Chapter 54

The deep indigo sky stretched out.

As the sun hid behind the horizon and the darkness began to take over the world, a group moved swiftly like lightning.

They had prepared thoroughly and had a strategy they wanted to test, adjusting their timing to coincide with the darkening sky.

Raidock had discovered a habit of the Cockatrices, and if used well, it could lead to an overwhelming victory.

Raidock, clad in blue armor, stood at the forefront with Reifan, who was fully equipped, as B-class adventurers charged forward.

Behind them followed a jet-black horse.

Of course, Ed and I were riding it.

"Got it, Ed, keep your head low and hold on tight."

"Okay!"

"Don't worry, leave it to me."

The watchtower of Golden Dawn came into view on the horizon.

At the same time, they spotted a large army of Cockatrices swarming.

"Raidock! It's right ahead!"

"Understood!"

Since I was on horseback, I could see farther and pointed in the direction of the enemy.

The Cockatrices, having lost their minds, were charging straight toward the town.

Thanks to this, they hadn't noticed us.

"Alright! Let's try that strategy!"

"\"\"\"Oh!!!\"\"\""

Raidock and his team would use the Cockatrices' habit that he had discovered.

When suddenly exposed to strong light during the dark hours, the Cockatrices would become confused and their movements would slow down.

It was a risky move, but it worked perfectly.

"\"Solar Illumination Light Sphere!\""

From the outstretched arm, a ball of magic soared high into the sky, paused, and then burst into a blinding light.

It was a small sun created by magic, turning the darkness into daylight.

I cast the same spell twice more, high into the sky.

The three light spheres illuminated the ground, making the group of Cockatrices clearly visible.

Though their sizes varied greatly, it seemed that nearly five thousand Cockatrices were filling the western side of the town.

Then, the large army began to fall into chaos.

"Really, those chickens are getting confused."

I muttered to myself.

The habit Raidock had discovered was that when suddenly exposed to strong light during the dark hours, the Cockatrices would become confused and their movements would slow down.

It was a risky move, but it worked perfectly.

"Effect is immediate!"

"Good job, Craft! Alright! A slowed Cockatrice is just a mere goblin! Let's scatter them!"

"\"\"\"Oh!!!\"\"\""

Raidock and his team charged into the group of Cockatrices. Reifan's coordination seemed flawless.

"Swift Wind Sword Slash! Whirlwind Phoenix Slash! Vacuum Flight Slash! Mighty Arm Strike!!!"

"Finishing Touch! Swift Wind Point Break! Flashing Fang Assault! Thousand Line Flash Battle!!!"

"Rock Plate Collapse! Mighty Arm Strike! Rock Shattering Shockwave!!!"

"Huff! Huff!"

"Speed Boost! Speed Boost! Heat Resistance! Heat Resistance!"

"Flash! Floating Light Sphere!"

Every time Raidock, the swordsman with the emblem, used a technique, several Cockatrices were shredded. Soral, the ranger with the emblem, covered the blind spots with his bow skills. One arrow, one kill. His accuracy and power were incredible. Since I had an endless supply of arrows in my spatial storage, he could shoot as much as he wanted.

Reifan, not having a combat emblem, still unleashed powerful hammer techniques, slamming into the enemies. Moda, the warrior, reduced the enemy numbers with brute force. Bepp, the priest, immediately cast support spells on everyone, while Bardack, the mage, used light-related spells to intimidate the Cockatrices.

Not using attack spells was to save mana, but more importantly, the strategy of hitting them with light spheres was highly effective.

"Alright, Craft! We've penetrated the enemy lines! We've created a safe zone!"

"Alright!"

I advanced on the Black Dragon. While Raidock and his team finished off the Cockatrices that were groaning on the ground, my black horse trampled their heads, finishing them off as we entered the blank area they had created.

The surroundings were filled with monsters, but thanks to the three Solar Illumination Light Spheres, their movements were slow.

"Here goes... \"Scorching Eight-Layered Hellfire Storm!\""

This was the most powerful fire magic I possessed. Its power was so great that it was sometimes called a spell rather than a magic, a truly vicious spell.

I chose fire magic this time not only for its power but also to amplify the light.

I was fully rested, both mentally and physically.

I poured all my mana into a massive spell.

The flames of hell scorched the area, turning it into a wasteland in an instant. The Cockatrices were instantly turned into roasted chickens.

"Whoa! That's incredible!"

"Amazing..."

"Craft, you did great!"

Raidock and his team reacted in various ways.

"From here, it's up to you! I'll provide support!"

"Alright! Leave it to us!"

We had burned through the thickest part of the enemy lines and continued to reduce their numbers.

We used mana potions to recover our mana but held back on using big spells.

I supported Raidock and his team with regular spells while preparing for any changes in the situation.

There was movement from the direction of Golden Dawn.

