Chapter 66

I reached for the Sky Sword.

At that, the female instructor panicked.

“Wait a minute! Sorry for saying something misleading, but give me a break, Mr. Sky Knight.”

I see. So she knows about me, the adventurer.

“I’m not looking for a fight. I just saw a famous person and got curious, that’s all.”

“Is that so? Then can I go now?”

“Like I said before, go ahead. I know your skill.”

I understand what she’s trying to say, but…

“This is part of the training, right?”

“It’s a simple one. It’s the first practice, and it’s harder to fail than to pass. The only things that come out on the way to the item are slimes that don’t attack and puppy-like monsters that just bark.”

Indeed. It’s easy enough that you don’t even need magic.

“I’m in charge of all the lower-level training. Oh, I didn’t mention my name. I’m Lucora. Nice to meet you. I used to be an adventurer, so I know all about you.”

She was quite a talkative woman. The type who’d keep talking endlessly if left alone.

It reminded me of Nia, who was somewhat like that too. I wonder if my house hasn’t been ransacked. Hopefully, she’s keeping it clean.

If she’s a former adventurer, it’s not strange that she knows about me.

Not to brag, but there probably aren’t many adventurers as famous as me.

“Others might not get it. Special treatment only causes unnecessary friction.”

“Hmm, that’s true. Okay, I just wanted to chat for a bit. You can go.”

Lucora waved her hand as she spoke.

Well, I didn’t think I could completely hide it.

Not that I was hiding it in the first place.

Being a famous adventurer in this country doesn’t seem to offer many benefits, but I hope things don’t get too strange.

I entered the labyrinth.

The lighting was well-maintained, and my adventurer’s instincts didn’t pick up any danger at all.

Mastema seemed bored. She had been walking absentmindedly while staring at the ceiling for some time.

When I sensed something above me, I swung my right hand, and a slime splattered. Apparently, a slime had fallen from the ceiling.

I noticed it late since it didn’t have any hostility. The acid that got on my hand was weak—an almost harmless slime.

Mastema was laughing as she watched. She must have noticed but said nothing.

I shook my right hand to fling off the slime stuck to it.

When Mastema tried to pick up a piece of the slime and eat it, I stopped her. Even if it wouldn’t upset her stomach, that’s just not right.

We kept walking, occasionally spotting dogs that would bark at us before running away.

It was strange. We hadn’t crossed paths with anyone else.

Were there teleportation circles set up?

Did we accidentally go too far in? But for this kind of training, the path should be well-marked.

I continued the now leisurely stroll of a training session with Mastema.

Eventually, we saw a group of lower-level students gathered ahead. It seemed to be in front of the room where the item was placed.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you going to proceed?”

“Ah, it’s the old man from Ahavain.”

I’m not an old man.

Colgus came over to explain. I couldn’t quite grasp the situation, but apparently, something was inside, which made them stay here.

Even if they are mere apprentice mages, standing around without doing anything is pathetic.

“Just take a look. You’ll understand why we hesitate to go further after seeing it.”

So I looked, and…ah, I see.

A woman with a twisted body stood in front of the altar where the item was placed.

So that’s where she went. That appearance was terrifying. Moreover, that apparition was strong.

These apprentice mages would be wiped out if they tried.

That instructor, Lucora, probably hadn’t scouted ahead. Well, if she had, she might have died upon encountering it, so perhaps she’s lucky in a way.

Mastema gave me a thumbs-up with her right hand, as if to say, “Leave it to me.”

Well, we’ve driven her off once before.

The students moved aside, clearing the way as Mastema entered the room.

This time, instead of a staring contest, it seemed to be peaceful negotiations.

After a brief conversation, the twisted woman disappeared.

Mastema returned.

“Apparently, she had nowhere else to go, so she came here. I advised her to stop manifesting, since her appearance is frightening.”

One of the girls cautiously asked Mastema.

“Um, does that mean…she was a ghost?”

“Yes. What else would she be?”

In the next instant, a chorus of screams erupted, and most of the students fled in terror.

Well, it’s understandable that kids would find it scary.

Only Lulise remained.

Colgus, are you afraid of ghosts too?

“She won’t attack?”

“No. She promised to behave while I’m at the academy. She doesn’t want to fight me, so she asked to be left alone.”

“Wow, that’s amazing, Mastema-chan. Are you a famous priestess or something?”

Pleased with the compliment, Mastema let out a puff of air from her nose.

“No, I’m—”

I placed a karate chop on her head to make her stop talking.

“What are you doing?”

“She’s always had a strong spiritual connection.”

That’s not true. It’s much worse than just spiritual sensitivity—she’s a demon.

“Oh, I see! Mastema-chan is someone who gets along well with spirits!”

Lulise seemed to believe it. Of course, saying she’s a demon would only be believed by certain groups, but I feel bad if people think she’s crazy.

“Right, right. Now let’s go grab the item and head back.”

“Got it. I’m bored anyway.”

“Sure. You all should’ve just taken the item and left.”

In the end, only the three of us brought back the orb.

Instructor Lucora tried to gloss over the situation by saying that handling such accidents is part of a mage’s duty, delivering some lofty words.

The only ones who seemed to buy it were the pure-hearted Lulise and Colgus, who had no experience with women.

No, looking closely, it seems the whole class was convinced.

It’s going to be tough for them…adults often say things that sound reasonable just to cover up their mistakes.

Now we’re being open and honest, but back in the day, the princess’s roundabout way of speaking gave me quite the headache.