--Liesha Raytheft was in a forest in the eastern part of the kingdom, in the territory of the Raytheft family.


　This forest, located in the depths of Raytheft's domain, is dimly lit even in the daytime, and has a darkness that cannot be explained simply by being dense.
　The vegetation in this area is different from the rest of the kingdom. Plants originating from the Cross Mountains, the backbone of the continent that stretches from the northeastern edge, grow here, and the leaves of the trees are not green, but purple or black, and the bark is gray like that of a dead tree.


　The trees are covered with vines that wrap around other trees, not only narrowing the distance between trees, but also blocking the sunlight.
　Because of this, it is quite dark even on a clear day, and when it is cloudy, it is almost like night.
　It's like a dark jungle.
　The puddle of water under your feet looks black even on a clear day because of the surrounding scenery.
　Everywhere is damp with the stinking water.
　The heat and humidity would make it impossible for a trained person to last more than a day.


　Risha walked along an unreliable trail that looked like a beastly path.
　It's been two hours since they left the camp. There is no path that looks like a path, and it has been a long time since she felt like a pioneer clearing the forest.
　She now wears a cloak over her light clothing to keep out the mud and sand, and boots that have been treated to prevent water from seeping into her feet.


　Behind her, two men followed her.
　One was a middle-aged man with stubble. He was tall and lanky. He was dressed in light clothing, including a leather breastplate, but his body seemed to be well trained, and his appearance showed that he was well toned. He has an aloof smile on his face and an oblique attitude.


　The other is a taciturn young man wearing a black cloak. A bandana is wrapped around his head, and his mouth is hidden from view by the deep cloak he wears. Unlike the middle-aged man, this one does not speak much. The only thing that Lisha can catch is the occasional sharp glint in his eyes.


　They are like Lisha's bodyguards.
　They are mercenaries under the command of her father Joshua.
　My father says they're both skilled and dependable.
　In fact, both of them behave well and are agile in their movements.
　They are resourceful and knowledgeable, and on the way from King's Landing, they often taught me stories about how to survive in such places.
　Even now, he is keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings and paying attention to Lisha.


　As we walked through the dense jungle, we eventually came to an open area.
　A vacant area with a black earth ground. There are no trees, but there are black puddles scattered around like pits.
　According to the map, I was almost at the place I wanted to go.


"Miss, there's a beast nearby.


　It was a middle-aged man with stubble who called out to me in such a warning manner.
　He casually tells me to be wary of my surroundings, that there might be a battle.


"You know that?

"Yes. The smell and the subtlety of the atmosphere make me think he's ....... When you get close, there's a slight animal smell, and if you listen carefully, you can hear it breathing hard, like a dog in front of its food, you know?

"Smell and sound, huh?" ......


　When I listened to his words and focused on my senses, I could indeed smell and feel what he was talking about.
　It's not that I don't like it, but it's not that I don't like it.
　And the breath of an undisciplined hound, like when you put food in front of it.


I can definitely feel it.

Do you?

It's amazing. It's amazing how much you can feel when you're not even close.

Yeah, well, that's my job. If you don't get good at this kind of thing, this job will kill you very quickly.


　While I was talking with the middle-aged man, the quiet young man moved.
　As I was talking with the middle-aged man, the taciturn young man made a move. He put his hand out in front of him as if to control my unintentional movement.


...... is approaching. Be careful.

"Hmm. So, Miss. How may I help you?

"If it's a battle, I'll fight.


　Before long, a beast appeared, rustling through the bushes. It was a beast that looked like a guard dog or a hound, but bigger. Its body hair was speckled with a strong, dirty tint.
　Their tongues were long and tapered, reminiscent of a fire's flames as they twitched and twitched in the darkness of the night.
　Several more of the same beasts popped up from other places, perhaps in packs.


"It's ...... Tribbleed.

"This is the...


　Tribrid.
　It is said that these are the family members of the fairy beasts that are spoken of in the annals of the spirits, and that they have gone wild.
　This is the first time I've seen one of these, although my father Joshua told me that they appear in the depths of Raytheft territory.