Using a far-sight spell, I saw about ten adventurers charging into the confused Cockatrices.

A bulky tiger beastman led the charge. He was a formidable fighter who had participated in dragon slaying.

"The enemy is confused! Now is the time to strike! Don't hesitate! A stopped chicken is no match for us!"

"\"\"\"Oh!!!\"\"\""

These were likely selected adventurers. They charged into the Cockatrices, seeing this as the perfect time to attack.

"Alright, we can win!"

Thus, we, with the combined efforts of the town, eliminated the Cockatrices.

◆

The morning glow dyed the earth red.

The redness was not just from the sunrise. The number of Cockatrice corpses made it clear what had happened.

Currently, adventurers who had not participated in the direct combat were extracting the magic stones from the Cockatrices and collecting the corpses.

"Wow, it's like a field of magic stones."

"Hurry up! If they start to rot, it'll be a hassle!"

"Spread the deodorant that Craft made while throwing the bodies into the hole!"

"Got it!"

A large hole had been dug with magic, and the bodies were to be thrown in and burned.

Of course, the combustion agent for this was to be made by me.

The combustion agent used the technology of magic bombs, which required a significant amount of magic stones, but since we would receive some of the Cockatrice magic stones, we wouldn't lack for materials.

While discussing these arrangements with the guild master, Cygnus, I heard a strange story.

The magic stones from the Cockatrices were of much higher quality than usual.

While it was normal for there to be variations in quality due to individual differences, the fact that they were generally of high quality puzzled Cygnus.

There were many questions, but this matter would be left for later.

After discussing the general cleanup, I left the rest to them and fell into a deep sleep.

◆

"Hmm... It's still night."

I woke up due to the noisy sounds, but it was just after sunset.

"I wanted to sleep until morning."

The noise was not urgent but mixed with laughter, so I got up with ease.

At the same time, there was a knock on the door.

"Master, may I come in?"

"Sure."

The maid, Ryuko, entered silently and quickly prepared my clothes.

"Shall I prepare the bath?"

"Ah, I'll do it when I get back. Just a quick wipe down will do."

"Understood. I'll bring a bucket and some water. I'll help you."

"No, just the preparation."

"Understood."

Despite saying she would prepare it, she already had a bucket filled with warm water and a towel from the hallway.

I quickly wiped my body and changed into my usual robe, then went outside.

"Ah, I see."

I immediately understood the situation.

It seemed that the townspeople had brought food and were serving the adventurers.

In the center of the town square, several free stalls had been set up.

"Ah! Craft! I heard you did a great job again! Here, have some skewers!"

"I just did what I could. Thanks, I'll take them."

As I walked, I munched on the food offered to me, heading toward the center of the festival.

The only downside to the legendary stamina potion was that the next day, I would be extremely hungry after using my full strength.

I gratefully accepted the offerings and headed toward the Kail residence, enjoying the festival.

"Kyaa! Mr. Craft!"

"Mr. Craft, would you like to have a drink with us?"

Two curvaceous women, about my age, leaned in seductively. Both were quite beautiful, but I tried to naturally extricate myself from them.

"Sorry, I have somewhere to go."

"That's a shame."

"Maybe come by when you're done?"

"Maybe, if I have time."

I escaped from their soft attacks and sighed in relief. If I had gotten involved, I would have been quickly surrounded.

Though I felt a little regret, I chose a strategic retreat.

"Hmm? Craft, you like girls with big chests, huh?"

Suddenly, a familiar voice called from behind.

I turned to see Reifan, hands on her hips, staring at me with a piercing gaze.

"Reifan!? When did you get here!?"

"I saw someone extending their nose at cute girls."

"N-no, that's not... I wasn't doing anything suspicious!"

"Hmm?"

"Are you mad!?"

"Not really?"

"Hey! Reifan? Are you listening!?"

"I'm listening."

"No, you're definitely ignoring me! Hey! Reifan!?"

"Ah, right, Lord Kail was calling you."

"I was just about to go. But listen to me! Please!"

Oh no, Reifan thinks I'm a womanizer, and she's so cold!

While heading to Kail's residence, I continued to try to clear up the misunderstanding with Reifan.

When I was led by a maid to Kail's room, Mina was looking at me with an even more intense glare than usual.

"..."

She puffed her cheeks and deliberately turned her face away, standing right in front of me.

"Ah, did you see us from the window, Miss Mina?"

I understood the situation from Reifan's words.

(Cough)

Mina, still facing away, nodded her head.

"Ah, that's Craft's fault, isn't it?"

(Cough, cough)

Mina quietly agreed.

I understood the situation, but I couldn't understand Mina's attitude.

I couldn't understand... I couldn't understand...

Tomorrow, I'll be going out to play for the first time in a while, so I'll take a break from updates. \(^o^)/