111 21"Friends"




Mr. Toate. Do you have a minute?

 The day after the battle with the operatives.
 The day after the battle with the agents. Just after lunchtime, Mize called out to me.

"What's up?

There's something on ...... that's been bothering me.

 Then Mize turned his gaze lightly towards Elysia and Gran.
 It seems that he doesn't want people, including Elysia and Gran, to know about it. After that, the four of us were going to head to the courtyard for lunch, but since Mize had a serious expression on his face, I shook my head, "Okay," and moved to a less public place.

So what's going on?

Actually, ...... the other day, while I was practicing Exodus, I found something strange.

"Something strange?

 Mize nodded and explained.

There was some kind of small magical device embedded in the wall of the field. It was camouflaged to match the pattern of the wall, and at first I thought it was a trap for the enemy team, but ...... I felt differently.

What made you decide it wasn't a trap?

My magic ......, the Wisdom Road, made that determination.

 That's a very good reason.
 Exodus is a competition in which a maze-like field is prepared to create a simulated labyrinth. The walls used to build the field are already stored in the school's warehouse and are used in practice.

The magic built into it is probably not from the Kingdom of Terraria. It's old knowledge, so there may be some differences, but ...... I think it's probably the magic of the Lucian Empire in the north.

 I was irritated inwardly when Mize told me fearfully.

 --It's more powerful than I imagined.

 Mize's magic, the Path of Wisdom, is quite suitable for actual combat.
 I removed some bombs from my tools last night, but I couldn't analyze how they detonate. Mize, however, was able to perfectly analyze not only the detonation mechanism but also the technology of the country.

 In addition, Mize is not just a student.
 His real name is Meesheriase-Arcadia. She's the second princess of the Holy Kingdom of Arcadia.

 She is the second princess of the Holy Kingdom of Arcadia. The fact that the Lucian Empire is intervening in the magical competition, a major event in the Kingdom of Terraria. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

As you may have guessed, the kingdom is now under attack from the Lucian Empire.

...... You're looking at the Lucerectus Conference, aren't you?

 You're right, you do understand.
 I shook my head silently and continued to explain in a whisper.

"Perhaps what Mize witnessed was a bomb planted by an Imperial agent. The empire is indirectly trying to destroy the meeting by destroying the magic festival.

Do you have a plan to deal with ......?

We're working on it. To avoid confusion, please keep this matter confidential.

Yes, sir. What should we do with the ...... bomb?

I'd like to collect it now that I've found it.

 Mize was able to find the bomb because he had the Path of Wisdom. I don't think the other students will be able to find it easily, but we'll take care of it just in case.

You should mix us in.

 At that moment, two men and a woman appeared behind him.
 I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it'll help.

I'm not sure if you've heard of ...... or not. I'm not sure if you're aware of that.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

 I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
 I see. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that. I'm sure it's not easy to concentrate on strengthening a specific sense, unlike strengthening ...... physical abilities.

But it's dangerous.

I'll take the risk.

 I'm not going to be able to do that.

As an aspiring knight, I can't let that happen. As an aspiring knight, I cannot tolerate it, especially when my classmates are involved.

 Elysia showed a sense of justice. I couldn't find anything to say in response to her seriousness.
 Next, Gran opened her mouth as if she had made up her mind.

I'm going to stick my neck out for once. You don't have to tell me why ......?

"...... Oh.

 No amount of good arguments will stop Gran.
 I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it. In order to repay our debt to the King of the Kingdom of Varrival, we can't let the festival be ruined.

 Not only Mize, but Elysia and Gran are also excellent students.
 If you can help me out, I'd honestly appreciate it.

 Besides, this time - I'm not acting as a former soldier of an institution, but as a student.
 I'm in the same position as the three men in front of me. I have no right to stop you.

I'll share the information with you again.

 After heading to the courtyard, I gave the three of them detailed information.
 From the purpose of the Lucian Empire, to the fact that I fought an operative last night. After informing them of the danger of the situation, I summarized what we should do.

I think I have a pretty good idea of what's going on.

 Elysia said with an air of understanding and looked at me.



So you were able to dismantle the bomb on the wing board?

Yeah. I haven't gotten to the rest yet. Dismantling the ...... bombs will take longer than we thought. Be prepared for a long battle.

 I had to stop work last night because it took so long to dismantle.
 The longer it takes, the more manpower we'll need. I really appreciate that Elysia and the others have offered to help.

"Wouldn't it be better to talk to the student council?

 I thought about Gran's question before answering.

"...... No, don't do that yet.

"Hmm? Why not?

I'll tell you later. I'm not ...... sure yet.

 Convince the wondering Gran somewhat forcefully.
 It's best not to share this information carelessly to avoid confusion. --The more information you share, the more likely it is that the mastermind will be able to detect your movements.

Let's split up and look for the bomb first. First, let's split up and look for the bomb. Me and Mize will check the tools used by the hawk group, and Elysia and Gran will check the tools used by the lion group.

"Understood.

 Gran shook his head with a serious face.

But that... But that's it.

 Elysia suddenly said.
 When you don't know what she's talking about, Mize and Gran smile at you.  

"Yes, it is.

Right.

 As they looked at me, I became more and more confused.

"What?

 When I questioned the three of them, Elysia smiled.

"Finally, I can fight side by side with you.

 When I heard those words, I remembered what had happened since I entered the school.
 Well... Come to think of it, I've always tried to keep the three of them out of it.

 I don't have any proof, but I have a hunch.
 I'm sure I'll be fighting in this kind of situation more often. On the other hand, my position as a former soldier of the Agency will gradually fade away.

 I honestly think it's a good change.
 After the end of the war, I went out from the "back" without much thought. ...... Compared to that time, I am definitely a new person.

We're counting on you.

 You can count on us," I said, and the three of them smiled happily.

"Yes.

Yes!

I'm on it!