TL Note: Sorry for the lack of updates guys. Ive been really busy. I still have two weeks of school left before my long break, so the schedule might still be a bit iffy. This chapter counts for the Monday chapter before my trip which was not a vaction btw, it was for school. Ill also give you guys an extra chapter to compensate for the delays in the sponsored chapter, so yeah Ill slowly roll the chapters out as I do my requirements and prepare for my finals.

Also, I changed the theme to dark now. Please let me know whether youd rather have the site dark or bright by voting in this poll: CLICK HERE FOR POLL

Unfortunately, the b.u.t.ton to switch themes takes too much resources as it wont work with the cache plugin. And without the cache plugin, the site will die every time I post a chapter. Anyway, enjoy!

VOLUME 4 CHAPTER 14: REFLECTION MEETING

After cleaning the area, I went with the others to go the clinic. As I quietly opened the door to the clinic, the first thing I saw was the doctor in charge. After that, eight beds could be seen lined up to the right with only curtains dividing them.

There are healers who use healing magic, but theyre generally waiting by a corner of the training area ready to fix an injured person up as soon as they get injured. The patients who normally come here are either people with small wounds or people with big wounds that would take a lot of time to heal even with healing magic. Other than that, the only patients that are sent here are patients like Riera-san who fainted or emergency cases. There are a lot of students who come to the training facility, but the beds here are barely being used.

After asking the doctor where Riera-san was sleeping, we found out that she was sleeping at the bed furthest into the room. We also found out that her consciousness had also already long recovered. I had Elia and the others go first, telling them to call us once its alright for me and Sebasu-san to enter as well.

Excuse me. Oh, please dont force yourself. [Ryouma]

As we entered, Riera-san tried to get up, but I stopped her. She did just recover from fainting, so itd be best for her to remain lying down a little longer.

Riera-san, is your body ok? [Ryouma]

Its alright. Ive dealt with something on this level plenty of times during practice with my dad and my older brothers. That aside, how did the match go after I fainted? [Riera]

I suppose that comes first, huh?

With that, I gave a detail explanation of how I won and how far the three rearguards went.

I understand. Thank you for the explanation. Ryouma-dono, if you dont mind, could you please tell us how strong we are? [Riera]

Riera-san said that as she looked straight at me. The other four were also looking at me, so I gave my thoughts on the match.

Honestly speaking, you all did far better than expected. Witht more experience, Riera-sans and Kanan-sans swordsmans.h.i.+p as well as Elias and the others magic together should allow you all to form a party with the strength of a D Rank. [Ryouma]

Can I hear the reason? [Riera]

First, the three rearguards magic had sufficient firepower behind them. Especially Elias Fire Storm. If that were to hit, then it should be able to deal even with a C Rank magical beast. And even a B Rank magical beast, unless its highly resistant to fire, wont get out unharmed. Unfortunately, the three girls cant fight in close quarters, and their movements are a lot slower than the other two. Because of that they have to be protected by the two vanguards just like you did in the match just now. [Ryouma]

Here, I paused for a moment, and then I continued.

The vanguard, Riera-san, is already strong enough to be a D Rank in my opinion, and Kanan-san could also show plenty of strength with that magic tool of hers. But because they have to protect the three rearguards, they cant focus on the fight. Moreover, because of that need to protect the backline its easy to find one at a disadvantage when fighting multiple opponents. There are humans and even magical beasts that fight in groups after all Lastly, due to your lack of experience, despite being strong individually and being able to cooperate with each other, there are plenty of openings that can be used. Because of all that, I categorized your group under D Rank. [Ryouma]

The girls were able to a.s.sent after hearing my words. It seems they were actually prepared regarding the matter of their weakness.

We have a similar opinion actually. We did suffer a lot during the practical tests back in the academy after all. [Mich.e.l.le]

But even when we tried to find a way to fix things, we couldnt really do much even with a sword on hand. [Elia]

And if we cant focus, the strength of our magic will also decline. [Miyabi]

Youre all already plenty good as magicians, so how about stretching yourselves a bit? [Ryouma]

Theres also the saying that theres a right person for every job though And thinking about it again, Miyabi-san is a merchant, Mich.e.l.le-san is a researcher, and Kanan-san is a magic tool craftsman. And although Elias good at magic, shes the young lady of the dukes house The only one that really seems to be really pursuing strength among them is Riera-san who is aspiring to become a knight Well, in any case, with this theyre at least strong enough to fit a D Rank.

