Chapter 5 – Modern Magic
The next day.
Myself and Luna, who came to the Adventurers’ Guild, immediately accepted a quest and headed into the dungeon.
“Let’s choose this one.”
“What’s this?”
Luna peeled off a paper stuck on the quest board.
“It’s a D-rank quest. It’s not about defeating monsters but gathering materials. However, I think you’ll encounter monsters along the way.”
“I see. So, starting with something easy?”
“Are you perhaps wanting something more difficult?”
“No, I believe the system is that you can only accept quests of your rank, right? I’m F-rank and Luna is D-rank. We can’t accept anything above that. That’s what I understand, at least.”
“That’s correct! As expected, Ayame-san, you are very sharp!”
“If it’s something simple like this, one explanation is enough.”
Although we’ve only recently arrived in the Kingdom of Arcadia, thanks to Luna, I’ve come to understand quite a lot.
“Well then, I’ll go process the paperwork.”
“Let’s wait here,” I said.
“Yes!”
Luna responded cheerfully and quickly dashed off toward the reception desk.
Still, the gazes directed at the swordsman are quite intense.
—
“Swordsman?”
“Apparently from the east.”
“Oh. That’s Katana, right?”
“Maybe some rural folk in the far east are misunderstanding things.”
“Hahaha! Now with the Deadly Strike Magic around, someone might get taken out the next day.”
It was immediately clear who was mockingly sneering.
—
“Hey.”
“Oops.”
Someone grabbed my shoulder forcefully from behind, so I quickly dodged and turned around.
“Need something? Eric.”
“Y-You… still have that smug attitude, huh?”
“I show respect to those worthy of respect, but I’ve judged that it’s unnecessary for you.”
“Haha… Yeah. It’s good to have someone opposing me for once. Recently, I haven’t had much stress relief.”
He grinned with a distorted smile.
—
“I heard about Luna’s case. That contract is unjust.”
“Unjust? You probably don’t know since you’re just a rural outsider from the far east, but in this kingdom, the nobles are absolute. And all nobles excel at magic. In fact, they use their magic to protect the commoners and bestow benefits upon them. Shouldn’t they be appreciated?”
Hmm. It seems he truly believes that from the bottom of his heart.
Maybe you could call it innocent evil. Most likely, this personality was shaped by the aristocratic upper class.
—
“Even if that’s the truth, it doesn’t give anyone with power the right to oppress others.”
“Hmph. Playing the role of the hero of justice? Looks like you’ve managed to charm Luna, but I’ll take that prized girl for myself. Ah, I’m looking forward to how I’ll have her completely under my control. Heh heh heh…”
He licked his lips mockingly. That disgusting guy’s true motives just became painfully clear.
—
“I’ll also cooperate with Luna’s case. I just need to pay, right?”
“That’s right. But listen, dungeons are a place of big fortunes, but do you really think someone like a swordsman can clear it?”
“We won’t know until we try.”
Our eyes met. I didn’t back down for a moment, glaring back at Eric’s condescending gaze.
—
“Ayame-san, the procedures are complete!”
While we were having that exchange, Luna ran over to me.
Eric tried to leave at the same time, but just before leaving, he leaned in and whispered to me.
—
“I hope nothing happens with an accident inside the dungeon. The death rate isn’t something to take lightly. This is my last warning, you know?”
After saying that, Eric disappeared from my sight.
I see. It’s easy to understand what kind of shallow trickery that kind of lowlife will come up with.
—
“？ Ayame-san, is something the matter?”
“No, it’s nothing. Well then, let’s go.”
“Yes!”
†
“The Arcadia Dungeon is one of the most difficult dungeons in the world.”
“Difficult, huh? I look forward to it.”
As I walk, Luna explains the overview of the dungeon to me.
The light is faint, but it’s still a dim space. There’s a high risk of monsters attacking from the darkness.
“That said, the really dangerous parts start from the 20th floor onwards. Beyond that, only A-rank adventurers can go.”
“That’s wise. It seems the adventurer system is more solid than I thought.”
I am a little impressed to see how the rank system functions like this.
“Yes. Because your life is at risk, it’s quite strict.”
“That makes sense.”
“Our current quest is to collect bronze ore on the tenth floor.”
“Gathering, huh. Is there a specific amount required?”
“No, not particularly. I think it’s enough to just bring back as much as we can.”
“Understood.”
It’s said that there are almost no monsters on this first floor, and we just need to descend the stairs to the lower levels.
“Ayame-san. Do you have any questions?”
“I want to know about magic.”
The knowledge I most want to learn right now is about magic.
“Magic, huh? That will take a bit of time.”
“If we walk while talking, that should be just right.”
“Understood.”
Luna nods and proceeds to explain about magic.
“Magic is a supernatural ability that you activate using magical power. There are 5 basic attributes—fire, water, ice, lightning, and wind.”
So, what I saw yesterday was fire and lightning magic, I suppose.
“There are also other types of magic outside of these attributes, such as body strengthening, magical defense, and mental interference.”
This is pretty straightforward so far. I nod and encourage Luna to continue her explanation.
“In the past, magic required incantations, magic circles, or intermediaries like wands. Over time, it has been simplified, and nowadays, most magic can be cast without incantations. You just need to say a one-phrase magic name, and the magic activates.”
“I see.”
“Some mages, called silent mages, can cast magic completely without speaking at all, but they are extremely rare and among the top-tier mages.”
“Hmm.”
The magic I witnessed yesterday lacked any long incantations. To think it could have such power without chanting.
Yōjutsu (sorcery) normally required a decent amount of chanting, so close combat should’ve been out of the question, but…
There are also those who can activate magic completely silently.
Once again, I realize how terrifying magic can be.
“Modern magic is quick to activate and doesn’t consume too much magic power. In the past, close-range combat was advantageous for swordsmen, but with modern magic, that’s…”
Luna’s words taper off quietly. I speak my honest opinion in reply.
“It must be tough. Besides the quick activation, mages likely defend their bodies with magic power, right?”
“Yes. Attacks with swords probably aren’t very effective.”
“That’s probably why swordsmen are looked down upon, and society is dominated by mages. I understand.”
“…”
Luna looks a little uncomfortable, worried that I might think poorly of swordsmen.
“Luna, don’t worry about it. If that’s the way of this world, then I’ll accept it. And my swordsmanship won’t be shaken by that. Rather, I will surpass magic.”
“Surpass magic… I knew it, Ayame-san, you’re amazing.”
Luna’s voice was very gentle.
“Thank you for teaching me, Luna. It was very helpful.”
“Be careful, some monsters also use similar magic, so watch out.”
“Understood.”
Modern magic, huh… Its casting speed might be troublesome, but it sounds like the perfect match for my demon sword.
I gently touch Amajiki. The jet-black sword remains dormant for now.
Losing the initiative in a magic battle is inevitable. But that’s also my true strength.
“Oh! I see the staircase leading down to the lower level. Let’s hurry!”
“Ah.”
I followed Luna, but part way there, I sensed someone looking at me. I casually glanced in that direction, but I faintly caught someone quickly hiding away.
“……”
While remaining as alert as possible, we continued further into the depths.