NOVEL WEB Chapter 65: Chapter 65
Ryuu is trying out a new dress sketch that has been completed please check it out at https://www.patreon.com/Rayish
Riveria tried to shake off her disappointment at losing the archery competition earlier. She let out a short sigh, convincing herself that a picnic alone with Shirou was still a special moment. In her heart, she thought, "Even if it's not a fancy dinner, this still counts as a date, right?" A small smile crept onto her lips.
"So, Shirou," Riveria asked as they walked side by side, "have you decided where we're having this picnic?"
Shirou nodded confidently. "I know just the place. Back when I explored this floor, I built a small hut as my magus workshop. Not far from there is a wide grassy field, perfect for a picnic."
Riveria raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "A hut? Is it like the training shed we use at Twilight Manor for Magecraft practice?"
Shirou chuckled, slightly embarrassed. "Kind of, but much simpler. I built it with my own hands. As a magus, I needed a spot to experiment, and in the Dungeon, you have to improvise."
Riveria looked at him with admiration. "You even set up a workshop in the Dungeon? How often did you come here on your own?"
"A few times, back when I was a rookie trying to understand the Dungeon's environment and mechanics," Shirou replied with a small smile, then added playfully, "But don't worry, this time, I have an amazing guide, right?"
Riveria smiled warmly, her heart fluttering at the compliment. "Don't forget who led you safely to this floor."
Shirou laughed softly. "Of course, without you, I'd have been lost multiple times."
They continued walking, moving away from the bustling town of Rivira. Their steps led them toward a quieter area, heading for the place Shirou mentioned. Along the way, Riveria tried to imagine what kind of hut Shirou had built. "What does it look like?" she wondered with growing curiosity.
After a while, they emerged from a small forest on the 18th floor, and Shirou stopped in front of a modest wooden hut that looked like it had been standing there for a long time. It was built with materials gathered from the surroundings—logs for walls and thick leaves for the roof. In front of it stretched a vast green meadow, creating a peaceful and picturesque scene.
"This is it," Shirou said with a smile, gesturing to the hut. "My old hut."
Riveria gazed at the structure with interest. "So, this is what you call a Magus Workshop?" she asked as she stepped closer to examine it.
"Well... sort of." Shirou scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I know it's really basic, but back then, I just needed a place to try out some Magecraft experiments. Design wasn't my priority."
Riveria nodded slowly, still surprised by the simplicity of the hut. "He built this by himself? Shirou really is skilled..." she thought. "But you built it alone. That's impressive, Shirou."
"It's nowhere near as sophisticated as the workshops of professional magi," Shirou replied with a small laugh. "But I'm proud of it because it's my own creation."
Shirou then projected a large, cream-colored picnic mat with a simple floral pattern. He placed a large bag of provisions beside it and invited Riveria to sit.
Riveria sat gracefully across from him, her gaze still lingering on the hut. "Honestly, I imagined something more intricate. Is setting up a Magus Workshop really this simple?"
Shirou chuckled as he sat down. "If you're an exceptional magus, your workshop might look like a small palace. But I'm just a beginner. I only set up a simple bounded field around this place to keep monsters away."
Riveria raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Bounded field? You've never explained that before. What is it?"
Shirou began explaining patiently, his tone calm. "A bounded field is a type of magical barrier used to protect an area. It's usually for detecting enemies, concealing a location, or amplifying magical energy within. In simple terms, it's like an invisible fence."
Riveria nodded, absorbing every word. "So, it's a protective barrier. How do you create one?"
"I can teach you later when we're back at Twilight Manor," Shirou offered. "But fair warning—it's pretty technical and requires a lot of focus."
Riveria smiled warmly, looking at Shirou. "I can't wait to learn from you. You're a great teacher."
Shirou nodded, slightly blushing. "Thanks. I just hope I don't bore you with the details."
Riveria held back a smile, her heart feeling lighter. "Bored? How could I ever be bored spending time with you?" she thought, though she kept it to herself.
