The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic

After reporting our trip, we had decided to train with Kazuki and Frana and had moved to the training area on the castle grounds.

When we arrived at the training ground with Amako, Nair, Kazuki and Frana, fortunately there was no one there.

It must have been a time when other knights were not training. It was quite convenient to be able to train in a spacious area without worrying about the surroundings.

"What kind of training do you usually do, Kazuki?

"Strength training, sword training, and basic training in magic.

When I asked Kazuki, who was doing preparatory exercises with me, he gave me an answer that was, in a sense, unexpected.

I was a little surprised to find that he was training in a surprisingly solid way.

"According to Welshy, the best way is to train the basics!　So he says."

"The basics of magic, or ......."

I learned healing magic almost by guts, so I don't really understand the basics of magic.

...... I may be able to gain something from today's training with Kazuki.

"What kind of training did you do, Usato?"

"What kind of training?　I'm ...... just running and doing strength training.

"Amako, I guess that's one way of putting it."

"Yeah. "Even though they're almost completely different on the inside."

You're making too much noise, you little animals back there.

Amako and Nea sit in a field under a shady tree, glaring at us.

"Well, then you're just like me!　No, Usato must be training even harder than me!"

"Well, I guess so. ......"

I'm kind of embarrassed.

Hey, behind you!　They can hear you!　Kazuki's not brainwashed!

As I silently pressured Kazuki behind me so that he wouldn't notice me, I saw Kazuki calling out to Frana, who was standing next to him.

"Frana, what's wrong with you?"

"What?　No, I'm fine.

"...... really?　If you don't feel well, ask Usato to--"

"I'm fine, I'm fine!　I'm so energetic that I want to run right now!

"Oh, yeah?"

Kazuki was surprised when Frana looked up and started stamping her feet with a big smile on her face.

But soon after she blushed at her own comment and laughed as she turned over, Kazuki spoke to me in a hushed voice.

"Since you and Usato have only known each other for a short time, you may be having trouble with distance.

"What?"

"She didn't know the outside world in a good way or a bad way. I think she's afraid of what she doesn't know."

So you have a kind of aversion to me, Frana.

I'm a little shocked, but considering how she reacted when we first met, I have an idea.

"So, what should I do? ......"

"As usual, that's fine. If you try to make things up, you'll get to know Usato wrong. That's something ...... I don't like either."

Kazuki smiles shyly at me, and I suppress a surge of excitement.

Lately, I've been getting a lot of rejection and not even being treated like a human being, so this kind of exchange is refreshing.

As I am inwardly moved, Kazuki, who has finished his preparation exercise, continues to talk to me.

"Well, now that we've done the preparation exercise, I'd like to start the training.　What do you think, Usato? I'm sorry to ask you to go along with my training. ......"

"How about some magic training? I have some thoughts about my own magic."

I mean, ever since the battle with Koga, I've only been thinking about combat-oriented techniques.

I should go back to the basics here: ...... No, you can't go back to the basics. That would be going back to the time when I was in the hell of training to heal myself.

It is possible to face your healing magic again, as if you are searching for a new ground.

"Magic. Is that okay with you, Frana?"

"I'm fine with it."

Kazuki gets Frana's permission and steps into the training area.

I follow him and move to a large area where we can practice magic.

The training area has targets for practicing magic and bow and arrow, and is quite spacious, so it seems safe to use magic to our heart's content.

"First of all, let's show them our magic. If we don't know each other's magic, we won't be able to train.

"That's true. Then I'll show you my magic first.

Kazuki nodded at Frana's words and moved about ten meters away from me.

"......Good, let's do it."

Kazuki took a slow, deep breath, and his hands overflowed with glowing white magic.

The glowing magic, as pale as fireflies, gradually formed into a dozen or so magic bullets the size of ping-pong balls, floating above his hands.

Kazuki looked up at the sky without looking at his hands and launched all the magic bullets from his palms at once.

The launched magic bullets were lined up in the air in circles and stars, each of them moving like a different creature and forming various figures.

"......"

What's great about this is that Kazuki, who is looking up at the sky, literally looks like he is doing nothing.

