13. Hydra

<B rank party leader’s POV>

"Wasn’t it supposed to be sleeping at this time!?"

　The B-rank party were facing off against the S-rank Hydra.

　The hydra who felt the signs of people attacked, and they weren’t even given the chance to prepare before the battle began.

　With its blue scales and nine heads, it destroyed the forest. Losing their hiding place, the B rank party falls into desperation.

"I just got to B rank yesterday! I just wanted to get to A rank a bit sooner! But why a Hydra!?"

　Bad luck.

　They wouldn’t have met it if they had let Nigris and the others go this way and not gone so deep into the forest.

"Nanaka!"

　One of his friends got hit by the Hydra. Just one blow from the swing of a head knocked her out.

　I Immediately run up and check her breath.

　…… Good, she’s breathing.

"Uryaaaa!"

　The Hydra attacked the B-rank party and was playing with them while sticking out its tongues.

　Seeing his friends about to be overrun, Guy, the leader, slashed at it.

"Now!! you guys run away! I'll be the decoy!"

　However, his fragile sword and technique couldn’t penetrate the scales.

　It was repelled and a long neck hit Guy's torso. The difference was overwhelming.

　There was no way a party who had just risen to B rank could fight the extremely difficult Hydra.

　One of my companions screams,

"It's a poisonous fog! Run away!"

"Ugh, I can't move, my leg..."

   I couldn't move with my broken leg, and the Hydra's strong poison was spreading all around.

　Even if I try to escape from the Hydra, it can catch up with my movement quickly.

　However, if I don’t escape, I’ll be hit by the poisonous fog.

　And die ...!

　As soon as I thought so, my urine leaked due to fear.

"... Ah, ah! Not like this!"

　The B-rank party, dyed the color of despair, gradually loses hope.

　It was peaceful just a few minutes ago.

　Why did this happen?

"After all, my intuition was right! The hydra was here." (Alisa)

"This was the only place left.” (Fels)

"eh?"

　There was an elf-eared slave and a red-haired girl. Looking at the Hydra, they didn't seem to be frightened at all, and they face it proudly.

　Oh, aren’t they the D rank party from just before!

"Hey! Please do me a favor! I apologize for calling you small fry earlier, so can you run away with my friends!?"

　I don't care about myself.

　Either way, I can't move with these legs.

　I'm sure I'll be killed by Hydra. So at least my companions ...

"No."

"Please ... I'm sorry. I'm sorry! I’ll apologize all you want so please!"

"So he says, what should we do? Nigris"

　*

<Nigris POV>

　I look at the man and sigh.

　Beats me, aren’t they his guys?

"Take them yourself"

"I, I can't move like this...! So at least my friends alone"

　...... Such camaraderie.

 I can't let him die.

　We’ll get rid of this Hydra first and then heal them.

　Inhaling Hydra's poison is dangerous enough to kill you in minutes. However, my healing can always invalidate it.

For the Hydra, I'm its natural enemy.

"Let’s take care of it quickly"

"What are you talking about! You’re a D-rank party !? You can't beat it! Escape quietly and save your life!"

　Fels pulled out her sword and Alisa held her cane.

　I put my hands together and chanted “Heavy clothed Layered heal”.

　No problem.

　Fels ran towards the roaring Hydra.

　The nine necks of the Hydra are protected by hard scales but that's just tough for the average adventurer.

　Compared to the adherent dragon’s it’s as soft as paper.

"The hydra's head is......!　How could they fall so easily!?"

　Six of the hydra's heads were cut off in an instant.

　Alisa preparing to use magic let out a disappointed voice.

"I'm sorry, I only left you three." (Fels)

"The heads...... fine, the body it is. Fireball!”

"What's that magic !! It's not normal! Shouldn’t nino people be useless!?"

　I know she’s trying to reduce it to a medium level, but it's still surprising to someone unfamiliar with it.

　A storm blows and the hydra is charred.

　But it still gets up.

　It’s not an S rank monster for nothing huh?

I punch the remaining three heads mercilessly.

　The defensive dragon could endure it, but the Hydra wasn't that durable.

　The monster collapses and silence returns to the forest.

"It's ...... kind of anticlimactic.” (Fels)

"Right..." (Arisa)

　The battle with the hydra is over.

　Now what’s left is to help the rest of them .......

　They’re really scared.

"Wha, what the hell are you......!”

"I’m just a healer"

"A healer can't punch a Hydra!"

　Even so, if I join the front line, the battle will end sooner.

　Well, I wonder if an ordinary healer is like that.

　I'm aware that my fighting style is strange.

"Well, that might be the case."

"Hey! Be more aware!"

"Annoying! I won't heal you!" (Arisa)

"No, I'm the one who heals ..."

　It seems he had inhaled a little Hydra poison, and his skin turned red.

　We don't have time to talk freely.

A quick cure.

"please wait"

"What's wrong Fels"

"... Unless he apologizes, we shouldn't heal him."

　Ah, I see. She means to apologize for treating us like trash.

　He screamed and apologized earlier, but that could just be desperate words.

　She wants a proper apology.

"... Goho, I said you were small fry. But I was convinced by seeing the battle earlier. You're actually really strong, but for some reason, you're D-rank adventurers. ...... It was my bad. No, I'm sorry. "

　...... He can apologize?

　I thought he wasn't going to apologize for anything.

"I apologize for looking down on Nino people ... I'm sorry."

"It’s fine as long as you understand."

　Alisa accepts his apology.

　I remembered Azel a little. As a leader he was domineering, and never admitted to a fault.

　Not everyone is like that. Like this guy, he's not a bad guy but someone who thinks of his friends.

　I healed everyone in the B-rank party, brought back the Hydra materials, and returned to the Adventurer Guild.

　The new guild master was waiting there.

14. 《Guild Master Vell》

"...I'm sorry. You healed me and even had to escort us back."

"Don't worry about it. Are you feeling okay? Even though I removed the poison it had already spread a little. Rest for a few days."

"... I'm really sorry."

　I asked them to help me bring back the Hydra materials. They didn't agree when I told them that was all I needed as thanks, but thanks to that, I came back comfortably.

"Ah, you’re back nya. Guild Master! Nigris-san and his friends are back nya!"

　The new guild master arrived at the reception of the adventurer's guild.

　I almost mistook her for a man because of her strong-looking body, but when I saw her long silver hair, I recognized her as a woman.

　...... She’s just a bit bigger than me, but man she’s muscular.

"... Hmm. So you’re Nigris?"

"... Have you seen me before?"

"No, it was just a hunch."

A hunch huh?

　I’d like to see how good this new guild master is.

  Let’s appraise her......

　Appraisal

Vell 31 years old   Condition: Relief [Race] Human

Medium magic power

Swordfighter S / S

Magic S / S

Dexterity S / S

Loyalty 0

　[Sage of the West]

　────.

　……Huh?

　I think the appraisal malfunctioned and check several times.

　The result doesn’t change.

　...... Sage of the west?

　No, the other stats are pretty broken too.

　What’s with this person?

"Hey, hey, hey, don't peek without permission."

" ... How did you know?"

"Of course I’d know when you’re looking so intensely."

　Did she see through my appraisal?

　No, she already knew I have the appraisal skill, but this is the first time someone noticed they were being appraised.

　Even Jeanne didn't notice.

"Were you able to subdue the Hydra?"

"Yeah, we took it down without any problems"

　...... She looks at me like she’s measuring me with a ruler.

　Did she give us this quest just to evaluate us?

　For what purpose?.

"And the party next to you is the one that got promoted to B-rank yesterday right?

"Yes! We're doing our best!"

"Oh. Anyway, you'll be demoted to C rank today."

"What!? What the hell!"

　Vell’s face contorts and becomes very intimidating.

　She decided pretty easily.

　If it was the former guild master, he would raise ranks, but never lower them.

　　”I don't take responsibility, and I don't need to. If they die, it's their own fault!　Dead men tell no tales!”　He said.

　I thought it was an irresponsible statement for a guild master, but the adventurers didn't care.　

　It was abnormal after all.

"You guys were told you couldn’t accept the quest to take down Behemoth, but you forcefully accepted it didn’t you."

"Because we thought we could beat it ...!"

"You don't understand why I raised you to B rank, do you? Start over!"

"... No-, no way ..."

　Pulling on my clothes, Guy begs me in tears.

　Isn’t this the guy that made fun of us until a while ago? Where did his pride go?

"Nigris-san! Please, help me!"

"I can't. I'm not the guild master."

"Ugh, that's right ...! We can’t keep troubling you to help us! I'm sorry again!"

　Guy gets on his knees and apologizes again.

　It's a little bit hot.

    　It's not that I don't like it when people are emotional, but people are looking this way.

　Vell sends them home and guides us to the guild master's office.

　Along the way, Alisa asked about what happened earlier.

"Hey, why did you demote those guys earlier?" (Alisa)

"Ah? Oh... they’re no good."

"Huh, it's not like they fought and lost, so why didn’t you let them try?"

"An adventurer's life ends when he dies, you know. It's only when they investigate, prepare, and make an effort not to die that they should take a quest. But those idiots suddenly challenged an opponent they’ve never seen or fought before, I can't entrust B rank to idiots like them.”

　I almost let out a voice of admiration.

　She really knows what she’s doing.

　　The previous guild master just promoted them if they were strong enough, or if they had made some achievements.

　On the other hand, Vell doesn’t hesitate if she looks at the person carefully and decides they’re not good enough.

"So, healer Nigris. There are two reasons I asked you to subdue Hydra."

"What are they"

　Arriving in the Guildmaster's room, we settle down on the sofa.

　Fels was wary, and Alisa was wandering, looking around.

"One, to make an excuse to promote you"

"Promotion?"

"Yeah, honestly, it's not my place to apologize, but I know the previous guildmaster did some pretty bad things. I'm talking about raising your ranks using your previous achievements and this one."

"Weren’t you angry about Risha?" {TN: Changed Lisa (The guild receptionist’s name to Risha)}

"She was definitely excellent. I'd like her to come back if she can, but I decided it won't be possible until the adventurer's guild regains its lost trust."

"... By the way, what happened to the previous Guild Master?"

"I killed him of course."

　Fels and Alisa's faces change in reaction to the word ‘killed’.

　Well, I thought it might have happened.

"He went too far. The Adventurer's Guild isn’t a monolith. Keep in mind that there are people like me."

"It's fine, since I’ll know now."

"Well thanks. Was the timing right to get acquainted? Shall I give you a prize?"

　Vell laughs loudly.

　...... I had the image of a battle enthusiast who doesn’t think from her appearance and how she talked, but in reality, she’s the type who thinks with her head.

　And even though she killed someone, she has a certain sense of ethics. It's unlikely that she’s connected to Erad, but it's too early to trust her.

"What’s the second one?"

"Oh, well, you're the ruler of the shadows, right?"

    Her voice goes low.

　I see, the Hydra was used to confirm that.

　No other healer could fight the Hydra other than me. Still, Fels and Alisa can take it down alone, did she see through me being the center of it?

    She has good eyes.

"... I don't really like that name."

"Okay, Nigris. That's fine right?"

　The Adventurer's Guild. It’s one of the three major forces in this kingdom trying to kill me. That's what Jeanne told me.

　If so, is Vell also aiming for my life?

"Yeah, so are you aiming to kill me too?"

"No, I have no intention of following the intentions of the three major powers."

"Then ..."

"You’re so impatient. There are many things I want to talk about first."

　She hands me a piece of paper.

　It seems to be relatively high-class, and it’s the type that is likely to be used in courts.

　It contained the coat of arms of the Holy Church and declared the execution of Altera.

"What the hell is this? Isn't this too selfish?"

"Yes. The Holy Church officially ordered the execution of Altera."

"... Why tell me?"

"Because she’s with you isn’t she? Altera I mean."

　……How does she know.

　I haven't told anyone about Altera cause Florence asked me to keep it to myself.

　It couldn’t have leaked.

　It's hard to imagine that the residents of the slums betrayed us.

"Don't be wary. I'm still smart, and even though I look like this, I’m quite sensitive."

"That’s really surprising!" (Alisa)

"You’re a rude girl..."

　With a bitter smile, she showed us something else.

"This is the main subject. Have you ever seen this?"

"... Isn’t that a magic circle!!?"

　She showed us a piece of paper on which the magic circle of a six-pointed star is drawn.

　Vell smiles lightly, perhaps because our reactions were interesting.

　 She knows about this too.......

　No, it's actually not that strange for her to know.

　Still, the reason she asked us is because she knew that Azel was using magic circles and realized that we were involved.

"I feel you have the ability, so I would formally like to ask you to cooperate."

"Cooperate?"　

"Ah ... in the killing of the great nobleman Erad."

15. Magic engraving

　I quietly looked at Vell.

　Kill Erad? No, from our point of view, it's a pretty good deal. The problem is we don't know if we can trust her or not.

"... You may trust us, but I don't trust you."

"Ah, you suddenly got defensive? Then I'll change the wording."

　　She furrowed her brow and clearly seemed to be troubled.

.

"Nigris. You guys are behind right now. At this rate, everyone will die."

"……what?"

"I'm saying we’re on the back foot.  We have to beat Erad before he can finish his preparations."

"Wait, wait. What do you mean preparations?"

"... It's a hassle to explain."

"Do it ... I need to understand."

　Erad is getting ready?

　What is he preparing for?

　I can't predict it at all. Isn't Erad just a noble?

"I'll explain it to you from the beginning. First, Jeanne, the head of the Holy Knights Order, has disappeared.”

"What did you say?"

"And the last time she was seen was in the slums. In addition, her sister has been missing for several days now..."

　I knew Jeanne intended to do something alone. She had a determined expression.

　...... I should have stopped her back then.

　Even if I regret it, what’s done is done.

　Considering the time when Altera was saved by the adherent dragon, it all adds up.

　Was it a coincidence she lost her memory ...? No, the timing is too unnatural.

"I had asked Jeanne, that idiot, what happened to her sister?"

"Was Altera targeted?"

"Well, yes. It was difficult to prevent it when Erad's control over the kingdom is in full swing. My superiors were too busy with other things to do anything about it.”

"Who are you?"

"I'm a guild master. But the only difference is I’m also the sage of the west."

　Sage of the west?

　It was written in her status earlier.

"That’s amazing! But I can't believe it ..." (Alisa)

"Yes, It’s too surprising." (Fels)

"Hideena (That's cruel)". (Vell)

　There are four wise men in the north, south, east, and west, each belonging to the Adventurer's Guild. However, their details are completely unknown and few people know who they are.

　Their abilities and capabilities are unknown, and they’ve even been called the final weapon of the Adventurer's Guild.

Such a secret existence is in front of us.

　There’s no way we won’t be surprised.

"... Can you reveal this?" (Nigris)

"You know anyway right?"

"Well"

　I've seen it.

　However, it’s outrageous and I don't know the details.

　I feel that the appraisal skill is a little useless recently. I wish I could do something about it.

"Erad is aiming for something in the library located in the slums. If it's taken away, then it's our defeat."

"What's in there"

"It's a magical engraving. You’ve seen one right? It was also engraved on Jeanne's holy sword."

　The one on that holy sword?

　At first, I thought it was a magic circle, but then I realized it was a little different.

　Speaking of magic, I think of Alisa, but when I look sideways, she’s tilting her head.

    Seems she doesn’t know.

"The magic you’re using. It's a forgery in a sense."

"Forgery, that's quite a term.

"I can't help it, because it's true. The origin of magic, as it were, is that magic engraving.”

　The origin of magic?.

　I was able to withstand the attack of the holy sword, but I would have lost in a long-term battle.

　It’s a power that surpasses Heavy clothed Layered heal.

　No wonder he wants it.

"So I'm saying you’re behind."

"Yeah, you don't have to say it over and over."

"I've explained this much, so I hope you can trust me."

　Vell crossed her arms and looked at me as if assessing me.　

"I want you to get the Magic engraving of innocence before Erad does."

"……I?"

"It has to be you Nigris. Because of that healing power and what you have here."

　She points at my left chest.

　...... Is it my heart?

　I’m not a saint though.

　I only have a normal heart.

"Guild Master! It's bad nya!"

"I'm talking about something important right now."

"But the leader of that B-rank party was seriously injured!"

"Huh?"

　We hurried from there to the adventurer's guild hall.

　At the center of the crowd was the guy who had been demoted earlier.

　There were many adventurers around, but I can't afford to worry about that.

　I run up to his side to heal him.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm sorry ... I was suddenly slashed by a strange woman in the back alley, and almost killed."

"Don’t worry, I'll heal you"

　The wound is brilliantly cut.

　This couldn’t be done by any average adventurer.

　But it's okay.

"Heal"

　It should be fine for... what?

　When I cast magic to heal, a magic circle appears.

"Nigris-sama ...! This is"

"Leave it to me. I don't know what this magic circle is, but I think it says  ────Nig・ris・ healing・magic・ineffective・!?? " (Vell)

　What does that mean?

　I certainly healed him.

　However, he hasn’t been cured.

"It’s a countermeasure. It’s terrible that he did all this just to see if it works."

"What do you mean, "countermeasure"? Nigris's magic can make things like they never happened!” (Alisa)

"In the first place, a magic circle is upward compatible with the magic we use. If the quality and feelings are equal to or better than Nigris’s, he will lose. Moreover, it’s specialized against Nigris. This is a specialized magic circle that’s immeasurably stronger than others."

　Really.

　Wasn't it just strength of feelings that count?

　..... He’s sent out something troublesome.

"But can’t Altera break it ...?" (Nigris)

"She can't. She’s wearing gloves because she can't control the rate of disintegration."

　……That's right. If we could break only the magic circle cleanly, we could end the current situation at once.

　But if we're not careful, we could end up disintegrating the person.

　It's too dangerous.　

"I’m not really good at this but..."

　Vell sits next to him and touches the magic circle on Guy's arm.

　It seems she was rewriting the six-pointed star in the magic circle.

"I tried to extract only the part that targets you ... How is it, are you able to heal?"

"...Heal"

　The healing goes through as Vell said. I was able to heal him without the magic circle activating.

　...... Is it possible to rewrite the magic circle?

　She seems to have taken a little time but it seems impossible if you don't touch it.

　Her being a sage is no joke.

"Do you understand now Nigris, if you continue as you are, you won't be able to heal and you’ll lose all your companions."

　Believing what Vell was saying, I wondered if I should go get the magic engraving.

    I can't lose my precious companions.

　Fels and Alisa are too important.

　My ‘Heavy clothed Layered heal” Was defeated by Jeanne, and my healing was just nullified.

"The Magic engraving of Innocence has the ability to copy and counteract a target's magic circle in its entirety. It also has a huge reserve of magic power, so it can erase a magic circle like that in an instant. Its quality of magic is also much higher. ...... What are you going to do?

　I was struck by the reality of how useless I was now.

　...... I can’t stay like this.

"... where should we go"

　I don't know what the innocence magic engraving is, but I’m going to get it.

16. LOCATION OF THE LIBRARY

Vell, the sage of the west, seemed to know the library but not the location, so we decided to visit Florence. 

However, as soon as she saw Vell, she clearly showed her disgust for her.

"So, you're the Empress of the slums huh? You have a pretty face, don't ya?

"... Nigris-sama, if you're going to bring me a cat, at least make it a cat like Risha. Why did you take the trouble to bring a beast of prey?” {TN: Risha was previously translated as Lisa}

"It just happened. There's no time to waste. I have to get to the library faster than Erad does.”

When I mention the magic engraving and special magic circle, her face changed color and she hesitated for a few seconds.

She wasn't surprised to hear about the library. I guess she knew it existed.

"It could be dangerous."

“Nonetheless”

"No one is allowed in there, no one knows about it but this mistress”

"How can a library be dangerous?"

"It’s not dangerous, rather, there are many unknowns."

Florence reached over to a nearby shelf and pulled out a map sheet.

It was very old and dusty when she opened it.

She waved the dust away with her hand, then looked at the map spread out. 

"This is a map from when the slums had not yet existed. It's roughly a hundred years old, maybe more."

The map showed plains and mountain ranges, indicating that the forests of today were much larger and that there were no waterways.

Looking at it like this, I think again that the slums have developed.

"This is what I want you to see. There’s an abandoned village near here. It wasn't abandoned by people, it was ruined by a monster disaster.”

"Hmm, it's still within walking distance.”

This Mistress heard that there is a library in this abandoned village.”

"Heard from who?"

" ......, my predecessor.”

I see, so the leader of the slums isn’t a hereditary title but selected from generation to generation.

Well I guess Florence's talent is outstanding among them all. The smiles on the faces of the residents speak for themselves.

"This mistress also has a duty to protect the slums. Let's go."

"Okay, it's decided. Then let's take Altera with us. We don't want anything to happen to her while we're gone.”

"I would advise against that. There is a possibility that Erad has taken control of her, and that could be dangerous.” (Vell)

Erad seemed to be skilled at manipulating people, and it was possible that Altera was also under his control.

I really don't think Altera is being manipulated, but it’s best that the uncertainty be removed.

Even though I thought so, I had made my decision.

" No. I'll take her."

"Oi, Nigris. You don't know how dangerous Erad is, do you?

I do.

I do know, but still, the clumsy Jeanne entrusted me with her. What if I don't keep her with me at times like this?

Besides, there’s a good chance that the assassins who’re coming for Altera will base their attack on my power.

I'm the only one who can protect her if something goes wrong.

If I could just get my hands on the Immaculate magic engraving, I should be able to save her from its control as well.

As soon as I get it, I can disable the magic circle.

It's still inconvenient that healing doesn't work.

How trapped am I by that alone?

Magic is made stronger by people's thoughts.

The way Erad was trampling on that was unacceptable.

“ I’ll take full responsibility for keeping her safe.”

*

<Risha’s Pov>

Altera was asleep on Risha's lap, letting out a lovely breath.

Next to Nigris and the others, Beria spoke to Risha as if to interrupt her as she completed her paperwork.

“Risha-senpai~"

"Beria, what are you doing here?”

"Nyan, I'm following the guild master nya.”

She’s a troublesome junior, I thought.

Risha was not very good with Beria, and she thought her use of the word "nya" was unbecoming of a receptionist.

But she was good at her job, and there was no doubt that she was capable.

" The guild master said she wants Risha-senpai to come back. You can come back now, but what are you going to do?

"I'm not going back, and I don't intend to.”

"Wow, if it had been the former senpai, you would have said, 'Fuck everything but the Adventurer's Guild!”

Risha has changed since she came to the slums.

She had come to prefer the slums to the Adventurer's Guild.

"It's more rewarding here."

"More rewarding in the slums?"

"You don’t get it. Supporting people and making them smile is the kind of work I'm good at. Nigris-san taught me that.”

"Isn’t that the healer?”

He’s always calm and collected, and has the ability to see things through more calmly than anyone else. Yet, when it comes to helping others, he has a passionate heart.

He’s an amazing person, Risha thought.

"He's a kind man. Beria, Nigris-san is even more amazing than you think."

"Hmmm, ... didn't look like much to me.”

She couldn't imagine wanting to go back to the Adventurers Guild.

The current slums exist thanks to Nigris. She thought that protecting it was her way of repaying Nigris for giving her a place to belong.

"Perhaps you should develop a better eye for people.”

17. Abandoned village

The village, with its stone foundations covered in moss, looked somewhat melancholy.

I couldn't even tell where the entrance to the village was. Only traces of what must have been inhabited in the past remained of the village.

"Hey Florence, I don't see any building that looks like a library.”

"That's strange. It should be somewhere around here.”

According to the map, we're in the same place where the village used to be.

"Mr. Nigris... what's in there?"

"A lot of books, apparently. Don't worry, as long as you stay close to me you won't be in any danger.”

"That's right. With Nigris-sama here, you'll be safe.”

We held hands with Altera. Looking up, she looked at Fels and me.

From Fels' point of view, it was nice to be relied on like an older sister, even if they were the same age.

"Look at you guys, you're like a married couple." (Alisa)

"Huh, are you a couple?” (Altera)

Fels’s ears turn red all the way to the tips, and steam is coming out of them.

I don't want her to joke around too much cause it reduces the tension.

"What the hell?　Fels!　Stop taking the place of this mistress!"

"No!　My place is right next to Nigri-sama!"

"What!? I want to be told that too, I also want to be called a... couple.”

I held my tongue while feeling embarrassed.

Then in frustration, she stamped her foot and walked away.

"She’s so smitten, I can't bear to watch~”

"Who's in love with who?"

“You don’t realize it? That’s why you’re Nigris."

"... whatever you say."

I just responded normally, but from Alisa's point of view, is she in love with me?

 Maybe I should look at things a little differently.

Or should I have acted a little shy when we were called a couple?

...Something doesn't fit.

"It's too much trouble. Let's just blow the whole place."

"How can you even think that?”

It looks like she hasn't gotten rid of her habit of blasting things.

Typical Alisa! If the library is in a basement, the impact of the fireball would bury it.

Alisa, who was walking ahead of us, puffed up her cheeks and grumbled.

"We can't find a way to get i────Ouch! my head!”　

She bumps into something and hits her forehead.

She just hit something. What did she bump into?

"... Oh, this is interesting.” (Vell)

"What is it? A wall?” (Alisa)

There was a transparent wall that seemed to be blocking our entry.

There is no sound when I poke and prod, but a hard barrier of some sort was spread out.

I couldn't tell from a distance.

And it doesn't look like it's going to be fazed by Heavy clothed layered heal.

"Is there any way to get through this? If there isn't, I'll just shoot it.”

"Stop, we’ll get caught up in it.”

"Hahahaha! You never know until you shoot, right?

It's not funny.

She doesn't realize how powerful she can be, does she?

I'll admit that my magic is weird, but it's dangerous that she’s unaware of the power of her magic.

It's special training time again.

"Hey Nigris, don’t look at me like you’re thinking of special training.”

"How did you know?"

Vell crossed her arms in concern.

This wall isn’t normal. It feels as if physics and magic have been neutralized.

However, it's also a little different from a magic circle.

"..., not even your fireball can do that. That's not the problem here.”

"It’s Alisa, not “you”. Remember that.” {TN: In Japanese Vell addressed Alisa with “te me” which basically means “you”}

"What are we going to do to get through it? There's a library on the other side of this wall, isn't there?”

"The only thing that can break through is a skill.”

She pointed to Altera, who was hiding behind Fels.

I see... If it is 【 primordial collapse】, it may be able to break it.

It's different from strength or magic.

It's a special power.

"me ......?　What should I do?"

She blinked a few times and looked up at Fels because she was scared of Vell.

“If you're scared, you can say no. It's okay, we're on your side."

'...... Nope. I'm not scared. ...... If people are in trouble, I want to help."

Coming to the front of the transparent wall, Altera removes her gloves.

Her fingers are starting to rot ...

There’s no way to eliminate the skill. But I wanted to at least ... let Altera live as a normal girl.

I wonder if I would find an answer in the library.

Even if it's not there, I would still look for it.

"Um ... maybe if I touch it like this."

The transparent wall gradually collapsed with an unpleasant noise.

Behind the peeled wall stood a mansion.

The purple tones of the building gave it a dark image.

At the entrance of the mansion, there was a pedestal on which a stone statue stood. It had a round head and an angular body that was distorted and eerily shaped.

It looked as if its body had been splintered.

Anyway, we found the library we were looking for.

"Good job, Altera."

I pat her on the head.

Her expression brightened and she nodded, "Yes!”

This was the first time I had ever seen her smile.

I think she's happy to be able to help others.

This girl also has a deep-seated desire to be of service to others.

"Aah~...... I guess Fireball will have to wait for next time."

Arisa started to walk away with her back slumped.

Vell slaps her on the back and smirks.

"Keep your head on straight. This is no time to lose your nerve.”

"Don’t hit me for that!”

This is the first time I've seen Alisa being teased.

... I see. So that’s how it feels

"Oh, un, Nigris-sama ......?"

"Hmm? What's up, Fels?

"That, uh, .........

The elf's ears twitched and flushed slightly.

I think she wants me to say something, but what.

I don't know ...

Oh, maybe she wants me to pat her on the head.

I think it’s because I haven't done that in a long time.

"I'm counting on you."

I patted her head and she twitched her ears rapidly.

I guess I was right.

"Ah! You are cheating! This mistress too!

"Huh but ... you're not the type, are you?"

"It doesn't matter! I did my best too!”

Well, It’s true that I'm counting on Florence.

I want to at least pat her on the head, but all eyes are on us because of the fuss.

It's... embarrassing.

"Yeah, when we get home."

"Really? Promise!”

"Uh, yeah...”

Let’s get in quickly.

We walked past the stone statue at the entrance and finally made our way into the library.