https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-123-Spell-Arrays-and-Unexpected-Developments/12810356/
Chapter 122: Gray, the Multitalented
Chapter 122: Gray, the Multitalented
The next morning, Rod woke up early.
Since arriving in this world, his habit of sleeping in had been corrected due to his daily work schedule.
Living in the same room with Gray was a decent experience. Aside from his poor sleeping habits and preference for sleeping naked, he had no strange quirks.
Unlike Natsu, who not only slept like a log but also snored loudly and sometimes even let out small fireballs while snoring, making it a constant worry that he might burn down the house in his sleep.
Gray also woke up quickly, threw off the blanket, and stood up, rubbing his eyes as he prepared to leave.
"Don't move!" Rod shouted, dashing to the door and grabbing the handle before Gray could.
Gray, still half-asleep, mumbled, "Rod, are you going to the bathroom too?"
"To the bathroom? Put your clothes on first!"
Gray looked down and said, "Ah, I almost forgot."
It was a close call first thing in the morning.
After taking care of their personal needs, the two of them went out for a quick morning workout.
When they returned, Wendy was already wide awake, holding a thick magic book and reading it intently, while Charle was making breakfast.
He had forgotten to ask this last night: did Charle usually cook for Wendy's family?
"Good morning, Gray, Rod."
"Morning."
"Wendy, morning. Why the rush to read that book?" Rod asked, "Don't forget what Porlyusica said—don't push yourself too hard."
"I know. But this is the magic Grandine left for me. I want to learn it before I see her, or at least memorize it."
The little girl's face shone with hopeful anticipation in the sunlight.
Perhaps she was looking forward to the day when she would master the Dragon Slayer Arts and finally meet Grandine?
"Good luck."
"Breakfast is ready!" Charle called out to everyone, but she looked a bit tired.
"Charle, didn't you sleep well?" It felt a bit strange to ask a host if they had slept well as a guest.
"It's nothing, just a bad dream." Charle glared at Gray.
Was she going to tell them that she had trouble sleeping because she was worried about a certain pervert?
Gray was confused. This little cat held grudges, all because of a comment about her tongue yesterday.
"Thank you for the delicious meal."
"Hmph, I didn't cook it just for you."
"Even so, I'm grateful. See you in a few days." Rod slung his backpack over his shoulder and picked up his luggage.
Gray also put on his pack and picked up the tent Charle had lent him. "Thanks for your hospitality."
After taking a few steps, Gray suddenly stopped. "Thanks for the tent, and the breakfast was really good."
Charle's expression became very complex. "W-What? All of a sudden... it's so annoying!"
Wendy smiled and said, "Charle's cooking is really good."
"wendy!"
Rod turned around at the 'critical moment' and was lucky enough to witness the commotion.
Dealing with tsunderes required a straightforward approach.
Gray, this guy, couldn't freeze over his warm heart with his ice magic.
...
The two of them left the small village of Sherwell and each rode a river crab into the mountains.
Starting today, they would search as they advanced deeper into the mountains, setting up camp at night.
Rod and Gray casually met a group of council members to check in.
In front of them, they released the river crabs and shadow wolves to search, and once out of sight, they summoned more monsters.
Rod's current state was contradictory—he was trying his best to work while also slacking off, a joy unique to summoning mages.
With nothing better to do, Rod could also spar with Gray, who knew a wider variety of combat techniques than Rod. Whether it was hand-to-hand combat, grappling, wrestling, or using weapons like swords, spears, and axes, Gray seemed to have dabbled in it all.
His reason for learning these skills seemed to be to complement his Ice-Make magic, which allowed him to create weapons on the spot. Being able to make your own weapons certainly had its perks.
Since the Council had sent a large number of people, the search progressed much faster than Rod had initially anticipated. Unfortunately, they hadn't found anything significant that day, but the barbecue was a welcome distraction.
Using text magic to start a fire was incredibly convenient, and with Gray around, there was no risk of starting a forest fire.
In the evening, they set up camp at the invitation of Captain Coptin, who had them pitch their tents among the Council's team.
"Stick that pole there, and tie it here..."
Rod had no idea how to set up a tent, so he relied entirely on Gray's guidance. However, it was a good opportunity to learn a new skill.
When camping in the mountains, it was important to be wary of snakes, insects, and other pests, but the Council's team was well-prepared, bringing the latest insect repellent. Rod had seen an ad for it in the Magic Weekly during the summer but hadn't been able to bring himself to buy it. This time, he could use some for free, leaving Gray's supply for later.
This routine continued until the morning of the third day. Rod used his text magic to create water for himself and Gray to wash up. Afterward, he joined Coptin for some bread for breakfast and then got to work.
As usual, he released the river crabs and shadow wolves, then spent his time playing cards, sparring, and meditating. As noon approached, he suddenly felt one of the shadow wolves return to the Summoner's Rift.
This was the signal that the shadow wolf had found something suspicious. Unlike the river crabs, shadow wolves couldn't share their vision, so they communicated this way to avoid drawing attention.
Rod immediately summoned the shadow wolf back. "How many are there?"
The shadow wolf scratched the ground with its paw, indicating it had seen ten.
"Where are they?"
The shadow wolf scratched and gestured, suggesting the location was some distance away.
"Let's go. We need to report this and wrap up for the day."
Rod dismissed the other monsters, summoned a river crab to scout ahead, and then called Gray to join him in finding Coptin. They left the less essential supplies at the previous campsite, and Rod only carried a small backpack.
On the way, he pulled out a magic book and two Burst Magic Crystals and handed them to Gray. "You know how to use these, right?"
Gray was startled. "You keep these in your bag all the time?!"
"Yep, just in case."
Gray wasn't as cooperative as Mirajane. "Forget it, I don't need them."
"Alright, your choice." Rod put the items away, figuring they wouldn't be needed in the fight anyway.
Coptin gathered the team once he heard the situation and asked Rod to lead the way. He warned his subordinates, "We've only spotted ten, but there could be more. The Zato brothers might have brought their entire guild. Don't let your guard down!"
Rod left the shadow wolf to guide them and sent the river crab ahead to gather more information. He confirmed, "We won't be needed in the fight, right?"
"No, we just need to confirm their location. Even if the whole guild is there, we have a plan," Coptin said seriously. "Please follow these two additional requirements, or the consequences will be more than just a loss of payment."
"Count on it. I'd rather not cause any trouble," Rod replied.
(End of Chapter)
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