While still reeling from the impact of the giant robot, the rest of the session proceeded without any further explosive incidents. I settled back into my role as an observer, watching Aoi and Hina continue their training under Hapty-san’s guidance.
I’d always had this mental image of monsters appearing like random encounters in an RPG, but in reality, unless you went looking for them, you rarely stumbled upon monsters—or even wild animals, for that matter. It made sense when I thought about it. Not all monsters were mindless beasts that attacked humans on sight; most probably preferred to flee.
Hapty-san explained that monsters tend to be much more territorial than ordinary animals. The Wyvern that the Alice-chan Robot had vaporized earlier was a prime example. They were dangerous because of their wide flight range, high reproductive rates, and tendency to form flocks. Yet, a lone stray like that one usually just wanted to find its way back to its group. They wouldn't typically attack unless someone provoked them first.
That realization only made me feel worse. The Wyvern really had been the victim in that encounter.
"Alright, that’s enough for combat and monsters," Hapty-san said. "Next, let's look into setting up camp. We aren't staying the night, so we'll just go through the motions, but I'll explain the tricks to resting and which types of terrain you need to avoid."
Survival skills were mandatory for adventurers. Monster habitats were usually remote, and getting to a place like this wasn't exactly easy. Sleeping under the stars was bound to happen eventually, so knowledge and experience were vital.
While portable houses like the one I had existed, they required a lot of space and were prohibitively expensive. Since Aoi and Hina had Magic Boxes, it was more realistic for them to carry tents and set them up as needed. Magic tools could handle fires, and Magic Boxes made carrying food simple. There were even disposable versions made from the same material as Random Boxes. Compared to my old world, survival seemed a bit more manageable here—though I was certain it wasn't something a novice could master overnight.
With their first battle out of the way, this camping session felt like it would be the day's finale. A bit of theory, some practice setting up and tearing down, and we'd be done in an hour or two. I was already looking forward to dinner back at the mansion when a voice echoed in my mind.
(Kaito-san, I have a request.)
Huh? What was this so suddenly? A request? My trouble sensor started blaring, but I couldn't exactly ignore her.
(Yes. It is my wish that I, too—)
I listened as Shiro-san explained her desire, and to put it simply, my bad feeling was spot on. However, the fact that it wasn't an impossible demand made it even harder to refuse. After agonizing over it for a moment, I turned to Hapty-san.
"Um, Hapty-san, sorry to bother you."
"Hmm? What’s wrong? You want to try it too, Kaito?"
"No, it’s not that... I’m sorry to interrupt the lesson, but would it be okay if I fought a monster one more time?"
"I’m getting a very bad feeling about this," Hapty-san replied, her voice tinged with suspicion.
"I’m really sorry. You've been so helpful with the adjustments and everything today, so it was hard for me to say no to her."
Alice, hiding inside the Hapty disguise, gave me a look of pure exasperation. "I don't sense anything nearby, though?"
"I'm told one will be here in five minutes."
"I see. Aoi, Hina, let's take a break. It sounds like something weird is about to happen again, so we'll continue after that's over."
"Understood!"
"Kaito-senpai is really going full throttle today, isn't he?" Hina added.
As the three of them gathered around me, my Sympathy Magic detected a presence.
"It’s another stray Wyvern," Hapty noted. "Strange... you almost never see them twice like this."
In the distance, I saw it—a Wyvern flying in a perfectly straight, unnatural line directly toward us. I knew it was technically a dangerous creature, but I couldn't help the wave of pity washing over me. If I could, I would have shouted for it to turn around and flee for its life. But it was far too late for that.
At the very least, I offered a silent prayer for its soul. Then, I uttered the words that heralded its destruction.
"Help me, Shiro-san."