Published: September 6, 2025
Called by Rufen, the knight apprentices of Ehrenfest mounted their mounts and descended into the arena. After circling once inside the arena, the knight with the bright yellow ochre cloak took his position, and Gundolf stepped forward. It seemed that this year it was not Fraurelm.
“So Fraurelm-sensei isn’t in charge this year. That’s a little relieving.”
Since Fraurelm had just flown past the Ordnance and shouted sharply in a piercing voice, if he had been in charge, it surely would have meant dealing with troublesome demonic beasts.
“No, I don’t think Gundolf-sensei can be completely relaxed either. He should be quite knowledgeable about various demonic beasts.”
“Lord Wilfried is right. After discovering in a joint research that magic paper is made from demon trees, we have been gathering as much information about demon trees as possible.”
Ignatz apparently received many questions from Gundolf about what kinds of demon trees existed in Ehrenfest. He couldn’t answer much and was taken aback when Gundolf asked if he was serious about research.
“Still, there seem to be quite a lot of spectators this year.”
At Wilfried’s words, I glanced around the stands. Many people were leaning forward watching Ditter intently, even though it wasn’t their territory’s turn. Dunkelfelger had an especially large crowd, packed tightly. Perhaps because no one knew what kind of demonic beast would appear, or because minor demonic beasts had caused many upsets, the audience seemed far more excited than last year.
“Even adult knights rarely get to see less famous demonic beasts from other territories. They’re probably thrilled wondering how to defeat a beast they’ve never seen before.”
Meanwhile, Gundolf activated a magic circle with his stave. A sharp burst of strong light flashed once, and as the light settled, a large tree with dense foliage appeared above the magic circle.
“Could that be a demon tree?”
“Most likely a demon tree. Gundolf-sensei would be criticized if he summoned a normal tree here.”
But unlike Nanceve, it did not move from the spot. It didn’t shout like Aiphon, nor did it seem to drain the surrounding mana like Trombe. Its appearance was that of an ordinary tree, nothing fantastical like Luel’s tree.
…Hmm, this tree makes me want to sing “What kind of tree is this tree?”
There was no movement at all, making me doubt if it was truly a demon tree.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen this demon tree. What is it?”
To see if magic paper could be made from Ehrenfest’s demon trees, I asked Gibe and the others, but they weren’t knowledgeable about demon trees from other territories. Worried, I focused my gaze on Leonore, who was at the center of the knight apprentices. Did she know what it was?
“Everyone except Judith, switch your weapons to the ones used for cutting branches when hunting Trombe! Senior knights will take turns gathering mana! Alexis, prepare yourself!”
Leonore’s voice carried confident authority as she changed her stave and began gathering mana. It seemed she recognized this demon tree.
“Judith, on my signal, fire your most powerful magic tool at the Gummimoka. As everyone knows, when attacked with a certain power or higher, many thin branches hidden under the leaves should sprout. They extend fully only for a few seconds. Cut as many branches as you can within that time. However, be careful not to touch the branches. Their tips have thorns and reportedly cause severe numbness.”
…Gummimoka? Isn’t that rubber tree?
I vaguely recalled Ferdinand once telling me it was a demon tree like Trombe but not found nearby.
“Ignatz, Marianne. Since Gundolf-sensei summoned the Gummimoka, does that mean it lives in Drevannel? Or does he just know about it and it grows elsewhere? I want to ask if we can obtain the material…”
I asked Ignatz and Marianne, who had contact with Gundolf, but it seemed neither knew.
“I’ll ask Gundolf-sensei again.”
…If this isn’t a demon tree created by the teachers’ mana for the match, I’d be shouting, “Prioritize collecting materials!” Oh, how I want some rubber!