Level Eater

Despite the harsh reality they faced, the two of them had recovered and, with Jeanne now beautifully restored, set off once more in their rhinoceros carriage.

During this time, Tatsuro had contemplated a method to use exploration magic deep within the ground. Even with just dispelling magic, it was possible to force magic power through the ground with sheer effort. However, unlike the atmosphere, using exploration magic continuously in places with a high density, like underground, would deplete a significant amount of magic power. No matter how much their physical abilities had improved, having Cardina sustain such a task for an extended period was challenging.

This meant they could not rely on her to do it while they slept either. However, magic was a product of imagination, and it would not be surprising if there were some loopholes. With this in mind, Tatsuro held Ai's hand and conducted various experiments, trying to use dispelling magic efficiently.

"Hmm… If I reduce the density of dispelling magic, it will not spread far enough, but if it is too concentrated, it devours magic power… How can I perform energy-efficient exploration?" (Tatsuro)

"Exploring deep into the ground, huh? That sounds tricky. It would be great if there were [Earth Magic] to handle that kind of thing." (Ai)

"You're right. [Earth Magic] can easily generate magic power that spreads through the ground without resistance. But like dispelling magic, it can't tell us what objects are down there." (Tatsuro)

As Tatsuro said that, he realized something.

"Oh? What if we combine dispelling and earth magic?" (Tatsuro)

"Mix them together to get the best of both of the magic?" (Ai)

Immediately, they attempted this idea. First, they created a blend of dispelling and earth magic, releasing it into the ground at a density of magic power that dispelling magic alone could not achieve. Surprisingly, it smoothly penetrated underground, spreading magical power at a level close to that in the atmosphere.

(Although it has less information than single dispelling magic, if there are any creatures, we should be able to detect them quickly. The fuel consumption is also okay, so it will be useful.) Tatsuro thought

"Tatsuro, what do you think?" (Ai)

"This could be practical. With this, we might be able to do various things like water exploration with dispelling + water. Thanks to Ai." (Tatsuro)

"Hehe, can I take that as a compliment?" (Ai)

"Ai, you're amazing." (Tatsuro)

Saying this, Tatsuro leaned in closer to Ai, tightly embracing her and gently stroking her head. In response, Ai also put more strength into her arms and pressed closer together.

In the comforting scent of soap mixed with Ai's scent, Tatsuro felt soothed. They deviated from their initial purpose, playfully teasing each other while still clinging together.

"But, doesn't Cardina lack earth magic?" (Ai)

"That's right. So, I'm thinking of trying something during the next break." (Tatsuro)

"What?" (Ai)

"Combining factors of multiple elemental magic." (Tatsuro)

With a mischievous smile, Tatsuro said this to Ai.

Tatsuro reviewed a book on mixed light and dark magic for a while. Eventually, they found a peaceful flat area and decided to stop there.

Ideally, they would have liked to proceed immediately, but considering it was well past noon, they decided to have lunch first. This time, in addition to salt, they sprinkled some spices they had bought without really knowing what they were for, trying to change the flavor.

However, it still ended up being the usual barbecue style.

"Hmm, I think I prefer just salt." (Ai)

"Hey, these spices had a pretty strong flavor. I should have sprinkled less." (Tatsuro)

"The original ingredients are tasty, so I'm not tired of it yet, but I'm starting to crave some vegetables." (Ai)

"I could go for a salad-like dish too" (Tatsuro)

Even though both of them were meat lovers, the continuous consumption of meat daily made their bodies naturally crave something else. They had planned to purchase vegetables before leaving town and try to make them last, but they had to leave town abruptly due to the forced evacuation, so they could not buy any.

While it was possible to produce vegetables with plant magic, they could not simply prioritize obtaining them just because they wanted to have a salad. Therefore, they would have to stick to a meat-based diet for the remaining three days, including the day they would reach Lyadas.

"But compared to the beginning, just having a stable food supply is already a good thing." (Tatsuro)

"Right, whether its food, clothing, or shelter, everything has improved significantly." (Ai)

Recalling their humble beginnings and suppressing the rising complaints, they stored the barbecue set in their [Item Box]. Then, they called Cardina, entrusted Jeanne with her, and entered the private room of the carriage.

