Chapter 10

“Normally, there aren’t many people who can use such skills. I think there will be many people who want to investigate you… so be careful.”

“So, it’s going to come to that… I understand. I’ll be careful. Thanks for the warning.”

“…Can you revert it back to its original form?”

“Yeah, I think I can. Could you step back a bit?”

I take out the chip and concentrate on “restoring” it—then, in an instant, the chip returns to its original size as an herb.

“It hasn’t wilted, so it seems fine. By shrinking and collecting like this, I can carry a lot at once…”

Just as I was about to say that it looks like I could carry it home, my vision starts to blur, and my focus falters.

(Oh no—magic power depletion.)

I lose my sense of up and down. Just as I’m about to collapse, Nanami-san supports me.

“…Are you okay? Do you feel unwell?”

“…I… used too much magic… I’ll feel better after resting a bit…”

“…Hang on. I came here for that, so I heard it should be around here.”

She says that and helps me lean against a nearby thick tree. I rest my back against it, enduring the weakness and nausea.

Using too much magic consumes life force in return, leading to this kind of condition. If I had more maximum life force, the symptoms would be less severe, but that’s not the case right now.

It wasn’t a long wait, I think. Amid my hazy consciousness, Nanami-san returns—and then, she lets me smell something.

“…Mahoroba grass emits a scent at night. Breathing it in will restore your magic power.”

“…Thank you, Nanami-san.”

I barely manage to respond. My voice sounds pathetic, like I’m drunk—but thanks to the scent, I can feel my magic power recovering.

“…Do you feel sick? Magic depletion is tough… If you need to vomit, just let me know.”

She holds my head and pats my back. With the magic power recovering, the peak of the symptoms passes—more than that, I feel immensely relieved.

I gently touch Nanami-san’s arm to indicate that I’m okay now. I manage a smile, but she still seems worried.

“Ah, how embarrassing… I thought I’d last a bit longer, but magic depletion is really pathetic.”

“…It’s not like that. Using such an amazing skill, it’s only natural to run out of magic. But I’m glad.”

Nanami-san gestures as if wiping her eyes from above her visor—could she be crying? I feel like apologizing again, but she’s so kind.

To check the situation, I take out my student card to check my magic power.

Magic Power: 5/11

“My maximum magic power has increased a bit…”

“I think it’s because there’s a rebound effect from magic depletion. But most people don’t want to raise their magic power that way, and it’s not usually possible.”

“It’s a life-or-death situation. Without Nanami-san, it would have been dangerous. Thank you so much.”

“…You’re welcome. I came here to research the distribution of plants in this area because I need them for myself. ‘Mahoroba grass’ is a rare plant in this region and necessary for Magic Engineers.”

“To use such a precious thing…”

“No, it can only restore magic power at a specific time, so it can’t be used in dungeon classes.”

Nanami-san talks a lot, but then suddenly puts her hand to her mouth, even though it’s over her protective suit.

She then quietly points in a certain direction. I sit up and look, and I see something moving in the bushes.