He is just looking at the sky, his hands are down, and his shoulders are relaxed.

As if it were a matter of course, he is manipulating a dozen or so magic bullets as if they were his own limbs.

As I was involuntarily mesmerized, Nair, who had transformed into an owl, jumped onto my shoulder.

"I knew that a brave man has extraordinary strength. I knew at first glance that they were different from ordinary people, but ...... this is really not human work."

Is that what it looks like to you?

Yes, I'm a monster, but not in the way you think.

I, for one, will not allow you to treat Kazuki like a monster.

As I was protesting this to Nair on my shoulder, Frana was talking to Kazuki.

You are as beautiful as ever. What kind of magic is Kazuki's?"

"Hmm?　Really?　To me, it's just dangerous magic.

Kazuki replies to Frana.

His eyes are fixed in the air, but the movement of the magic bullets is not disturbed at all even when he talks normally.

This is no longer a matter of concentration.

While I was just admiring him, Kazuki with a surprised look on his face spoke to me. His expression seemed to be somewhat nervous.

"Well, what do you think, Usato?　How is my magic?

"No, no, no, I can't find any other word than amazing. How did you ...... do that!　How do you control your magic so naturally?"

I find myself feeling uncharacteristically excited.

At my reaction, Kazuki held his head in embarrassment and returned the magic bullet that was still moving above his head to his hand.

"What I keep in mind when I work magic is to be natural," he said.

"Be natural?"

"Yeah. It's not about "manipulating" magic power, it's more like "moving" it like a limb.

With these words, he combines multiple magic bullets in his palm to form an elaborate sword.

"Welshy called this technology a new form of magic. It's not that big of a deal. ...... haha."

If the enhancement of the lineage is the secret of magic, then Kazuki's is one form of the ultimate in manipulation of magic power.

He is a man with the qualities of a brave man, and he has obtained this technique through his persistent pursuit of the fundamentals.

...... is really cool.

What else can you do with that technique?

"It can be used to enhance a sword by putting it on it, or to surround an enemy and launch it. ...... It can do a lot of things."

"Not so much everything, but everything. I still remember one time when he obliterated the cronies of a ravenous monster in an instant in a fit of rage. Well, I got a lot of scars on my arms because of that. ......"

"Well, don't say that in front of Usato!　I really didn't mean to use it in such a dangerous way!"

It seems that if he wanted to, he could do something quite outrageous.

But did Kazuki attack in a fit of rage? His arm, which he says was injured, does not seem to have any scars left on it. ...... must have been a pretty tough situation.

"What did Kazuki do then?　Frana."

"He had his left arm covered with light magic and unleashed it. It was different from Kazuki's usual magic, but it was very bright.

Release magic power.

That in itself is not strange, but the problem is that Kazuki's light magic hurt the user himself.

One possible possibility is .......

"Kazuki, did you use the lineage enhancement?"

"Oh, uh ...... yeah, I did. I was still practicing, but it was a dangerous situation if I didn't use it. ......"

"No, I'm not mad at you. No, I'm not mad at you. I'm the one who's taking the risk when it comes to strengthening the system. From the looks of it, you didn't even leave a scar on your arm, so I'm relieved.

"Usato ......"

I am not in a position to say anything about lineage enhancement.

In fact, I am sure that I am on the receiving end of some anger.

"You knew you were doing something dangerous.

"That's right. Usato is doing more dangerous things than me.

What do you mean by "dangerous"? I don't know. I have so many ideas.

As I ignored the words of the little animal on my shoulder and behind me, Frana spoke to me.

"Could it be, Usato, that you can use lineage enhancement?"

"Yes, but my lineage enhancement is not that powerful. Rather, it only increases healing power and has no offensive power at all.

"Instead, you hit me."

With a smile on my face, I turned around and fired a healing finger shot, but Amako, who had just been in the shade of a tree, had already moved about ten meters away from me.

The tiny magic bullet I fired misses.

d*mn, I'm out of range.

"What's wrong?　Suddenly he turned his back and ......"

"...... haha, nothing."

I laugh and fool around with Frana, who is surprised by my sudden action.

