"This is bad, Tort! Those Sticky Silver Species are trying to take that thing over! Purify it, quickly!"
Rei’s voice was laced with panic.
But there was no need to worry. This Haniwa Knight was a special model I’d pulled from my Pandora Gift. Crafted from materials from my old world, it was remarkably resistant to filth.
"Rei, look! The golem is repelling the silver!"
"What!?"
At Mil’s shout, every eye turned back to the Haniwa Knight. A frantic struggle was unfolding as the Silver Buns tried to latch onto the construct, while the knight did its best to peel them off and crush them underfoot. Even calling it a struggle was a bit of an overstatement; the Haniwa Knight was overwhelmingly dominant. Every time the Silver Buns touched its surface, they turned black as if they were being charred. They were being purified, albeit bit by bit.
"What... on earth is that?"
"Well, you see, Rei, this Haniwa Knight is built to antibacterial specifications."
"Antibacterial specifications...?"
The term didn't seem to click, as everyone tilted their heads in unison. However, since I had already taught them about the existence of microbes when we were making soy sauce, they managed to more or less grasp the concept once I explained that it meant it was designed to repel germs.
"Wait, so those silver enemies are microbes? Even though they aren't small at all?"
Halfa tilted her head in confusion. I found myself doing the same. Oh?
"Now that you mention it, they aren't exactly microbes... are they?"
In my mind, I had somehow categorized the Silver Abominations as something filthy. I had subconsciously viewed them as a form of bacteria, but that was strictly an association; in reality, they were something else entirely.
"Then why is the Haniwa Knight able to repel them?"
"Well... I wonder why?"
"""Whaaat!?"""
When I answered honestly, the reaction was explosive. It wasn't just Rei and his group; even the adventurers eavesdropping nearby looked stunned.
The reason we had the luxury of standing around talking was that the battle at the dungeon entrance was effectively over. The Earth Golems had stopped appearing entirely, and most of them had already crumbled back into soil. Their individual power hadn't been much to begin with, so they were no longer a threat. Perhaps because they were receiving energy from inside the dungeon, the boss-like Silver Buns were still active, but they were being completely shut out, unable to land an effective blow against the Haniwa Knight. Constant exposure to the area purification magic from our tools had also caused them to shrink considerably. It was only a matter of time before they withered away completely.
As a result, we had more than enough leeway to debate whether the Silver Abominations were microbes or not.
"Come to think of it, Tort-kun, didn't you say that mushrooms are a type of microbe too?"
"Ah, yeah. That's right."
Spira tapped her chin thoughtfully. I had indeed said that.
Ever since I realized I could control decay with the dark magic Decomposition, I had wondered if I could manipulate fungi as well. When I thought of fungi, I thought of mushrooms. Since they had a somewhat plant-like quality, I had consulted Spira about the possibility of growing them. Naturally, it wasn't something we could just manifest instantly, so nothing had come of it yet, but it seemed she had remembered the conversation.
However, that single comment completely derailed the discussion.
"So, does that mean those silver things are actually mushrooms?"
"Is that true!? Do they taste good roasted?"
"No! Lots of mushrooms are poisonous! If you eat something like that, you'll definitely get a stomachache."
"It's fine, Spira. Tort can do something about a little poison!"
"I suppose that's... no, but if it's Tort, maybe...?"
Somehow, the conversation had veered toward eating the Silver Abominations!
The instigator was Shiroru, as usual, but it was bizarre to see even Rowell considering the possibility seriously. His expression didn't suggest he actually wanted to eat them, though. Rather, he looked like a man desperately trying to figure out how to prevent a disaster.
Seriously, I have no intention of eating them!
What kind of image do these people have of me?
"You haven't changed a bit, it seems."
"Neither has Shiroru’s appetite."
"I'm just glad Halfa-chan seems energetic."
Rei and his companions watched the rowdy scene with gentle, if somewhat strained, expressions.
Gentle... right? Was there a hint of a wry smile in there? For some reason, I felt like they were keeping their distance.
Hehehe, I’m not letting you get away. After all, Rei and the others are my friends.
"I’ll say it again: Rei, Mil, Sally—I came to save you. I’m so glad you’re safe."
"Yeah, thanks for the rescue. You really saved us, Tort."
"No, don't worry about it. We’re companions. With the three of you included, we’re still 'Glory’s Steps'!"
I meant it with all my heart. However, their reaction was lukewarm. If anything, they looked like they were trying to act like strangers!
"I-I appreciate the sentiment..."
"Exactly. But we're retired, so..."
Rei and Mil were clearly trying to back away. Not about to let them escape, I grabbed their hands in a firm grip. It was a handshake, mind you. A proper reunion handshake. As I pumped their arms up and down with enthusiasm, the two of them hung their heads as if they had finally accepted their fate.
What?
I understood that they were a bit put off by the talk of eating silver monsters like mushrooms, but they didn't have to look that dejected!
As I stood there feeling bewildered, Sally spoke up timidly with a very troubled expression.
"Um... Tort-kun. For me, eating the Sticky Silver Species is a bit too much..."
"I'm not going to eat them!"
The moment I retorted, the expressions on all three of their faces brightened instantly, and they finally began to truly celebrate our reunion. Apparently, they had been genuinely worried that I intended to make a meal out of the Silver Abominations. Honestly, that’s a bit much, isn't it?
Since I didn't want the misunderstanding to spread any further, I moved quickly to purify all the remaining Silver Buns. It turned out that for the larger ones, Single-Target Purification was much more effective than the area-of-effect version. I was able to make them vanish by hit-testing them two or three times each. More might appear later, but as long as I left the Haniwa Knight on guard, we wouldn't have any problems.