Chapter 33 [ Insert Training the Subordinate Demons in Magic]
"Now that we've experienced the Silva Forest and Baron in combat, I've identified some points that could use improvement. I'd like to discuss that today."
Surveying the cave residents—those from the cave group and the crevasse group—I began.
"Both strategies... were reported to be successful, weren't they?"
"Yes, the strategies were incredibly successful. There's no doubt about that."
"Huh? Then, what did I do wrong, Master?"
"Please enlighten us, my lord. If there are shortcomings, we will rectify them."
Everyone started clamoring anxiously, so I spoke up.
"Calm down. This is not about blaming anyone; it's a discussion to make things better. Specifically, it's about the position from which you cast your magic."
As I said this, everyone seemed puzzled.
"Master, what do you mean by the position of casting magic?"
"Oh, Keen, your example is easy to understand. Where did you breathe out fire from?"
"Huh? Where... from my mouth..."
"That's it. Since you're creating fire with magic, there's no need to have it appear right in front of your own mouth, right?"
"Master, then where should it appear from?"
"From a distant position. If you straightforwardly release it in front of you, it's like revealing your own location. Even though you're hiding, it's not a good idea. For safety, it's best to unleash it without giving away our position."
"Launching it from near the opponent... makes it harder to dodge and doesn't reduce the power."
"Yes, that's one advantage, but above all, your safety is the priority. Anyway, first see if you can do that. Would you like to give it a try?"
Simply releasing a blob of elemental magic at a distant location is different from just having it appear at the tip of your finger or in front of your mouth. It requires a clear specification of the appearance location, crucial for understanding the distance from the target. Spatial awareness is key. When I explained this, everyone began practicing diligently.
Unlike the previous cave, which was a single path, this one had additional layers below. For security reasons, I modified the internal structure to require passage through the newly expanded layers to reach the mansion gate. Well, I can easily move through the dungeon with internal transference. The added layer is spacious enough, and there should be no danger even if they breathe fire a little...
"Don't get too carried away. Even inside the dungeon, releasing a huge fireball is dangerous."
"My lord... we seem to manage somehow."
"Huh? Highfa, huh? Give it a try. Others, stop practicing for now!"
Highfa said she would try using earth magic. Given that Highfa herself covers the cave's walls, it's hard to guess where she would launch it from. It was the right call to halt the others' practice. It could be confusing.
As I watched—or rather, not focusing on where—the magical presence, I felt the magic come into existence right in front of my eyes.
"Oh! Great job, Highfa! You did well!"
"I apologize... but since I cover the entire cave, I couldn't confirm... whether I hid the emission position or not."
"Hmm. However, I felt the magical presence right in front of me... Can you really confirm the position just by the magical presence?"
"Roughly in which direction... I can tell... if it's close... it might be difficult to discern."
"Yeah, that's a point. Anyone else wants to try?"
"Yes. Keen, here I go."
"All right. Just don't release too large a fireball."
With that caution, I watched as, this time, a fireball appeared in front of me. Keen—though spelled differently, it sounded like 'strong'—but was it just my imagination?
"My lord... the magical presence... seemed to come from right in front of you."
"Yes, I felt the same. But this is risky. Even with this size, it's more than enough for intimidation. Rapidly releasing it from the appearance position... ah, it's like a breath. Can you do that? ...Just don't appear right in front of me."
With that order, Keen, in response, directed a breath toward an empty direction.
"This is interesting."
"My lord, what does this mean? Wouldn't it be sufficient to directly release it in front of you?"
"No, it's unsettling. Imagine if a fireball appeared right in front of me; wouldn't it seem like a betrayal if it inadvertently hit another enemy?"
"Wow... my lord, you have a dark side."
It's okay. War is not a clean affair. Disrupting the enemy is a common tactic, right?
After some practice, my children learned a new magical technique. They all seem to have a pretty high spatial awareness. It's frustrating that, despite lecturing them so grandiosely, I still can't use projectile-type magic. Isn't it ironic?
"My lord, we are here to protect you."
"That's right, my lord. We'll protect you."
"Master, no one else can imitate your unique dungeon magic, right?"
"Yeah, that's like a cheat move. Isn't that the most formidable thing?"
Keen... it sounded like 'strong' again, didn't it? Or maybe it's just my imagination?