158 Episode 158: "When I went out to collect materials, I came across a crime scene.".txt

The forest of Night Ivy is located in the north of the resort town of Mishurira.

It is said that the ground has a property that makes it easy for magical power to pass through, probably because it is near a mine that used to be located there.

The magic crystal that Delilira requested is one of the ores that can be obtained nearby, and it is said to have the characteristics of a battery, so to speak, that stores magic power. It can be used for a long period of time in a stable manner and doesn't deteriorate much.

However, it seems that the magical crystals are fond of large creatures, often growing at the base of trees.

And a bunch of goblins are said to be building their nests where there used to be a mining village.

I double-checked the map.

On the outskirts of the Night Ivy Forest, there's an abandoned village that's no longer in use.

According to Delilira's information, the goblins that made their nests there live in old houses and mine pits.

There's also a way to use Cecil's "Ancient Language Magic Fireball" to blow up the entire village beforehand, but that's too flashy for a collection quest. Besides, it would be troublesome if the people who were hiding in the houses and holes became violent and attacked us.

That's why we decided to avoid fighting as much as possible and focus on gathering.

That's why we split our party in two.

A "search party" that would keep an eye on their surroundings and inform them when monsters were approaching.

Me, Rita and Cutlass will be in charge of this one.

The other one is the 'collection group'.

Cecil, Aine, and Leticia will be helping me with this one.

Cecil has the aptitude for magic, so it's easy for him to find magic crystals. Aine pays attention to every nook and cranny when cleaning, so she's perfect for collecting. Leticia decided to ask for their escort.

''The 'magic crystal' sells for quite a bit of money.

Aine, the party's 'sage manager,' said.

Then let's have a party if we get a lot of them.

Celebrating our arrival at the sanctuary and the success of our quest.

The next day, after talking about it, we left for the forest.

The search party (Nagi, Rita, Cutlass and Fynn)

As we entered the forest, we ducked down between the trees.

'Okay then, Rita, take care of the 'presence of mind'. Let me know if the enemy is approaching.

Yes, sir. Master.

We are deep in the forest. We are deep in the forest, where we can barely see the goblin's nest.

It's our job to keep track of the demon's movements and inform the collection team.

"Do you think Fynn can create a magical body with the Valhalla Armor and send it into the air with ......?

You'll be fine until we're halfway up that tree.

So, please. It's easier to see the goblins' nest from the air.

Very well. I understand.

Cutlass, who was wearing the artifact "Balal's Armor", bowed.

Of course. It's Fynn in it. I'm having them take turns on the way here.

"Create my body - the sacred relic 'Armor of Valhal'!

Fynn declares, placing a hand on his chest.

From the armor on his chest, a fluffy magic power is born, and he turns into a human form.

Gray hair, red-purple eyes - that's Fynn. As for the clothes, as I requested, she wears camouflage clothes based on brown. Since it's a body of magic power, it seems that the clothes can be made at will.

"If you feel that you are in danger, you must come back immediately.

It's okay. I've already been rewarded.

Fynn put a finger to his lips.

Then he moved upwards through the branches of the trees.

As a magical body, Fynn could get away from Cutlass for about fifteen to twenty meters on a rough estimate. We decided to take advantage of that and have him keep an eye on the goblin's nest from higher up.

Cutlass and I will stay here. Cutlass and I will stay here and escort Rita and Fynn during the search. The hardest thing to deal with is a group of goblins. If we see any movement, we'll be ready to respond immediately.

Okay. Okay.

Cutlass held his shortsword at the ready.

When he looked up, Fynn's figure was hidden among the branches. It was hard to see him, even though I knew he was there.

Probably from the goblins, it should be completely blended into the landscape.

'Sender; Nagi.

Recipient: Fynn

Body: If you see a nest of goblins, send me a "screenshot".

Just make it feel like you're throwing the images you see to me. Can you do that?'

I sent a message to Fynn in "Consciousness Sharing (Mind Linkage) - Revised".

And then Cutlass' shoulder trembled next to me.

It's because they're the same person, or maybe it's because they're both sending the "shared consciousness" type messages at the same time.

'Sender: Fynn.

Recipient: Arujidono

Body: this is how it's done?

The message I received from Fynn reflected the view from the tree tops.

From 20 meters above the ground, I can see an old, abandoned village. A crumbling house, with goblins making their home in it. Beyond that, there are several side holes in the rocky mountain. Judging from the guards standing at the entrance, it looks like they're using it as a nest too.

