Chapter 202: Fortifying the Campsite
“Alright… I think this setup for the tent will do.”
Turning his gaze away from the dark culinary magic unfolding nearby, Rest finished setting up the tent alongside Ostre. They had completed three tents in total: one for Ostre, one for Yuri, and another for Ula and Arly. Due to certain circumstances, Rest’s tent had not been constructed.
There was no need for a night watch. Ostre’s subordinate, a soldier from the Lavender Barony, was set to join them, and they would take care of the night watch.
“It’s done, Count Clover.”
Ostre stretched his shoulders, offering Rest a word of appreciation.
“Thank you for your help. We finished ahead of schedule thanks to you.”
“Ah, no need to mention it… Now, you should rest. I have one more task to attend to.”
“Is there something you need to do? I can assist you!”
“No… this is something only I can handle. Just take it easy for now.”
Waving his hand at Ostre, who was trying to stand up, Rest moved away from the tent. He made his way to the center of the campsite, focusing his mind to gather his magical power.
“Barrier.”
Then… he activated the spell he had just learned. The barrier he cast was the “Monster Repelling” barrier taught to him by Jalana Meitis. A white line traced above Rest’s head, drawing geometric patterns in the air.
“And now… [Transcription].”
The patterns that spread in the air were transcribed onto the ground, completing the magic circle. An invisible barrier unfurled around the magic circle, repelling any monsters within a radius of about one hundred meters from the campsite.
“With this, there shouldn’t be any worms crawling up from the ground… I might be worrying too much since we have a watch and we’re outside the Wetlands.”
Still, this place had once been a Demon Realm—a den of monsters. With Yuri and Ula present, it was a life-or-death situation, so it was better to be overly cautious.
“Oh, Rest. Have you set up the barrier?”
“It’s beautiful…”
Noticing what Rest was doing, Yuri and Ula approached, their clothes stained with green, black, and red liquids from their cooking endeavors.
“…What is that?”
“Oh, actually, it happened when I cut the worm…”
“Never mind, you don’t need to explain.”
Rest hurriedly interrupted the conversation, fearing he might hear something unpleasant. After clearing his throat, he began to explain the barrier again.
“This is a barrier with the effect of ‘Monster Repelling.’ As long as this effect is active, monsters shouldn’t come near.”
“Wow, that’s impressive!”
“Yes, Rest is amazing.”
“You can use Barrier Techniques as well. How skillful!”
Following Yuri and Ula, Arly also praised Rest.
“However… how long does this barrier last? I’ve heard that Barrier Techniques consume a lot of magical power.”
“It’s permanent… as long as I’m here.”
“Excuse me?”
“Alright…”
Rest sat down at the center of the magic circle. He felt a sensation of his magical power being drawn away, but with his Infinite Magic Power, it was no problem at all.
“This barrier absorbs magical power from the person at the center of the magic circle. So, as long as I’m here, the barrier won’t dissipate.”
“Are you sure you’ll be alright, Rest? We have an investigation tomorrow, you know?”
Arly asked with a hint of concern, but Rest shrugged.
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep some reserves. I won’t be a burden, so you don’t need to fret.”
“…Very well. As long as there’s no danger to the young lady, I’m fine with it. I apologize for my unnecessary worries.”
“It’s alright. It’s only natural to be concerned for your master.”
If Rest were to run out of magical power, Ula, who was with him, would also be in danger. Arly’s worry stemmed from that understanding.
(Well, I don’t have to worry about running out of magical power, so there’s no need for concern…)
“I’ll be sleeping here in the tent, so you all can camp over there. Just remember not to enter the magic circle, as it will drain your magical power.”
Tonight would be the first time in a while that he would spend the night alone. With Viola and Primula absent, and separated from Yuri as well, Rest felt a mix of relief and disappointment—a complex feeling for a man.
“Understood… then I’ll make sure to prepare a hearty meal so Rest can maintain the barrier!”
Yuri proudly thumped her chest and declared.
“I’ll cook plenty of nutritious dishes to help restore your magical power!”
“Yes… full of nutrients.”
“Actually, I was going to throw them away, but since they might be good for stamina, I suppose I’ll use those testicles as well. It might be a challenge to get rid of the smell, though.”
“I’ll do my best!”
“Testicles… wait! What are you all planning to feed me?!”
The women skipped back to the cooking area, their cheerful footsteps echoing. Rest felt as though he had heard something terrifying, but he remained rooted at the magic circle, watching the three women depart.