第１１６１堀：奴隷と魔術 (Part2)
"So, that’s why Yuki is the best choice, then."
"No, it’s not just that. Even objectively speaking, Yuki is the superior option. He wouldn't dream of discarding someone like Agil, and frankly, the environment he provides is top-tier. Yeah, no complaints there."
"Mmm, it truly is an enviable environment. Well, I suppose I’m in the same boat, though."
"Well, setting aside the lovey-dovey talk, those three have their work cut out for them from here on out."
"That’s true. Though, since Yuki is so busy, he’s insisted on 'the basics' first. Still, having to face Seraria and the others right out of the gate? Even for me, that’s a daunting prospect."
"I’m right there with you."
Honestly, the idea of having to offer pleasantries to 'important people' is something I’m absolutely terrible at.
"That’s exactly why I want them to do their best. Besides, if they can shoulder some of Yuki’s workload, that frees up more of his time. And if he has more time, that means more 'time for me.' And for Comet, too, of course."
"Oh, when you put it that way, it’s a wonderful prospect. There are so many things I want to do, like challenging him to games."
"Ah, 'so many things,' is it? Yes, I suppose that’s the place to start."
"Exactly. While we’re locked in a game, there are so many things I want to talk to him about."
Things like ghosts, the mysteries of the Blue Hole, the nature of the world, or those impossible speedruns on the video sites.
As I was discussing such things with Agil, the laboratory door creaked open, and a certain 'someone' stepped inside.
"Yahoo! Class is over. Hey, Comet, Agil."
A petite girl with white hair—Havia.
It seemed her lessons for the day had concluded, and she had made a beeline straight for us.
Kagura and the others, who had been trailing behind her, looked toward us with troubled expressions.
"Come on, you lot should come in, too. It’s not like you’re strangers."
"Indeed. You’re Havia’s classmates, aren’t you? Do come in."
More than anything, your job is to keep an eye on Havia. It’s far better than having her wander outside the academy to grab a meal somewhere.
Kagura and the others seemed to understand this well, as they stepped inside quietly.
"My, it seems you’ve been getting along well with Kagura and the others."
"Yeah. They’re very capable. Wait, you know their names?"
"Of course. We’ve been acquaintances for quite some time, after all."
As Agil said this, Kagura and the others nodded in unison.
"Yes, that’s right. Agil and Comet share the same hometown as us. That’s why we came to this academy."
They recited the backstory we had prepared. If there were any inconsistencies, there was no telling what might happen to Havia’s mental state.
"Huh. So that’s why Kagura and the others are so talented. Though, I suppose that’s to be expected, given they’re attending this academy."
"That’s right! Mikos-chan and the others are all very capable."
"Ah, I can see it for Kagura, Enora, and Stasia, but Mikos? That’s a bit of a surprise."
"Eh!?"
"Because Mikos hates studying, right?"
"Ah, yeah."
Hmm, hmm. The fact that they’ve grasped Mikos’s personality so well suggests they really are getting along.
"It’s fine. Mikos is the type who prefers practical application over studying magic theory."
"I see. Ah, that makes sense. Is that why her movements are so sharp? Though, if we’re talking about movement, I feel like Stasia and Enora are even more impressive."
"In combat, perhaps. Mikos is a different breed entirely."
"A different breed? Not research, and not combat-oriented magic?"
"Yes, there are other avenues. To put it in military terms, Mikos is the scout type. She specializes in intelligence gathering."
"Huh. I didn’t know such things existed."
"Ahaha. It’s true. I work as a reporter, after all. I’ve been mastering the magic necessary to gather that kind of information."
Ah, she phrases it well. It is true that Mikos’s primary activity is information gathering. Well, it’s also true that she isn’t particularly fond of studying, but she never cuts corners when it comes to the effort required to gather intelligence.
And it seems this provided Havia with an opportunity to gain a new perspective...
"So, what kind of magic do you use for that?"
"Eh? The magic I use when gathering information involves sound dampening, altering the flow of the wind, and so on..."
Oh? I knew such magic existed, but I hadn’t really considered those applications. I see, so that’s how they use it.
It’s the kind of thing Yuki would likely appreciate—or rather, he’s already using even more advanced versions of the spells Mikos just described.
After all, he’s already put things like optical camouflage into practical use.
"Yes, yes. For now, shall we set aside the talk of the Great Tree Sea and focus on that instead?"
"Yeah. There seem to be more ways to use magic than I thought, so I’d like to hear more."
Very well. Let’s put the investigation of the Great Tree Sea on hold for today and discuss the diversity of magic.
Things like this are important, too.
Ah, perhaps that is why Yuki purchased those three common slaves.
To gain a new perspective.
Everything comes down to imagination and how you utilize what you have.
A wooden stick—what will you do with it?
Will you swing it as a weapon, toss it into a fire to keep warm, or gather more to build a house?
Magic and slaves are the same; it all depends on how you use them.
But, I wonder... are you curious about which of the three will remain?