Shirou opened his large bag and began taking out the neatly prepared provisions. There were triangular rice balls wrapped in nori, a few sandwiches filled with fresh lettuce and smoked meat, and slices of grilled meat that looked delicious. Riveria watched each item with keen interest.
"Your picnic spread looks very appetizing," she complimented with a smile.
Shirou smiled back, saying, "I made sure everything would be good for a spot like this."
Then, Shirou pulled out a large thermos from the bag. Riveria noticed it for the first time and looked at it with mild curiosity. "I didn't see you carrying that earlier. What's in it?"
Shirou unscrewed the lid as he replied casually, "Tea. I remember you like tea, so I brewed some before we left."
Riveria's eyes widened slightly, impressed by his thoughtfulness. "You really pay attention to the little things, don't you?"
Shirou merely shrugged, then projected two simple yet elegant tea cups and poured the warm tea into them. The fragrant aroma wafted through the air, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the grassy field.
"Here you go, my lady," Shirou said, handing one of the cups to Riveria with a playful smile.
Riveria took the cup gracefully, her slender fingers brushing against the warm surface. "Thank you, good sir," she replied teasingly, making Shirou chuckle.
After setting everything up, Shirou removed his black hood and lowered his cloak slightly. He rubbed his head before using Magecraft to revert his fake Elf ears back to his original human form. The transformation was gradual, his pointed ears shrinking into their normal shape. Riveria watched the process with curiosity.
"You're reverting back?" Riveria asked, slightly disappointed that Shirou's unique Elven appearance was now gone.
Shirou chuckled lightly. "I feel more comfortable eating as my real self. Besides, it's just the two of us. No need to keep up the disguise anymore."
Riveria smiled softly at Shirou's response, relieved to see him confident enough to be himself around her. "He truly doesn't realize how special he is in my eyes", she thought, taking a sip of her tea.
They enjoyed their meal while engaging in light-hearted conversation, the soft breeze from the surrounding meadow adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Occasionally, Shirou commented on how peaceful the 18th floor felt compared to the rest of the Dungeon. Riveria nodded, savoring the shared moment that felt like a secret date amidst their chaotic world.
"Shirou," Riveria called out suddenly, her gaze fixed on the expansive greenery before them. "I'm glad you chose a picnic as your request. Moments like this are so rare."
Shirou turned to her, his expression serious but calm. "I'm glad too, Riveria. Sometimes, taking a break to appreciate the world around us is exactly what we need—especially in a life as dangerous as ours."
Riveria nodded slowly, her eyes drifting back to the horizon. "Perhaps… I wouldn't mind doing this every day, as long as it's with him", she thought, gripping her teacup a bit tighter.
As they continued enjoying the food Shirou had prepared, the warm aroma of tea complemented their relaxed conversation. Placing his teacup down on the picnic mat, Shirou glanced at Riveria, who seemed to be relishing one of the rice balls. He felt it was the right time to bring up the next step in their plan.
"Riveria," he began with a small smile, "after this, how about we test your magic's strength when enhanced by the Magecraft Reinforcement we discussed?"
Riveria chewed thoughtfully on her sandwich, swallowing before replying with measured enthusiasm. "I've already thought about that. My plan is to use the same spell twice—once without the Reinforcement and once with it. That way, we can directly compare the results."
Shirou nodded in agreement, though curiosity sparked in his eyes. "That sounds like a solid approach. But what spell do you plan to use for the test?"
Riveria smiled faintly, lowering her teacup slightly. "Since the 20th floor is covered in dense forests, I can't use Rea Laevateinn, my fire magic. I'd rather avoid accidentally starting a massive forest fire."
Shirou chuckled at the mental image of Riveria reducing towering trees to ash. "Fair point. So, what's the alternative?"
"Wynn Fimbulvetr," Riveria replied confidently. "My ice magic. It's a safer choice, and I can easily control the attack's range."
Shirou rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Good idea. That way, we can compare the size and structure of the ice produced. You could even use the Structural Analysis technique you've been learning to measure the volume and see which is larger."