It's amazing. I know exactly where the enemy is.

I'm glad that Fynn was able to help.

Normally, there's no way to search for them from the sky. Cutlass and Fynn, you're amazing.

Rita nodded at Cutlass' words.

Well, all my kids are cheat characters.

I decided to ask Fynn to send me a screenshot every three minutes as it was, and I decided to check out the scenery of the abandoned village.

'It's a strangely organized goblin, even at ......,'

What do you mean?　Nagi.

They're demons, but they act like an army. There are guards at the entrance to the village, goblins patrolling the area. A group of people are cooking in the middle of the abandoned village, and there's an orderly queue in front of it. The roads in the abandoned village are usually filled with weeds, but they've been neatly weededed and maintained.

I said, and both Cutlass and Rita nodded their heads.

'...... I've never heard of a goblin like that,'

...... I haven't heard of it either.

Right.

''I'd better get more information to the Adventurer's Guild later.

I hear there's a 'request to take out the goblins in an abandoned village' over there.

That's what Aineidono asked me to find out, isn't it?

It's good enough to tell the guild about the "Goblin's Nest Strategy".

Our job is just to collect. We can't put everyone in danger when we have no use for them.

...... And I have a bad feeling about it.

It's like there's something unearthly that exists on top of an organized goblin .......

'...... Nagi. Contact Aine and the others.

Suddenly, Rita poked me on the back.

''There's a hint of a demon in the air. I'm sure you're not the only one. The distance is much closer over there.

Okay. Rita, go cover me.

Yes, sir!

I lower myself and Rita starts to run.

At the same time, I send the message "Consciousness Sharing (Mind Linkage) - Revised".

'Sender: Nagi.

Recipient: Aine.

Body: Rita has sensed the presence of a demon. She's headed your way. Rita's gone to cover you. Until then, we need to deal with it in the quietest way possible. Is that clear?

The reply came back quickly.

'Sender: sis.

Recipient: Nei-kun

Body: We've seen the monster over here, too. It's a forest crawler. May I use Nah-kun's "Raku-Ten Annihilation Strategy"?

"Sent by: Nagi

Recipient: Aine.

Text: okay. The operation code is 'Cecil Aine's number one'?

'Sender: Sis.

Recipient: Nei-kun

Body：Yes. It's "Hell's Gate" named by Ms. Rafilia.

And Cecil Aine Laetitia No. 2.

"Sent by: Nagi

Recipient: Aine.

Body: "Two-step pitching kill (dual death ball)" named Rafilia? That's fine. But be careful.''

"Sent by Aine.

Recipient: Nagi

Text: Thank you. Master. As a token of my gratitude, when the Leaning Carnation Mirror is completed, Aine will be the test case. It's going to be a real experiment. Huh?　Do you want to be a test case, Cecil?　And Letitia?　Hmm. That one doesn't seem to involve a slave contract, so maybe we can do it. Then how about we all become a test subject together? If that's the case, the arrangement would be...''

...... Oi.

Come to think of it, when we came back from Delilira's yesterday, everyone was talking about the "Tensei Tensei Virtual Mirror".

Well, there's not much to do in this world, you know. I know how you feel. Yeah, I know how you feel.

For me, I thought the "Dragon Golem (Mini)" would be more useful. It's cool.

"Sent by: Nagi.

Recipient: Aine.

TEXT: It's good to be excited, but battle, be careful.'

In case you missed it, let's nail it. Master-like.

As soon as I sent the message, I got a reply from Aine. With a picture.

It was an explanation of the 'Rakuchin Eradication Operation' drawn on parchment.

It includes Cecil, Leticia and Aine's formations and how to deal with them.

...... Does Cecil and the others seem to be okay?

Yes.

I said to Cutlass, who was looking at me worriedly.

'I'm sure it will be a piece of cake,'

The pickers (Cecil, Aine, Letitia)

Activate!　"Magical Attribute Change Elemental Changer.

The moment I activated the skill, Cecil's heart thumped, the moment I activated the skill, Cecil's heart thumped.

...... face turns bright red involuntarily.

The one that Cecil activated was the "Spirit Link" skill that Nagi gave him.

It is deeply connected to the memory of the time when he and Nagi became very close friends. Cecil shook his head to chase away the scene that had almost flashed through his mind.

''I'm at work right now. I have to concentrate on the task at hand...

