A New Catalyst.

“Chief, over here!”

At my shout, Chief Dirk came rushing over. He quickly extended his hands, releasing his mana. The light brought forth by gently illuminated and enveloped the fairy’s body. Yo, who was barely clinging to life, relaxed her mouth as if in relief.

But in the end, it was a healing art that didn’t pass through a magic circle or thaumaturgy array. The effect of was limited to disinfecting the wound and providing slight pain relief. The shoulder where the crow’s talons had roughly gripped her was deeply gouged, and the flowing blood showed no sign of stopping. The wings on her back were completely snapped, hanging precariously at the base.

Perhaps because the pain had subsided slightly, the fairy opened her eyes and moved her lips infinitesimally. However, her usual laughter didn’t come out. The talons of Forest Crows, who are fond of Numbing Mushrooms, accumulate paralytic toxins, allowing them to temporarily paralyze their prey. That must be why she hadn’t even been able to scream.

“I’ll fix you up right now!”

This is why I am here.

I reached out, touching and collecting the Branch-Horn Deer’s carcass. I located the items I needed from my list and pulled them out instantly along with several magic stones on the great deer’s salivary glands.

Immediate of the resulting saliva.

the unicorn horn powder, dried bitter-juice grass, labyrinth water, and the deer saliva.

Having finished the three transmutations in the blink of an eye, I sprinkled the resulting external trauma medicine over the fairy’s wounds. Instantly, the torn flesh swelled and knitted together, and the bleeding stopped. Her irregular breathing settled into a steady, gentle rhythm.

Before the Chief’s wide-eyed gaze, Yo pushed herself up. The wound on her shoulder was completely closed. When I applied the medicine to the wings on her back, the fairy shivered with joy. They, too, returned to their original state within seconds.

“Oh… t-to think it was this potent…”

Ignoring the still-stunned Chief, Yo soared lightly into the air. With the paralytic poison flushed out, she let out a vigorous laugh.

“Kushishishishishi!”

Hearing that voice, Gob-tchi came rushing over with a frantic expression. Looking up at the flying Yo, he laughed in relief.

“Gihi! Gihihihihi!”

Gob-tchi rejoiced at his partner’s safety, but his own body was seeping blood in several places. His bow was snapped in half—a terrible sight. While sprinkling the remaining medicine on him, I pulled out a new bow and handed it over. The goblin flashed a delighted, wicked grin.

I never intended to take combat lightly. If they get hurt, I’ll just heal them. The moment I thought that, I realized I hadn’t understood a thing. Unconsciously, my hands clenched into fists, tightening with strength.

It would be easy to voice an apology right here and now. But a life-risking act like Yo’s shouldn’t be dismissed with mere words. An act of risking one’s life should be met with an equal act in return. That is what I, the one who brought Yo and the others to this floor, must do; it is the responsibility I must take.

Silently steadying my breath, I spoke to Paula, who had been standing silently by my side.

“What’s the status?”

“Eleven escaped. My apologies.”

“No, you did well. Is everyone else hurt?”

“Nothing major. Thank you for your concern.”

Yoru, Kuu, and the blue slimes had a few bite marks, but that seemed to be the extent of it. While distributing Mana-Vitality Potions, I sent the Kone-ko-chans to patrol the perimeter as a warning system. The Black-Fur Wolf carcasses totaled sixteen. I didn’t forget to quickly collect the Forest Crow as well.

“Alright, let’s call it a day. We’re heading back.”

“Aww, I didn’t get to do much at all~”

“Regret—”

“Koo—”

By the results alone, it was a major victory, but no one seemed particularly satisfied. I felt the same. Given our future explorations, I couldn’t afford to be soft.

We managed to reach the stairs safely, but Yo suddenly stopped there. She flew around repeatedly as if reluctant to leave, refusing to go up to the floor above.

“Hm? What’s wrong?”

“Kuhihihi!”

“Are you dissatisfied with something?”

“Kihaha!”

“My Lord. I suspect she has taken a liking to this floor.”

“Eh, really?”

At my surprised question, the fairy flew up and down repeatedly as if nodding. Paula’s words seemed correct, but to feel that way after going through such an ordeal… Is this how monsters think?

“Hmm. Is the fact that mushrooms grow here really that important?”

“Kehehehe!”

As I’d thought earlier, if this is what Yo wants, I want to reward her properly. However, leaving her here alone is far too dangerous.

“Leaving you by yourself is too risky…”

“Wait. Can’t we just bring other fairy-tchis here?” Mia asked.

“The number of creatures we can is already at its limit. We can’t increase it any further.”

“Oh, right. That’s a shame.”

If the number of familiars increased, we wouldn’t have to panic over a pack of Black-Fur Wolves. However, to increase the slots, we’d need to raise Paula’s level significantly. To do that, we’d need to fight stronger opponents in deeper layers. Naturally, the risk would increase substantially, so to ensure safety, we’d need to increase our allies. Therefore, the number of familiars—

It was an infinite loop.

As I struggled for an answer, a soft voice whispered in my ear.

“It is not as if we are without options, my Lord.”

I looked up instinctively, only to see Paula wearing her usual alluring smile.