Kays Translations

Chapter 100: Familiar in Fantasy

Day 216 of Life in Another World

On the third day of exploration, we continued heading east along the river we found yesterday.

Perhaps because I had a good night's sleep, my spirits was lifted, and I approached today's exploration with a fresh mindset.

It's not good to approach the exploration half-heartedly, as it not only bothers others but also dulls my quick judgment. This place is not only a different world but also an unexplored land even for the locals. We never know what might happen, so it's essential to concentrate fully on our mission, and I realized this anew.

However, until it was about two hours from sunset, we hadn't come across anything significant.

Still, as we continued, the gaps between the trees widened, and it felt like the forest was becoming more open, allowing the sunlight to pour in. Depending on the location, the forest had changed to the extent that even a carriage could easily pass through.

As we were discussing where to set up our camp for the night and preparing for it, Drago and the others suddenly went on alert, urging the rest of us to be cautious.

"Hmm, there's something ahead... Everyone, get ready for battle!"

"I can't see anything, but from the way he's acting, it doesn't seem to be an orc again."

"I'm not sure, but... it's probably something else. Clearly, a strong presence."

"Should we wait here, or should I extend the barrier? Which do you think is better?"

"No matter what, we can't avoid passing by if we want to continue our exploration. It'll be dark soon. We should initiate contact."

"Understood. I'll expand the barrier rapidly towards the front, and everyone, be vigilant of the surroundings."

Drago and Touya seemed determined to settle the matter before nightfall. I extended the barrier far ahead, and we cautiously advanced together.

"Hey, isn't that... that thing?"

"Yes, it certainly looks like it."

"I'll appraise it for a moment, please wait!"

In the distance, we could see something resembling an ax-like weapon being used to attack the barrier. It looked exactly like a monster typical of fantasy worlds.

"Minotaur Lv72, with the skills Axe and Roar! The Roar has an effect that makes opponents tremble for a few seconds!"

"A high level... and it seems to possess multiple skills. It's undoubtedly powerful."

"Village Chief, we can defeat it from within the barrier, but there's only one of them. If possible, I'd like to experience the effects of the Roar skill."

"Touya and Sakura, you guys should decide on the course of action. Give me your instructions without hesitation."

"Understood. First, Touya and I will step outside the barrier. Once it uses the Roar and we can’t move, I'll ask you and Drago to rescue us."

"Understood."

"If the rescue seems impossible, I'll try to freeze it with my ice magic. This time, I won't use any enhancement magic. I'll activate it immediately if I feel it's dangerous."

"Understood."

"Alright, let's go!"

Approaching the Minotaur, each of us took our positions. Following the plan, Touya and Sakura stepped outside the barrier—then the Minotaur targeted Touya, and they started exchanging blows.

The Minotaur moved back, crouched down, and then suddenly lunged forward while letting out a mighty roar.

"Guaaaaaa!"

It was a powerful roar that made the surrounding leaves tremble, but none of the members inside the barrier were physically affected and remained undaunted.

"Huh, can you move, Sakura?"

"I-I can't move right away..."

"Got it, let's get back inside the barrier for now."

Touya hesitated for a moment but quickly resumed movement and carried Sakura back into the barrier.

"I was only momentarily immobilized, but how about the rest of you?"

"I couldn't move for about three seconds."

"No effect on those inside the barrier."

"Three seconds is pretty dangerous... Alright, next, Sakura, please use your body enhancement magic on everyone. Drago, please strengthen yourself with dragon combat techniques. This time, Haruka and Drago will challenge it."

Touya quickly gave instructions, and one by one, we stepped outside to confirm the effects of the Roar.

Ordinarily, we wouldn't have time for such leisurely experimentation, but with the barrier, things were different. While the Minotaur would probably be furious, to us, it was a serious matter.

After multiple verifications, Touya and Drago found that they could nullify the Roar's effects by enveloping themselves in their own magic energy (dragon energy). With Sakura's body enhancement, the others were also somewhat mitigated against the brief immobilization.

In my case, perhaps because of my high level, I wasn't affected by the physical aspect of the Roar at all. Maybe I also have some hidden effect similar to the barrier, but I'm not entirely sure of the reason.

"Alright, next, we'll rely on Sakura's magic. If you can prioritize restraining spells, it would be appreciated."

"I've got it! Let's start with ice magic!"

