Theodore put the meat tenderizer in my hand and looked at me like there was nothing strange about it.
No, seriously. Why are you even carrying this around?
As if he had read my thoughts, he answered calmly.
“I’m on cooking duty today.”
“……”
Shouldn’t the heroine get some cool weapon?
Like a Dagger of Sacred Blood, Hammer of Judgment, Spear of Divine Punishment. Something legendary.
But this guy hands me a kitchen tool?
“Can’t you give me something more weapon-like?”
“Can you even lift this?”
He pointed to the greatsword on his back. It was almost as big as me and clearly heavy.
“No.”
“Then it’s either that or a dagger. Can you fight up close with a dagger? You don’t look like you’ve ever held a blade before.”
“……”
I couldn’t argue with that.
He glanced at the meat tenderizer and smirked.
“That’s your best option.”
“……”
Fine.
I’ll just listen to him.
I supported him again and started walking.
We followed the flickering flame in his palm when he suddenly whispered,
“Get ready.”
From somewhere deep in the cave, faint noises began.
“Chik, chichik.”
“Chik, chik.”
Sharp claws scraped against stone. The sound grew closer.
Then they appeared.
Glossy red eyes. Coarse gray and black fur. Hairless, thick tails.
They looked like sewer rats.
Except they were the size of small dogs.
And each had four eyes on its forehead.
The creatures surrounded us.
“Broxshi,” Theodore muttered.
So that’s their name.
Aren’t they just big rats?
Sure, the four eyes and their numbers were creepy, but after seeing basilisks and wyverns, these looked almost cute.
I can handle this.
Then Theodore added,
“Don’t underestimate them. Their saliva has neurotoxin.”
Are you reading my mind?
“If you get paralyzed, it’s over. They hunt in packs and eat their prey alive.”
“……”
Suddenly their fangs looked terrifyingly sharp.
Getting eaten alive by rats? Absolutely not.
Theodore chanted again.
“Incendio Lumen.”
The flame in his palm grew brighter.
The Broxshi hesitated and stepped back.
“It’s light that repels monsters. They won’t approach easily. I’ll support you. Take them down.”
“Me? Alone?”
“Yep.”
“Don’t you trust me a little too much?”
“Life and death are in God’s hands.”
“……”
“Do your best.”
I don’t know if that’s faith or irresponsibility.
But being eaten alive sounded worse.
One Broxshi lunged at me.
“Now! Swing!”
At Theodore’s shout, I swung the meat tenderizer.
“Chiiik!”
The Broxshi screamed as its head took the hit and it collapsed.
A little gross.
But weirdly satisfying.
I did that!
“One on your right!”
I swung again.
Another one flew back.
More charged.
“Chik!”
“Chiiik!”
Each swing sent another rat flying.
Wait.
I’m actually good at this.
I remembered all the times I stopped by the batting cages after work.
My years of practice finally paying off!
I was starting to get into it when—
“Watch out!”
One Broxshi leapt at my neck.
“Gah!”
I’m going to get bitten!
Theodore grabbed the back of my collar and yanked me back.
The jaws snapped shut inches from my throat.
“Focus!” he shouted. “I can’t cover you forever!”
Right.
No getting careless.
I fought more seriously after that.
After some time—
“Haah… haah…”
I wiped sweat from my forehead.
Broxshi corpses were scattered around us.
Then a system alert appeared.
[Stamina has increased by 1.]
[Stamina LV.2]
[Strength has increased by 1.]
[Strength LV.2]
Oh!
My stamina and strength went up!
Theodore looked impressed.
“You’ve got talent for combat. Since you can’t even use magic, why not quit being a mage and change careers?”
Is that praise or an insult?
Considering my mana never increases, maybe he has a point.
“Or join the Holy Knights.”
“I don’t even have divine power.”
“We need someone to chop firewood.”
“……”
I kicked his shin.
And immediately screamed.
“Ahh!”
I think I broke my toes!
He stared at me like I was hopeless.
“Idiot. Why do you think I’m wearing armor?”
Right.
Kicking someone in armor. Brilliant.
Still, I had to vent somehow.
He chuckled.
“With that violent streak, you’re definitely suited for physical combat. Mage doesn’t fit you.”
“If you keep talking, I’ll leave you here.”
“Mistreat a messenger of God and you’ll be punished.”
“Stop acting holy only when it’s convenient.”
Just wait.
When we get back, I’m making Lowell train me until I can use magic.
I’ll become the greatest mage in the world.
“Enough nonsense. Lean on me.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
He smirked and leaned against me.
We continued deeper into the cave.
If monsters appear, I hope they’re just weak ones like before.
Then—
“Skrrrk… skrrrk…”
Something was approaching.
A massive rat, the size of a bear, stepped into view.
It looked like a Broxshi, but larger. Bigger fangs. Spikes along its back.
“Broxshigal,” Theodore said.
He stepped away from me, wobbling, and raised his greatsword.
“Are you crazy? You’re fighting in that condition?!” I grabbed him.
“You can’t handle that.”
“Still—!”
Before I could stop him, he charged.
Clang!
Holy power clashed with brute force. Sparks flew. He staggered back.
“Ghh…”
He steadied himself and struck again.
Then—
“!”
“Theodore!”
The Broxshigal’s tail slammed into him.
His body flew and hit the cave wall before collapsing into rubble.
I ran to him.
“Theodore! Are you okay?!”
He coughed blood.
Definitely not okay.
Meanwhile, the Broxshigal advanced.
“Grrr…”
I stepped in front of Theodore and raised the meat tenderizer.
“Get lost, you stupid rat!”
I refuse to die like this.
Being eaten by a rat? Worst ending ever!
I swung with all my strength.
“Go away!”
Suddenly, the Broxshigal trembled.
“Grrr….”
What? Is it evolving?
Then a system window appeared.
[Hidden skill unlocked.]
[Mind Control LV.1]
I blinked.
Mind Control?
What is that?
