Chapter 44 - A Growing Crowd
Afternoon tea time.
I indulge in the baked goods I bought, washing them down with tea in a moment of elegance. "Hey, everyone!"
As Valeria and I lounge in the office, we hear a strange call. "What's that shouting?" "Onee-sama, I'll go check." "Be careful, now."
Considering they even came to the front door to greet us, I doubt it's a raid.
Right now, the only ones at the Headquarters are Valeria and I. Rosabel-san and Colette-san are enjoying their free time when they have a break. They're probably out sightseeing or shopping, using their disguise magic items.
"Onee-sama!" "Who was it?"
Valeria returns with a joyful expression, leading the visitors inside. "Hey, it's been a while!"
The familiar faces belong to Ophelia and her group from the Camp. The note that said to wait a bit must have referred to this. Still, it would have been nice if they'd mentioned they were coming now.
Ophelia, the wild elf Albert, the gentle elf Liliane, the serene Onee-sama Verone, and the beast girl Mia. It's a nostalgic group.
It seems the former adventurers have all gathered to visit. How nice. I invite them to the parlor to catch up.
It's been a while since we parted ways at the Camp. We have a lot to talk about. The encounters with Siegrune and the many apprentices, Rosabel-san and Colette-san joining us, our current projects, and future plans. We also enjoy hearing Ophelia’s adventures and recent news. After about three cups of tea, the conversation starts to settle.
It’s time to get to the point. "So, everyone, to the point—did you decide to join me? I’m happy just to see you, but—"
The adventurers exchange glances. Ophelia and Albert seem to have something in mind, while the other three look ready to follow their lead.
"Well, since you invited us, we came with the intention of joining. But there's one condition," Ophelia says.
"Condition?" "Don't tell me, you guys have gotten stronger since the last time. Yukari, let’s do it again. This time, I’ll win!"
"Me too!"
That’s what I thought. Ophelia and Albert look ready to jump into battle.
"If battling is the condition, I’m up for it. But if you join us, that means you're done with the adventurer life?" "Life’s long. We can always go back to adventuring. Right now, the Kikyo Society seems more interesting."
Ophelia says this with her usual nonchalant attitude, which Albert seems to share.
"You two are fine with that, but what about the others?" "They’re not battle maniacs like us."
The other three apparently love exciting things and new experiences. They seem to be joining out of curiosity, following Ophelia and Albert.
As far as I’m concerned, if they’re friends and can contribute, their reasons don’t matter. Whether the Kikyo Society is interesting is debatable, but if they’re interested, that’s enough. They can have fun and see if it suits them.
We might get more visitors, so I leave Valeria in the office while we head to the underground Training Grounds. She’s disappointed at missing the fight, but there will be plenty of practice battles later.
"Wow, you’ve built all this underground?"
The spacious training grounds, complete with a well-stocked armory and potion storage, impress the group. After the tour, Ophelia and Albert quickly prepare for combat. They’ll take turns, starting with Ophelia.
This is the first time we’ll fight with magic since the Camp. Training sessions there were different, but I’m excited for this one.
I activate my Physical Enhancement Magic. "Let’s see what you’ve got, adventurer."
This isn’t like the usual sparring with Kikyo Society members or the street thugs. Adventurers who fight various monsters regularly develop the skills to handle any situation. Ophelia has additional skills like Illusion Magic, making this fight even more interesting.
We face each other, and the battle begins. Ophelia’s Physical Enhancement Magic shows she means business.
She’s certainly stronger, but I think our Combat Unit still has the edge. As the leader, I can’t let new members underestimate me. I activate my own Physical Enhancement Magic.
"You’re still as impressive as ever, Yukari." "The Kikyo Society trains differently. It’s not just me; everyone is strong."
Ophelia’s battle spirit only grows stronger with each display of power. She charges at me with a fierce cry, using both magic and her sword. I dodge her horizontal slash and try to grab her, but her Illusion skill makes it difficult.
I could counterattack like old times, but that would be boring. This is the first time we’re using magic, so I want to try something new. I create a large, nearly invisible crystal shield and charge at her.
The shield’s impact isn’t enough to knock her down, but the crystal shattering should be a fun reaction. As I approach, I sense a magical surge.
Flames burst from under Ophelia’s feet! "No way!"
A mid-level Fire Magic spell. My crystal shield shatters before it hits her, and I’m forced to retreat. Both of us are surprised by the unexpected turn.
We exchange a grin and resume the battle. I prefer close combat and am confident in my strength, but my abilities shine best at mid to long range. I’ll show her what I can do.
This time, I keep my distance and use magic. Ophelia, wary of my unknown spells, stays back. She’s confident she can avoid them from a distance.
If they won’t hit normally, I’ll force the situation. I summon metal pillars around her at high speed. The speed is crucial. Even if she tries to dodge, her Illusion skill won’t help.
Ophelia tries to put more distance between us, but it’s too late. She’s trapped in a metal cage, trying to break the thin pillars. They’re stronger than they look.
I then generate large rocks above the cage. From below, they look like massive boulders about to fall. They start to drop.
Onlookers like Albert and the others watch without panic, understanding the situation. Ophelia crouches, and the rocks crash down.
"AAARGH!"
She rises, sword raised, and the rocks shatter. The impact was lighter than expected. The rocks were actually thin pumice stones, designed to look massive from below but harmless on impact.
Ophelia looks bewildered. "Still pulling those nasty tricks. But your fighting style has changed."
"Trapping you in a cage was a surprise. Everyone was shocked." "And those pillars were incredibly tough."
I release Ophelia from the cage, and she and Albert start analyzing the fight. I consider chatting with the others, but Albert is eager to start his turn.
"Yukari, I don’t mind, but can we do this without long-range magic?" "Sure, I’m up for it."
Albert grins and charges at me with his warhammer. I meet his attacks head-on, deflecting them with my fists. I counter with punches and kicks, exploiting any openings.
Albert, used to conventional combat, seems frustrated but enjoys the challenge. These battle maniacs are a handful.
Eventually, a punch lands, and Albert collapses, satisfied. He tells me he prefers bow and lightning magic for adventuring, but close combat is a hobby. I understand hobbies.
While fighting Ophelia and Albert, I also assess the other three. They show promise as Kikyo Society members. With training, they’ll fit in well. The competitive spirit will push everyone to improve.
We’ve been fighting for hours, and it’s already night. Members returning from their duties gather underground.
"Hey, it really is Ophelia and the gang! Long time no see!"
Greetings and introductions follow. Ophelia and the others chat enthusiastically with Siegrune and the apprentices, showing no hesitation.
They seem like good people. I leave the ongoing sparring to them and head to the cafeteria with Valeria and the non-combat members.
Ophelia and the others won’t need basic training. They’ll join as regular members. They’ve met many familiar faces, but they’ll need orientation on Kikyo Society procedures.
I plan to have them assist with the apprentices, wearing the Kikyo Society jackets. We’ll measure them at the Brillonvest clothing store soon.
The apprentices also need new jackets. We’ll measure everyone at once for efficiency.
The next night, Siegrune’s former colleagues also join the Kikyo Society.