New chapter of World Teacher is out! (1/1 chapter)

 

 

Let’s Go on a Picnic (Making Money)

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The Jewel Turtle was a creature composed of rock and special minerals. To put it simply, it was a golem that moved with a disturbingly lifelike motion.

It was an extremely tough monster, but according to the records, its weak point lay beneath its belly, its heart. That area was nearly exposed and poorly defended, so in theory, one could defeat it even with a knife if the strike landed true. However, since the heart was beneath the creature, that meant the entire massive body had to be overturned first. Furthermore, the special minerals within it made it extremely heavy, weighing no less than four tons, about the equivalent of two trucks.

Even if one somehow managed to flip it over, the heart was small and difficult to see, while tentacles extending from its shell would lift its body and guard the weak spot. Those tentacles were the only soft parts of its body, but even if severed, they would regenerate immediately, making the effort endless.

I did not know how other adventurers fought it, but I believed that with my strategy, overturning it would be possible.

“Reus, focus solely on defense. Do not let any opening go unnoticed.” (Sirius)

“Got it, Aniki.” (Reus)

Someone at Lior’s level could probably cleave it in half with a single strike, but Reus was not there yet. Moreover, the sword he carried was a mass-produced iron one. Striking a monster that hard would surely break it. That was why I wanted him to concentrate only on delivering a blow to its weak point.

“Emilia, cast magic while guiding its attention. First, we need to make it look at us.” (Sirius)

“Understood.” (Emilia)

Close combat had to be avoided as much as possible. We would begin by maintaining a distance outside the reach of its tentacles and attacking from afar. The key was to keep the creature’s attention fixed on us, preventing it from noticing my attendants, and to lure it to a designated spot.

“Face shot, middle power.” (Sirius)

“Yes! [Air Shot].” (Emilia)

The magic Emilia used was a spell that compressed air into a volleyball-sized sphere and launched it. When used at full strength, it could shatter rock, but this time I asked her to restrain its power. The Jewel Turtle’s body was surely harder than stone, and this was merely to draw its attention.
The ball of wind struck the monster’s face with a loud pop, and its inorganic eyes turned toward us.

“Next, sever one tentacle!” (Sirius)

“[Air Slash]!” (Emilia)

The released blade of wind sliced through a tentacle, which fell to the ground while scattering bodily fluids from its severed end. I had planned to shoot it myself using gun-type magic if necessary, but Emilia’s spell was evidently strong enough to cut through it. Whether it felt pain was unknown, but it let out a wordless roar, apparently recognizing us as enemies.

As we braced ourselves for its next move, the creature suddenly extended its neck, bit into the ground before it, and began crushing soil in its mouth.

“A long-range attack!? Everyone, move away from Erina’s line of fire!” (Sirius)

We ran in the opposite direction from Erina’s group and took up positions at a diagonal. At that moment, the monster’s mouth opened wide, and a massive clump of earth was fired. That was no ordinary soil, for it had been compacted into a solid shell by its powerful jaws. It was more akin to a cannonball than dirt. I decided to name it an earth shell.

“Jump!” (Sirius)

At my signal, everyone activated ‘Boost’ and leapt into the air. The earth shell roared past beneath us, and when we landed, the sight behind was devastating. Trees had been felled in a straight line. That kind of attack could not be defended against.

“A-amazing! Someday I want to slice one of those!” (Reus)

“What nonsense are you saying? Sirius-sama, what shall we do?” (Emilia)

“The plan remains the same. I will move away for now, and you two must lure it toward me. Keep it at a distance just within the reach of its tentacles. If you move too far, it will launch that attack again. Understood?” (Sirius)

“Leave it to us!” (Emilia)

“I can do it! If Nee-chan’s wind can cut those tentacles, then so can I. I’ll prove it!” (Reus)

Encouraged by their confident words, I moved away from the monster and headed toward a sloped area. The incline was about twenty degrees, not ideal, but steep enough. If it were any sharper, the creature might not attempt to climb it, so this would do. Using ‘String’, I drew a circle on the ground and inscribed patterns upon it with a special liquid.