You're good at reading my movements with your precognition magic and then trying to stir me up......, Amako.

"I've shown you my magic for now, what's next?"

"Oh, I'll show my magic to Usato next. After Usato, it will be less interesting.

"I don't think so. ......"

With that, Frana-san stepped forward and showed me both of her palms as if to show me.

A purple magic power was released from her palms and enveloped both arms.

"Purple magic power?　I've never seen this before. ......"

"It's a little weird. It doesn't seem like the kind of magic that would be used for attacks."

Nair and I each give our own impressions.

"My line of magic is illusion. My line of magic is illusion.

"Showing you illusions. It's like a magic eye that shows people who make eye contact with you. ......?"

"Haha, it's not that powerful, but it's more useful. My illusionary magic makes those who are struck by my magic see illusions."

"Hmm?　Hmm?"

Showing illusions to those who are hit by magic attacks?

I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

It's a little frustrating to see Nair reacting as if he understands something.

"Ha-ha-ha, you're confused, that's good. Well then..."

"Oh, hey. Frana!"

Just as Kazuki was about to stop him, Frana put her hand on my shoulder.

Instantly, magic flows from her, and she scrambles away before what looks like a shadow appears in front of me .......

"...... yeah?　Something appeared and then disappeared.

"Hey, didn't you see it?"

"The shadow appeared for a moment, but then it disappeared.

"Hmm?　Funny how ...... it's so easy to get a hit when you're unprotected. ......"

Were you trying to give me a vision out of the blue? I don't mind you trying to make me see things, but I wish you would have at least said something.

From what I've seen, it looks like she's trying to show illusions to those who come into contact with her purple magic.

But why didn't I get it?

While I was wondering, Nair spoke to a dismayed Mr. Frana in an exasperated voice.

"It's simply because he has a monster mentality. At least in a normal state, he can nullify a normal mental attack.

"Why is your mentality so screwed up?　What's wrong with him?

He could take the mental attacks of hundreds of souls without a care in the world. How can she be affected by the illusion of an individual after all these years?

Kazuki crossed his arms in admiration at Nea's words.

"That's amazing. I can't believe Frana's illusion didn't work. I was so surprised when I got hit the first time ......."

"Kazuki, notice!　Normal people don't unconsciously resist mental attacks!"

"You mean Usato is more than normal, right?　He's been through that much ordeal.

"What is this crazy trust?　I'm a little scared, Kazuki!"

Flana protests with some tears in her eyes, but Kazuki only nods his head.

I didn't think a psychic attack from the souls of Samaritan would be helpful here.

"Frana, I'm sorry about that."

I'm going to show you a vision anyway, okay?　Just relax and don't get all worked up."

"Wow, okay. ......"

It's not every day that someone can make you relax in order to show you an illusion.

I take a deep breath to calm my spirit, and a black figure appears in front of me again. As the figure slowly becomes clearer and clearer, I have a bad premonition and call out to Ms. Frana who is desperately trying to cast a spell on me.

"What kind of illusion are you trying to cast on me, by the way?"

"Well, what do you think is the scariest thing you've ever seen?"

Terrifying?　Horrible ......?

Evil dragons, ghosts, Mr. Karon the Dragon Man, and Koga," I recall, and just as the figure in front of me is about to turn into a woman with long hair, my defensive instincts kick in.

"Nuhn!"

"Ah!　My magic was drowned out again!"

Before the figure in front of me can fully reveal itself, I put all my strength into my body to drown out the illusion.

Why are you resisting?

"My body refuses to see the illusion. ......"

"I sent all my magic power into ...... him, but is he really human ......?"

I'm sure I could keep my composure if it was an evil dragon or a ghost, but not Rose.

Moreover, the vision I was trying to see was definitely Rose on the verge of a serious breakdown.

"Usato, why don't you just let the illusion take over?　It's okay."

"Nah. What would you do if you suddenly saw the leader of the group in a serious state of shock in front of you?

"I'm sorry. It can't be helped.

I'm glad you understand.

I nod yes to Nair, whose face turns blue.

I decided to cheer up Frana, who was on the verge of losing her confidence, together with Kazuki, and asked her to show me another vision.