"Oh, sweetheart, these guys are safe. They're smart enough to know when they're outnumbered and will back off on their own.

"So what should we do?

"Right. Well, then, as the leader of this pack, I think it would be best if you, the young lady, show your strength so that even those beasts can see your strength at once.

I understand. Then you two, please step back.

Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

"............


　When Risha gave the order, they jumped back in a big way, one sounding fluent, the other silent. The two of them jumped back significantly.
　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find out more about it here.



"Let your great body become a body of fire and turn into a warrior. Hold your shield to your left and your sword to your right. The armor on your body is sky-scorching crimson. The four demons will be slain. Sanshou Rakumei. The Eightfold Formula. Bury yourselves in the truth. Then, O Taizu. King of the flames. You must worship my back.


　A huge pillar of fire rises behind Lisha. Immediately, it changes shape and immobilizes into a humanoid form. It was as if only the upper half of the flame giant had appeared behind her.
　The upper half of the flame giant surrounds Lisha with a huge body of fire and its arms, as if to protect her.
　The flame giant held a sword in its right hand and a shield in its left, just as the spell stated, and when Lisha swept her right arm away, the flame giant behind her swept its sword away as she moved.
　It looked like a two-man suit or a power suit type robot.
　The puddle of water, blackened by the heat of the flames, evaporated in an instant, and the intense pressure of the sword created a gust of wind that blew leaves and twigs away.


　But the tribespeople seemed to have succumbed to the heat of the flames and the pressure of the giants.
　Letting out a menacing roar, they slowly moved backward and eventually turned their backs and left the scene.


　With the immediate danger over, Lisha turned off the flame giant.
　Then a middle-aged man called out to her in an aloof tone.


Thank you for your hard work.

No, it's nothing to get tired of.

I'm sure it's not as bad as you think.

I'm sure, by the standards of the average mage, it's quite exhausting.


　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. The amount of magic power when using it exceeds a thousand figures, and just maintaining it always consumes magic power. In a world where the average amount of magic power is around 2,000, this is a spell that should not be used easily.


I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea. I've seen it before when I accompanied the master, but it's amazing. It's a magic that excels at both offense and defense. When the Master went on a rampage using this, those creepy flood tribesmen were blown to pieces and destroyed.

It's a spell said to have been created by the founder of Raytheft.

People used to make the most amazing magic. Well, the national mages are no slouches either.

Yes. I've heard that each and every one of them is quite skilled.

......, miss, it's time.

Yes, sir. Well, let's go on.


　The quiet young man urged Lisha and the others to go on.
　The goal is to get to a cave further into the depths.


　There's a reason why Lisha went to this place like this.


　It began with the words of his father Joshua.


"Risha. I know it's sudden, but I'm going to need you to go to House Raytheft's estate.


　In the reception room of Raytheft's mansion in King's Landing, Joshua Raytheft opened with these words.
　In front of him sat his father Joshua and his mother Celine, surrounded by butlers and two unfamiliar men.
　Celine gave Joshua a strange look, as if she didn't know what was going on.


What are you going to do to Risha?

I'm not sure. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

"Trials?

"It's still early, considering her age, but there have been cases of legitimate children at this age completing the trials. Above all, Lisha has talent. Even if she is a little younger, it will be possible.


　Joshua meditated and nodded solemnly, and Risha asked him.


"Father, what is the test?

"Well. As I said, you will now go to the territory of the House of Raytheft to the shrine in a cave deep in the forest.

A shrine?

Yes. The shrine contains a token that proves you have arrived there. You will exchange this tag for the token and come back here.


　When Joshua put the bill on the table, Celine gave him another strange look.


You. You're just going and coming back?　It seems like a pretty easy ordeal.

No, the forest is home to vicious beasts, and so is the cave with the shrine. It's not that simple.

"Isn't it too early for a wesen, ......, Lisha?

No, it's not. You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them. I'm sure you'll find that Risha is a much better mage than I was at the same time.

I'm not sure about that, but if you say so, then it must be so.

