Chapter 184 – A New Life

We were training with our companions in a corner of the courtyard as the morning sun streamed in.

The courtyard had become quite spacious, making it easy to summon Lindwurm whenever we wanted. I wondered if having Lindwurm observe our training regularly might help improve our coordination.

Lindwurm was letting the Carbuncles ride on its nose and tail, sliding them around playfully. It seemed to be leisurely sunbathing… but in reality, it was watching our training with keen interest. That shouldn’t be a problem.

Incidentally, Fortok told me that the Carbuncles avoid riding on Lindwurm’s back because Lindwurm dislikes having anyone other than me on its back. How dutiful.

“It’s swelling. Dangerous.”

Sheila issued a brief warning. As if responding to her words, the Aqua Golem appeared to swell from within before bursting, scattering water droplets everywhere.

Our companions blocked them with the Shield Magic Tools equipped on their left hands. In actual combat, there’s no guarantee that someone’s warning will reach in time. Faster than thought. They need to be able to deploy them instantly.

What we’re doing is preparing for our visit to the Blazing Fortress. We’ve incorporated combat scenarios anticipating battles at the Blazing Fortress into our morning training sessions.

“That one was a bit dangerous.”

“Perhaps Lavigne and I should create more cover.”

Grace and Ashley were discussing while Marlene seemed to be reflecting on her Saucer’s movements—nodding as she performed mental training, moving her rapier like a conductor’s baton in small motions. Well, since everyone defended themselves, there was no damage this time.

“Um. Maybe Sheila and I should move together so we can hear her warnings from the direction we need to be alert?”

“Shall we try that next time?”

“…I see. Countermeasures for Bomb Rocks.”

Claudia, who had been watching the training, nodded with admiration. Yes. There are rock monsters that perform suicide attacks. While the Fire Rat coat protects against heat damage, we still need to deal with the rock fragments.

“Well, we should make sure to conduct thorough rehearsals.”

While my companions continue their training, I must carry out my own in parallel.

I covered my eyes with cloth and positioned Golems around me. They were set to automatic pilot, performing coordinated attacks according to pre-set algorithms.

I didn’t link my vision with Caduceus. By watching my companions’ training through Caduceus, I could operate and supervise the Golems while conducting my own training simultaneously.

Meanwhile, my training involved sensing attacks through thin Shields deployed around my body and continuously dodging them by a hair’s breadth.

From the angle and force of attacks hitting my Shields, I could determine the Golems’ stances. I targeted only their heads, shattering them with Ouroboros. An attack from a Golem behind me. I twisted my body to evade while touching its head and simultaneously delivering a shock Strike.

The Golems countered with feints like Water Bullets meant to appear as Strikes, water whips formed from transformed hands attacking from outside my range, self-destruct explosions, and time-delayed attacks using overlapping bodies.

I continued intercepting and dodging while dismantling and shattering the Aqua Golems.

Smooth activation of shock Strikes, detecting attacks from blind spots with omnidirectional Shields. Having reached a satisfactory level with these aspects, I landed on the ground and removed my blindfold.

“I had heard rumors that you were the Demon Slayer, master… I’m not sure whether to be convinced or astonished.”

Cecilia was wide-eyed. The Labyrinth Village residents studying work with her were the same. The children were watching with sparkling eyes. Hmm… It’s slightly embarrassing.

“All I can do is admire. You should have much to learn. Make sure to observe carefully during your work breaks.”

“Yes, Mihaela-sama.”

The two had mentioned something about having self-defense knowledge.

In that case, I should probably familiarize myself with their Weapons and fighting styles. Well, while Mihaela is obvious, Cecilia also has work within the household, so I’m not planning to take her into the Labyrinth.

“Mihaela-san uses a rapier, right?”

“Only as a hobby.”

She’s being modest, but her posture—or rather, her core stability—doesn’t waver. I get the feeling she might actually be quite skilled.

“Then, Cecilia too?”

