NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Picnic with Mea
“―――Today, no mana training allowed.”
“Why!?”
It had been another year since I had increased my magical power and finally become adept at controlling immense amounts of magical energy, grasping the various applications of different spells.
At the age of eight, I was once again attempting to engage in magical practice today when Mea suddenly issued a ban on mana training.
What a ruthless decision!! If you take magic away from me, what will be left!?”
“…A charming appearance?”
“Huh!?”
I was met with Mea’s ultra-high firepower attack, and I was sent flying spectacularly.
W-Wait, did Mea just… call me cute? Is this a dream?
Please, let’s not turn this into a dream cliché.
“―――Jin-sama?”
“Huh? …Hold on, why are you so closeeee!!”
Hey, stop that… I mean, seriously, when otakus get close to their favorite characters, their hearts race so much they can’t breathe! (Not that that’s a thing)
And on top of that, nervousness makes them completely unable to talk! (That part’s true)
“So, why the sudden ban on magic?”
“Well, I thought maybe we could take a break and go on a picnic together occasionally…”
“―――Couldn’t you have said that sooner? Give me 30 seconds, and I’ll get ready right away!”
I hurriedly changed clothes, washed my face, and fixed my hair.
I was already floating on cloud nine.
Yes! Me and Mea are going on a daaaaate!!
Although I hadn’t really done anything like a date in these two years… finally, finally, it’s happening!!
Heh… the moment I’ve been waiting for has arrived.
“Alright, let’s go!”
“I’m the one who invited you, so why are you rushing ahead?”
“Ah…”
Embarrassing…
For the next several seconds, I was writhing in embarrassment right there.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been outside the house.”
As I walked along the lush, unpaved path, I murmured to myself.
Everywhere I looked, it was a sea of green.
Sceneries like this have their own charm.
“Jin-sama didn’t seem interested in going outside, after all.”
Well, considering I’m a villainous noble, who knows where danger might come from? Besides, it’s scary outside!
In the game, my Divinesword family apparently got their hands into all sorts of shady dealings. As a result, they’re being watched and targeted from various directions.
In fact, in the past two years, I’ve had about two assassination attempts.
Well, neither of them could break through my barriers, so while they were trying, Mea gave them a good beating.
Honestly… it’s a bit weird to say about myself, but what’s so special about someone who’s fallen behind…?
“Always up to something useless…”
“Huh?”
“Never mind. So… when do you think we’ll arrive?”
I asked Mea, who was holding my hand as we walked together.
By the way, Mea’s hand… (omitted).
It had been a couple of hours since we left home, and there was no sign of Mea slowing down.
It’s been about two hours since we left the house, and Mea showed no signs of stopping anytime soon.
Well, she’s got plenty of stamina, and with [Body Enhancement] activated, I don’t feel tired at all.
“About… another 30 minutes or so. Today’s destination is the ‘Forest of Spirits.’
“About… another 30 minutes or so. Today’s destination is the ‘Forest of Spirits.'”
“Hmm, the Forest of Spirits, huh… You’re going there today!?”
“Yes, but… is there something wrong?”
Mea tilted her head inquisitively, but for me, as a reincarnated individual, this was a significant matter.
That’s because the Forest of Spirits is a crucial location tied to the storyline of this game world, “Brilliant Proof.”
True to its name, it’s a vast forest where numerous spirits reside, and in addition to spirits, various creatures like monsters, elves, and dark elves inhabit it.
By the way, Mea is from this forest too.
I don’t know the exact reasons, but she escaped from her village because she couldn’t stand their rules.
Given her composed demeanor now, it’s hard to imagine her making such a decision.
And in the early stages of the story, around two months after enrolling in the academy, there’s an outdoor training event set in—yes, the Forest of Spirits.
I think during that event, the protagonist with the protection of the spirits ends up fighting a certain monster at the request of the spirits… and it’s quite strong.
In this world, there aren’t specific stats or levels like in games, but for reference, in this game, with a maximum level of 100, this monster is at level 35..
Being level 35 in the early stages is just way too strong.
Of course, it’s eventually defeated once the protagonist’s bond with the spirits awakens.
Anyhow, since the Forest of Spirits plays a significant role in the story, I didn’t really want to get too close to it—
“A long-awaited homecoming. I wonder how much the forest has changed, Jin-sama.”
“Um, probably not that much… I think?”
“That would be nice… It’s been fifty years since I last returned, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Seeing Mea’s rare smile as she said that… how could I ever refuse!? There’s no way I could make my favorite character sad, right!?
“Let’s brace ourselves. It’s alright… Mea’s with us. And I’ve grown strong enough to navigate through Mea’s ‘fleshy barrier’ at the very least. We’ll be fine, I’m sure.”
Yeah, we’ll be fine.
You can’t underestimate someone who’s mastered every ending in the game.
By Mea’s side, exuding an air of excitement, I steeled myself for what’s to come.