Now, we have come to the Ulg Natural Park of the Ulgreasia Republic, where the "Habitat of the Spirits" is said to exist.
It has already been a month and a half since I became a teacher.
We came here for a specific purpose, and bringing the children on a trip was a significant undertaking.
We are officially still in class.
We were not allowed to go outside the school due to the unknown location of the church's eyes.
Certainly, there is a church next to the school, which is a reasonable reason.
However, I thought it was wrong to confine children, who are in the prime of their playtime, in school with little time left.
When I asked the children, I intended to take Shizu as well, but she was opposed and couldn't come.
It feels like overprotection, but perhaps I am underestimating the church?
In any case, I acted on what I believed in.
That is, I brought the children out.
Initially, I taught the children the "Transfer Magic."
It would be difficult to understand it normally, even after a year, as it requires knowledge of the magic circle's composition and the meaning of the incantations.
Teaching 10-year-old children a magic that is even difficult for adults to understand is too much.
However, there was no need to remember theories that might take three years to understand.
I apologize, but in such situations, it's the turn of skills.
By the "Mutator" skill, I materialized my knowledge and fused it with the children.
It may seem despicable, but it was a time when we couldn't afford to hesitate.
Next, I summoned a subordinate of Ranga, who transformed into the children using the transformation ability.
I also created a clone, and we were ready.
I thought it would be a problem to oppose and go out, but I chose to act.
I had several discussions with Yuki, but our opinions differed, as he thought it was too dangerous.
If I could have persuaded him, it would have been good, but unfortunately, it was impossible. If there was time, I could have persuaded him calmly, but the children didn't have much time left.
According to the "Great Sage," the fastest child would reach their limit in three months. There was no time for calm deliberation.
I taught the "Transfer Magic" to the children and brought them out.
Why did I teach the "Transfer Magic"?
The reason is simple. There was no time to find a place to stay at the destination, and there was a risk of being discovered by the church.
Therefore, we bypassed the villages and headed directly to the Ulg Natural Park of the Ulgreasia Republic until we reached our destination.
Ranga and I carried the children and moved at full speed.
Before the school meal, we set up a magic circle and used the "Transfer Magic" to return to the classroom.
After finishing the meal, we used the "Transfer Magic" to return to the magic circle and resumed the journey.
The purpose of using magic was to make the children use mana.
The goal was to delay the collapse by having them use powerful magic. The children followed without complaint.
More than that, they were very excited about their first outing.
They quickly got used to the high-speed movement of Ranga and me, and they were very excited and enjoying it.
At first, when they wet their pants from the back, I wondered what would happen.
Of course, to maintain my honor, I won't say who it was.
In any case, we used various tricks to reach the "Habitat of the Spirits."
The Ulgreasia Republic was a small country that stood apart from the nations around the Jura Great Forest.
It was not under the influence of the Western Holy Church and did not participate in the council.
It was a country that prospered with the grace and protection of the spirits and through trade with the Magic King Dynasty of Siron.
There were no restrictions on entering the country, but there were few criminals.
The reason is simple. All the citizens of this country are users of "Spirit Magic."
" Spirit Magic" is divided into two main categories.
The first is "Spirit Magic."
This is a type of magic that has as many offensive spells as "Elemental Magic."
It borrows the power of the spirits, and in return, it supplies mana.
" Spirit Magic" does not require incantations and can be used by anyone who makes a contract with a spirit, provided they are recognized and loved by the spirit.
This is a country where many people are loved by the spirits.
Therefore, those who cannot make a contract with a spirit at the age of 10 are expelled from the country at the age of 20.
They lose their citizenship. However, since there are many types of spirits, it is rare for someone to be unable to make a contract with any spirit.
The second is "Spirit Summoning."
This requires a contract with a more powerful spirit. However, it is less convenient because it requires a more complex incantation.
However, in terms of power, it is incomparable. "Spirit Magic" only borrows a part of the spirit's power, while "Spirit Summoning" allows the spirit's full power to be used.
Not only in terms of power, but in all abilities, it surpasses.
The borrowed power cannot match the real thing.
It is difficult for a user of "Spirit Magic" to defeat a user of "Spirit Summoning."
