Using a rudimentary technique of creating a straight corridor to ease the passage, Nox successfully reached the sixth level and thought: “I’m still on this level.” He sensed the presence of Lano. Carefully observing the ground, he followed a path marked by footprints. He continued forward, occasionally confirming his route through the remains of fallen magical creatures.
“There it is!”
Upon seeing a human figure in the distance, Nox quickly hid behind a tree, followed by Nana. Silently, they approached close enough to hear the voices. Lano was sitting resting on a tree root, surrounded by his followers who were constantly apologizing.
“I am so sorry for causing all this trouble while trying to protect me.”
The most reserved of the three servants, kneeling with his head down, apologized fervently.
“Don’t worry, I have taken a healing potion and will be able to move again after a short rest.”
Lano calmed the situation with his usual tranquility. Blood could be seen seeping through the bandage around his shoulder.
Nox whispered softly, “Three people, and no one can use healing magic?”
Nana, concerned about her master’s wound, asked Nox, who showed no signs of wanting to join the group, “Aren’t you going to join them?”
“No, choosing those useless people was Lano’s decision. Let’s hope he learns from this lesson and becomes kinder towards others,” Nox thought.
It was easy to imagine that the persuasion of the other group was so strong that they could not refuse it. However, it was also important to know when to refuse, especially for those in a leadership position.
“They said he had already taken the healing potion. His injury is not on his dominant arm, so he should be able to wield the sword. He doesn’t need my help,” Nox murmured as he carefully stood up to avoid making noise.
Healing potions accelerate the healing of wounds and illnesses of the user. For an injury like Lano’s, if the potion is taken immediately after the injury and he rests, it will stop the bleeding in about an hour.
“What do you plan to do?” Nana asked.
“I will go ahead. I will eliminate some of the beasts and lessen Lano’s burden,” Nox replied before preparing his bow and starting to walk silently.
***
“By the way, Nox-sama. Apart from the students of the magic school and the court wizards, only the physicians of the capital can use healing magic,” Nana commented as Lano’s group disappeared from view.
“Really? Are there no healers among the adventurers?” Nox questioned, confused.
Although few, he acknowledged that there were healers capable of treating simple wounds and poisons.
“I was not aware. Should we suggest to Edwin-sama to employ someone to be prepared in case of an emergency?”
Nox, feeling exasperated by their mutual ignorance, suddenly felt curious and asked, “Nana, you usually speak with your father, right?… Are you actually the daughter of a high-class noble?”
Nana’s demeanor and way of speaking exuded the typical elegance of someone with a high-class education. Her hair gleamed, and although her attire today was simple, it was of high quality.
“Not revealing your last name indicates that your family must be somewhat famous,” Nox thought.
While everyone else was eager to show off, Nana was the only one who kept her lineage hidden. Even her name, “Nana,” was something she was called by request, and both Nox and Lano noticed that it was not her real name. Nox was convinced that Nana came from a distinguished family, given that Edwin tolerated her freedom more than other maids.
“…I will speak of that after both coming-of-age ceremonies are successfully completed,” Nana replied.
“Hmm? Well, if you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine. Nana is Nana. Oh, there it is…”
Nox said upon discovering a magical beast-type creature in the distance, suddenly adopting a serious expression and swiftly shooting an arrow.
“Your archery skills are quite impressive,” Nana commented as she watched Nox accurately pierce the creature’s forehead through the trees, widening her eyes slightly.
“I adjusted the trajectory with magic. It would have been harder to miss the shot,” explained Nox as he efficiently approached the defeated magical creature.
“Can you do that trick too?… Knights should learn magic from Nox-sama,” Nana admired.
“Knights train with my father in the art of the sword. I won’t teach them anything just because they kneel. If they are attacked by beasts, let them handle it,” Nox responded with a brusque attitude, not very fitting for a prince.
“What shall we do with the remains of the beast? Shall we hide them somewhere?”
If the remains were found, they would reveal that Nox and Nana were here.
“There is a better method.”
Nox placed his hand on the creature’s body. The creature began to crumble like ash and disappeared without a gust of wind.
“Was that… purification?” Nana asked, surprised, watching as the dust vanished into the air.
Magical purification has the effect of cleansing the accumulated malevolent energy in the land and living beings.
“Don’t tell this to Lano.”
“Although many people can learn healing magic once they study it, those who can use purification magic are rare on a global level. There are rumors that royal families and religious organizations are actively seeking individuals with this ability,” Nana explained.
“I tried using it, and surprisingly, it worked, but I would prefer not to be glorified as a political or religious tool.”
“I understand.”
“Thank you. I trust your discretion, Nana,” Nox said, laughing, an unusual expression.
Nana stared at him, surprised by his uncommon expression.
“What’s wrong?”
Nox asked, noticing that Nana suddenly averted her gaze.
