The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic

Kingdom of Lingle.

A vibrant country with thriving commerce and threatened by the Demon Lord's army.

It is also the home of the lifeguard squadron to which my mentor, Usato, belongs.

The merchant's carriage carried me here, and although I was a bit intimidated by my first visit to this land, I walked steadily through the gates of the Kingdom of Lingle.

"Thank you very much for taking me here.

"I don't mind. It's been a long time since I've been on a trip with you, and I've had a lot of fun.

After thanking the merchant for bringing me here from Lucvis, I brace myself and step into the city of the Kingdom of Lingle.

"At last, we're here. ......"

It didn't take long to get here.

I gave my resignation letter directly to the principal of Gladys and left the school, sent a letter to my parents thanking them for raising me and breaking off the relationship, and had a short talk with Meena, the last person to call me.

To my surprise, the Principal Gladys accepted my letter of withdrawal as if she knew what to expect. She apologized to me, saying that she was sorry for not being able to do anything for me.

I was surprised that she apologized so suddenly, but she was the head of the school that accepted me, and I myself knew the power of the nobles well, so I forgave her, although I was still very confused. It would have been better if that had been the end of it, but the headmaster was not satisfied with that and arranged for me to be transported with him to a merchant whose destination was the Kingdom of Lingle.

I was quite happy to hear this, since I had been planning to look for him myself.

And then the discussion with Meena.

This was ...... not meaningless for me, I think. In the end, we had a falling out,...... and we didn't get along, so I don't think there will be a falling out.

The only regret I have is that I wanted to stay with Kyou and the others a little longer.

They were the first people I could talk honestly with after coming to this country, so when I left Luxembourg, I cried without shame or shame.

"Oh ......"

The view was of a vibrant city, and unlike a country like Lukvis with a high percentage of children, the number of adults was higher.

It is a free place, different from my hometown, where there are no ties between the nobility and the commoners. I take a deep breath to suppress my elation as soon as I feel the atmosphere of the Lingle Kingdom on my skin.

......I shouldn't, I didn't come here to enjoy the scenery.

I take out the letter that I have put in my bag carefully and remember once again the reason why I came here.

"...... Okay."

The letter of introduction given to Mr. Usato.

The first thing to do is to give this to the head of the rescue team. In order to do so, we must first know the location of the lifeguard company.

At first, you approach a nearby store and talk to a young man selling fruits to ask him to tell you where it is.

Excuse me, sir.

"Hmm?　What's up, kid? You look like you're from outside ......."

"I'm from the neighboring country of Luxvis, may I ask for directions?"

"Ha-ha-ha, don't be so afraid. So, where do you want to know?

When I nervously asked him, I received a generous response from him.

I feel embarrassed by his words, but I ask him where he wants to go.

"Where is the lifeguard station?"

"A lifeguard?　Is there something wrong with you?

"No, that's not what I meant. ......"

"Then who wants to be healed?　If so, the infirmary is closer than the ambulance corps, right?"

It seems that I was mistaken for a traveler in search of healing magic.

In times like this, it's important to clearly assert your opinion. .......

I'm not very good at it, but I'll try to be brave enough to do it. I'm not the same as before.

I want to join a rescue squad and I want to know where it is. So what's wrong with ...... for the location of the lifeguard squad instead of the clinic?"

The next moment I said this in a louder voice than I had expected, the people around me stopped moving, including the brother who was smiling in front of me.

The people around him stopped moving.　What?" When I was puzzled and confused, the older brother grabbed both of my shoulders firmly. The people around me started to rush to him as well.

"You shouldn't do that, kid.

"You're still young. You're still young. You don't have to push yourself so hard ......."

"If you're looking for a place to work, I'll hire you. ....... Don't be desperate."

"Boy, you're a brave kid. But you don't have to go down that road.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!　

The man I was just talking to, the old man sitting silently nearby, the woman tending bar, the knight passing by, the people around me who heard what I said, they all stop me like crazy.

