Raising the Lowest-Ranked Adventurer, the Heroic Girl – Wasn’t I Just a Substitute Old Man?

Raising the Lowest-Ranked Adventurer, the Heroic Girl – Wasn’t I Just a Substitute Old Man?

Volume 3 Chapter 27   It’s something necessary.

“What we need first is magical energy… Will this suffice?”

First, I took out a large storage container that was nearby. Inside it were raindrop candies.

These candies serve as food for the jellyfish, replenishing their magical energy. However, it means we can do the same. Well, the efficiency of magical energy recovery might vary between monsters and humans, but it’s still usable. With such a large quantity available, it should be enough. It’s a bit troublesome, but if we run out, we can gather more from the surroundings.

“Next, we’ll need mercury, the hair of the spellcaster, and a part of the target… Oh? Maybe I should include these as well, just in case.”

Mercury is a staple in the realm of curses and hexes. It requires qualifications just to handle it, let alone use it, but I’ve obtained the necessary credentials. Normally, obtaining qualifications for handling toxic or hazardous substances is quite challenging, but in my case, as an adventurer, there are limited qualifications that make it easy.

The spellcaster’s hair is not an issue. It might be difficult if someone has a buzz cut or something, but I’ve grown mine to a decent length. It’s a simple matter of cutting it with a knife.

As for the target, using just the tentacles available now could work, but it’s better to use one that’s still connected to the boss while alive. With so many of them around, capturing one shouldn’t be difficult. We have no other choice but to use it.

“Asada, catch it and put it in this container,” I said, pointing to the collection container brought by Miyano.

Inside, there were raindrop candies, which could serve as a substitute for a cage when removed.

Among us, Asada is probably the one with the most energy left, and she’s suitable for capturing it.

So, I asked Asada to do the job while the creature was collecting the jellyfish. In the meantime, I moved on to the next preparation.

“As for the symbolic representation of the spell… Would a connected pair of dolls suffice?”

Since I didn’t have two dolls, I improvised by using scraps of fabric and stick-like objects to create two doll-like figures. I tied them together with a string.

Then, I made an incision by stabbing a knife into the abdomen of one doll, and after removing the knife, I stabbed it into the abdomen of the other doll without pulling it out, leaving it there.

This symbolic representation plays a significant role, despite its vague nature. It’s challenging to put its role into words, but it’s like materializing the concept or providing a clear form to stabilize it… Well, it’s a vague explanation that’s difficult to describe with something so remarkable.

Actually, the art of curses itself is quite vague. It relies on intuition or sensitivity, making it an art that requires a sense of connection.

I’m not particularly skilled in it, but it doesn’t mean I can’t do it. I have no choice but to proceed.

By the way, what this represents is the connection between the jellyfish, the probable mastermind, and me. If one person is harmed, everyone connected will be affected in the same way.

“Besides, the virgin—”

As I continued with the preparations, I came to a halt, unable to finish the last part of my sentence.

Well, to be more accurate, I had no choice but to stop.

“Um… What?” Asada asked, noticing something off about me.

Oh no, what should I do… What am I thinking? It seems that they have noticed something strange about my behavior. Asada, who had finished collecting the jellyfish, looked at me and questioned.

By the way, Miyano and Abe had returned to dealing with the jellyfish, while Kitahara had closed their eyes, entering a meditative state, perhaps to concentrate better.

But upon hearing Asada’s voice, the other three also turned their gaze towards me.

“………… Ah, it’s a bit awkward to ask in this situation, and I feel like it’s inappropriate to ask, but given the circumstances, I want you to tell me or something like that…”

Oh no… Can I really ask this? It’s definitely not good, no matter how you look at it.

But I have no choice; I must ask, or rather, I can’t avoid asking…

I think we can manage without asking, but if by any chance, I make a mistake, it would be unforgivable…

…Oh no, what should I do? Is it really okay to say it? Seriously? Should I ask?

Considering the situation, I feel like there’s no other choice… But, um?

“What’s wrong?”

“What is it? Just spit it out already!”

Despite the urgency of the situation, I still couldn’t come to a clear decision, causing Miyano to look worried and Asada to show signs of frustration, urging me on.

…I guess there’s no other way. Yeah, there’s no other way. I have to say it… sigh

“Then I’ll ask… Are any of you virgins?”

After taking a deep breath, I posed the question, and instantly, silence fell over the area.

The rain and the pounding of the jellyfish on the barrier continued to create a noisy backdrop, and since I had been the one doing most of the talking, not hearing any voices didn’t change the situation.

However, the atmosphere around us unquestionably froze, and it felt as if our surroundings were isolated from both inside and outside the barrier, engulfed in silence.

“What!?”

“Huh!? Uh… Wha!?”

“Um…”

“Hey, the barrier! It’s distorting, Kitahara!”

Realizing my words with a momentary delay, Miyano, Asada, and Kitahara showed surprise, with Kitahara even causing a slight disturbance in maintaining the barrier.

But it was to be expected. If someone like me, an older guy, suddenly asked something like that, it’s natural to be shocked.

I had heard that girls often discuss “those kinds of topics,” so I thought they might have some resistance and wouldn’t be too surprised. However, they reacted more strongly than I anticipated.

Well, now that I think about it, it’s not entirely unreasonable. After all, they’ve probably never been in a relationship, or at least, that’s what I’ve heard. They probably didn’t talk much about those matters, if at all.

Even so, if it had been our usual joking conversation, it might have been better. But in a life-or-death situation, being asked that suddenly is bound to surprise anyone.

…Come to think of it, or rather, even without much thought, it’s definitely inappropriate to ask a young girl whether she’s a virgin in any ordinary conversation.

No matter the circumstances, it’s certain to be met with surprise.

“…Mhm, yeah.”

“Haruka!?”

While the others were taken aback, only Abe nodded as if it was no big deal.

Oh, wait, maybe their response was delayed, and upon closer inspection, they seem a bit embarrassed, avoiding eye contact.

But still, they nodded clearly and answered.

…Thank you! I really appreciate their normal, nonchalant response!

“We know that we don’t have boyfriends. So, I guess you can make an educated guess.”

“That’s right! …Well, I’m not sure, but…”

Asada blushed and seemed flustered by Abe’s words. They probably intended to say something more, but their words gradually trailed off.

“But that’s different!”

However, despite that, they suddenly stood up and exclaimed.

Perhaps they couldn’t stay still, or something happened that made them act that way. Well, it’s not something to be concerned about.

“Igami-san asked because its needed. So, it’s not the time to be awkward here. Hesitating will only delay our progress.”

“W-Well… Ugh… Ahh!”

Asada shifted her gaze around, seemingly embarrassed by the conversation with Abe. But suddenly, our eyes met, and Asada gave me a sharp glare.