NOVEL NEXT Chapter 322 - Meg's Magic Power Situation
Meg’s Magic Power Situation
I was standing there, bewildered, not knowing what to do with Heidemarie, who was bawling her eyes out, and then Kron-san, noticing, immediately rushed over.
“Meg-sama, don’t worry about it. …Her emotions are overwhelming her. They seem to be tears of joy, so there’s no need to worry. Now then, shall we return to the waiting room?”
“Y-Yes. Thank you, Kron-san.”
Kron-san, effortlessly picking up Heidemarie, who seemed unable to move, said this. What a cool maid! I was mesmerized, and then followed her back to the waiting room.
Even though they were tears of joy, it was still incredibly awkward to be cried over like that. Ha, hahaha….
When we returned to the waiting room, Gil-san immediately welcomed us. And Heidemarie, who was still crying, was taken to Epink.
“Ugh, you’re so noisy! They’re happy tears, so calm down already!”
Well, that was the reaction I’d expected. But I was relieved to see Epink diligently taking care of her, wiping her teary face with a towel, picking her up. He’s so different from that person who tried to kidnap me. Well, what happened in the past should stay in the past. It’s fine if he cherishes children now.
“Meg, I was surprised. I’ve never seen you fight like that.”
I immediately turned towards Gil-san’s voice, and our eyes met. He looked genuinely surprised. Really? I just felt like I was dancing, naturally moving, entrusting my body to the spirits.
But it really was a strange feeling. The moment Fuu-chan entered my body, I felt this incredible power surging… power, huh? Ah.
“G-Gil-san… has my magic power suddenly increased?”
“Hmm?”
Schlie-san had said that taking a spirit into your body uses up quite a bit of magic power. It’s true, and I think I used quite a bit in that last match.
But it’s still an insignificant amount for me. So maybe because of that, my magic power’s been… activated, or something. It feels like the amount swirling inside me has increased. It’s just a feeling, though.
It’s been less than a week since I last released it in the High Elf Village, and this pace is a bit dangerous. Even Mara-san absorbed some…. It’s similar to when you eat when you’re hungry, and then you get even hungrier.
“It’s true that it has. …Is it painful?”
“No, I’m fine for now.”
“Do you know how long you can hold on?”
“Um, I think it’ll be fine for at least one more match. And after that, it’ll probably be fine if I just relax.”
Honestly, I’m a bit uneasy. About it going out of control. But maybe I should consider myself lucky because I only have two matches. I should be able to endure.
I don’t want to forfeit. Because it would be disappointing to forfeit the final match, after all this preparation for the tournament. I want to avoid that.
“…I see. Let’s go back to the spectator seats. It would be better to have Reki take a look.”
“Okay.”
Reki also knows about my situation because he’s a doctor. Gil-san said he’s probably prepared some kind of countermeasure. I’m such a burden.
…No, that’s not right. They’re my comrades, so it’s only natural for them to be concerned. I’m sure they’d do this even if it wasn’t me.
I have to be strong! It’s not good to be negative. I’ll think about something fun. For example, yes! I won my first match!
“Gil-san, I won!”
When I reported that, he widened his eyes slightly and then smiled, narrowing them.
“Yeah, you were incredible. Congratulations.”
I thought the hand that Gil gave me as he stroked my head and praised me was the best reward of all.
When I returned to the spectator seats, I was, as expected, congratulated by everyone. They were all saying things like, “Wow, I didn’t know you could fight like that!”, and, “That was amazing!”, at the same time, so I wasn’t able to properly hear everything.
“Hmm, it feels like Meg’s one step, or rather, two steps ahead.”
Asuka, of course, also congratulated me, but he was pouting, seemingly annoyed. What are you talking about!
“I was only able to do that because you showed me! So it’s thanks to you, Asuka!”
I’d never even thought about taking a spirit into my body. Asuka’s the incredible one, for thinking of it and then actually doing it! “Really?” he giggled shyly when I told him that. Hehe, how cute.
“But it must be hard, right? Meg, your next match is right after this, are you okay? It’s the finals, you know.”
“That’s right… you might feel a bit tired if you’re not used to it.”
I-Is that so? I don’t feel tired at all, maybe because I have so much magic power… but it’s a good excuse to have Reki take a look, without making them worry too much.
“Well then, maybe I should have Reki take a look? Are you okay now, Asuka?”
“Of couurse! It was nothing!”
That’s a relief, it doesn’t look like he was seriously hurt from the electrocution. I’d been worried because he’d lost consciousness. That’s right, his next opponent is Goot, who uses lightning. I also have to be careful!
“We still have some time until the next match… but it’s better to have him take a look early.”
“Okay! I’ll go now!”
I’m glad Schlie-san said that! I immediately headed for the treatment area, which is in the corner of the spectator seats.
“Reki, please take a look. …Focus on the magic power circulation.”
“! …Got it.”
When I came to where Reki was, Gil-san was already there. It looks like he came ahead to explain. Reki already knew, so there was no need for further explanation. I’m grateful that he’s trying to downplay it.
I sat down as instructed and relaxed. He then used a special magic tool to measure the amount of magic power accumulated inside me. Apparently, it’s a tool that only measures magic power that’s not circulating properly. I was impressed that something like that even exists, but I felt a bit strange after hearing that it’s normally used on the elderly. The elderly…
“…It’s increased.”
