Chapter 637 – Maxwell's First Battle

Now then. With the addition of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order to the workforce, our working hours were significantly reduced.

After installing various Magic Tools both inside and outside the fortress according to our previously established strategy and plan, we had Princess Stephania and her group, Sion and her group, and Auria help us with functionality checks.

Given the nature of the personnel, they seemed to be enjoying themselves quite a bit as they moved around various parts of the fortress, but having them actively working on anything is a good thing.

The functionality checks proceeded smoothly, and we decided to return to Termwills for the time being.

We needed to transport King Melvin, Auria, and the other Adventurer Guild staff who had been dispatched here back to Termwills aboard the Sirius. Additionally, I had made a promise with Maxwell to head to the Labyrinth for practical combat training.

While this is a promise, it also serves the purpose of carefully observing Maxwell’s movements and improving our mutual trust and coordination. I want to handle that part properly.

As for the Demon-Slaying Knight Order, they will remain here for now and participate in training with Simon and the others to familiarize themselves with the fortress’s functions and structure. Supplies should arrive shortly, and at that time, the knights from various countries are also scheduled to undergo similar training.

“——Having you conduct practical training just as everyone is getting accustomed to the fortress seems quite favorable, doesn’t it?”

“Yes. I’m thinking of creating units with Aqua Golems and trying various things under the assumption of intercepting intruders.”

I respond to King Melvin’s words.

“Then, we must ensure we are thoroughly familiar with the fortress by then. Along with aerial combat training, I want to become proficient,” Elliot says with a smile.

From our perspective, since we know the internal structure intimately, we can adjust the Difficulty according to the knights’ skill levels. The idea is probably to boost the knights’ motivation for training by having them train under that premise. Having them devise their own strategies and train under various assumed situations should help them build real strength.

“If any malfunctions occur with the fortress’s functions, or if you notice anything concerning, please inform us via the Communication Device each time. We’ll address it when we return to the fortress next time.”

“Understood.”

With that, seen off by the Demon-Slaying Knight Order and Simon’s group, we boarded the Sirius and departed from the fortress.

Next time… representatives from the Moon Temple will likely accompany us. We’ll need someone to take up position at the fortress and provide Blessings to the knights.

Once settled in the bridge, Grace promptly prepared tea for us.

“Thank you.”

“Not at all.”

When I express my gratitude, Grace smiles brightly. Now then, I should discuss our upcoming plans.

“It’s still quite early, so after returning and organizing our luggage, heading straight to the Labyrinth might be a good idea.”

“We have kept Maxwell waiting, after all,” Grace says with a wry smile. Hmm.

“Nay. I found watching the fortress construction enjoyable as well. Of course, heading to the Labyrinth is desirable… but what about the rest of you?”

“Even with forest surveillance and Magic Tool installation, we haven’t used much Vitality or Magical Power. So, personally speaking, proceeding directly to the Labyrinth would pose no problem for me.”

Saying this, Rosemary looks around at everyone, and each one nods in agreement.

“Mm. No issues here either.”

“No Monsters appeared, after all.”

As Sheila and Ashley respond, Irmhild smiles brightly.

“Seeing large Golems lined up like that, and the fortress changing rapidly before their eyes, perhaps the Monsters fled?”

“That might indeed be the case,” Claudia says, giving a slight shudder, and Marlene nods repeatedly in agreement.

Even among hostile Monsters, there are various types: those that have become ferocious due to Environmental Magic Power, and races like Goblins, Orcs, and Ogres that are inherently hostile toward humans.

Those that have become ferocious would probably Charge regardless. But Goblins, being somewhat cowardly, would likely retreat deep into the forest upon seeing Huge Golems.

“Hmm. According to the documents, there have been many Monster attacks targeting travelers on the highway. The Goblins might withdraw deep into the forest and lie low for a while. In past cases, ferocious Monsters also appeared sporadically… but considering those remaining at the fortress, they shouldn’t pose a significant threat.”

So says Auria, based on her review of Adventurer Guild documents. She’s probably not mistaken about this area.

