Another world, Celeste

Chapter Twenty Nine, pt 2

What is supposed to be a simple field trip to test out the magi device turns into a desert expedition group which, despite the abruptness of the situation, is going smoothly. Aside from testing the functionality of the prototype binocular, Chief also contributes to exposing the monsters hiding in the sand. He claims he can see the monsters' movements beneath us using a trait of the dwarf. Curious, so I try expanding 'Presence Detection' under my feet and for the first time, the skill is restricted after hitting the range equivalent of the first basement floor. Could it be because it's too deep for mana to reach or because it's deep that the untouched mana cannot flow to the outer surface? Then, how deep underground can Chief see?

Chief notice my curious gaze shooting at him and says, "If you wish to know how we do see beneath the soil, I cannot tell you that. It is a secret of the dwarves."

"I don't want to know. I can manage with what my magic can reach. There isn't any benefit for me to push 'Presence Detection' deeper than it is."

Chief laughs, seeming amused by my words.

"You speak as though your detection skill works underground, Iris."

My head tilts, confused and says, "That's what I'm saying though."

Chief halts.

I turn to look at him. His face becomes serious all of a sudden.

"Is something the matter, Chief?" I ask in concern.

"Let's take a short break over there," the first keeper announces when the sun is at its highest.

Ahead of us are several large rock formation and according to the keeper, it serves as a checkpoint in the desert zone.

"Chief?"

I call him once more.

When he finally comes to, Chief reassures that nothing is wrong and walks ahead without saying anything else.

The first keeper easily leaps to the highest point of the rock to check our surrounding; Chief and the laidback keeper are doing their own things while I escape, lying down under the shade of the large rock and hopelessly fanning away the sweat trickling down my neck with my hand.

"Even these rocks feel like I'm resting on hot compress," I tiredly mumble.

I should lay out a blanket but my mind is too distracted by the heat to process anything. Just then, salvation appears; the cold wind blows down straight to my face, exactly the same feeling as when those time you collapse on the sofa and the air-conditioning happens to switch on full-blast right at that timing. I turn my body to lay on the side and cooling down my sweating back.

Perfect bliss...

Reality is Bane's the one circulating the cold wind around me with wind magic. Oh, right. I could've used magic. Sometimes it slips my mind that magic is easily at my convenience but I don't want to make a habit out of relying on them for everything. Once everyone has enough rest, we start moving again.