Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 126

Chapter 126.1. The Third Year at the Academy - Each of Their Paths (1)

Markant and the others bought a large amount of alcohol, so a wide variety of bottles lined one corner of the table.

There were the standard wines and meads, ales, as well as distilled liquors like Karna and Invas spirits.

Watching everyone reach for food and drinks, I decided to prepare ice using [Icebrow] since it was a special occasion.

This prompted not only Markant but also Ted and Gemma to add it to their fruit water.

Ice doesn't go well with ale, so I asked, "Shall we chill the bottles instead?" to which Markant eagerly tried to dunk the whole bottle into the ice.

I quickly stopped him and prepared a separate batch of ice for cooling.

The bottles of alcohol didn't seem particularly clean; chilling them with ice meant for drinking was unacceptable.

By the way, the ice-filled containers, as well as some of the liquor and fruit water, were placed on top of the "Little Roof."

When someone called for it, it would approach, and once done, it returned to its designated spot.

Lambert and the others, unfamiliar with the Little Roof, were surprised, so I explained, "It's our server."

They placed their hands to their foreheads but didn't ask further questions.

Moreover, showing spirits openly would be a problem, so I summoned Melok beforehand and strictly ordered it not to appear on its own for today and tomorrow.

Melok nodded enthusiastically, but I couldn't be sure if the same entity was summoned every time.

For now, since it hadn't appeared, either it was the same one or the word had spread in its world.

Everyone chatted freely, expressing their tastes, remarking on what they liked or disliked.

Quince and the others were once again watched over by Dana, and this year Valerie also helped.

Perhaps they had grown closer while assisting with meal preparations; they occasionally exchanged knowing glances and shared laughter, creating a slightly different atmosphere over there.

Amidst all this, when the topic shifted to adventurer activities, Lambert steered the conversation towards the Battle Axe of Destruction.

Upon learning they had recently ventured into the Forest of Deep End, he grew even more intrigued.

With Ted and the others urging them on, Markant began as their representative.

The Forest of Deep End stretches across the southern reaches of the Empire.

Though accessible from various routes south of the imperial territory, difficult terrain such as mountains makes it challenging, so adventurers often choose nearby towns as their bases.

The Battle Axe of Destruction based their activities out of one such town, Fasden.

Fasden is not only known for its resources from the Forest of Deep End but also for its rock salt mines, making it one of the more prosperous lands of the viscounty.

When the conversation turned from their background to the monsters of the forest, the adventurers, along with Lambert, leaned forward slightly.

There were goblins wielding skills and magic, ogres and trolls not commonly seen in human territories, headless birds called Cackles, spiny Ashig Cats, and even slimes lurking in narrow spaces, known as Memes, and Kittle bugs that conglomerate into massive insect swarms.

The deeper one goes, the stronger the monsters become, and no one knows what lies beyond.

Representing the epitome of this unfathomable forest are dragon species.

Markant showed a scar on his cheek as he spoke of the immense size and strength of a land dragon.

Even the Bane Axe, whose members are skilled enough to rank as B-class, could only flee in the face of a dragon species.

Lambert, Felix, and Ted all marveled at the strength of the land dragon.

When the story concluded, Markant took a deep drink from his glass.

"Well, that's about it. I talked big, but we've only scratched the surface of Deep End Forest. There are supposedly much worse things lurking deeper in."

"I've heard the rumors, indeed."

At Danil's words, Valerie, Ose, and Markant nodded.

"The one they say you must absolutely never encounter is a bat monster called Aztrus. If bats are flying, hiding is a given since it's incredibly dangerous."

"It's said to be even more feared than dragon species. Though it lives deep in the forest."

Valerie added, tilting her head slightly.

"Apparently, beastmen live in the Forest of Deep End."

"In such a treacherous place? Hard to believe."

"Reports claim that settlements exist. Near the forest's outskirts, it's not much different from the Leknod Forest. As long as they avoid the occasional deeper-dwelling monsters, it's apparently manageable."

"Never saw them myself. Maybe a tall tale. Even if they avoid trouble, a land dragon attack would be the end."

"Well, you're not wrong…"

Valerie's words trailed off.

Markant's skepticism made sense.

It seemed implausible for a settlement to sustain itself so deeply within the forest, as opposed to an open field.

Whether the settlements exist or not, the reverse—a monster from the forest occasionally wandering into the plains—was well documented.

It would be akin to the Kudurga incident near Selen.

According to Danil and Ose, around a decade ago, a demi-human monster emerged onto the plains, inflicting devastating damage on Fasden's adventurers.

The monster, similar to a goblin, left behind tales both of its defeat and escape. Regardless, it was strong enough that the collective might of Fasden's adventurers had to face it head-on.

Questions about the Forest of Deep End continued until, gradually, they shifted towards combat philosophy, advice for adventurers, dangerous creatures within the Empire, and methods of handling them.

Lambert, in particular, paid close attention since he and the others had encountered the Turenbull Cube.

Eventually, bells rang throughout the town of Selen.

By now, everyone was used to the third chime.

Without hesitation, people rose from their seats to grab their coats.

"Whoa, it's snowing!"

Ted, the first to rush outside, called out.

Looking out the window, small snow crystals were falling from the gray sky.

Markant, myself, and a few others would be fine, but everyone else might feel the chill.

