Chapter 6 - A Lecture on Earth Magic and the Mysterious Siren
Thanks to Rosabel’s lessons and the insights from the other healers, I feel more confident about practicing herb magic. Now, I want to delve deeper into my other magical affinity, earth magic.
I asked Josephine, our camp’s insider, if she knew anyone with an earth magic affinity. She immediately provided the information. As expected from an insider.
“What? You didn’t know, Yukari? You often see her. Caroline has an earth magic affinity.”
“Really? I never had a chance to talk about magic with her.”
“She used to be a brothel madam, so she’s probably skilled in combat.”
I’m curious about how Josephine knows this. I doubt she got the information from Caroline herself.
“Well, she does have good combat skills, and combat magic seems fitting.”
“Have you talked to the adventurer elf about earth magic? She doesn’t have the affinity, but she might have some knowledge.”
“I’ve already talked to her. It was helpful, but I’d like to hear from someone more specialized. Josephine, thank you. I’ll ask Caroline.”
“You’re welcome. Good luck.”
I didn’t realize Caroline had such an affinity. Sometimes the obvious is right in front of you.
I wandered the camp looking for Caroline and overheard some of the older inmates giving a new arrival some advice.
“Stay away from that one. The one we just passed is the most dangerous, remember that.”
“Ah, I see. If it makes things easier, then it’s fine.”
They must be some of the new arrivals who got into a fight early on and got beaten up. It wasn’t my fault, though.
As I was lost in thought, Caroline passed by. I decided to pretend I hadn’t heard their conversation.
She still has that incredible presence and allure. Even in casual attire, she exudes a certain charm.
“Caroline! Can I talk to you for a moment?”
“Oh, Yukari. What’s up?”
“I have some questions about earth magic. Do you have a moment?”
“No problem. I have an earth affinity, so I can help if I can.”
“Thanks. Let’s find a place to talk.”
I already know the basics of earth magic, but getting insights from an expert is invaluable.
Earth magic typically involves creating walls of earth or rock, digging holes, hurling gravel, and growing spikes from the ground.
Advanced earth magic can create golems, sandstorms, reshape landscapes, and even cause earthquakes.
Of course, with the right mental image, you can probably achieve many other impressive effects.
“I have a mineral magic affinity. It’s quite specific.”
“Interesting. I see why you’re curious. Library records probably didn’t have much on that.”
“Exactly. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what it might entail.”
“Sure, I can offer some ideas, even if they’re just hypothetical.”
“Any ideas would be helpful.”
I’m eager to hear her thoughts.
“Well, mineral magic would likely focus on minerals. It might be completely different from earth magic.”
“I see. Digging holes doesn’t seem to be its strong point.”
“Common minerals like iron ore and gemstones come to mind.”
“Gemstones, huh? That sounds promising.”
“Not as a joke, but it could be possible. Since it’s focused on minerals, you might be able to do something earth magic can’t, like creating or processing metals and gemstones.”
Her vague response makes me chuckle.
“What’s so funny?”
“I’m just imagining the possibilities.”
“I’m serious. Besides creation, you might be able to find and refine minerals.”
“Wait a minute.”
This is a revelation. I had assumed mineral magic would involve controlling rocks and stones, but now I’m seeing it as a whole new opportunity.
Magic is about visualization. If I can imagine it, I can possibly achieve it. With my basic knowledge of physics and chemistry, my mental imagery can be quite detailed and accurate.
This is definitely worth getting excited about.
“…Yukari, what are you smirking about?”
“Oh, nothing! Hehe.”
“You don’t look convincing. Oh well.”
“Anyway! Caroline, this was really helpful. Thank you. I need to hit the library and study more about minerals!”
“I’ll come with you. It’ll be more fun that way.”
“I appreciate it! Let’s go together.”
Minerals are diverse, ranging from common elements to fantastical ones unique to this world.
The library records don’t provide detailed compositions, but they do have good descriptions and pictures. I need to study them thoroughly to form vivid mental images.
Studying is important!
Since then, my days have been filled with even more focused study. Not just Frederica, but Caroline and the healers also joined in daily reading and studying sessions. They’re all intellectual, so it makes sense.
However, even Zenobia and Ophelia, along with other training participants, started joining in, making the library lively.
A stern staff member shouted to quiet them down, but they kept coming back. They don’t cause a commotion anymore, but the sight of the brawn-oriented group reading is a bit strange.
“Why the sudden interest?” I ask Zenobia, who’s reading seriously.
“We have a lot of free time outside of training. We usually did paid work or played games, but there’s some unease about what will happen with Brenark and Retnark. It’s comforting to be together.”
“So, you’re studying because of that?”
“Not really. We’ve always been curious about what you all do. Now we’re starting to get into it.”
If they’re enjoying it, that’s fine by me. They’re not causing trouble anymore.
Our peaceful study time was interrupted by an unexpected emergency.
Vooooom! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
A different kind of alarm from the morning wake-up call, an ominous siren that fills the air with dread.
It’s the first time I’ve heard it, but it’s unmistakably bad news.
“What the…?”
“Never heard of this before.”
Everyone is confused.
“Everyone, back to your rooms and wait! Move it!”
The staff member shouts and rushes out, clearly agitated.
Even though we don’t know what’s happening, it’s best to follow orders and avoid unnecessary trouble.
The others in the library, looking uneasy, start moving back to their rooms.
I hope nothing serious is happening at Brenark. Reports suggested that a real war wouldn’t start until winter was over.
“Hey, Josephine! What’s going on?”
She’s a reliable source of information.
“Not sure of the details, but I recognize the siren.”
“Great. What is it?”
“Probably a large-scale monster attack. This siren signals the start of the anti-monster defense protocol.”
“Interesting. The walls don’t look that sturdy. Is everything okay?”
“There are magical artifacts with barrier spells, and the staff will use magic to defend.”
Barrier spells, I think. They’re known for being strong defensive magic.
“Thanks, Josephine. You’re always helpful.”
“No problem. I’ll let you know if I find out more.”
“Awesome, thanks!”
Back in the room, I wait quietly. The siren is still blaring, but I hope they activate the defenses soon.
Just as I wish for it, the siren dies down. The silence provides some relief.
But the relief is short-lived as the emergency broadcast begins.
“Urgent announcement! Urgent announcement! A large-scale Capros invasion is expected at the facility!”
Capros, those boar-like creatures, known for their relentless charge. They’re often compared to disasters, pushing past any obstacles until their leader stops.
How large is this invasion? If we’re directly targeted, it’s a bit worrying.
I can’t help but think of a delicious stew. I glance at Frederica, and we quickly look away, knowing we had the same thought. It’s the poor diet that drives us to such fantasies.
“Those called will immediately proceed to the administrative building! This is an order! Repeat this announcement!”
This can’t be good. Being called out in such a situation suggests a trap or something equally dangerous.
Women’s lives are expendable in a crisis like this.
I have a bad feeling about this.
“Those called will immediately proceed to the administrative building! This is an order!”
A very bad feeling, indeed.
“Yukarinowe! Zenobia! Angelina! Ophelia! Albert! Liliane! Verone! Rosabel! …”
Great, I’m first on the list.
The others called are notable fighters or healers. This must be serious.
But what can we do without weapons or magic?
I guess I don’t have a choice. It’s an order, and resisting won’t do any good.
“Frederica, I’m heading out.”
“Yukari, please be careful.”
“I will. I’m not ready to die yet. I’ll do my best.”
Sending us out like this seems pointless. There must be a reason. I need to find out what it is.