A few days after the initial investigation, during the daytime, Martina and the investigation team returned to the forest where the miasma pool was located to test various methods they had devised to eliminate it.
“Would it be alright if I tried my method first? It’s quite heavy and a bit of a hassle to carry,” said a woman who specialized in monster research, holding up a bottle filled with liquid.
“Ah, a monster-repelling potion?”
“Exactly. I’ve prepared plenty of it. I figured if we pour this on the miasma pool, it might repel the monsters and prevent them from appearing.”
“That does sound plausible… One of the knights will handle the pouring. Please let us know if there are any special instructions.”
At Lambert’s question, the woman shook her head and gave a mischievous grin.
“None at all. Normally, you’d dilute it with water, but this time, I think I’ll use it in its undiluted form.”
“Understood. That does sound promising.”
Lambert handed the bottle to one of the knights, and everyone moved a safe distance away from the miasma pool. After the knight poured the liquid, they quickly retreated as well.
For now, there were no visible changes to the miasma pool after being treated with the monster-repelling liquid.
“If things go as usual, we should see monsters appear in about ten seconds,” Martina murmured, and everyone unconsciously swallowed nervously as they waited. Sure enough, exactly ten seconds later, a monster emerged from the miasma pool at the usual interval.
However, unlike normal, the monster began thrashing violently and screaming the moment it touched the ground.
“GRRAAOOOHHH!!”
“Quickly, take it down!”
“Understood!”
The knights swiftly dealt with the frenzied monster, but the group’s expressions darkened at the ominous development.
“The monster-repelling potion must have caused this,” the woman said.
“Most likely. It seems to have no effect on preventing the creation of monsters but instead agitates them into a frenzy upon emergence,” Lambert concluded.
“This method is a failure.”
The knights then used water and wind magic to clean up the potion and restore the area to its original state.
“Shall I try my method next?” asked a geologist, adjusting his glasses. “My idea involves burying the miasma pool underground. Soil is composed of various elements, some of which can alter the properties of surrounding materials. By using particularly potent soil, we might neutralize the miasma pool.”
As he mumbled his explanation, filled with technical jargon, Laforet stepped forward and interrupted.
“Why don’t you show us while explaining? It’ll be easier to understand.”
“Good idea. Earth-attribute users, could you gather here? I’ll need you to mix this material into the soil and cover the miasma pool with it.”
Three knights skilled in earth magic began gathering soil from the surrounding area. The sight of floating earth delighted Martina, her eyes sparkling.
After mixing the specified material into the floating soil, the knights carefully covered the miasma pool.
“Does this look good?”
“Perfect! Thank you,” the geologist replied with enthusiasm.
“How long will it take for the effect to manifest? If it takes months, it’s not practical,” Laforet asked with a frown.
“No worries. While completely eradicating the miasma pool may take time, we should see results within minutes. If the interval between monster appearances increases or the miasma pool shrinks, we’ll know it’s working.”
“Hmm, a few minutes isn’t bad. Let’s wait,” Laforet said.
Everyone passed the time as they pleased. However, after waiting, the miasma pool showed no signs of change, and monsters continued to emerge outside the earthen covering, rendering this method ineffective as well.
Other attempts followed, including various magical attacks and the use of medicinal herbs said to purify evil, but none succeeded in eliminating the miasma pool.
“It seems the only way to eradicate the miasma pool is with light-attribute magic,” Martina observed after watching all the experiments.
Lambert nodded with a grim expression.
“Indeed. However, gathering light-attribute magic users has proven challenging. Let’s hope the current number will suffice.”
“For now, we should report to His Majesty,” Martina suggested.
“Agreed. I’ll report to the palace immediately upon our return. That will determine our next course of action. Everyone, let’s head back to the palace for now. Further instructions will likely come through written orders.”
Thus, the investigation team concluded their mission without significant breakthroughs.
As the group prepared to leave, Martina lingered, gazing at the miasma pool and the monsters it spawned. Her expression tightened, and she pressed her lips together in frustration.