With Ted and the others helping, we carried several fur pelts to the roof.

We laid them down or handed them out to anyone shivering so they could wrap themselves in warmth.

This alone wouldn't keep out the falling snow, so I improvised by having the Little Roof act as a canopy supported by poles.

For some reason, it seemed proud to take on its old role.

No, that had to be my imagination.

A slight breeze brought in snow from the sides regardless.

Looking around, I asked the Little Roof to shield us along the sides.

While Markant lounged cross-legged on the roof, snacks and drinks rested beside him, well-adapted to this peculiar role. Just planks, though—well, no matter.

"By the way, it's my first time spending New Year's in Selen. I heard they set off flashy magic."

"Yeah, it's about to start."

As I gestured with my chin, the bonfires on the main street dimmed.

Then, the sound of bells announcing the New Year echoed through Selen.

Various magic spells shot into the sky at once.

Ted and the others cheered, and the members of the Bane Axe watched, astonished.

"Whoa, that's amazing!"

"Spears, spherical orbs... I see. Those are from the Magic Guild, right?"

"It's up to the casters' mood, but even flashy field-wide spells... Ah, there it goes."

Above the illuminated Cartiral, countless fireballs scattered.

Fire always draws the eye, even from a distance.

"Careful, it might fall!"

Yonas wandered forward, while Elliot and Nils frantically held him back.

That guy was way too drawn in.

Furthermore, the traditional [Bulwark] magic tool was activated.

Even the members of the Battle Axe of Destruction, who had seen countless sights during their long careers, were mesmerized by this top-tier magic.

"Incredible... So that's what high-level magic looks like. We didn't stay long in Selen, so I never had the chance to see something this entertaining before leaving."

"I agree. Since we're here, why not join in this year?"

"Wait a sec."

I raised my hand, stopping Danil in his tracks.

I then called over Elphimia and whispered in her ear.

When she finished listening, Danil looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Are you sure? Without a catalyst, we might still get wet for a while."

"It'll be fine; we have the Rooftop Guardian. Plus, I have a backup plan."

"Understood."

"In that case, let's do the usual."

"Of course. I'll assist too."

Nodding, Elphimia activated [Sanctuary] around the roof.

I could feel the neighbors' eyes turning our way, drawn by the blue glow.

It's become a bit of a tradition by now—apologies, everyone. It'll be the last time this year.

Next, Elphimia and I split tasks, using [Light] and [Torch] to illuminate the area.

When everything was set, I gave Danil the signal.

"Alright, I'll go first."

Pointing skyward, Danil launched a [Flood Ball].

At the same time, he cast [Fireball], chasing after the water sphere with a flaming one.

Just before reaching their limit, the water and fire spheres burst.

Water droplets glimmered under the light of the flames.

As the Rooftop Guardian moved to shield us from the rain, it seemed momentarily unsure.

"I see, [Force Field] was in play."

Realizing this quickly, Danil deftly sidestepped the falling droplets with a nod of appreciation.

Having anticipated this outcome, I had placed a [Force Field] above us after the [Fireball].

While [Force Field] doesn't directly impact magic, it can alter the aftermath.

In this case, it softened the descent of the falling water.

The Rooftop Guardian would handle most of it, and the rest was easy to dodge.

We tested this with Onkram's dark ore, and it turns out that stacking different elements doesn't disrupt spellcasting too much.

For now, there's no notable interference, and while using Onkram's dark ore to create magical tools might be less effective, I'll keep experimenting.

With no more concerns, Danil continued casting [Flood Ball], while I followed with more [Fireballs].

The shimmering water droplets slowly fell, lit by flames.

"Whoa! It feels heavier up there!"

Ignoring my efforts, Ted and Gemma happily jumped around, letting themselves get soaked while poking at the [Force Field].

"Take this, water magic!"

Meanwhile, Jonas tried futilely to counter the water spheres with [Firebolt].

What a sight.

Naturally, middle-tier magic couldn't overcome Danil's spells, and Jonas soon exhausted his mana.

With Danil stepping back, Elphimia took center stage.

"Let's raise it a bit higher."

"Good idea—safer that way."

Elphimia layered [Freezing Storm] over the [Sanctuary].

The mix of magical frost and falling snow created a mesmerizing effect.

Alright, my turn.

I carefully adjusted the range before activating my spell.

"[Fire Spread]!?"

Of course, Jonas reacted first.

Overcome with excitement, he jumped and reached out toward the display.

Don't even think about it—it's hot, and it'll do more than just burn you.

"Impressive. You've even mastered area-effect magic."

"I owe it all to an excellent instructor."

In truth, I'd first mastered [Stalagmite].

I spent countless hours practicing [Operate Soil] and [Earth Bolt], simulating [Stalagmite] until I finally grasped it.

Once I'd learned it, I craved more.

The desire to master other elements of area magic led me to beg Helena to show me [Fire Spread].

She reluctantly agreed, casting it in the training grounds instead of heading outside.

Naturally, this led to igniting some equipment.

With smoke and flames everywhere, I ended up bowing and apologizing profusely to the panicking staff.

Fixing that mess was an ordeal, but it's just another anecdote now.

Today, though, [Stalagmite] would take a break.

It's too grounded, visually severe, and lacks flair—ill-suited for celebrations.