Chapter 24

I spread out the map on a tree stump, using it as a makeshift desk, and received various pieces of knowledge from Hestia.

"This is where you are. The western edge of the Forest of Enchantment. If you go further west, you'll find the valley where the dragons live."

"Hmm, I see. So that's why there were so many dragons around here."

"The Forest of Enchantment is ruled by two races: the werewolves in the south and the combat rabbits in the north."

"Really? Not just werewolves?"

The only race I know of is the werewolves, but apparently, there's also a rabbit-like race. The name sounds a bit ominous, though.

From what I understand, the combat rabbits are small, human-like beings with rabbit ears. I've never seen one before.

"Because the werewolves are still strong... but with this magic power, you will definitely meet them. It's in the nature of living beings to be drawn to magic. You'll likely be dragged into many battles from now on."

"You sure know how to put it calmly, Hestia."

"Even if you don't want to, they'll come to you. Even if you think it's pointless, they'll definitely come. That's a fact."

Hestia is quite matter-of-fact, probably because she's traveled a lot. But there are moments when her tone is filled with genuine feeling.

"But with knowledge, you'll be fine. So, getting back to the topic, once you pass through the forest, you'll reach the witch's country of Procia."

"That's Diania's country, right?"

"Good quality magic stones are mined from the forest, so it's a country that produces various magical items. It's also quite populous."

Looking at the map, it's actually quite close. Maybe because the forest is narrow, it seems like a short run would get you there.

"Yeah, but to get through, you have to be careful of monsters, stray dragon nests, werewolves, and combat rabbits. It's tough. Especially, if there are a lot of magic stones, they can turn into golems and go berserk."

So, this Forest of Enchantment is full of dangers, huh?

"Right. But I think you'll be fine. The magic power doesn't really affect you much."

"Don't overestimate me."

I'm just living a normal life at home.

"But you've been taking down dragons, right? There are quite a few scales around here."

Hestia dug up the iridescent scales buried at her feet. They must be from a previous dragon.

"These are from an Ultra Dragon. A very strong dragon."

"Is that so?"

I thought they were rare because of their iridescent color, but they're strong too.

"Didn't you know? Then how did you take it down?"

"I just shouted really loud and sent out my magic power."

I missed the first time, but the second time was a clean hit. That's how I brought it down.

When I said that, Hestia's eyes widened.

"You took it down with just the wave of magic power? That one?"

"Huh? Was that not supposed to work?"

"Technically, its armor is one of the toughest among dragons. In terms of races, it's probably second or third. That dragon is very tough and fast. Normally, you'd need to prepare to take it down."

So, that's what kind of dragon it was.

I just happened to target a small one.

"Ultra Dragons are one of the dumbest dragon races. Their intelligence is quite low and only reaches the level of an animal over time, but they are very tough and hard to take down. Their materials are also rare."

"Oh, that's why Diania was so happy to get them."

I finally understand.

The knowledge gap is causing some confusion, but it's helpful to learn from Hestia.

Speaking of which, since I'm grateful, I might as well ask a bit more.

"Hey, Hestia. You said these scales are tough, but do they have any other special properties? Like, do they become soft under certain conditions?"

"Huh?"

They do feel hard to the touch.

Hard enough to be used as a blade,

"Let's see..."

I infused it with magic and squeezed it hard, just like when I processed it into a knife before.

This time, the scale easily deformed and twisted.

It formed a loose spiral, almost like a drill. It might be useful for something. Anyway,

"It's this easy to process. Is that a property of the scale?"

"...Correction. It's tough for normal use. But when exposed to very, very strong magic power, it behaves like this."

"I see. So it changes properties with magic power."

That's a good thing to know.

I still have plenty of scales, and they might be good for making decorative items.

"Thanks," I said, looking at Hestia, who was holding her head with a troubled expression.

"What's wrong?"

"...Just thinking too much. My head hurts."

"Oh, I see. Take it easy."

"Okay."

Hestia nodded slightly.

She seems to have a lot of emotional expressions despite initially appearing expressionless.

I was finding her small but significant movements endearing when,

"Huh?"

I saw something move out of the corner of my eye.

Hestia noticed it too and looked over. There,

"A magic stone golem..."

was a two-legged monster.

It was made of white rocks stacked to resemble a human body. The upper central part had a face-like section with white, glowing stones for eyes.

"So this is the golem that automatically generates?"

"Yes, it seems to have been drawn by the magic power. Golems of this type move around seeking stronger materials and stronger magic power."

It's the first time I've seen this type of monster, but Hestia's explanation makes it easy to understand.

"Magic stones are very durable. As tough as a dragon's skin. They move slowly, though."

"I see. Then, let's make a golem and take it down."

A Wood Golem's punch should work on this one too.

"Hmm, basically, as long as there's stone and earth, they keep regenerating, so I don't recommend taking them down. It's futile."

"Are they immortal?"

"Close. Golems are generally like that."

I see. That's troublesome.

"So, it's better to throw them far away or use a decoy to lead them somewhere else. That way, they'll lose interest. —For example, the scales you have can be used as a decoy."

Ah, right. They seek strong materials. That's convenient. I don't have many uses for them anyway.

"Then, I'll give this to it."

I threw the dragon scale drill I made earlier.

I thought I'd create a golem while it was distracted.

But the moment I threw it,

—Thud!

The rock was cut, and the drill pierced the golem.

"Huh?"

That's not all. The golem exploded from the hole, half-destroyed, and then shattered into powder.

"What's going on?"

It felt like I threw a bomb instead of a decoy.

When I turned to Hestia for an explanation, she was also leaning forward in surprise.

"...The tip of the drill had extra magic power. That's why it had such power."

"Is that so? But it was just a twisted scale."

It just happened to form a drill-like shape.

"An incredible force. It can pierce even dragons of the same type. The golem was blown to pieces, so I don't think it will regenerate around here."

"Oh, that's good, but..."

I need to be more careful when throwing things.

●●●

Hestia's stomach growled.

We must have been talking for a long time.

"I'm hungry."

"Me too."

Looking up at the sky, it was already evening. Both Hestia and I were hungry, so,

"Here, have an apple. It's a snack until dinner."

"Thanks..."

I picked an apple and gave it to her. Watching her munch on it made me feel like I was feeding a small animal.

After she finished the apple,

"—We've been here too long."

She stood up.

"Alright, are you heading back?"

"Yeah, it's almost night."

I see. The sun is setting, and it's getting dark.

It's a good time to head back safely.

"Can I come back? —I still have a little more time left."

"Sure, come whenever you want. See you."

"Okay, see you."

And thus, the first day of lessons with Teacher Hestia came to an end.

Since it's New Year's Eve, it was a bit longer. Thank you for this year. I'll continue to update regularly in the new year, so please look forward to it!