Even if the opponent is unfavorable, "Spirit Summoning" can reverse the disadvantage.
While the Magic King Dynasty of Siron is a country where "Elemental Magic," the representative of pure incantation magic, is mainstream, the Ulgreasia Republic is a country where "Spirit Magic," or contract magic, is mainstream.
Therefore, there is active exchange, and the background is the mutual development of civilization.
And, the purpose of our coming here.
It is, of course, the summoning of a spirit.
The hypothesis I established.
It is that by fusing the giant of fire (Ifrit) with Shizu, the physical collapse due to the mana surge was prevented.
Was it controlled by the higher spirit Ifrit, or did she acquire the unique skill "Mutator" at the same time as the fusion?
In any case, the key is the fusion with a spirit.
There are few spirits with will. Spirits with will are called elemental spirits.
In this village, there are two places where spirit contracts are made.
The altar in the center of the village where the residents make contracts. In this place, the appearance of higher spirits is rare.
For a higher spirit mage to make a contract with "Spirit Magic," they need to go to the other contract site.
That place is here, the "Habitat of the Spirits."
It is described as a labyrinth that spreads underground or in the air, and only its entrance exists in the Ulg Natural Park.
A large rock with only a door embedded in it, and in front of it, another dimension seems to exist.
However, since our purpose is to make a contract with a higher spirit, we have no choice but to go.
We rested for a night and came fully prepared.
It is unknown whether we can use the "Transfer Magic" to come out from inside this door. It seems impossible.
Therefore, we set up a magic circle in the park inconspicuously. It is unknown whether we will use it, but it is insurance in case of an emergency.
Now,
"Are you ready? Once we go in, we might not be able to come back. Are you prepared?"
In response to my question,
"Of course!"
"It's fine!"
And so on. They answered in unison.
Good, good, it seems they are not afraid. Recently, their trust in me has increased, and they seem to follow me more than before.
I must have gained their trust by transforming into a black wolf or killing monsters along the way.
Let's go then.
I obtained knowledge about this place from the books I investigated in the library.
Unfortunately, the location is accurate, but it is not written whether there are monsters inside.
It seems there is some danger, as it is said to be a trial.
I have some anxiety about whether Ranga and I can protect the children.
If not, we might have to retreat once and call the Benimarus.
In any case, we entered carefully.
Inside, there is no sunlight, but there is a faint light.
For the sake of precaution, I activated "Mana Detection," but my vision is fine. The air composition is also fine, and it seems the children can enter without any problems.
We all entered and moved forward carefully.
I entrusted the children's protection to Ranga.
It's more like a single path rather than a labyrinth...
We moved forward carefully.
...
...
...
Fortunately, I have a mental map.
Although it looks like a single path, there are many traps that can disorient your sense of direction.
When we tried to turn back, the path we had taken was hidden in the shadows by adjusting the light.
In front of us, it looks like a single path, but at the end of the light, there might be another path hidden.
Indeed, it is a labyrinth.
With only human sense of direction, it might be impossible to find our way back.
This is quite a terrifying way to make it.
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
We were caught. We were caught.
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
Hehehehehe.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in my mind.
It's a strong, mental suggestion. No, is it telepathy?
It's boring, guest!
Be more afraid!
Be more scared!
He started talking to us randomly.
The children also looked around, confused.
Kuroe and Alice held onto my clothes and wouldn't let go.
However, even the timid Ryouuta held his sword to protect them.
I had given swords to the three boys in advance.
They are made of pure steel, but I changed their appearance to suit them.
I hope we don't have to use them...
Good, good!
Be more scared!
Yes, yes, otherwise it's not fun.
Hmm.
I could identify the location. It's annoying to let them talk freely.
"Hey, hey, do you live here? Are you a spirit?
We have a purpose for coming here. We have business with a higher spirit.
If possible, it would be nice if you could guide us."
I asked first.
Now, what kind of reaction will you show?
Ahahaha!
Uhuuuu!
This is fun. I'm more amused than surprised. I find it more fun than being scared.
Good, good!
I'll tell you. But, but.
Before that!
Light extended to the end of the path in front of us.
It seems to be a lure. Well, we have no choice but to go.
As we approached, a large square appeared.
