Although our group was larger than usual, the march toward the deep interior of the plains proceeded without incident.
We encountered monsters several times along the way, but we handled them easily. Isis picked off distant enemies with her sniping spells, while Yuri’s kicks and Lyubase’s blade took care of anything that drew close.
"Leave this one to me! Power Slash!"
The only real issue was Knight Argil. Usually one to stay in the back, he was desperately trying to stand out, unleashing flashy "finishing moves" that served no practical purpose.
"A formidable foe... but no match for my steel!"
He struck a dramatic pose, all the while stealing glances at Andrew. He was clearly trying to make an impression on the royalty in our midst. Unfortunately, his antics were disrupting our formation, and I had a feeling he was achieving the exact opposite of a favorable impression. He was the only one who didn't realize he was just spinning his wheels.
Well, no matter how much he got in the way, nothing in this area was a threat to us anymore. We had already hunted the troublesome Corrosion Beasts nearly to extinction. It was a bit disappointing that I wouldn't be able to enjoy that delicious meat as often, but it meant the Center of the Plain was safe.
We arrived at our destination without Andrew’s personal guards ever having to lift a finger.
"So this is the center... I find it hard to believe this was ever part of the Magical Wilds."
Andrew stood up from his seat in the carriage and let out a breath of genuine surprise.
In the past, weeds taller than a man had choked the land, blocking the path in every direction. Now, most of the area was covered in stone paving, transformed into an orderly, man-made space. With walls and a roof, it could have easily been mistaken for a grand hall or a stadium.
"I paved it using magic. It might be a bit of a nuisance when you start constructing buildings, though..."
"On the contrary, having this much vast land already paved in stone is a blessing. I’d like to build a city that takes full advantage of this foundation."
Andrew stroked his chin, lost in thought. His expression was that of a true statesman; it was clear he had been thoroughly educated for his royal duties.
"Count Clover, I won't let the land you've cleared and paved go to waste."
"I appreciate your kind words."
"Now... Guru Maitis. May I ask you to begin?"
"Yes, yes. Time for this old lady to earn her keep... hup."
Maitis climbed down from the carriage, leaning on her cane as she surveyed our surroundings.
"The mana source is... that way. Hey, you! Hurry up and carry me!"
"Ugh..."
Maitis rapped her cane against Lucas, who had collapsed in a heap of sweat after finishing with the bags.
"I-I'm exhausted from the heavy lifting... Please, let me rest for a moment..."
"With a body shaped like a turnip, you have a lot of nerve! Lose some weight!"
"Ugugu... Such a slave driver..."
Lucas’s face contorted as he was struck with the cane again. No matter how much he hated it, the difference in their status was absolute. He had no choice but to serve as Maitis’s mount.
"That way, go on. Move it."
"Ugh..."
"Too far, you idiot! There, more to the right! I said you went too far, you blockhead!"
"..."
Lucas tottered along under her weight until they finally reached a specific point.
"This is it. No doubt about it... the Center of the Dragon Vein lies right here."
The spot was already covered by the stone slabs I had laid. Maitis hopped down from Lucas’s back and tapped the ground with the tip of her cane.
"Oh...!"
In an instant, the stone paving I had created was blown to smithereens. There was no question she had used magic, but I had absolutely no idea how she had done it.
"The formula was invisible... Is this a type of Barrier Arts as well?"
My primary talent was my bottomless pool of mana, but I also possessed the subtle ability to replicate magic after witnessing it just once. That power relied on reading the magic formula embedded in a spell, but I couldn't see even a hint of a formula in what Maitis had just done.
"I don’t dislike kids with sharp instincts," Maitis said, despite the fact that I hadn't spoken loudly. "This old lady is always using barriers. It’s a constant state."
"..."
"You’re always using a presence-detection spell yourself, aren't you? It’s the same principle."
She had seen right through me. She really was a remarkably high-level mage.
I didn't think I would lose to her in a fight, but her magical precision was in a different league. She was more skilled than any mage I had met to date. The only person I could think of who might rival her was the Academy Director, Verloid Hahn. Since she was on the same level as a man hailed as a Sage, she was undoubtedly one of the finest mages in the kingdom.
"Well, don't just stand there. Come over here and learn something while you have the chance."
"Yes, I’d be honored."
"And you! Hurry up and get the magic implements ready! Don't keep me waiting!"
"Ahee!"
"Run! Dash, I said! Dash!"
Lucas took another whack to the backside and went scurrying off toward the luggage as fast as his tired legs could carry him.