Chapter 156 – The Wishes of the Monster Girls

Thanks to the unexpected participation of the fairies, the cherry blossom viewing party ended up being quite lively.

The next Sealed Door wouldn’t be opened for a while yet. In order, it would probably be the Magic Light Water Vein’s Sealed Door. Since we knew the door’s location, it seemed we had some time to relax for a while.

First, I wanted to start with something that had been postponed due to my recovery and preparations for the cherry blossom viewing.

I lined up Clay Golems, Aqua Golems, and… Golems made of different materials in the workshop’s courtyard.

“Starting something again?”

Alfred seemed to have reached a stopping point in his work too. When he came out to the courtyard and saw the scene, he tilted his head and asked.

He said he was currently working on an alarm device. This time it was a timed type. By creating a mechanism that allowed magic stones to be set only for necessary time periods, it would sound an alarm if someone crossed the barrier and entered the grounds. Since it was a relatively simplified mechanism compared to the last one… well, it felt like a companion for nighttime security.

“Hmm. There’s a technique I want to learn.”

It was about mastering the striking method Gardinis had used.

I didn’t know what Alfred would think watching it… but since I didn’t know what might be useful, I decided to let him observe.

Today, Forestbird members had also shown up for equipment maintenance, and they were watching everyone’s training and what I had started with great interest.

I lined up Aqua Golems behind the Clay Golems, placed my hand on the front of a Clay Golem’s head, took a couple of deep breaths, and from that position, channeled magical power into it.

Simultaneously, the back of the Aqua Golem’s head burst. Yeah. Considering it was transmitting damage internally, it was decent power.

“That’s not… magic, is it? What was that just now?”

Lucian of Forestbird tilted his head.

“Probably an application of Magic Manipulation Method? It might be closer to a Combat Skill. But it’s not working very well yet.”

“Meaning?”

“There’s some damage to the back of the Clay Golem’s head too.”

I said and pointed. There was deformation on the back of the Clay Golem’s head. Personally, I wanted the Clay Golem placed in front to be completely unharmed, with damage only to the rearguard Aqua Golem.

“Either way, the front is undamaged, huh?”

“That’s because it’s a technique that uses the opponent’s magical power to propagate impact.”

Alfred looked at the golem with an impressed expression.

Gardinis had used a similar technique even from his khakkhara. While improving the technique’s precision was one thing, the first goal should probably be reaching that level. Regardless of limbs or weapons. From any situation during combat. And being able to use this technique as naturally as breathing—that was the primary objective.

He had used this technique to damage me while I was behind my shield. If that was possible, then this should be too.

I deployed a shield with my left hand, pressed it against the golem, and with my free right hand, struck the shield from the inside. The impact propagated, and cracks ran through the Clay Golem.

“…So you can attack through a Magic Shield, huh. Interesting.”

“Like knocking out someone wearing armor by punching them from the outside.”

At those words, Fitz—who was relatively heavily armed among Forestbird members—shrank back.

“Heavy armor and shields becoming useless… That makes wearing armor hardly worth it.”

Yeah. Personally, I’d also be troubled if shields and protection became invalidated, so I wanted to think of countermeasures. Thinking only Gardinis could use it was too optimistic. After all, I’d managed to steal it myself, and if it’s a technique, it could potentially be taught to others. By using it myself, I might see aspects I hadn’t noticed before.

“As a countermeasure, not getting hit?”

“Well, that’s one approach, I suppose.”

For Sheila, who prioritized dodging over defense, that seemed to be the conclusion. For my part, I was considering incorporating neutralizing similar techniques into offense and defense.

“Seems difficult to incorporate into magic tools. It’s really something that depends on Theo-kun’s control ability.”

“It’s not a spell formula either.”

“Either way, it means Theodore-kun has become stronger than before, right?”

When Monica said this with a somewhat distant look in her eyes, everyone nodded in understanding. Seriously. I wish they’d stop having the same reactions together.

“Speaking of magic tools, how about Forestbird members? Are you getting used to the Aerial Combat Gear?”