I'm not sure about that, but if you say so, then you must be right. Once you have the power, you want the opportunity to use it. Besides, if you don't know your own strength, you can't compare yourself with others. That won't help you improve in the future.

"Yes, sir. I understand.



"Besides, if you can do this, you will be recognized as the next head of the family by the branch families. It will be necessary for your future as the next head of the family.


　Joshua said, and handed Lisha a bill.
　Joshua said this and handed Lisha a bill. The bill he handed her was an ordinary bill. It is made of wood and is the size of an adult's palm. On its surface, there are words of prayer written in [arts glyphs].
　It is the ordeal of the Raytheft family to place it in a designated shrine.


　But why did my father suddenly say something like this?


The ...... father?　After all, my brother is the ...... one.


　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it.


　--I'm sorry.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I'm sure it's a good idea.


"...... Yes. I don't know what kind of luck you had, but I heard you were awarded a medal. Maybe some people will find out and make a fuss about it. That's part of the reason I'm accelerating the trials. And don't call him brother.

"............ Yes. I'm sorry.


　I guess my father is concerned about the fact that he was awarded the Silver Cross.
　I'm sure my father is concerned about the fact that he was awarded the Silver Cross.


I will also provide an escort for the journey.

An escort?

Yes. You are allowed to have an escort for this test. That's standard for mages.

And who are these guards?

I'm sure you've already noticed these two behind me.


　When Joshua said this, the two unfamiliar men standing behind him bowed.


"On the right is Ralph. On the left is Shouga. They're both very skilled and attentive.


　Joshua's tone was softer than before.

　After a brief introduction of the two men, they step forward.
　A middle-aged man with stubble and a young man with a black cloak over his mouth.


"It's a pleasure to meet you, young lady. My name is Ralph. Please make my acquaintance.

My name is Shauga, .......


　Ralph gave Lisha a friendly smile, while Shouga, perhaps of a more reserved nature, simply stated his name and fell silent again.


Ralph is a little too friendly, but I think he's trying to make me feel better. Well, you can give him a kick in the butt if he's misbehaving in any way. It might even make him happy.

"Yes, sir. ......

What? I've always told you, if you don't want to be called that, change your attitude.


　In the event that you're in a position to do this, you'll be able to do so with the help of your own personal computer. He immediately said, "Excuse me ......," and his expression returned to normal.


"As for Shauga,......, yes. Think of him as a shadow or air. The key to getting along with him is to not pay attention to him. That's what he wants.


　Joshua explained, and Shouga nodded his head.
　But...


"Are you sure about that?

The comfort level is different for everyone. It is the duty of those who are in charge to provide a comfortable environment for work. It should never be imposed by those in charge.

Yes, sir.

As the next head of the family, you will also learn how to use and interact with others.


　Joshua said, staring into his eyes and then opening his mouth.


"Risha, you must go deep into the cave and get the proof. Do you understand?

Yes!　Yes, sir!

Good answer.


　...... That's how Lisha ended up going to the Raytheft estate.


　In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find out more about it here. After meeting with the governor of the territory, we were to face the trials.


　Along the way, I found out that Ralph and Shouga were so-called "adventurers.
　Adventurers are special mercenaries in Sapphireburg, a neighboring country of the kingdom. Like mages, they organize guilds, and under their control, they accept various requests from a wide range of people, regardless of whether they are nobles, merchants, or commoners.
　Sometimes they are sent to explore and cultivate lands where demons appear, and sometimes they dive into ancient ruins to clean up demons.
　Both Ralph and Shouga were experienced adventurers, and both had the air of veterans.


　When Risha entered the cave, she asked them.


In the parlor, you were talking to your father in a friendly manner. Have you known him for a long time?

Yes, we Raytheft masters have been doing a lot of work for him.

We've been invited to the ...... war several times. I've been invited to a few games.


　This means that these two men are people that my father trusts a lot.
　It is customary for the attendants to be close to my father. It is customary for the attendants to be those who are close to the father, such as his attendants or family members, and who will never betray him. The fact that they were assigned as attendants over such people indicated that they were good at their jobs and that their father trusted them well.




