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Handling of Magic

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Three days later, the Kobolds who had accompanied as guards returned. I thought it was quite early, so I asked them what happened. It seemed that they had hidden the horses in a small cave. They had prepared food and the entrance was blocked halfway with ice. There was no need to do such a thing; most of the monsters around here are already in everyone’s stomach. No, they might already be in the Slime’s stomach. With that, one of the two horses was taken by Ifrina, and the other one was left here with me.

…It’s a good opportunity, so maybe I should practice horseback riding. That way, travel outside might be easier.

Thoughts came at the right time. I was about to start, but I needed a teacher. When I asked where Selmina was, I was told she was currently participating in training with the Lizardmen. It was probably the training against magic users that Alice had mentioned. I’ll go under the pretense of an inspection.

When I arrived at the Lizardmen’s training grounds with the horses in tow, the Lizardmen, who were in the middle of training, looked at the horses as though they were food.

If they try to eat me, their teeth will break!

But then I realized it was different. It seemed they misunderstood and thought the horses had been brought as food.

Now that I think about it, when I wiped out the knight’s order, we not only ate the people but also the horses.

I quickly explained that the horses weren’t for food but for horseback riding. They should refrain from doing anything if I said so.

“Where is Selmina?” (Nobunaga)

“Yes, what is it, Your Majesty Maou?” (Selmina)

She was sitting at the edge, so I hadn’t noticed her. It seemed the training against magic users wasn’t starting yet, and she was waiting. Looking at the Lizardmen, they were practicing their swings, it seemed to be like a warm-up exercise.

“I came to see how things are going. I don’t know what kind of training is being done, but if anything goes wrong, let me know.” (Nobunaga)

“The only thing is, my spirit is getting broken. I thought I was good with my arms, but… Also, thank you for letting me use the bath and wash my clothes.” (Selmina)

Getting her spirit broken, huh, I wonder what kind of training they’re doing. I’ll observe later, as long as fire doesn’t fly in my direction.

“Don’t worry about it. There are circumstances on my side as well.” (Nobunaga)

Currently, Selmina’s attire wasn’t the humiliating wetsuit-like thing that Ran made with 80% ill intent and 20% laziness. Instead, she wore a robe that completely covered her body from head to toe and was holding a staff, looking quite the part of a magician. Though I returned the staff for training, I had no intention of returning the robe. Though it looks like cloth, it was said to slightly mitigate physical shock when magic is channeled through it.

Such a rare item, I would like to keep it around if possible.

After the discussion about the execution methods ended, and after playing around in my private room, I went to see Vi and explained the situation, saying that I might be doing raw food. Upon hearing “raw food,” Selmina gave a somewhat happy sound, and then… At that moment, Vi suddenly tried to attack Selmina. Later, I heard that Selmina hadn’t bathed for days at that point.

At that time, I used “Gravity” to crush Vi and instructed Alice, who was nearby, to take Selmina to the bath, and somehow things worked out. However, even with “Gravity,” I couldn’t completely seal off the liquid, and the moment I let my guard down, she ran off toward the bath. But since Alice quickly washed Selmina, who had directly experienced raw food, Vi’s violent behavior was stopped, and in exchange, the wetsuit, which had been stained, became the victim.

If that hadn’t happened, I could have done various tests. By the way, Ifrina’s robe was said to be resistant to fire and heat. If she created a vortex of flames nearby, she would definitely burn herself someday. However, it only slightly mitigated it. Also, even if I wanted to experiment, it would be a waste if it burned, and only Ran could use fire magic. She could only make fire come from her fingertips. I wanted to exchange, but she refused. Certainly, if I could summon water, heat insulation would be easy.

“Where is Alice? I can’t find her. Did you go somewhere else with Rin and Ena?” (Nobunaga)

“They went to do special training with the Lizard Commander, right? They’re staying away for that.” (Selmina)

Special training? Since they are named individuals, they are probably staying away to teach only those who have surpassed the wall, or whatever it’s called. But what are they doing?

“Most likely, she is teaching physical ability enhancement. There’s a huge difference between whether you can use it or not, and whether you can master it.” (Selmina)

Come to think of it, when I fought Alice, she said something like that when she endured with gravity increased ten times. For the fact that only two Lizardmen can teach it, it must be difficult to master.