I know they are all saying these things out of the pure kindness of their hearts, but... Mr. Usato?　How do they know you are a lifeguard?　That's it!　It's like stopping a warrior going to his death!

"I can understand your admiration for the lifeguard. They are like heroes to us, the people of the kingdom. But they live in a different world from ours. ...... There are children who have seen them running with magical beasts on their backs, running with strange yells, and even seeing them blown to bits by the fists of Master Rose, the leader of the lifeguard squad.

Some of the behaviors look familiar.

I mean, you almost said "Mr. Usato," didn't you?

I nodded my head with a shudder at the sight of Mr. Usato, who was running with Bulrin on his back in the Lingle Kingdom.

"Um, are you talking about Mr. Usato?"

"Well, you know. ......He...... Usato-sama was a particularly out of the ordinary person. He was a man of unspeakable strength. He really was a messed up boy. ......"

The older brother with the distant look in his eyes.

What the hell did he do? I'm curious, but I don't want to ask him, because I'm afraid that my barely remaining common sense will be shattered if I do.

"Who introduced you to him?　I can't believe I would recommend a lifeguard to a girl like you as a prank. ....... I can't forgive them for playing with your courage and for trying to make fun of the lifeguard ......"

I looked at the indignant brother and at the people nodding their heads in agreement with him, and I thought to myself once again, "I'm not going to let this happen again.

I knew that the rescue squad was a great place.

But I mustn't let them get the wrong idea.

"It was Usato-san who introduced us!　And I'm a healing magician, you know ......."

I was at a loss for words after saying all that. I was at a loss for words because I had just revealed myself as a healing magician.

Both in my hometown and in Luxembourg, I received cold stares of contempt and disappointment.

I was afraid of the reactions of the people in front of me, thinking that if I were to receive such stares here, too, the reactions I received were surprising to me.

"Introduction from Usato-sama!　I'm sorry, I misunderstood you.

"Uh, ......, yes."

I was surprised, but that direction is totally different from that of Lukvis.

I'm not scorned, I'm not looked down upon, but rather I'm bewildered by a feeling that is almost joyful.

Looking around me, I see that the people of the town, who have learned that I was introduced by Mr. Usato, have relaxed the desperate expressions on their faces.

It's not that I didn't believe what Usato-san had told me about the Kingdom of Lingle, but I felt uneasy. I wondered what people around me thought of the group where healing magic was active, and how they treated me.

Seeing the people in front of me actually taking their feelings seriously made me think that this country is a kind place that accepts a healing magic user like me.

"I thought I knew from seeing you, Usato-sama, that appearances are not always what they seem. I guess I'm still stuck in the common sense too. ......"

"No, I just didn't say enough. ......"

I think it's okay to stay stuck in the norm. Even though I've only been here for a short time, I know how outlandish the lifeguards, including you, usually are.

Puzzled by your brother's words, I looked around me and saw that everyone in the town had relaxed their desperate expressions and were relieved to see me.

"If Usato-sama introduced you to me, you have nothing to worry about."

"If Usato-sama approves of her, it seems she'll be fine."

"That's normal for you. No, ...... I'll be like them eventually..."

The misunderstandings are surprisingly clearing up.

Usato, how much have you really done in this country....... I have a feeling that you are gaining trust in a different direction.

"Hey, do you want to go to the lifeguard?"

"!　...... yeah, yeah. Yes, I do."

I was still puzzled by the reactions of the people around me when a voice spoke to me.

I turned my head to see a woman who looked to be about Usato's age, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, and before I knew it, she was standing right next to me.

She nodded her head and turned to her brother who was standing in front of me.

"Excuse me. I'll take her to the rescue squad.

"Hm?　Oh!　It's Olga's sister!　I feel safer knowing you're taking me with you. Good luck, kid!

?　Judging from her reaction, I wonder if the woman next to her is somehow related to the rescue team.