A magic circle was not something that could simply be drawn or carved at will. To function properly, it had to be created using a special liquid made by grinding mineral powder containing mana and mixing it with a filtered extract known as Moonlight Flower Water, derived from a flower called Moonlight Bloom. Furthermore, the patterns had to be drawn with delicate precision, making the process time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, for basic magic such as creating a small flame or a gentle breeze, the patterns were simple. The circle I was carving was one for an elementary-level earth magic.

In less than a minute, I completed the markings and poured mana into it. The circle activated, forming a hole about as wide as my outstretched arms. After adding some finishing touches, the preparation was complete.

Looking toward the two of them, I saw they were successfully luring the creature closer. Within only a few minutes, its tentacles had regenerated and attacked again, but they dodged or severed them while skillfully guiding the monster forward step by step.

“Good work! Once it gets a little closer, bring it right to me!” (Sirius)

“Yes!” (Emilia)

“Eh!? Wait, Nee-chan!” (Reus)

“What are you doing!” (Sirius)

Perhaps in her haste, Emilia came running toward me sooner than intended, and Reus followed after her, abandoning his position. That was bad, for at this range, the earth shell attack would come.

“You’re too early! Damn it, we won’t make it in time!” (Sirius)

“Eh… ah!” (Emilia)

By the time Emilia realized and turned around, the monster had already bitten into the ground, preparing to attack. If this area were destroyed, the plan would be ruined. I had to intercept it, risky or not.

“M-my apologies! It was my–…” (Emilia)

“I ran off too, it’s not just Nee-chan’s fault!” (Reus)

“Apologies can wait! I will attempt an interception, but be ready to dodge if it fails!” (Sirius)

“Y-yes!” (Emilia/Reus)

I silenced their guilt-driven protests and focused my palm toward the monster’s mouth. I had only a moment to aim, and the instant its jaws opened and the earth shell became visible, I released my spell.

“‘Launcher’!” (Sirius)

It was similar to ‘Magnum’, which fired a mana bullet, but differed in both the size of the projectile and its effect upon impact. A baseball-sized sphere struck the target, producing a powerful shockwave that blew away everything in a wide area upon contact. It functioned like a grenade launcher.

The ‘Launcher’ hit the earth shell just before it could fire and exploded. No matter how tightly the creature had bitten down, the material was still only compacted earth. The shockwave shattered it completely, leaving only fragments of dirt inside its mouth.

“As expected of you, Sirius-sama!” (Emilia)

“Aniki, that was awesome!” (Reus)

“It’s not over yet. Prepare for the next phase!” (Sirius)

The creature seemed pained by the blast within its mouth, roaring louder than before as it lumbered toward us. Good. That spared us the effort of luring it again. And then, the moment its massive body reached the hole, we moved.

“Now! Sever all the tentacles!” (Sirius)

At my command, Emilia unleashed a series of [Air Slash] spells, cutting down all six tentacles. Simultaneously, I leapt forward, wrapped ‘String’ around its neck, and vaulted to the opposite side. Then, I activated the trap within the pit I had prepared.

“Activate!” (Sirius)

I had set up an ‘Impact’ charged with my concentrated mana in standby mode within the hole. If left alone, it would eventually release a shock and explode, but since I had connected it with String, I could detonate it at will by focusing my intent through the thread. The best timing was now.

With my body tilted due to the upward slope, I imagined an anti-tank mine from my previous life, one capable of blowing apart an armored steel vehicle, and triggered ‘Impact’ directly beneath the creature’s neck. At the same time, I pulled backward with all my strength through ‘String’. The combination of the explosion and my pulling force caused the massive body to shake violently, and I succeeded in flipping it over backward.

A rumbling like an earthquake echoed through the ground, and at the moment the defenseless belly of the monster was exposed to daylight, Reus leaped forward.

