204 Episode 204 "Ship and Demon Heading North, Nagi and Cutlass' Combined Technique".txt

A few days later.

We left the port city of Ilgafa in a merchant ship.

Our destination was the northern town of Hermilt.

The journey takes two nights each way via the resort town of Mishlila.

On board the ship are a sailor and the captain. The Ilgafa regular soldiers and their captain. Other people involved.

And me, Iris and Cutlass.

Cecil, Aine and Rafilia will be joining us at the sanctuary. It would be great if we all transferred to Ilgafa, but if we all move around so frequently, the transferable items might be exposed. After meeting with the lord, me, Iris and Cutlass decided to board the ship.

I wanted Cecil and Rafilia, who can use magic, to be there as well, but - it's for alibi work. Besides, I've thought of a plan.

It is the pride of a regular soldier to have the Sea Dragon Priestess on board the ship. Please be at ease!

Shh. It's a secret about Iris, right?　The regular captain.

Iris put a finger to her lips.

Now she has her green hair in a ponytail and is wearing a leather armor. It's a 'riddle-sheaf melody' style that Iris had recently developed.

"Please call Iris 'Melody' now. I'm an adventurer carrying a cargo to the northern city at the request of the Ilgafa lord. Next to me is my colleague and my beloved 'big brother'. Please keep that in mind.

Yes, sir!

The captain saluted and moved away from us.

That regular soldier is the one who guarded Iris during the Festival of the Sea Dragon. It's a good idea to have a good time with them.

Maybe that's why we were so polite to you, because we remember that time.

It's my first time on a boat. ......

Gazing out at the sea from the deck, Cutlass said, "I've never been on a ship before either.

I've never been on a ship before either. I never had a chance to get on one even in my old world," he said.

We're on a large sailing ship," he said. After we leave Ilgafa, we'll be riding the current to the north.

Of course, since it's a sailing ship, we have a specialist wizard on board to help us sail into the wind.

These are girls in sky blue robes, and right now they are talking to the captain at the bow of the ship. They are called 'Fu-Sei-Madoshi' for their ability to read and manipulate the wind. It's a professional job in Irgapha, and I'm a professional in that field. That's cool.

''But they're all a bit harsh in character, so I'm not very good at ...... melody.

Iris gave a small sigh.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one who's been in the business for a while. I hope that will help you calm down...

...... Those guys have been glancing at us for a while now.

And with a pretty sharp eye.

I remember being told when I boarded the ship, "Hired adventurers should stay quiet so as not to get in the way.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work for you, but I'm not sure it's the same for ...... exclusive wizards.

''There's a ship leaving ────!

At the head of the ship, the captain shouted.

The sails were raised and the ship started to move slowly.

This is how we ended up in the boat, heading for the resort of Mishlila.

The boat is moving along the land.

The boat is moving fast because it's riding on the ocean current. We hope to reach the port of Mishreira in the evening.

Above us, the white sails tremble. At the back of the boat are two Wind Spirit Mages, who are using wind magic.

They control the wind - rather than controlling it, they seem to be reading the flow of the wind and transmitting it to the sailors.

That's why the ship doesn't shake so much and is heading calmly to the north. There is no sign of the "sea dragon Kerkator". According to Iris, after manipulating the current, they went on a distant sea patrol.

'...... Arujiddo'

"Come on, Cutlass.

It seems that the wizards have been staring at us for some time now. ......?

I looked at him sideways when he told me, sure.

And then he walked towards me.

What is it ......?

I'm going to rage my shoulders as hard as I can and stomp my feet as fast as I can, but ......?

Hey, guys.

"I hear you are adventurers hired by the Lord of Ilgafa.

The two girls in sky blue robes stop in front of me and Cutlass.

They're looking straight at us and snapping their feet in frustration.

'Answer me...we're asking you.

I'm an adventurer at ....... I'm supposed to be escorting a package to the town up north.

Our job is to deliver the goods to the merchant, sir.

Me and Cutlass looked at each other and then answered.

'A swordsman?　You're not a wizard, are you?

The girls said.

I think you can tell I'm not a wizard when you see it.

As you can see, I've never used magic before.

............ pfft.

He laughed at me. Why?

"Swords are useless on ships. We're better at using magic than you are. And you're not too high headed.

............ Huh?

To tell you the truth, we're better than you at sea. Don't forget that.

I'm not making a joke ......, are you?

The two wizard girls are beaming at us. Their noses are also breathing heavily.

...... But why do we have to be so sneaky ......?

