In the king’s office within the royal palace, the king and the Minister of Military Affairs were discussing Lambert’s report.
“It seems that dispersing the miasma pools won’t be as easy as we had hoped,” the king remarked with a deep sigh as he finished reading the report. He raised his head and massaged the furrow between his brows with his fingers.
“Yes. According to the report from the Captain of the First Knight Order, assembling light-attribute mages is an urgent matter. However, progress has been slow, and as of now, we have only about ten individuals, including knights, ready for deployment.”
“Ten, you say… If the miasma is spreading, the longer we wait, the more people we may need. Perhaps it’s best to proceed with the current number for now,” the king suggested.
The Minister of Military Affairs hesitated for a moment but quickly bowed and expressed his agreement.
“Understood. I will arrange it accordingly.”
“I leave it to you… The issue remains, however, of what to do if this fails. Has there been any progress in gathering information on the summoning of the Saintess?”
“…No, that matter has proven even more challenging. We currently have no new information. If you are seriously considering the summoning, we will need to allocate personnel and draft a detailed plan.”
As the conversation grew increasingly somber, the atmosphere in the office became heavy, and both men sighed almost simultaneously.
“For now, let’s deploy the light-attribute mages and discuss our next steps afterward.”
“Understood. I will begin the preparations immediately.”
“Good. I’m counting on you.”
♢ ♢ ♢
About a week after the investigation team had attempted to eliminate the miasma pool, light-attribute mages were finally dispatched to the site.
Present at the scene were the knights acting as guards, the light-attribute mages, as well as Lambert, Martina, and Laforet. The investigation team was currently inactive, so the other three researchers had not joined, but Lambert had come as a knight, Martina to instruct on the use of light magic, and Laforet to document the miasma pool.
“Martina, I’ll leave the instructions for using magic to you,” Lambert said.
“Understood,” Martina replied.
With a tense expression befitting the heavy responsibility placed upon her, Martina unconsciously clutched at her collar, took a deep breath, and began to speak seriously.
“Thank you all for gathering here today, light-attribute mages. Based on various texts, the method to dissipate the miasma pool involves channeling light-attribute magical energy directly into it.”
Typically, magic is cast by shaping magical energy within the body and releasing it as a phenomenon. Directly releasing unshaped magical energy was a challenging technique even for experienced mages.
“Channeling raw magical energy…”
“This will be my first time attempting such a thing,” one mage remarked.
“It is indeed a unique approach, and I understand your apprehension,” Martina reassured them. “Fortunately, this doesn’t require everyone to synchronize perfectly, so please participate without undue pressure. I’m counting on all of you.”
Seeing Martina bow deeply, the mages’ initially hesitant expressions turned resolute.
“Understood. I’ll do my best.”
“Is it safe to make direct contact with the miasma pool?”
“Yes, it has been tested and poses no adverse effects. However, you’ll be standing close to where monsters may appear, so please be cautious of attacks.”
The group of mages then discussed their approach and decided to encircle the miasma pool, channeling their magical energy collectively.
“Everyone, give it your all for the sake of the town and this kingdom,” Lambert urged.
“Understood. We’ll do our best,” the mages replied in unison.
Extending their hands to touch the miasma pool, the mages began releasing their magical energy.
The light-attribute energy appeared as shimmering waves of light to the human eye, drawing everyone’s gaze toward the mages and the miasma pool.
As the dark, stagnant miasma absorbed the radiant waves, it began to shrink visibly.
“It’s clearly getting smaller,” Martina murmured.
“Indeed, we might actually be able to…” Lambert began to say, but his words were cut short when one mage suddenly collapsed to their knees, drained of magical energy. The mage fell unconscious from exhaustion.
For mages, excessive depletion of magical energy could lead to severe fatigue, headaches, nausea, or even loss of consciousness. It was generally taught to always retain at least ten percent of their magical reserves.
“Provide aid!” Lambert shouted.
Several knights swiftly moved to carry the fallen mage away from the miasma pool. Moments later, a monster emerged from the pool.
Although the knights quickly dispatched it, another mage soon collapsed.
“Forget about retrieving the monster! Prioritize the mages’ safety!” Lambert commanded.
“Understood!”
One by one, the mages fell until only three remained. At that moment, the miasma pool’s shrinkage accelerated dramatically.
“It’s almost gone! Just a little more effort, please!” Martina encouraged.
The remaining mages gritted their teeth and poured all their strength into their efforts.
Finally, after several tense seconds, the miasma pool—a black, murky haze—vanished without a trace.