Monsters that have fallen to darkness and become ferocious likely pose a threat even to Goblins… but conversely, environments with Magical Energy Pools where such Monsters appear are also places humans don’t venture deep into the forest.

For the Goblins, it’s a safe environment where human eradication efforts don’t reach easily.

If human settlements are nearby, Goblins cause trouble by stealing crops, harvests, livestock, and such.

Attacking travelers along highways like this is primarily to plunder goods from Merchants and others.

However, one cannot rest easy just because they don’t carry much. They have the intelligence to use weapons but lack the technology to create advanced ones, so they sometimes attack aiming to take the weapons humans possess. Even if not attacked directly, there are stories of Goblins sneaking in and stealing them at night.

Goblins who manage to snatch high-quality Weapons or Armor from humans or Dwarves apparently use them to display power and intelligence, becoming Leader-like figures within their groups.

What a nuisance. The Dwarves seem to hold quite a grudge against Goblins, thoroughly disliking them.

Well, in any case, if a secondary effect of that fortress construction is that they stay quiet, it’s a welcome outcome.

After returning to Termwills and taking unnecessary luggage to our homes and workshops, we headed to the Labyrinth—the Magic Light Water Vein—as planned.

I’ve visited the Magic Light Water Vein several times on business with the Water Dragon couple, but it feels like it’s been a while since I’ve descended normally like this.

Throughout the underground water vein, luminescent crystals grow here and there.

The interior of the Cave is illuminated from within the water… it remains an incredibly fantastical space. Though for some, it might be a sight that induces unease.

“Let’s start by exploring normally without entering the water. Although it’s less dangerous than the Deep Floor, taking it lightly and letting your guard down can lead to injury, so let’s proceed carefully and as usual, without carelessness.”

“Mm. Understood.”

“Got it.”

Sheila nods, and Seraphina responds cheerfully. Good.

Now first… just in case someone falls into the water, I’ll use the water-breathing Magic on everyone. Well, with the protection of the Spirit Kings, it might not be necessary, but just as a precaution.

Maxwell positioned itself right behind Sheila and Irmhild, who are serving as scouts. After all, this is Maxwell’s practical training.

As for me, I’ll follow slightly behind the formation, carrying Balor and Caduceus, serving as Rearguard protection.

After proceeding for a while, turning left and right through the cave, we reached a place with water bodies on both sides. The path continues straight ahead. Taking a few steps along that single path, Sheila tenses up while looking at the water surface.

“Enemy. Coming.”

A brief warning. After a momentary pause, Fishfolk Monsters leap out simultaneously from all directions, lunging toward Sheila at the front.

Merfolk. Aquatic Monsters of a different species from the Fishfolk officers of Grantios.

Seeing the assault, Sheila immediately Charges toward one Merfolk coming from one direction without hesitation. Probably a judgment to take down one quickly and break the encirclement before being surrounded. Almost simultaneously, Irmhild and Maxwell move.

An arrow from Irmhild pierces the head of one that leaped out behind Sheila with pinpoint accuracy, while Maxwell sweeps in a wide arc, cutting through the torso of another. Sheila has already effortlessly cut down the Merfolk she targeted. One remaining. Maxwell, having reversed direction, returns at a shell-like speed along the shortest path. The Axe’s blade grazes the Merfolk’s flank as if gouging it; as its posture breaks, Irmhild’s second arrow delivers the Finishing Blow.

The four Merfolk fall to the ground and water with minimal time difference. Both the assault and the interception happened in an instant.

“Maxwell, good moves.”

“It doesn’t feel like it’s our first time coordinating in real combat. It seems to understand our movements too.”

“Your praise honors me. I have learned everyone’s movement patterns from the Master as well.”

Addressed by Sheila and Irmhild, Maxwell inclines its body as if bowing, its core shining brightly.

Yeah, that was good movement.

It grasped Sheila and Irmhild’s movements and intentions and executed nearly optimal actions. Moving along the shortest path and delivering Slash Attacks with the edge of its blade should be effective in tight spaces. Maxwell’s combat ability and judgment are quite impressive. Let’s continue the Exploration maintaining this pace.