Village Akau 4

Starting the next day, we began investigating the source of the glowing water.

Well, yesterday we had already collected water samples for analysis, so we were able to locate it quickly.

"This must be it—the barely a river, just a thin line of water. The main source seems to lie ahead."

The area had once been a path used by travelers, but now it was completely overgrown and abandoned.

As we moved forward, the path split into two. The water flowed clearly from one of the two branches.

As I began to follow the path where the water flowed clearly, I sensed something.

"Alex, wasn't there someone on that path?"

"No, I didn't sense anyone. Did you see something?"

Could it have been my imagination...? It felt like someone was there.

For now, solving the problem takes priority.

Following the water, we came upon a clearly artificial door blocking the way. Beyond the door was a large hole. The water seemed to be flowing out from this gap.

"What is this? Why does such a place exist?"

"Could this be the old mine the guild branch chief mentioned?"

"I see. Let's check the map to confirm."

Upon verifying the location, it indeed matched the site of the former mine.

"But if this place was sealed off after being contaminated by water magic stones, why is it still releasing deteriorated magic stones?"

"Come inside and you'll find out. Is there any way in from somewhere?"

The door was thick, made of stone, and stood about two to three meters high. It looked impossible for the two of them to move it.

"Then let's just break it down."

"Wait a second! You can't do that!"

"Why not?"

"It's been beautifully carved. Breaking it would be a waste."

"Is that so?"

"That's how it is. In about a hundred years, it might become incredibly valuable."

"But what do we do now? We can't conduct a survey inside like this."

Just as I was pondering, a strong voice suddenly rang out.

"Hey you lot! What are you doing there!"

An extremely thin old man stood there.

His head was covered in white hair, and his back was slightly bent. He held a hoe in his hand.

"We're investigators sent by the guild. Are you from this village? Do you know how to get to the old mine?"

I fire off questions one after another.

"Who cares about that! Get out of here right now!"

Apparently, he doesn't understand a word I'm saying. Suddenly angry, he's shouting at us to leave this place immediately. Something feels off all of a sudden.

"What's with that attitude?!"

Alex, who had been calm until now, suddenly raises his voice.

"!? Control yourself. You can't talk like that... Sorry. We'll leave right away."

He quickly retreats, fleeing from the mining site.

After getting away, I'm asked by Alek.

"Why didn't you argue back?"

"You're the one who surprised me. I didn't expect you to get so angry."

"Of course. Eliminating the sub-beasts is vital to the villagers' survival. We should cooperate if we're from the same village."

"Maybe, but in emergencies, you shouldn't let your emotions take over."

I understand that. But sometimes, you just can't get your point across without speaking from the heart. Especially in small villages like this one—people tend to be rigid, for better or worse. You have to push through and make them comply.

Alex seems to have a strong sense of justice.

"That's true, but what Alex says is right. Still, I don't think it always leads to the outcome that the villagers wish for....How should I put this... I think we also need to consider what people desire, just as much as we value what's right."

It became a bit complicated. Do you think I'm getting my point across?

"Do you think it'd be better to handle things as smoothly as possible, Taro?"

"Yeah, I don't really know much about this land, and I'll need to find out the way to the other mining site."

"Wouldn't the guild branch chief know?"

"What if they don't? That branch chief seems pretty young... maybe I'll have to ask that old man instead."

"I see, you're thinking strategically too."

"People are like that. By the way, that huge stone door you were trying to break—can you actually do it?"

Yes, it's simple.

I vowed in my heart not to engage in a contest of strength.

After returning to the village, I visited the guild.

No, I don't want to die, please, I don't want to die!

Stay calm. Don't struggle, or you'll get hurt.

Perhaps a patient suffering from that peculiar illness, clearly quite delirious. Young, with a dark complexion and a sturdy build—likely a miner.

I'll help you, Taro.

"Got it."

Joining Alex in restraining the patient. Once the movements weakened,

"Both of you, step back."

I pressed the light crystal against him, sending a small surge of electricity. The patient stiffened briefly, then lost consciousness. Sorry about this—there was no other way.

"Ah, thank you. I came here today after discovering my symptoms, but... I'm still quite frightened."

Nicholas explains.

Indeed, a small shard resembling a mineral fragment was stuck to the man's side.

But why had this condition arisen?

Following Nicholas's instructions, they carried the man into the ward.

"Taro, I'll find out how to enter the old mine. What will you do?"

"I'm fine, but I'd like to ask Nicholas something first."

"Hmm... I've come to understand what kind of person Taro is over these past few days. Please keep it reasonable, though."

"...I know that already."

Following Nicholas into the room.

"Mr. Nicholas, have you found out the cause of the illness?"

"No, I still haven't found anything.

As you said, I'm investigating the water, but there are so many places in daily life where water is used that it's impossible to narrow down the factors."

The range is indeed broad, and I have no idea how the magical stones in the water might react.

I scratch my head, trying to think of any good ideas. But I'm not a doctor—no good solutions are likely to come to mind.

Still unable to give up, I glance around. Suddenly, the patient list taped to the wall catches my eye.

It seems this data is permissible to review. Maybe I can find something from it? No, at the very least, I'll try to narrow it down somehow.

I begin going through the data.