Chapter 97 – The Arrival of Winter

Emerging from the narrow path through the Dusk Forest, we suddenly found ourselves in an open area.

Immediately, I sensed numerous Monsters gathering from all directions. An Evil Willow near the path ahead. A Rock Bear from behind the bushes. An Angry Mush and many others from deep within the forest.

—Quite a few heavy hitters here. In BFO, this would be considered what’s called a Monster Room level. That said, everyone remained calm.

“I’ll take the Angry Mush at the front.”

No sooner had she spoken than a Magic Circle’s radiance appeared in Ashley’s hands. Countless water spheres materialized in the air, and Lavigne leaped from one to another, sometimes kicking off the air itself as she approached with three-dimensional movements.

Using water spheres and the air as footholds… this wasn’t her innate ability. It was accomplished through water-walking and Shield Magic embedded in her collar-type Magic Tool.

With animal-like reflexes, she freely moved about using the water spheres created in the air as footholds. Even though she’s a Familiar, her high intelligence that allows her to easily master Magic Tools is truly impressive.

Lavigne pounced on the completely disoriented Angry Mush from its blind spot, biting into the back of its head and then swinging it around with brute force. Right where she swung it—Ashley’s created water sphere came flying.

The water sphere rapidly solidified into sharply pointed Ice Pillars that skewered the Angry Mush. Where did Ashley’s Magic end and where did Lavigne’s ability begin? Even with their sensory link—they showed remarkable Coordination.

“Ashley and Lavigne are doing great.”

“We can’t fall behind either.”

Sheila and Irmhild headed for the Evil Willow. A willow Monster. Sheila knocked down the blade-like leaves it launched with her Dagger, advancing straight forward.

Just as the Willow tried to intercept with its branches, she instantly used Levitation to kill her momentum and rapidly retreated in an unexpected direction. The swung branches cut uselessly through empty air.

In that moment. Its front was completely exposed.

From behind, Irmhild released an arrow with an explosive sound. An arrow so large it could be mistaken for a Spear. It mercilessly pierced through the Willow’s face.

This giant Bow could only be drawn by Irmhild using both her upper body and tail. Of course, it was custom-made. The arrows were also custom, meant to be used only when necessary—but if she was too stingy with using them, she’d never get accustomed to handling them, so she decided to use them about once every few times when heavy hitters like the Willow appeared.

Speaking of heavy hitters, there was one more this time. A Rock Bear too. That one was being handled by Marlene’s summoned beast.

When Marlene closed her eyes and raised her rapier to the sky, a Magic Array appeared at the tip—and an anomaly occurred.

The rough neighing of a horse. The sound of horseshoes.

The sounds were audible, but the crucial horse itself was nowhere to be seen. Only the sounds advanced through the Dusk Forest, and green flames flickered in space.

A headless knight appeared with a faint, translucent form that rapidly materialized, and relying on the horse’s Charge momentum, it swung its Greatsword in a full arc. The Rock Bear’s head flew through the air, leaving only the Sword Flash trajectory behind.

Well. Leaving the heavy hitters to them means Grace and I are responsible for covering everyone—but of course Sheila and Irmhild, and even Ashley have become quite strong. Watching them, there’s no sense of danger.

So my main job becomes creating Golems to guard Marlene’s back. The reinforcements relying on numbers like the Killer Plants swarming from deep in the forest—this time Grace is handling them. By doing this, it becomes easier for everyone to defeat them individually.

Well… if someone asked whether we can’t handle chaotic battles, that’s not the case.

Our response to disadvantageous situations has been thoroughly trained through aerial combat practice with Golems. In actual combat, it’s best to operate in a way that avoids chaotic battles, so we’re just making sure that doesn’t happen.

Now, with the heavy hitters taken care of, I have free hands. If everyone returns to guarding Marlene, maybe it’s my turn to cut loose.

“Marlene. How was it today?”

When I asked after returning to the Temple, she showed a bright smile and nodded. Generally good, I suppose.

Her summoned beasts have increased by a few since then, but she hasn’t been able to summon anything as directly suited for combat as the Dullahan yet.

