Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 228

“Kenji, have you ever been hit by magic?” Jilboa asks.

“I’ve been treated with magic before. I’ve seen fireballs thrown by goblin sorcerers, but I’ve never been struck by one.”

Most of the monsters that mid-level adventurers like me face don’t use magic, and even if there is a magic user in the group, it’s usually just one. In those cases, we rely on Sara’s archery skills to take them down first, planning to avoid getting hit by magic altogether.

Magical healing is expensive, so it’s rare to receive it. As a result, my experience with magic is quite limited. But that’s typical for beginner to mid-level adventurers like me.

Jilboa nods. “Magic that resembles fire or rocks isn’t that intimidating. It’s the same as flaming arrows or stones. Whether it’s fired by magic, a bow, or a sling, the quality is the same. You can either block it with a shield or cut it down with a sword.”

I think to myself, No, you’re probably the only one who could slice through flying flames with a sword, but I nod in agreement.

“But that great noble’s magician is different. Even though it is night, he sneaks into the corps’ office, packed with many members, without revealing his identity and attempts to assassinate me while I’m sleeping with a poisoned dagger.”

My eyes widened in shock. I can’t believe someone would dare to infiltrate the Sword Fangs Legion’s office alone and try to assassinate the commander.

“However, that guy’s dagger skills are poor, and his killing intent is leaking everywhere, so when I sense his presence and slash at him, he leaves his arm behind and runs away,” he says this as if it’s no big deal.

What do you mean, you slashed at him based on the presence you felt?

Ignoring my confusion, Jilboa continues, “Later, when we investigate, the guards think it’s someone else’s turn to stand watch and don’t realize they’re on duty. Even those who should have seen the magician in the hallway claim they haven’t seen anything. It seems the magic he uses is to make himself invisible or to strongly influence others’ perceptions. I don’t fully understand it myself, but according to the magician I consult, those two types of magic are connected.”

I figure it’s magic that affects the minds or perceptions of others. It isn’t just about making him invisible; it’s about making others unaware of his presence or altering their thoughts in a way that seems natural.

“That kind of mind-altering magic is almost forbidden. The magician who investigates is outraged. I don’t know if he is angry about the use of forbidden magic or the careless individual who leaks that secret.”

In Jilboa’s case, the goal is assassination, so the attacker has no choice but to take risks to get close. Perhaps the young lord orders him to kill directly. However, if the intent is simply to disrupt the delivery of the pioneer shoes, there are many ways to manipulate minds. Even if it isn’t aimed directly at me or Sara, it would be easy to use mind-altering magic to influence the craftsmen and undermine the company.

“Countermeasures against mind-manipulating magic…” Honestly, I have no idea what to do. I am completely out of my depth regarding magic.

“Also, there’s the possibility of jealousy and interference from other workshops. It’s hard to dismiss the envy of others,” Jilboa warns jokingly.

I respond with a wry smile and a sigh, “I’ve had enough of that already.”