24-CHAPTER XXIV




It was the evening of the next day after our drinking and merrymaking when we left the city to kill the bandits.

The bandits seemed to be holed up in a mansion about half an hour's walk down a mountain road into the forest near the village of Filia.

The mansion had been built in the past by a fond nobleman, who had grown tired of it and abandoned it, but the bandits had taken it over and taken up residence.

We camped overnight on the road and reached Filia's village around dawn, then turned off the road into a side street and started to follow the mountain path leading to the mansion.
The mountain road was not wide, but it was moderately well maintained, and we had no great difficulty in proceeding.

'I guess this area is their territory. We should proceed with caution.

'Yes, sir. There is no guarantee that arrows will not suddenly fly at us.

As they climbed up the narrow mountain path on a tranquil morning, Cyril and Mee warned them in whispers.
I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.

In order to share information, I'll tell the three of them about the spell I used.

'Bows and arrows are no problem. I've cast a missile deflection spell. All projectiles will be repelled unless they are ballistae. That is, if you stay within five meters of me.

When I told them that, Mee and Cyril stopped and looked at me with blinking eyes.

'...... Are you serious?

'For real.'

'...... I always thought that your magic was almost foul. I wonder how much it means to you that you don't have to be afraid of a bow and arrow flying at you from who knows where. ......'

The evaluation from Mee and Cyril was positive.
It's not a very high level magic, even if it can't be used by beginners, but it seems to be a surprising enough effect for those who are not familiar with magic.

In fact, missile deflection spells are often considered for use in warfare, but in recent years there have not been many cases of their use on a tactical level.

There was a time when it was popular to line up medium-ranking sorcerers in front of the enemy to nullify enemy fire, but this tactic was a gambling method that could lead to the loss of a large number of valuable troops if a mistake was made.

In recent wars, this tactic seems to have fallen into disuse, due to the fact that the enemy has begun to prepare ballistae to counter it, and there were loud protests from mages in the field.

On the other hand, this spell is very useful in cases such as this one, and is considered to be of high value.
It is a spell that can be very useful when dealing with humans or monsters such as goblins who may use a bow and arrow.

However...

'That's just a precaution. Before that, the incapacitating spell makes it difficult for them to notice your presence. As long as the guards aren't watching us too closely, our presence won't be revealed to the enemy too early.

Insensible is a spell that makes it difficult for people or objects within the area to be recognized by those outside the area.

In the same way that few people pay attention to a mere stone on the street, for example, those within the spell's range are unlikely to receive special attention.

This spell is not very effective when you are in the middle of a battle or when you are very aware of your adversary, but before that, it can be an effective tool for covert action.

'...... Oh, you're still ridiculously cautious, as usual.'

'As expected, or rather, what ......?

I'm not sure why, but I'm sure it's because I'm not the only one.
It's not an excuse, but I'll give them one explanation.

It's not that I don't have a lot of time to think about it, but it's that I don't have a lot of time to think about it.

'......? Are you reflecting on this?

'Reflection.

I parrot back to Mee, who tilts her head.
Meanwhile, beside her, Cyril had an equally curious look on his face.

'It didn't look like you were making any big mistakes. If anything, it seemed to add to your monstrousness.'

'That's the failure. I cut too many resources unnecessarily. If there had been any more trouble, I would have been at a loss. Taking into account Satsuki's strength and the presence of the Holy Order's Cyril, we should have stopped at three fireballs in that phase.

'Haha ......, you can't solve that much S-class trouble with ease and still be okay with the result ......'.

Somehow, he seemed to have understood my thoughts.
I can hear the two of them talking, 'You're a monster after all this time' and 'I am a monster', but I don't care.

By the way, some people often misunderstand that 'remorse' does not mean to regret a failure or to feel sorry for oneself.
Reflection is the thought that we should use our failures to improve ourselves so that we do not make the same mistakes next time.

There is no one who does not make mistakes, but there are people who do not make the most of their mistakes.
I believe that the accumulation of such small differences will result in large differences in ability in the long run.

That ......

Then, a girl in a kimono raised her hand.

'What is it, Filia?

'Well, since a while ago, Satsuki said, "That's my Will. Isn't that amazing, Filia? I don't know.

I got a headache.

'I see. Tell him that I'm not yours.'

'Oh, yes, I hear you. 'What the hell~, you should at least let me look good in front of Filia~,' he jittered.

Is there such a thing as a jittery soul?
It's an interesting subject for research.

Aside from that, this is not a scene where we should be looking for such a pleasant atmosphere.
Even though we have double insurance, this is almost a war zone. We should not be too carefree.

'Anyway, I want you all to brace yourselves. We can't afford to let down our guard if we've built up our defenses.

'Yes, sir.

'Yes, sir.'

'Yes, I understand.

In response to my order, Mee and Cyril strengthened their vigilance once again, and the samurai-dressed girl clutched the hilt of her sword nervously.

And so the group of us climbed the mountain path towards the bandit's house.