She is a kind person as long as she is showing us the way.

Let's go!

"Yes, yes."

But it'll get us to the lifeguard station.

With that in mind, I leave the place, waving to the people who were there.

I was so happy to see them.

"Hello!　I'm Uluru, I'm 18 years old!　What's your name?"

As soon as we started walking, Uluru introduced herself and asked me my name.

"Eh, nah, I'm Nack Arga......, no, I'm Nack... I'm 12 years old!

Argalles, about to say his name as an aristocrat, quickly reiterates it.

I've given up my name as a nobleman, so now I'm just Nack. Uluru-san smiles a big smile and starts patting my head gently as he walks away.

"Hmmm...you must be Nack...you're 12 years old...that's great!"

"Hey, hey, ......."

Embarrassed by his reaction to a child, he moves the hand on his head away.

"Nn, I'm sorry. Kukuru-chan doesn't let me pet her anymore, so I just ......."

"Kukuru-chan?"

"No, I'm talking about this one and that one."

Uluru-san waves his hand deceptively to the side.

"You were introduced to Lingle by Usato-kun, weren't you?"

"Yes. ...... You've heard about it?"

"That's right. I was walking around town and I wanted to join the rescue squad!　I'd be crazy not to be interested!"

I didn't know you were that loud.

I feel a little embarrassed now, and my cheeks heat up. Uluru-san smiles at me and continues to talk to me.

"Usato-kun was an interesting boy, wasn't he?"

"...... Yes. He was a great guy. And he was also my benefactor.

"Benefactor?　What did he do?

He trained me. He chased me, kicked me, cursed at me a lot, but now I'm filled with gratitude.

"Wait a minute, your sister doesn't understand how that process leads to gratitude. ......"

d*mn, just the content of the training makes it sound like Mr. Usato is a person who does terrible things.

Uluru-san is drawing back, muttering, "Oh no, Usato's training policy is similar to someone else's. ......."

Wow, I have to change the subject .......

"Uluru-san, what is your relationship with Usato-san?"

I boldly ask him, since he seems to be familiar with me, unlike the way he calls me or the honorific titles he uses with the people in the city.

"Relationship?　Hmm, a reliable sister?　That might be an exaggeration. ....... We are still friends."

"I see. ......"

But it's been less than six months since we got to know each other. I've grown up so fast that I can't even recognize you. I guess I had to hurry to become strong because the Demon King's army was going to attack us.

The Demon King's Army, the army of the demon tribe's country ruled by the Demon King who is trying to invade the Lingle Kingdom. In the battle that took place just a few days ago, Usato and his mentor, the leader of the lifeguard corps, ran on the battlefield and healed many people.

With only three days of training, I would not have lasted more than three minutes in the battlefield as a member of the lifeguard corps.

I am about to join them.

"Uluru-san, objectively speaking, do you think I am suitable to join the rescue team?"

I was so anxious that I asked Uluru-san a pathetic question.

Uluru-san, walking next to me, folded his arms and groaned in distress, then answered my question with an awkward smile.

"Hmm?　I don't know."

"......I see. ......"

Should I be happy that I wasn't told I couldn't join the lifeguard corps?

"But I think the fact that Usato recommended it was because he thought you had potential."

"Is it a prospect ......?"

"That boy knows more than anyone how hard the Commander's training is. He is a healer just like the Commander and he is strong enough to overcome his rigorous training. If he sent you here, it is because he judged that your heart is strong enough to endure the Commander's training."

...... heart enough to withstand training.

"I still don't know Nack very well. I don't know Nack well yet, but if Usato recommended him for the rescue team, I'm sure he'll be fine. You'll have to decide for yourself if it's appropriate."

Yes, it was none other than Mr. Usato who recommended me.

He even wrote me a letter of introduction. There's no turning back now, I'm already here.

"If you can, then do it while you still can. ...... is the only time you can afford to worry."