I didn't think you'd be able to follow me this far.

Is that so?

Yeah. I thought you two would accompany me to the forest on the way, and I would go into the cave alone.

It's a basic rule for mages to have a vanguard. I think that's why they decided to do it this time.


　This is not to say that my father was overprotective.
　It is true that the basic formation of a mage is to have a vanguard. The mage casts a spell while the vanguard is supported by someone skilled in close combat. It's the basic idea, and it's a very natural one.


　That's why my father said, "It's a matter of course.


　Ralph stroked his stubble with a dubious look on his face.


I wonder why the Master of Raytheft would let his daughter do this. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.

I'm sure you're right. You're too young for that.

You think so too, don't you? Do you really need to prove that you are the next head of the family?　It would be easy to see how good the young lady is.

...... Oh, I don't think even someone of your age and talent would be able to use that kind of magic.


　Indeed, that's a fair question. It is said that even the children of the same age and the same mage nobility do not have such a practical education.
　I don't know if the education of the Raytheft family has been strict for generations or if it's just my father's spoon feeding, but I don't think there are many other families that go this far.


　On the other hand, Lisha had an idea why her father had suddenly said such a thing.


...... I'm sure your father is in a hurry.

"Your husband?

...... impatient about the next head of the family?

Yes. I think he wants to make sure that everyone knows that I'm the right person to be the next head of the family.
What do you mean?

Did you know that I have a brother, ......?


　I'm sure you've heard of it.


"Uh, well, you know, about the Raytheft family.

Did you know that? No, I'm sure you do.

Well, I hear a lot of things when I'm in and out of the Raytheft household, and at the time, your husband was quite distressed, or so he said.

Your father's impatience has something to do with his brother.

Your son?

Your father disinherited your brother and made me the next head of the family. Perhaps that's why he went to .......

So you're saying that you think the decision was a mistake?

No, I don't think that's what your father is thinking. Since you are always active, ...... well, I don't know how to say this, but it must be annoying to him. I can feel it.

"...... huh?


　Ralph replied in a way that sounded like he didn't understand, like he didn't get the point.


You're right. I've also thought about what my father would think if a disinherited person stayed up late in the garden practicing magic or studying magic, and he wouldn't be the only ...... father.

I'm not sure what to make of that. So you're saying that you want to solidify your daughter's position this time?

"Yes, I think so. I don't think you have any interest in the Raytheft family name anymore, but I think that's how your father wants to put pressure on you.


　As he said this, Shauga opened his mouth.


"...... Isn't your judgment correct, Master?　I'm sorry to say this, but your son is incompetent, isn't he?

"If my brother is incompetent, I'm just a stone lying on the side of the road.

If my brother were incompetent, I'd be a stone lying on the side of the road." ...... No, no, no!　No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!

"You are smart and skilled in magic. I've always thought of him as a much better person than I am.

"But you disinherited your son, didn't you?　If so, there must have been some serious reason why he could not be the head of the family?

No, it's just that he has less magic than the norm.

Isn't a low magic power fatal to the ...... military family?

Is it really so?　I've always wondered about that. I've always wondered about that. If there was something wrong with it, my uncle wouldn't have taken me on as an apprentice.

"Let's see, your uncle is the kingdom's famous molten iron mage, ......, who is his apprentice?

...... So you're saying that your son is being trained directly by a national mage?

No, it's not because of family ties?

I think that was the reason at first.


　Indeed, now that I think about it, I can understand why my uncle thought that way at that time.
　He took pity on his nephew who was disinherited and taught him a lesson. It is not surprising that he would have thought so if he was a man who cared about his family. In fact, when she asked her uncle to teach her, he was not showing his magical talent. It is unlikely that my uncle was able to see through her talent.
　But the fact that he has talent is unquestionable.


There's also a very good reason why your father decided to do this.

What's that?

Your brother was awarded the Silver Cross for his actions during the Nadar Incident.

By the Nadar Incident, do you mean the recent battle in the western part of the kingdom?



...... I heard that some western nobles were seduced by the imperialists and started a rebellion.

No, why are you fighting in the West again?

