Volume 3 Chapter 20 Interlude： The Uninvited Guest (Part I)
*From Lene's perspective.*
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"Wha!?"
The glass beaker I was holding had developed a crack, and I quickly transferred the substances inside to a different beaker to prevent any spillage.
That was close── I almost melted the stone floor!
"Master Lene, what happened?"
One of my students, who I was teaching alchemy, looked at me with a puzzled expression, concern etched on his face.
"It's nothing," I replied, urging them to return to their work.
Strange, though──I didn't overheat anything, so why did it crack?
Maybe it was just fragile after all.
"Still, where's Ryuuji? He's really late."
I mumbled to myself, staring blankly at Belle, who seemed to be busily instructing the younger students in place of Ryuuji in the enchanters' area.
He did say he was just going to have a quick chat with Her Highness the Princess, but I guess that conversation must have dragged on.
Just as I was pondering this──BAM!
A loud, explosive sound echoed from outside.
"What was that noise?"
Not just Belle, but all the other students paused their work, murmuring in confusion.
I noticed a few girls trying to rush outside to figure out where the sound had come from, but──
"Wait! Don't go out!"
I hurriedly grabbed the arm of the girl attempting to dash outside, pulling her back to stop her.
While I didn't recognize the sound, I had a sinking feeling about its source.
"Everyone, stay inside the house, no matter what!"
With those urgent words, I dashed down the hallway to call for Minori and SuzSuz.
* * *
Carefully opening the front door, Minori and SuzSuz peeked outside.
There should be people working in the fields right now, and we need to evacuate them as soon as possible.
After all──
"Suzu, just to confirm one more time, that sound from before was definitely the Dark Mage touching the barrier, right? There's no mistake?"
"Sis Minori, you're so persistent. It's the barrier I set up, so there's no way I could be wrong."
SuzSuz furrowed her brow a bit at Minori's relentless questioning.
But I understand how she feels.
If our opponent really is a Dark Mage, we need to be prepared.
It's unsettling that Ryuuji, who can make calm decisions in times like these, isn't here.
I really wonder what he's doing and where he is.
"Okay, it's safe to go outside. There's no sign of the enemy. Suzu and I will keep watch, so Lene, get everyone to evacuate to the neighbor's house. And if possible, bring Ai and Flamme with you."
"Got it!"
Following Minori's signal, we all scattered outside.
I then explained the situation to the people working in the fields and guided them to Little Lana's house as quickly as I could.
The field is so big, this is tough.
It took me a good 30 minutes to return to our house after evacuating everyone, with Ai-Ai and Flamme in tow, and head back down to where Minori and the others were.
It took longer than I expected.
"What was that sound earlier?"
Ai-Ai, who had been carrying Flamme, set her down and asked with a worried look.
I want this child to live a normal life, but with Ryuuji gone, more fighting power is better right now.
Even though Ryuuji has the 〈Magic Stone of Cashunat〉, not being able to communicate with Flamme is kind of a pain.
On the other hand, does Flamme really understand our language?
I hope so...
"The sound of it bouncing back when a Dark Mage tried to invade the barrier"
"Whoa!?"
SuzSuz is talking in her usual tone, but for Ai-Ai, this is the first time facing a Dark Mage, so it's understandable to be surprised.
In that sense, we might have gotten used to being comfortable with things we shouldn't be.
"Suzu, can you tell where the enemy is?"
"Um, the south side, near the grove. I don't think they're unscathed from the barrier's shock, so it's best to take them down before they recover."
"Alright. ...Everyone, from here on out, it's a battle for life and death. Let's go all out."
At Minori's words, Flamme included, everyone nodded.
I also drew out my Alchemist's Gun, loaded the ammunition, and held it in my right hand, the one that doesn't use a staff.
I don't know what kind of opponent we're facing, but I've already proven that this weapon is very effective against a Dark Mage with the power of 〈God-Slayer〉.
With preparations complete, we began to walk towards the grove on the south side of the field where the Dark Mage was probably waiting.
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