Chapter 47: Those Entrusted

—That’s more of a fortress than a mine.

In front of the towering bald mountain, Shigeatsu held his breath. The group he led, the “Monthly,” advanced forward while protecting the mages at the rear.

Squad 4’s strategy was determined at the outset with the [Comet of Ruin].

The leader of the “Yggdrasil Order,” draped in a deep green robe, began to walk. Each member of the party carried a staff as tall as themselves. These five mages, veterans based in the Tohoku region, marched elegantly.

“I don’t want to do something as lame as infiltrating. Let’s go in with confidence.”

She commenced the advance with a graceful stride. Her exceptional allure, ageless appearance, and gentle yet somewhat eerie demeanor matched the word “witch” more perfectly than anyone else.

“I could crush the entire mountain if I wanted.”
“Lady, if you do that, it will make it difficult to extract valuable minerals,” Mitsui remarked.

“Oh, just kidding, Mitsui. Do I seem like a violent woman?”
“You do like violence, don’t you?”

“Hohoho.”

Accepting the fact that she was Mitsui’s online friend took some time. Watching his geeky friends chat comradely with her left Shigeatsu with an inexplicable feeling.

While observing the elegant advance of the mages, Shigeatsu and his group dealt with the Grids they had bypassed.

At a moment’s respite, Genzo spoke in a low voice.

“As I’ve heard, they’re tenacious foes.”
“That’s because this is the habitat of the Grids. They’re in their element.”

Even as he said this, there was still a sense of ease. Shigeatsu felt that the experience from exploring Area 5 had honed them further.

On the mountain’s surface, adventurers and Grids clashed fiercely.

Among them, the one who stood out was a red-haired girl darting rapidly. Lira Scarlet Tears. The moment she swung her sword, she dashed toward her next target. A girl who swiftly brought death, she was a true demoness.

And a little distance away, a boy exuded a different kind of presence.
He summoned shadow soldiers from the ground, drawing in numerous Grids. At the instant a sufficient number gathered, he crushed them by dropping a massive block of ice from above. With sheer strength, he repelled the numerical assault.

Observing this, the lead mage spoke up.

“Is that the boy who defeated the Undead King? …It’s a pity he doesn’t carry a staff.”

Her lips, painted in a deep crimson, curved into a fierce shape.

The boy, who seemed unreliable half a year ago, was no more. His raw talent, once an unpolished gem, had been refined through battles with formidable foes.
His brilliance now reached the world.

Shigeatsu laughed. It was undoubtedly a joyful smile.
A large hand patted his back. Genzo, standing beside him, was looking ahead.

“We can’t afford to lose.”
“Indeed, we’re his seniors after all.”

◇

“[Lebeglakio]”

It was one of the Undead King’s spells.
It spawned shadow soldiers from spreading flames, restricting the enemy’s movements with sheer numbers. It was the magic of a monster bearing the title of King, who single-handedly faced adventurers.

The shadow soldiers I handle can’t execute complex actions. Their sole movement is to attack the enemy before them. So the only thing I can control is the summoning location, using this magic to adjust the speed at which the Grids advance.

I gather them in one place, then extinguish the shadow soldiers. The crushing from above with [Frozen Star] had been shown before. The Grids learned and immediately scattered.

That’s why this will work next.

“[Ice Blade Dance]”

The heat from the volcano melts the ice, diminishing its power. The impact on ice blocks with size is pronounced, but this spell doesn’t aim for lethal wounds.

It targets arms and legs, damaging parts essential for battle, reducing combat capability.

We can overpower weakened Grids.

“[Lebeglakio]”

Summoned shadow soldiers again finish off the slowed monsters.

No Grids charge out anymore. The survivors retreat into their holes.

I take a moment to catch my breath and confirm the surrounding situation. The distant sounds of explosions likely come from other squads.

Charging into this intricate mountain without a plan would be suicide.
The entire Squad 4 gathers once more.

Lila, gazing intently at one of the tunnels leading further into the mountain, is approached by a magician in a deep green robe.

“Did you notice something unusual, Miss Scarlet Tears?”
“I have a question. How many Silver Wolf Grids are usually around?”

“In the previous [Scorching Mine], there were about 5 or 6.”
“If that’s the case, there are far too many this time. Even by Lila’s count, there seem to be 10… at least 20.”

“Hohoho. Are they giving us a warm welcome?”
“And I’d like to know your name, ma’am.”

Lila’s naive remark made the adventurers stumble. A few voices exclaim in disbelief, “You don’t know?”

…Actually, I don’t know either. Just as I was thinking that, the lady glanced at me. Has she noticed that there’s another person here who doesn’t know her name?

“The grieving blossom, Yuuka. Call me whatever you like.”
“Yuuka, then. Got it.”

Yuuka-san. I’ve memorized it. Yes. I’m sorry.
I bowed my head slightly without voicing it. Sorry for lacking common sense and all.

Yuuka-san closed her eyes, then slowly opened them.

“Yes, there are many Silver Wolf Grids — where is the King? He must be deep inside. At any rate, you’re correct about things being off. Well done noticing that.”

When Yuuka-san patted Lila’s head, she looked genuinely happy.

“Though it’s not ideal to hold the reins, let’s be a bit strategic.”

No one disputes her words, or her actions. Everyone holds their breath, awaiting instructions.

The mage before us possesses that kind of strength and track record.

“The one with the best vision is Lila. I’ll leave the lead to her. Countering traps and surprise attacks falls on you. Yes, Isshiki, you can manage it. With those two at the front, Squad 4 will advance. The rest will support them. Of course, you’re free to disregard these orders.”

Following Yuuka-san’s directions, Lira and I converge.

“How’s it going, Itsuki?”
“Perfectly. You’re doing great too, Lila.”

“Top condition!”
“Ready to go anytime?”

“Let’s go then.”

Ensuring our visibility with magic, we delve into the mountain.

Though called a mine, the Grids have turned this entire mountain into their nest. Here and there, one finds traces of excavation or spaces indicating habitation.

The convoluted paths resemble a labyrinth, and traps are set in places. Where such traps exist, we send shadow soldiers ahead to check.

We continue to go deeper and deeper.

“What did the Grids design this structure to fight against?”

Questions arise. In this area called the [Scorching Mine], there didn’t seem to be any monsters threatening enough to the Grids.

Were they fearing an adventurer assault?
Even though this is the first time?

“Itsuki, lost in thought?”
“Sorry, I’ll focus.”

“You should. —They’re coming.”

Slightly behind Lila, I too sense the approaching enemy. A powerful monster rapidly closing in.

Judging it unwise to fight in the narrow corridor, we leap into the space ahead.
From the opposite hole, something silver emerges, sweeping its sharp claws, slicing through the air.

Unique Individual Silver Wolf Grid

The moment I clearly perceive its form, something whips out from my field of vision, striking the Grid. It seems akin to roots or vines, resembling magic I’ve seen in battles with Cursewoods.

“Let’s start with a warm-up.”

Spreading a sweet floral scent, Yuuka-san stands before us.
Her eyes, though different in hue also carry the radiance of a warrior.

“Go on ahead. I can handle this alone.”

“Thank you!”
“We’re counting on you!”

Entrusted with the task, we press forward.