Chapter 269
Good Movements
Translator : PolterGlast
After deciding on the request, we immediately decided to
head to the southern forest road where there were eyewitness reports of Marble
Mages. Marble Mages are monsters that look like gargoyles and primarily use
magic; they have a rough temperament and high durability, making them
troublesome monsters. Contrary to their cute name, their appearance is
viciousness itself. Although they are considerably feared monsters in Biodasdal...
they are still just monsters that are given a C-Rank subjugation request. They
are weak in close combat, and they have a clear weakness to water attribute
magic, so as long as you have the information, they aren't all that scary. In
my case, since I believe I can defeat them with any attack, I can declare that
we won't fall into any danger during this request.
「...They should be somewhere on this
forest road. Are you going to fight, Graham?」
「I intend to fight in an emergency,
but basically I'll just be observing.」
「If you were to fight, Graham-san,
it would be over immediately, after all.」
「...Heh. You're that strong even
though you're B-Rank, Graham?」
「He's incredibly strong! I've never
seen anyone stronger than Graham-san.」
「...Heh.」
Lucas spoke
slightly excitedly, but the conversation ended with Dorothy's
noncommittal reply. Because it instantly turned into an awkward atmosphere, I
decided to expand the conversation.
「Can I ask you various questions, Dorothy?
Did your previous party end up disbanding solely for the reason that there were
few days you could be active?」
「...Yeah. Because there were many
sudden cancellations, they got seriously mad and I ended up leaving.」
「Is it okay if I ask the reason for
that?」
「............Mm. I simply don't feel
like it. Because I'm moody.」
Although it was a trivial pause, her reply was delayed by a
beat compared to before. There's no mistake she is hiding something, but I have
no intention of pressing the issue.
「I see. Since teaming up with Norman,
have there been any sudden cancellations?」
「There was only one time. However,
she properly came to the meeting place, and I didn't particularly mind it.」
「Well, in Norman's case,
helping out at the house is also part of his job, after all.」
「...It helps that he doesn't complain
even if our activity days are few. Though he's weaker than I thought.」
Stung by those words, Norman made a slightly
complicated expression. She doesn't talk much, but it seems it's in Dorothy's
nature to say exactly what she's thinking.
「Even so, we can't find any Marble
Mages, can we. I heard they were belligerent, so I thought they would attack
immediately if they were here...」
「Oh, it looks like they've arrived
just in time. Both Norman and Dorothy better get ready.」
Sensing presences approaching at high speed, I barked out
instructions to get ready. Although half in doubt, Dorothy also drew her
weapon.
「...Are they really there? I can't
feel their presences, though.」
「There's no mistaking what Graham-san
says. They'll be here right away.」
Norman, who
trusts me completely, is already heightening his concentration. Although he
still has room to grow, he's steadily getting stronger through his daily
training, after all. If he can concentrate properly, it should work even
against higher-ranked Marble Mages. While I was thinking about such things, a
Marble Mage revealed itself, as if pushing its way through the vegetation.
「...They really came.」
「A total of three, huh. Being at a
numerical disadvantage is troublesome, so it's better to focus solely on
defeating one first.」
「Understood! Dorothy-san,
let's take down the Marble Mage at the very front with all our might.」
「...Mm.」
Norman took the
vanguard and, while throwing detailed instructions to Dorothy, slashed
at the enemy. Partly because he was prepared, his movements were outstandingly
good. Immediately bringing it into close combat, which Marble Mages are weak
at, was also perfect. His instructions to Dorothy were precise, setting
up a formation that would be fine even if magic was chanted.
「...Are his movements better than
usual? No, they're almost too good.」
「Here I go! Urya! Hah!」
While seeing through the Marble Mage's slashing attacks, he
accurately landed strikes with his sword. It's Norman's usual movements,
and being able to demonstrate his true ability even in real combat can be
called a strength.
「Dorothy-san, switch!」
「...Mm.」
Timing the exact moment the Marble Mage's attention was
directed solely at Norman, he swapped with Dorothy, who had been
waiting in the rear. Due to the consecutive attacks from the leaping Dorothy,
the Marble Mage easily fell to the ground.
「Graham-san, we did it!」
「I'd like to say 'well done,' but
don't let your guard down yet. There are still two more in the back, after all.」
「...It's easy to fight today.」
I tightened up the floating Norman's focus, making him direct his attention to the Marble Mages in the back. Meanwhile, contrary to Norman, who was demonstrating peak concentration, Dorothy seemed unable to concentrate as she'd like. She cast fleeting glances my way, and also seemed curious about Norman, who was showing good movements in the front. I'd like to answer her if she has questions, but right now the top priority is defeating the Marble Mages. Without daring to touch on it, I just watched over the two of them for the time being. With the current Norman, even together with an unfocused Dorothy, there's practically no way they would lose.
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