Chapter 68: Into the Middle Layer of the Sea of Trees

It’s about time I got my hands on some new materials. To make things I haven’t made before, materials are key. I also feel like my magic power is increasing again.

According to the Dwarf Chief, there are mineral deposits deeper in the Sea of Trees. Hearing that there is Mithril in addition to iron and copper really expands the possibilities. Mithril is known as a mysterious metal that is lightweight and soft, yet cannot be cut easily.

Since I gifted the Dwarf blacksmiths fire-resistant gear, they seem to have raised the temperature of their furnaces, further improving the quality of their iron swords and armor. However, they aren’t satisfied with just that. It seems they used to use Mithril in the Sea of Trees as well.

To obtain Mithril, we need to explore deeper into the Sea of Trees. According to the Chief, the Sea of Trees has Shallow, Middle, and Deep layers, and the monsters that appear get stronger the deeper you go, so there is danger. However, the Chief’s assessment is that if we wear chainmail woven from Dwarf-forged iron over the leather armor I enchanted with two resistances, we should be fine against monsters in the Middle Layer.

So, I conveyed what I heard from the Dwarf Chief to Father and Liam and consulted them. “So the Sea of Trees is divided into three layers? That means we only know the Shallow Layer.” “We really didn’t understand the Sea of Trees, did we?”

Both of them sighed at how much we didn’t know. “Something is happening in the Sea of Trees. We probably need to learn more about it.” Father also seemed concerned about the situation in the Sea of Trees that caused the Dwarves and Elves to flee.

“Indeed. Besides, now that we have such excellent equipment, we must be strong knights worthy of it. Real combat is important for training the young ones, so exploring the Middle Layer of the Sea of Trees is a good idea.” Liam seems to view the Middle Layer as a training ground for the knights.

Thus, it was decided that we would explore the Middle Layer. I will accompany them to search for materials. Since Liam is coming too, it’s been a while since we went to the Sea of Trees together. Also, after speaking with the Elder and Lucelina, a squad of Elves decided to accompany us.

Actually, Theo and I have been gradually increasing the production of leather armor enchanted with two resistances and giving them to the Elves. Partly because of that, the Elves seem to have been stepping into the Middle Layer recently. I’m grateful they are accompanying us, as they originally lived deep in the forest and are experienced individuals who know the Middle Layer near the Fairchild territory.

On the day of the exploration, we met up with the Elves near the Sea of Trees. “Lord William, we look forward to working with you.” “Lucelina-san, the pleasure is ours.” The one leading the Elves was the Chieftain, Lucelina.

Come to think of it, I used to call her just Lucelina because she is Theo‘s friend, but since she became the Elf Chieftain, I call her Lucelina-san in front of others. However, she asked me to call her Lucelina just like before when we are only with close people like Theo.

I heard Lucelina is a powerful mage who can use Composite Magic called Trimagia. I told her it was an exaggeration for the Chieftain to come, but the usually gentle Lucelina uncharacteristically refused to budge, saying nothing must happen to the Lord Savior.

I guess the Sea of Trees really is a scary place. Still, there are things you can’t obtain without taking risks. We entered the Sea of Trees.

Thanks to the Elves who are skilled at Enemy Detection Magic, we were able to advance while avoiding monsters as much as possible. As we went deeper, the forest, which had been bright, gradually grew darker. I felt the atmosphere change as well.

“From here on is the Middle Layer,” Lucelina-san informed me. So we really have entered the Middle Layer. “Did you hear that, men? Brace yourselves,” Liam shouted to psych up the knights.

We decided to fight monsters in the shallower parts of the Middle Layer this time so we could retreat to the Shallow Layer immediately if we struggled. Colors of tension appeared on the knights’ faces. After all, it’s an unexperienced location for them.

“A Magic Boar is coming!” An Elf capable of Search Magic warned us. A Magic Boar is a giant monster that rarely appears in the Shallow Layer. Even though it’s called a boar, I hear it’s the size of a cow.

Soon, a huge Magic Boar came running from the front, shaking the ground. It has incredible intensity. “Leave this to me.” Liam seems intent on intercepting it head-on.

He showed no sign of fear before the giant monster. As they passed each other, Liam swung his sword once, and the boar was cut in two, disappearing into black smoke. I had heard he was strong, but I was surprised to see him cut it in two with a single stroke.

“As expected of a sword forged by Dwarves using iron enchanted by Lord William. The sharpness is magnificent.” No, I don’t think that was just an issue of the sword.

Soon, another Magic Boar appeared. This time, another Platoon Leader of the Knights took it on. It wasn’t a one-hit kill, but he cut the boar’s legs first and defeated it without danger. It seems our knights are stronger than I thought.

Lucelina approached, looking impressed. “Magnificent swordsmanship. With such strong knights, perhaps worry was unnecessary.”

I’m grateful she worries about me, but the Elder is worried about Lucelina, who lost her parents. I want Lucelina to prioritize her own safety more.

Next to appear were Magic Wolves. They are weaker than Magic Boars, but they are troublesome monsters that attack in a pack. This time, Liam and the Platoon Leaders hung back as backup, and the young knights fought.

“Stop their movement with magic first!” At Liam‘s command, the knights who could use magic activated their skills. “Fire Lance!” “Wind Cutter!”

Magic circles floated above the knights’ heads, and colorful magic of red and blue was fired from them. Fire and wind magic impacted the pack of Magic Wolves.

Several Magic Wolves fell, and the monsters’ advance stopped. The knights, swords drawn, charged in. White blades flashed, and the monsters fell, leaving behind black smoke.

Some knights got bitten by Magic Wolves occasionally, but the armor didn’t let the fangs through. Thank goodness, the armor is demonstrating the performance I planned. “Hey! Don’t rely on your armor’s performance! Don’t show an opening to be bitten by a mere wolf!” Ahaha, Liam is strict.