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 142: Granzawall 2

Episode 142: Granzawall 2

—Three days had passed since Maki and the others were teleported. Alicia and her group had not returned to the mansion; instead, they were staying at an inn town. They were managing the situation and maintaining the settlement.

“How’s the situation with the upkeep, Ryan-san?” 

“Injuries are increasing. But for now, things are under control. Mirelle has regained her usual pace, and even Gorratzo has been considerate enough to come out and help.”

“I see. Vil-san, how are we on potion supplies?”

“Given the current situation, we should be fine for about three days. After that, though, we might not be able to use them for minor injuries.”

Hearing the reports from Ryan and Vil, Alicia’s expression darkened. Even though they had gathered everyone knowledgeable about the fruit that temporarily boosts abilities, maintaining the settlement was a close call. 

If they could distribute it to all the soldiers and adventurers on the front lines, they wouldn’t have any problems in terms of fighting strength. However, doing so would risk a leak of information. Lives were at stake. So Alicia began considering whether they might have to retreat from their current base, as originally planned.

“A-Alicia-sama!”

Just then, Leyreina burst into the room where the meeting was taking place. Her face was filled with urgency, making it clear something unusual had occurred.

“What’s happened?”

“Something strange is flying toward us from the direction of the Forest of Demons!”

“What did you say!?”

“We tried shooting it down with magic, but it wasn’t affected at all!”

Leyreina was an ‘intermediate-class’ Dual Mage. She had been leveling up rapidly since moving to Granzevol, using the fruit to hunt magical beasts. Even now, she had doubled her Magic stat with the fruit, so it was no wonder she was surprised that her magic had no effect.

“I-I’ll head out right away! Ryan-san, Vil-san!”

““Yes, ma’am!””: 

“This way! Yuria-san is already outside waiting!”

Alicia and the others rushed out of the inn, following Leyreina to where Yuria was waiting. Yuria, already battle-ready from eating the fruit, had a strange smile on her face.

“I’ve brought them, Yuria!”

“…….”

“…….Um, Yuria-san?”

Leyreina called out to Yuria again when she didn’t respond, worried.

“Oh, sorry, Leyreina-san. Um… I called you, but I think everything’s fine.”

“Huh?”

“Actually, I think that might be from Tori and the others.”

“””“…….Whaaaaaatttt?!””””

Alicia and the others shouted in surprise at the unexpected revelation. Meanwhile, the object flying toward them was gradually getting closer and lowering its altitude.

“…Haha, I never thought I’d see an origami crane out here.”

The paper crane flew directly to Alicia, landing gently in her outstretched hands.

“…What is this, Yuria-san?”

“Hm, it’s an origami crane.”

“…Origami crane?”

“It’s paper folded into the shape of a bird from our world. But why did it fly here on its own? …Wait, is it unfolding?”

The crane in Alicia’s hands began to unfold itself, returning to a flat sheet of paper. She quickly noticed the writing on it. And as she read the message, she realized it was a note from Maki and the others, letting them know they were safe. Tears began to well up in Alicia’s eyes.

“Hey, what’s wrong, Alicia-san?”

“I-I’m sorry, Yuria-san….. It seems Maki-san and the others are safe.”

“Is that true, Alicia-sama?!”

“As expected of Maki-sama!”

“Ahhh… I’m so relieved.”

As Ryan, Vil, and Leyreina cheered in joy, Yuria stood beside Alicia, reading the note over her shoulder. There was a name in the message she didn’t recognize, making Yuria tilt her head.

“…..Who’s Moriya?”

“…..I don’t know. Could anyone actually live in the Forest of Demons?”

The two exchanged confused glances, but they decided it wasn’t worth worrying about. What mattered most was that Maki and the others were safe.

“…..I’m glad we didn’t force ourselves into the Forest of Demons, right, Yuria-san?”

“…..Don’t remind me, Alicia-san.”

Yuria covered her face with her hands, recalling how she had nearly charged in recklessly. Alicia smiled at her, then refocused.

“Let’s do our best to defend our base. If it becomes impossible, then so be it. But let’s hold on until the very end.”

“Right. If the front lines have retreated by the time Maki returns, he might have something to say about it.”

Yuria had been unable to move as she normally would due to worry and anxiety. She felt all her concerns lift at once. Alisha, too, had been on the verge of being overwhelmed by fear. But now she could reset her mindset and face the challenges ahead with renewed focus. It wasn’t just the two of them—everyone who had been worried about Maki and the others felt their spirits rise.

“Let’s do this!”

“””“Yes!”””” 

And so, Alicia and her group’s real battle began.