Chapter 45 Current Status Of The Knights Order
"So, you want me to take you to the use shop, right?"
"...Yeah."
"Hmph, you should have just said that from the start."
"Oh, okay."
While I nodded, trying hard to ignore the intense pain in my foot, Shura turned away with a frown.
She crossed her arms and tapped her fingers, clearly still angry. I really am sorry.
I just messed up how I said it, but maybe grabbing her hand too tightly was a bad move.
Even though she's my rival, she's still a girl. Her glare was sharp like a demon's.
"Anyway, Bilibimos' powder, Hogweed pollen, and Fly Agaric spores... It's true that those things are hard to find in shops."
"Got any idea where to get them?"
The reason I asked her to guide me is that I'm not very familiar with the area yet, and the items I need are used as catalysts for 4 primary colors of magic.
So, I thought Shura, being a red magic user, might know something.
"I think I saw them at my favorite shop... but what do you need them for? Even if you're using them as catalysts, your magic is white."
She seemed to have some idea.
But she acted like it was a big secret. It also bothered her that white magic doesn't need catalysts.
Her red eyes were glaring at me, clearly wanting me to get to the point and not waste time.
"What exactly are you planning to do?"
"Hmph. You should already know. I'm gonna use 'em."
"Use them? On who?"
"On me."
"...Huh?"
When I stopped acting mysterious, she looked shocked.
Well, I can see why. Using status effect items on myself doesn't make much sense at all. But this is my genius plan!
After passing the selection test, I suddenly thought about it.
Shouk was a tough opponent. I was careless, but he really gave me a hard time. It made sense to rethink my opinion of him; he wasn't just some random enemy.
But the way I beat Shouk was surprising. I knocked him out with one hit. How could that happen when he was so strong?
I was confused. Then it hit me.
Was I awakened at that moment--?
"Wait, what? I don't get it. Are you out of your mind?"
"I'm serious! I need this if I'm gonna get stronger."
I really meant it.
Because when I think back, I was acting a bit weird after getting hit by the Fly Agaric.
I felt a headache, but I didn't lose my will to fight. If the headache lowers my opponent's attack power, then why was I able to take down Shouk in one hit? It doesn't add up.
So, it makes sense to think that I awakened when I was pushed to my limits.
The awakening event that didn't happen during my fight with Instructor Shidou came late. After all, heroes show up late. It's possible. Awakening in an unexpected pinch is pretty typical for a main character.
I was disappointed when I found out Shura wasn't my opponent, but it seems I was right to think the selection test was an important event!
Now that I know this, I need to figure out what ability I awakened.
Unfortunately, I don't remember anything changing before or after the test. My new power is probably still sleeping inside me.
So, I thought if I could push myself to that same "state" again... I'm a genius for thinking of that!
But from Shura's perspective, not knowing the situation, it's understandable if she thinks I'm weird.
With a serious look, Shura raised her perfectly shaped eyebrows in confusion.
"You're going to get stronger by purposely getting paralyzed, catching a cold, and having a headache? How does that make you stronger?"
"You're slow. Humans show their real power when they're pushed to the edge. So I'm pushing myself. If this works, it'll be worth it."
"......"
The filter effect is still there, but I'm mostly saying what I mean.
I'm not sure how my determination as a rival came across to this lovely opponent.
Shura sighed, looking off into the distance like a deflating balloon.
"...Then I won't listen to you anymore. Here, take this."
"Huh? A bill?"
"It's the guide fee."
"...Oh."
She didn't look completely convinced, but it seemed like she would still help me. The way she turned her face away a bit made it seem like she was shy.
So, I took the bill for a cup of tea and a piece of cake, and hurried to pay.
"Wait, please! I'm really in trouble! Please, I beg you!"
"...Huh?"
"What's going on?"
"Uh... Is there a fight going on?"
I heard a tense woman's voice that didn't fit the calm afternoon.
When I looked in that direction, I saw a woman in her forties arguing with a knight in front of a big building.
"Isn't that the knight's order? I can't remember what it's for."
"...It's the request office for the knights. It's for civilians."
"Come on, that's enough. Rules are rules, no exceptions."
"Please! I'm begging you!"
Since it's a request office, it must be different from the active team led by Brynhildr.
But the knight didn't seem to care at all about the woman's desperate pleas.
Even though I didn't know the details, just watching made my stomach churn.
"What's going on over there?"
"...It's probably a request that isn't worth their time, so they're turning her away."
"Not worth it?"
"Just look at her clothes. She's probably from a remote village. She tried to ask the knights for help but didn't have enough money for the difficult task."
"...If it's a high-cost job, doesn't ignoring it just make things worse?"
"Yeah, but it's not unusual. It's a common sight in this country."
With a troubled look, Shura took a step forward.
But she was heading in the opposite direction of the argument.
"Let's go quickly."
"Wha... Hey!"
"Ugh."
I thought she was going to step in, but instead, Shura turned away and ran off.
"Damn it, the guide shouldn't just bail like that!" (Hey, wait!)
At first, it seemed like a cold thing to do.
But as she left, I saw her expression through her wet hair, and it looked like she was trying hard to hide her feelings.
If she were the hero, she should be the first to help someone in trouble.
"...Tch, what the hell's eating her?" (What happened to her...?)
Grumbling to myself, I hurried after Shura.
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