New chapter of Control Engineer is out! (1/2 chapters)

 

 

Hunting Magic Beasts in the Southeast Forest (2)

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Following the two Superior-level veterans, Harcon and Griffith, I departed the guild’s northwestern outpost.

“Do not worry, only magic beasts slightly stronger than Almirage appear around here.” (Harcon)

“Well, even if one appears, this Harcon-sama shall defeat it. Ahahaha.” (Griffith)

That was reassuring.

Harcon, who had spoken, carried a sword, Saber, or perhaps an enormous blade I had never seen before. He had drawn it from his magical apparatus as we left the outpost. Its blade length was approximately 120 cm. I could probably lift it but swinging it without activating body enhancement magic art would be impossible. Harcon, however, was muscular and powerful.

Griffith, the other, had a short sword at his waist and carried a bow on his back. It was unclear which weapon he primarily used, though he was likely an archer. He was larger than I, yet his movements were disciplined and trained, as one would expect from a Superior veteran.

“This way.” (Harcon)

We walked southeast for a while and then the terrain began to ascend. The once firm path softened and trees gradually enclosed us on both sides.

“What kinds of magic beasts appear around here?” (Leon)

“Well, mostly Ash Boar and occasionally a one-horned goat, Monoceros.” (Harcon)

“I see.” (Leon)

The Ash Boar was the one they had submitted for assessment at the guild the other day. The one-horned goat had been defeated near Emilia.

“Which part of the Ash Boar fetches the highest price? Aside from magic crystals.” (Leon)

“The tusks.” (Harcon)

“And the meat. It is considered high-grade food.” (Griffith)

“Interesting.” (Leon)

“Ah, may I ask something?” (Griffith)

“What is it?” (Leon)

“Your way of speaking. Do not misunderstand, it is not that you should show respect to us.” (Griffith)

I nodded slightly.

“Leon. You do not usually speak like that, correct?” (Griffith)

“Mmm.” (Leon)

“Did someone tell you to deliberately speak harshly so that adventurers would not underestimate you?” (Griffith)

Perhaps my tone had been awkward.

“I see. I did not notice.” (Harcon)

“That is it. I have no intention of changing.” (Leon)

“Well, if you are fine with it, I do not mind.” (Griffith)

“This is ordinary among adventurers.” (Leon)

I suppose I would get used to this tone eventually. I also wanted to ask about that matter.

“I have a question as well.” (Leon)

“What is it? Ask anything about me.” (Harcon)

“Ha. Harcon is, you will understand eventually, a good person. I joined with him, after all. He just is a little slow in thought.” (Griffith)

“Mm-mm. Hey! Griffith!” (Harcon)

“So, what is your question?” (Griffith)

“It concerns Herman of the guild. Almost all adventurers seem to trust him, correct?” (Leon)

These two also said he never lies.

“Herman, yes.” (Griffith)

“Being in charge of guild acquisitions is a profession built entirely on trust. Without it, adventurers would have to watch the disassembly process themselves.” (Harcon)

Indeed. Even if high-value magic crystals appeared, adventurers might consider them inconsequential, and the guild could profit from the difference.

“Furthermore, Herman is special.” (Harcon)

Harcon nodded with confidence, clearly trusting him greatly.

“Herman was originally an adventurer. He was among the top Superior-level adventurers in the royal capital about seven years ago.” (Harcon)

“I see.” (Leon)

“To rescue a caravan surrounded by Orc Mages, he endured their magic.” (Harcon)

“Eh!” (Leon)

“And successfully protected all 12. Although he received treatment, he was left with impairments.” (Harcon)

“You would not notice.” (Leon)

I wondered what impairments there could be.

“By the time he retired from adventuring, he had partially recovered, yet he had already fully retired and became a guild staff member.” (Harcon)

“I see.” (Leon)

“Therefore, it does not concern us, but do not oppose Herman.” (Harcon)

“Understood. Even if he laughs it off, others around him are formidable.” (Leon)

He has subordinates. In any case, opposing him would be meaningless.

“Huh!” (Leon)

“What is it, Leon?” (Harcon)

“Stop, Harcon.” (Leon)

“Huh? Oh! Prey?” (Harcon)

Griffith noticed as well, and Harcon followed.

Obscured by trees, it was difficult to see, but there were three.

“May I defeat them?” (Leon)

“Ha?” (Harcon)

“Go ahead.” (Harcon)

≪Icicle Ice Spike v0.3≫ ×3

 

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(POV switch – Griffith)

Leon. A cheeky youth. I did not ask his age, but he was probably seventeen or eighteen.

When I first met him at the guild not long ago, I was told he was male. Impossible! I thought, as he resembled a refined young lady.

Today, by coincidence, we met again at the southern forest guild outpost. According to Joseph, this was Leon’s first visit here, alone.

I thought him reckless, yet I was asked to accompany him. As a guild, this was a reasonable measure. Harcon was enthusiastic. He had been told to keep an eye on Leon by Herman, whom he respected. Such a request from Herman indicated that Leon was competent. Moreover, his presence exuded the aura of a magic flux-rich magician. Leon himself had requested our company. With the saber jaguar active, I had no objections.

We left the path. From here, the hunting ground begins. Naturally, danger would increase. I wondered if the boy understood this. His caution had clearly risen.

After about ten minutes, two distant presences were sensed. He stopped.

“What is it, Leon?” (Harcon)

“Stop, Harcon.” (Leon)

“Huh? Oh! Prey?” (Harcon)

He lowered his voice. The magic beasts were hiding behind the trees.

“May I defeat them?” (Leon)

“Ha?” (Harcon)

“Go ahead.” (Griffith)

I watched him. Yet it was unnecessary. In an instant, the magic pressure intensified and vanished almost immediately.

*Basa*

The sound of dry leaves fell.

“Huh!” (Griffith)

Before the sound, sunlight seemed to reflect.

He was said to have the potential of a magician.

“Harcon!” (Griffith)

My companion ran toward the sound. His intuition was exceptional.

I approached the source of another flash to the right, about twenty meters. An Ash Boar lay on the ground, lifeless. Though killed with magic art, no obvious wounds were apparent.

“A single strike to the head?” (Harcon)

“Head? Whoa.” (Leon)

When I twisted the magic beast’s head, a finger-sized hole appeared just above its eye. The others were similar.

How had he aimed? He had shown no indication, and there had been no time. This is extraordinary.

“Hey! Leon. Where are you going? Over there too.” (Harcon)

Leon slipped past Harcon and stopped slightly south.

No other magic beasts appeared, so I followed. He turned over the fallen Ash Boar and nodded in satisfaction.

Unbelievable. Each of the three has a hole in its forehead. I consider myself a skilled archer, yet the precision is astonishing. Is such accuracy necessary? These Ash Boars remain still to avoid detection. Even so…

“Three at once? Incredible, Leon.” (Harcon)

“No, that is not the impressive part, Harcon.” (Griffith)

“Huh?” (Harcon)

“How did you aim? That Ash Boar was clearly behind that tree from where we stood.” (Griffith)

“I did not aim.” (Leon)

 

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