Kays Translations

Chapter 37: Into the Deep Area

A week and a bit had passed since then.

Finally regaining control of my body, I practiced lightly sparring with Rolo, explored the shallow depths of the forest, and gradually regained my senses. I thought I might be a bit rusty, but surprisingly, I was in good shape. With this, I should be able to handle any troubles that might arise in the deep areas.

"Gregure!"

"Yeah, today we're counting on Fimia again."

"Gregure!"

Joyfully hopping along, Greg followed behind me. I initially thought of the running large lizard Raptor, as just another monster, but when it became attached like this, it didn't feel entirely unappealing. I just wished it would stop gently nibbling on my head.

"It feels like it's been a while since we went into the forest like this."

"Indeed, it's been two weeks. I'm a bit excited."

While chatting amicably, we continued our journey. This time, the purpose was also to camp in the deep areas. We wanted to reach our destination before the sun went down.

"Is Saran not coming?"

"Yeah, seems like there's something on his mind. Also... he seems to be pushing himself again."

"Again? If he overdoes it, I'll just knock him out and toss him into bed when we get back."

Fimia chuckled at my words. Laughter soon followed from Rolo.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing? Even though you say all that, you still worry about him, huh?"

"Of course. He’s a comrade."

Besides, it would be quite troublesome if he collapsed right now. Now that the settlement had progressed this far, he needed to complete his task responsibly.

"I like that about you, Jurg. You're kind."

"Yes, it's one of his good qualities."

They're both playing around.

Well, it's good that they get along.

Lately, it seems like they haven't had much time.

With me being a nuisance and all, and considering the unexplored depths of the area... I hope they enjoy their time together to the fullest.

Indeed, if we go deep into the forest, there shouldn't be anyone to disturb Rolo and Fimia. As long as I'm cautious. No, I should also behave myself.

"There are three investigation points. Also, camping is planned for today. I want to explore how effective the barrier is in the deep layers."

"In that case, it might be a good idea for Fimia to come with us."

"Yeah, I want to compare the effectiveness of the 【Barrier Stakes】 and Fimia's 〈Sanctuary〉."

Both are magical means to secure a safe zone against monsters, but the stakes are magic tools, an artifact, while the 〈Sanctuary〉 is sacred magic. Knowing which is more effective would provide useful data for future construction of surveillance outposts in the forest.

...And with that pretext, I've been tossing aside the guild's work, so I need to make sure I do it properly.

However, this is a job recommended by Saran as well. If we ever plan to open up the unexplored areas and attract the 'Transcontinental Railway,' we need to know what is required for safety. Even in development, ensuring the safety of workers and construction zones is crucial.

"Alright, let's get going."

"Yes."

"Yeah!"

"Guregure!"

With cheerful responses, I nodded and slowly began walking towards the outside of the defensive wall.

◆

"The forest has calmed down a lot."

Deep in the unexplored areas.

In a corner of the region where the entrance to the dungeon is located.

The tent has been set up, and Rolo, feeling comfortable by the campfire, mutters while looking up at the moonlit sky.

"Yeah, but there are still quite a lot of monsters."

"Yeah. There wasn't anything unusual at the investigation points, but I wonder where they're coming from."

"Maybe overflowing from the dungeon?"

Fimia, who came out of the tent, sits down next to Rolo.

Looking at them like this, they do make a picturesque pair.

Well, maybe I've indulged in sentimentality for a moment. I feel a bit lonely. 

Maybe I'll go back and complain to Kati with some alcohol.

"Even so, they haven't been moving much despite setting up the camp at a place where we can monitor them."

A slightly elevated area within the forest.

There, a campsite has been set up, and we are observing the entrance to the dungeon, but no monsters have appeared.

While it's possible that there are other entrances and exits, it might be more natural to consider that there is a different cause for this.

"And it's been a while since we’ve camped out."

"Yeah. In the early days, we used to do it quite often."

"Yeah. Saran-san used to complain a lot about it... Albert-san too."

Fimia lowers her gaze slightly. That guy Albert ended up being bait for the scarred beast and ended his life. Although it's unforgivable that he banished Rolo and attempted to destroy the Keystones... seeing him die in such a way leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste. Fimia feels somewhat responsible for his twisted nature, and it's a bit depressing.

"But, we got our revenge."

“Oh, yes. Hope he rests in peace."

Well, even a disagreeable person will return to the great flow of the Allstream once they die. Eventually, they will circulate as a new life somewhere in this world.

"Now then, enough of the gloomy talk. Let's have dinner. I brought various things from the dairy city, so it's not monster game cuisine today."

"Yeah, we got quite a variety from there. My mom was delighted that she could buy cheese anytime."

The development of the pioneer city has significantly changed various aspects of Malhas. Solving the food problem, in particular, was a big deal for the villagers.

After all, even if the dairy city is nearby, Malhas used to lack money. Of course, even now, some are struggling to keep up with these changes, but Saran is skillfully mediating so that the villagers and newcomers in the new city don't clash. Perfectly achieving everything is apparently difficult even for that sly glasses.

"The church, too, has reached a point where it can be operated to some extent. It will probably contribute to Malhas's development."

"Yeah, that's right. It's really helpful."

"No, I hope it becomes a place everyone can rely on."

Having a church is a kind of status. It means being recognized by the church headquarters as having 'values to protect.' It also means there is wealth that the church should intervene in.

Moreover, having priests stationed there not only allows for ceremonies like weddings, funerals, and festivals but also reduces worries about everyday consultations and concerns about illnesses and injuries. It's a relief for the villagers.

While Fimia went through a lot to achieve this, seeing it finally take shape makes me happy as well.

"Next time, Jurg, won't you come to pray?"

"What if the villagers stop coming to the church? When needed, I'll pray to you."

"Well, it's a lack of faith. Yes, but... I'll listen to YOUR confession, though."

Returning a wry smile to Fimia, I surprisingly find myself wanting to share my thoughts with her again. Although I don't feel any connection to God, asking Fimia for forgiveness doesn't seem like a bad idea.

"Jurg..."

"What's wrong?"

"That over there..."

Suddenly, Rolo, who was on his knees, pointed towards the forest.

On the opposite side of the dungeon, something mysterious was wriggling in the darkness.

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