Here he is, Cecil. It's The Forest Crowler.

As if in time to Leticia's voice, a large green caterpillar appeared from the trees.

''Forest Crowler.''

A large caterpillar that lives in the forest.

A carnivorous insect whose entire body is covered with a hard shell. It eats a lot of food and makes a big cocoon. It eats many cocoons and makes a large cocoon, but it does not turn into a butterfly.

They have a strong defense and tend to act in groups, making them very dangerous demons.

I will protect you. Magic while you still can.

Yes!

Cecil starts chanting.

The only thing he uses is normal magic with a different "attribute". The only thing left to do is to aim at the target──.

"'The Great Fluid Barrier' - 'The Water Wall'!

"Guh?　Mo-mo-mo-mo-mo...!

In front of the four Forest Crawlers, a wall of water as tall as a man appeared.

It's a water version of Cecil's level 2 magic "Wall of Fire".

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this as well.

''What?　"Squeak...

Bashari.

It took only a few seconds for the 'Wall of Water' to stall the 'Forest Crowler'.

The four great caterpillars hesitated for a bit before starting to move forward.

The water flow from the ground could only slow down the great caterpillars' movement.

The hard shells of the caterpillars easily repelled the 'wall of water'. They proceeded slowly, kicking the puddles that formed on the ground with a splash.

''It's disarmed!''

BAM.

The wall of water collapses and falls under the feet of the caterpillars.

"Squeak!　Gyu!

The triumphant caterpillars scream. And then...

...... This is the end of the line.

The maid, who had been hiding in the trees, landed in a puddle of water.

''Activate. "Sewage Increase (Osui Zoka) LV2

Aine plunged the mop into the ground and activated the skill.

『『『『────！！！！?』』』』

Shu.

Moisture leaves the demon's body.

The body of the "Forest Crowler" begins to tremble and cracks appear in its outer shell.

Koron. It's like this. (The four "forest crawlers" are all in the same place.

The four Forest Crawlers roll on the ground and don't move.

The four Forest Crawlers are knocked down!

Aine's 'Increased Sewage' increases the amount of 'dirty water' that is touched by cleaning tools. That water is forcibly taken away from what is around it.

And the amount of water created by Cecil's 'Wall of Water' is about the size of a small pond.

The water that would increase it by 30% was not enough to make the 'Forest Crowler' dry up.

''Operation!'' It's a success!

Cecil and Aine high-five each other with a bang.

''After all, the plan Nagi-sama made is perfect!

Nai-kun called it a "two-hit combo.

I feel sorry for the ...... demons. It's called "Rakuchin Annihilation Operation (Senmezetsu Sakusen) 'Cecil Aine's Number 1'

Leticia shrugged with a bitter smile.

'Cecil-san changed the magic attribute and flooded the surroundings with 'Wall of Water'. And Aine uses 'Increased Sewage Water' to take away the enemy's water, and so on. So Aine's anti-group skills can now be used everywhere: ......

"And last time I checked, the 'increased sewage' level was higher. Oh my God.

...... We're not invincible.

No. - No, you don't.

At Leticia's words, Aine and Cecil shook their heads.

''This was made possible because Nay-kun gave us information about the demon.

So we were ready to go.

This was only possible because Nay-kun gave Cecil-chan a new skill.

So in order to repay the debt I owe you, Aine...?

It was a surprise.

Cecil looked at Aine, with tears in his eyes, as he almost answered honestly without thinking.

But Aine has her usual fluffy expression and just nodded her head, "Hmm. What is it?" she just nodded her head. The eyes seem to understand everything, and Cecil becomes even redder.

I'm going to be the ...... that

Cecil, poking his fingers together and slumping over.

Then he looked up, as if he'd made up his mind to do something.

'Nah, with Nagi's permission, I can tell you more about ...... that .........' ...okay. ......

I felt out of breath and finally said just that.

'Oh, your people are very important to me, so I don't want to hide that ...... ...... from you.

Don't worry, sweetheart. You'll figure it out.

You know what you're talking about?

Yeah. I know you're very happy right now, Cecil, and that's okay. That's why it's okay. I know you're all happy, so you don't have to ask me for details.

Aine squatted down and locked eyes with Cecil.

'...... already. 'Aine,'

Letitia shrugged as she looked across at her best friend.

''Well, now we have to deal with the next demon.

Aine pays off her knees and stands up.

'Nagi-sama sent you, right?　I like it: ......

