BOOM!!!
Robin's cannon made a tremendous noise. Though it was already their second time riding it, Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash still felt their heads buzzing.
The instant they landed, Robin's magecraft took effect. A repulsive force appeared beneath Anno and the other two, bouncing all three of them roughly a meter into the air before they landed again from that height.
"Ow!"
Still not quite used to it, Fujimaru Ritsuka landed on his backside first and cried out in pain.
Anno had already sensed Pindo's location. He pulled Fujimaru Ritsuka to his feet, then hurried in that direction.
Pindo was lying atop a broad tree canopy, seemingly trying to rest for a moment.
He did not look particularly miserable. Only fresh blood still remained around his ears.
"Pindo? Can you hear me?"
Anno saw that Pindo was sprawled over the canopy and seemed close to losing consciousness. Frowning, he climbed the tree and shook Pindo by the shoulder.
Pindo seemed to recognize Anno, but merely waved a hand and pointed at his ear.
Anno looked at the still-fresh bloodstains and pressed his lips together.
Has he gone deaf?
Hoisting Pindo over his shoulder, Anno jumped down from the tree. Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash arrived just then as well.
"Mr. Anno, how is Mr. Pindo?" Fujimaru Ritsuka was panting heavily from the run, looking worriedly at Pindo over Anno's shoulder.
"Please replenish some of his mana first." Anno laid Pindo flat on the ground, then somehow produced a handkerchief and wiped the blood from around Pindo's ears and face.
"I understand."
Fujimaru Ritsuka placed his hand on Pindo's chest and transferred his own mana to him.
With the replenishment of mana, Pindo's condition finally stabilized, and Anno and Mash both breathed sighs of relief.
"Master, you really saved me."
Pindo had