第５１８堀：バイデのおるすばんできるかなー？ (Part2)
"Oh, that is truly magnificent! To be able to cast magic while swinging a sword!! This is a marvelous invention indeed!"
"Even so, the mana accumulation rate and total capacity are inferior to magic swords and holy swords. And even when used like a catalyst or a staff, the mana conductivity is poor, so the power is somewhat lackluster."
"Hmm. I am not familiar with magic swords or holy swords, but it seems that in this world, it is difficult to have the best of both worlds."
"That is true. I shall test it outside for a moment."
With those words, she aimed the sword toward a scarecrow standing next to the shed.
"You don't need to be that close. Move back about ten meters, point the tip of the sword, and the keywords are 'Wind Cutter' and 'Wind Hammer'."
"Very well, here I go. Wind Cutter!!"
As she pointed the sword, a green gust of wind surged toward the scarecrow, only to be deflected. I thought the power was weak, but it appeared I was mistaken. Although the scarecrow remained unscathed, the Wind Cutter, which had traveled horizontally, had sliced deep into the wall behind it. It hadn't cut the wall down entirely, but a deep, clean gash remained. If she had been slightly off, it might have punched right through.
"Ugh... is this really all it can do? The firepower is insufficient."
Firia-dono looked dissatisfied, but with power like that, any soldier standing in front of this blade would be cleaved in two. It was, by any standard, a terrifying piece of equipment.
"Wind Hammer is not a line, but a surface attack meant to crush like a war hammer... but given the power of the Cutter, I don't have high expectations."
"W-well, let us test it. What is the distance?"
"About ten meters, just like before."
"Very well, here I go. Wind Hammer!!"
*BOOM!!*
"As I thought, it’s just like this."
"It seems perfectly usable to me, however."
The scarecrow remained untouched, but the ground within a three-meter radius had collapsed by about thirty centimeters. Anyone hit by that would surely perish.
"But why does that scarecrow not sink into the ground?"
"Ah, that scarecrow has anti-magic defenses..."
Just as Firia-dono began to explain, the window of the manor was thrown open with a bang.
"Hey, you!! Firia!! I’ve told you time and again to conduct weapon tests at the Weed testing grounds!!"
"Sh-Shera!? I-I’m sorry!?"
"Ugh!! Look at the wall and the ground!! Labyris, Aslin, Hiiro, please!"
"Sigh, I can't cover for you this time."
"Firia-chan, you shouldn't do bad things."
"Ria-onee. Giving up."
They jumped down from the second-floor window one after another. Without offering any resistance, Firia-dono was apprehended.
"Honestly. We can't pay for the repairs to the manor with tax money, so I'll be deducting it from your allowance."
"N-no way... that's cruel."
"I told you repeatedly when you caused those destruction incidents all over Weed. This time, I’m reporting this to Yuki-san so he can give you a proper scolding!!"
"N-no!! I don't want to be scolded by Big Brother!! Waaaah!!"
Upon Shera-sama's declaration, Firia-dono burst into tears. I couldn't help but feel for her.
"Wait, please. This matter occurred because I wished to test the performance of the sword I received. I could not simply go to Weed on my own accord."
"...Is that true?"
Hearing my words, Shera-sama looked at Firia-dono, but...
"...*hic*, I don't want to. I'm not a bad girl. I don't want Big Brother to hate me. *Sniff*..."
This was beyond reasoning.
"Sigh. She seems to be reflecting, so very well. I shall believe your words, Georgin-dono. Labyris, can I leave Firia to you?"
"Yes, I've got it."
"Aslin and Hiiro, please help with the document organization."
"Okay!"
"Understood!"
"Georgin-dono, please continue with the town's security maintenance."
"Yes, leave it to me."
As I turned to leave, I remembered something.
"Shera-dono, wait. There is a small problem, and I have brought a report and a proposed solution."
"Yes? A problem?"
I had almost forgotten the purpose of my visit to the manor.
"I see, so you wish to resolve the dissatisfaction and demonstrate our strength once more? ...Very well. Setting up a stage will also allow us to show off our magic, so it is a good opportunity."
"Indeed. However, I would like to refrain from using attacks like this sword's."
If the participants were to die, it could turn into a reign of terror.
"I understand. I will be sure to hold back. After that, we will show them our duel, and if they see us get serious, such dissatisfaction should vanish for a while."
And so, my petition was easily accepted. My subordinates, the rowdy students, and the residents of Baide were left trembling after witnessing the true power of Shera-sama and the others.
...Did it end up being a reign of terror after all?
Baide's security improves day by day like this.
The guardian deity of Baide is the little ones' army.
And perhaps the old man assisting them has it the hardest.
Now, changing the subject, I received a mountain of feedback regarding the previous Mushroom-Bamboo Shoot War. Thank you very much. I apologize that there are too many to reply to each person individually, but I have read them all. Instead, I hope to continue writing stories that we can all enjoy together and use as a means of interaction. That is the beauty of writing web novels as a hobby.
There may be those who commented for the first time, and those who always comment. I am truly grateful.
Until next time.