Using Gacha to Increase My Companions and to Create the Strongest Girls' Army Corps

The day after we got to know Anneli-chan better.

We were traveling on a large, cleared mountain road.

They said this was the most worrisome part of the escort mission, so we slowed our pace and closed the distance to the carriage.

"Another two days and we'll arrive. This time, it looks like we'll finish without any major issues."

"I told you before, saying things like that will cause something to happen... Oh? What is that?"

"Huh?"

Sisya pointed ahead, so I leaned out to take a look.

There, blocking more than half of the road, was a large tree. It seemed to be over five meters tall.

...What is this? Why is there suddenly a tree growing in the middle of the road?

It looks as if someone took a tree from the surrounding forest and replanted it here.

Noru and the others, who were ahead, stopped a bit away from the tree, and the carriage also halted.

We stopped as well and joined the carriage.

"The road is blocked. What is going on?"

"This tree is very suspicious. It's standing boldly in the middle of the road..."

While we could pass by on foot, the carriage couldn't get through.

And this tree is extremely suspicious.

I checked the map app for any signs of monsters, but there was no reaction.

Surely, no one would go out of their way to plant a tree in the middle of the road... 

Could a monster have done this to stop the carriage? Either way, it's quite an annoyance.

Egon-san looked perplexed as well, his face showing his concern.

If it's just a tree, Estel could move it with magic.

But before that, I should get confirmation from Egon-san. It would be troublesome to act on our own and cause an issue.

"Egon-san, do you have any idea what this could be?"

"Hmm... I've traveled this road many times, but this is the first time I've seen something like this. I can't think of any reason... Wait a minute."

After some thought, Egon-san suddenly raised his head.

"I've heard that there are monsters in the forest around Queres that resemble trees."

"So, you think... this tree blocking the road might be one of those monsters?"

"Probably... But we're still quite far from Queres. Why would it appear here...?"

So it is a monster. 

I never expected there would be monsters that don't show up on the map app... Why don't they appear?

It might be due to a unique ability or skill. I guess we can't rely too much on the map app.

And it seems this monster usually wouldn't appear in this area.

Like the other anomalies, this monster might have strayed from its usual habitat.

First, we need to decide what to do with this tree.

"We can't pass through like this. What should we do?"

"Hmm... Give me a moment. I'll discuss it with the master."

Egon-san walked over to Adelbert-san's carriage. After a brief conversation, he returned.

"Sorry, but could you take it down?"

"Understood."

Adelbert-san seems to trust that we can handle this.

We must have earned some trust during this short escort mission.

Alright, let's do this safely and quickly.

"I've heard that these tree monsters are for adventurers ranked C and above. Also, magic attacks are not very effective. I think you can handle it, but be careful."

"Understood. Thank you."

If magic isn't effective... we can't rely on Estel's magic to deal with it quickly.

In fact, if Estel tried, the whole forest might end up in flames, so we'll have her guard the carriage.

"Alright, so we're going to take down that monster."

"How strong is this monster? Ookura-dono, can you check?"

"Yeah, I'll try."

We moved the carriage away from the tree and discussed our strategy.

Noru suggested checking its status first.

That's a good idea. I pointed my smartphone's camera at the tree, but the status app showed no reaction.

"No good. It's not showing on the map app either, just as I suspected..."

"Your smartphone can't detect it? There are such monsters, huh?"

It seems this tree monster really is just in its natural state.

I wanted to check its status before fighting, but I guess we'll manage since Egon-san said it's a C-rank monster and magic isn't effective.

"So, what do we do? We can't neglect our guard duty."

"Right..."

Considering the information, we need to decide who will take down the monster.

We can't leave the carriage unguarded, so one person has to stay.

That leaves Estel as the obvious choice. 

But it might be better to have Sisya guard as well. This forest isn't known for strong monsters, so Sisya should be able to handle it.

With Estel there too, no normal monster would pose a threat to the carriage.

Noru is ideal for a quick takedown due to his strength.

If Runa were here, she could take it down with spear throws... I wonder what she's doing now. Probably sleeping.

"Alright, Noru and I will handle it."

"Finally, a chance to fight alongside Ookura-dono again!"

Noru was eager, while Estel pouted slightly at my decision.

"Don't be upset. Estel, stay with Anneli-chan."

"...Alright. Since it has resistance to magic, Noru is the better choice. But don't let your guard down, even if it's a C-rank monster."

"I know. Thanks."

Estel stopped pouting and looked at me with concern.

She's right; we can't underestimate it just because it's a C-rank monster.

"I didn't get to do much this time. I just rode the horse, even though I'm a priest."

"You never do priest-like things..."

Sisya seemed disappointed. 