I'll explain later. Cecil. Let's just get this over with.

Cecil grabbed his staff and Leticia grabbed her sword and shield again.

'I got a message from Nay-kun. The demon again. It's the 'Forest Spider'.

"Forest Spider

A large spider that lives in the forest.

It moves quickly through the forest by attaching a thread to a tree and using it as a foothold.

Since it is not always on the ground, it is surprisingly difficult to apply magic to it.

Immediately, Cecil, Aine and Leticia started to deal with it.

''Let's take it down before Rita-san arrives.

I understand. You need to save your strength, Rita.

The way you're talking now, ...... sounds kind of semantic.

They nodded to each other and the three of them started to run.

The meeting was over in an instant.

The next annihilation strategy (Senmezetsu Sakusen) is 'Cecil Aine Leticia's Number 2' - the 'Dual Death Ball', named by Rafilia.

''I and Aine will come around behind you. Cecil-san, cover me with magic!

Letitia runs off with her sword in her hand. Aine, who had a mop in her hand, followed suit.

I look for the figure of the "Forest Spider" among the trees - I was there.

The enemy has already noticed us. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this in the future. It will approach its prey at once and use its huge body to block its movements and devour it. That is the basic tactic.

"Shush...shhhhh ────!

When the 'Forest Spider' saw Leticia, he waved his eight legs and threatened her.

''I'm not dumb enough to fight you head on!

"'Spirit, shoot my enemy, water arrow!

The moment she hears the voice, Leticia tosses her head to the right.

With a graze of her hair, Cecil's 'Water Arrow' flies through her hair. Because Leticia's body was in the way, the 'forest spider' did not notice Cecil's magic. The water pressure of the water arrows struck the eyes of the forest spider.

''Shushuaaaa!

Even if it was just water, it would be enough to block the view.

The 'forest spider' shook its body in disgust and stuck out its two legs towards the front. It must have been wary of Leticia's attack.

But Leticia went to the side while the enemy was losing its sight. She also goes around behind her.

''You're following me. Aine.

Of course!

Letitia catches her best friend at the edge of her vision.

The three of them are completely sandwiched between the 'forest spiders'. Cecil in front of them, Aine and Leticia behind them. It's a no-questions-asked pincer position.

I'm going!　Waterball!

From Cecil's fingertips, a sphere of water about the size of a person's head jumps out.

This is the water version of the fire magic "fireball".

When it detonates, it swells up and has the ability to envelop the enemy and crush them with water pressure.

The Forest Spider is shaking its head frantically to get rid of the water in its eyes.

And then it raises its face and looks at the flying water ball...

"Shush!

Wow.

He fled into the air.

Before I knew it, the forest spider had strung a string on a branch above my head. He used it as a rope to climb up and avoid the approaching Water Bomb Ball.

The dodged water magic method did not stop.

As it was, it flew towards Leticia and Aine, who were behind the 'forest spider'!

Here they come. Aine, you'll have to help me!

I got it!

Aine lays her own hand on Leticia's hand.

It's ready. In Leticia's hand is a wooden ladle. I bought it at the market for this operation.

It's for use in a large pot, with a strangely long handle.

It's so long that from a distance, it looks like just a stick (・・・・).

"It's activated - 'Magic Stick Art'

Aine infuses the ladle with magical power.

It was just a cooking utensil, but it turns into a magical weapon.

''If it's a magical weapon, it should be able to pass.

Leticia activates the skill while laying hands with Aine.

''I'm going to go! Egg Reflex (Counter Egg)!''

Letitia and Aine raised their ladles.

'I've experimented with this usage!

Leticia's 'Long Ladle' touched Cecil's 'Water Bomb Ball'.

Essentially, magic can only be interfered with by magical weapons.

On the contrary, it can be interfered with if it is a magical weapon.

And 'Egg Reflex' is a skill that allows you to push back the 'sphere thing' with a cooking tool.

Aine's 'Long Ladle', which was turned into a magical weapon through her 'Magic Stick Technique', touched the 'Waterball' and activated the effect of the 'Egg Reflex' cheat skill. Furthermore, the trajectory of the raised ball changed the sphere into an unusual course.

Diagonally upwards.

It escaped into the air (・・・・・・・) towards the 'Forest Spider (・・・・・・・・・・)' (・・・・・).

'Shush ────!

Bohum.

A puffy ball of water wrapped around the 'Forest Spider'.

