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 180: An Unexpected Survival Life 47

Episode 180: An Unexpected Survival Life 47

As we pressed on, high-level magical beasts unrelated to the climate began to appear.  

Haku seemed unfazed, but Gregori focused solely on defense to protect Madoka.  

Even Arata, currently the strongest fighter among us humans, needed to eat some fruit before he could manage to fight these beasts solo.  

However, recognizing a few familiar magical beasts gave me hope that we were nearing Moriya’s home.  

“Ryan-san, focus all your efforts on taking down one beast as a group! Madoka, support Gregori! Arata, don’t overdo it—coordinate with Haku! Sunny, stay close to me! If you leave, I’m dead!”  

“Pikya!?”  

The lower-class and intermediate-class fighters were struggling even after eating fruit. But by concentrating their attacks on one beast at a time, they managed to bring them down.  

Their levels were steadily increasing, making future endeavors easier. Which was a welcome development.  

As for me, though, I was becoming less and less useful in combat. Eating a banana only enabled me to swing the magic sword three times.  

While the sword could cut through anything with Endurance under 1,000, it was useless if it didn’t hit. And finding the right moment to use it was challenging.  

To make matters worse, magical beasts with Endurance over 1,000 were becoming more common in this area. It meant the magic sword couldn’t kill them even if I landed a hit. I was completely out of my depth.  

At least Sunny could fight alongside others, holding its ground or stalling a beast. It made it reasonably effective even against a single foe.  

……I could probably manage too, if I had to.  

“Maki-kun! We’re done here!”  

“Mihiro! We’ve finished too!”  

“But more are coming from deeper in!”  

Despite reports of victories from Madoka and Arata, Yuria’s voice rang out. It was tinged with panic as more magical beasts approached.  

While Arata, Madoka, and I could still fight, the others were utterly exhausted. Even Yuria was at her limit, which meant we were in serious danger.  

“Appraisal: A way for Everyone to Survive.”  

…What? Wait a second. No way.  

“What’s wrong, Maki-kun?”  

“Mihiro, what happened?”  

“Hey, Maki!”  

The three of them called out to me, but I was too stunned to hide my confusion at the unexpected result.  

Why now, of all times? Why this message?  

Are you really on our side, Moriya? Then why is this happening?  

“……The Appraisal isn’t working.”  

“W-What do you mean, Maki-san?”  

“I don’t know! But there’s one thing I do know for certain, and that is—”  

Under the weight of everyone’s stares, I voiced the result displayed before me.  

“—[Unknown]. The cause of this… is Moriya!”  

Moriya, are you really still on our side?  

“…..What should we do, Maki-kun?”  

“…..Is it really Moriya-san?”  

I was no less confused than they were. But if the Appraisal only returned [Unknown], the only option was to conduct another Appraisal to find a way to survive.  

The first option was to retreat. I’d memorized the route. And if I forgot, I could simply use the Appraisal skill again. However, retreating would expose us to attacks from behind, making it a risky move.  

The second option was to push forward and defeat the magical beasts. This was far more dangerous but potentially doable. We could use the fruit to sweep through them or even our trump cards if necessary. However, if Moriya had truly turned against us, we’d stand no chance.  

Even so, I wanted to believe in Moriya. The sadness he showed when we parted ways had to be genuine.  

“…Everyone, will you indulge my selfish request?”  

There wasn’t much time. If even one person wanted to retreat, I’d turn back without hesitation and stay behind to cover them.  

“Of course, Maki-kun!”  

“We can’t back down now!”  

“I trust Moriya-san!”  

Madoka, Yuria, and Arata all smiled and voiced their agreement.  

“We’ll help as much as we can!”  

“Leave it to us, Maki-sama!”  

“We’re putting our lives in your hands, Mihiro!”  

Ryan-san, Vil–san, and Ricott-san raised their swords.  

“A teacher believes in her students.”  

“I-I’ll do my best too!”  

Sensei and Leyreina-san readied their magic.  

“…Thank you, everyone! Appraisal: Magical Beasts!”  

The command was curt, but the Appraisal skill understood my intent and provided detailed information on the approaching magical beasts.  

It seemed Moriya might want us to defeat these beasts after all. While [Unknown] appeared when I searched for survival strategies, Appraising the magical beasts yielded results without issue.  

What are you planning, Moriya? Is this your final trial for us?  

If that’s the case, then we’ll overcome it. Not by my strength alone, nor just the strength of the otherworlders, but by combining the power of everyone here who lives in this world!

“I’ll issue the orders! Let’s survive this—and then give Moriya a good punch!” 

I steeled myself. I then glared at the magical beast that came into view, and began shouting out commands loudly.