And there, a giant stood.
Now, let's start the trial!!!
The giant's eyes glowed red.
I suddenly thought, why do the eyes of suspicious monsters glow red? Well, it doesn't matter.
"Hey, is the trial about defeating that giant?"
Yes, yes.
That's it.
That's right!
Then, it's simple.
I asked Ranga to protect the children, and I stepped forward alone.
What, what?
Are you doing it alone?
Overconfidence is dangerous?
Are you worried about me? Well, I'll be fine.
I analyzed the giant in front of me using emotion interpretation.
Name: Guardian Golem of the Holy Spirit (tentative)
Material: Steel
Ability: A+ Rank
Mana: A+ Rank
Phew! I almost spat it out.
The name is arbitrary, but the ability is dangerous.
Is it a golem made of steel? It's about 3 meters tall.
It has a heavy and sturdy form. It probably weighs over 30 tons.
Even if it falls with a physical attack, it would cause a significant impact.
Physical attack resistance or being crushed seems meaningless.
As I watched, the golem shook.
Well, I can track it... It moves as quickly as a master swordsman.
This is a terrifying opponent.
This weight and speed. If hit, the damage would be worse than a traffic accident, no doubt.
Wait, is this a trial? It's definitely trying to kill us?
"Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!!! What is this guy?
You guys, is this a trial? Isn't it trying to kill us?"
As I shouted,
Hehehehehe.
Yes, yes, that's right!
Can you win? Can you win?
...What... annoying guys.
Is this, really the lid being opened?
Anger rose from within, and I almost lost my composure.
Danger, danger.
In front of the children, I must be a god.
Losing my temper and acting recklessly is a deduction, as I have been told.
Well, it's well known that the cool me rarely gets angry.
Huh, huh, huh, huh, huh? (Lamaze breathing)
I regulated my breathing and took a calm stance.
What, even if I don't show my true feelings, it's fine as long as I don't get hit.
It's quite fast, but I'm much faster. I can even track supersonic speeds.
Now, "Black Lightning" probably won't work on this guy. After all, it's metal. The current would just flow to the ground.
The magic I have learned probably won't work. Water blades and fireballs are also unlikely to work.
I should consider cutting it with a sword. It might be cut, but I don't want it to break.
I wish it was a bit softer. A golem made of the strongest steel is too hard and has too few weaknesses, which is annoying.
Then, should I burn it all?
"Hey, if you apologize, I'll forgive you, but if you don't, can I destroy this thing?"
Ahahaha!
It's fun, it's fun!
Pretense, pretense!
Good, good. I'm fine with it!
If possible, try it!
Huh???
I'm fine. I'm fine.
I can't get angry at this arrogant mental suggestion.
There are no blood vessels, but the feeling of my head's blood vessels bursting is just a feeling.
Now, I have permission.
Goodbye, golem. If possible, I wanted to take it and make it my toy...
"Yokobari!"
My "Steel Manipulator" is much stronger than before.
When I extract it with spirit energy, it can withstand a weight of over 1,000 tons.
The golem, entangled, stopped moving.
Then, I concentrated and shot a "Black Flame Hell."
Normally, there's no need to concentrate much when shooting it. However, specifying a small range requires a huge amount of mana and concentration.
With my "Great Sage" supporter, I was able to use this reduced size Hell Flame for the first time.
A hemispherical dome with a diameter of 5 meters, which Benimaru can't use, enveloped the golem.
A loud "Boom!" echoed, and after the dome disappeared, nothing was left.
Inside the dome, it probably turned into a hell of extreme heat, reaching hundreds of millions of degrees, burning everything.
Even my heat attack, which is normally ineffective, was nullified. There is probably no one who can withstand it.
The problem is that it's easy to hold it in place and avoid it. The time it takes to activate is also an issue.
Well, it worked well this time, so it's fine.
If possible, I didn't want to show this trump card.
Lies!!!
I can't believe it!
One hit...
The confused mental suggestion reached me.
It seems the golem had absolute confidence. Well, that's understandable.
The children also opened their mouths wide, stunned.
It was quite a shock. I didn't want to show it.
That's aside.
I took a thoroughly condescending attitude. I'm sure they are prepared.