“There!” (Reus)

A small distorted area on the otherwise flat belly was glowing red, and Reus drove his sword down into it with all his weight behind the strike. However, because the monster thrashed about as it tried to rise, the unstable footing restrained his strength, and the blade stopped halfway through. He tried to push it deeper, but all he could manage was to cling to the sword so he would not be thrown off by the shaking. Though he gritted his teeth and endured, at this rate the sword would soon snap, and if we delayed any longer, the tentacles would regenerate and the creature would rise again. I hated to steal his achievement, but it was time to finish this at once.

“Reus, get away from the sword!” (Sirius)

“But if I try a little harder, I can finish it!” (Reus)

“Do not be arrogant! Move aside!” (Sirius)

“What!?” (Reus)

Leaping high above the monster, I confirmed that Reus had retreated, then fired ‘Launcher’ directly at the monster’s face. The impact that struck its face caused it to freeze for an instant, and that instant was enough. I aimed at the sword’s hilt, which had stopped moving, and fired ‘Magnum’. The blast was so powerful that the hilt shattered completely, but the blade was driven fully into the monster’s body, making its entire frame shudder violently. Finally, it stretched its neck upward, released a guttural roar, and then fell still, completely motionless.

“Did we do it?” (Emilia)

“I do not know.” (Reus)

Emilia, exhausted and struggling against mana depletion, and Reus, breathing heavily through his shoulders, both stared up blankly at the monster. As I landed beside them, the two hurried over to me.

“Did we defeat the monster?” (Emilia)

“Aniki, we did it!” (Reus)

“Yes, it is defeated. But you two are standing here far too carelessly. If it had survived my attack and moved again, you would have been killed.” (Sirius)

By using ‘Search’, I could confirm it was truly dead, but there were creatures in this world that feigned death after halting their movement. Monsters like this likely existed as well. Given its massive size, it would not be strange if it reactivated due to sheer vitality. I wanted the two to learn how to determine for themselves whether an enemy was truly dead or if they still needed to stay alert.

“Emilia, do you not have something you wish to say?” (Sirius)

“Yes. I failed to obey Sirius-sama’s orders.” (Emilia)

“If you say that, then I was at fault too. I followed after Nee-chan, and in the end, I ignored Aniki’s order and got yelled at.” (Reus)

The siblings drooped their ears and tails, looking ready to cry. Unfortunately, that was not the point I intended to make.

“First of all, understand that I am not angry because you disobeyed orders. Do not mistake that.” (Sirius)

“But we… ” (Emilia)

“Yes, we could not follow your orders.” (Reus)

“Indeed, disobeying orders is wrong. However, being unable to act without them is also a problem. Let us review what I want you to reflect upon. Emilia, how did you hear my command?” (Sirius)

“I heard only the part where you told me to come to you, Sirius-sama.” (Emilia)

At that time, she must have caught only the latter half of my instruction when I said, come to me after luring it. My phrasing had been somewhat poor as well, so I would have to reflect on that myself.

“You knew that if you moved too far, the monster would launch its earth attack, correct? Did it not seem strange when I told you to move away?” (Sirius)

“I thought Sirius-sama had some plan in mind.” (Emilia)

“If that were the case, I would have told you clearly. Besides, I am not perfect. I want you to stop thinking that because it is me, everything will be fine even if my instructions seem questionable.” (Sirius)

This was the downside of her complete dependence on me. If I were to order her into a death zone where raging dragons soared, she might charge in joyfully. But I had no intention of creating soldiers who only followed orders without thought. I wanted them to think, judge, and survive on their own. Whether they chose to continue following me afterward would be up to them. It would be fine if they used me as a stepping stone to grow stronger and rise higher. Of course, I would not make it easy for them to step over me.

“I understand that what I am saying is difficult, but even if you cannot grasp it now, keep it somewhere in your mind. Therefore, Emilia’s point of reflection is a failure in judgment. You shall receive a light punishment, so close your eyes.” (Sirius)

“Yes!” (Emilia)

She squeezed her eyes shut and trembled, though she did not need to be that afraid. I gave her only a light tap on the head.