“Finding it very useful. When we’re about to get surrounded by monsters, we can draw them in as much as possible, then escape upward and have Lucian and Monica shoot magic and arrows at them.”

Robin answered. It seemed they were finding it helpful in labyrinth exploration too, which was good. Since they had enough adaptability to master the tools I devised, they were also serving as test subjects in some ways.

While practicing my striking method and listening to feedback about the magic tools’ usability alongside everyone’s training, Guild Master Auria arrived.

“Oh, you’re at it.”

“Hello. Good day.”

During the cherry blossom viewing, she had mentioned wanting to talk with me, so we had arranged to meet today. I had said I would visit her later, but… Auria took the initiative and came to the workshop herself.

“Was there any damage to the Guild from the recent incident?”

“It seems the invaders exhausted themselves before reaching the Guild headquarters and temple area. Regarding that, let me thank you again properly.”

When I brought up the matter of the recent cult incident, Auria nodded with a serious expression and bowed her head.

“Not at all. I’m glad to hear that. Please, this way.”

I showed Auria to the reception room inside the workshop.

Soon, Grace brought tea and baked sweets.

“Hmm. Absolutely exquisite.”

While eating a baked sweet, Auria spoke. Her long elf ears twitched, and she seemed to be in quite a good mood.

During the cherry blossom viewing, we had exchanged dishes we brought… but Auria seemed particularly fond of Grace’s cooking and had praised it excessively. Maybe coming here was partly for that purpose too.

“Ahem. I shouldn’t get too distracted by other matters. Let’s get straight to it—I want to talk about Justia and Dominique.”

Perhaps noticing my gaze, Auria cleared her throat and said this. Not very dignified.

That’s right. The matter of Justia and Dominique. When I saw the two of them playing happily, Auria had looked somewhat troubled. That had bothered me, and asking about it was how this started.

The fact that they were being protected was fine. It seemed they were also very helpful assisting healing mages at the Guild headquarters.

So what was the problem then?… Despite the protective aspect, she was concerned that they had limited freedom in their daily activities. Being an elf herself, she probably felt particularly sensitive about such points.

I also knew those two. Claudia seemed concerned about them too… and there was the matter of the monster village in the labyrinth.

Moreover… improving their situation would also help improve Grace’s position. Both personally and in my position as Otherworld Ambassador, I thought there might be something I could do to help, which is why I arranged this time to talk.

“The adventurers are generally favorable toward them, you see. Well, they’re in a position to heal their wounds, after all.”

Adventurers who understood the importance of the medical team wouldn’t do something foolish like making enemies of them.

“‘The adventurers are,’ meaning… there are people among the citizens like that?”

“Yes, there are. There are those who look down on elves and dwarves, so when it comes to monsters… Well, you see. Monsters like them are exactly the kind that slave traders would target.”

Being an elf herself, she probably had her own share of hardships too.

“…Wouldn’t it be best to steadily spread understanding? Like holding occasional public concerts, for example.”

We would need to hear their opinions about methods… but they always seemed to enjoy singing and playing so much. Both Sirens and Harpies seemed to find something close to life’s purpose in letting people hear their songs and performances.

“Hmm… That’s interesting, but… making it public would likely raise security issues.”

“We could use magic tools like Defense Fields and Wind Magic to protect the stage. If necessary, I could prepare stage facilities from scratch using Magic Construction.”

“Magic Construction… You say such things so casually.”

Auria gave a wry smile. Well, actually, creating it itself isn’t that much trouble. With Seraphina around, she could cover aspects like building durability and earthquake resistance.

Given King Melvin’s perspective and policies regarding the labyrinth, I think we could get cooperation and strengthen security measures too.

“Then… let’s see. Inviting orphanage children to the concerts would probably be good. It would align with the Moon Temple’s teachings too.”

“I see. You’re acquainted with Lady Penelope as well, aren’t you?”

“That’s right. Either way, first we should confirm their intentions, right? If they’re satisfied with their current situation or have reservations about singing and playing before large audiences, then this whole discussion would be unnecessary worry from the start.”

“Hmm. I’d like to accommodate their wishes as much as possible.”

Saying this, Auria gave a wry smile.