Its best not to rush, and just progress at your own pace. Youve all surprised me plenty in our match just now anyway. [Ryouma]

Really? [Mich.e.l.le]

Yes. The two vanguards were strong too, but I was in quite a pinch when Elia sealed my movements with Telekinesis Oh, right, there was something I wanted to tell you, Elia. [Ryouma]

What is it? [Elia]

Telekinesis is good at stopping people, but if your control slips, it can be quite dangerous. Especially when you focused on my left arm. If it werent for the fact that it was strengthened, my bones would have definitely broken. Also, because it uses up a lot of magic power, it can make you easy to spot even in forests where its normally hard to see each other, so please be careful. [Ryouma]

Really!? Is your arm alright? [Elia]

When Elia heard my words, she panicked.

My arm was strengthened, so there was no problem. Then again, I couldve just used healing magic if it broke. That aside, werent you aware? [Ryouma]

We just thought of using Telekinesis last night. Riera didnt seem to have any problems when we tried it out on her. [Elia]

So she wasnt used to it. I guess thats probably why she almost broke my arm when I resisted, and she ended up using all of her strength.

Im really sorry. [Elia]

Its fine so long as you take care when using it against others. Besides, it is still a fairly good way of using it after all. And its perfect for someone like you who struggles with magic control. Aim for the neck in a real battle, and it can become a formidable weapon. [Ryouma]

By the time I finished saying that, Elia seemed to have finally pulled herself together. Seeing that, I s.h.i.+fted the topic to the magic formation plates.

That issue aside, I was quite surprised by those plates that had magic formations drawn on them. To think those things could actually have that sort of effect. [Ryouma]

I handpicked the ones that might prove to be useful from all my research. They were able to stop you for a moment, but in the end, you were able to find out their weakness. [Mich.e.l.le]

I should teach her how to deal with that.

You can use poison magic, right? [Ryouma]

Right. I specialize in earth magic the most, but poison comes next. [Mich.e.l.le]

Can you use Smoke? [Ryouma]

Smoke is an elementary poison magic. Its a magic that summons a smokescreen to block vision. And no, it doesnt actually have any poison.

I can. [Mich.e.l.le]

Then I recommend you use Smoke first before throwing your magic formation plates. If you do that, even if your opponent does sense that you threw something filled with magic power, itll take him time to find out that what you threw was actually a plate with a magic formation drawn on it. After all, I was only able to come up with a countermeasure after I found out that it was a magic formation that I was dealing with. [Ryouma]

Ah~, right. It makes it harder to aim with magic, so I completely forgot about Smoke. But now that you mention it, it certainly could buy more time. [Mich.e.l.le]

Its probable. Also, about that Paralyze Mist you used at the last moment. Therere magical beasts immune to poison and people that are resistant to it, so its best if you refrain from using it. If youre unlucky, youll only end up hurting yourself. [Ryouma]

Just like a while ago, right? [Mich.e.l.le]

Mich.e.l.le-san wryly smiled a bit when she said that. Then continuing, she asked.

Come to think of it, where did you learn that Antidote spell? After thinking about it, I realize its actually my first time hearing about it Ah, could it be a secret magic? If so, then I wont press the issue. [Mich.e.l.le]

Antidote is a rare magic, so it seems shes misunderstanding a bit. Its magic written in one of the books I inherited from my grandmother, but while it might not be the most common of spells, its certainly not a secret magic by any means.

Its just something that was mentioned in an old book. Its not a secret or anything. It utilizes poison attribute magic power by allowing it to fill the body to neutralize the poison and the bad poison magic power. The image is a bit difficult, so whether you can actually use it or not depends on you. [Ryouma]

It should be fine even if I dont teach her the preventive magic Vaccine for now. Thats an original magic I made based on the Antidote magic, so if she cant use Antidote, then she wont be able to learn that either.

And here I thought it was healing magic. To think that it was actually poison magic. If a chance ever presents itself, Id like to ask for a rematch. [Mich.e.l.le]

Looks like her spirits been roused

As I glanced away from Mich.e.l.le-san, I saw Riera-san, seemingly deep in thought.

When I did, Riera-san almost immediately noticed my gaze.

Is there something on my face, Ryouma-dono? [Riera]

No, it just seemed like you were thinking of something. [Ryouma]

When I said that, Riera-san said this with a serious expression on her face.

Actually, I was thinking of receiving instruction from here during my extended vacation. [Riera]

Oh, why all of the sudden? And arent you in the middle of a trip right now? [Ryouma]

Riera-san went quiet for a moment before she slowly began to talk.