However, her other summoned beasts are quite excellent as support roles, so considering role distribution, this might be fine as it is. The trend seems to be—things related to night or the moon, as I suspected.

Regarding having Marlene accompany us in the Labyrinth—when I sounded it out, permission was surprisingly easily granted. It seems her summoning the Dullahan had an effect. King Melvin laughed to me that during peacetime he’d want her to be an instructor for Knights and Magicians, but that aside.

The deciding factor for permission might have been the Dullahan, but in any case, since Marlene can’t vocally call for help, it’s undoubtedly better for her to be able to defend herself when needed. Building up power in the Labyrinth is important for getting accustomed to the field too.

“Marlene-sama. Are you not tired?”

Ashley offered to cast Vitality recovery Magic, but Marlene shook her head to indicate she was fine.

“You see, training is tougher,” said Sheila.

“It’s reassuring when training is stricter than actual combat, right?”

“That’s certainly true.”

“Conversely, we must be careful not to let our guard down in actual combat.”

That—Irmhild has a point there. Becoming too accustomed to the same place might not be good either. Considering Marlene’s abilities and such, maybe we should try exploring other sections. Well… all that will have to wait until we’ve dealt with the winter Sealed Door.

“Today, you were planning to visit Penelope-sama afterward, correct?”

“Yes. To discuss the day’s arrangements.”

The discussion was about the day we storm the Spirit Hall. Looking forward to seeing Penelope, Marlene also seemed happy.

When we headed to the Temple, we were immediately escorted to the Altar where the Head Shrine Maiden was waiting. Spotting Penelope, Marlene ran over.

“Welcome, everyone. Please proceed to the inner room.”

Gently catching Marlene, Penelope smiled.

We went to the inner room, everyone sat at the table, and the discussion began.

“Today—we’re here to discuss the day we storm the Spirit Hall.”

“Correct. To be precise, it’s about from the day before. We’re considering entering the Labyrinth a little before midnight and waiting for the door to open.”

It would be preferable to enter with some leeway and wait for the door to open.

At that time—we must consider the possibility of fighting Demons before the door… I wonder how this will turn out.

Since the likes of Linette were advancing their research, we must consider the possibility of them bypassing the entrance and invading the Labyrinth.

If combat occurs on the surface—Mercedes is supposed to come to the Dusk Forest to notify us. Demons cannot enter the upper part of the Temple, and I hear Oswald and Mildred will be stationed at the Temple that day, so we can assume measures have been taken against Familiar attacks. There should be no issues regarding the Clerics and Shrine Maidens’ Defense.

“Then perhaps it would be best to wait at the Temple from the day before. We will do our utmost to accommodate you.”

“That would be helpful.”

“On the day itself, we will send prayers from the Temple. Please leave the preparations against Miasma to us.”

So the entire Temple will be sending protective prayers. I’ll be fine originally, but it’s significant that everyone’s Defense against Miasma will no longer be a concern.

“Now, on that day, Marlene-sama—”

When the conversation turned to Marlene, she made a gesture of lightly tapping her chest with her palm.

“…Will you pray together?”

When I asked, Marlene nodded with a serious expression. Even though she’s treated as an apprentice, her ability as a Shrine Maiden is certain. However, she still has difficulties in close combat against Demons, so we plan to have her wait at the Temple that day.

“Understood. Then, Marlene-sama. On that day, let us pray together for everyone’s martial Luck and victory.”

Marlene and Penelope exchanged smiles. The two of them had an atmosphere somewhat like a mother and daughter getting along well. I heard Marlene’s mother was originally an apprentice Shrine Maiden, so I can understand Penelope having special feelings toward Marlene.

After sorting out other minor details—we finished the discussion with Penelope.

We headed to the Guild to sell our spoils. Then everyone started the journey home. As we headed toward the stables to board the carriage, I saw something white fluttering down before my eyes.

“—Snow, huh.”

I took out the muffler I received for my birthday from inside the carriage and wrapped it around my neck. When I smiled at the two of them, they returned somewhat bashful smiles.

It’s made of ordinary material and is precious, so I can’t wear it in the Labyrinth—but it’s warm and feels nice. I’ll likely be relying on it in the coming season.