Chapter 108: Battered Girl part 3
Translator: Soafp
After confirming that everyone could hunt slimes, we spread out and began the slime capture operation.
Since the lake stretched along the edge, the order from the edge was me, Lewis, Ashera, Nero, and El.
El and I were on the edges as a precaution in case other monsters appeared. Ashera was in the middle to be able to “move the highest firepower anywhere” and “scout the entire area with her magic eye.”
While El and I could perform wide-range scans with Area Sonar, the high magical consumption made it impractical to use frequently.
Ashera’s magic eye, which was always available, proved to be exceptionally effective.
Before dispersing, I used the maximum range of the Area Sonar just once. There were no orcs’ nests or Wyverns within 1000 meters.
I regained my focus and started the slime capture.
I began to realize that while it only took one shot of Wind Bullet to retrieve the core, finding the slimes took more time.
Lewis, Nero, and El seemed to struggle, but Ashera effortlessly spotted the slimes, as if she could see them with her magic eye… Well, she probably could.
“She is like a hero… That girl. Her basic abilities are just on a different level.”
Still, feeling frustrated, I tried to come up with a better method.
Improving the Area Sonar… In terms of scouting, I only needed to focus on the horizontal direction, not above or below…
I specified the direction and cast the Area Sonar only forward from my position… It consumed only about 1/20 of the magic power compared to casting the standard Area Sonar.
Forward for 100 meters… Normally, this would be the distance to start running with a weapon at the ready. Area Sonar was not typically used at such close range.
I immediately tried out the improved version of the Area Sonar. I could instantly locate the slimes.
However, it was hard to call it the “improved version of the Area Sonar.” Let’s just call it the “Localized Sonar” from now on.
With the Localized Sonar in use, I quickly caught up to Ashera in terms of slime capture count.
During a break, we counted our captures. Ashera had 23, I had 21, El had 12, Lewis had 3, and Nero had 3.
While everyone knew about Ashera’s magic eye, they looked at me and El with suspicion regarding the difference in our capture counts.
“Aldo, did you cheat?”
“What do you mean cheat?! Your magic eye is the real cheat here!”
As Ashera and I argued, El placed his hand on my back.
“I see… You improved the Area Sonar?”
He could sense magical resonance. There didn’t seem to be any secrets from El.
“You caught me. I named it the Localized Sonar. It’s the perfect timing to test it out during the long holiday break, don’t you think?”
“That’s true.”
As I talked with El, Lewis and Nero joined the conversation.
“Aldo. We heard about the labyrinth just now…”
“Yeah, during the long holiday break, my mother, Ashera, and I plan to enter it. El is still on hold.”
“I want to go too.”
At Lewis’s words, the lively atmosphere turned into silence.
“No. It’s dangerous even for us. We can’t guarantee your safety.”
“…Is it because I’m weak?”
“…”
“Is that it?”
“Yeah, that’s right…”
“…”
The atmosphere became tense, and it felt like the temperature dropped several degrees.
“Got it. I asked for too much.”
“Sorry…”
“Don’t apologize. It’s not your fault.”
“…”
“One thing I want to ask.”
“What is it?”
“What’s the most important skill I need to polish to get closer to you?”
“Mana manipulation and mana alteration. My foundation lies in those two skills, whether it’s for physical enhancement or spatial kicking.”
“Mana manipulation and mana alteration…”
“Yeah, of course, weapon training is necessary, but I think those two are the primary ones.”
Lewis fell silent after that, clearly deep in thought. Nero seemed to be pondering something as well, though perhaps not as intensely as Lewis. I, too, was lost in contemplation.
It might be hard to perceive because Lewis and Nero are always with me and El, but within our year, they’re already exceptional in terms of skill.
According to Joe, Gaius and Tifa are also considered promising for the future, even though they’re in the same year as us. They’re in the S class of the Knight Department, which is certainly deserving of such recognition.
Even so, it’s odd that despite being in the D class, Lewis, Nero, and I possess such considerable abilities. I considered sharing Joe’s evaluation to reassure them, but it seemed Lewis and Nero were deeply engrossed in discussing “mana manipulation” and “mana alteration.”
It seemed my reassurance wasn’t needed. These two are mentally strong. Perhaps it’s because they’ve lived among other species within the human race… That aspect alone earns my respect.
When their conversation reached a lull, I spoke up.
“Are we still going after more slimes?”
Lewis, wearing a somewhat troubled expression, responded to my question.
“Normally, people catch around ten slimes at most in a day. At this point, we have 62. Any more, and they might refuse to buy them.”
“I see. I want to try something…”
I had thought of something while looking at the lake earlier. I shared my intentions, and everyone’s faces turned bitter simultaneously… Why!
Ignoring the atmosphere, I walked toward the lake.
Standing by the water’s edge, I imagined repulsion emanating from the soles of my feet, akin to wall running in reverse.
After some practice with the visualization, I slowly began to move across the water’s surface.
Ordinarily, I would sink into the water, but I was walking on its surface.
Next, I imagined the repulsion coming from slightly behind me.
Without moving my feet, I started to move forward slowly.
With various trials, I found I could slide across the water’s surface. The sensation was similar to skiing.
However, this method of movement was a failure. It consumed too much mana.
When I thought about it, it was no different from levitating with space kick. If I were to use it, it would be for a split second… for a sudden burst of speed or when escaping… If polished, it could become quite a useful technique.