Riveria sighed lightly, though her eyes remained bright. "You really enjoy adding to my workload, don't you, Shirou? I feel more like a student in an academy than an adventurer in the Dungeon."
Shirou laughed, winking playfully. "Hey, don't forget—I'll be testing my Magecraft too. You'll have to be independent, Princess."
Riveria feigned a pout, giving Shirou a mockingly adorable look. "Independent, huh? How cruel of you to treat a princess this way."
Shirou laughed harder, clearly entertained by Riveria's teasing. "Don't worry, I'll be right beside you the whole time. If anything happens, just call for your 'personal butler.'"
Riveria smiled, her heart feeling lighter despite knowing Shirou was joking. "You're more than a butler, Shirou. You're someone I like… and perhaps even more than that", she thought, continuing her meal with a renewed sense of warmth.
Once they finished eating, Shirou began tidying up. He carefully dispelled the Projection of their picnic mat and teacups, then packed the empty lunch containers back into his large bag, ensuring everything was neat and nothing was left behind.
"Alright, let's get moving," Shirou said, adjusting the bag on his shoulders.
Before they started walking, Shirou placed both hands over his human ears. Focusing intently, he activated Alteration Magecraft, slowly reshaping them into long, pointed elf ears. Once the transformation was complete, he pulled up the hood of his black cloak, ensuring his ears fit snugly within its openings.
Noticing Shirou struggling with his hood, Riveria stepped closer. "Hold still. Let me help," she said firmly yet gently.
Riveria used her hands to adjust the position of Shirou's elf ears, making them appear more natural. As her fingers brushed against the altered ears, Shirou flinched slightly, a chuckle escaping him. "That tickles, Riveria!" he protested with a grin.
Riveria raised an eyebrow, pretending to be stern. "If you keep moving, I can't fix it properly. So stay still."
Shirou tried his best to remain steady, though the ticklish sensation made him want to laugh again. He suddenly recalled how Ryuu had adjusted his ears in a similar manner the day before. "Why do my ears always seem to attract so much attention from elves?" he wondered, finding the irony amusing.
Once she was finished, Riveria stepped back to inspect her work. "All set. You truly look like a noble elf now," she remarked with a small smile.
Shirou chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. "You know, I could probably sneak into your homeland without anyone suspecting."
Riveria narrowed her eyes slightly, playfully warning him. "Don't even think about it. I'm not taking responsibility if you cause trouble there."
After sharing a lighthearted moment, they resumed their journey. The pair walked side by side, leaving behind the tranquil beauty of the 18th floor and heading toward the exit leading to the 19th floor. Shirou adjusted the straps of his bag, while Riveria lightly gripped her magic staff, ready for whatever awaited them next.
Exploring the Dungeon with him is more enjoyable than I thought, Riveria mused, glancing at Shirou out of the corner of her eye. If possible, I'd like to do this more often… just the two of us.
As Shirou and Riveria descended the stairs to the 19th floor, they encountered a large group of battered adventurers. Their faces were pale with exhaustion, bodies wrapped in bandages, and some leaned on one another for support. However, upon spotting the cloaked pair, the adventurers avoided making eye contact, some even turning their heads away as if to avoid drawing attention. Whispers spread among the adventurers.
"Should we warn them about the massive monster parade below?" one of them asked hesitantly.
"Leave it," replied his older and more weary companion. "If they're foolish enough to go down after seeing our condition, that's their problem."
Hearing their exchange, Shirou glanced at Riveria with a faint smile. "Looks like they're underestimating us," he said casually.
Riveria sighed lightly. "Not entirely unjustified, considering their state. But I'm confident we're far more prepared."
Once the group of adventurers moved out of earshot, Shirou spoke again. "By the way, on the 19th floor, I want to try something. So, you won't need to fight this time."
Riveria paused, giving him a slight pout. "What now? Are you planning to show off your archery skills again like earlier? I couldn't even get a shot at the monsters because you were faster."