The water pressure is applied to crush the body of the spider. It's normal magic. It's not very powerful. The spider just broke a few legs and fell to the ground. It should have been able to survive.

Unless there was a maid on the ground with a mop in her hand waiting for it.

'Yes, sir. ''Sewage increase LV2.''

"────!

The Forest Spider has gone dry!

"'Oshimai!

Pan, poof.

Cecil, Aine, and Leticia clasped each other's hands together.

''After all, Nagi-sama's plan is perfect.

Nay-kun, you know Aine and the others.

...... It's a battle in a realm no longer reached by normal adventurers. This.

No further reports of 'enemy approach' from Nagi.

The demons that were nearby must have all been defeated.

''Ah, Rita-san is here. Rita-san. Over here!

Through the trees, he could see Rita's figure.

Cecil couldn't help but stand tall and wave his arms as full as he could.

'Cecil-chan!　Aine!　Lord Letitia!

...... Rita?

Cecil nodded his head.

It's because Rita, who came running, had a strange, serious look on her face. Rita shouldn't even be sweating when she runs as fast as she can, but now she's breathing hard. I hold my swaying chest and kneel down in front of Cecil and the others.

'Oh, please. Send a message to your master. 'Aine. As soon as possible.

I know.

Aine nodded instantly.

She could tell that Rita was desperate.

Aine also became serious and sent a sentence just like Rita said to Nagi in 'Consciousness Sharing and Revision'.

The content of that sentence is──.

The search party. Nagi, Cutlass, Finn...

Yuji. We've got movement!

I heard Fynn's voice above my head.

Instantly a message with an image was sent to me.

'...... e.'

There was a picture of a small child, being carried in a cage.

He's crying ...... with a spear to the outside of the cage.

Two goblins are guarding the cage. It's probably a two-faced 'master goblin'.

The destination they are being carried to is the center of an abandoned village. Kidnapping?

Just as I was wondering if I was going to be able to make it, I received a message from Aine this time.

"Sender: Rita (Substitute: Aine)

Recipient: Master.

Text: I have a request. Please allow me to act alone for the next day.'

...... Rita?

'Yesterday, in the Saint's dungeon, the master said, "You will do me a favor," he said. So I ask you to do me a favor. I just saw a little beastly boy being held by a goblin. It looks like he was brought in from the forest beyond the mine.

Maybe it has something to do with the ...... story of the sub-humans fighting each other deep in the forest.

I can't leave him alone. Please.'

I looked at the image Fynn had sent me.

It's hard to see from a distance, but sure enough, the kid in the cage has beast ears and a tail.

'So, Nagi. I'm going to need to be allowed to go it alone for now. I don't care how you punish me later. Let me help the little one.

"Sent by: Nagi

Recipient: Rita (Alternate: Aine)

'Text: We don't allow people to act alone'

I sent the message.

Of course not. I can't let him go it alone against a nest of goblins.

"So, I'm coming.

I'm coming with you. I'm going to enter the participants. Anybody who can help me...

Yes, sir! Of course I'm going, of course I'm going!

Cutlass and Fynn raised their hands.

'Sender: aine.

Recipient: Nei-kun

Of course you're going!

Cecil-chan (Substitute: Aine) "There's no way I'm not helping Rita-san!

Letitia (Substitute: aine) "I'll cry if you leave ...... behind.

Good.

It's that "subhuman conflict" that I've always wondered about.

If the beast child's capture had anything to do with it, it might help you get some information. There's no separate deadline for the saint's quests, and you can come back to collect them later (I've collected three of them).

Alright, let's gather information first.

''Say something to Rita. I'll listen to what she has to say. I'll do the talking.

I send Aine a message.

Aine replies right away. She says she understands. And then...

"Rita has a message for you. I'm a slave, so I don't want you to be selfish. You must punish me for sure. What are you going to do?

Okay, I said.

But, well, that's only after the kidnapping-ish incident is over and Rita is settled.

I'll find out what's going on between the sub-humans and the demons.

''Everyone else, join up for now.

Cecil, prepare the "Holy Wand Neuerut". It's a group of people. We might need to use some giant magic.

The target is an abandoned village with goblins. There are less than 30 enemies.

I heard that the Adventurer's Guild has been ordered to take them down, so I thought I wouldn't want to take away people's jobs, but if they're kidnapping little ones, that's a different story.

Let's let them capture the base safely, easily and quickly.