“I knew it.”
He also said it wouldn’t have increased this much just from using magic. I knew it. “I think it’ll be fine for at least one more match,” I said, and he furrowed his brows and crossed his arms. O-Oh, is he going to scold me!?
“…If you’re doing that thing from earlier… only once more. And keep it short. Or you won’t last, even if you do manage to hold on during the match.”
“Ugh.”
So I do have permission… I see, so I shouldn’t take a spirit into my body very often, huh? But I want to do it so I can keep up with Goot’s speed. Hmm.
“I’ll help you with the circulation. But it’s just a temporary fix. There’s nothing I can do about all that magic power you’re suppressing. There’s a limit to how much you can circulate.”
“Yeah, I understand. Thank you!”
Magic power, like blood, constantly circulates throughout your body. It’s something that everyone can do, without even thinking, just like how blood flows. But when you use magic, that flow becomes irregular.
That’s why those who are still learning are unable to properly cast their magic. Because you have to maintain circulation with the magic power you’re releasing. Nature magic users have it easier in that regard.
But it’s different when you take a spirit into your body. Apparently, you have to be mindful of that circulation, just like with regular magic. …Maybe I was able to do it without thinking because the spirits were helping?
Even if you have an overwhelming amount of magic power, your body will still get tired if you unconsciously try to circulate it. And magic misfires and rampages are only natural. …I’ll keep that in mind!
And the main problem is that I’m forcing an amount that exceeds the capacity of this still-developing body. It’s like, there’s no more room in my magic power storage tank, so I’m storing the extra in a makeshift area. And that means… it’ll easily leak out because it’s not properly secured.
“Your magic power storage is already full, beyond its capacity. So when the circulation’s stimulated, by using that magic from earlier, the magic power in your storage tank gains momentum, and it leaks out. And the magic power in that makeshift area is forced out.”
Reki’s explanation was easy to understand. …I really am at my limit. I still haven’t properly understood the situation. I’ll reflect.
“Meg, it’s almost time.”
“Okay!”
Just as I was relaxing and letting Reki handle my magic power, Gil-san came to get me. It feels so much better after he does this, the circulation’s incredibly smooth.
“I feel so much better, thank you,” I said, and he snorted, saying, “You sound like an old lady.” Ugh, you’re so mean!
“Make sure you don’t overdo it, okay?”
“Yeah, I understand! I’ll be going now!”
He’s such a doctor, making sure to say that! I also don’t want my magic power to go out of control, so I’ll be careful! Why is he looking at me like that, his eyes half-closed? You don’t trust me?
“Meg! Defeat Goot! For me!”
“Meg, you can do it! I saw that match earlier! Win the championship!”
Asuka and Juma-nii cheered me on as I was heading for the waiting room. O-Oh, I can’t lose now! I clenched my fists, showing them my determination.
“Meg, please be careful. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to do it again, just because it worked before.”
“That’s right, those times when you think you’re doing well are actually the most dangerous.”
Schlie-san and Kei-san, on the other hand, gave me advice, prioritizing my safety. Yeah, that’s also incredibly important! I can’t get carried away. I’ll be cautious and humble.
“Meg, I’m sure you can win. Do your best.”
“You’re right, I don’t doubt it! Good luck!”
And Ronny and Saura-san said they believe in me. Everyone’s so kind! Everyone else also cheered for me, and my motivation is increasing!
With everyone’s support, I opened the door that leads to the waiting room. I could hear them all the way until I closed the door. It was a bit embarrassing.
It was the same waiting room. It doesn’t seem like Goot’s here yet. Maybe because it’s so quiet, but… the tension’s increasing. I’m nervous!
“Make sure you don’t overdo it. This tournament isn’t everything.”
Gil-san then placed his hand on my head, looking worried. He’s probably even more worried, because he knows.
“Yeah, I’m not going to use that technique from earlier. But Rai-chan, I’m counting on you if I can’t dodge!”
『Lightning, huh? Leave it to me!』
I was incredibly soothed by Rai-chan, a yellow rabbit, who’d jumped on my shoulder and struck a pose. That’s right, an eye for an eye, lightning for lightning! That’s the plan!
『I can redirect lightning attacks even if I’m not inside your body! I can’t let you suffer!』
“Uu~, you’re so kind, Rai-chan! Thank you! I’ll do my best!”
『I’ll capture the opponent!』
『I’ll surround Master with flames! And burn everything away!』
『I’ll wash everything away or protect you. I can do anything.』
O-Oh, they’re all so motivated. But it’ll be a mess if we’re not on the same page even though everyone’s moving as they see fit. I’m incredibly grateful that everyone’s being so adaptable, but it’s also not good if they’re too eager.
『Okay, okay, everyone! Make sure you listen to Shou-chan! You can do whatever you want when it comes to defense, but you have to listen to Master when it comes to attacking! So basically, leave everything to Shou-chan!』
Shou-chan took charge and got everyone organized. Ooh! Shou-chan, who’s now the leader, is so dependable! As expected of the strategist!
When I told Gil-san about their conversation, he smiled wryly and said, “It doesn’t feel like you can lose.” Of course I can’t! They’re incredibly reliable, aren’t they! Everyone, I’m counting on you!