“I can’t use it, so I don’t know, but I’ve heard that physical ability enhancement is a matter of practice. I think it would be good to ask Alice-san for more details, but I believe even adventurers weaker than the Lizardmen here were able to use it.” (Selmina)

Hmm? I don’t quite understand. Even if they haven’t surpassed the wall, can some people use it? It might be faster to ask Alice.

“Where is Alice?” (Nobunaga)

“She’s on that side. I’m acting as a lookout so that the Lizardmen don’t peek, so I can’t guide you.” (Selmina)

…I’m curious, but it’s not like I have to go see her. Besides, if I leave it to Alice, there shouldn’t be any problem with the training.

“I don’t want to interrupt. Rather, I was thinking about how to ride a horse…” (Nobunaga)

“Ah, Maou, what are you doing?” (Alice)

Having finished their special training, Alice appeared. Behind her were Rin and Ena, both panting heavily.

But Alice, can’t you see? I’m riding a walking horse’s back. I didn’t have much trouble with horseback riding. That’s because I mostly left everything to Selmina and the horse, and was just riding along. Running on horseback? That’s impossible.

“Alice-san, is the training over?” (Selmina)

“Ah, it’s done. Well then, it’s about time we start real anti-magic user training for these guys. Selmina, get ready!” (Alice)

With that one line, Selmina drew her staff and pointed it at Alice, who stepped back slightly and drew her sword, facing her. The Lizardmen sat around them, watching with serious expressions. What was about to happen was Alice’s method of dealing with magic. During horseback riding training, I had been asking Selmina what kind of training she had been doing.

At first, they were just seeing what magic Selmina could use. Whenever she used any magic, the Lizardmen were surprised and excited by the new magic they had never seen. Seeing that, Selmina felt a sense of superiority, but soon, her lifted nose was completely shattered. Alice gathered the Lizardmen and casually explained the methods of dealing with magic, then easily demonstrated them.

She would either hit the magic head-on with a weapon to cancel it out, dodge just before it hit, or throw something at the opponent to easily avoid it, and so on. She demonstrated a variety of methods with ease, and in the final demonstration, when she countered a flying slash, the slash didn’t cancel out the magic but instead pierced through it, barely missing being cut. Having her magic easily countered and trying to retaliate, she actually ended up losing to Alice’s counterattack. That must have broken her spirit.

“Listen, I will only show the demonstration once! When a magic attack is flying toward you, don’t try to cut it, but hit it with the flat of your sword with the intention of smashing it! You might be able to cut it, but you guys are not ready yet. Selmina, do it!” (Alice)

Actually doing it was the greatest training. Alice showed how to easily knock away the water ball Selmina launched. It came at a pretty high speed, but to Alice, it didn’t seem like much of a threat. After that, she had the Lizardmen line up and take turns facing the water ball.

Rin, Ena, and most of the Lizard Commander’s group were able to successfully knock the water balls away, but the Lizardmen were purely overpowered by the water ball and were knocked back, some tried to slash it with their blades instead of hitting it with the flat, resulting in them getting their faces wet, and others missed the water ball completely. It was quite a funny result to watch. But next to them, Alice had a fierce expression like a demon.

“Alice, your face is scary.” (Nobunaga)

“I don’t want to hear that from you. Maou, this training is relatively easy. What’s needed is just courage. With the muscle strength of the Lizardmen, if they strike with full force, they won’t lose. Whether it’s tension or fear, I don’t know, but if that causes them to not use their full strength, or if they mess up, or if they close their eyes, then they still have a long way to go. The ones who failed seem to need more training.” (Alice)

For this cute and pretty face to say something like that. However, I won’t complain. My face is already scary enough, but now it’s turning even scarier. So, I’ll run away. Before I get caught in the crossfire. I’ll use the excuse of delivering the Wari fruit to Selmina. After all, I can’t train if my mana runs out.

 

—

 

“Selmina, here’s a snack.” (Nobunaga)

“Your Majesty Maou, thank you for the ‘Water Ball.’ Ah, Wari fruit.” (Selmina)

While thanking me, Selmina didn’t slack off on her training. I wished that the one with the demon-like face could learn from her. Perhaps because the Wari fruit was rare, she stared at it for a moment before biting into it. It must have been really delicious, as her cheeks loosened. Then, the water ball that was launched… unfortunately. One of the Lizardmen had to face more training. After that, I gave them Wari fruit several times, and everyone had a turn facing the water ball. But the training wasn’t over.