We're ostensibly supposed to deliver a package to the northern town at the request of the lord of Ilgafa. But our work will be done after we're on land, so it's outside of business hours right now.

And Wind Spirit Mage shouldn't be too busy either. I'm not working so much that I feel like selling a fight to this side. The ship is on the current, so we just have to watch the wind every certain time and .......

Why are you poking at me when you're at ......?

'Our work will be done when we are on land. We have an agreement with the Lord of Irgafa as well.

We're talking about a work ethic.

It's funny.

These people are just ordinary adventurers, right? So why are they so high and mighty?

You mean like the nobleman who belonged to the White Guild?

Hey!　What are you doing?　Hired hands!

I heard the voice of the regular captain. Iris - or rather, Melody is with him.

''You are both employed by the Ilgafa Lord family. There is no hierarchy. In other words, ......

They just work in different places.

Yeah. This sifu is right.

The regular captain coughs and says to himself: "This ship is advancing on the tide thanks to the blessing of the 'Kerkator' sea dragon.

I'm sure that this ship is moving with the tide under the protection of the sea dragon Kerkator. A wizard's job is not so much a wizard's job as it is a wizard's. Why do you need to intimidate your colleagues? Why do you need to intimidate your colleagues?

When this job is done, we're going to be the heroes.

............ Yes?

I thought I had heard wrong.

But the wizard girls are stretching their chests and showing the accessories they wear on the collars of their robes. A brooch in the shape of a wing and sword, made of silver.

This is a membership card sold to me by a certain person. In this group he was with, the hierarchy was determined by how good you were.

The man said that those who were better than others on the spot would gain control over those below them. And sooner or later, he said, he's going to start a new organization. We will be in it. So we are above you, mere adventurers.

...... No, we're not affiliated with that organization at all.

''When this job is done, we will cross the sea to fight the Demon King's army. Do you still claim to be your equals?

...... demon army?

'Yeah, that brave man said it was time to move against the Demon King.

Really?

If there was a Demon King on the other side of the ocean and it was on the move - I'm sure 'Sea Dragon Kerkator' would tell me that. But the sea dragon hadn't said a word about that. How could these girls know information that even the Sea Dragon didn't know?

Anyway, we're the better side of the boat, so maybe you should change your tune a bit?

The girls once again burst out of their chests.

For now, I'll hold off on the information. Besides, there's no point in fighting here.

I decided to leave, backing away from Iris and Cutlass.

''Hey!　Wait a minute! What's with the attitude!

Let's get to work.

I said.

'What if the demons come out while you're doing this?'

Ha! You don't know anything!　There's never been a demon in these waters before! If they come out, we'll use our magic to wipe them out!

It's a demon...!　There's a demon out there: ────!

I heard the sailor shout.

He leaned out of the port side and pointed offshore.

There - several small boats were floating there - several small boats. It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.

''It's a higher species of 'sea-water goblins'!　Big brother!

Iris exclaimed.

'There's no way a demon could get anywhere near Ilgafa's ship, yet you seem to be cheating the sea dragon's eyes by wearing ...... human clothing and getting on the ship.

'If you're on a ship, it's hard to see from the 'sea dragon Kerkator' in the sea. Are you saying that it will be indistinguishable from the ships that humans ride on, so you won't be able to attack them carelessly ......?

'Yes. So I guess that's how pirate goblins are sometimes found: ......

"Pirate Goblins

A higher-ranking species of seafaring goblin, they are skilled swimmers and water fighters.

They have an insatiable appetite for precious metals, and often attack merchant ships.

They approach in small boats. They can be a nuisance if they are captured by a ship, so be careful.

There are a total of 3 ships with the "Goblins" on board.

They will approach slowly, protecting themselves with their shields.

"Fire an arrow!　It's a pain in the ass to be obsessed. Get rid of them!

'd*mn. Demons, you have ...... wisdom. ......

The soldiers on the merchant ship are shooting arrows at the small boat.

'Melody, Cutlass...... come here for a moment.'

We hid behind our luggage so that we wouldn't be disturbed.

First of all, we have a strategy meeting here.

''If it's only goblins, I'm sure the regular soldiers will be able to take care of it ...... but it's going to take some time.

The goblins in the boat. The target will be small.

It'll be a problem if he gets on board, sir.

Even as I was saying this, an arrow flew over our heads. It was fired by the "Pirate Goblin".

I'm sure we'll be able to get rid of them sooner or later, but I don't want anyone to get injured .......

You can't blame them. Let's try to sneak a hand.

You are secretly helping people.

If we are confronted, I suppose we'll let the 'Kerkator' blessing wash over us.

