Untrodden Area
We carved open a path using a combination attack of the Holy Sword and magic.
That part went well, but the power was far greater than expected, raising concerns about the surrounding area. There was the risk of a cave-in, but thankfully, nothing happened. It seemed we had avoided the worst-case scenario.
"Still, that was some serious firepower..."
"I'm surprised too. This is the first time it's ever turned out this strong. I think your holy sword and my magic must be very compatible."
"Compatibility, huh?"
"Yes. That's why I believe we can become great partners."
"Yeah. I’ll count on you when you’re a little older."
"Hey, you're treating me like a kid again!"
Conversations with Amira always seem to take on a strangely relaxed tone.
Behind us, Elina was muttering, "I'm gonna master magic even if it kills me," but the amount of mana she was born with is just too different. I mean, what’s the point of competing with such a little girl? Everyone has their own strengths, and Elina’s fine just as she is.
――When I told her that directly, she responded,
"Right?! Everyone has their own charm to appeal with!"
She perked right back up.
I never said anything about charm... but if she's feeling better, then that's all that matters. Poking further would just be tacky.
Anyway, the path forward was now open.
As Amira had pointed out, a passage had been revealed behind the blasted wall.
"It's even darker from here on."
"I'll cast a lighting spell right away."
Amira quickly illuminated the path ahead.
To think she still had enough mana left after using such a powerful spell earlier... she really does have a bottomless well of magic.
Impressed, I turned my attention to the newly opened path.
"It's pretty deep..."
"Yeah. I don't sense any monsters, but we should stay alert."
There’s mana ore lying deeper within.
Also, considering the presence of that Jewel Lizard earlier, there’s likely another path leading into this place from elsewhere.
We do have a map of the mine, but it’s very old. I’ll have to inform Lord Doyle that we need to thoroughly survey and update it.
Gary called out to the other knights, and we finally stepped into the unexplored area.
The passage was narrower than the tunnels we’d used so far, and it felt colder—enough to make your skin prickle.
On top of that, the place had this damp, unpleasant atmosphere.
"Even if there is mana ore, our first priority will be making the environment livable."
"Yeah. If we had to work here all day, we’d collapse before the day was over."
It looked like Gary had the same thought.
The potential for mana ore mining had expanded thanks to this new route, but at the same time, a number of challenges had come into view.
What do you think about this chapter?
