Chapter 117.2

Chapter 117.2

The authority to command Little Roof-sama was given to Gemma at the front.

The purpose this time is to test performance. Placing them at the forefront is easier to understand.

With Seraedo leading with Little Roof-sama, I followed behind with Quince and the others, and then Elfimia.

Little Roof-sama moved along the flanks of the formation to protect Quince and the others.

Before long, Gemma encountered four goblins.

At first, the goblins didn’t notice us at the back, but when they saw the floating Little Roof-sama, they froze and were easily taken down.

I understand the feeling. It’s quite surprising, normally.

Wolves also approached, but upon seeing Little Roof-sama, they fled as fast as they could.

This won’t make for a good experiment.

Well, goblins and wolves have similar attack power to Nudorock. No need to test them.

As evening approached, I took the lead and used [Presence Detection] to determine the direction.

After a while, we encountered two orcs carrying rusty battle-axes and clubs.

They’re manageable, but axes and shields are a bad combination.

Ted and the others haven’t defeated an orc before, so let’s have them handle the club first.

“I’ll draw the battle-axe. Take down the club.”

I entrusted Elfimia and Little Roof-sama with protecting Quince and the others, and I charged at the battle-axe.

Dodging the descending axe, I provoked it by kicking its face.

As the enraged orc swung wildly, I observed the situation.

Seraedo held her usual formation.

Gemma handled the front lines, Ted used hit-and-run tactics, and Nails targeted the sides and rear with his sling.

They can’t defeat orcs due to the size difference.

Against thick, large orcs, children can’t inflict fatal wounds.

How much can Little Roof-sama compensate for this――?

“Little Roof-sama!?”

A crushing sound and Quince and the others screamed.

Little Roof-sama was blown away by a direct hit from the club.

Gemma’s eyes followed, and Ted shouted sharp instructions.

“Don’t take your eyes off it!”

Hastily raising her shield, but the orc’s club was already in motion.

It’s too late.

Activating [High-Speed Movement], I quickly compared the club’s trajectory and Gemma’s position.

I judged there was no immediate danger and reached for a potion.

Then it happened.

Just before the orc’s sideways swing hit Gemma, a strange “bounce” sound echoed through the forest.

I was surprised—it acted on its own judgment.

The one who blocked the club was Little Roof-sama, who should have been in the rear.

As Little Roof-sama returned, it once again protected Quince and the others.

I was astounded.

I understand the logic.

If Seraedo retreats, Quince and the others would be in danger.

The command to protect isn’t contradictory, but it’s still an excuse.

It was their first time seeing an orc, so they didn’t even approach the corpse.

A creature larger than adults, defeated by Seraedo, who’s not much older than them.

It must’ve been more shocking than hearing about it.

Ted and the others, having overcome a novice wall, were elated.

As I watched them with a smile, a question arose.

The iron golem in the living room wasn’t as intelligent as Little Roof-sama and the others.

In the first place, its status didn’t even have an intelligence attribute.

If Alphas or Telper were involved, they might create golems as intelligent as Little Roof-sama and the others.

I voiced this to Elfimia as we fell back a bit.

“It’s about roles.”

Elfimia answered, still smiling in the same direction.

“Originally, the intelligence of magic tools is key. When stolen or captured during battle, powerful magic tools are dangerous. To prevent this, they recognize and select their owners. Just as we tested earlier.”

“Golems are big and unlikely to be stolen. If there’s a magic tool to control them, that tool selects its owner. So intelligence isn’t necessary.”

“They have enough intelligence to follow orders. Otherwise, they couldn’t execute commands.”

Elfimia’s words made sense.

After a long time, they’ve reached their current form.

The lack of intelligence on a golem’s status might be due to trial and error.

Little Roof-sama and the others were floating around Ted and the others, celebrating their victory.

And they spun around as if to commemorate it.

Golems, though humanoid, perform simple commands.

Magic tools, far from human, think like humans.

Putting it into words, both are mysterious beings.

In any case, their intelligence is too high.

I need to be strict with my orders.

I noticed the forest darkening.

The sun had set quite a bit. It’s time to wrap up.

“Everyone, thank you for your cooperation. The performance test is complete. As a token of appreciation, how about we go for a meal when we return? To celebrate the first orc defeat.”

Ted and Gemma jumped for joy, and cheers erupted from the others.

We entrusted Elfimia to store the hunted game, planning to butcher it tomorrow.

Returning home, Dana came at the sound of our voices.

I thought of inviting her to a nearby tavern and wondered about her ranking.

Upon rechecking, including Dana, she ranked second after me.

Even Elfimia was surprised by this dark horse.

Dana also cleaned up after Quince and the others, wiping spilled potions and doing the cleanup.

She might be closer to me than anyone else――.

“Wait for us. We’re going for a meal.”

Ignoring our astonishment, Emily petted Little Roof-sama like a pet.

And as if asking for a petting too, Roof-sama snuggled up.

I understand that intelligence is key for magic tools.

And that Roof-sama and the others are exceptionally intelligent.

But still... these guys are a bit odd.