With backup on its way, I retreated as I kept my guard up. The red ants perused me, the group surrounding me in a last ditch effort. I took a deep breath, waiting for any incoming attack.

Support came as the gigantic red ants got separated by an arrow. A sword stabbed one of the ants who reacted to the arrow, another being caught between a spear and a dagger.

I continued my role, hitting the monster out of the vicinity. I dashed in front of one of the group members, my shield taking a heavy blow. I returned the favor, slashing the monster's eye, blinding it.

Rona took off the rest as I moved to protect another person. This time however I didn’t make it in time, Cynthia receiving a scratch on her hand, her weapon dropping.

It looked like hope was lost yet she suddenly took out a tiny wand from her pocket and pointed it towards the red ant.

The ant suddenly sunk into the ground, cracks forming on the ground. As if an invisible weight appeared, the ant struggled, a crunching sound being more evident by the passing second.

Since this bought me enough time to arrive at her location, I thrusted my sword downwards, right where the monster was, finishing the job.

“Ugh!” Cynthia groaned.

I immediately turned to the source of noise, a hand tightly gripped Cynthia’s ankle. I was about to move when she grabbed the hand and attempted to remove it from the ground.

Being honest it probably wouldn’t work unless you have a great amount of strength which Cynthia doesn’t, her forte was in speed.

However, contrary to my expectations, she managed to take the demon out of the ground. The surprise evident on the demon indicated how unlike it was. Cynthia glared at the monster, putting her wand into the monster's mouth.

She threw the monster on the ground, and proceeded to stomp on the grotesque demon’s body. I silently watched this before I parried another attack.

The rest of the monsters were taken care of by the five students. I contributed way more than they probably expected from me. I wasn’t going to sit out because of a tiny scratch.

Once all monsters were exterminated, we huddled as we sat on the ground. I sipped on my water as if it was tea. Tired by the slow process, I gulped the rest of the contents.

“Take your armor off, I want to see how bad the injuries are,” asked Rick, an uncharacteristic frown of worry being present.

“All right,” I replied.

I did, I was told, I took my armor, and rolled up my sleeve. My arm which contained poison gained the attention of Rick.

Stolen story; please report.

“Wait, you got bitten!?” he exclaimed.

“Yeah, I was caught off guard,” I said, scratching my head.

Rick closely observed my arm as he quickly began healing my arm. My eyes widened a bit, who knew Rick could be capable of healing. Once my wound healed, Rick poked my arm looking at me. When I showed no reaction, he nodded.

“Oh? You’re very well-built,” he whispered for some reason as if trying to keep it a secret.

“Well, I am an Adventurer,” I joked.

Rick chuckled as he patted my back, telling me it was time to get back up. I nodded, placing my hand on the ground.

Off topic, but I removed my gloves since my wounds had healed.

However when he was about to head back he crouched back down, eyebrows furrowed. His confusion was apparent as he tilted his head.

“What is this—“

“Hey, are you finishing healing him?” A voice interrupted Rick.

Rona stood in front of us, her sword being out in the open. Rick glanced at her then at me, then back at her. He shook his head, and stood back up.

“Yep! He should be fine,” he said, puffing his chest in pride.

“Thanks,” I said as I stood back up.

I put my armor back when my foot made contact with a solid object. Looking down, I saw dark blue stones scattered on the ground. Ah, I forgot, we didn’t collect the unrefined mana stones. I walked to each location, grabbing the stones one by one.

I placed them on the bag which was at the same place where I left it. Surprisingly there seemed to be no signs of anyone touching it. The presence of someone made me turn around.

“How is your condition?” Leon asked.

“Pretty good. Rick did a good job healing my wounds,” I replied, stretching my limbs.

The only thing bothering me was soreness, but it made sense. The soreness wasn’t unbearable so it wasn’t anything worrisome. Plus I was healed so it’s better than nothing. I picked the bag, carrying it as I grabbed my shield.

“Oh! You can do that?” Arakawa gasped as she covered her mouth.

“Yes…” Cynthia replied, seemingly enjoying herself.

As they saw me and Leon, they both turned to us. With a tilt of my head, my messages was conveyed.

“Ah, we were just talking about how Flanders over here can use debuff and buffing magic!” she said, way too excited.

“So then was it you who buffed me during that one time?” I asked.

I did get a sudden burst of speed which I utilized by kicking the red ant. I knew it wasn’t a miracle I suddenly increased my speed, but I more or less expected Rick to be the one using this type of magic.

I guess that’s why she had a tiny wand when I described everyone’s weapon. I thought she was embarrassed of having a more skilled mage than her, that’s why she hid it.

Oh, how wrong I was.

Cynthia nodded to my question with a tiny smile.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

It’s common courtesy to thank someone who helped you. Although it wasn’t as useful, it still contributed to the battle.

A tiny factor can change the whole course of a battle.