Chapter 73: Joint Training in the Sea of Trees

Once the Fairchild Family Knights had gotten used to the Middle Layer of the Sea of Trees, it was decided that we would hold a joint training exercise with the Count Cardiff Family Knights. The background for this decision was that travel to and from the Count Cardiff territory had become even easier than before, thanks to the workshop and the Dwarves paving the highway.

Northernford is located towards the north of the Fairchild Margravate, while Wrexham, the capital of the Count Cardiff territory, is located towards the south of the Earldom. Therefore, the two cities are close; originally, it took about three hours one way by carriage. With the road now paved, that time has been shortened to about an hour and a half, allowing for easy day trips back and forth.

From the Cardiff family, ten knights and Letty arrived for the joint training. I hear Letty has been devoting herself to sword training and has become quite skilled. From the Fairchild family, Knight Commander Liam led fifteen knights, along with myself, Theo, and Sophie.

Recently, even inside the Sea of Trees, I can protect myself to some extent, and I can support the knights with Storage Magic and the like. I am also participating to gather materials with Theo. My sister Sophie is accompanying us to gain actual combat experience, based on the Elder‘s recommendation that she has sufficient ability. According to the Elder, she can already cast magic more powerful than that of an average mage.

Incidentally, the Elves are not coming. They are a race that prefers not to appear in front of people much, and seeing the Fairchild Family Knights’ fighting style so far, Lucelina and the Elder seemed to think I wouldn’t be in great danger in the Middle Layer. I am truly grateful that they always worry about me.

We passed through the Shallow Layer of the Sea of Trees without issue and entered the Middle Layer. “So this is the Middle Layer. I wonder what kind of monsters appear?” ” mostly Magic Boars and Magic Wolves. Magic Boars are large and powerful. Magic Wolves aren’t that strong individually, but it’s troublesome when they appear in a pack.” “Ugh, I’m nervous. I have to make sure I don’t drag everyone down.” “It’s okay, Sophie. The knights are getting quite used to the Middle Layer.“

First, a pack of Magic Wolves appeared. Our knights are accustomed to them; they created one-on-one situations to avoid being surrounded and defeated them. The Cardiff family knights are strong too. According to Letty, they brought their elites. Their equipment consists of swords and spears forged by Dwarves, and they are wearing good armor as well.

Next, a Magic Boar appeared. “What shall we do? Shall I take it on?” “Liam-san, would you let me handle it?” “Understood. Let us witness Lady Scarlett‘s skill.“

When one trains their Swordsmanship Skill, they become able to use techniques unique to them. “Here I go, Flame Sword!” Letty‘s two-handed sword was enveloped in red flames. “Oh, a Magic Sword? That is a powerful technique.“

Against the charging Magic Boar, Letty also activated Body Enhancement Magic and charged forward, flashing her sword as they passed each other. The sword of flames magnificently sliced through one of the Magic Boar‘s legs. The Magic Boar lost its balance and collapsed with a loud thud. A Magic Boar that cannot charge is not a threat, and all that was left was to finish it off.

“Letty, that was amazing.” “Big Sister Letty, you’re so cool.” “Ufufu, thank you. I am still inexperienced, but I am training in my own way.“

The joint training proceeded smoothly after that, and Theo and I gathered some unfamiliar plants. However, just as we advanced a little deeper into the Middle Layer, the ground began to shake, and a rumbling sound that resonated in our stomachs could be heard. “Liam, is this…?” “This is bad. It is likely a herd of Magic Boars.“

In the Middle Layer, Magic Boars usually appear alone or in pairs. I had heard from the Elder that the danger level rises in the Deep Layer because they appear in herds, but to think we would encounter one in the Middle Layer.

“It will be troublesome if we get surrounded. Let’s move to a place with a wall.” Liam took the lead, and we hurriedly moved to a slightly elevated area. If we have a wall at our backs, we won’t be attacked from behind.

But I want to add one more measure. “Theo, can you make an earth wall on the opposite side? If possible, make the entrance wide.” “Yes, I’ll try.“

When Theo activated Earth Magic, a wall of earth was created in the blink of an eye. The side facing the direction of the rumbling was left slightly open. Yes, he made it exactly as ordered. Dwarves are a race skilled in Earth Magic, and Theo, being an Elder Dwarf, is especially good at magic.

Next is my turn. I visualized coating the earth wall Theo raised and the surface of the existing small hill on the opposite side with stone. I want to make sturdy stone walls that won’t break even if the Magic Boars crash into them. The material is the leftover stone from making the stone bridge recently. Keeping it in storage came in handy.

I concentrated and activated the Production Skill. When the warm light faded, stone walls had been created on both sides of us. “Oh, with this, we only need to be vigilant of the front.” Magic Boars are monsters that literally charge recklessly head-on, so there is no worry of them circling behind us.

Before long, the herd of Magic Boars approached. The ground shook more violently, and they came making a loud noise. It was quite intense. It felt like there were about thirty of them.

When they reached the spot with the stone walls on both sides, several of them crashed into the walls. The stone walls dented, but they didn’t break. The herd of Magic Boars stopped for a moment. Good, this reduces the power of their body slams. The Magic Boars started moving again, heading towards us while bumping into each other in the cramped space between the stone walls. Since they are huge monsters about twice the height of a human, barely two could line up side-by-side.

“Now! Fire!” On Liam‘s signal, the mages of the knighthood unleashed their magic. “Fire Lance!” “Water Cutter!” Fire magic and water magic exploded on the two leading Magic Boars. Unable to endure it, the two fell and vanished leaving black smoke, but the next two appeared immediately.

“Wind Cutter!” “Rock Bullet!” This time Wind Magic and Earth Magic were chanted, and the two fell again, but fresh ones came immediately. Just as I heard from the Elder, it really is troublesome when Magic Boars appear in a herd. If it turns into a melee battle with the knights like this, there might be casualties.

Suddenly, I noticed a surge of magic power next to me. Is this… Sophie? When I looked to the side, Sophie was kneading magic power with a serious expression. “Here I go, Tempest!!“

Sophie unleashed High-tier Wind Magic. She has already learned such magic? A fierce violent wind raged, and it was hard just to remain standing even behind the point where the magic was activated. Looking forward, the giant Magic Boars were knocked sideways or flipped over. Cracks even appeared in the stone walls on both sides. It was terrifying power.