Chapter 95
Chapter 95
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 95
Chapter Title: Still Four Years Too Early (3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Karin always ate like a beggar had crawled into her stomach, but as the daughter of a family providing Ermina Cassias with scholarship-like support, she had no financial troubles.
Mages primarily replenished their mana by absorbing it from the air, so they tended to wear breathable clothing. Bluntly put, even though plate armor offered better protection, they avoided it for a reason.
Truly wealthy combat professionals sometimes crafted thin armor parts from lightweight, high-mana-conductive metals like mithril for protection, but Karin, as a student, had no need for such heavy gear.
So, what was the conclusion?
The outfit Karin had picked out alone at the clothing store turned out to be the standard baggy robe typical of mages—very mainstream.
Of course, a woman's pronounced curves weren't fully hidden by loose clothing, but compared to overtly revealing designs, it felt less burdensome, and she seemed in a pretty good mood.
"Are we going deep again today?"
"No. Unlike Ermina, I can't handle versatile light magic at all, so we can't go too far."
"At Cafe Manager's level, can't you handle anything?"
"If something happens to me, I can block it or push through with force, but if something happens to you, there's nothing I can do."
Even if a high-ranking demon hit me with a curse, my body's resistance would let me endure and fight back, but if it cursed Karin and fled, I'd be helpless.
There were things in the world that couldn't be solved with brute strength alone.
From that perspective, Ermina and I complemented each other perfectly, making it convenient to adventure together.
Though I differed greatly from the original Julius, the fact that my growth had shaped up this way suggested the status window might have played a role.
In any case, I was now testing how to lead combat with Karin in tow, me at the front.
"Space magic is inherently hard to use offensively..."
"That's right. It's tough to bend space with solids around. Right?"
"Yes. I can distort the surrounding space to block, but it's not great for proper attacks."
"Most space magic users are the same, so nothing to be done."
"You know others like that too?"
"...Almost none, but they exist."
"You seem to know a lot for someone saying that."
I'd seen it plenty while playing the game. Space magic had this mysteriously powerful vibe, so I'd naturally paid attention.
Thanks to that, even though I knew nothing about the sequel starring Karin, I was well aware of the growth direction she needed.
"Let's start by syncing our tempo. When an attack comes from an angle I can't defend easily, deflect it with space distortion."
"...Isn't that too dangerous?"
"I'll wrap my body in aura so even if it hits, I'll be fine."
The monsters on this floor were nothing special anyway. If something popped out reacting to Karin's bracelet, that'd be different, but I'd just have to trust my reflexes.
Still, this was pretty much the only way to build real combat sense, so I started the fight with a reluctant-looking Karin.
First off, facing three kobold-like monsters from the game, I swiftly stabbed one on the right with my right sword for a clean kill, then faced the remaining one while deliberately dropping my left guard as it assessed the situation.
Blocking its claw attacks steadily with the sword in my right hand, I baited it toward the open side. Naturally, the last one's attack flew toward my left, and I prepared a defense by wrapping aura around my face and neck.
Timing it just right, my left space twisted and sucked inward, causing the monster's attack to miss.
First try success. Not bad senses.
I lightly dispatched the two monsters and turned to see Karin behind me, sweating coldly and panting hard.
"Hold up. Tired?"
"No. I was just really tense. Thinking one mistake could be disastrous."
"...Yeah, that happens. Let's rest a bit."
There were no designated safe zones in the labyrinth, but I cleared the area and laid out a spot to lie down comfortably.
I wiped her sweat with a handkerchief, uncapped the water flask and handed it over, confirmed she drank, then let her lie down.
"Feeling burdened?"
"No. It's just... thinking my mistake could cause problems. And thinking of Sophia and Natalie too."
Last time we came to the labyrinth, she was fine, so I'd thought no issues, but apparently the academy intrusion by Danil—where she and her friends nearly died—had left something like PTSD.
Her hands and lips trembled as she lay there; she didn't look good at all. Reluctantly, I let her rest her head on my thigh and gently pried apart her clasped hands at her solar plexus, holding each finger.
"I wasn't considerate enough. Rest up, and we'll rethink."
"No. I'm fine... really."
"You're not. Just sleep a bit."
I wiped her ongoing sweat until she fell asleep, her groans fading. Her hair was soaked and stuck to her face, so I carefully peeled it away, then tucked a cloth between her clothes and neck to keep her from chilling as sweat cooled.
For now, we'd head back after rest; if she wanted to quit, fine, or else bring someone to assist from the side to ease the burden.
"Well, her first real combat was against Danil."
It sounded suggestive, but combat experience should build slowly in safe spots. Tossing a rookie into a limb-flying battlefield was just using them as meat shields.
She needed gradual, variable-free practice in relative safety, but she'd raw-dogged an enemy who could kill her in a flick— no wonder her mind was frayed.
My guess, but maybe leaving the academy—where casualties had mounted—felt good because it let her forget Danil briefly.
I ignored passersby glancing our way and waited; after about an hour, Karin opened her eyes.
"...Uh. Cafe Manager."
"Better?"
"Yes. A bit chilly from the sweat, but okay."
"Good."
She tried sitting up but her legs buckled, so I hoisted her onto my back. Mental exhaustion left lingering fatigue after fainting.
I'd once collapsed after a week rolling in demon lands, returning to the estate; upon waking, my body felt sleep-paralyzed.
That damn father dragged me to training without food—I thought I'd die.
Carrying her, her clothes were utterly soaked; must've been rough.
"Um. Cafe Manager..."
"Yeah."
"Last time... it was uncomfortable coming back, so... no underwear."
"Ah. Got it."
The sensation on my back made sense now.
Like sports bras from my past life, adventurers here used wire-free, comfortable ones—maybe look into it.
The shop last time handled outerwear and gear, so no; academy practicals start year 3, so she might not even know they exist.
Holding her hips, even the bottoms felt like thin shorts.
Cosetica Big Sister would know; I'd ask her.
As I thought that and climbed a floor, Karin's limp hand on my shoulder pinched my cheek lightly.
"What? Urgent?"
"...No, just annoyed."
"Hm."
Wondering why, it hit me: maybe too casual a reaction for an adult woman.
But you need something to be conscious of first.
I didn't get aroused helping the hurt or injured via contact, at least.
Not sure what reaction she wanted, but even unable to hold herself up, she rubbed her torso against my back, so to tell her to stop, I patted her butt with the hand carrying her.
"Cafe Manager."
"Yeah."
With a groan, she rested her chin on my shoulder; turning to tease her, our noses touched, eyes met.
Her half-closed eyes snapped open, breath halting; I chuckled, straightened to carry properly, and she quieted.
Still such a kid.