"What?"

Well, we're almost there, Mr. Nack!

Didn't he just casually mutter something scary?

I have to prepare myself for what's going to happen next.　I follow Uluru-san who is humming a tune as he moves along the road, ignoring my impatience.

As we continue on our way, the cityscape, which used to be filled with buildings, gradually becomes less and less, and more and more trees with greenery growing on them. And at the end of the road, there was a road leading into the woods and a wooden gate separating this place from the town.

On the wooden gate, there was a short inscription with the words...,

"Life-saving ...... group."

---The sign said...

Uluru-san nodded happily at my murmur, walked up to the gate, and opened his arms wide as if to welcome me as I walked through.

"Well, welcome to the lifeguard mission, Mr. Nack. I'd love to show you around, but I'll stop here!　I look forward to seeing you next as a member of the rescue squad!

"...... friends?　You're not kidding!

"Well then, I'll take care of the rest!"

Before I could reply to him, Uluru-san was heading for the city. I was stunned to see her gone in the blink of an eye, but then I remembered the conversation we had just had and couldn't help but laugh.

"Ha, ha, ha, I wonder if there are many people with strong personalities in the lifeguards. ......"

Usato-san, who looks normal at a glance, but when it comes to training, he becomes extreme in his words and actions as if he has changed.

---Wait a minute... Did Uluru just say "take care of the rest"?　Was he talking to me?　It sounded more like he was talking behind my back,

"Hey."

"!!!"

As I look toward the city, someone suddenly approaches me from behind and lifts my collar. I am hung up as if I had been pinched by a cat, and I look behind me, scared by a loud voice from behind.

There was..,

"You lost, kid?"

"I shouldn't, I shouldn't ...... let a kid like you come to a place like this."

There were two men, both with frighteningly dark faces.

Both were unusually large, and their moods and expressions were not normal.

The man who lifted up his collar, perhaps trying to smile at us, spoke to us with the corners of his mouth twisted into a more twisted shape than ever, but his voice was too powerful to be heard.

"He......f......"

I've got a guy who has a thick face before his personality!

I'm so scared!　

He's as scary as Usato when he's angry!

"Mil, your face is already scary, so don't scare me any more.

What do you mean "fearless"?　You're no different than me!

I'm aware of it, you idiot.

And I'm aware of it!

My shoulders were shaking, but I remembered the letter clutched in my hand and decided to show it to the strong-looking people in front of me.

As Mr. Uluru said, if this place is called a lifeguard station, then these people must be members of the lifeguard station. Besides, their atmosphere is slightly similar to that of Usato's. .......

"Oh, um, ...... here, here, here, here, here, here, here..."

"An?　A letter?　You brought it all the way here?　......!"

The letter is received by a man who is unusually kind for a man with a stern face.

He looks at me quizzically, but when he sees the name on the letter, his eyes widen.

"What's up, Alec?"

"It's from Usato. It's for the Commander."

"Oh, he's doing well, isn't he? Well, he sent me a letter, so I'm sure he's fine!

With a snap, the hand is removed from the collar and lowered to the ground.

I manage to land on the ground, and the man called Alec crouches down so that we can look at each other.

"I see Uluru sent you, are you a ...... applicant?"

"...... yes!"

"Yes!" "Good. Then you should give this directly to the leader.

After returning the letter to me, Mr. Alec said one word to me, "Follow me," and went on his way without waiting for my reply.

The other man, called Mir, urges me to walk with a light shove on my back.

A path leads me to the end of the forest, and at the end of the path is the leader of the rescue team that Usato-san had mentioned.

I gulp down some spit and brace myself.

I gulped and braced myself.

"So this is what a lifeguard quarters looks like ......"

Alec and Mir showed us to the lifeguard station.

They said, "I'll go get the leader and you wait for him," and walked away from the inn to another direction, so I had to wait alone in front of the inn entrance.

"This place looks a bit like Kyou-san's place, doesn't it?"

