The heart of the Subnock Plain.
This area, which once served as the territory for the magical beast Subnock—the namesake of the plains—was a focal point where underground mana surged to the surface. These points were known as Dragon Veins.
Vegetation flourished near a Dragon Vein, but so did powerful monsters. Since ancient times, it was said that any city built atop a Dragon Vein would prosper, leading to countless wars fought solely for control of such lands.
Rest and his team, tasked with surveying the area, fought their way across the plains until they finally reached the threshold of the central region.
"Even so... it truly is a mystery. I understand how monsters grow stronger by absorbing mana, but why would a city flourish because of it? Does the mana from a Dragon Vein have some inherent power to fortify a town?"
The question came from one of the party members investigating the central region alongside Rest: Yuri Catreia, the daughter of the Knight Commander.
Until recently, Yuri had been confined—or rather, "protected"—within the Marquis Catreia Mansion. However, she had once again run away from home and hurried back to the Royal Capital. Once there, she had personally volunteered to join Rest's development project.
"Maybe humans get stronger just like the monsters do? I can see how a town full of powerful people would naturally prosper!" Yuri added, looking thoughtful.
"...Is it really that simple? And besides, you're being too loud," a voice grumbled.
"Hm? Did you say something, Lyubase?"
"I-I said nothing! Hey... don't come any closer, you busty cow!"
"Oh, don't run away. Come here, come here—"
Wilhelm Lyubase, another member of the party, recoiled. As usual, his gynophobia was in full effect; as Yuri pressed closer, he leaped back with twice the speed.
Six people were present in the group. Each was an elite individual deemed capable of handling a survey in the heart of the Magical Wilds.
First, there was the leader of the survey team, Rest Clover. Now a Count, he was the man who had personally subjugated the magical beast Subnock. Despite his youth, he possessed the qualifications to lead the team in both name and deed.
Next was Wilhelm Lyubase. He was Rest’s comrade-in-arms who had assisted in taking down Subnock. Though only a first-year student, his skill with a blade already rivaled or exceeded that of an active Royal Guard, earning him the moniker of the "Woman-hating Sword Saint."
Then there was Yuri Catreia, Rest’s close friend. Having joined the Pioneer Group at the last minute, she had already proven her mettle by slaying numerous enemies during the recent civil war. In terms of pure physical ability, she stood at the top of the group. She was a powerhouse capable of slaughtering monsters with her bare hands, no weapons required.
"Hey, you two, settle down! You'll draw every monster for miles with that shouting!"
The reprimand came from Isis Calvert, who barked at the two in a hushed tone. As the leader of the Student Council’s executive committee, she had been granted the title of Baroness for her role in rescuing students during the stampede at the Monster Hunting Festival. Isis was another top-tier talent from the Royal Academy—a rare heroine who surely would have joined the Knight Order had she not been ennobled first.
"............"
"Good grief... it’s like a damned school field trip. I've seen enough."
Finally, there were the two companions Rest was meeting for the first time.
Following silently at the rear was a man in clerical robes. He carried a mace and possessed a physique far too sturdy for a typical priest. His name was Jacks Rail. Dispatched from the Temple, he served as the party’s medical specialist.
The other man, who wore a look of perpetual irritation, was Oliver Argyl, a knight dispatched from the Royal Palace. Like Rail, he was an external recruit, but he approached this mission with a desperate, burning intensity. He watched Yuri and Wilhelm’s lighthearted bickering with a cold, judgmental eye.
"My entire career as a knight is on the line here... honestly, act with a bit of decorum," Argyl muttered. He tapped the hilt of his sword with a nervous, rhythmic finger.
According to the briefing, Argyl was a distant relative of the Queen Dowager Faction. As a third son with no inheritance, he had been practically driven from his home and forced to join the Knight Order. Through sheer merit, he had risen through the ranks and was on track for a high-ranking position—until his relatives participated in the rebellion. Now, thanks to the fallout, he had been cast off the path to promotion.
To him, this mission was his one chance to redeem his name, and the students' lack of tension was clearly grating on his nerves.
(Well, I can understand his position. I’ve heard his skills are the real deal, so as long as there’s no friction, it should be fine...)
Andrew had assigned Argyl and Rail to the team out of a concern that the mission was too dangerous for students alone. While Rest and Wilhelm’s combat prowess was undeniable, they lacked the wisdom that came with age. The experienced knight and priest were there to fill those gaps.
"Yuri, Lyubase. Isis is right. Let's sharpen our focus," Rest said, stepping in as the leader.
"Ah, my apologies. I got a bit carried away," Yuri admitted.
"...Hmph. My bad," Wilhelm grunted, looking away.
Rest glanced at Argyl. Seeing that the two had been cautioned, the knight seemed satisfied for the moment, though he remained silent and grim.
"By the way, Yuri, to answer your question—a Dragon Vein doesn't directly make a city flourish. It's because the mana it provides can be used to power barriers that prevent monster attacks, natural disasters, and plagues. It's that security that allows a city to prosper."
"Oh, I see... As expected of you, Rest. That makes perfect sense." Yuri nodded, crossing her arms in admiration of the knowledge Rest had gleaned from the books in the Rosemary estate.
Between the barriers deterring disasters and the fertile land, such a location was destined for success. It also stood to reason that nations would go to war over such a strategic prize.
"More importantly... it was right around here. The place where I fought Subnock."
They had reached the site.
In front of them lay a massive crater gouged out by Amaterasu, with scars of absolute destruction marking the landscape.
"This is the place..."
"Whoa..."
"............"
Everyone except Rest and Wilhelm gasped. The violence etched into the earth was so extreme it was hard to believe it had been caused by a human. It was a stark reminder that the battle between Rest and Subnock had been something that defied common sense.
"The heart of the plain is just ahead. There will be powerful monsters from here on out... everyone, stay on your guard."
Leading his suddenly hushed companions, Rest pushed further into the wild.
"This is it—the center of the plain. The deepest part of the Magical Wilds. Be careful."
With that final warning, Rest led his team into the depths of the wilds, a place where no man had set foot for generations.