“Next is Reus. Following Emilia was forgivable, but after you drove the sword in, what were you doing?” (Sirius)

“I was trying to push the sword in deeper.” (Reus)

“That is right. But it was clear that all you could do was cling to the sword. Why attempt something impossible?” (Sirius)

“I thought I could do it.” (Reus)

“That is arrogance. You have become stronger, yes, but there are many who are far stronger than you. You already know that, do you not?” (Sirius)

Since he had been beaten countless times by me and Lior, he must have understood that well. He nodded repeatedly with vigor.

“Judge quickly what you can and cannot do. To put it simply, you must learn to distinguish between enemies you can cut and those you cannot yet cut.” (Sirius)

“Understood!” (Reus)

This is bad. Lior’s eccentricity might be rubbing off on him. Perhaps I should lessen his visits.

“When you determine that you cannot cut or defeat something, give up and ask for help. You are not fighting alone, are you?” (Sirius)

“I have Aniki and Nee-chan.” (Reus)

“Exactly. Do not think you can do everything alone. Fight together, survive together, and you will grow even stronger. Then, someday, defeat such foes on your own.” (Sirius)

“Yes!” (Reus)

“If you fail, reflect and apply it to the next time. You are still at an age when you can afford to fail, so do not fear mistakes. Keep challenging yourself.” (Sirius)

Just like with his sister, I ended his reprimand with a light tap on the head. Lectures were unpleasant for both sides, but such things were necessary. That was enough for now.

“Well, that is enough scolding. You both did well. You fought bravely against a monster that large without fear. Truly admirable.” (Sirius)

“Really?” (Emilia)

“Yes. Emilia, your magic that severed all the tentacles was splendid, and Reus, your timing when you leapt in after it flipped was perfect. You both have grown stronger.” (Sirius)

“Yay! Pat me, pat me!” (Reus)

As I patted them, the gloomy atmosphere vanished, and they wagged their tails happily. That was better.

“Sirius-sama!” (Noel)

Turning at the call, I saw Dee and Noel running toward us, carrying Erina on their backs. I waved to show that we were safe, and we started moving to rejoin our attendants.

“Are you safe?” (Dee)

Erina dismounted from Dee’s back and immediately embraced my shoulders to check for any injuries. The strength in her grip was unbelievable for someone supposedly unwell.

“I am unharmed. If anything, you two are the ones who might be hurt.” (Sirius)

“What!? If either of you are injured, show me at once!” (Erina)

“I-It’s all right. I’m only a little tired.” (Noel)

“Same here.” (Reus)

“I see. Thank goodness.” (Erina)

She let out a long breath of relief and sank to the ground. Noel and Dee also asked about my condition, and I felt guilty for worrying everyone so much.

“Still, seeing it up close, it really is enormous.” (Noel)

“Right? Oh, that reminds me, my sword!” (Reus)

As Noel murmured in awe while touching the lifeless shell of the Jewel Turtle, Reus suddenly remembered and ran toward the blade embedded in its belly. Ah, this is bad.

“Aaaaah! M-My sword…” (Reus)

I had forgotten that I shattered the hilt with magic earlier. The blade was buried deep inside its body, making recovery impossible. Reus returned with a sigh, clearly disheartened.

“Sorry, Dee-nii. The sword you gave me is ruined.” (Reus)

It was something Dee had bought for him during a trip to town. Reus had been overjoyed when he received it, so his disappointment was understandable. Dee gently patted his head.

“As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. I’ll buy you another one.” (Dee)

“Really!?” (Reus)

“Yes, I’ll find something even better. As for the money…” (Dee)

“Oh, right! We can use that gemstone from earlier!” (Reus)

Their eyes turned toward the Jewel Turtle and froze. I understood why. I only realized it myself just now. The large gemstone from before had been attached to the top of its shell, and since the creature was now flipped over dead, it was obvious what had happened to the top of the shell.

