Chapter 7

A short while later, a determined voice echoed through the forest ahead.

"Seiya!!"

"Ku, ku!?"

Ares' longsword slashed the right front leg of a Big Horn Rabbit, which was about a meter long. Although it missed the torso, it should slow the rabbit down.

"Leave it to me, I'll finish it!"

Mirea, the hunter who had been readying an arrow, skillfully handled her small bow and, from close combat range, pierced the side of the Big Horn Rabbit, delivering the final blow.

"Kkyuu..."

The Big Horn Rabbit fell to the ground, emitting a weak cry. This E-rank monster, though only a beginner for "Iron" adventurers, could still be dangerous.

(If you get a surprise attack from the bushes and get stabbed by its sharp horns, you could be in mortal danger...)

As I usually do, I was thinking about its characteristics when Liberto, the lightly armored warrior leading the front, squatted next to the Big Horn Rabbit he had just killed and drew his dagger.

"Alright, let's take what we can from this one. We can't waste a life... Muriel, how should we process it?"

I was secretly pleased that he asked for my opinion on how to handle the fallen monster, given my background in biology from the royal capital's magic academy.

"Hmm, for the Big Horn Rabbit, the horns and claws are valuable, so start by cutting those off. After that, do the bloodletting process and take it to a restaurant in the village you visit; they'll buy it."

"Ah, carrying this thing around is a bit much..."

"I don't mind either way, but if you want to take it, I can help with the negotiations."

Ares, who prefers to travel light, looked a bit reluctant, while Mirea, who also earns a living as a hunter, said she didn't mind but seemed to want to take it home, probably calculating how much it would sell for in her mind.

"Anyway, this ends our exploration for today, right?"

I sighed in relief, feeling that our journey into the depths of the forest had gone smoothly. However, misfortune can strike without warning.

I know this.

On the day of the magic academy's enrollment ceremony, I was seated next to Ernesta Elbarrado, who would later be known as the "Storm Calming Witch." My casual conversation with her turned my academy life into a tumultuous journey... but now is not the time to dwell on such thoughts.

(Adventures don't end until you're back home!)

Just as I playfully switched my mindset, a large shadow leaped out from the bushes ahead and charged at Liberto, who was processing the Big Horn Rabbit.

"!? Gwaaa... Kha!"

Caught off guard, he was thrown back and hit a tree, expelling air from his lungs.

"Liberto!"

Ares, who had inserted herself between the 3-meter-long, mineral-covered giant lizard and Liberto, shielded her companion.

"Such a thing, a Rock Lizard!"

The giant lizard, known as a Rock Lizard, is a C+ rank monster. Its mineral-covered skin repels physical attacks, and wind and water cutting spells are ineffective. It also has heat resistance, making fire spells less effective.

It does have a weakness, but unfortunately, my current magic can't exploit it. Moreover, it has strong muscles and sharp teeth, and is known to prey on humans in some cases.

"Ares, it's a 'Barbella's Monster'! It's too much for us, let's run!"

"Even if you say that. Liberto, can you run?"

Ares, while keeping the Rock Lizard at bay, glanced at his condition.

"Ku, I'm sorry, my ribs might be broken. Ha, it hurts just to breathe."

"Try to buy us some time, get out of here."

"Wait, you're leaving Liberto behind!?"

"Ku, Mirea, please!!"

Ares, who had dodged the Rock Lizard's charge with a sharp turn, shouted loudly as the lizard opened its large mouth, revealing its sharp teeth. Mirea, nodding, helped Liberto retreat, supporting him with her shoulder.

Ares, seeing the lizard change its direction in response to their movement, swung her longsword with all her might.

"Uooooo!!"

*Clang*

The longsword, swung with centrifugal force, clashed with the hard mineral covering the lizard's skin and snapped easily.

"Ge!?!"

Ares, momentarily stunned, was about to be attacked by the sharp teeth!

"Gruuuu!"

"Ku, I won't let you! Pierce, Ice Bullet!!"

I had just finished constructing the spell and, in a moment of desperation, shot an ice block from my palm, hitting the Rock Lizard's nose and startling it, but the damage was minimal.

"Ku, we're defenseless, we need to run in different directions!"

"Un!"

So far, it had been unfortunate but manageable.

"Ku!? Why is it coming after me!?"

"Gruaaa!!"

The Rock Lizard, chasing me after splitting from Ares, ran at an unexpected speed for its size, spraying blood from its nose.

Probably, my Ice Bullet had enraged the Rock Lizard.

If it catches me, I'll be killed and eaten, right?

"Ugh, no, don't chase me!!"

At that moment, was it divine intervention?

Three figures appeared in front of me, crying. I thought they were adventurers from their armed appearance, but... let me say it again, misfortune can strike suddenly.

They were not humans but canine-type monsters, Kobolds. And I would meet them, the eccentric heretics.

Thank you so much to everyone who reads this!

I'm really grateful when I realize I've received evaluations and bookmarks. Even though my work is clumsy, it motivates me to keep writing.