There, while Cardina transformed into a spherical shape made of magic power, Tatsuro and Ai got closer. After confirming the enhancement of their stats, they generated earth magic, concentrating on preventing it from mixing with the factors of dispelling magic.

After about ten minutes of such work, they finally returned to a stable state.

"Alright, return to your original form," Tatsuro said, and Cardina gradually returned to her usual form; as if expressing her desire to try out her new powers, she flew outwards.

Watching her frolic like a child given a new toy, they smiled warmly and held hands as they slowly stepped outside.

Outside, Cardina was busy creating holes in the ground next to Jeanne or even forming small mountains.

"It seems like you've gained a new attribute for real." (Ai)

"Yeah, there are various restrictions, though." (Tatsuro)

"Restrictions?" (Ai)

"Yeah. For the second attribute…" (Tatsuro)

At this point, Tatsuro began to explain the concept of multiple-attribute magic beyond the second attribute for magic-body creatures.

In summary, magical creatures created with a magic level of 6 or higher can accept a second attribute.

From there, they can continue to add attributes in increments of 5 levels. However, for the first attribute, which is determined by the magic used during their creation, they can only use magic at the level it was created with.

For the second attribute and beyond, they can only use magic at a level 2 levels lower than their current attribute level. As they add more attributes, their ability to use magic becomes progressively weaker.

"So, right now, Cardina is made with level 6 magic, which means she can use dispelling magic up to level 6 but can only use earth magic up to level 4, correct?"

"That's right. However, as long as there's some earth magic mixed with the dispelling magic, underground exploration shouldn't be a problem."

"That's reassuring, then."

While saying this, Ai watched Cardina, who seemed to have grown tired of earth magic and was playing with Jeanne.

After allowing Cardina to have her fun for a while, Tatsuro began to instruct her on the practical aspects of underground exploration. Cardina quickly grasped the technique and demonstrated it.

"How's that? Are you doing it properly?" (Tatsuro)

*Cardina responds playfully.*

"Good girl!" (Ai)

"Neigh!" (Jeanne)

"You are a Good girl too" (Ai)

As Ai began to praise Cardina, Jeanne neighed, making a sound similar to when a horse's lips quiver. Tatsuro then petted Jeanne. Afterward, Ai leaned forward, and Tatsuro also used his other hand to pet her.

After their break, which served as both relaxation and concentration for the tired Tatsuro, they returned to the carriage. Jeanne was tethered to the carriage with harnesses. At the same time, Cardina relaxed on the carriage, skillfully switching between dispelling magic and earth magic to employ exploration magic on both the surface and underground.

The consumption of magic power had increased compared to before, but it was still enough to last through the night, so Tatsuro saw no issues with it.

"Jeanne, let's move on." (Tatsuro)

"Neigh!" (Jeanne)

With wind magic pushing the carriage and Jeanne herself pulling it, they smoothly began moving without the initial jerks.

They continued down the road, boredom creeping in as no monsters or bandits appeared. As time passed and night fell, they decided to conclude their journey for the day. They parked the carriage in a secluded spot off the road. Only Jeanne returned to Tatsuro's magic for the night, while Cardina received a magic power recharge. They had a late dinner, took turns bathing, and then went to sleep. Of course, they filled Cardina with as much magic power as possible before letting go of their consciousness while embracing each other.

Their vision remained dark despite waking up at what could be considered morning. Tatsuro then remembered that today was an attribute day for light magic.

(So, it is going to be dark all day today. Since we are traveling at night, I think I will ask Jeanne to run a little slower than usual) He thought.

"Love, wake up." (Tatsuro)

"Hmm? It's still… dark outside…" (Ai)

"In this world, didn't we have a day like this every 12 days?" (Tatsuro)

"…Oh. Yeah, we did." (Ai)

Ai finally recalled the polar night with a groggy mind and became clear-headed thanks to Tatsuro's magic. After exchanging morning greetings, they engaged in their usual morning routine, sharing several good morning kisses. They had breakfast under the moonlight, finished their preparations, and asked Jeanne to join them.

"Let's rely on you today too." (Tatsuro)

"Please do!" (Ai)

*Jeanne snorted enthusiastically.*

While patting the spirited Jeanne, they secured the carriage and positioned Cardina in her usual spot. With everything ready, they climbed into the driver's seat and began moving down the dark morning road slightly slower than expected.

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