Actually, I was scolded by my brothers just a few days ago [Riera]

Apparently, Riera-san met up with her two older brothers who are both working as knights in the capital in order to study. She did this before leaving for Gimuru. However, right after her short time with them, her brother told her, What on earth have you been doing these past three years?

The second son, my older brother, Reole, told me that my skills have gotten duller. He said that the way I am right now, Im better off just giving up whatever aspirations I have of becoming a knight. The eldest, Riole, on the other hand, said that my skill hadnt gotten duller, and had in fact gotten better. However, there wasnt much of a difference compared to how I was three years ago. [Riera]

Looks like the training at the academy was a lot easier than the training at the Clifford House, so it wasnt sufficient for Riera-sans purposes. She doesnt seem to have lacked in her self-training, but just that and continuous body training for three years with the real training only starting on the fourth I wonder what kind of training the academy gave them.

One of the objectives I had in this trip was to try and gain some sort of insight from watching the matches at the arena. I had heard that a tournament was going to open shortly, so I thought a lot of strong people would come [Riera]

I see

And so after challenging me to a duel, you decided to gain some training here? [Ryouma]

Yes. And if you have the time, Id like to exchange pointers with you again. [Riera]

Riera-san spoke those words with a steadfast gaze.

I dont have any particular reason to refuse her. Shes not the type to stir up trouble either Right! Then I guess I could give her a hand!

This training facility is open to anyone that seeks training. So long as you apply, youll able to receive lessons. Ill help you as much as I can too. Only my lessons will be quite strict. [Ryouma]

Thank you. A strict teacher is exactly what I want. [Riera]

As she said that, she went down the bed, stood up, and bowed her head to me.

Thank you for your guidance and the rigorous training youll be giving me from now on. Also, its difficult for me to be receiving so much favors, so if theres anything I can do for you, please feel free to ask. [Riera]

I think Ill take her up on that. For starters, how about having her carry some of my luggage? Itll help build strength too.

After that, the other four also asked to receive training, and I agreed to their request as well.

A little later, Riera-san mentioned that she was feeling better already, so we decided to end the tour here, and go home. Ive already shown them the places I wanted to show them, and I also need to think of what sort of training Ill be giving them anyway.

And although I will be training them, I have a job to do tomorrow, so I wont have time tomorrow. Every week therell be two days where I wont be able to accommodate them due to work and errands, so during those times, Ill just have them attended the lessons at the training facility.

On the way home in the carriage, I asked them what sort of lessons they wished to take.

I want to study swordsmans.h.i.+p. [Riera]

Do you remember the instructor I talked to before we started our match? That person, Barbet-san, is the one in charge for teaching swordsmans.h.i.+p. Hes a former knight, so Im sure hell do just fine for Riera-sans training. So with Riera-san receiving Barbet-sans training, what will the other four be doing? [Ryouma]

I want to study fire and ice magic. [Elia]

As for me I want fire and poison magic. [Miyabi]

For me, I guess Ill take poison magic after all But its a rare opportunity, so Id like to learn some other attribute as well [Mich.e.l.le]

Mich.e.l.le-san seems to be anxious

Id like to learn how to use a twin sword fighting style. [Kanan]

There are also lessons for ornament making, but [Ryouma]

It might not be useful for me in the future, but I want to train my fighting abilities just like everyone else. As for ornament making, Id be grateful if I could just borrow a workshop, and practice by myself. [Kanan]

If thats what shes decided, then I guess its fine. I personally would rather that she be able to keep her good eyes after all.

Ive decided! [Mich.e.l.le]

Oh, so Mich.e.l.le-sans decided?

Ill study all the magic attributes while focusing on earth and poison magic! [Mich.e.l.le]

You want to take lessons in all magic attributes? [Ryouma]

Yep. Actually, I have all magic attribute affinity, but my specialty so far only involves earth and poison magic. And then Ive dabbled a little in wind and fire magic. Its not possible to study more than three attributes back in the academy, so Id like to study them while I have the chance. [Mich.e.l.le]

When I asked her if the school had such a rule, she replied with an of course. Because of the limits in magic power, studying more than one attribute would result in less practice overall, requiring more time before one is able to reach mastery.

I forgot about that issue because I dont have that sort of problem. In my case, the problem is more in exhausting my magic power. My magic power is really big, so its not easy to exhaust it all even if I want to.

When I said that, everyones gaze except for Eli and Sebasu grew a little cold.

