248 The Hot Spring of Mana Enhancement

The showdown with Neil and his crew had finally reached its conclusion, but just as we were settling back into our daily routine, a new problem cropped up that forced the Academy to temporarily suspend classes.

The culprit? Priscilla. She had gone and intentionally cut the magic supply to the Training Uniforms.

While the Academy administration viewed it as a serious issue, they didn't exactly reprimand her for it. Instead, they decided that such a lapse should never be allowed to happen again and set about "improving" the enchantment.

As a result, we were all left to our own devices.

I know I need to stay on high alert for another Demon Race attack like the one Kimberly pulled, but a man can’t stay high-strung forever.

Besides, I had a promise to fulfill.

That promise was—

"Weiss, I’m so looking forward to this."

"I’ve never been to a hot spring before! Getting to go with everyone is just the best!"

"Yeah. Though, we never know when danger might strike. You two, don't let your guards down."

My goal was to tell the two of them everything.

Between the Slave Crest and various legal complications, I had been forced to delay the conversation, but this was a matter of our future trust. More than that, I realized it was plain disrespectful to keep secrets from the two most irreplaceable people in my life.

The fact that I’m even standing here right now is nothing short of a miracle.

"Cynthia-san, look! There’s a massive bird over there!"

"Oh my, it really is quite large, isn't it?"

We were currently on a ship, turning the trip into a bit of a vacation. It had been a long time since I’d seen the two of them look so relaxed.

"H-Hey, is that a monster?!"

"Wh-What is with that stupidly huge bird?!"

"H-Help! Is there an Adventurer on board?! Anyone?!"

While the other passengers panicked, my greedy self was focused on fulfilling yet another dream. I was after a legendary sub-episode from the Noblesse game: a dip in the Hot Spring of Mana Enhancement.

I had a general idea of the location, but it was a Phantom Spring that no one in the game's lore had ever been able to find. It was said that a single soak would grant one the Strongest power.

I’m going to find out if the legends are true. Hell, this might be exactly what I need to achieve a total Clear of this world’s challenges.

It would be pretty hilarious to make a triumphant return as Weiss Fancent 3.0.

"Cynthia-san, the bird is getting closer! Do you think it wants food?"

"I don't have anything on me. It’s a shame we didn't bring any snacks."

The girls were right; the bird was definitely closing in.

"E-Everyone, run for your livessssss!"

"We're gonna die! We're all gonna dieeeee!"

"Uwaaaaaaaaah!"

Man, I've been so busy lately.

I’m really looking forward to this soak.

"Well then..." I turned to the girls. "Shall we have some grilled bird skewers for a snack? Cynthia, Lilith?"

"I’d love that! I love poultry!"

"I’ll take mine medium, please."

The stupidly huge bird lunged, baring its sharp fangs. Its talons were glowing, surging with a terrifying amount of Mana.

"GIGAGAGARS!"

"Yakitori sounds good right about now."

With a single strike, I lopped its head off. The carcass tumbled weightlessly, plunging straight into the sea.

Ah. Dammit.

"Well, whatever. Let’s head inside and eat."

"Good idea. Come now, Weiss, you’ll catch a chill out here."

"My bad, Cynthia."

"Let’s eat until we burst!"

As we turned to leave the deck, I realized a massive crowd of travelers was staring at us in dead silence.

Did something happen? I have no idea.

"Wh-Who the hell are those people...?"

"They took down a Glost Bird... an A-class Monster... in one hit..."

"...They’re unbelievable monsters."

Afterword

This might be the first time these three have traveled together since the Tucker arc back in Volume 2.

When I really think about it, it feels like this kind of party dynamic is almost impossible for a web novel. Doesn't this series have way too many characters...?

Anyway, will they find the Spring of the Strong? Or is some other disaster lurking around the corner? Please look forward to it! (^^)/

Label: Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko. Illustrator: Kuwashima Rein-sama.