Chapter 120: Exploration Companions and the Mysterious Insect

“By the way, Theodore-san, since we are exploration companions, could you stop addressing me so formally? I will call you Theo, so please call me Letty.” “No, I cannot simply drop the honorifics so suddenly.” It was a reaction typical of the earnest Theo.

“Theo-san, you shouldn’t be so distant.” “Hmm, if Sophie-san says so as well… Then, I shall call you Letty-san.” Oh, Sophie‘s persuasion worked.

“I suppose adding ‘-san’ is the best I can hope for?” Sophie giggled at Letty, who sighed. “Yes, I also had a hard time getting him to switch from ‘Sophia-sama’ to ‘Sophie-san.’ Theo-san is very serious.”

The carriage proceeded through the Black Soil Region while we hunted the monsters that occasionally appeared. When we rested the horses, I consulted everyone. “I’m thinking of hunting as many monsters as possible in the Black Soil Region too. Is that okay?” Since everyone agreed, we teleported closer to the Sea of Trees. Although Magic Wolves and Magic Boars began appearing frequently, we defeated them without issue.

“Everyone is strong. You are reliable exploration companions.” “The word ‘companions’ has a nice ring to it.” “Do you think so too, Luna? The phrase ‘exploration companions’ that Letty mentioned to Theo earlier is nice.” “Yes. Even if our races and statuses differ, we are companions. As expected of Sister Letty.” “I feel somewhat embarrassed. I think it is just a normal word, though.”

It has a nostalgic ring for me as well. It resembles the title of the first volume of a classic fantasy novel I read as a child in my previous life. Although this isn’t a world of a great decisive battle between Light and Darkness, I never imagined I would be exploring with Elves and Dwarves like this. This world has its hardships, but having companions I can trust is truly a happy thing.

As we proceeded further, the sun rose higher. “Let’s have lunch around here. Since it’s hot today, shall we eat inside the carriage?” Today, I brought tomato and eggplant pasta made by Baker-san at the workshop, stored in my storage. Tomato and eggplant seem to be a classic combination even in Italy; it’s simple but delicious. I lined up the plates on the table and served the pasta onto them. “To be able to eat pasta that is still steaming… Will‘s Storage Magic really is cheating.” “Ufufu, it looks very delicious.” “The Knights were always encouraged by the lunches you brought, Lord William.” Ahaha, I’m happy that everyone is pleased.

After lunch, I walked around the carriage a bit. When we stop to rest the horses or eat, I always look around wondering if there is anything useful. Then, I saw something glowing dully in the sunlight inside the grove.

Wondering what it was, I touched it. It was neither plant material nor metal—a thin, light substance. I feel like I’ve seen it somewhere before. When I Appraised it, it was indeed something that was often used in my original world.

Why is something like this here? Thinking it strange, I looked around and saw a small insect. It was a bug that felt like the silkworms I saw in my previous life. Thinking “could it be,” I Appraised it, and it was bingo. This insect was the one making this convenient substance.

“Will, what are you looking at?” “Ah, Letty. I found something good.” When I turned around, the insect I was looking at entered Letty‘s field of vision. Letty‘s face froze. Oh no, I forgot Letty is extremely bad with bugs.

“Kyaa!” Screaming, she drew the sword at her waist and tried to slash the insect with her sword, now clad in flames. “Wait! Letty. This insect creates a valuable substance!” I instantly chanted a spell. Letty‘s magic sword hit an invisible wall and scattered flames.

What I chanted was Anti-Magic Protection. It is non-attribute magic that Sophie learned from the Elder. Since even I, who cannot use attribute magic, can use it, I asked the Elder to teach it to me. Fortunately, since I have a large magic capacity, I can put up a fairly strong barrier. Even so, blocking Letty‘s magic sword continuously is tough.

“Sister Letty, please calm down.” “Calm Field.” Sophie called out to her, and Luna chanted a spell to calm her emotions. Calm Field is magic passed down among Elves to soothe the mind.

“I’m sorry, I’m just bad with bugs.” Letty somehow managed to calm down. “I know. That’s why it was careless of me to show you the insect.” “By the way, Master, what is this ‘good thing’?” “Ah, it is a substance that was called ‘Plastic’ in the world I came from.”