Ryouma-kun says the same thing Elia does. [Kanan]

In the world of magicians, magicians would normally go to a labyrinth to speed up their magic recovery, while the n.o.bles would use magic recovery potions, but with these two [Riera]

Must be nice having such luxurious worries. [Miyabi]

Elia aside, Ryouma-kun, just how much magic power do you have? Last night, Elia mentioned you having magic power similar to hers three years ago. And since you were able to push back her Telekinesis, you must definitely have magic power proportionate to hers. [Mich.e.l.le]

As I wryly smiled at the other fours words, I answered.

Its about 280,000. [Ryouma]

280,000!?: [Kanan]

Isnt it bigger than mine now!? [Elia]

I put up the buildings and the roads we pa.s.sed through, and I also practiced and researched on my magic a lot, so Ive always been using it to the limits. When I had some left over, I would just release the magic power. [Ryouma]

The released magic power would then be feed for the slimes, so it wasnt wasted.

Elia was proud to hear that I had increased my magic power, but the other four were so shocked, their facial expressions stopped moving. As for Sebasu-san, he already knew of my magic power, so he was taking it quite calmly.

A little while after that, the conversation fully s.h.i.+fted to magic, and then eventually, the lessons that I teach.

Ryouma-kun, youre also an instructor, right? What do you teach? [Kanan]

Is it swordsmans.h.i.+p after all? [Riera]

Or maybe magic? [Mich.e.l.le]

Ah Actually, as of now, its neither. In the past, I would teach either, but with the increase in instructors, I dont teach anymore. Nowadays, Im mostly only called to break the noses of some arrogant students that either came from some other place, have some sort of ability, or just simply grew arrogant after some time. I mostly just help around nowadays when called. The last time I partic.i.p.ated in a match at the training facility was actually two months ago. [Ryouma]

Arrogant students are put in place to remind them of their inexperience by having them repeat a match where they are defeated over and over again. The knights of this country do the same thing. But of course, Its not good to hurt them too much.

There might be healing magic to deal with their physical injuries, tbut he agony and the fatigue left behind by the pain in their minds wont be erased. Because of that there are students who, after being beaten and healed over and over, have their mind break along with their nose, causing them to come out scared.

All the instructors take care not to psychologically scar the students, so therere barely any such cases. But the training is harsh, so thereve been quite a number of students that were driven away.

We dont forcefully keep students that dont want to continue anymore, so nothing exactly is stopping them from leaving. But if possible, Id like to see them all finish the curriculum Oops, not good, Im digressing again.

As of now, I provide lessons on how to make a magic staff once a week. Do any of you wish to take it? Youll know whether a staff is good or bad, and there are also parts related to magic, so Im sure the knowledge you gain will serve you well. [Ryouma]

As the five of them were interested, it was decided that theyll attend the next session on magic staff making. As we approached the town, Elia suddenly remembered something as she said.

Ryouma-san, wont you partic.i.p.ate in the arena? [Elia]

Ryouma-dono, youre good at sword and magic, so surely, you mustve also dreamt of winning a champions.h.i.+p at an arena, right? [Riera]

Its because I dont actually have any interest in champions.h.i.+ps Eh? Wait, isnt Riera-san misunderstanding something?

Riera-san. Could it be that you think that the tournament being held is to compare ones skill in sword or magic? [Ryouma]

Is that not it? Its a tournament, so I figured it would be a martial arts tournament, but [Riera]

The tournament being held this time is a tournament between conjurers and slave demon magicians. Contests of martial arts and magic are common, so to do something different, the management of the arena gathered the people of the tamer guild. [Ryouma]

Ive broken relations with the tamer guild, so naturally, I wasnt notified. I only found out when I went to the arena to check on my store.

Oh [Riera]

Well therere no cons to learning about the ecology of magical beasts, right? You definitely wont be wasting your time. [Ryouma]

As I encouraged Riera-san, who was feeling rather down, we arrived at Gimuru. We pa.s.sed by the gate, and handed in the girls application for the training facility, and then I distributed the permit to enter the facility to everyone. With this, the girls will now be able to take lessons from the facility.

Incidentally, Sebasu-san will be teaching water magic to the students while the girls are taking their lessons.

After that, I saw Elia and the others to their lodging.

Ryouma-san, thank you very much for today. [Elia]

Youre welcome. Lets meet again the day after tomorrow. [Ryouma]

I dropped the girls in front of their lodging, and then headed back home with Rai. Tomorrows sure gonna be a busy day