Shirou scratched his head awkwardly. "Not quite. This time, I won't be using a bow. But I'll be doing something… similar," he said with a cryptic tone.
Riveria raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Something similar to archery, you say? Now you've got me curious."
Shirou smiled faintly. "Just be patient. I promise it'll be interesting."
Riveria relented and continued walking alongside him. "This guy always has strange ideas", she thought. "But that's one of the things that draws me to him".
As they descended further, their footsteps echoed softly in the dimly lit stone corridor. "Whatever he's planning, I'm sure it'll be something worth seeing", Riveria decided, gripping her magic staff and remaining alert, despite agreeing to let Shirou take the lead.
The 19th floor of the Dungeon offered a unique sight. The walls, floor, and ceiling were made of thick wood, giving the impression of being inside the trunk of a colossal tree. Soft blue light radiated from glowing moss that grew on the ground, illuminating the dark corridors without the need for typical crystals. The atmosphere was far calmer than the previous floor, though danger always loomed in the shadows of the forest.
Riveria surveyed the surroundings, her staff firmly in hand. "From the 19th to the 24th floor, this stone path usually acts as a guide. Just follow it to find the route to the next floor," she explained, pointing ahead.
Shirou nodded in understanding. "So we just stay on this path and don't need to search for alternate routes?" he asked, seeking confirmation.
Riveria smiled faintly. "That's right. But don't let your guard down. Monsters sometimes emerge from the forest along the way."
No sooner had Riveria finished speaking than a heavy rumble echoed in the distance. From among the trees, a group of towering Bugbears with protruding fangs appeared, their red eyes glowing with rage as they charged toward Shirou and Riveria.
Riveria glanced at Shirou with a teasing smile. "Well, now's your chance to show me what you've been planning."
Shirou stepped forward calmly, his gaze fixed on the approaching Bugbears. "Alright then, time to get started," he said.
Instead of drawing his bow, Shirou closed his eyes briefly. In seconds, a dozen black swords materialized around him, floating effortlessly and shimmering with a cold aura. The blades appeared simple yet sturdy, flawless imitations of weapons he had seen used by members of the Hephaestus Familia.
Riveria was stunned, her green eyes widening as she watched Shirou conjure the swords without incantations or elaborate gestures. "What kind of Magic is this? He doesn't even need a chant?" she thought, both amazed and intrigued.
Without hesitation, Shirou motioned forward, and the swords shot through the air at blinding speed toward the charging Bugbears. Each blade struck with pinpoint accuracy, hitting vital points on the monsters. In moments, the once-menacing group disintegrated into ash, leaving behind only a handful of glittering magic stones.
Riveria stood frozen, trying to process what she had just witnessed. "You… didn't even need time to prepare for that," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Shirou gave a small smile as he walked over to collect the magic stones. "That's one of the advantages of my Magecraft. I don't need much time to prepare weapons or strategies, as long as I know what I'm going to use."
Riveria approached him, her gaze lingering on the spot where the Bugbears had stood moments earlier. "Your technique is truly unique. It's unlike anything I've ever seen… even among the mages in Orario."
Shirou shrugged, placing the magic stones into a small pouch. "It's just part of what I've learned over time. But I still have plenty of weaknesses."
Riveria chuckled softly, her composure returning. "You say that after effortlessly taking down a group of Bugbears without breaking a sweat?" she teased.
Shirou smiled, recognizing the subtle compliment. "I just wanted to make sure you could relax while we're on this floor. After all, I'm the one who asked to try something here."
Riveria studied Shirou for a moment before falling into step beside him. "At this rate, you'll defeat all the monsters yourself. How am I supposed to test my magic later?" she asked, half-joking.
Shirou laughed lightly. "Don't worry. The 20th floor will be your turn. I'm just borrowing this one floor," he replied with a sideways glance at her.
They continued their journey, Riveria growing increasingly captivated by Shirou's ability to surprise her with his unique and extraordinary skills.