Volume 2 Chapter 21 Interlude - The Hell Lene Saw (Part I)
*This is Lene's perspective.*
<hr>
This event was the catalyst that led me to start practicing alchemy.
The village where I grew up until I was 14 was located far to the north of the Goldmont Kingdom, in a place that was quite high in latitude, surrounded by a cool, lush forest.
As I mentioned earlier, the village was quite closed off, maintaining a stance that rejected visitors, which resulted in a stagnant cultural atmosphere.
Still, thanks to the elves' secret arts, we managed to live somewhat comfortably.
There's a tale that elves don't eat meat, but they actually spent time hunting like anyone else.
The others were quite good at hunting, but I was hopeless when it came to anything sporty, including archery, so I mostly spent my time gathering herbs and flowers.
"What's up, Lene? Back at it with the plants? How about you try hunting for once?"
My fellow villagers would tease me like that, fully aware of my lack of skill.
Looking back, I realize it was mild bullying.
"...I'm not good with a bow or anything. But I know all the herbs and flowers around here, so I figured I could be useful in that way."
"Hmm..., Lene, you're smart, but honestly? Kind of creepy."
I had someone say that to my face once.
In reality, I believed I was quite sharp, but it seemed that my ability to remember things often led to conversations that felt out of sync with those around me, leaving me isolated from both friends and family.
The only ally I had, my older sister, had left the village long ago.
It was in that lonely situation that I stumbled upon a fateful encounter during a little trip I took.
* * *
"So, you're a resident of the elven village nearby?"
"Yes... Oh, please don't move around too much. If you just stay still, the bleeding will stop."
That man, who had been lying unconscious a little way outside the village, had a wound on his right leg.
He had a magic bag, but it wasn't enough for all the bulky luggage he was carrying, and when we first met, I wondered what he was doing here.
"No, no, thank you. I make my own remedies, but I'd love to use such potent plants as material."
"Are you a healer?"
Naturally, I asked that question, not knowing his profession at the time.
Now, looking at the various tools he carries, I could probably guess.
"Not exactly a healer, more like an Alchemist."
"Alchemist...?"
"Yeah, alchemy. It's a technique that uses a little Magic Power when making medicines or something to maximize the power of the ingredients."
As I guided the Alchemist, lending him my shoulder and leading him to an unused hut nearby, I peppered him with questions about alchemy.
He seemed intrigued by my knowledge and said, "I'll be staying in this hut for a while, so I'd like you to teach me about the local plants."
I didn't want him to just end up dying here, so I ended up visiting there frequently.
That's how I met alchemy.
* * *
"Ah, yes, yes. You're quick and your Magic Power flow is good too. You're far better at alchemy than I am."
"Thank you."
Every time I visited, I would tell the Alchemist about the characteristics of the plants and animals in the area, and in return, he taught me alchemy.
Actually, as he said, I was quite talented.
As proof, all the techniques he taught me stuck with me.
"You know, you come to my place a lot, but you don't seem to hang out with the villagers much. I've heard elf villages are usually pretty closed off."
One day, the Alchemist said that to me.
There was a bit of hesitation in his tone, probably because he was starting to realize I was an outsider.
"...I don't like the people in the village, or my family. They know I'm no good at hunting, yet they still invite me on purpose, and they sigh in exasperation because I can't follow the conversation. They're all so mean."
"......Hmmm."
I guess the Alchemist had similar experiences, judging by our conversation.
He gave a wry smile.
"But if you're aware of it, you have to take the initiative. You might not be good at hunting, but you can still help with the butchering, or pay more attention to your conversations if you know you're slipping up."
"...Why do I have to be the one to make the effort?"
"That's just how it is when you live in a group. You know you're the source of the discord, yet you're not doing anything about it. It's only natural that you should be the one to compromise."
"........."
I couldn't argue back then.
Because, as the Alchemist said, I hadn't made any effort.
But I, in my immaturity, couldn't accept it right away.
Showing my discontent, I started to get ready to leave.
"......Huh?"
"What's wrong?"
The Alchemist watched me, about to leave, with a wry smile, thinking, "Can't be helped." But I remember how he looked surprised when he saw the anger on my face.
"...The spirits in the forest are restless. This means──something's up in the village!"
Half-ready, I ignored the Alchemist's calls and burst out of the cabin.
And that's when I found myself staring into the depths of hell.
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