Chapter 65

As the analysis of the griffin statue continued, before they knew it, all the members of the survey team had taken out their sleeping bags and fallen asleep.

Maizen, who seemed to have been assigned as the lookout, was gazing down the corridor with a yawn.

That guy, he’s already gotten so used to it without even realizing it.

When our eyes met, Maizen sat up.

"Abel, keep an eye on the surroundings. I’m going to go pluck some herbs."

Herbs? ...Oh, he means the bathroom.

It’s like flower picking from his previous life.

Why can’t he just say it? Is he a maiden or something?

"Ah, go ahead."

Maizen’s gaze returned from the griffin statue to Eberheid, who was tapping his forehead with a thump, thump.

The analysis work requires concentration, and as a result, it is mentally exhausting.

Eberheid is also getting old.

I took a small bottle from my pocket and offered it to Eberheid.

"Here you go."

"Huh, what’s this?"

"It’s a potion I made. It will keep you awake and improve your concentration."

Eberheid took it and had a complicated look on his face.

He cautiously opened the lid and sniffed it with his hand.

"...You’ve used more than two types of restricted plants, haven’t you? I assume you know, but just to be clear, such drugs, if not made by authorized individuals, are generally prohibited from being brought into or possessed in most cities."

"Wait, really...?"

I didn’t know that...

Should I throw this away?

I still have plenty of Abel’s potions left.

It’s okay, right? The customs inspection wasn’t that strict...

"Hobgoblins! Everyone, wake up!"

Maizen shouted as he returned.

Hearing Maizen’s voice, the survey team members started to wake up.

"How many are there?"

One of the survey team members who had woken up asked.

"I, I don’t know! There were more than fifteen! They were coming this way and should be here soon!"

"That’s ridiculous! We’ve already checked the ruins, albeit briefly. There’s no space for more than ten goblins to hide..."

Hobgoblins are D-rank monsters.

The most orthodox goblins are only about one meter tall, but hobgoblins are human-sized.

They have a more ogre-like appearance.

Their skin color is not green but closer to yellow.

"Most likely, they were hiding in the forest. They probably saw us enter the ruins and were waiting for the right moment to attack. That’s what goblins would do."

While the other survey team members panicked, Eberheid remained calm.

"Indeed, as expected of Eberheid!"

"You lack practical experience, Abel."

"I will strive to improve."

"What are you so calm about, Eberheid? Let’s run! We’ll create a path for you!"

The survey team member confronted Eberheid.

"I am not one to be worried about by the likes of you. We can deal with a few hobgoblins. Even if we run now, they will just follow us and cause trouble later. Isn’t that why we came here?"

"Fifteen is a bit too much... If we had detected them early, we might have... But for now..."

The survey team has twelve members in total.

From Maizen’s tone, there could be nearly twenty hobgoblins.

Hobgoblins are probably stronger than Maizen in a one-on-one fight.

"Cowards! Move aside, I’ll take the front and stop the hobgoblins. When their numbers are reduced by half, we’ll retreat. When their movements change, abandon your defenses and launch a full attack. Don’t let any escape!"

"But, but... The lord instructed us to prioritize the safety of Wegener and Eberheid..."

"What are you talking about! Give orders to the others quickly!"

"Y-Yes!"

Eberheid took a few steps towards where the hobgoblins would come from, then turned back.

"Abel, continue the analysis."

"Is it okay for me not to join the fight?"

"It’s not necessary."

No, this guy is so reassuring...

I need to make some progress on the analysis.

"Ah, Eberheid!"

"Hm?"

"Can you capture a few of them alive?"

"What do you plan to do with them?"

"Well, I want to try removing the barrier from different angles... It might be a long shot, but just in case. If it’s possible, that is."

"...It’s not entirely pointless. Leave it to me."

Eberheid turned away and walked to join the survey team.

"Why aren’t you running? Aren’t you going to escape?"

Wegener, who had just woken up, grabbed a nearby survey team member.

"I’m sorry... Eberheid is going to fight..."

"Wh-What!? No way! I’m running! Assign me a guard!"

"But, it’s better to wait inside... The other passages might be blocked as well."

"Then we should all run! If Eberheid wants to stay, we can leave him behind!"

"But, but..."

"Is Eberheid more important than my life? I’ll report this to the lord! Is that okay!?"

As Wegener shouted, a group of hobgoblins appeared from the depths of the passage.

"Don’t be afraid, go! Hey, the guy on the right, don’t get too focused on the club! Stick to the basics!"

With Eberheid’s roar, the battle began.

"Ah!? They’re already here! I’m sorry, Lord Wegener, I’ll listen to your scolding later!"

"Wait, wait! Even if we’re on standby, I don’t have any guards! Hey!"

Wegener reached out to the back of the survey team member who had run to the battlefield.

Then he collapsed to his knees.

...What is this guy even here for?

Mia was sleeping, hugging a lantern.

A blanket I borrowed from a survey team member was draped over her back.

She didn’t wake up even with all the commotion.

...I think she said she would stay awake until I slept, but she’s already sound asleep.

"Light..."

"Phew! Grr!"

Eberheid’s spell and the hobgoblins’ screams echoed through the ruins.

Mia’s shoulders twitched as if she had been startled, and she opened her eyes slightly.

"M-Mia, you weren’t sleeping. You were just a little out of it! Just a little!"

"...Oh, really? It would have been fine if you had stayed out of it."

"I wasn’t sleeping... Did something happen?"

"No, everything seems fine."

"Is that so?"

I was ready to step in if it looked dangerous, but it doesn’t seem necessary for now.

Then, Wegener approached me.

"What is it? Do you have another complaint about my analysis method..."

"Listen, I’m entrusting you with the important task of protecting this Wegener. Consider it an honor, rogue mage."

"......"

...What is this guy really?