“Sirius-sama! The gemstone is crushed!” (Reus)

“Calm down. I’ll turn it back over now. Just watch.” (Sirius)

There was no heavy machinery like a crane here, but I had Impact, a spell that released explosive force. When the creature was alive, I had to be careful with how I used it, but now it was just an immobile object. With proper control, this would be simple.

I placed several ‘Impact ‘charges along the Jewel Turtle’s body, intending to flip it with synchronized detonation. While preparing, I asked Dee how other adventurers usually defeated a Jewel Turtle. Apparently, they would repeatedly attack until its defenses broke down. Many ended up shattering the gemstone in their zeal. Naturally, no one had ever defeated one the way I did. I would certainly like to meet such a person if they existed.

Once I finished my setup, I told everyone to stand back and triggered the Impact. A rapid series of blasts echoed like fireworks, and the shockwaves rolled through the ground. The Jewel Turtle’s massive body trembled, then finally flipped back to its original position with a thunderous rumble.

“Wow, even now, I can’t believe how you do these things. Sirius-sama, you’re as incredible as ever.” (Noel)

“Yeah! You’re amazing, Aniki!” (Reus)

“Fwaaah…” (Emilia)

Emilia could only gaze at me with shining eyes full of admiration. I thought to myself that she should not fall for me now, but perhaps it was already too late for that.

Climbing the rugged shell, I brushed away the dirt at the top, revealing a golden gemstone. It was completely intact, exactly as it had appeared before. It took some effort, but at last, we had our prize. Strengthening my body, I tore it free along with the surrounding rock and leapt down.

“Here.” (Sirius)

“Leave it to me.” (Dee)

I handed the gemstone to Dee for appraisal. He was not a professional, but after traveling widely, he had developed an eye for valuables. After a few minutes of tapping and examining it under the sunlight, he returned the gem, sweat on his brow.

“I’m no expert, but this should be quite valuable. Worth at least several dozen gold coins.” (Dee)

“““Several dozen gold coins!?””” (Emilia/Noel/Reus)

The beastkin shouted in unison. I could not blame them. Even 10 gold coins would be roughly equivalent to a million yen. To earn that much from less than an hour’s battle was an impressive profit, assuming one had the strength to achieve it.

“That’s amazing! With this, we can buy an even bigger, heavier sword, right?” (Reus)

“Now, now, Reus. The use of the money is for Sirius-sama to decide. Don’t be selfish.” (Emilia)

“Aww, my sword…” (Reus)

Reus drooped under Emilia’s gentle rebuke. I felt sorry for him. We would get him another one later.

“I have already decided how to use it. Emilia, Reus, the money from selling this gemstone will be used for your school entrance fees.” (Sirius)

“Eh, entrance fees?” (Emilia)

“Does that mean we can go to school too?” (Reus)

I had already explained to them that I would be attending school after leaving home. At first, I had intended to entrust them to our servants, but they insisted on coming with me. They even said, tearfully, that they wanted to live and work near the school just to stay close. Beastkin faced much discrimination, so I had worried for them. But then I thought that it might be better to have them enroll as well. This gemstone conveniently solved the biggest obstacle, which was tuition.

The two of them stood frozen, unable to believe it. Erina smiled warmly at them. She was the most trustworthy voice they could hear.

“Yes, it’s true. Sirius-sama and I discussed this long ago.” (Erina)

“With Sirius-sama at school.” (Emilia)

“It’s really okay? I can go too?” (Reus)

“You two fought alongside Sirius-sama to defeat the monster and earned this money. Since he has granted permission, there is no issue. Hold your heads high and go to school.” (Erina)

“We did it!” (Emilia, Reus)

At last, the realization sank in. The two embraced and jumped for joy.

“You did it, both of you. I’m so happy for you!” (Noel)

Noel joined in, and the three rolled around on the ground together like playful pets. Watching them was heartwarming.

After observing for a while, I approached the Jewel Turtle to examine it further, when Dee came to my side and whispered quietly. The beastkin were still celebrating in the distance, and it was clear he did not want them to hear.

