CH 38

“It’s Souya …… Do you need something from me?”

The Wood Elf girl, Merylou, couldn’t grasp the situation of Souya and the others, and spoke to them in a carefree manner. 

“Merylou-san.”

“…… Mia is with you too? …… What’s up. Coming at me in droves.”

Seeing that Souya and Mia were talking with Merylou, Thomas and Rebecca also came up to her. After looking around at the four of them, Merylou sat down on the nearest available chair, smiled at them and bit into the apple she was holding in her right hand.

“…… I don’t really understand, but I’m willing to listen. Do you need my help or something? If it’s to use the wind spirit, leave it to me.”

Thomas explained to Merylou what had happened to him, just as he had done to Ryde and Jackal earlier. He then strongly emphasized the fact that they desperately needed a Silver-class adventurer.

“I see what’s happening now …… So you’re after my Silver-class Adventurer Certificate. What, so It’s not about my personal power, is it?”

The tension in Merylou’s voice was much lower than before. It’s not about her specialty in spirit arts, but that we were willing to take any silver-class adventurer, so it was understandable that she would say that, but for Souya and the others, securing a silver-class adventurer was a serious problem. 

“Merylou-kun. It’s true that we approached you because we needed a silver-class adventurer, but….”

“Fine.”

Interrupting Souya’s attempts to persuade her, Merylou quickly answered.

“A quick answer, huh. It’s a dangerous request to make after asking for help. I don’t want to force you around for your adventurer’s card.”

“On that note, Souya. I trust your skills …… And I owe Mia a huge favor. I can’t afford not to pay it back.”

For six months, Merylou has been living in the Thrail Forest with a ghostly boy named Connie. If Mia hadn’t helped the boy’s soul, it was even possible that Merylou would have been cooped up in the Thrail Forest until her death.

“Um …… Merylou-san, don’t tell anyone about that.”

Mia whispered in Merylou’s ear. The sacred art Salvation is something a priest performs and was forbidden by the doctrine of the Earth Mother Goddess Mikaela to be performed by the cleric Mia.

“I know. I won’t tell anyone. It’s a secret between the three of us.”

“Yes. Please. It’s a secret between the three of us.”

When she saw Mia smiling, Merylou smiled shyly.

“However, I’ve been thinking about these guys since before …… They’re a little rude, aren’t they?”

Merylou pointed at Thomas and Rebecca, who looked unhappy. I wonder if she had any problem with the Windbreakers before? It’s a little surprising that Randy, who called himself a Hero, would pick a fight with a Wood Elf like her.

“…… Merylou-san, did we do anything rude to you? I know we’ve had very little contact, but if we’ve been rude, I’d like to apologize. “

Thomas, who had been named, whispered an excuse to Merylou and bowed his head.

“Thomas-kun and Rebecca-kun are not bad people. I don’t know if Merylou-kun and you guys had anything in the past, but for now…”

“Hm …… No. I don’t really know these guys very well. The Windbreakers, the people who break the wind, that’s not a good name …… The wind is your friend, you know.”

Merylou’s pouting face. It seems that she has always been unhappy with the team name.

“So it’s about that. You’re sensitive, aren’t you?”

“No, they’re insensitive. The wind spirit sylph can communicate with a spiritist, you know. If they know you call yourself that, they will never help you. I’m sure Souya wouldn’t want anything to do with people named Human Breakers, right?”

“…… Well, that’s true. But please forgive them, they have no such intentions. There are not many humans who believe in spirits. It’s a cultural difference.”

Hearing Souya’s words, Merylou sighed and jumped down from her chair. She then stood in front of Thomas and Rebecca and held out her hands to them.

“I’m Merylou. I owe Mia a lot. So I’ll help you. It’s nice to meet you. I hope your friends are all right.”

Thomas and Rebecca also extended their hands to Merylou and briefly introduced themselves, and the three shook hands.

“Souya, you’re fine with me being the leader, right? I’ll let Louise know right away. If you’re in a hurry to get to …… You can go outside and wait for me and get ready to leave.”

Merylou walked nimbly toward the corridor of the Adventurer’s Guild.

“You’re quite crafty. You may look young, but for all intents and purposes, you’re a silver-class adventurer …… Then, everyone, prepare to leave.”

Souya urged the remaining members of the tavern to depart. And when he was about to leave the bar for the last time, he was struck by the low, angry voice of Jackal, the bandit with the eye patch.

“…… Sawyer, you say. I’m going to take the time to teach you a Thief fight. I’ll be looking forward to it …… That is if you make it back alive.”

“Thanks for that. It will be a good way to pass the time.”

Souya replied without looking back. And then he left the adventurer’s tavern with an amused smile on his face. 

Souya, Mia, Thomas, Rebecca, and the newly joined Merylou gathered in front of the Adventurer’s Guild.

It was still early in the evening, so if we left now, we would be able to cover the distance before it got dark. I want to check the bare necessities and get going right away.

“Thomas-kun. Aren’t you tired?”

“…… Actually, I haven’t slept for a whole day. I’m quite tired, but …… I can’t just stay still.”

“Let’s take a short break somewhere and get some sleep. I understand your impatience, though…”

Thomas nodded at Souya’s suggestion. It usually takes a day and a half to reach the fort. Even if they marched hard, it would take a day. Even though time is of the essence, considering Thomas’ fatigue, it is necessary to take a break.

“Are you okay, Rebecca-san?”

“Mia …… Thanks for your concern. I’m fine. I don’t want to cause any more trouble.”

Rebecca gave Mia a feeble reply. She used her magician’s staff as a cane, her expression lifeless, and only her red ponytail swayed with bright colors. Her head was probably filled with thoughts of Randy’s safety.

“Rebecca-kun, before we leave, let me confirm something. How well can you use magic? Can you use homing missiles and rock golem?”

To Souya’s question, Rebecca looked sorry and shook her head silently. I had expected it to some extent, but if she can’t use these two techniques, then Rebecca is not at such a high level.

“How about Enhancement Weapon and Counter Magic? Also, some lighting for inside the fort would be helpful.”

“…… If it’s that, then I can use it. If it’s about other offensive magic, I can use magic missiles and…”

“You don’t have to use offensive magic. In case that we encounter the Dark Priest and we have to fight, your first priority should be to use counter magic on everyone. If you can afford it, add Enhancement Weapon to my saber and Thomas-kun’s and Merylou-kun’s bows.”

With Rebecca’s magic skills, there was a good chance that poor offensive magic would be counteracted. It would be better to have her use basic auxiliary magic that would guarantee a certain level of effectiveness in preparation for the dark arts of the Dark Priest.

“Souya, how about Whirlwind?”

“What is that, Merylou-kun? Is that a Spirit Art?”

“It’s a team name. I like Fairwind too ……”

“You’re the leader. So you can do what you want …… Let’s get going. Thomas-kun, please lead the way to the fort?”

Souya waved to the mumbling Merylou and told Thomas that they should start leaving.