“Those who failed will run around the dungeon. Only the first place may leave. Go.” (Alice)

The failed Lizardmen immediately stood up and dashed off.

“Isn’t that harsh?” (Nobunaga)

“What are you saying? Magic is more dangerous than arrows or swords. It was lucky that Selmina was a magic user who was good with water, but if it was fire, they would end up a fireball if they failed, if it was wind, they wouldn’t be able to see, and with earth, even trying to deflect it with a sword would end up breaking the sword. If it hit their body, they’d break it. If they freeze up with water, then they can’t deal with magic at all.” (Alice)

That was an unnecessary comment. Alice has been dealing with magic using just her sword. I can’t say anything since I endure with my body changed.

“Those who succeeded will be taught how to deal with magic other than those flying toward them. Though mostly, it’ll just be dodging. Selmina, are you ready?” (Alice)

“I-I’m fine, but… are you sure it’s really okay? Geyser or Niflheim are dangerous, so it might be better for you, Maou-sama, who can endure.” (Selmina)

“No problem.” (Alice)

Alice instantly denied it without a hint of hesitation. That was probably her absolute confidence in being able to dodge magic. But conversely, it also meant that she was confident that Selmina’s level of magic wouldn’t cause any injury.

“I understand. Please don’t complain if I get hurt.” (Selmina)

Did she take that as a provocation? Unlike before when she was passive, Selmina now shows enthusiasm. Well, if it’s just an injury, she’ll be fine after one night.

“Before showing an example, let me explain. Magic attacks can be classified into several types. One is the type of magic that flies from the caster toward the target, which is basic magic, and many types fall into this category. So, you must be able to deal with this.” (Alice)

At the right timing, Alice deflected the water ball flying toward her with her sword.

“Next is magic that targets near the subject or directly affects the subject. It has various uses, such as buffs for allies or status effects for enemies. This might be difficult for you guys, but the trick to dodging is to sense some kind of omen right before it’s activated. For example…” (Alice)

“Geyser.” (Selmina)

In an instant, Alice jumped back, and at the same time, water erupted like a geyser. It was probably the intermediate magic Geyser. The magic, which cooled her heated body and gave her a slight feeling of floating, was the kind of magic used in “Protective Combat Stance (Tungsten Body).” If it had been normal, it would have blown her up into the sky. But was there any omen? It seemed like it came almost at the same time as Selmina’s voice.

“There was a slight bulge just now. That was because water was created beneath. It would be good if you could avoid it by sensing such a small omen. It’s good to dodge by hearing the caster chant, but it’s not always audible. After all, there are people like Maou-sama who don’t chant.” (Alice)

I didn’t understand at all. The Lizardmen didn’t seem to understand either, as they tilted their heads. Only Rin nodded. Amazing, Rin. And Selmina was staring at Alice with a look of astonishment. She probably didn’t think she could avoid it. Ignoring Selmina’s expression, Alice moved on to the next topic.

“Now, magic that affects a wide area. If you encounter a mage who can use this magic, run away. In the dungeon, the only ones who can fight on equal terms or above with a mage who can use this magic are me or Maou-sama. I’ll teach you how to avoid it, but you probably won’t understand. Keep it in the back of your mind. Selmina, what are you doing! We’re starting.” (Alice)

With a shout, Alice forcibly snapped Selmina out of her daze, but I wondered if Alice realized how cruel that was. The next magic was probably Niflheim—the magic that had frozen me inside an iceberg. If I hadn’t been heated up in advance, or if Ifrina hadn’t fired a fireball for me, I would have had a hard time getting out. Selmina also said that was the most powerful magic among the ones she could use. With that much confidence, she must have been pretty sure.What if she easily dodges it?

“U-Um, Alice-san? It really might be better for you to switch with His Majesty Maou.” (Selmina)

“Annoying! It’s fine. Do it!” (Alice)

“I-I don’t know! Niflheim!” (Selmina)

…What a sight.

Selmina, who was utterly broken down and curled up in a ball.

Alice, who sensed something and leaped high to avoid being frozen, landed skillfully on top of the freshly made iceberg, and began talking as if nothing happened.

Probably, it’s just that she doesn’t want to get down, but it might look a bit showy to Selmina. Oh, well, she’s crying and collapsed, so it’s fine.

