CHAPTER 8 MERC AND THE UNEXPECTED DEVELOPMENT

After that, Merc and Law were able to quickly locate and kill another Belbit before returning to the rendezvous point.

Although it may have been impolite to Ganan, he was nowhere near the Large Trees Stump, as they had predicted.

Its your win, Sis.

According to my calculations, only about 30 minutes have passed since the beginning. Even adults would find it hard to gather three animals in such a short time.

Nonetheless, this freed up some time for Merc to work on her catch.

She drained the blood of the two Belbits and was able to clean their intestines by using the water from the small stream that ran down the mountain.

She cut down Aryo, a tall, green plant, and used it to carry the water.

The Aryo had a lot of nodes, and the area between each node was hollow. Merc used the hollow parts to transport water. It wasnt, however, quite enough.

As a result, the entire region was covered with blood, and Law was compelled to look aside due to the scenery and odor.

C-Couldnt you have done it somewhere else?

I would have preferred to do it near a waterfront so that I could also chill them, but there isnt one here.

Merc had been born in a poor village in her previous life, and she had been forced to hunt for food since she was a child. As a result, dealing with the catch had become a part of her. Even if she didnt have access to a waterfront or tools, she could flawlessly prepare the ingredients.

I guess I wont have time to skin them as well. Ganan should be returning any minute now.

Youre right, its almost time Still, I think that big brother Ganan will take a bit more.

Hmph. If his skill with the bow is as good as he says then he should be back soon. Even if it isnt, hell most likely give up and return. Hes quite easy to give up, that Ganan.

Hmph However, when it comes to you, Sis, that isnt the case.

Youre quite the smart cookie, arent you?

Merc was taken aback by Laws words. In her previous life, she hadnt been nearly as clever as him at his age.

That could have been due to the fact that she devoted all of her time to sword training and had no interest in human relationships. Which is most likely why she didnt have her first love till much later in life.

Really, it was a sad story.

Sis, do you think big brother Ganan likes you?

If Im not mistaken, yes. However, he has yet to say anything so dont go asking him, okay? If its merely a misunderstanding, Ill be embarrassed.

Arent you happy?

What? Happy? Because Ganan likes me? Why would I be happy over him liking me?

As she stared at Law, Merc asked with a perplexed expression. Law, on the other hand, only gave a tiny smile and a shake of his head.

If one had to describe his smile, it would undoubtedly be wry.

My, my, I feel bad for big brother Ganan. He doesnt stand a chance.

Youre right. Considering he hasnt returned, its safe to assume he isnt fit to be a hunter. Whatever the circumstances may be, hes just way too slow. Im quite shocked that he still hasnt given up.

I didnt mean that, Sis.

Law whispered. However, the sound of the bell ringing from the bottom of the mountains, signifying noon, drowned out Laws voice.

With it, the hunting contest reached its end.

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That idiot. Could he have gotten lost? Hes been here numerous times already, that shouldnt be the case.

Perhaps he came across a Magic Beast he couldnt handle?

Impossible. Almost no Magic Beasts appear in this mountain. Even if they do show up, they are usually timid and will not attack until provoked. Even if you do attack them, you can flee and they will not pursue you.

Despite what she said, Merc began to be concerned as well, affected by Laws anxious expression. The nape of the neck began to tingle before she realized it. It was something she remember from her previous life, and it warned her that something bad was going to happen.

However, Merc reasoned calmly that the mountain had no deadly Magic Beasts. And since her intuition wasnt always correct, she reasoned that she was likely overthinking things.

After all, it was Ganan they were talking about. He had probably wandered off somewhere, completely forgetting about the contest. After all, Ganan had a habit of doing things like that.

Lets wait a bit more. If he doesnt come back in 15 minutes, well go looking.

Okay.

However, even after 15 minutes, Ganan had yet to return. Both Merc and Law were beginning to grow suspicious.

This is strange. He should have heard the bell, no matter how ignorant he is to the time. Could he have gotten stuck somewhere

Should we go look for him?

Yea. If we dont find him in half an hour, well tell the adults.

Okay.

With one hand, Merc tied her catch to the end of her wooden stick and hoisted it over her shoulder, while the other gripped Laws hand.

No matter what dont let go, okay?

Okay BIG BROTHER GANAN!!!

GANAN! COME OUT!

The two of them walked in the same direction Ganan had when the competition had just begun. They both screamed at the top of their lungs as they walked, scaring the nearby animals, but they paid no attention to them. Rather, they were relieved that there were no animals who wouldnt be intimidated by their shouts.

Hey, you two, whats wrong?

They stumbled onto a familiar hunter from the elf village, who had a puzzled expression on his face, as they walked, shouting. He was carrying a cage on his back and wielding a bow and arrows.

Mister! Have you seen Ganan? He didnt show up when we said he would.

Ganan? I recall him asking for a location where he could easily catch games. So I told him about the Leda Trees and how the game gathers there. Although it is just a gathering spot for animals, it is by no means a place where games may be easily caught.

Leda Trees?

They have a red trunk with needle-shaped leaves. As a result, its easy to spot animals hiding in them.

Oh! That tree. Got it. Thank you! You can have this as thanks.

What?

As she spoke, Merc placed the blue bird and the Belbits inside the hunters cage. Even though she was remorseful, Ganans safety came first.

C-Can I really have them?

Yes. Ive already drained the blood so use them as youd like.

I-I see. Thanks. Ill be in the area for a while, so give me a call if you need anything.

Will do. Well then, see you!

Law murmured regretfully as they distanced themselves from the hunter. Our meat He was most likely looking forward to tonights dinner.

Im sorry. Ill make sure you eat to your hearts content the next time, so just bear it for now.

I know Big brother Ganans safety comes first.

Merc raced towards the grove of Leda Trees, silently thanking her brother for his understanding.

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When they arrived, they discovered Ganan covered in blood and his clothes tattered.