第２５１堀：フラグは乱立し水も滴る (Part2)
"You idiot. Who said I wanted you to do a demonstration? Even if it’s only temporary, these students are classmates of Aslin and the others, just like back in Weed. If they get hurt, it’ll make Aslin and her friends sad."
"…I understand. However, should something appear that the young girls cannot handle, I shall act."
"Well, if it comes to that, it can't be helped. Aslin and the others can't exactly go all out here."
"Indeed. If the princesses were to exert their full power, it would necessitate us, the Ten Demon Beasts, to move at full strength as well. A fragile institution like this would be blown away in an instant."
"Make sure you adjust your power properly. There’s still a lot we haven't investigated on this New Continent."
"I am aware. I shall not cause trouble for the Master."
"Good."
After that conversation, I handed Kuro-chan back to Aslin, but I still felt a bit uneasy, so…
"I’m counting on you two. Since Eris and the others are third-years, it’s hard for them to step in with the first-years."
"We know. Leave those two and the little one to us."
"Yes. We’ll be keeping a close eye on Aslin, Firia, and Kuro-chan, so please don’t worry," Shera added.
Hearing Labyris and Shera’s responses was far more reassuring than anything Kuro-chan had to say.
After some light small talk, I informed Eris, Tori, and the others that magic power seemed to be unnaturally concentrated around this academy district. I asked them to look into it as long as it didn't interfere with their classes, and then we parted ways.
"Still, it’s a strange story. Why are there so many monsters in this area specifically?"
"Who knows? But if we figure that out, we might make some real progress."
Currently, we were in the middle of a practical monster-slaying lesson, stepping into the "Monster Forest" managed by the academy.
Though I was chatting casually with Taiki, I was keeping a sharp eye on our surroundings. Since Eoid was with us, I couldn't exactly use my Call functions openly. I usually rely heavily on my 'lyrical-miracle' magic, so I figured this would be good training for a situation where my usual tricks were sealed off.
"Ria, Taiki, how’s the perimeter? I’m not picking up any presence myself."
"I don't sense any monsters nearby either," Ria replied.
"Same here," Taiki added.
If two Heroes said so, we were likely fine. According to the preliminary survey, the most dangerous things out here were Wyverns living deep in the mountains.
But even that survey result was surprising. On this continent, where even Orcs are rare, there was a region where Wyverns existed. What could be the cause? It likely had something to do with the mana density, but there was no established way to measure the concentration of magic in the air. I can see the flow of mana when a person or monster activates a spell, but… man, I wish I had a Scouter or something. Using Appraisal to check every little thing is a pain.
"E-everyone is so calm… Is this normal for mercenaries?"
Eoid, who was trailing at the very back, spoke up with a shaky voice.
"I don't think it's just because we're mercenaries," I replied.
"Is that so?"
"People who regularly gather materials or hunt in forests have to stay alert for Goblins and wild animals as a matter of course."
"Ah… I see."
"By the way, Eoid, haven't you been in this forest several times before?"
"Yes, this is my seventh time."
"Then why are you so hesitant? You should be more used to this than we are."
Indeed, ever since we entered the forest, Eoid had been acting jumpy. It wasn't just nerves; he looked completely ready to bolt.
"I'm sorry."
"No, it's not something you need to apologize for. But tell me why you're in such a state. Did we do something wrong?"
"No, you haven't done anything wrong, Yuki-san. If anything, it's a personal problem."
"A problem with you specifically?"
"…Yes. Well, keeping quiet might cause trouble later, so could we rest for a bit while I explain? There aren't any monsters around, right?"
"Yeah, I don't feel anything. What about you two?"
"No change. I don't think there are any," Ria confirmed.
"Same. I agree with Ria-san," Taiki said.
"Alright. Let's take a break and hear what Eoid has to say."
Wait, don't tell me he has some weird restriction where he can't use his power unless the heroine is around?
"Yuki-san, do you think this is one of those tropes where he can't use his strength unless Amanda-chan is there?" Taiki whispered into my ear. As expected, he was thinking the exact same thing.
When two geeks reach the same conclusion… I start to get a bad feeling about this.
After taking a breath and a drink of water, Eoid opened his mouth apologetically.
"Um, well… the reason I’ve been so jumpy is… I can't use magic."
"""Huh?"""
Wait, come to think of it, Eoid has Mana Manipulation, but he hasn't mastered any clear elemental magic, has he? But since he can use mana itself as a weapon, shouldn't that be fine?
"I can't use magic, but… I can steal it."
"""Steal it?"""
What does that mean? He doesn't have any skills like Skill Hunt, Taker, or Learning.
Taiki and Ria looked at me, their eyes asking if I had any "stealing" type skills. I shook my head.
"How should I put it… Ah, could someone use a spell for me? A fire spell would be best."
"Hm? Oh, sure. I can do that much."
I agreed and manifested a small Fireball.