Chapter 232: Glasses Boy Anticipates an Increase in Comrades

“The issue is what the instructor said about subjugating the zombie legion.”

Geodine’s words left no room for disagreement.

Yes, Instructor Evanesque did mention subjugating the zombie legion.

He didn’t say subjugating the necromancer Sanongor.

So, to be precise, I think we just need to subjugate the zombies.

The target for subjugation is strictly limited to the zombie legion.

However, as long as the necromancer Samongul exists, the zombies will continue to multiply, so we can’t achieve our goal without cutting off the source.

“Yeah, if that’s the case, we’ll need to gallantly hunt down a lot of zombies.”

Eorazel’s statement is correct. Though I don’t think we need to gallantly hunt them down.

“But if it’s you, Geo, wouldn’t you easily deal with them using your lovely wide-area magic?”

Oh, I think so too. Though I don’t think it needs to be lovely.

“I haven’t acquired any lovely wide-area holy magic.”

Come to think of it, Geodine, being a ‘great magician’, can use magic without bias towards any particular attribute.

Normally, it seems like most people specialize in some kind of attribute or type.

Cherry uses magic circles, and even Instructor Sorichika can use spirit magic.

Certainly, if there were a wide-area holy magic attack, it would be over in an instant, but… unfortunately, it seems I can’t use it.

…In the first place, holy and dark attribute magic have been so rarely used throughout history that there aren’t many practitioners left in the modern era. Geodine only knows a couple, if that.

“Fire seems effective too, but depending on the location, it might not be usable.”

That’s true.

“If the zombie legion is based in a forest or something, we wouldn’t be able to use fire, right?”

“Well, we’ll have to handle all those aspects as we go along.”

“Yeah, that’s right. I’ll do my best to uphold the leader’s reputation.”

…Even though Eorazel is in a different squad, if it’s just raising these kinds of issues, Cherry and the others are probably considering it too. So, it shouldn’t be a problem to discuss matters like this.

But I might not be able to talk about things beyond this point, since they seem to deeply involve the operation.

I’m interested in the way the assassination team operates and their strategies, so I’d like you to come up with ideas from a different perspective, not related to this.

After all, it’s like our approaches are different.

I think this is the best way.

But there may be different best ways thought up by others.

Every time there’s a challenge, that becomes starkly clear.

The strategies of the assassination team are really fascinating.

So personally, I really don’t want to hash out opinions with them. I really want them to come up with strategies from a different angle.

…I’m really glad I came.

When I was invited to the Tower of Bryne, the hunting in groups that piqued my interest, I feel it every time there’s a challenge.

Just this alone makes me glad I came, and Instructor Yorgo’s handling of the bow is also interesting, not to mention that secret technique.

I want to absorb even more.

And I want to become stronger.

“…We’re ready.”

They’re here! Finally!

Even though we’re surrounded by fire, it was worth waiting for in the chilly sea breeze.

“Whether it’s devising a strategy against the zombie legion or aiming to become stronger, it starts with devouring this.”

Today’s seaside snack prepared by Belge consists of a menu of shellfish hot pot and grilled net-cooked fish.

Shellfish and seaweed gathered from the rocky shore, along with fish caught and vegetables, are laid out in a pot and brought to a boil over the fire.

We place a net over the fire we’re gathered around and set the tightly packed pot on it. It’s supposed to be ready once it boils.

And beside the pot on the net, in a space left open, we place tightly closed shells.

They’re large shells, as big as the palm of my hand.

The shells are devilishly hard and thick, but once cooked, they naturally open up. They’re called “Grudge Clams” or “Urami Clams”.

They have shells so robust that not even a bird or animal can crack them, hence the name derived from their reputation for being impervious to grudges.

They are indeed quite tough.

Even hitting them with a stone only leaves minor scratches.

But things change when they’re heated.

“…………”

“…………”

“…………”

“…………”

We wait.

We wait silently.

Gazing at the clams, we wait patiently for them to open.

As eager as we are for the pot to boil, we’re also eager for the Grudge Clams to open.

Ever since I first tasted them, I’ve been obsessed.

“It’s incredibly delicious.

Honestly, I didn’t think anything could taste as good as meat in this world, but these are just that good.

I’m not the only one who thinks so.

The faces of the men looking at the Grudge Clams tell the same story.

Even Eorazel, who never loses his graceful smile, looks serious.

–Hm?

I glance toward the forest… toward the direction of the tower.

……..

I felt something, but under the dimming sky, there doesn’t seem to be anything unusual.

Maybe it’s just my imagination–

“Oh, it’s opened.”

Oh, finally! My clam! My clam!

“–Wow. Looks delicious.”

……..

Wait, what!?

When did she– no, when did I get distracted?

Before I knew it, a girl was sitting next to me.

“Wow, you startled me!”

While I was distracted, for Geodine and the others, she suddenly appeared right in front of them.

…She’s the Cat Beastman, Trawllul.

I’d heard about those with the vanishing gift, but I’d never actually seen one before.

It’s considered impolite to casually inquire about someone’s gifts, so I can’t just ask directly.

So, this was the first time I actually felt it.

She probably used that to approach, I guess.

…I didn’t sense her presence at all. Even though we’re on the sandy beach, I didn’t hear any footsteps.

She has a different approach from mine, but I’ve heard she’s also a hunter… I see. She must be quite skilled. It surprised me.

“Trau, huh. Finally found me, huh?”

“Call me Ulul~”

Belge doesn’t seem too surprised. Maybe she knows more about her gift than I do.

“If it’s a cute kitty like you, you’re welcome anytime.”

“Can I have that shell of yours then?”

“…………Sure.”

Stop it. Even though Eorazel didn’t answer right away, his true feelings are different. Stop it.

“I smelled grilled fish sometimes, so I figured you were eating something.”

Oh, I see. The smell, huh? It does tend to stick around.

“Nyahahaha~ I’ve caught you! Just the guys, enjoying delicious food. How unfair~”

……..

Well, it’s not really a problem.

“Wanna join us?”

I asked normally, and she replied…

“Is it okay?”

“It started with me and Belge originally.”

Then Geodine found out, then Eorazel found out, and now there are the four of us.

It’s not like we’re hiding anything.

We’re not keeping it a secret.

We just haven’t told anyone.

It’s just a gathering to satisfy our hunger with some seafood, so there’s really no need to tell anyone.

Would you go around telling everyone every time you pick and eat some fruit in the forest?

It’s just that kind of thing.

“…A clam, huh? Actually, I’ve never eaten one before.”

Everyone knew that before we even started eating.

I’m sure Trawllul will join us as a friend starting tomorrow.