From here on, Sakura took over. After all, it was a one-sided affair for her, as she could freely cast magic from the safety of the barrier. The Minotaur was frozen solid, and after various experiments that I'd rather not describe, it was successfully defeated.

Ultimately, we found that magic attacks were effective for solo defeat, and we also learned how to deal with the Roar skill. If we encounter it again, we plan to try close combat outside the barrier.

"Alright, what's the drop item?"

"A large magic stone... and... beef, I suppose?"

"Given its name, it's probably beef."

"In the appraisal, it's listed as 'High-quality Minotaur meat.'"

"As it has been before, it's strange that it doesn't drop weapons or armor. The ax also disappears with it."

"When we defeated the boss before, we only got a rusty dagger dropped by a goblin."

"That might be the belongings of adventurers killed on the surface."

"Well then, let's call it a day here. We need to set up the tents before it gets dark."

After defeating the new species of monster, the Minotaur, we concluded today's exploration.

At dinner, we decided to taste the Minotaur meat we obtained, and it turned out to be so tender and juicy that we could only describe it as "exquisite."

The magic stone dropped by the Minotaur was also quite significant, about the size of a softball, setting a new record for us. We sent the meat and magic stone back to the village through material transfer, along with a report of our safety, and told them they were free to use it as they pleased.

"Keisuke-san, how much expansion of the territory do we have left?"

"I think we have about 10 km left. We traveled 30 km north from the dungeon and 20 km east from there."

"In that case, tomorrow, let's head east until we can't go any further."

"Sounds good. A new species of monster appeared, so there might be something more ahead."

"Oh, the Village Chief is in a much better mood today compared to yesterday."

"I guess visible changes really make a difference... I hope we can keep up this momentum tomorrow."

"To maintain the Village Chief's motivation, I hope so too."

Perhaps my complaints from yesterday had an effect. On the third day, I could sense significant changes.

Day 217 of Life in Another World

Morning of the 4th day of exploration.

We stumbled upon something incredible within an hour of walking... It was an artificial structure that seemed to have been a castle wall, even though it was mostly in ruins and completely non-functional.

As we approached the wall, the remains of a city-like ruins spread before us.

The stone structures were mostly in ruins, barely resembling their original forms. However, just from the shape and arrangement of the buildings, it was undeniable that a civilization had existed here.

Erosion from the forest had progressed in some areas, with weeds growing on the spots that were once roads.

Amidst this, I couldn't help but let out the first exclamation, which earned me strange looks from the others.

"Wow, this is an incredible discovery! I'm getting excited! To think there was such a civilization in the eastern forest... It was worth coming here, don't you all think?"

“”"......"””

"Everyone, what's wrong? This is a significant discovery!"

"What's wrong with you...? You're acting all giddy!"

"Keisuke-san as expected, you can't defend this behavior."

"Maybe I should take back what I said about the Village Chief being cool."

"Sorry... I mean, I know it was ridiculous at that moment. But I'm sincerely sorry; I've already reflected on it, so please forgive me."

Despite their harsh words, everyone's expressions were bright, and their exasperation didn't seem entirely genuine. Just as I was reflecting, Haruka started to express her thoughts.

"All jokes aside, this is undoubtedly a large city-like place. Judging from the size of the castle walls, I believe a significant number of people lived here."

"We can't tell if they were humans or monsters, but they undoubtedly possessed considerable intelligence and technology."

"At first glance, there doesn't seem to be any sign of monsters nesting here. Village Chief, can you extend your barrier, and we can divide into teams to investigate?"

"I agree. Also, the fact that there was a human habitation zone in the east of the continent... This is a major discovery."

The remaining expansion area is approximately 200 meters square, so after completing the search within that range, I plan to lift the barrier temporarily and repeat the process to investigate the entire area. Judging by our estimation, the outer perimeter of the surrounding castle walls is about 800 meters in both width and length. So, we'll need to explore 16 blocks in total.

"Alright, since there's not much area we can expand, let's divide into teams and explore each block one by one. If any monsters appear, we'll gather and deal with them together."

"If we find any clues, I'll store them in my spatial storage temporarily. If it's difficult to carry, let me know."

This ancient ruin, which was likely once a city, seems to be from a considerably ancient era based on its state of decay. However, with such a vast size, I believe we can find some evidence.

Even if it doesn't lead us to the cause of the orc appearance, the excitement of exploring ancient ruins alone is enough to elevate my spirit.

With hopes of finding treasure and various expectations, we began our exploration together.

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