“As you can see, with magic that affects a wide area, if you judge by the omen, you can’t avoid it completely. If you hear the caster’s chant, there are times you can avoid it. That’s because, with large-scale magic, there’s a time lag between chanting and activation. The larger the scale, the greater the difference if the caster is far away. Similarly, it also requires a lot of mana, and that mana concentrates on the place where the magic will activate. If you can sense that mana, you can avoid it even without hearing it. Well, it’s probably still too difficult for you.” (Alice)

By the way, with magic like Geyser, which designates a target, it’s apparently impossible to sense the mana. Unless it’s large-scale magic, sensing the gathering of mana is said to be impossible even with training.

Hmm, if Alice’s words are correct, “Gravity” would fall into this category. I don’t need to chant, but when the range of “Gravity” is wide, it consumes a lot of mana. However, Alice couldn’t dodge it, right? Volt dodged it, but he said it was just instinct.

“Anyway, if you remember what I just said, it’ll be useful someday. However, just like with Maou’s skills, there are some things you don’t really understand, so don’t let your guard down. Invisible, inaudible, undetectable. I don’t know if anyone other than Maou can use such skills, but at least remember it.” (Alice)

It seems that “Gravity” falls into yet another special category. Now that I think about it, it was classified as an environment-related skill. I don’t really understand it.

While I was thinking about that, the Lizardmen, who had been listening up until now, were made to run again. The condition for finishing is to pass the failed group once, which was a tough condition. It would get a little easier as they complete each lap because the first place among the failed ones could leave, but still.

“…By the way, why did Maou-sama come here?” (Lizardman)

“I was just practicing horseback riding. …It seems impossible now, though.” (Nobunaga)

When I glanced at Selmina, it seemed like she had cried herself out, her eyes red, and was now asleep. I guess she won’t be doing anti-magic user training for a while.

“Is that so? I thought that maybe there had been a complaint from Ran to send Selmina over. But horseback riding, huh? It’s not like I can’t ride, but when the master took me around, it was always running. I hated seeing those who could ride as they passed me…” (Lizardman)

Did they overtake? Moreover, even if they were slightly delayed afterward, they were dragged along, and even with bad terrain, their speed didn’t change, and such terrifying pasts slipped out of their mouths, so I pretended not to hear.

“Did Ran want to improve her magic? …Hmm, should I send Selmina to Ran? I guess the anti-magic user training is basically finished.” (Nobunaga)

“It’s fine, no problem. The important things are over.” (Alice)

If I keep leaving Selmina with Alice, I feel like her spirit will be shattered into pieces. It’s not really a change of pace, but if she becomes a teacher for Ran, maybe her confidence will be revived a little.

“Then, when Selmina wakes up, tell her. She should go to Ran’s starting tomorrow.” (Nobunaga)

“I’ll let her know. By the way, I’ve been teaching Rin and Ena physical ability enhancement, but would it be okay to have you help? The tasks are simple, though…” (Alice)

From what I heard, it indeed seemed simple. It’s something that could be done while learning horseback riding from Selmina.

“Is it alright? Shouldn’t you watch when teaching them?” (Nobunaga)

“I’ve taught them the basics. After that, it’s just effort and hard work. It doesn’t really matter if I’m watching or not.” (Alice)

If she says that my presence would motivate them, I can’t refuse. Not that I had any intention of refusing.

After securing the help, Alice said she was going to kick the Lizardmen from last place onward during their running drills, then ran off.

I have no idea how anyone can endure being treated like a teacher by her.

Well, when I thought about heading back, the horse was munching on Selmina’s robe and chewing her bangs.

This is going to be a horrible situation when she wakes up, isn’t it?

Ignoring it, I removed the horse from Selmina, who showed no sign of waking up, and returned to the throne room.

A little while later, a woman who peered into the water’s surface to wash her face screamed, but it was not something that concerns me.

 

—

 

Andal Guild Interior

“Eh??! ‘So, Guildmaster, I wanted to talk—'” (Guild Member)

“Yes? This is the guild, right? Do you have a request?” (Guildmaster)

“I’ve received a request! I need to report to the Guildmaster!” (Guild Member)

“Yes, what’s the request? I’ll bring the order form, so please wait a moment.” (Guildmaster)

“I don’t know anymore! I’m going home!” (Guild Member)

 

—

 

Andal Inn

“?????-na ‘ZZZ'” (??)

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