“I apologize for dampening the mood, but something of this value cannot be exchanged in a small town. Moreover, it could attract trouble.” (Dee)

In this world, the exchange of money was done by handing over cash directly. Methods such as accounts or bank transfers, which provided no tangible proof, were virtually nonexistent. Therefore, if we sold this, we would receive several dozen gold coins on the spot. However, not every store would be willing to purchase it. This was, after all, an object that could be considered a small fortune, and anyone who bought it would inevitably draw the attention of thieves and those from the underworld. To avoid being robbed, they would need to protect it carefully. A large store would have adequate security, but a small one would not, which made selling it difficult.

Another problem was that we ourselves might be attacked. Carrying several dozen gold coins would almost certainly make us targets for foolish opportunists. In a town where no one knew us, we would likely be safe as long as our wealth remained hidden. However, in the town where we sold the gem, our identities would inevitably be exposed. Rumors would spread that a magnificent gemstone had appeared, people would ask which shop it came from and who sold it. Eventually, they would trace it back to us and realize we were carrying a fortune. In the worst case, they might even follow us home and break in.

Although we had obtained it, mishandling the matter could easily turn it into the source of real trouble.

“We shall think through the details in due time. If necessary, we might even use this as payment for the school.” (Sirius)

“I see. Then, it would be best for you to manage it, Sirius-sama.” (Dee)

“That would be for the best. By the way, Dee, is this the only gemstone from the Jewel Turtle?” (Sirius)

“You have noticed, I see. Please take a look at this.” (Dee)

When Dee brushed away the dirt with his hand, a rocky surface that must have been the Jewel Turtle’s skin emerged. Upon closer inspection, it reflected countless glimmers of light, with some parts shining red and others blue.

Could it be that all of these are gemstones?

“All of these colored stones are gemstones?” (Sirius)

“Exactly so.” (Dee)

That was astonishing. No wonder people called this creature a shortcut to great fortune. Judging from the colors, there seemed to be rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and many other varieties as well. However, most of them were small and unrefined, and in their raw state, they would not fetch much money.

“It seems this one was a young specimen. The rocky layer has not matured enough.” (Dee)

“That is unfortunate. Still, if we look carefully, we might find something larger. What about this one?” (Sirius)

From a slightly elevated spot, I discovered a sapphire roughly the size of my little finger. It looked suitable for an ornament and could probably sell for a modest sum.

“This one seems promising. I shall try selling it.” (Dee)

“That’s right! Dee, why not have it crafted into a wedding ring for Noel?” (Sirius)

“What?” (Dee)

Dee stared at me with a rare expression of pure confusion.

“There should be a few more like this. We can sell them and use the proceeds to pay for the crafting fee. You have been burdened with much work lately, Dee, so it is only fair that you receive some benefit.” (Sirius)

“Um.” (Dee)

“Noel is pure-hearted, so blue would suit her well. Her red hair and a blue ring would contrast nicely, don’t you think?” (Sirius)

“Yes, that would… No, please stop joking like that!” (Dee)

“Joking, was it?” (Sirius)

Dee rarely got angry, but my serious expression left him speechless. After a moment of silence, I handed him the raw sapphire.

“I leave the rest to you.” (Sirius)

“Thank you.” (Dee)

He hesitated briefly, then tucked it into his pocket. Watching him do so, I smiled inwardly, pleased with how well the plan was proceeding.

After that, we gathered everyone and carefully searched the Jewel Turtle’s remains. We managed to collect several small but potentially valuable raw stones. They were small enough that even a modest town could handle the trade without issue.

What had started as a simple picnic for making memories had turned into something entirely unexpected. Still, since we had secured the entrance fees for my two disciples, it became a meaningful outing after all. Carrying Erina on my back, we walked home in contentment.

 

—

 

Only one year remained, yet everything was progressing smoothly for us. However, the world is never so kind. Our final trial was already drawing near.

Half a year later, the event we had most feared finally came to pass. Erina collapsed once again.

 

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