Chapter 32: Encounter

We run through the central part of the unexplored area, where signs of battles are scattered all around.

Today, there’s no need to hide my presence anymore. If anything gets in our way, we’ll crush it and move forward.

“Now, will the scarred beast show up?”

“It will. If it doesn’t, we’ll rampage until it does.”

There’s a reason I answer like that. I’ve been sensing its presence all along—the presence of the scarred beast that I felt on that day. Moreover, it’s chasing us. Even for it, we must be different from the usual enemies it wants to eliminate.

Passing through the area where the mid-level adventurers of the pioneer city are leading, we proceed deeper. This area is the entrance to the deep part where the dungeon labyrinth is located. I’ve never set foot beyond this point.

“Guests, Jurg!”

“Yeah, let’s entertain them!”

Jumping out from the shadows of the trees, a High Bolgur, an advanced ape-man, points a large crossbow at Jurg.

This hand-held large crossbow is a magic weapon called the ‘Piercing Assassin Stinger Joe.’ While it can shoot absurdly powerful thick bolts, it’s ridiculously heavy.

…In other words, it’s a projectile aimed at me.

“Gyaa!”

An arrow with enough power to make even the last screams of death compact, pierces through the trunk of the High Borgul, an advanced ape-man.

I hoped that would make them cautious, but it seems not. A bunch of ape-man creatures appear from the shadows of the trees and treetops, raising intimidating voices.

“Their nest was more to the north, I think.”

“It doesn’t matter. Let’s clear the view since we’re here.”

Next to me, Saran advances and thrusts his staff into the ground. Apparently anticipating this situation, the chant for ‘True Words’ is already finished. From the tip of the staff, several faint red flashes burst forth, burning the ape-man and the surrounding forest to ashes.

I think it’s called ‘Cremation,’ one of those forbidden spells. He uses it pretty easily, saying it’s efficient.

“How’s that? The view has improved, hasn’t it?”

Amidst the smoke of the burning ape-man corpses and charred trees, its figure is revealed. Until just now, I could only sense its presence, but now I can clearly see it.

“The scarred beast…!”

Indeed, enough to provoke Albert. Controlling these ape-man monsters should be a piece of cake. Besides, for a notorious named monster that will become the main force of the great rampage, it’s only natural to do such things.

“I didn’t expect you to recklessly undo the magic of the ‘Hidden Forrest’ by burning down the entire forest. That’s rude.”

Uttering a nonchalant remark with a hoarse voice, the Manticore stands up. Looking at its figure, I feel a slight tension. It’s grown about one size… no, two sizes larger than when I last saw it.

“Yo, scarred beast, I’ve come to kill you.”

“You humans are quite reckless. What did I ever do to you guys?”

“I’m worried that you’ll do something from now on.”

“It’s a misunderstanding; I…”

Before the words of the scarred beast end, Jurg closes the distance in an instant. Enhanced by Rolo’s strengthening magic and Fimia’s protection magic, I feel my body becoming a little lighter.

“Wow, scary.”

The scarred beast deflects my blow with a magic defensive wall, laughing in a hoarse voice as if it were a joke.

As expected, a notorious named monster. One blow won’t be enough.

“Your mouth stinks of blood. How many people have you eaten so far?”

“I don’t remember. When you get older, you start having trouble remembering what you ate yesterday. Ah, this one was quite delicious.”

Swinging the lion’s leg, the scarred beast rolls something towards us. It’s severely damaged, but it’s the head of someone I know.

“You…!”

“What’s there to be angry about? It’s the one who said you didn’t need them, right? You can eat it if you want.”

“That’s not an excuse!”

Swinging the war mace horizontally, then rotating it… this time, I bring it down like a smashing blow. The first blow was blocked by the magic defensive wall, but the second one broke through it and crushed the scarred beast’s foreleg.

“…What!?”

Surprised, the scarred beast jumps back. It’s easy to understand since it has a human face. The composure has vanished from its face…

“You beast-like creatures pretend to be smart. What do you think a ‘party’ is for?”

Perhaps due to living too long or because everything until now has been easy, despite having a large scar on its face, it lacks enough caution.

“Enchantment magic…!”

The Manticore, still hoarse, glares at Rolo. Yes, for the second strike, the strengthening magic that broke through the magic defensive wall was granted by Rolo. Moreover, he even layered the magic of ‘Critical Weapon’ in sync with the impact of my attack. The name Mysterious Illusionist is not just for show.

“It’s a good timing, Jurg.”

“Yeah.”

In response to Saran’s words, I quickly jump back a few steps. At the same time, a bluish-white streak shoots out from Saran’s staff, emitting sparks.

“Nuh…!”

While blocking it once again with a magic barrier, the scarred beast’s swings its scorpion tail towards us. It was a good attack, keeping its large body in the blind spot, but Fimia doesn’t overlook it. Three small magic barriers, resembling small bucklers, appear and intercept the scorpion tail’s strike.

In that instant, I step forward. Quickly and low to the ground.

“Jurg!”

“Yeah!”

With the war mace just above the ground, I forcefully lift it towards the scarred beast’s jaw. The large, heavy lump of iron, reinforced by Rolo’s strengthening magic, bounces the head of the monster forcefully into the air.

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