“No. I practiced with the Weapon my father used because I wanted to be able to use it myself.”

With that, Cecilia brought out the Weapon she uses to show me.

…If the handle were a bit longer, it would probably be classified as a pole weapon like a glaive or bardiche. The handle is somewhat short, seemingly designed for closer combat.

“This is for indoor use. In more open spaces, I replace it with a longer handle. Even without much physical strength, you can generate power with momentum.”

“I see.”

“I’ve taught her body maneuvering and unarmed self-defense techniques—things with practical applications. As a servant, she should be considered adequate.”

Well… she doesn’t look like she’d lose to your average thief. The fact that she wasn’t taught rapier skills was probably out of respect for her own wishes.

“Still, perhaps we should assume that flying will be a prerequisite from now on. I’m already too old for that kind of fighting style.”

Mihaela said with her eyes closed.

Hmm. Maybe I should prepare Aerial Combat Gear for both of them too. What Mihaela means is fighting while flying around, but even just being able to adjust altitude against opponents using Shields as footholds would make a difference.

“When you have free time from work, would you two like to join us for training?”

“Wouldn’t we be intruding?”

“If I increase the number of Golems, it just becomes more Magic training, so it’s no problem.”

“In other words… you still have room to spare in your Magic control.”

Claudia smiled.

“Hello—”

“Hello, Theo-kun.”

“Wow, this has become quite the mansion.”

At dusk, Justia and Dominique came to visit with Forestbird’s Escort.

Or rather, they came to practice music with Irmhild.

The stage is already taking shape, and while everyone enjoys the performance, we thought it would be good for them to develop interest in the theater too, so they decided to do light practice in the recreation room.

While they played music, everyone relaxed in the recreation room. Perhaps matching the atmosphere, Irmhild and the others were playing lively, cheerful music.

“You’ve made all sorts of things, haven’t you?”

“Yeah, well. Since we have the opportunity, I’d be happy if you’d stay and enjoy yourselves.”

Forestbird are good-natured folks, so they might be just the right people for the Labyrinth Village residents to interact with outsiders.

“Huh? Throwing darts at a target to reduce points? Sounds fun. Fitz, let’s have a match.”

“Sure. What shall we wager?”

“Drinks on the loser when we get back.”

“You’re on.”

Since we made several dartboards, they could play on an available one. The two who immediately showed interest in darts seemed to be enjoying themselves playing alongside the Labyrinth Village residents.

“Is that girl using the Humanization Spell like Justia-san and Dominique-san?”

Lucian said while looking at the Arachne girl named Claire, who was smiling happily while playing cards with companions at a table. She’s one of the monsters who can’t use the Humanization Spell and relies on Magic Tools instead.

She has several black pearl-like shines on her forehead… but apparently those aren’t Ornaments—they’re spider eyes. They look like a Circlet and don’t feel particularly intimidating in appearance. She herself gives off a quiet impression too.

“Yeah. Well, almost all the servants do. In her case, she relies on Magic Tools.”

“Is that so?”

Lucian murmured with admiration.

Incidentally, Monica also joined the darts match and ended up overwhelming both Robin and Fitz. It seems Monica, being in charge of scouting, has the best throwing skills in Forestbird.

Robin and Fitz, who were resigned to having to treat everyone, received wry smiles from the Labyrinth Village residents, creating quite a peaceful scene.

While enjoying Irmhild’s performance and watching this scene, Alfred contacted me through the Communication Device.

『I tried reaching out through connections. They said they definitely want to hear Theo-kun’s story.』

『Understood. How about I show them some of the things I’ve made?』

『Roger. Where should we meet?』

There was an immediate response from the other side after I replied. Alfred seems to be getting quite familiar with operating the Communication Device.

『I think the workshop and my house are still too early for that, so I’ll bring things over.』

『Understood. I’ll contact you again once the schedule is set.』

Now then… In that case, cards, billiards, and dartboards. I’ll need to make another set of these before the day comes.