“It’s not like that,” I repeated, stronger this time. “You have it all wrong. In the forest, there are magical beasts that attack in swarms, like Killer Ants and so on, and even some beasts that are impervious to spells. There’s no telling what kind of beasts will appear in the forest depths. With Seren’s help, we can fly over the forest right to the research site. We won’t have to waste our magical energy fighting our way there. And, if things go south, we can escape easily into the sky. The mission will be so much less dangerous this way.”
At the end of my breathless explanation, I realized everyone’s shoulders were shaking.
I blinked, realizing they were all turning their faces to the side, trying to muffle their laughter behind their hands. Even the female team member who’d complained directly to me seemed to be grinning mischievously for some reason.
“Wh-What…?” I stammered in confusion as everyone burst out laughing.
I didn’t get it. I was sure I hadn’t said anything odd. As I looked around at everyone, trying to gauge their reactions, Vellia spoke, still spluttering with laughter.
“We were joking! We all understand the situation, anyhow.”
“Yes, we understand that you’re talking about safety and increasing the chances for the expedition’s success, Archmage Viol.”
“Indeed, the investigation will no doubt be faster and safer with Seren on board.”
“Being able to fly everyone there will be a huge help.”
Getting this from all sides, I was stunned. “Then why would you…?”
“Ahaha! Sorry, it was just too cute seeing you get all wound up!”
“Adorable. Now I know what Seren sees in you.”
“I don’t see how this is amusing…” I sighed.
I looked around sulkily at everyone. Was this an apology or another tirade against me? I still didn’t understand, but we were getting nowhere like this. I shook my head and tried to get back to the plan and to make sure everyone was on board.
“I don’t get your humor, but ultimately, we’re all in favor of Seren’s participation, right?”
“It’d be great to have her.”
“It’ll save a ton of time.”
“And make for a much more comfortable trip, too.”
“Conserving magical power is always a good thing.”
I’ve got whiplash from the 180 this conversation has taken… But eh, never mind.
“All right, so it’s decided. We will use flying to travel to and from the inspection site.” I turned my attention to the wind mages led by Vellia. “And I’d like to consult you about something, Vellia.”
“Yes, certainly.” Vellia grew solemn, pushing up her black-rimmed spectacles.
“As previously stated, it gets dangerous close to reservoirs of magical energy. Though Seren is very adept at flying by now, it’s risky to put all our eggs in her basket, so to speak.”
“Ah, I was thinking the same thing. It’s about time the other wind mages got serious about acquiring flying skills, isn’t it?”
Good, we were on the same page.
“Right. If we can fly with four to five people per cart, we can easily split into teams, and this method will reduce the amount of risk, effort, and time spent for everyone.”
“Yeah. It’s much easier to transport people by cart than by levitating them and trying to keep them balanced.” After muttering that, Vellia glanced at Seren. Seren cocked her head in response, and Vellia smiled wryly. “We were thinking of learning to fly, too, just as soon as you were done with your basic magical training, Seren. The timeline has just been pushed forward a little.”
“You were…?!”
“Well, any wind mage worth their salt takes an interest in flying, sooner or later. Most try to go it alone at first but quickly give up once they realize how difficult it is to master.”
“Is that so…?!”
“But I’m not as naïve as my younger days, and my magic is far more polished now. I think if I attempt it now, I’ll do nicely. Either way, it’s going to be fun giving it a go.” Vellia grinned. Seeing that grin reassured me, too.
“Well then, Vellia, everyone… Please do your best to learn to fly,” I ordered. “Everyone here is an exceptional magic user, not to mention skilled at wind magic. I believe that once you get the hang of it, you will definitely be able to master it.”
“Well, how can we do anything but give it our best shot after such encouragement? And anyway, after years of upholding the magical boundary wall, I’d better have something to show for it.” Vellia winked. She was the casual type, but never failed to keep a promise.
“I know we can count on you,” I said.
“You can rely on me,” Vellia reassured me with a smile. Then Vellia met Seren’s eye. “Seren, today’s curriculum has been postponed. Would you come along with us instead?”
“Certainly.”
“Division Captain, Arshtag, I have a proposal for our future plans.”
“Go ahead.”
“Sure thing.”
Arshtag nodded. He was the captain of the survey team, a strong-looking fellow with the sturdy build of a knight. The Third Mage Guild had a lot of stringy, unhealthy-looking members, so Arshtag stood out, but his magical skills were second to none. But fieldwork suited him best. He seems delighted to have been assigned to lead a survey team into the Kichul Forest.
“All wind mages assembled here will now commence learning how to fly,” Vellia said. “I’ll assess everyone and give you all a practice target to shoot for. Then, we should plan out the research mission based on everyone’s level. Okay?”
A dependable mage indeed. A good communicator who doesn’t waste a second and is highly efficient. Vellia’s skills are the best among the younger set, if you ask my opinion.
“Certainly, that will make it easier for us to plan out our mission.”
“And please let us know how many will be along for beast subjugation. On our end, we’ll plan out the research fields for each squad and handle everything related to camping out, too.”
Arshtag and I both nodded.
Looking back, I saw that behind Arshtag, the rest of the survey team also looked highly interested.
“Wow, actual flying!”
“It sure sounds different from past research missions! I can’t wait!”
“Conserving our magical energy will be a good thing.”
I was glad to see that they had high expectations of this mission. That would keep all the wind mages motivated.