The Water Magician

"I'll go have breakfast now," Ryo said as he stood up.

"Hmm? You could just eat here... Speaking of which, no one else is eating..." Abel looked around, scratching his head.

Though there were a few people seated, the unusual sight of everyone simply drinking water in the cafeteria was striking.

"This morning, the food in this cafeteria was completely confiscated by the investigation team."

"What...?"

As expected, this left everyone, led by Abel, including Rhea, Lin, and Warren—who usually didn’t speak—speechless.

And to Ryo’s surprise, Natalie also looked dumbfounded.

"The Royal Magic Guild brought its own chefs and provisions... I had no idea something like this happened..."

Even though they understood it wasn't their fault, there was still a sense of guilt among them.

"However, if this information spreads within the Guild, it would make it quite difficult for the investigation team to hire adventurers. Adventurers are very emotional beings," Abel remarked.

"Indeed, the grudge over food can be quite significant," Lin added, providing a universal truth.

Regardless, it had nothing to do with Ryo, who had decided not to approach the dungeon.

"Abel, if they are going to lift the blockade on the dungeon, then today's hunting is off," Rhea confirmed with Abel.

"That's right. I believe the Guild Master will gather the main parties for an explanation shortly. With that in mind, we should at least be in a city where we can get in touch. A B-rank party will surely be called," Abel replied.

"Us and the White Brigade. There should also be about twenty C-rank parties staying here," Rhea added.

"Oh, by the way, Ms. Sera has returned," Lin recalled.

"Oh, Sera of the Wind. She had been in the royal capital for a request," Ryo noted.

Ryo was still standing, hesitating to leave the cafeteria, but he finally made up his mind.

"Well then, I'm off," he stated.

"Y-Yeah. You can definitely find something to eat at the Golden Wave Pavilion," Abel encouraged.

"Yes, that was my intention..." Ryo affirmed.

"Uh, I'm really sorry..." Natalie said, her face turning bright red as she bowed her head, realizing she had taken away Ryo's chance for breakfast.

"No, it seemed like you were in a hurry, so it can't be helped. Well then," Ryo replied as he exited the Guild and set off for the Golden Wave Pavilion in search of breakfast.

"Ryo-san was going to the Golden Wave Pavilion for breakfast... and I brought him here..." Natalie murmured apologetically after Ryo had left.

"Don't worry about it. Ryo doesn't mind that kind of thing," Abel said with a laugh.

"By the way, Natalie, as someone who is well-versed in water attribute magic, can I ask you if there is a spell in water attribute magic that creates an Ice Wall at a high location away from the caster?"

"Huh? No, as far as I know, there's no such spell," Natalie responded, a bit perplexed.

"I see... I thought so," Lin said, and Natalie answered smoothly despite her uncertainty.

"What? Lin, are you still worrying about that?" Abel questioned.

"Of course! No mage could ignore something like this!" Lin shot back fiercely in response to Abel's casual tone.

"Are you saying there is a magic spell that creates an Ice Wall away from the caster?" Natalie asked cautiously.

"Yes. But I haven't seen it myself," Abel replied.

"Then who has?" Natalie pressed.

"Our leader over there has seen it," Abel gestured.

"Yes, I am the leader here," Ryo raised his hand slightly, tilting his head.

"I find that hard to believe... Are you sure, Abel-san?" Natalie questioned.

"Indeed, any mage would be intrigued... Even someone like Natalie is reacting like this," Abel said with a wry smile.

"Ah, I-I’m sorry. But if that's true, I would definitely like to see it... Where did you see it?" Natalie asked.

"During my travels..." Ryo replied vaguely.

"Oh... then I guess I can't see it anymore," Natalie said, visibly dejected. If it was something seen during travels, it could have just been a misperception...

"Well... Ah, I see... Natalie, can you keep this topic just between us? You can't even tell your family. If you can promise that, I'll continue," Abel said.