Twilight Alchemist 21.2

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21.2. The Reason To Do Our Best Is Because It's Important, Isn't It?

Kyle seemed genuinely surprised by this. 

Among the various tasks in this pioneering village, one of the most important is the development of the highway. 

Especially the planned route, connecting two neighboring countries, is expected to become a crucial hub. 

While no progress has been made in the dangerous areas so far, once this highway is completed, it will significantly change logistics.

"I now understand why the previous attempts at pioneering have all failed. Around powerful monsters like dragons, there tends to be an increase in equally strong monsters. In other words, if we can defeat the dragon, the surrounding dangers will significantly decrease."

"The logic is... understood, but..."

"Can I add something?"

"What is it, Persia?"

"Leave aside the choice of whether to fight or not. The question is, can we even win against a dragon?"

That's a natural question. Dragons are dragons because they're unbeatable.

"But..."

"For adventurers, slaying a dragon is a dream and a goal. And if we're going to take it on, we have to win."

"I appreciate the enthusiasm, but what about the reality of it?"

"To be clear, I believe the odds of winning are high."

"What? Are you saying we can take on that dragon? Even the military wouldn't think about getting involved."

"First, the strength of the adventurer force. Specialists in defeating monsters have gathered in this village. Especially in this area, there are many powerful monster species. By continuously hunting them, we have assembled a skilled group."

"Hmm."

"Among them, some engage in reckless hunts that involve a bit of danger, but that's because we have healing potions. By constantly fighting stronger opponents, the adventurers' strength is beyond imagination."

"That makes sense."

"Furthermore, most of them are equipped with Mithril gear. A large Mithril force like this is not easy for even the military to assemble, right?"

"That's... certainly true."

"That's not all. We know the location and types of the enemies. There's time for preparation. Any adventurer who doesn't jump at this opportunity is not worth their salt."

"I'll vouch for that too. We adventurers may be a bunch of fools, but when it comes to surviving, we have a nose for it. I, for one, am confident that we can do it. Even if the information is made public, everyone will say the same."

Silence hung in the air for a moment.

"If we put the entire force of this village... it might be possible."

"Persia!?"

"Al. There's a chance that Kyle-sama's illness might be cured. Isn't it worth the risk?"

"That's...!"

Alphard clenched his molars. 

As a dutiful military man, he's conflicting with the part of him that wants to help Kyle.

I add more to the conversation.

"If we can produce more than one universal healing elixir, we could present it to Margrave Baelrod. How about that as recognition for Kyle's achievement?"

"!!!"

Alphard understood how much that would help Kyle.

"Craft, I've only heard of elixirs in stories. Can they really be made? Will it really cure Kyle-sama's illness?"

"Alphard!?"

"It can be made. It will cure. My crest is whispering that to me."

"I see... understood. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

"You protect Kyle and Myrna. Your job doesn't change."

"Wait a minute! Why is the conversation progressing like this!?"

"Give it up, Kyle. You're just that well-liked."

"I can't accept that!"

"But there's a secret plan."

"Huh?"

Smirking, I take out a cylindrical object.

"Craft-kun!?"

"Don't worry, this is just a dummy."

"Don't scare me like that."

"Was this mentioned in the report?"

"Yes, it's a magic explosive."

Alphard and Persia looked puzzled, so I demonstrated its power outside. 

There's no need to keep it secret, so I show it to the onlookers who have gathered.

"Jitaro, do it."

"Leave it to me!"

I hand over the improved magic explosive, a bomb arrow tied to the tip, to Jitaro. We've already tested it together. 

Furthermore, Jitaro's bow is made of sturdy mithril and has a mysterious property of shooting with great force even with less pulling power. 

Thanks to Leafan's knowledge gained from crafting with a mithril anvil and hammer.

The bomb arrow, whooshing through the air, hits the target rock and explodes massively. 

Screams and cheers erupt from the onlookers.

"With this... we can win!"

Powerfully murmured Persia, clenching her fist.