I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 129: An Unexpected Survival Life

Episode 129: An Unexpected Survival Life 

After finishing our meal, we picked up Leyreina-san and headed toward the outpost town.  

Ryan-san, Vil-san, and Mirelle-san had already gathered, as I had informed them in advance… But, as expected, Mirelle-san seemed downcast.  

“Ugh… uuugh… B-BIG SISSSSSS!”  

…Ever since Mirelle-san heard that Akigase-sensei stayed behind in the Kingdom of Shriden, she’s been like this.  

Honestly, the magical beasts in the Forest of Demons are extremely dangerous. So I could consider leaving her out of the group.  

However, Mirelle-san’s skills are top-notch. And even if we replaced her, there wouldn’t be anyone suitable.  

As an adventurer, she should be capable of looking after herself. But I’m still concerned.  

“……Um, Mirelle-san? Are you really okay?”  

“Who do you think you’re talking to?”  

“Ugh! …S-Sorry.”  

Whenever I talk to her, she always replies with that strong attitude, which is one of the reasons it’s hard to leave her out. But still…  

“I wonder how Akigase-sensei is doing.”  

“Uuuugh! BIG SISSSSSSS!”  

……I can’t tell if she’s genuinely sad or if she’s somehow enjoying herself.  

“Hey, Maki-kun?”  

“Oh, sorry.”  

Mirelle-san doesn’t seem to notice when I playfully tease her, so I end up doing it sometimes. But I would never do that in the middle of a fight with magical beasts.  

I’m not like Glenn, after all.  

Still, it was inappropriate just before we start developing the Forest of Demons. So I naturally apologized.  

“Ryan-san, would it be okay to leave the formation to you?”  

“Understood.”  

Previously, I would determine the formation based on my Appraisal skill. But Ryan once made a suggestion.  

His proposed layout was one of the options within my Appraisal results. So we ended up discussing strategies more often.  

Since then, Ryan would set up the formation, and I would refine it by pointing out the best approach based on the Appraisal results.  

“If we split into two groups, the formation will look like this. But if we don’t, we can spread out like this.”  

“Hmm… let’s stick to fighting together as usual. I think spreading out is a good idea, though.”  

“Then, on the right, we’ll position myself with the soldiers and Leyreina-sama for magical support. On the left, Yuria-sama will lead with Arata-sama and Mirelle. For support, Alicia-sama, Maki-sama, and Madoka-sama will join them. How does that sound?”  

That formation… it’s not the optimal choice. But it’s still a solid one.  

Having more people on the left is probably to accommodate Arata, who just recently joined us.  

If Ryan-san’s putting that much thought into it, I don’t want to dismiss his consideration.  

“Alright, we’ll go with that. But keep in mind it’s not the best possible setup, so be cautious.”  

“Understood!”  

When I say that, the strategy’s usually pretty close to being the most optimal.  

If I thought it would lead to significant casualties, I would stop it.  

Ryan-san stood up, looking pleased, and started explaining the formation to Vil-san and Ricott-san.  

“Now then… Arata, you okay?”  

“Hm? Oh, yeah, I’m fine.”  

I thought I’d check in with Arata, assuming he might be nervous. But it seems I was worrying for nothing.  

His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, radiating an aura of readiness.  

“So this is what being a Sword Saint is like, huh?”  

“…When you say it, Kondō, it feels like you’re teasing me.”  

“Huh?! Why’s that?”  

“Well, you did knock me out in one hit.”  

“Oh… sorry about that?”  

It seemed Yuria had spoken without thinking, and now she looked apologetic.  

…..Hmm. I didn’t expect to see Yuria with such a face—it was surprising.  

“…..Maki?”  

“What?”  

“Weren’t you just thinking something really rude?”  

“Not at all. Come on, we should get into position soon.”  

Was it showing on my face?  

With that thought in mind, I started moving toward the left side of the forest.  

That said, since I have to give orders to the right side in case of emergencies, I’ll be positioned closer to the center.  

Yuria is positioned furthest on the left, followed by Arata and Mirelle-san.  

Then it’s Madoka, me, and Alicia.  

On the right side, Ryan-san is furthest out, followed by Vil-san and Ricott-san, with Leyreina-san at the back.  

“Alicia, you’re positioned in the center. So your primary job is to support the left side. But if things get dangerous on the right, head over there.”  

“Understood.”  

Her role is kind of like a roving supporter.  

(Note: “wandering” if you prefer. In case you’re the “I failed my English class” guy)

I could also go to the right if necessary. But I can’t neglect giving proper guidance to Arata, since it’s his first real experience with the forest development.  

If anyone gets hurt, the right side is more likely. But I trust Ryan-san to manage things there.  

He understands that too.  

“Maki-sama! The formation is ready on our side!”  

“Thank you! Alright then—move forward!”  

At my signal, we advanced into the Forest of Demons.  

After progressing for a while, we heard noises from deeper within.  

In the blink of an eye, something came into view.  

“Begin combat!”  

The magical beast extermination operation had begun!