No, why would he be involved in a war in the west again? "My brother went to the west for a reason, but he got caught up in it by accident. He rescued His Highness Prince Ceylan from danger and served as Ceylan's attendant on the battlefield, and raised the Squire's head.

"Raised the head, is that ...... the real story?

Yes.

...... Speaking of the Nadar Incident, I heard that it was His Highness Prince Seiran's first campaign in many countries, and that there was a great ceremony to honor him.

I'm sure the Silver Jubilee Medal is only awarded to those who have performed well. I think it's one level below the highest level you can get individually. ......

The order of merit was third class, after Her Excellency Louise Rastinel, the count and barons who stopped the advance of the fierce imperial general Barg Gruba.

"Third class?

Didn't ...... complain?

Apparently, yes. Probably because they were so active that there was no complaint. In fact, the lords who took part in the tournament approved of his performance.


　When Lisha's eyes fall sadly, Shouga asks.


...... So you think that your son is more suitable to be the head of the family because he can do so much?

"Yes. I think your brother should be the head of Raytheft. Although it is no longer possible.


　I can only sigh about this matter. Why is he so stubborn? No matter how many times I think about it, I can't come up with an answer. She and Gaunt say that humans are emotionally driven creatures, but I couldn't understand them.


The only thing I regret is the magic power.


　Yes, if only I had magic. If only I had magic power, this wouldn't have happened.
　I'm not sure what to say.


It's a good idea to take a look at the following tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your trip.

I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it. I'm not sure what to make of that. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.


　Risha understands what they're saying. I understand. But this is probably the most common perception. He may change his mind if he sees her, but he can't get rid of the "boy with little magic who can use some magic" just from the story. You may have only heard half of what he said earlier.


　This is when Lisha was filled with a sense of helplessness in her heart.
　Shauga held up a torch toward the back of the cave.


"...... is here.


　When he turned his gaze in the same direction that Shauga had turned his, he saw a strange looking creature.


　The creature is not a creature, but a monster.
　The creature in front of me, its eyes gleaming with a mysterious and eerie glow, has the body of a spider with many legs, as if it were a doll. Its upper body lacks stability and wobbles like a jellyfish tossed about by the waves. The body color is a direct copy of the coloration of the spider, with speckled patterns and glowing red eyes.


　...... According to my father Joshua, the creatures that live in these caves do not exist on the plains, but are monsters with a stream of demons that appear in the depths of the Cross Mountains.
　Naturally, the creature's ecology is out of the ordinary, and its movements and actions are far from those of a normal creature.


　Ralph's face tightened up when he saw the monster.


I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

"...... No, it's a creature with that flow. It's not like that.

No, it's not like that. It's not like that. It's not even covered in a curse,............, so don't be surprised.


　In the event that you've got a lot of money, you'll be able to use it to get the most out of your money. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.


I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it.

"...... Yes. It's an incredibly terrifying monster.

Unlike the Kamurogumo, it's all black and ...... much creepier. I mistook it for something else because of the similarity in appearance.


　The one in front of you now is also quite creepy looking, but it's not all black and monochromatic like Ralph said, it has some color in places. The only problem is that the upper half of the human form is wobbly like a doll stuffed with cotton, which gives me a terrible feeling of discomfort.


The ...... Kamurogumo will need five or six mages, along with a vanguard, to defeat one.

What about this one, Shouga?

...... We can take them down on our own. If it wasn't a demon in the first place, it wouldn't be that much of a threat.

That's true. That's true.


　Ralph holds the torch in one hand and pulls out his sub-sword, which is easy to use even in a cave.
　His partner, Shouga, who may be a marksman, pulled a throwing sword from the back of his cloak.


　According to Shouga, this is called a Hitogumo. The spider-like lower half of the body is responsible for movement, while the upper half fights with spear-like spines sprouting from the body of the spider.


　It's an unthinkable life form for a normal beast. No, I doubt if they are even real creatures.
　There were three of them. A total of six red eyes are looking at us.
　I can't help but feel scared when I'm exposed to their gaze.
　It's as if insects are crawling on my back, making my whole body hair stand on end.


