The Strongest Onmyoji and the Shikigami With AI are Unparalleled in Another World ~ A Second Life Properly Enjoyed Using Artificial Intelligence ~-Chapter 69 - Skeleton
The ruins were surrounded by defensive walls, much like those in the town of Celia.
With Annie leading the way, we approached the gate.
Near the gate, a few adventurers were engaged in conversation.
“Hm? Hey there.”
One of the men noticed us and called out to Annie.
“Hello.”
Annie responded with a casual wave before continuing through the gate without stopping.
“Acquaintances?”
As we entered the ruins, I asked Annie since she had stopped.
“Well, more like familiar faces. They’re adventurers from the East District, so we don’t usually exchange greetings.”
“Is that so? I thought they might be from the West District.”
“As I mentioned earlier, this place has humanoid monsters like zombies and skeletons. So it’s become more common to greet people actively.”
I see.
Perhaps because monsters don’t talk.
“That’s pragmatic.”
“Yeah. There’s hardly any chance for flirting here, so even if someone talks to you, it’s reassuring… Now, what do we do? You’re the leader.”
“You’re next in line after Layla, aren’t you?”
That’s how it should be.
“But our actions in the party are different. I’m mostly solo, and there’s mapping to do, plus that investigation about the orc. You decide.”
Fair enough.
“Shall we explore… Is there a good route?”
“Then let’s start by heading to the central fountain ruins… This way.”
Annie started walking, and we followed.
As we walked through the ruins, we saw many dilapidated and collapsed houses around.
But the path itself was clear of debris, likely cleared by adventurers.
“Master, hostile reactions detected.”
AI-chan, who was mapping, spoke without looking up, so I tried sensing magical presence.
“Hmm? It’s subtle… This way… Ah.”
I made eye contact with a skeleton aiming a bow on the roof of a stone house.
Well, it doesn’t have eyes.
The skeleton drew its bow and released an arrow.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.
I pointed at the arrow, aiming to deflect it, but it lost momentum before reaching me and fell to the ground.
“Amazing. So this is arrow deflection.”
It was definitely on a trajectory to hit me.
“I’ll handle this.”
As I marveled, Lily said so, swiftly drew her bow, and shot an arrow.
Lily’s arrow of light hit the skeleton’s right leg, shattering it.
Losing balance with one leg shattered, the skeleton fell from the roof, landing headfirst on the ground.
Since the skeleton fell headfirst without taking any defensive measures, it shattered into pieces and stopped moving.
“Weak…”
“It’s ranked F as a monster. Orcs are stronger. But the real threat is this arrow. Without arrow evasion, it’s really dangerous.”
I understood that well now.
I thought skeletons could be easily detected with magical sensing, but the skeleton’s magical presence was too weak for AI-chan to notice until she pointed it out.
It’s probably lower in magical presence than goblins.
It’s very subtle.
“By the way, what’s the loot?”
“None. We don’t need bows, and the arrowheads have too little metal to be of value. To be blunt, while skeletons with bows are threatening, they yield zero loot, so they’re a waste.”
As I thought…
When I talked to Pamela, I had doubts about whether bows would be profitable, unlike swords and spears.
“What about magic stones?”
“There are small ones inside the bones, but extracting them is extremely difficult. And because they’re small, they’re cheap. Don’t expect magic stones from skeletons.”
It’s really a big disappointment.
“Are zombies or skeletons with swords the better catch?”
“Swords are better. Even if they’re cheap, they can fetch a gold coin.”
That’s a good profit.
“Alright, let’s move on.”
“Yes, this way.”
We gave up on the defeated skeleton and continued further in.
We passed two other parties along the way, but they greeted us as well, so we returned the greeting.
Annie…
“Everyone wants to talk to you…”
“Well, we all know each other, in a way. I may not know their names, but I’ve seen their faces before.”
No, it’s not because of that, it’s because of your outfit.
After all, everyone who talked to you was a man.
“I’m starting to worry that you’re going solo.”
“Me too.”
“…Yeah.”
“Annie, are you okay?”
It seems the three girls were thinking the same thing as me.
“I’m fine. I’m B-rank, you know? And I don’t go out that much.”
Even if you’re B-rank, apart from magic, you’re just like any other town girl, right?
I’ll talk to Leila about it later…
“I’m worried… Huh? Skeletons.”
My magical sense caught a faint magical presence.
“Where?”
“Two of them just around the corner to the right.”
I pointed to the intersection ahead as I spoke.
“Hmm, what should we do?”
“I’ll handle it. They’re just small fry, even if they have weapons.”
I stepped forward ahead of Annie and continued walking.
As I turned right at the intersection, two skeletons with swords turned to face us.
“Oh! Swords!”
The moment I said that, the two skeletons swung their swords and charged at us.
“Too slow… Kamaitachi!”
I pointed my index finger at one of the skeletons, and an invisible blade sliced through its leg.
The skeleton, with its leg cut off, staggered forward and collapsed, falling apart.
The other skeleton approached me and swung its sword down. But before the skeleton could strike, I delivered a high kick to its head, sending it flying. The head collided with the wall of a nearby house, shattering upon impact. The skeleton, now headless, collapsed on the spot.
“Wow! You’re really strong! Top-notch in magic and martial arts!”
Annie, who doesn’t usually praise much, complimented me.
“You’re really amazing.”
“…That’s our leader.”
“It’s definitely reassuring to have a man around. I can’t reach that far at all.”
The three girls also praised me.
“AI-chan, I’m glad we made these guys our friends.”
“Right? There’s no mistake in my judgment. As I always say, women who are more straightforward are better than those with high pride. It seems to be your preference, Master.”
Is that so… I just discovered my taste in women for the first time.
