Chapter 3: An Unexpected Survival Life

Episode 128: Prologue

It’s been a month since Arata arrived at Granzawall.  

During this time, he’s been leveling up and has met with His Majesty alongside me upon being summoned.  

And today, well…  

“I’d like to proceed with the development of the Forest of Demons!”  

I announced this as soon as we sat down for breakfast.  

“Finally.”  

“I’ll take over nee-san’s work.”  

“About time!”  

“Yuria-chan seemed to have some free time too.”  

“Hmm? Is that my fault? Sorry about that.”  

“……Huh?”  

I intended it to be a bit of a surprise announcement. But no one seemed particularly shocked.  

“Hmm? What’s up, Maki-san?”  

“Uh… nothing, really.”  

Alicia asked out of concern, but I brushed it off.  

I felt kind of embarrassed.  

“Am I capable of handling this at my level?”  

“Capable? You’ve already been defeating the magical beasts in the Forest of Demons while leveling up.”  

“Mitsurugi-kun will be fine.”  

Arata looked a little worried. But with Yuria and Madoka giving him their stamp of approval, he seemed relieved.  

“As long as you use the fruits you ate while leveling, there shouldn’t be any problems. By the way, what’s your level now?”  

“I’m at level 18.”  

“For someone in a special class, that’s more than enough.”  

“Hmm… well, if Mihiro says so, it must be true.”  

I trust Arata.  

When I said that, Alicia easily gave permission for me to tell him about the fruit that temporarily boosts abilities.  

I thought I’d need to ask His Majesty’s permission. But he said we should prioritize leveling up to increase our fighting strength.  

“I’m only level 12, you know. 12! I could finally fight after reaching level 10 in the capital, but it’s really hard to level up.”  

“Well, that’s because you’re in a divine-class profession.”  

“…I’m not really sure about that, though.”  

Yuria joked. But honestly, I don’t quite feel it myself.  

I mean, my Appraisal skill is out of this world. But given how slowly my level increases and the fact that I’m not in a combat profession, this job just doesn’t suit me.  

…I’m just an otherworlder who wants to enjoy a carefree life here, you know?  

“I think you should be more confident. You’ve been training with the Captain and Vice Captain of the soldiers for this entire month.”  

“Now that you mention it, Ricott praised you too.”  

“…….She did?”  

“Yeah. She doesn’t flatter people, so I think she meant it.”  

It’s true, Ricot-san doesn’t seem like the type to flatter.  

She even bluntly said I was a strange person.  

“So, is the development starting today, Maki-kun?”  

“Yeah. Akigase-sensei isn’t here this time. But we have Arata, and Leyreina-san’s level has gone up. So we should be fine.”  

Our current team consists of myself, Madoka, Yuria, Arata, Alicia, Ricott-san, Ryan-san, Vil-san, Leyreina-san, and the adventurer Mirelle-san.  

With ten people, we should be more than capable of handling the magical beasts.  

“And most importantly, we have me!”  

“””””……….Huh?”””””  

…Wait, why is everyone looking at me like I said something strange?  

“To be honest, Maki-san, you might only be able to help a little.”  

“It’d be better if you focused on support with your Appraisal skill, Maki.”  

“They’re right, Maki-kun.”  

“If you overdo it and die, it would be pointless.”  

“Mihiro, don’t push yourself too hard.”  

“…G-Guys, isn’t that a bit harsh?!”  

Sure, my stats are lower compared to everyone else in the combat professions!  

And yeah, I’ve got plenty of magic power, but I can’t use attack magic. So it’s pretty useless!  

Still, I can hold my own in a fight… with the assumption that I’ll be eating lots of fruit, of course.  

“Either way, even a small increase in combat strength is appreciated.”  

“……Alicia, I think you’re the harshest of all!”  

“Huh? R-Really?”  

Are you unaware of it!?  

“Well, anyway, we’re going to start developing the Forest of Demons, right, Maki-kun?”  

“…Y-Yeah, that’s right.”  

“Alright, don’t be so down!”  

“Sorry about that, Mihiro.”  

…It’s a bit miserable being comforted like this, you know?  

In any case, we’ve decided to resume the development of the Forest of Demons.