Chapter 80

The Other Side of the Morning Mist
The strange mana that Amira sensed beyond the morning mist.
The dragon Asletica, who had settled by the lake on the outskirts of Curtis Village, had also said he felt strange mana coming from the abandoned mine... this might really turn into something big.

If untouched mana ore were to be discovered, it would be major news.
It could very well completely transform the economic situation in the Abbott region.
Upon hearing Amira's words, the knights seemed to be filled with newfound enthusiasm, and they quickly made preparations to head toward the abandoned village near the mines.

On the way there, we maintained a strict watch, anticipating possible monster attacks, but in the end, nothing attacked us, and we managed to reach a point very close to our destination.

"It's almost scarier when things are this peaceful.”

Gary muttered while riding in the wagon.
It was likely the instinct developed from having survived countless battlefields as a knight.
I sometimes got that same kind of feeling myself.

"There's no harm in being too cautious. Let's proceed carefully."

"Yeah."

Maintaining a sense of tension, we arrived at our destination, immediately dismounted, and began checking the surroundings.
We saw no monsters or suspicious individuals living in the abandoned village.

"For now, it seems there are no visible threats."

"Just knowing that is a big achievement."

If anyone had been using this place as a hideout for villainy, I would have had to defeat them and send them off to prison in the name of the Holy Knight, but it seemed we wouldn't have to worry about that this time.

"Still... I probably shouldn't say this, but this village has an indescribable creepiness to it, from being left untouched by people for so long."

Gary let out a breath as he spoke.
To be honest, I felt exactly the same way.
Well, just as he said, the main reason was probably simply that the place had been left untouched for so long.

"Wow..."

"Are you okay, Amira?"

"Y-yes..."

The one clinging to Elina's leg and trembling was none other than Amira, the magician who was a key figure in this expedition.
If grown men like Gary and me were feeling a bit unnerved, it was no wonder that a young child like Amira would be scared.
But still, could she really find the mana ore in this state?
I couldn't help but start feeling a little anxious.

What do you think about this chapter?