime, so I decided to explain the situation while eating.

"I wanted to make a new potion. I was looking for herbs."

"Oh, did you find them?"

"I found the location, but I couldn't gather them."

"What happened?"

"The herbs grow in a wetland. And, as expected, hydras live there."

"Hydras!?"

Reifan stood up abruptly, his expression stern and clearly angry.

"What's wrong? Isn't it common for hydras to live in wetlands?"

"...Sorry."

Reifan took a deep breath and slowly returned to his seat.

"Remember the story about the gnome village that used to be around here?"

"Yeah."

"There are many details, but the main reason the village was destroyed was the hydras."

"What?"

Hydras are monsters that don't usually leave their territory. Since their main diet is fish, they shouldn't be much of a threat unless you enter their territory.

"I don't know why, but one day, many hydras suddenly attacked the village..."

Reifan clenched his fists tightly.

"Reifan, you lived there as a child, right?"

"Yeah... I still have nightmares about it sometimes."

"I see..."

This might be one of the reasons the land development in this area has been slow. Most people are sent to develop land without being informed of its dangers. This time, it was unusual to be warned of the risks.

"So, what do you want to do, Craft?"

"The goal is the herbs. We'll break through quickly with a small group, gather the herbs, and escape. If we have time, I'd like to get some magic stones too."

Hydra magic stones are of better quality than those of orcs, so having even a few would be helpful. I have many things I want to make, and Hydra magic stones would solve a lot of problems.

"However, our goal isn't to wipe them all out. We're expecting minimal combat."

If necessary, I'll give up the magic stones and just bring back the herbs. Fortunately, with my alchemy, I don't need much.

"I'll go too!"

"Can you promise not to overexert yourself?"

"You're a former adventurer and a mage, Craft. I'll follow your instructions."

"Alright. I'm a bit uneasy with just two of us. Let's gather more members."

That night, when everyone in the village was gathered, I explained the situation. I didn't mention Kyle, only that we needed to gather the herbs and, if possible, some magic stones.

"I'll go!"

Persia immediately volunteered, understanding the situation.

"Hey, Persia, our job is—"

"Please, Al. Let me go."

Persia looked at Alphard with a determined gaze. Alphard frowned and scratched his head.

"...Alright. It seems there's something going on. You can count on me to take care of Kyle and Mina."

"Thanks."

Kyle, who had been watching the exchange, looked puzzled but didn't say anything.

"Then I'll go too."

Jitaro, the hunter, stepped forward with a grin.

"What? I'll use my bow mainly and avoid close combat. With Reifan and Persia as the front-liners, we need someone to protect the mage, Craft."

"That's true."

"Alright, then it's settled. The four of us. Everyone, count on you."

"Leave it to me!"

Reifan answered brightly, but I caught her muttering afterward.

"...I've been training in combat to defeat hydras."

She seemed capable enough.