Peaceful Training Days
The Lizardmen ultimately couldn't defeat the buffalo herd.
They put up a decent fight thanks to their equipment, but they gradually started getting pushed back by the difference in average rank and sheer numbers.
At the moment it felt a bit dangerous, I intervened just right to end the situation.
Magic Eye—clean sweep in one go.
Since their wounds were pretty severe overall, Snow stepped in personally to take care of it.
She's far better at healing magic than I am, so she was perfect for wide-area recovery like this.
Their wounds healed perfectly without a single scar, but the Lizardmen looked utterly dejected.
They must be frustrated.
It's okay. You all fought well.
It was just that the opponents were stronger.
Train harder next time so you won't lose.
Come on, cheer up and let's eat some meat.
You took down some yourselves.
I'll grill it nice and tasty for you.
I worked hard to console the disheartened Lizardmen.
With my enthusiastic encouragement and the fantastic meat, they seemed to perk up a bit.
Well, more like it was the meat than my words, but since I grilled it, it's basically the same, right?
[Meat! Steal meat! Well-done! Crispy!]
Suli cried out "Kyuuung!" in delight.
It's been a while since I grilled, but my skills haven't rusted.
Good.
[While you were away, this lady tried hard as well, but your meat is indeed different. Is there some secret technique?]
Snow, who had been silently savoring the meat, suddenly asked.
[No real trick... yeah, I just grilled it imagining Suli eating it happily.]
[...So it's the power of sincerity, then?]
Snow nodded deeply with an enlightened expression.
Glad she bought that.
After wrapping up lunch that simply, we took a short break and dove straight into the afternoon schedule.
They'd gotten real combat experience, so now it was time to internalize those lessons.
Spar lightly with me or Snow.
Oh, this'll be one-on-one, not group.
The Lizardmen pulled long faces.
They'd rather fight the buffaloes a dozen more times.
Even run ten more laps around the snow mountains.
Nope, no can do.
I can't allow that.
Real combat's great, but sparring like this is important too.
No worries about Suli either.
I'll leave her with To Soon-i in the afternoon.
So no need to hold back.
Come on, we'll go easy.
You don't think Snow or I would actually kill you, do you?
And so, I began one-on-one personal training (sparring) with the still-sulking Lizardmen.
If I went all out, they'd get one-shot before even charging, so I allotted about ten minutes per one and played along appropriately.
Honestly, it was more exhausting than fighting at full power.
One slip, and they'd literally burst.
Power control really is the hardest.
Unlike me struggling with restraint, Snow handled the Lizardmen quite adeptly.
When I asked her secret, she replied:
[I've done it many times with you, so it's easy.]
I see.
So to Snow, I'm some fragile thing that pops at a touch.
That stings a bit.
[N-Nyx! G-Go e-easy! Easy, please! My bones... my bones hurt...!]
Just then, Wise Scale—whose turn it was—let out a scream.
Whoops, I accidentally put a bit too much force...
Not venting frustration or anything.
By the way, Wise Scale.
Aren't you definitely B-rank?
Shouldn't you be tougher than the other Lizardmen?
I gave a little more pressure.
"Z-Zuuuaaaah—!!!"
A grand scream echoed, not even transmitting thoughts.
Oh no. I unconsciously amped it up again.
Sorry, Wise Scale.
Forgive me.
In this vein, after conducting one-on-one sessions with the Lizardmen, about three hours later, they all collapsed from exhaustion.
Aren't they a bit lacking in grit?
[S-Save... m-me...]
A little time left—awkwardly in-between.
Snow was right; their basic stamina is lacking.
I thought they'd at least handle one more round.
Should I try healing magic?
I might overdo it, but Snow's could get them back to full pep...
Desperate screams rose from the Lizardmen.
Oh, if they can yell like that, they still have some left in them, right?
I subtly asked Snow, but she shook her head.
Muscle pain like that shouldn't rely on healing magic; recovering naturally aids future growth.
The Lizardmen sighed in relief.
I clicked my tongue briefly in disappointment.
Snow quietly called to me then.
I tilted my head curiously, and she said:
"Your turn."
After that, I quietly lay down on the ground alongside the Lizardmen.
More comfortable than expected.
Sorry, kids.
I think I finally get how you feel now.
Forgot since it's been a while for me too.
The one-sided beating called sparring.
Lying motionless on the ground, Suli—who'd been playing with To Soon-i over there—sneaked up.
Looks like she wants the slide.
It's been quite a while for this too.
I subtly shifted my body.
Tilting just right for sliding fun.
Suli climbed up excitedly.