Me, Cutlass, and Iris, sticking our foreheads together, consulted whisperingly.

We decide on a plan within a few dozen seconds.

"So... so, that's it.

My weapon is the key, isn't it? Yes, sir.

Iris is your protection in times of need.

'Yes. If you think it's too dangerous, use Iris's judgment and activate the skill.

Yes, sir!

So, let's get to work...

"Please, 'Wind Spirit Mage'!　Turn up the wind speed!

"Why are we standing on the deck? Increase the speed of the ship and get rid of the 'pirate goblins'!

Suddenly, the soldiers started shouting.

When I looked, I saw that the girls of the "Wind Spirit Mage" were staring at the "Pirate Goblin" with their arms folded.

And then...

"There's no way I'm running away!　For we are the ones who will be the brave!

I'm gonna kick the 'pirate goblins' out of here!

''We must show that the 'Wings and Swords Guild' that will eventually arise is the 'Original Brave Guild'!　To remind the 'Original Brave Guild' of the fake heroes!

""──── yes?"

"The Original Brave Men's Guild" and "The Original Brave Men's Guild", what's that?

"Let's see what we can do!　Vanish Wind, the vacuum blade!

Sss!

The wind blade created by the wind wizard girl slammed into the shield of the 'Pirate Goblin'.

''Guggah!

The "pirate goblins" speak up.

The shield has a slanted incision in it. It's just that wind magic. It's a pretty powerful thing.

It's not a bad idea.　There is not a single demon left standing before our magic.

f*ck you, f*ck you, f*ck you!

Sigh. Ssshhh. Splash. Ssshhh. Sss!

The girls are firing a series of wind magic.

It's effective. It is true that they have wounded the 'Pirate Goblin' shield. But the hit rate is too bad.

This is on a rocking ship. Long-range attacks are hard to hit.

On top of that, the girls' complexion is gradually turning blue. What is this...

'You're using too much magic!

"Shut up about it, you punk! ''This is how the people of the Original Hero Guild awaken!

...... awakening?

'Yes. We'll use our powers to their limits to discover the possibilities that lie beyond." "Then we'll return to the inn to rest our bodies and gain super recovery. In this way we will awaken further strength.

'Isn't it your job to get cargo and people to port?　Combat is what soldiers do, isn't it?

Oh, shut up!　We're not going to end up being just 'wind spirit mages'! You adventurers, just because you're fighting those demons doesn't mean you can't go out there and show them what we're capable of.

The 'Wind Spirit Mages' shouted with a faint voice.

''We aim to be brave!　Therefore, we have to keep showing that we are better than you...!

You don't have to show me!　Don't push yourself!

I couldn't help but rush into the breathless wizards.

The wind spirit mages are dazed and wobbly. The magic is flying in the direction of the day after tomorrow. I'm completely overwhelmed.

I look over to Iris. He's sneaking a whisper to the Legionnaire's captain. The soldiers who have been concentrating on dealing with the "pirate goblins" have come to stop the "wind spirit mage" girls in a hurry.

The pale girls were pulled by the soldiers and sat down on the deck of the ship.

''Don't be ridiculous ...... 'Wind Spirit Mage' even ...... warfare ...... to the brave ...... ' To "The Original Brave Men's Guild": ......

Don't look down on ............ adventurers because you've never fought a demon. ......

The wind spirit mages are mumbling.

I'm so worn out that I can't stand up. It's because they're trying to do too much.

I wonder what ...... is. The Original Heroes' Guild.

I'll ask him later at .......

...... That's right.

Cutlass and I stepped out of the shadows of our luggage, weapons in hand.

It's time to get to work.

Then Cutlass. Bring out the Fettra.

Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

Cutlass held out his spear to me.

This is a magic item I bought in the port city of Ilgafa. It's personalized for Cutlass, but it also contains my magic power.

That's why it should be able to be used for me as well if I merge with Cutlass.

It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it.

It's a good idea to have a spare hosaki.

Yes, you can wear a spearhead. The tip of an ordinary spear can be attached to this. That's what we have now.

Yeah, okay.

Okay, Cutlass, I'm going.

Hi, hi, hi ...... no. It's ...... an honor to be able to 'gut' with a certain someone, and it's ...... an honor to be able to do so.

I lay my hands on top of Cutlass's and hold my spear.

Then, on the deck, I thrust into the middle of nowhere.

I thrust, and thrust, and thrust some more, while checking for safety.

'...... nah, what are you doing? You guys are .......

The girls in The Wind Wizard, sitting on the deck, were looking at us.

