"FIREBALL!"
A massive explosion sounded all over disturbing the formerly quite forest, accompanied by a blast and rumbles it made the birds flew off as the ground shook with it's force, and surfacing smokes from the explosion.
[Report: How was that, Master?]
There she goes again. Andrea, smug as she appears, asked with overflowing confidence. (Note: This guy likes Andrea's smug expression.)
"Umu. Not bad... I give you a passing grade based on your destructive power, targeting precision, heat, and unharmed trees and plants."
[As expected of me. I am quite confident you would say that!]
There she go, as smug as she is... I like that though.
"I know I said that, but..."
If you're wondering what all of this is about, it's my way of putting Andrea's magical abilities to the test while also dealing with the monsters. As the saying goes, "two birds with one stone." But I can't shake the feeling that something strange is going on here. What's causing this unease, I wonder?
[Question: Is there a problem, Master?]
I paused in my remarks to take a look at the monsters that lay dead in front of both of us. Today's surprise menu includes giant boars, demon birds, and a slew of goblins. Wait, are we getting a zoo vibe here? Except we have giants in our collection.
Giant Boars are similar to regular boars, but they are much larger and have long, sharp fangs. Demon birds are jet black birds that can use fire and ice magic. They stand two meters tall and have eyes that can see even in the darkest of nights. Goblins are those green, ugly creatures that appear in almost every RPG; they are a standard.
"No, I was just thinking... are this world's forests full of monsters or something? The spawn rate of VLF is pitiful in comparison to this number."
"I agree, My lord!"
"Whoa! That surprised me!"
I said this as he appeared out of nowhere with a whoosh in the shadow of a tree.
"Benjirou... You startled me."
This guy's a shadow as ever. Even I am having difficulty detecting his presence.
"Pardon my rudeness, My Lord, but I agree with your sentiment. Monsters have been acting strangely this time around. Normally, you wouldn't see goblins in a place with giant boars, but look at that number, even though demon birds are present, they are still here. It was as if they were living in the same environment."
"Yeah, I thought so, too. 'A certain monster in a certain territory.' This rule is heavily implemented in VLF to ensure a balance loot in farming...Hmmm."
As I unconsciously tilted my head, I placed my hand on my chin. This particular thing... I'm deliberating. But sooner, as I am not sure, I lifted my head and turned to Benjirou.
"Ah, forget it for now; Benjirou, how was it?"
"Yes, My Lord, I successfully discovered a road leading to the Magic Continents Capital. Based on my information, the Capital was approximately thirty kilometers away from this forest. We will meet the road around a hundred meters from here, and if we leap from here, thirty minutes will be the longest travel from air."
"Umu, that's a good calculation, but we can't travel by air; if people suspect us, our efforts to land in this forest will be for naught."
"It is exactly as you say, My Lord."
Before coming here, I had Andrea use her teleport magic to land in a place where no one could see our arrival. The forest had become our destination as a result of that decision. Surprising people is a bad idea. If we do so, we risk engaging in an unnecessary battle.
"Hmm, Andrea, what's the matter?"
I shifted my gaze as I noticed the unusual sight of a focused, silent Andrea. She had her eyes closed and when opened she looked around as if she was scanning the entire area. She then spoke shortly after.
[Notice: Master, there are people about a hundred and twenty meters away. Thirty-five people in total, according to my count. There are 32 adults and 3 people your age.]
"Hmm... There's a lot of them. Maybe an army?"
As I furrowed my brows, I asked a question.
But, on the other hand, an army of only that size makes no sense.
[Negative: They bear no resemblance to an army. Positions are being calculated: Fifteen people are hiding in the bush. The carriage has five people in it, and the other fifteen people are lined up alongside it. Guards, most likely.]
Andrea answered after shaking her head in disagreement. I had the same thought.
When I heard this, I turned to look at Benjirou.
"Benjirou, stay in my shadow; they're humans, and it'd be bad if they recognized you as a demon kin."
"As you please, My Lord!"
I shifted my gaze to Andrea as he vanished with a swish.
"Andrea, go full throttle! We're going to warn them!"
[{Affirmative! Activating: Full throttle ahead.]
"I'm getting a bad feeling about this!"
(With these words, Guren vanished, leaving nothing but the cold air from the force of his feet...)
This situation's stench of malice!
[I will not be left behind by my master! I'm sure I'll get your approval the next time I use magic...! }
Ahead to the battlefield?
Prepare to engage!
...To be continued...