Chapter 26 The Town at the Foot of the Volcano
As the pale blue silhouette of a mountain begins to come into view in the distance, the surroundings change from farmland to a flat road with grass and trees scattered here and there.
Although a group of buildings and buildings can be seen, there are very few landmarks on the road to get there, so we proceed for a while with Yuruyana holding the map and fulfilling the role of human in the passenger seat.
Around noon, we finally reach the nearest town from the salamander habitat.
"Really living so close to an active volcano huh."
A sign with an arrow saying 'This way is the mountain path' points up the dark, gentle slope, and Yuruyana is impressed to see that it is thriving as a tourist destination with hotels scattered around.
"They're so sturdy."
I frowned as I stepped out of the car, recalling that I'd been here once before on a mission.
Yuruyana, who was stretching again, noticed my expression and followed my gaze.
There, an Arcane Car was parked, and three men in familiar dull green work clothes were huddled together, talking.
One of them, a blond man, noticed us first, and the other two followed suit.
"Senior!"
His huge frame practically screams "look at me" without him even trying, waving his hands like a maniac while beaming.
"Why is Thomas here?"
"Oh, I get it now..."
I thought it was strange that he lent me his car so easily.
──He just casually lent me the car earlier. 'We're going to the same place, so maybe a little extra passenger's okay,' that's what he said.
Before I knew it, Thomas was bouncing at full speed, tackling me. I had to brace myself, channel some magic into my body, and then push back with my heels to withstand that heavy hit.
"He caught Mr. Thomas's body slam head-on... Who even is that guy?"
Over by their car, some young-looking soldier, probably just a teen, watched with wide eyes, clearly impressed.
If you want to stay safe in Fourth without getting hurt, you better learn how to handle that kind of shock early."
"[First Commander of Fourth]."
"What?! 'Two-star' so young!?"
"He's a year older than Thomas and me, you know."
Luka, of course, is the one chilling out and explaining things to the junior members, without even bothering to pick up his stray dog.
How did my bad rep even reach a newbie who's still in training?
"Luka! Your team member is causing trouble for civilians! Go get him!"
"No can do."
This guy, who's taking off his accessories during a mission, seems to be amused as he fidgets, the items in his pocket making a clinking sound.
Remember that.
"Glad to see you! As expected of a senior, right on time!"
Thomas is, as always, sweltering.
I didn't think being punctual would be a waste.
It would've been nice if it rained halfway through.
"S-Stay back."
Still using enhanced magic to somehow peel it off, I once again from Luka's side,
"You can actually peel that off with human strength...!"
I hear a comment that sounds like it's about some super strong adhesive or something.
It seems like [Fourth] always has an entertaining team.
"So, can anyone tell me what this mission is?"
"Just a extermination job. Because of the good weather and hunters not going deep into the woods, there's been an outbreak of Salamanders."
The goal was the same, anyway.
This has to be set up.
"...Can you at least negotiate for the magic gems?"
"Sales go into the military budget, so even a senior can't do that."
"I'd sell if someone would buy."
Luka came over and made a circle with his thumb and index finger.
"I don't want to buy them since we came all this way..."
"Well, if the local hunters help out, they get a cut for themselves, though."
"..."
"By the way, the ones sent here this time are just me, Thomas, and him. It's for his training."
He pointed at the jittery newbie.
For a deputy captain to come out for training, it must be either understaffed as usual or the newbie is particularly interesting, or maybe both.
Probably all of the above.
The vehicles are all the same, so of course Luka and Thomas can drive too.
Since there's been an outbreak, civilian traffic is restricted, so there are no witnesses.
I let out a sigh.
"Well... We're going to the same place anyway, and you might run into each other by chance..."
"As expected, let's make the captain decide!"
"I'm not the captain anymore."
At that words, Yuruyana came close to me, the one who just says set phrases.
I could hear the new guy, still waiting by the car, whisper, "She's a beautiful girl."
I wonder if it's okay for someone whose thoughts just *come out* to be a soldier.
"Tsukumo, are you okay? You won't faint again?"
He seems worried, 'cause I fainted just from talking to Thomas last time.
I nod.
"I feel like I'll be okay this time."
"Really?"
It can't be helped, he doesn't trust me 'cause I fainted before.
So I nodded again.
"If I fall, Thomas will carry me again."
"That's the thing!"
"Ouch!"
A kick hit the back of my knee.
Thomas was ready for it, so he wouldn't be hurt, but I wasn't expecting it, so it hurt more.
"It's the rumored Yuru-Yuru. He's really cute."
"Thanks, I hear that a lot."
Luka smiles sweetly at Yuru-Yuru, and Yuru-Yuru smiles back.
Why do I feel like sparks are flying?
The battle of the flirts had begun.
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