You could have gone to sleep.

Is it a dance ...... that borrows the power of the 'sea dragon Kerkator'?

I'm sure it will catch on in the port city of Ilgafa.

While answering the question, Cutlass and I repeatedly thrust into the air with the telescopic fetra.

A total of 14 times. It was the first time, so that's about it.

The rest of the time, we just have to be careful and move to port.

...... It's getting closer, isn't it? The 'pirate goblins' are getting closer.

...... I'd like to guess if I could. It's the first one, so don't push it.

Me and Cutlass nodded at each other.

We lay our bodies on top of each other just as the arrows broke off.

We put our hands on top of each other, with Cutlass holding her spear and me holding her from behind.

'I don't know what ...... means. ...... What is ...... those guys are ......?'

'...... How can a spear reach you at such a distance?　Totally: ......

"'Well?　Do you think?

The wizards' prodding is through.

Cutlass unclasps the clasp on the spearhead and lays his hand on mine.

Me and Cutlass breathe in, breathe out, draw the spear - and thrust it out!

At the same time...

Activate.　'Delayed Combat (Delayed Arts) LV2!'

It's going to grow at full speed. It grows at full speed.

Thud!

The 'Telescoping Spear Fetlar' has become huge.

Boh!

After a moment's delay, the spear grew to twice its length, and the tip of the spear flew out.

Under the effect of "Delayed Combat (Delay Arts)", it remained huge (・・・・・・・).

It's just like - like a silver cannonball.

''Guga!'' "Guga? "Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Go for it!　Thud!　Shhhhhhh!

'GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

The tip of the spear, which had grown to about eight times its size, hit the 'Pirate Goblin' shield. Penetrating.

And then, it blew its owner away as it was.

With a thud, there was a sound, and the goblin involved fell into the sea. The other goblins are making a big deal out of it - a hole was made in the ship? I fired off a diagonal into the water. It happens sometimes.

"Good work, my dear. "Nice work, Cutlass.

It's a big deal for me and Toji, isn't it?

Me and Cutlass gave each other a high five with a bang.

This is a combination of my skills and Cutlass's weapon.

The amount of time you spend in the delay arts is the amount of time you spend in the delay arts, and the more you strike out, the bigger your weapon becomes and the more powerful it becomes.

The Fettler uses magic to instantly expand and contract, allowing you to send the tip of your weapon flying.

I thought it would make a useful flying tool if combined, so I gave it a try. I'm glad it worked.

''Eeeeeeeeee!　Yi, that was it!

''Blessings of the 'Sea Dragon Kerkator'!

To the astonished 'Wind Spirit Mage', Cutlass and I shouted.

The spear is said to resemble a snake or a dragon due to its lengthy shape, and it is often given similar names. It is said that the person who wields it on the sea is said to be honoring the sea dragon and is sometimes given special blessings by the similarly long-shaped "sea dragon Kerkator". And there is!

...... Yeah, yeah, yeah. ............ Yeah, no way.

Both the wizard girls and the soldiers are rolling their eyes.

But they seem to be convinced.

The lord should have told you that this ship is advancing under the blessing of the Sea Dragon Kerkator.

Also, there are vague shadows that look like the Sea Dragon Kelkator floating around the ship. Of course, it was created by Iris in the "Illusionary Space". It serves two purposes: to show that I'm under the protection of the sea dragons, and to threaten the pirate goblins. Let's get this over with while it's still working.

Cutlass. Let's move on.

'Yes, sir!　Set up a regular hosaki and...voila!

Shhhh, shhhh.

Me and Cutlass flailed the 'Telescoping Spear Fetra' again. Next time, I'll take about 20 times.

Then again, standing at the edge of the ship, aiming at the edge of the ship...

"G-g-gah! "...... gee, gee, gee,

The pirate goblins are still arching their bows in our direction.

They don't seem to want to run away.

I'm the one who asked the lord to provide us with a ship. If you attack it, we won't show no mercy.

("Delayed Combat Arts" plus "Telescopic Fetra...")-fire!

Me and Cutlass activated the skill without saying it aloud.

Zudon.

''Ggaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!?

The tip of the giant spear struck the ship.

The goblins were blown away by the entire boat.

"Gigaro! "Giga-Goog, gogogawobababego ────!

The last remaining ship is trying to get away. Yeah. We're done.

Iris is waving her hands behind her pack. She's holding a soft golem named "Ritor-Gon" in her arms. I was planning to ask White to stretch "Shiru-Do" when it became dangerous, but it was over before that.

And besides...