Returning to everyone, I shared the results of my experiment.
“Sliding across the water didn’t work. It consumes too much mana. If I were to use it, it would only be for a split-second acceleration…”
As I relayed the results of my experiment to everyone, even Ashera, except for El, looked at me with incredulous eyes.
“Before, it didn’t bother me, but Aldo seems a bit odd. It’s not normal to discover new techniques so easily.”
Ashera fixed me with a sharp gaze.
“Oh, really? Ashera, can’t you slide across the ground by emitting mana from the soles of your feet?”
Ashera, prompted by my words, began manipulating mana and altering its form.
Perhaps she had been observing my mana’s color and quantity. She quickly began sliding in the same way, though on the ground instead.
She was still wobbling, but the fact that she could replicate my actions so quickly, and on the ground, showed her talent. It wasn’t just her ability with her magical eyes; her sense for handling mana was exceptionally advanced.
“Nii-sama, please engage in mana resonance with me.”
Here was another genius. El always uses the spells I create better than I do. He may be humble towards me, but in truth, I rely on him for the learning process.
This time would be no different. El and I engaged in mana resonance, exchanging our abilities with each other.
El is already exploring efficient ways to use it. He’ll probably master it much faster than me.
Lewis and Nero watched our exchange. At first, they seemed bewildered, then their eyes showed a hint of jealousy.
Eventually, their eyes sparked with interest, then ended with flames of envy and determination.
“Aldo, I’m willing to ask for something unreasonable. Please, teach me the space kick!”
Just as I was about to address Lewis, Nero intervened.
“I want to learn too. I don’t have money, but I’ll definitely pay Aldo what he asks for later. Please, teach me Space Kick too.”
Nero, like Lewis , seemed almost ready to kneel down.
“Is that okay?”
Both Lewis and Nero stiffened at my words.
“It’s Space Kick, but I taught it to Noel in exchange for teaching me horseback riding. I taught Gaius, Tifa, and Mark because they’re friends with El. There’s no way I’d refuse if you guys asked… idiots.”
Upon hearing this, Lewis and Nero couldn’t contain their joy any longer.
Meanwhile, El and Ashera were watching us from a distance.
“Aldo has good friends. I’m a little envious.”
“Yeah. But Ashera-nee also has Marl, right?”
“Yeah… Marl, Olivia, and Faristea were also there.”
“I need to deepen my relationship with Gaius, Mark, and Tifa too.”
“Tifa? A girl?”
“Yeah, but she’s a friend.”
“No, you can’t. Marl wouldn’t allow it, absolutely not.”
“Eh? Is that so?”
“Yeah.”
“I see… I’ll ask Marl then.”
While El and Ashera were talking, we decided, although a bit prematurely, to return to the capital to report to the guild. I’ll also teach Space Kick at the Blue Ring Mansion. Since the long holidays are approaching, it’s best to practice during the break.
Upon informing El and Ashera of this plan, they both kindly agreed. We promptly set off for the capital.
Arriving early in the capital, we headed to the Adventurers Guild.
Upon arriving at the guild, I spotted my mother having tea at the bar with Naga-san.
Listening to their conversation, it seemed that Naga-san was about 40 years older than my mother. While I shouldn’t pry into their conversation, I couldn’t help overhearing things I’d rather not hear.
“Naga-san, please proceed with the paperwork as I’ve completed the request.”
Naga-san seemed to notice me only when I addressed him.
“Oh, Aldo-kun… How long have you been there?”
“Since you were discussing Naga-san’s age.”
“Ofu…”
Naga-san slumped over the desk… Oh, her cowlick was spiraling to the left. After a while, Naga-san seemed to reboot and resumed her movements.
“…Please proceed with the paperwork since the request is completed.”
As Naga-san moved slowly towards the reception counter, I couldn’t help but think, “She looks like my mother lazing around in the living room.”
It seemed El and Ashera had similar thoughts, as our gazes all turned to my mother.
“W-What? I’m not moving that slowly.”
She probably wanted to show herself off at home.
While Naga-san handled the paperwork for completing the request, I told my mother about today’s events.
“Improvements to the Range Sonar and a new application of Space Kick? You…Haa…”
A sigh escaped her, even though she’s an Ice Witch
“Space Kick’s advanced applications will have to wait for another time; I’ll focus on teaching Lewis and Nero the basic technique of Space Kick today.”
“Space Kick… huh?”
“What is it?”
“How many people, besides El, have learned Space Kick from Al and can use it?”
“…Apart from El, it’s just Ashera.”
“Lewis, Nero, did you hear that? It’s good to receive instruction, but remember, it’s quite difficult. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t do it right away.”
She was explaining to Lewis and Nero the difficulty of learning Space Kick. Indeed, putting too much pressure on oneself wouldn’t yield good results.
After receiving the reward directly from Naga-san, we split it evenly among the five of us. We always split things evenly; it’s the most fair arrangement for us.
I noticed Lewis and Nero fidgeting. They seemed really eager to learn Space Kick. I shrugged and called out to them.
“Shall we go?”
The two replied with happy faces.
“”Let’s go!””
We walked to the Blue Ring Mansion a little faster than usual.
After lunchtime had passed, we arrived at the Blue Ring Mansion.
“Now, let’s start teaching Space Kick right away.”
At my words, both of them nodded with smiles on their faces.