She usually does things far from what a priest should do.

She could say, "I punch monsters, even though I'm a priest," and it would be true.

With that, we left Estel and Sisya and headed towards the tree monster.

"So, what's the plan?"

"It's risky to get close right away. Let's observe it first."

"Should I use Centibar for a light attack?"

"...Can you manage?"

"Trust me. I'll show you the results of my training!"

We need to approach it carefully, not knowing how it might move.

This is where my Centibar comes into play.

I released a silver orb from the crystal on my shoulder, letting it float.

"Go, Centibar!"

"Oh!"

As I pointed at the tree, Centibar floated forward.

Noru seemed impressed at first.

"...Isn't it moving kind of slow?"

"Not yet! The real power of Centibar starts now!"

Noru's enthusiasm waned as Centibar's speed didn't compare to his.

But this isn't over. My training results aren't just this.

I focused, and the silver orb elongated into a pointed spike.

This is Centibar's attack mode!

I can't manage complex shapes like a sword yet.

The spike flew at the tree, piercing it with a soft thud.

The tree swayed, branches whipping and shattering Centibar into particles of light.

"My Centibar!"

"...It got destroyed."

No way... I knew it could break, but not this easily.

Maybe I didn't train enough to stabilize its shape?

"Now's not the time to be down! It's moving!"

"It's walking!"

The tree uprooted itself, revealing roots acting as legs, and advanced towards us.

Eyes and a mouth-like opening appeared on its trunk, looking eerie.

A walking tree monster!

I should check its status now.

――――――

●Species: Trent

Level: 45

HP: 35,000

MP: 0

Attack: 550

Defense: 750

Agility: 20

Magic Resistance: 80

Unique Ability: Mimicry

Skill: Magic Absorption

――――――

As Egon-san said, it has high magic resistance.

Magic Absorption likely means it can absorb magic.

It's annoying with high resistance and absorption.

The status app couldn't see it because of its unique ability, which deactivated when it moved.

Without its skills, it isn't very strong.

We can handle this.

"It's not too strong. It's like a minotaur."

"Then we can take it down quickly."

With that, Noru and I ran towards the Trent.

As we neared, it extended branch-like tendrils at us.

I deflected them with my crowbar, but more kept coming.

Some branches converged, forming a spear tip and lunging at me.

I blocked with my pot lid, but the branches split, bypassing my shield and wrapping around my arm.

"Oh, crap!"

"Ookura-dono!"

I was lifted and pulled towards the Trent's gaping mouth.

But I wouldn't be eaten so easily.

I tore the tendrils off with my crowbar, using the momentum to latch onto the Trent.

If it wants to eat me, I'll make it choke.

I repeatedly stabbed its mouth with my crowbar.

The Trent thrashed, but I held on.

Noru soon joined, slicing the Trent's trunk in half with one swing.

I leapt off as the Trent split, collapsing into light particles.

"We did it!"

"Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine."

That was close.

If it had wrapped more tendrils, I might have been in trouble.

As I collected the Trent's log-sized drop item, we returned to the carriage.

"I told you not to let your guard down!"

"S-sorry..."

Estel ran up to me, clearly upset.

She had warned me, but the tendrils caught me off guard.

No excuse would suffice as she scolded me.

●

By the time we left the mountain road and reached the plains, it was getting dark.

We quickly set up camp before night fell

 completely.

Anneli-chan came over again, chatting happily with Estel.

"So, when it broke, a strange smell filled the room, causing a commotion."

"That sounds awful. Was it that bad?"

"Worse. The person who broke it fainted with foam at the mouth."

They laughed, sharing the story about some fruit.

It sounds worse than durian.

"I should head back. Thanks, Estel!"

"I enjoyed it too. Let's talk again."

Anneli-chan stood up, waving as she walked to her tent.

Estel waved back, smiling warmly.

It's heartwarming to watch.

As Anneli-chan entered her tent, Estel's smile faded, replaced by a hint of sadness.

"What's wrong, Estel? Did you want to talk more with Anneli-chan?"

"...No, it's enough. I'm just tired today. I'll sleep early."

Estel responded after a pause, then headed to her tent alone.

"Estel's never been like this."

"Maybe talking to someone her age is different."

"She looked so happy. It reminded me of when I talk with Runa-san."

"Don't exaggerate. It's nothing like that."

Estel enjoyed talking with Anneli-chan.

She never went out alone and mostly talked to us.

Talking with someone her age must be refreshing.

I'd be happy if they stay friends.

If Estel and Anneli-chan continue meeting and playing together, it would be great.

...Wait, does that mean I'm the only one without proper interactions in this world?

N-no, that's not true! I also have people I can meet... people...