Volume 4 Chapter 15 I Have Received It, But...
The hole created by the magic was a long straight path.
The only light was from our torch in hand. It should still be daytime outside, but due to not seeing the sunlight for a while, my sense of time became vague.
Thinking so, after walking for about 30 minutes, we came out into a high-ceilinged space.
Aina observed the surrounding terrain.
"Unlike the passage, it seems like this space was naturally formed. It looks like it connected to another cave."
"There must be another entrance on this side... What should we do, Mikage?"
Mikage shook her head in response to my question.
"It's about time. If it's another cave, the scale is even more uncertain. If we were to conduct a thorough investigation, let's return once and regroup."
It might be perfect in terms of strength, but as it becomes a long journey, we will need food and fuel for the fire.
No one opposed Mikage's conclusion.
'There are some unfortunate news, partner. A few monsters are heading our way.'
Really annoying!
As I grumbled in my mind, Mikage, who noticed the approaching monsters just like Gram did, sharpened her gaze.
"These footsteps... several small to medium-sized monsters are heading towards us."
Upon Mikage's words, Aina and Kyunei gasped softly.
"...And if a large one had come, we might have been able to easily escape by retracing our steps."
"That's quite bold of you to think, Aina-chan."
Kyunei said, trembling, but I also agreed with Aina's words.
The passage we had walked through was not wide at all. It was barely wide enough for two people to pass each other, with a low ceiling. It would have been impossible for a human of large body to pass through.
'By the way, those monsters seem quite fast. Even if you try to escape into the passage, it might be a bit difficult with Aina and Kyunei's pace." I said.
Then, it is.
"Setting aside Mikage-san, Yukina-san's weapon is a long-range type. So rather than risking going back into the passage, it's easier to face them here――(Light)!"
Quicker than Mikage and I could ask, Aina once again illuminated the inside of the cave with magic. We each grabbed our respective weapons after tossing the torches aside.
Soon, from a different direction than the hole we came through, monsters began to appear in droves.
In short, they were bipedal lizards. Though not standing upright like humans, they were hunched over like birds, treading the ground with their large, developed hind legs—Recklizard.
The guild designated them as 4th rank for extermination. While they might not be much of a challenge for me now, but...
"Isn't this a bit too many?"
"At a glance, there are at least ten. Perhaps this was their nest."
When the Recklizard spotted us, it let out a loud screech and charged at us.
"Mikage, I'll leave the vanguard to you!"
"Understood!"
Mikage placed her hand on the handle of her katana and dashed into the crowd of monsters.
I, with my spear drawn from the sheath on my back, stood ready in front of Aina and Kyunei. Normally, I would also want to join Mikage in the front and fight, but this time the enemy numbers were too high. I needed to protect the two of them.
"Sorry, but I'll need you to be the guard."
"Leave it to me. But I'll need you to handle the magic."
"Of course. That's my role."
Aina, with a confident expression, nodded and raised her staff, causing the tip to start shining brightly. The magic 'chant' had begun.
"Swift!"
Mikage stepped forward and wielded her katana, cutting through the Recklizards. As a 2nd rank mercenary, taking down a 4th rank monster was no big deal for Mikage.
The gleam reflected off the katana raced through the battlefield, a sight truly worthy of the name Silver Flash.
――Rrrrrooooaaaarrrr!
Several of the large legged lizards that escaped from Mikage's katana caught sight of her and leaped at her with a simultaneous roar.
The powerful leap and subsequent jump kicks from the developed hind legs of the Recklizards were the most powerful attacks they possessed.
However, if one could anticipate the leap, it wasn't too difficult to counter.
Nevertheless, behind me was Aina, chanting magic. I couldn't just dodge.
Among the monsters, the Recklizards were relatively small, but they were still as big as a grown cow. If multiple of them jumped at you at once, it would be quite a shock. It would be a bit tough for me to withstand with my current equipment.
If avoiding or enduring is difficult, then it's best to confront them.
They say the best defense is a good offense.
(Let's go, Gram!)
'Understood!'
Responding to my will, the "Enchantment - Weight Increase activated". The weight of the spear suddenly increased.
"Take this!"
With a sweeping motion of the heavily weighted spear, I knocked back the Recklizards that were lunging at me.
"Huh?"
I could feel the sensation of cutting through the monsters' bones and flesh, but the recoil on my arms felt lighter than usual. Part of it might be because I've gotten used to the "Enchantment - Weight Increase", but it still didn't feel as tough as usual.
When I looked closely, I noticed a faint glow covering my body—realizing that it was magic.
"'Toughness.'"
The source of this magic was Kyunei.
"You always end up injuring yourself by doing reckless things. Since you won't listen to me even if I tell you, I thought I'd better support you from here. Show some gratitude, will you?"
"Yeah, thanks."
Feeling a bit sorry as Kyunei scolded me, I thanked her.
'This isn't just ordinary 'Toughness'.'
I've never received this type of magic—classified as 'support magic'—so I'm not sure. Is that how it works?
'Ordinary "Toughness" magic covers the surface of the target with magic to increase defense. But Kyunei's toughness magic penetrates even into your internal structure, partner. Its role is to reduce the recoil on the body.'
So, "Toughness" is increased not only on the outside but also on the inside?
'Improvements like this require adjustments to each individual. It's a domain where only skilled magicians can handle, but Kyunei is not just a doctor, but also has the blood of a succubus. Her understanding of the body is even deeper than that of a priest.'
I feel sorry for always worrying Kyunei, but with this, I can fight to my own heart's content.
'You're literally carrying all of Kyunei's love?'
That might be true, but it's a little embarrassing!"
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