The Strongest Onmyoji and the Shikigami With AI are Unparalleled in Another World ~ A Second Life Properly Enjoyed Using Artificial Intelligence ~ - Chapter 70

After defeating several more skeletons, we advanced further and arrived at a plaza.

In the center of the plaza stood a fountain similar to the ones found in the town of Celia.

Of course, the water no longer flowed.

Upon reaching the fountain, we paused.

“This is the town’s center. It’s the theory to explore from here.”

This plaza is open, making it easy to detect approaching enemies.

Indeed, using this as a base makes sense.

“AI-chan, how’s the map?”

“It’s about one-fifth complete at the moment. It might be impossible to finish today.”

“It doesn’t have to be today. We need to consider our return as well. It’s better to head back early.”

Considering the apparent lack of stamina among the group.

“Understood. By the way, there’s no sign of orcs in the area for now. I’ve confirmed the presence of adventurers, skeletons, and zombies.”

“Got it. Keep up the good work.”

“Roger that.”

You’re doing your best, but I wish you would raise your head…

Grandpa is sad.

“Now, what should we do…? This place isn’t divided into four districts, is it?” I asked.

“Not exactly. However, we roughly classify it into four areas. We came from the west. The western and southern areas are pretty empty, but the north from here is where many monsters are. The east is abundant with materials like medicinal herbs. I recommend the east.”

The east, huh…

“Then let’s head east and check it out.”

“Let’s. Follow me this way.”

Annie said as she walked toward the east, so we followed her.

As we walked, I sensed an unfamiliar magical power.

“Hmm?”

Curious, I peered into an abandoned house emitting magical energy.

Inside, I saw a man standing with his back turned.

“Hello there.”

When I called out, the man slowly turned around.

His face lacked skin, was blistered, and he definitely didn’t look alive.

“A zombie?”

“…A zombie.”

I confirmed with Alice, who was following us. It seemed like a zombie.

The zombie slowly walked towards us.

“You’re slow.”

“…Zombies don’t run. But because of that, their vitality is tremendous. Even if you cut off their heads, they won’t die.”

“They’re already dead. But they don’t smell rotten.”

“…Because they’re not real corpses, they’re monsters. Can I use magic on them?”

Alice asked as she pointed her staff at the zombie.

“Wanna try?”

“…Yeah. Fire.”

Alice cast her magic with her usual quiet voice, and flames shot out from her staff towards the zombie.

The slow-moving zombie couldn’t dodge it and quickly caught fire, but it didn’t stop moving.

However, after taking a few steps, its movements gradually slowed down, and it fell forward.

“Is it dead?”

“…Not quite. It’s still moving slightly, isn’t it?”

Indeed, it was still moving, trying to come towards us using its arms.

“Their vitality is really something.”

“…Right? If they get close and bite you, you’re done for. So you try to keep your distance and run away in a panic, but then you’re swarmed by other skeletons and zombies. That’s Pattern 2 of how magic users die here.”

This place really isn’t suitable for magic users. It seems like a place where warriors clad in heavy metal armor would thrive. No wonder none of our clan members come here.

“Is it over?”

Natalia outside asked.

“We’re good now.”

While Alice’s flames had disappeared, the zombie hadn’t moved an inch.

“Alright then, I’ll collect the magic stones.”

Natalia said as she entered the house, approached the zombie, and sat down beside it. She then took out a knife and began dismantling it.

Upon witnessing this, Alice promptly left the house.

“You’re quite skilled at dismantling zombies.”

“Is it really that impressive?”

“Alice ran away, and Annie and Lily won’t come near either.”

She seems really reluctant.

“It doesn’t bother me.”

“Are you composed or not?”

She’s quick to cry out.

“Well, I’m weak, you know. I can deal with dead monsters, but living ones scare me.”

Is that so?

“Hmm…”

Well, it’s true that women tend to have more resistance to this kind of thing than men.

“Alright, got the magic stones! Here you go.”

Natalia handed me the magic stones, so I took them.

“Are we done? Let’s go.”

Annie peeked in and urged us on, so Natalia and I left the abandoned house and resumed our journey.

As we continued, we encountered skeletons and zombies, but we easily defeated them. However, whenever we spotted a zombie, everyone except Natalia clearly had a disgusted expression.

As we headed east, the quality of the houses turned into large ones with gardens, unlike the narrow ones before.

“This is where the rich folks lived.”

There were many houses that looked like the mayor’s residence, so that’s probably true.

“Do you think wealthy zombies will come out?”

“Not zombies, but maybe specters. Let’s start here.”

Annie pointed to a mansion.

The mansion was surrounded by a fence, and there was an iron gate, but it was already decayed and lying on the ground.

As we entered the mansion’s grounds, instead of heading towards the mansion, we headed towards a large tree at the edge of the garden.

“Look, there are so many herbs here.”

Annie said so while pointing around the tree, but it just looked like weeds to me.

“Are these herbs?”

“Yes, they are. This is the antidote herb. You saw it in the southern forest, right? And this one is for bruises, and this one is for burns.”

Annie pointed to the grass on the ground and explained.

“I see…”

It’s just grass.

“You’re even less interested than usual… Clive at least asked if they could be used for cooking.”

“Sorry. I can’t tell them apart at all.”

“That’s how it is for nobles like you.”

Well, even I used to go to the mountains for bug catching when I was a kid. But I had no interest in plants or flowers at all.

“Hey, isn’t there healing magic in this world? Do we really need herbs?”

“Not everyone can use healing magic, and it’s expensive to ask a mage. Processing herbs into potions is still cheaper. Plus, you can’t always count on having a mage nearby in emergencies.”

I can’t use healing magic either, so having Natalia around is fine.

“So, that’s why there are a lot of herb-gathering jobs?”

“That’s right. I can make potions myself and make a profit. That’s why I do the gathering, so keep watch, okay?”

“Got it.”

“Got it.”

As Annie sat down, Natalia and Lily also began gathering.

“…Keep watch.”

Alice muttered quietly, left behind.

“Do you have a fishing rod?”

“…Yeah, but there are no lakes or rivers here.”

None…