Chapter 48 The Walking Shrine Maiden (Part Three)
"Indeed, that's true... but what about beyond that? Are you really going to let Akito go alone into the dark forest at night, especially with monsters roaming, and you don't even know the location of the Cave Temple?"
When asked about this, Geese said, "That's a shame," and slapped the back of his head.
"So...I'll be the one to guide you."
The injured girl in my arms said that again.
"But with that injury..."
"This is not the time to worry about getting hurt! Your friends could be getting killed right now."
Then, the person standing in front of me was... Akamine Alice.
"Wait a minute, Akito-kun. I think you've forgotten who I am."
She looks confident.
"I can now use healing magic. Leave it to me."
"Can you do it?"
I got worried and checked. Magic is basically activated using the magic power of the caster. Basically, you cannot use magic that exceeds your magical power. Moreover, healing magic sometimes uses the caster's own life force. I didn't want to put Alice in danger. After all, Alice has never used healing magic.
"It's not about whether it's possible or not, I'm gonna do it. That's what Akito-kun said, right?"
In response to that, all I could do was smile wryly.
"Alright, I got it, I'll rely on you, Alice."
As I moved away from the shrine maiden, Alice approached in my place.
"Hey, what's your name?"
When Alice asked, the shrine maiden answered, "Shizuru."
"Alright, Shizuru-san. Quiet your mind and lie down there. I'll now see where you're injured and heal your wounds."
Shizuru nodded and lay down on the floor, closing her eyes. Alice raised her hand over her and closed her eyes, chanting softly. After a while, she opened her eyes and said, "There doesn't seem to be any abnormalities in your organs or bones. With my current abilities, I can heal to some extent." She closed her eyes again and placed her hand over Shizuru.
"Egamēnī renko shikazunī gisērāupuhorisu amankusēbaaromontu, puhinda utōru!" (T/N: エガメーニレンコシカズィヌギセーラウプホリスアマンクセーバアロムントゥ, プヒンダウトール!)
The light emanated from Alice's palms, enveloping Shizuru in a sizzle. About a minute passed in this state. Eventually, the light subsided, and Alice slumped her shoulders. Her entire face was covered in sweat.
"Are you okay?"
I called out to her, and even in her fatigue, Alice managed to smile at me.
"I'm okay, and Shizuru should have recovered from the injuries as well."
She said. Shizuru, too, raised her upper body and looked at Alice.
"Thank you. The injuries have healed. I should be fine now."
However, Alice shook her head at such words.
"I've only closed the wounds. You haven't fully recovered from your fatigue. So, please don't push yourself too hard."
After saying that, Alice herself slumped to the ground as if exhausted. Instinctively, I supported Alice's shoulders.
"Sorry, could someone help Alice rest?"
Kondo Shuichi quickly came over and said, "I'll take Akamine-san with me," so I left it to him.
"Well then, let's leave right away. Shizuru-san, are you ready?"
I said that and reached out my hand. She took my hand and stood up, answering, "Shizuru is fine."
"Wait! I'm going with you too!"
Midoritani Tsubasa stepped forward and said that. Morimura is also with us.
"Of course, I'm going too,"
But I stopped them.
"You two are valuable assets. I want you to stay in this town."
Tsubasa looked frustrated.
"Because it's a dangerous place with groups of monsters, right? It's dangerous for Akito alone! You need me, who can use a bow!"
Morimura also said with enthusiasm.
"That's right. With my magic, I can take care of a large number of monsters at once. I'm going with you too!"
(They seem to have gained a lot of confidence)
I felt reassured and happy. But this "time when confidence comes" is the most dangerous.
"No, I can't take both of you. You two will stay in this town."
"But!"
As Tsubasa began to say that, I glared at her.
"Fighting a horde of monsters in the wilderness could lead to a chaotic battle. What will Tsubasa do if they get close and it turns into a melee?"
Tsubasa's expression tensed up. Next, I looked at Morimura.
"The same goes for Morimura. Certainly, your magic attacks are powerful. But in a place where monsters and the walking shrine maidens together, you can't use powerful magic, right? If you're taken advantage of, Morimura will be done for."
Morimura also lowered his gaze. He must be aware that his magic skills are not yet at a high level.
"Tsubasa and Morimura will stay in this town. And then, organize a rescue team after sunrise and come to pick us up at the black swamp Geese mentioned. That would be much more helpful for me."
Even when Tsubasa was still looking down with a regretful expression, she eventually lifted her face and said firmly, "I understand. I'll believe in Akito, and I'll wait here. And tomorrow morning, I'll go to meet you at the black swamp!"
In response to those words, I nodded firmly.
We immediately began to prepare for departure. Walking shrine maiden Shizuru, and adventurers Michael and Geese, as well as about ten other adventurer companions, decided to go together.
I mounted the horse. This horse was originally ridden by bandits. It was quite large and had high endurance. Since the horse Shizuru had been riding was quite worn out, we decided to use one of our horses.
Alice and Tsubasa came to see me off with worried expressions.
"Akito-kun, be sure not to push yourself too hard," said Alice.
"Akito... please be safe," said Tsubasa.
In an upbeat tone, I responded to the two of them,
"It's all right. I won't do anything reckless. Besides, this is something The Witch of the Valley told me. She's never said anything that would be detrimental to me."
Then, I turned to Michael and the others.
"Let's go!"
With my shout, the fourteen of us set off. We left through the east gate. It had been confirmed by the reconnaissance team that there were no monsters outside the gate.
We rode our horses through the grassy plain. Before long, a dark, sprawling shadow appeared in front of us. It was the black forest. Thankfully, there were no monsters in the open grasslands just outside the city, but the real challenge would begin once we entered the black forest.
Michael rode his horse alongside mine. "I'll go into the forest first. Akito, follow after me."
He was offering to lead the way and clear the path.
"Sorry, I'm counting on you!"
I replied, and Michael, along with the two adventurers, went ahead. Geese held the rear. With this formation, the journey to the black forest should be relatively safe.
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