It seems that Kerkator has noticed the pirate goblins. Our family, the guardian of the sea, has arrived.

Iris points to the surface.

Beyond the boat, I see a triangle of dorsal fin sticking out of the water.

It's big. And it's beautiful. They shine like sapphires in the sunlight.

This is the branch of the sea dragon, Kerkator. It's the guardian of the ships at the port city of Ilgafa. He's the guardian of the ocean!

"──── Gu?　Gagaaah!''

Bakun.

A blue shark appeared from the waves and swallowed the 'Pirate Goblin'.

''Gigi?'' "Geeeeeaaaaah!

The 'Pirate Goblin' shouted on the small boat.

'............'

The blue shark - the guardians of the ocean do not respond to its voice.

They swallow up the "pirate goblins" who drift through the waves as if they were doing their job without a care in the world.

The fleeing goblins cling to the rest of the ship. The boat lurches wildly, causing the goblins to fall again. In the end, only two goblins survived.

They, too, took the arrows fired by the soldiers on their backs and disappeared into the waves.

''Thanks for your help. ''Cutlass.''

............ (............)

............ cutlass?

There is no reply.

Cutlass is wobbling around with his grip on the 'telescopic spear fetra.

What's wrong with you, Cutlass? Do you get seasick?

Excuse me. Mr. Fien. It's Finn.

The blinking eyes of Cutlass have turned reddish-purple.

I think Cutlass is so happy to be able to use some of his 'rock-paper-scissors' techniques that he's lost his mind.

...... Really?

That's right. "Yes, it is a slave's job to 'toughen up' and fight with a certain someone. I'm sure you've been thinking about this for a while now. Now that he has achieved that, his thoughts are flying off the page.

Saying this, Fihn patted the Fetra with a loving look on his telescopic spear.

''This spear will never be washed again.

...... You don't normally wash your weapons, do you?

"No, no, no, my Lord and I are going to bathe together, aren't we?

I heard the voice of Magic Sword Leggy at my back.

'No, but. The magic sword on the main body is just a cloth to wipe it off.

I can't do it.

Reggie begins to tremble in small increments.

The sea breeze stings. Can you wash me instead of your spear?

Okay, okay. When we get to the sanctuary.

'Yes, yes!　Arujidono. I, too, and Cutlass, have a sea breeze on my body!

"...... Oh, brother. In fact, ...... that ...... melody is also a body ...... because of the sea breeze.

Hey, hey, hey, hey.

Don't have everyone crowding me.

You know, Melody, what's up with the ship?

Yes. We'll stop for a day at the "Mishlila" sanatorium. Afterwards, we will travel north to the town of Hermilt.

So, do you have time to relax?

I remember the bathhouse at the resort had a large bathhouse that you could rent out. If I could get a reservation for that, that is.

"'Yes!'

Iris and Fynn raise their hands with a smile. Reggie answers with just his voice.

Well, this 'Ancient Elven City' exploration is half my own hobby, you know.

I'll try to fulfill everyone's wishes as much as possible to accompany me.

............ ah, ah." "............ The blessing of the sea dragon is... How awesome is ......?

The girls of the "Wind Spirit Mage" are sitting on the deck, flattened, shivering.

The ship was moving briskly with the wind and the tide.

There won't be any work for a while for us and the girls.

'Well, thank you ...... for your help.

Hee!

I was scared.

'I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for making fun of you." "Ship specialist wizards are often looked down upon by adventurers because of ...... that.

''No, I think being a 'Wind Spirit Mage' is an admirable job.

I said.

'You're a shipping professional, aren't you?　I've heard you're treated well. You guys are the reason why Ilgafa is a shipping town.

I really do.

I think it's a noble job. You don't have to aim to be a brave person.

............ We've never fought a demon before, so we've always been ridiculed by the higher-ranking adventurers because we're not good at wind magic for ...... combat. ......

The sky-blue wizards slump their shoulders in disappointment.

''...... Are you sure you're not disrespecting us, ......?

Of course!

Suddenly, Iris - Melody shouted.

''How valuable do you think a skilled 'Wind Spirit Mage' is?　The Ilgafa Lords should probably tell you guys that properly!　Illi──No, if this mysterious Thief Melody meets the Lord of Ilgafa, I will protest!

Thank you for ...... and I'm sorry for .......

The 'Wind Spirit Mages' smiled as they wiped away their tears.

They seemed to understand.

''That's fine, but can you tell me one thing?''

I made eye contact with them and asked them.

'The 'original hero' and the 'original hero' that you guys were talking about - who told you that story from? What kind of power did that person have? If you don't mind me asking.