CH 67

“Is it over?”

Asks one of the soldiers, breaking the silence. This is followed by celebratory yells from the other soldiers.

“Look at all those transmuted beasts. You really are a master ranked alchemist.”

“Look at how big that hippopotamus is!”

“It’s so cute when it’s sitting.”

“Nevermind that, what about the dragon?”

“Ah, that’s called dragon breath, right?”

“I’m sure that’s what it was. I’ve heard about it in stories.”

I hear as I return the Hipopo brothers back to the magic circle.

I’m actually hearing some noise coming from part of the magic circle. The soldiers don’t notice this, and continue cheering at the Hipopo brothers as they return.

I quickly deactivate the scrolls.

These are new composite magic circle scrolls I made based on recent research. I didn’t expect to have to debut them so soon, especially during a battle, but I’m glad the activation went well. It’s all thanks to the abundant monster materials here in the borderland and the advances in my research that came about thanks to Kalin’s budget. Still, it looks like I have work to do in terms of stability of the magic circle. I can’t use it for very long.

I walk back to join the others while feeling relieved.

Suddenly the triumphant yells turn to people repeatedly saying my name with a tone of admiration. I can’t help but feel embarrassed.

I stop in front of them, and they stop yelling my name. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me. I look at them and at Ahri, and it doesn’t look like anyone is hurt. Wait, are they expecting me to say something? What do I do…

“Commander, the monster has been defeated.”

I say like I’m reporting it while bowing.

“…! Yes, well done. You were brilliant Master Rust. Back to your posts everyone! Get to work!”

As expected from someone leading a group of soldiers. I spoke to him all of a sudden, but he was able to tell by my tone that I was implicitly giving away the credit, and settled everything well.

That should give the soldiers a bit more confidence too. We’re going to be working together, so this sort of thing is important.

“I will go clean up. I’m responsible for that big hole, so I will take care of it.”

I say about the hole created by the giant Hipopo brother.

“Thank you Master Rust.”

Says the commander before turning around to give instructions.

Ahri then approaches me with a stern look in her eyes.

“You pushed yourself too much, Master Rust.”

Ah, she knows. What kind of possible future did she see through that magic eye?

“But still, this way no one was injured, so…”

I say while making a circle with my finger, representative of the magic circle.

“But that could not have been the case. You understand that, don’t you?”

It doesn’t look like Ahri is going to let up.

“I’m sorry for worrying you.”

I take a deep breath before responding, and sincerely apologize for worrying her.

Seilook then comes down just at the right time, and for some reason lands on my head.

“Uoh. S-Seilook!?”

I stumble, but manage not to fall. Seilook then reluctantly moves to my shoulder.

“…Fufu.”

Ahri tries to contain her laughter, and the mood becomes lighter.

I let out a sigh of relief as I look at Ahri, and when I shift my attention over to Seilook, I see a triangle flashing close to the upper right side of its body.