The vision I was shown was one of my favorites.

What came out of it was ...... yes, I found out that my training has seeped into my deepest consciousness. I did not expect to see the tools and the burin to appear.

"So, finally it's my turn. I'm going to try a little bit of a simple training, but I think I'm going to try to strengthen my system.

The goal is to shorten the time it takes to trigger the reinforcement.

The shorter the time until activation, the more it can compensate for the disadvantage of the healing magic lineage reinforcement, which is the gap caused by the reduction of healing power to oneself.

"Eh, it's not so impressive for Usato. Don't you have to show off that new technique that challenges common sense?"

"A new technique that defies common sense: ......?"

Flana, perhaps hearing Nair's words, shakes her shoulders and backs away.

If I show my Healing Flying Fist here, not only Frana but also Kazuki might be attracted to me.

He smiles at Nair on his shoulder.

"Nair, if you say anything else, I'm going to get you involved in training.

"Yes!　I'll shut up!

I'll shut up!

After nailing Nair, he turns to Kazuki and Frana.

"Okay, let's try to strengthen the system.

"To be honest, this is the first time I've ever seen a lineage enhancement up close. I never saw anyone using it on the road."

"Oh, I see. I can show you as much as you want if you like.

I must set an example for Kazuki to strengthen his lineage.

As I was about to focus my attention on activating the system reinforcement, I suddenly looked outside the training hall.

I felt a familiar voice calling my name.

"Hmm?"

"Uthertoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

The next moment, we were hit by a flash of light and a shock that could have been mistaken for lightning.

I could barely make out who it was from the shadows I could follow with my eyes, and I was more than surprised, I was convinced that it was indeed someone.

"Senpai, can't you come a little more quietly ......?"

"I was told off the moment I left the room!　You could have surprised me a little more!"

The senior appears, gushing electric shocks, and rushes toward me, horrified by my reaction.

The people behind me and Nair on my shoulder seem to be speechless at the sudden appearance of my senpai. To be honest, I was also surprised by his flashy appearance.

As I looked at him, he literally moved "like lightning".

"When I asked about the rescue team, I was surprised to hear that Usato-kun was at the castle. You could have told me if you were coming. ......"

"That doesn't mean you have to make this kind of appearance: ......"

"I didn't think Usato was staying in any particular position, so I came here in a hurry."

I don't mean "I'm here." I mean, I'm here.

Is that it?　Do they think I'm always moving around during the day?

So what are you guys doing here?

"Training. Kazuki suggested that we train together in magic.

"Yeah!"

Wow, that's a big smile.

Smiling at my senpai as usual, the four of us, including her, were to train together.

In fact, we had not even started yet, so her arrival was probably just in time.

Suzune, how did you just get here?　You looked like you were in some kind of electric shock. ......"

"Hmm?　Oh, I'm here with my new technique, more like a fighting style."

"Combat style?"

"I developed this style based on the Thunder Beast, but instead of controlling the lightning, I enhance myself with the lightning itself. It's still in its infancy and can only be used for about ten seconds.

"Is that from the lifeguard squad to here?　I think it was quite a distance. ......"

I can run that far with ease!　I'm just trying to keep you alive, Usato!"

I'm not sure what to make of that, though, when he gives me the thumbs-up.

But rather, he has acquired a tremendous skill, even if it is limited to ten seconds. And what can I say, that it was developed with reference to Raiju. .......

"It's cool."

"I know!　I know!　I'm secretly calling it , what do you think?

"I like it!"

"You don't understand!　Krumea laughed at me!

You've got too much sense, ......!

How can they come up with such a cool name like "Magic Armor and Thunder Beast Mode"?

I tip my hat to your naming sense. ......!

"Kazuki, Suzune, you don't mean ......?"

"Oh, you know what?　"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do."

"Wow, that Suzune is ...... a bit unexpected."

For some reason, Frana-san looked at me and let out a deeply moved voice, Kazuki-san looked at me and my senpai with warm eyes, and Nea and Amako looked at me with cold eyes.

With such stares, I was enjoying my daily life with my friends for the first time in a long time.