Kays Translations

Chapter 38: Ash Flower(2): The Foggy Graveyard

The Cursed Forest.

That’s what it’s called.

I’ve heard stories about it, though I know little myself.

Many explorers have ventured into this forest.

Not a single one has ever returned.

Even grade 2 explorers entered, but none made it back.

They say you hear the sound of a flute when you enter.

That’s all I know—because I’ve never cared to learn more.

A forest you can’t leave once you enter? Who in their right mind would go there?

Not me. Never.

So I never bothered to take an interest.

“…I should’ve paid more attention.”

At least enough to know its location.

Now, I’m surrounded by thick fog and countless gravestones.

I can’t tell front from back, left from right.

My relic, [Danger Detection], is useless.

When I activate it, my vision goes pitch black like before.

The only relic I have left is [Vanish].

But in a forest you can never return from, what good is that?

There’s something here.

I know it.

As I tense up, the sound returns.

“―――♪~~♪♪♪~♪~~♪”

The strange flute echoes around me.

Then, the ground near one of the graves stirs.

I immediately ready myself with [Vanish].

From the grave, as though clawing its way out, emerged a skeleton.

Not just one or two skeletons.

“…!”

Countless skeletons rose from the graves.

Each wielding rusted swords, axes, and spears.

Some wore battered leather or tarnished metal armor.

Even in their worn-out state, it was still armor.

Every skeleton had crimson ghostfire burning in their eye sockets.

An eerie sight.

I’ve seen undead skeletons before—thirteen, to be exact.

But their ghostfire had always been blue.

What does the red flame mean?

I don’t have time to figure it out.

As I assessed my options, six skeletons began advancing toward me.

Their joints creaked and rattled with each step.

One swung a chipped longsword as soon as it entered striking distance.

“!”

It was fast. I barely blocked it with my knife.

Fortunately, it was light; otherwise, the strike would’ve knocked the knife clean from my hands.

Skeletons are just bones. Their strikes lack weight.

I parried the blow and struck its torso with [Vanish].

Ordinary weapons can’t counteract the undead’s relic, [Immortality].

Only light-based or enchanted weapons—or those soaked in healing potions—can.

But there are exceptions.

When I erased the skeleton’s torso with [Vanish], the rest of its body dispersed like mist.

No regeneration, no recovery. Just gone.

I quickly erased the other skeletons nearby the same way.

The flute continued playing in the foggy forest.

I leaned against a tree and let out a heavy sigh.

“Fighting this many at once… it’s exhausting.”

Though I managed to escape for now, it’s only a matter of time before they find me again.

The thought of my fourth relic crossed my mind.

With that, I could…

But I don’t want to use it.

I only used it against the Chimera because I had no choice.

There was no time to think then.

But this? This isn’t the same.

Not yet.

Not yet!

Still, I really don’t want to die.

If—only if—I’m truly on the brink of death, I’ll use it.

But only as a last resort.

I hate my fourth relic.

That relic isn’t something I should possess.

No, it’s not something anyone should wield. It’s not meant for humans.

“……”

On top of that, I still don’t know what the enemy really is.

Most likely, the source of the flute’s sound is the true form of this Cursed Forest.

What should I do?

What can I do?

In my hand is a simple knife.

The only weapon I can rely on is [Vanish].

[Danger Detection] is completely useless.

That leaves me with [Fortune’s Wheel].

But the skeletons are closing in, slowly but surely.

I don’t have time to think—I dig frantically through my pouch.

My fingers brush against something, and my eyes widen.

“Oh… right.”

I’d forgotten about this.

With this, even my plain knife can harm the skeletons.

No, more than that—

This might even be more powerful than any light-enhanced weapon or advanced relic.

And… another idea came to me.

I don’t know if it will work, or if it’s the breakthrough I need.

But it’s worth a try.

Even if it’s just a sliver of hope, I’ll take it.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter