𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟗: 𝐑𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟏)
The ruins, provisionally named No. 17, were discovered in the forest of Mateus.
They were found by lumberjacks.
Of course, they didn’t enter the ruins. They didn’t know what dangers might be inside. They just remembered the location and reported it to the officials.
Then, the report went from the officials to the lord, and a request for investigation was made to the adventurer’s guild.
“It’s a city-type ruin. It was right not to enter. There seems to be quite a number of them living here.”
“It’s a monster’s den, isn’t it!”
Asuka energetically responded to my muttered observation.
Her blue eyes are sparkling with a combative spirit.
She looks like she can’t wait to fight.
This battle junkie.
“This time it’s not a plain battle. We don’t know where the enemy will jump out from, so we need to be on guard in all directions.”
“Yes.”
“Understood.”
Miliaria and Meisha nod.
There are plenty of places to hide: in the shadows of crumbling buildings, in the thick bushes, in the ivy-covered stone towers.
It’s entirely possible that they’ll hold their breath and let us pass, then stab us in the back.
“Also, remember that fighting isn’t our only goal.”
If it was a subjugation request, it would be over once we defeated the enemy. That would be a complete success.
But this time, our goal is to make a map.
Of course, we’re not talking about measuring every inch. We’re supposed to bring back a map that describes what kind of buildings are where, and what their structure was.
Think of it as a preliminary survey before a full-fledged exploration.
It’s not a safe job at all.
But, the payoff is huge.
First of all, any treasures we find during the investigation can go straight into our pockets. Of course, if we took everything, it would be a problem. But a certain amount is tolerated as a perk.
Furthermore, since it’s unexplored, there’s a chance that untouched magical items might be left behind.
If we find something like that, it’s a big win.
Whether we use it ourselves or sell it, it’s a rosy future.
Of course, if we die, it’s not rosy at all.
“Let’s be careful. Safety first.”
“Roger!”
・・・
『”ᴀᴡᴇʙsᴛᴏʀɪᴇs.ᴄᴏᴍ” – ᴅɪsᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴀ ᴄᴀᴘᴛɪᴠᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ᴏғ ʟᴏᴠᴇ, ᴘᴀssɪᴏɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀᴅᴠᴇɴᴛᴜʀᴇ, ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ ɪɴᴅᴜʟɢᴇ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴄᴏʟʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ᴛʀaɴsʟᴀᴛᴇᴅ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs ᴡɪᴛʜ “ᴅᴀɪʟʏ ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇs” ᴀɴᴅ ᴇxᴄʟᴜsɪᴠᴇ ᴀᴄᴄᴇss ᴛᴏ “ᴀᴅᴠᴀɴᴄᴇᴅ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs”.』
・・・
We form a line and start walking.
Asuka is in the front, followed by Meisha and Miliaria, and I’m at the rear.
In other words, we’re sandwiching the wizard and the monk between two swordsmen. This way, we can respond to attacks from either direction.
Ideally, I should be in the front, based on experience.
But Asuka insisted on doing it herself, and I was overruled.
Even though it’s a city-type ruin, I think it’s too early for her to be in the lead in a labyrinth.
There are many things required besides simple combat power.
But if we keep them in a safe place because we’re worried, they won’t be able to grow.
I decided to respect the girls’ independence, with the mindset of a demon instructor, pushing my children into the abyss like a lion.
For now, I’ll supervise them from the very back. I’ll also thoroughly eliminate any dangers from behind.
So that the girls can focus on the adventure ahead.
A shadow jumps out from the stone building.
Without showing any disturbance, Asuka slashes with her long sword.
Good.
That’s the right decision.
There’s no way there are allies here. There’s no need to identify who it is. Anything that approaches should be cut down without question. That’s the right mindset.
But, the shadow didn’t fall.
It lost its balance a bit, but it lunges at Asuka.
[Ma]
Making an indescribable sound.
It’s humanoid, but it’s clearly not human. It has a head with no eyes, nose, or mouth, and unusually long limbs. A magical creature. . . no, a magical puppet.
Surprised that her attack didn’t work, Asuka dodges with a backstep.
The glance she threw at Miliaria probably meant she wanted her to imbue her with magical power.
But, her silent request was not granted.
“Ma-ma-magic missile!”
With a shriek that was off-key, a light bullet gushes from Miliaria’s staff.
She didn’t even aim properly.
Rather, Asuka had to hastily evacuate from the line of fire.
Although a few shots hit, the golem didn’t seem to take much damage.
Damn it. What are they doing?
It’s common knowledge that magical creatures and magical dolls have high magical defenses. Projectile attack magic is less effective against them.
Especially with the most basic Magic Missile, even if all shots hit, it probably wouldn’t be enough to defeat them.
“Miliaria.”
“Y-yes!”
She turns her whole body towards me as I try to give her instructions.
Stop it. Why are you pointing your wand at me?
It’s because she’s too flustered by her first enemy, her first surprise attack.
“Meisha. Give Asuka a buff.”
I quickly give up on giving instructions to the now useless Miliaria and give orders to Meisha instead.
“Yes, ma’am! Holy light!”
Asuka’s sword emits a pure, white glow.
This is the strength of our team.
Having two magic users allows us to recover quite well in unforeseen situations.
“You’re good to go, Asuka.”
“Thanks, Mei! Here I go!”
Asuka, who had crouched low and charged in, bisects the golem with a sweeping blow.
“Ma.”
The doll, now split into two, makes a clattering noise as it falls to the ground.
Well done.
