第１１０８堀：少女変身 (Part1)
Chapter 1108: Maiden’s Transformation
Side: Yuki
I leave the laboratory, leaving the rest to Comet and the others.
At the very least, the most troublesome part is safely behind us.
Well, it was a huge help that Comet and Agil had clearly defined the investigation policy; it saved me the trouble.
If you ask those two to do something they aren't interested in, they’ll just half-ass it completely.
This matter required a serious approach, so I was worried about how much effort they’d put in if I forced them, but it seems that was just unnecessary anxiety.
Well, they were curious about the ecology of marine monsters like those in the Blue Hole, so I figured they wouldn't outright refuse.
I feel relieved that things seem to be moving forward smoothly, and just then, Kirika calls out to me.
"Master. Are you alright?"
"Yeah, sorry. I’m a bit worn out from the discussion. There were some unexpected developments, too."
"Are you referring to Nilea and Wasfi?"
"That’s right. Well, it’s a good thing for strengthening our forces, but it does mean more work for us. Come to speak of it, I need to report this to Seraria."
"Yes, finding such rare talent is a very good thing. Perhaps you should take this opportunity to conduct investigations at other academies as well? There is a possibility that other rare individuals are lying dormant."
"Yeah, I’m sure there are. But us barging into other countries to poach talent isn't exactly welcomed by the host nations. After all, we’d be stealing their resources."
"……Indeed. Given their circumstances, perhaps we should consider ourselves fortunate that these two were in such a position."
"Exactly. Nilea and Wasfi were in a delicate spot, so we could manage it, but under normal circumstances, it would be difficult to poach someone without proper negotiations and formal procedures. If we messed up, it could even lead to war."
After all, if you tell someone you’ve snatched up their top-tier talent without permission, the side that lost them isn't going to just sit back and take it.
"Anyway, before I report to Seraria, I’m going to check on Nilea, who should be getting her appearance sorted out. I hope she looks a bit better. I want to provide Seraria with more information than just 'top of the academy' and 'excellent grades,' and the stuff Wasfi told me about magic tool creation would be just the thing."
"Indeed. I confirmed Wasfi’s excellence in the report earlier, but I have yet to see Nilea’s talent, so I cannot judge it. If you do not add that, Nilea’s evaluation as a member of Weed will be called into question."
The main objective was supposed to be protecting Nilea, but before I knew it, she had become a side character or a background extra—she’s basically being treated like a 'Heroine (lol).'
That said, Seraria would still recognize the necessity of protection, but for people like Eris and Ratz, who have to provide the funds for that protection, they’d surely question if she’s truly worth the investment.
Just as I was thinking it would be nice to have something to suppress those sentiments, I got that information from Wasfi.
"Magic tool creation, huh. I hope there’s something unique and interesting there."
"Yes. Regarding craftsmanship, we already have excellent members like Lady Filia, Lady Narjia, Lady Comet, Lady Agil, and Lord Zargis, but I still find myself hoping for something new."
"True. But if I get my hopes up too high, it’ll be tough on Nilea. Her base knowledge and techniques are fundamentally different from Weed’s, so it’s unlikely she’ll have something that truly shocks us."
That’s right. No matter how talented Nilea is, I don't expect her to have inventions that surpass ours or leave us stunned.
It would be great if she had some rare invention, but it’s not like people capable of creating such super-technology are just lying around everywhere.
While talking about this, I contact Kagura, who is in charge of Nilea’s grooming.
『What is it, Yuki?』
"Wasfi’s orientation is finished. I was wondering how Nilea is doing. I have a few things I want to ask her, too."
『I see. Changing clothes will be finished soon, so you can come over. The location is Nilea’s room. Do you know where it is?』
"Ah—yeah, I think so. Wait, Kirika. Do you know where Nilea’s room is?"
I think I know since I was just there, but this academy is a bit complicated due to repeated expansions and renovations.
I don’t want to be staring at a map the whole time, so I check if Kirika can guide me.
"Yes, I know. Lady Kagura, we will arrive in about ten minutes."
『Understood. If it’s ten minutes, she should be done changing, but please knock just in case.』
"Got it. I’m heading over."
『Mm. I’ll be waiting.』
It seems Nilea is coordinating her look in her own room.
Well, her clothes are there, so that’s probably for the best.
However……
"Isn't it strange that it takes ten minutes to move within the same academy grounds?"
"Is it? This is a fairly large school, and moving between buildings takes a fair amount of time. Moreover, since Nilea’s room is just a school dormitory, it is inevitable that it would be some distance away."
"Ah, is that how it feels? When you put it that way, I suppose you’re right. It’s not exactly a house, after all."
Right, even if it’s on the same grounds, it’s not like it’s right next door.
It’s more like moving from a classroom to a martial arts hall in a detached building.
Thinking about things like that makes me feel nostalgic.
Perhaps because I was lost in thought about what a 'school' is, I arrived in front of Nilea’s room sooner than expected.
"Man, I was just here, but it’s surprising how you don't really remember the path."
"Earlier, we were guided by Vice Principal Lara, so we were likely walking the most efficient route. Given how the academy has become a labyrinth due to constant renovations, it is no wonder you couldn't memorize it, Master."
"That’s the thing. The fact that it’s a labyrinth feels like a problem in itself. Well, I guess it has its own charm, but that’s something we could never replicate in Weed."
"Indeed. It would delay evacuation in an emergency. Besides, I find this state of affairs rather unsettling."
"Unsettling?"
It’s rare for Kirika to say something so vague, so I decide to ask her about it on the spot.
"Is an enemy lurking about?"
"No, that is not it. In the first place, since this academy has been turned into a dungeon, I have grasped everything from the building’s structure to the movements of living things and even the information within. It is just that I sense something fishy about the dead points."
"Dead points are basically just areas created during renovations, right? Is there something there?"
"No, according to the data, there is nothing that poses a problem. Just abandoned classrooms, private rooms, or similar fixtures. Yet, something still bothers me."
"Hmm, that’s strange. Nothing abnormal in the data, but you still feel something is off…… You don't think it’s a school ghost story, do you?"
In times like these, an inexplicable sense of unease is usually the hallmark of that.
After all, this is a place where children gather, and it’s filled with magic and history.
It’s a different space from a city where people live.
"We had them at the Hayden Magic Academy as well, so I think such things exist. Given that this place is built in the middle of the Great Sea of Trees, it might be worth investigating."
"I see. Well, while we’re at it, let’s ask Nilea, Amanda, and Eoid if they’ve heard anything like that."
"Yes. After that, we should confirm with Principal Popuri and Vice Principal Lara. They are the founders of this academy, after all."
"True. Oh, here we are."
I’ll put the academy ghost stories aside for now; seeing Nilea is the priority.
『Coming!』