Soon, a joyful "Kyuuung—!" rang out.
Yeah, as long as Suli's happy.
[Looks fun. May this lady join briefly as well?]
Of course, my lady—use me as you please.
And so, while some thirty reptiles lay collapsed on the cold snowfield, in contrast, three mammals including To Soon-i frolicked leisurely atop it.
Is this the difference between cold-blooded and warm-blooded?
Probably not, but anyway.
Thus, day two in the Snow Mountain Zone with the Lizardmen peacefully drew to a close.
The days after didn't change much from day two.
Mornings started fresh with Surprise Bird eggs (unfertilized).
Forenoon: light real-combat training hunting buffalo herds with Lizardmen, lunch from the catch.
Short break, then one-on-one tailored sparring for the afternoon.
Lizardmen dropping one by one, last Wise Scale falls—then my spar with Snow begins.
Ends with my defeat as always, wrapping up the day's schedule.
After: free time. Do as you please.
Lizardmen, low rank still, didn't stray far from home—but they preferred the warm inside over cold outside anyway. No issue.
Good thing I dug the cave spacious enough for play.
I mostly spent time with family.
Occasional extra spars per Snow or my whims, but mainly with Suli and To Soon-i.
"Spending time" meant Suli playing on my body as usual.
Surprisingly, post-slide, Snow joined in often too.
She really took a liking to it.
Our daily routine felt incredibly peaceful like this.
Unexpected hiccups sometimes, but nothing major.
Even if a tad monotonous, these were precious times for me.
One such day, Snow mentioned the mana in the lake at the Lizardmen's home would soon run out.
I considered her recharging it, but shook my head.
Can't bother recharging every time—better fetch lava stones now.
Lava stones: minerals only from Lava Zone, like superheated insulators.
Way hotter than regular ones, sure.
Nothing better for keeping the lake toasty.
Decided to head to Lava Zone.
Quick trip, so solo.
Suli opposed, as expected—wants to come too.
Adorable, but a bit burdensome.
Since learning thought speech, her voice echoes in my head too.
[Take meee! Suli too!]
Her whiny wail reverberating—tricky.
No, I'll be right back.
Just wait a bit, Suli.
[Go together! With Papa!]
No real issue taking her... but can she handle Lava Zone heat?
I could cover somewhat with magic, but sudden temp shift might strain her. That's the worry.
Above all, her first upper-floor outing should be leisurely later, not this.
Snow ended my dilemma with Suli's tantrum, naturally.
Strict mom mode crushed it easily.
Moms are strong.
[Say 'have a safe trip.']
[...Have a safe trip...]
Her drooping ears and tail were heartbreaking, but Snow had just calmed things.
Can't back out now without putting her in a spot.
Swallowed tears, bid farewell.
Dad'll be back soon.
Just a little longer, Suli.
We'll play lots later.
Rushed upward.
Lava Zone monsters startled by my sudden arrival, but ignore.
Grab lava stones quick, back to Suli.
But glancing around, Lava Zone felt off.
More chaotic and tense than usual.
Something up?
Grabbed a nearby drake and asked.
Knew me—shook on eye contact, snatched quick.
Spill it.
What's with the mood?
Hunters came to Lava Zone.
Not 69th—reached 58th. That's why the edgy vibe.
Especially tense since last hunters took down a floor boss.
Red Wyvern personally leading forces upward now.
Released the trembling explainer gently.
Don't know why, but it fled yelling 'Th-thank you!'—watched idly, pondered.
...Lisa was right; hunter levels have risen lately. Didn't expect them back in Lava Zone so soon.
Need to keep an eye.
Pondering ends there.
No more hunter thoughts.
Priority: lava stones, home.
No time for them.
Bit sad missing Red Wyvern chat, but next time.
For now, pass regards via passing drake.
It trembled, but won't ignore—doesn't wanna die.
I remember you clearly.
If no word from Red Wyvern later...
Dragon meat day.
Grabbed stones, hurried home.
Skipped greeting Arde—didn't wanna worry her given situation.
Next time with family.
Kept promise to Suli—done quick, straight home.
Suli yelled "Late!" at my rushed return—shocked a bit.
Blame drake chats midway.
Next time, pure errand speedrun.
Safely installed lava stones at Lizardmen home.
Steamy heat like hot springs.
Too hot? Problem?
...Toughen up with grit.
Build tolerance.
You can do it.
Another super peaceful day.
Wonder if Red Wyvern can handle hunters.
Know her strength—no issue probably, but still uneasy.
Hope nothing happens...
Would be nice meeting safely next.
Wanna introduce my family too.