Next week in the second training room all the students had gathered. A lot of luggage had been brought and was placed around the room.
It had the feel of preparing for a long journey.
As the bell rings signalling the start of lessons an owl flies through the window.
“Good morning everyone.”
Menou’s voice came from the owl’s mouth. I guess she’s talking through the owl using magic.
“Today you are departing for Azeshion for the academy exchange. Your destination is the royal capital of Gairadeite. As previously announced there is no guide provided by the school for this journey. The 3rd years have already been briefed so I’ll explain to the first years now.”
I perform a quick check and find another owl in the 3rd year’s classroom as well. Presumably, we are all hearing Menou speak.
“In Deruzogedo we don’t have guides. If you are aiming to be a demon emperor then you must get to your destination by your own power. Aah, I don’t mind you helping each other out as students though.”
Part of the lesson is getting to your destination?
“There are various obstacles between here and Azeshion. If you chose to go by sea then you have to cross the Eluga Straights. If you chose to go overland then you have to beat the Deltest mountains or you could detour around the mountains and go through the Tora forest. Finally, if you attempt to fly there then be warned that the magic field when you enter Azeshion airspace is disturbed and causes issues with flying.”
Which route is the quickest? Of course, the ability to chose the correct route is also part of the test.
“Azeshion is different to Deiruheido. I’m sure everyone here will come across things you’ve never seen before. We want you to learn not only the things that will be taught in the academy but also how to deal with unknown things during your journey there.”
This seems more interesting compared to previous classes but unfortunately, I’ve been to the Eluga Straights, the Deltest mountains and the Tora forest a number of times now.
I suppose they could be different from 2000 years ago though.
“You have 10 days to make it there and those that don’t arrive in the allotted time will fail and will not be allowed to take part in the exchange. Of course, the time you take to arrive will affect your grades. 1st years who arrive before 3rd years will also get more points so everyone do your best.”
10 days? That sounds about right.
Even if you go overland, if you keep running at a reasonable pace you will arrive in plenty of time.
“By the way, sensei arrived in 2 days so 3rd years please use this as a guide as to how long it should take you.”
2 days? That’s pretty fast by herself.
I wonder if she only teaches 3rd years? Her magic power is higher than Emilia’s.
“That’s it everyone. The Gairadeite expedition exam starts now!”
At her signal about half of the students immediately left the room and the remaining half were checking maps and talking about which route to take.
“Nee Arnos. You’ve actually been a bit interested in all of this but you haven’t brought any luggage.” (Sasha)
Sasha hasn’t brought much luggage herself. Only a few days worth. I guess she intends to arrive in 2 or 3 days.
“Why would I? It’s only a day trip to Gairadeite. I went a number of times in the old days.”
Whenever the humans were showing signs of some type of shrewd plan I had to go over and crush them each time.
“A day trip……..As unreasonable as ever I see…….”
“What route should we take?” (Misha)
“The sky is no good due to the magic in the airspace as you enter Azeshion being disturbed. You might be okay after our self-study session though Sasha.” (Arnos)
Sasha likes to use Flight <Fres> so during our self-study I deliberately affected the magic in the air and made it hard for her to fly. As a result, she can fly pretty good even in disturbed magical currents now.
“Ray and Misa?”
Misha looks over at them.
“Ahaha. I can’t fly but if I use Rain Spirit Mist <Fuska> I think I can keep up.” (Misa)
Misa can move freely anywhere in <Fuska’s> range. Its efficiency is poor but its speed is respectable.
“I guess I’ll just run. I’m not very good at <Fres>.” (Ray)
“Then isn’t overland better? If I fly low then we can all travel together.” (Sasha)
Sasha creates a map using magic and shows the 3 routes with a red line.
“The shortest route is through the forest of Tula and after that there are 3 routes you could go. The quickest of those is through the Mireinu desert. If we don’t encounter any problems it will take one day to arrive.” (Sasha)
Because Menou said that the 3rd years should use the 2 days as a guide Sasha is competing with them.
“If we were intending to walk there then that is a very accurate assessment Sasha but why are you opening a map to go to Gairadeite?” (Arnos)
“…….Eh?”
A few different expressions cross Sasha’s face
“I’ve already said I’ve been before. What magic do I use to go home with?”
“Transfer <Gatom>……….?”
“Can it be used over such long distances?” (Misha)
“It can. If I was to put it in modern-day terms it was originally developed for busy mazoku to travel long distances multiple times a day on business.”
“…..I understand and you didn’t need to put it in modern terms.”(Misha)
I explained it clearly though?
“Anyway, forget one day. It will take us one second.” (Arnos)
I reach out to Sasha and we all take hands before I use <Gatom>.