Looking at this rather old building, it seems similar to the dormitory where Keogh and his friends lived in Luxvis.

While I was immersed in a nostalgic feeling, even though it hasn't been that long since I left there, someone comes from the direction Alec and Mir walked.

Is it them coming back?　I turned my head and saw not two large men but a long-haired woman approaching me, dragging something with her.

"......"

I feel a chill.

This is similar to the feeling I had when Usato-san seriously tried to train me.

I keep my eyes on the woman with a vague chill, but when I see her coming out of the shadows of the trees into the sunlight, I can't help but let out a gasp of surprise.

"What, what, what, what?

The right arm holding the collar of a girl with beautiful green hair and a white uniform just like Usato's, and white hair and brown hair.

The woman was dragging a girl who seemed to be a demon fainting with white eyes.

Her bangs covered her right eye and her eyes were sharp as if they were shooting at us. What surprised me the most was that she was giving off a predator-like atmosphere, just as Usato said.

This is the man ...... for sure. He looks somewhat like Usato, I can say with certainty that he is the one.

"Oh, so you're the one who wants to join us."

The head of the rescue team, Mr. Rose .......

She is the mentor and boss of Ms. Usato, and the person who organizes the rescue team that I am about to join.

She calls out to me, and with one hand she tosses the girl she's dragging onto the grass nearby, carelessly.

"Geez, what's this place?　Ugh, I can't remember. ......"

As soon as she was dropped on the grass, a girl who seemed to be a demon got up holding her head.

She seems to be confused, but the leader of the group just looks at the girl and opens his mouth in a troublesome manner.

"Rest a little.

"!?　Yes, yes!　I'll do my best to rest!

The girl looks surprised at the word "rest" for a moment, but then sits down on the grass and relaxes.

What does it mean to rest at all ......?　No, no, this is not the time to worry about such things.

First of all, I held out the letter in my hand to the woman in front of me.

"My name is Nack!　I'm a healing magician and I came here after being introduced by ...... Usato!

"......"

However, there was no response to the letter I offered.

Did I do something wrong?　As I fearfully tried to look up, I felt a tremendous shock on my forehead, and I was blown backwards with a force.

"Gigg ...... oh?

As I landed on my feet, holding my forehead, I saw Mr. Rose with his fingers open, smiling at me in amusement.

Was that a deco ...... pin ...... that was just done to me?　No way, it was so powerful I thought it was going to blow my head off.

"Hmm, interesting. The groundwork seems to be laid. By the looks of it, did Usato train you?　Then I guess this is your letter of introduction."

She laughs at my fear, and shows me the letter in her other hand, the one she took from my hand before I knew what happened to it.

Then, she comes to rest nearby. Then, a girl who was resting (?) nearby stands up and approaches Rose.

"What's wrong with Usato?　Is he coming back?

"Shut up, later!"

"Boo!"

The girl gets bumped.

The blow was obviously more powerful than the one I had received, and she was blown backwards as far as she could go, slipping into her former position and passing out as she fell.

At this moment, I came to understand that an unintentional remark = unreasonableness.

Ignoring the girl who had been blown away, the leader of the group came close to me, who was too scared to move, and made eye contact with me just like Alec did.

"I'll tell you one thing, I'm not as nice as he is. Whether you cry out, beg for your life, or fall down, I will not show you mercy. The rescue squad is in charge of people's lives. We don't take it easy and we don't compromise. If you're okay with that... then you're a member of the Rescue Mission (here) from today."

No lies, no exaggeration.

This man is as good as his word and will show me no mercy. The look in her eyes made me understand that, even if I didn't want to.

...... but what does that matter?

I knew that when I was trained by Usato.

I'm ready for it.

I'm ready.

From now on.

Not as a nobleman... not as an oppressed student in Luxembourg... but as a knacker of the lifeguard corps.

From now on... my life, my life alone, can finally begin.