Chapter 272 Challenge To Defeat The Magic Beast (Majuu)
After Maya-chan and I finished eating, we also enjoyed the tea that His Highness Stein poured for us. Just then, a voice came from behind the door.
'Sorry to bother you. I have a request for the Head Manager and Maya-sama,' the voice said.
"Yes, yes. What is it?"
The voice sounded like it was probably from the receptionist woman. But she sounded quite panicked. I couldn't help but think something had happened. Yet, His Highness Stein did not seem too worried. When I opened the manager's room door, I saw a woman with a troubled expression. Both Maya-chan and I recognized her.
"Excuse me," she said hurriedly as she entered the room.
It was Rena-san, the receptionist woman who looked anxious as she rushed in. Of course, she was a human woman. This country is a human nation with many adventurers, but no Beastmen or demons (mazoku). Maybe the smell from the hot springs is related. It's not sulfur, but the smell is definitely not weak. The entire town smells like it's in the air.
But Maya-chan's personal guard, Berberiguru-san (aka Berberi-san), and our Neta-san, say they don't dislike the smell. Since Mother owns a mansion here, it's probably fine. Maybe they are cat-type Beastmen rather than dog-type, I wonder?
Anyway, what exactly happened?
"Rena-san, why are you so flustered?"
His Highness Stein's calm demeanor and polite tone show his good upbringing.
"The herd of Magic Beasts that appear every year, well... they say there are more than three times the usual number."
"Huh?"
For the first time, His Highness Stein stumbled over his words.
According to a story I heard later, every year after the snow melts, a phenomenon similar to a light frost occurs. Therefore, adventurers are busy exterminating it.
"The adventurers here now may not be able to handle it completely, so..."
"Th-Then, what time are they expected to arrive?"
"They should be here within an hour."
His Highness Stein has a shocked expression. Rena-san has a pale expression.
"Brother, you know..."
"Hm?"
"Which is worse, Arlheave's arrows or this?"
"Ah, that one."
The Celestial Race shot arrows like rain. That time we died and revived repeatedly. If Centrena hadn't shielded us, I would have been helpless.
"Isn't it easier here without arrows flying?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"Besides, Maya-chan has area attacks, right?"
Maya-chan is a wind attribute magic user, after all.
"Yeah, yeah. Oh, but what if we get minced?"
"In that case, just tie up our limbs and revive. I've never done it, but even bugs can be revived."
So we don't go berserk after reviving.
The two watch our discussion with a thud. Maya-chan doesn't care and keeps going.
"Also, brother, we have Centrena-tan and Wilshion-tan here."
"Ah, then we might have some leeway. But don't accidentally hit them with magic, okay?"
"Understood, assistant."
"So, Your Highness Stein."
"Yes, yes."
"We'll hold back the Magic Beasts to our level and leave the rest to the adventurers, how about that?"
"No, I have no opinion. As the head manager's proposal, I can only say that I would be grateful."
Thus, we ended up accepting a request to stop a Magic Beast's rampage (a Speed Quest). The client is His Highness Stein, by the way.
The mountain to the north of Myradern doesn't seem as high as Arlheave. It still appears to be a few hundred meters tall, though.
"Ah, by the way, big brother."
"Hm?"
Maya-chan approaches as we are about to leave the town.
"Speed Quest, isn't there some cause? Like, maybe there's less food, or an earthquake is about to happen, or they're running from a dangerous Magic Beast?"
"Yeah, that's right. Didn't they say that herds of cattle or sheep running amok are also called Speed Quests?"
"Maya has heard that too. Also, big brother, Magic Beasts and normal beasts differ not just in whether they have magic stones, but also in their ferocity, right? These adventurers are dealing with such Magic Beasts, aren't they? That's quite impressive, isn't it?"
"Certainly."
As we have this exchange, we arrive at a place where we can see the mountain outside the town. I am on Centrena, and Maya-chan is on Wilshion. Berberi-san and Neta-san are with us. Behind us, the adventurers are waiting.
"How about it, Ber-san?"
"Um, Maya-sama."
"Hm?"
"I am also following the scent."
"Mhm."
"It's from a bit further in from the forest exit."
"Mhm."
"I can sense a smell resembling a Magic Beast."
"Mhm."
"It hasn't moved at all from there."
"Huh?"
Only Maya-chan's loud voice reaches me.
"What's this? I was thinking of showing off and charming you again, big brother."
"Well, um, I mean. I'm sorry about this, Maya-chan."
"...Yeah. This is definitely strange."
Magic Beasts were supposed to be approaching, but there's no sign of them. Not a single one is visible. It's like they're just... waiting.
"Ber-san. How many do you think are there?"
"...Probably, including small ones, over three hundred."
"Really?"
"Really."
There are just the two of us, Berberi-san, Neta-san, and about ten skilled adventurers. Against over three hundred Magic Beasts. Hmm, what should we do?
The trees are quite tall, easily over ten meters. Even if we look from above, spotting the Magic Beasts might be difficult.
Character Notes:
Mag - The wolfwoman under Yelmar—the one who was caught by Kian's group earlier.
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