　Even on the gentle walls of the cave, Hitogumo's stance is solid with his many legs. The lower half of the spider's body crawls in all directions without losing its posture.


"Be careful, ...... miss.



"Yes. I'll use magic first.


　Then I'll use magic to create a light source.


"A floating soul. A shadowy fire that does not burn when touched. Things are silent and suggestive.


　A few balls of yellow-green light shot out from the magic circle and began to illuminate the cave as they drifted through the air.
　It was not quite daylight, but it kept the cave quite bright.
　This made it possible to see without torches, and the vanguard was now able to use both hands freely.


　As soon as Ralph's vision was secured, he threw away his torch and leapt at the nearest Human Spider.
　He's a skilled swordsman, and he's no match for the agile monster.


　In the meantime, Shauga has positioned himself close to Risha and is throwing his sword to control the spiders.


　If you're not sure what you're looking for, you can always ask your doctor.
　In an enclosed space such as a cave, it is said that magic that deals with fire is strictly forbidden. Fire reduces the amount of air in the space, so if you use that kind of intense magic, you may not only lose your mind, but you may even lose your life. In addition to that, the space is limited, so you can't use spells that are too powerful. This is because you have to take into account the possibility of affecting your friends.


"The sword judgement threatens your feet. This is the fury that tears and pierces the enemy. Send your wishes to our land to enlighten our eyes.


　--This is the sword my father gave me.


　This is a spell I learned from my father when he took me to a meeting of southern mages.
　It is one of the basic spells used by southern mages, and is often used in group battles.
　A magic circle was formed on the ground right underneath Hitogumo, who was near Ralph.
　The lower half of the spider's body jumped back when it sensed something was wrong, but a huge stone sword was thrust out of it a moment later.
　The giant sword did not skewer him, but it did cut off several of his legs.


　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.


"Whoa!


　He slashes off the arms of the humanoid on its upper body, and when it is defenseless, he thrusts his sword at the head of its lower body. It seems that the upper body of this monster, the Hitogumo, is an accessory and the lower body is the main body.
　In the meantime, this one starts to prepare the magic of the【Rearth Zapper】again.


　...... This kind of magic would be appropriate to use in this situation. In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. If you're not moving fast enough, you're a good target for Ralph and Shauga.
　Risha will continue to hunt down the monsters with her magical attacks as cover. Or she can block them with an earthen wall or, as before, with a huge stone sword.
　If they can't generate firepower, they can attack with weight.
　When the [Hitogumo] approaches, create an earthen barrier to stop it.
　If the spider approaches, create an earthen barrier to hold it back, and then thrust the stone sword (rear zapper) into the back of the barrier.
　If the spider tries to distance itself from Ralph, it will create an earthen wall behind it.
　And if the spider tries to get away from Ralph, he'll raise a wall of earth behind it, and use low-level magic to stop it from moving quickly enough.


　Eventually, the spider became a motionless wreck.
　Ralph puts his sword away and offers words of praise.


"Well done, my lady.

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

Thank you." "...... was the right cover. You were always so calm, it's hard to believe you've never fought before.

Isn't this kind of fighting normal for a mage ......?

No, not at all. I'm sure you've heard of it. I'll do the magic, and you'll have to make it work. The lady is easy to fight with because she adapts to me. It gives me the same sense of security as when I'm guarding a master.

I think it's natural to use magic according to the situation. My brother taught me to watch my surroundings and use what's around me.

Is that your son?

Yes. Yes. He said that if you fight by using what is around you, you can reduce the process of creating things, so you can use magic faster, and you can save the length of spells and magic power.

That's true. It's true that I didn't use the magic I was good at, but rather the one that fit my environment.

Observing your surroundings and remaining calm at all times is the essence of being a mage.

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that. I'd like to share this with my fellow adventurer mages.


　After that, the two of them continued to praise me as if they were trying to kill me.
　This means that the mages of other countries are sitting on their technology to such an extent.


　And then, just as I was about to take my first step to move on.


"What?


　Suddenly, the foothold collapsed.