Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 120
120. Mari-nee and Overprotective? Leveling-Up (Part 3)
I had to stop leveling up because I ran out of MP, but the real reason was that Graham-san stopped me.
Apparently, if we go any further, the “Great Demon Forest” will truly show its power.
Graham-san and his team, even in perfect condition, had several members who died and had to return. So, I readily agreed to go back.
As we headed back, Graham-san and the others were quiet, perhaps reflecting on overdoing it. But their faces had an unmistakable sense of accomplishment, like children who had worn themselves out on a school trip.
As we were leaving the forest, one member was still full of energy.
“Piyo, Piyoyo!”
Vel, flapping its tiny wings, was desperately trying to get attention.
Now that I think about it, testing Vel’s power was also one of our goals… The shock of leveling up was so intense that I had completely forgotten.
“Sorry, Vel.”
When I petted its tiny head with my fingertip, it resisted a little at first, but then it seemed to enjoy it and started rubbing its head against me.
The way it acted was just like Nero, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Pant, huff… We also need to check Vel’s… power.”
Mareus-san, I understand how you feel, but let’s recover first, okay?
The armor and shield he was wearing were battered, having been used to shield Roulette-san from orc attacks and to protect against Roulette-san’s attacks as well.
I think it’s extremely unfair, but despite complaining, Mareus-san put up with it, which might mean he’s actually very generous.
After all, if I were to describe the damage to his armor, it’s about 30% on the front and 70% on the back.
I said it was unfair, but at this point, I almost think it was deliberate.
By the way, the perpetrator, Roulette-san, was sleeping soundly on Kanna-san’s back.
Usually, Roulette-san is like the eldest daughter, the one who keeps everyone together, so seeing her so defenseless was rare.
Kanna-san, though smiling wryly as if to say “It can’t be helped,” had a gentle look in her eyes as she carried her.
Despite everything, they trust and care for each other deeply.
At that moment, I felt a small pang in my chest.
Suddenly, Kanna-san’s gaze turned towards me.
With her kind eyes, she seemed to say, “You too, Maria-chan.”
Feeling like she had seen right through me, I couldn’t help but smile wryly this time.
As the exit of the forest began to come into view, an orc appeared from behind the trees.
Graham-san and the others were already moving to handle it, but I called out to stop them.
“Gils!”
Understanding my intention, Gils captured the orc and pinned it to the ground.
I quickly switched the abilities I had cast on Gils, [Puppetry] and [Thread Manipulation], to Vel, and applied [Moira’s Thread of Blessing] to Gils.
The orc almost managed to escape due to the drop in stats, but Mareus-san stepped in to help.
“Vel!”
Responding to my call, Vel flapped its wings and landed with a sound effect that might be described as “plop,” then headed toward the orc.
From Vel’s serious expression, it was clear that it was giving its all… even though it looked like it was just toddling along.
While watching anxiously, feeling a sense of warmth, I noticed that the members of the congregation were also leaning forward, clenching their fists.
Yes, I completely understand.
When Vel was born and took its first steps, we had a similar reaction.
As Vel got close to the orc, it opened its eyes wide and…
“Piyoyo!!”
It pecked at the orc with its beak.
The orc’s HP seemed to decrease slightly… maybe.
Vel then launched a flurry of pecks, but when it realized the orc was still standing, it lifted one foot to kick it.
Standing on one leg, its balance was unsteady, and the kick made a “pat” sound as it touched the orc.
“……Phew…”
The sighs of relief were clearly more about Vel’s safety than the success of the attack.
The atmosphere became heartwarming, with everyone appreciating Vel’s effort more than worrying about the damage it inflicted.
If our status included a mental health parameter, I’m sure it would have been fully restored.
At least for me, I felt completely rejuvenated.
Though, if mental health were visible as a stat, it would also show when I’m in a distant gaze state, indicating a lower value. Knowing that might not be good for me…
After a brief contemplation, I decided to quietly put that thought away in the depths of my mind.
It’s best not to open Pandora’s box, and if what’s left inside is an unsettling peace, it would be too much to bear.
As everyone was soothed by Vel’s efforts, Mareus-san alone had a troubled look on his face.
“Mareus-san?”
When I called out, he seemed startled and tried to compose himself but couldn’t quite manage it.
Eventually, unable to hold it back, he began to speak.
“Well… how should I say this… It’s not surprising, but it is surprising…”
“Mareus-san…”
“Nero looked like that but was strong, right? And so was Kuuga. So, you’d think Vel would have something in battle too. After all, we worked so hard. There should be more…”
“Mareus-san!”
Before I realized it, I had raised my voice, something I rarely do, cutting him off.
“I understand what you want to say, but that’s enough. Vel is Vel. And it’s different from comparing it to our circumstances. Vel being born safely is enough.”
“But…”
To Mareus-san, who still seemed to want to argue, I said,
“Whose expectations are those feelings for?”
“…Ah.”
“We sometimes unconsciously have expectations. But for Vel, as long as it follows its own path at its own pace, that’s enough. Compared to me, who can barely walk, Vel is already amazing as it is.”
After I finished speaking, Mareus-san looked down in silence.
I might have said too much, but it seems Mareus-san has calmed down… Huh?
Why is everyone else suddenly so quiet as well?
And why are some people crying or looking up at the sky!?
“…As expected of the Founder, every word pierces the heart.”
“I’m going to reconsider how I interact with my children.”
“I’m going to rethink my approach to training my subordinates. The company’s policy is the opposite, so I guess I’ll have to have a fistfight with my boss first.”
Um, I didn’t mean to say anything that profound, really?
Also, to the last person, please handle things more peacefully!!
As I was flustered, Mareus-san quietly finished off the orc and gently handed Vel, who he was holding with both hands, over to me.
Then, suddenly, he sat down in seiza and said,
“Hit me, Maria!”
“Huh?”
While I couldn’t keep up with how things escalated to this, Gils responded,
“Leave it to me.”
Before I could stop him, Gils punched Mareus-san in the face.
“Higyo-peh!”
With a scream that seemed impossible for a human to make, Mareus-san’s entire body was sent flying.
Mareus-san, who had fallen, showed no signs of getting up and was convulsing slightly.
No, no, that’s too much!!
As I approached to help, Kanna-san ran toward Mareus-san faster than I could.
Kanna-san is so caring, what a considerate companion.
I was impressed, thinking it was due to their long association… Wait, why is Kanna-san kicking Mareus-san? And now Roulette-san has joined in too…?
Kanna-san might have heard the conversation, but Roulette-san, you were unconscious, right?
You’re definitely just going along with the mood, right??
Mareus-san is a fellow craftsman and, more importantly, a member of our clan…
In the end, we dragged the unconscious Mareus-san back to the royal capital with Roulette-san pulling him.
As we walked, I looked up the meaning of ‘companion’ on various websites, but I couldn’t find a good explanation that fit these three.
What does it mean to be companions? Can someone please teach me the perfect term for it…?
Feeling pity for how poorly Mareus-san was treated, I shed a tear in my heart.
When he wakes up, I’ll tell him how Vel was worried and watched over him… Yes, that’s what I’ll do..