The Felling of the Giant Tree, and the Outsiders Arrival
* * *
Some more time passed after that.
The wheat fields had grown considerably taller, their height already reaching my chest.
According to Prough-kun, the harvest season would arrive soon.
Im really looking forward to it.
Myogon, Myogoshugomyonshugoh! Myogon, Myogoshugomyonshugoh!
The Myogomyogoshugo, with its unique sound in this region, heralds the arrival of early summer.
The temperatures have well surpassed warm and are already hot.
Under such a summer sky, I currently stand at the villages edge, near the forest.
Alright, were all set over here! Miss, go ahead!
That was Rontes command.
Well then, let me give it a try.
What Im facing is a massive tree obstructing the expansion of our fields.
A size that would likely be enshrined as a sacred tree in my previous world, but in this world, trees of this magnitude are so abundant theyre treated as disposable.
My task is to fell this giant tree, along with the surrounding trees in this area.
Essential work to clear more land for cultivating wheat.
Ill put in my full effort to contribute to the village.
Extending my right hand with fingers pointed straight, I take a stance.
Enveloping it in mana, the preparations for Mantis are complete.
However, my opponent is a giant tree.
Its trunks thickness is so immense, even four or five adults joining hands wouldnt be able to encircle it.
Using my entire arm as a blade wouldnt provide sufficient length to fell it.
Well, I could make a cut partway, then kick it down with all my might, but that feels like a waste.
Since this is a good opportunity, Ill field-test a new technique.
Taking a deep breath, I concentrate.
What Im about to do is an application combining Mantis and Magic Slash Thread.
From my outstretched fingertips, I extend slashing mana.
No need to refine it into thin threads like Magic Slash Thread.
The image would be extending the blade portion of my mana-clad arm, I suppose?
Extending a mana blade.
I did it.
It took quite some time, but I managed.
Still nowhere near combat-applicable levels, but sufficient for this task.
Anyone capable of Magic Perception like myself should be able to perceive the flat, extremely elongated blade projecting horizontally from my raised right arm.
Ive dubbed this technique the straightforward Great Mantis, for lack of a better name.
..
The power bestowed upon me by the Black Dragons blood seems considerable, as Ive already recovered my pre-demon realm mana reserves.
Though my lingering hunger suggests those reserves will continue increasing further.
Nevertheless, even with my current mana capacity, maintaining this Great Mantis is quite taxing.
Quite mana-intensive, really.
Best to complete this task promptly.
Hah!!
Mustering my spirit, I swing my mana-bladed right arm toward the giant tree.
Hyunthe sound of cutting wind.
My blade passed through the tree without resistance.
Seconds later, a creaking zuzuzumi shimi shi resounded from the tree.
Its gonna faaall!!
The instant after Ronte warned the surrounding villagers, the tree exposed its severed surface and began toppling toward the ground.
With the days major task now complete.
One minor issue, thoughthis giant tree is falling straight toward me!
I should have considered the falling direction more carefully when cutting, huh.
My bad, my bad.
Oh, hey!
Danger! Run!
The villagers panicked, but its fine.
Calmly extending my left hand upward, I catch the falling giant tree.
Yeah, no problem.
Pretty light, actually.
I simply toss it aside toward an uninhabited area, resolving the situation.
To be able to handle something like this without even using Body Strengthening, the physical changes from mana transformation must be remarkable!
If consuming monsters causes mana transformation, everyone should just do that, right?
I wonder why they dont?
Well, whatever.
Phew, that was a close one!
Miss, youre amazing!
The villagers cheered loudly, clapping excitedly.
Honestly, my heart almost stoppedMiss, you need to be more careful with tasks like these.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Ronte approached me.
Take better care of yourself. Youre an important part of this village, after all.
Pat pat pat. He gently stroked my head with his hand.
Its sweaty.
Alright! Now its our turn, guys! We cant keep relying on the Miss, or well lose our manhood! Lets get to work!
Ohhhhh!!!
Following Rontes rallying cry, the village men began felling the trees.
The once densely forested area rapidly transformed into an open clearing.
Gradually expanding the village, increasing the land available for wheat cultivation.
My next task would be relocating the felled tree trunks to a less obstructive area.
The giant tree I had cut down was far too large to carry, so Id have to drag it, but the trees felled by the villagers were average-sized.
Around the thickness an adult could barely hug with both arms.
Not excessively heavy, so I could hoist one over each shoulder to the log stockpile area.
Diligently working while ruminating on Rontes earlier words.
Youre an important part of this village, after all.
Thats what he said.
This village accepted me without discrimination, despite my status as the scorned cursed child.
They acknowledge me.
Im happy.
If my facial muscles werent paralyzed, Im sure Id be making an unsightly beaming expression right now.
Could there be any greater joy?
I naturally thought, I want to contribute more to the village.
And I hoped these tranquil days could continue forever.
Bread delivery~!
Alright everyone, good stopping point! Lets take our lunch break!
Ohhhh!!!
Fetti-chan arrived with a large basket full of bread.
Taking some, we all sat in the remaining shade, basking in the pleasant early summer breeze for our midday meal.
Laughter filled the blissful time passing by.
Myogon, Myogoshugomyonshugoh! Myogon, Myogo?!
The Myogomyogoshugo was being noisy, so I swiftly climbed a tree, caught it, and ate it.
Also, figuring just eating bread wouldnt provide enough vegetables, I plucked and ate some tree leaves too.
* * *
Now, this particular day in the tranquil Grounoddka Village did have a small incident occur in the evening.
It was already past 6 pm.
The crimson sunset beyond the wheat fields illuminated us returning from work with its side light, casting long shadows.
All the villagers wore satisfied expressions, filled with a pleasant fatigue and sense of accomplishment from a job well done.
I too headed back to Ottas home.
Otta and Prough-kun should have finished their fieldwork by now and be waiting for me.
I walked while imagining the enjoyable dinner time with those two.
My steps naturally had a spring to them as I proceeded down the country road.
Thats when it happened.
Ronte!!
A loud male voice echoed from the side path.
We all stopped and instinctively turned toward the source.
Standing there was an unfamiliar tall man.
With a shaggy, reddish-brown long hairstyle, he wore a slightly tattered leather armor.
YouSeejin, aint it? Long time no see, eh!
Saying that with a smile, the one approaching the tall manSeejin was the aforementioned Ronte.
Come to think of it, I had heard that Ronte used to be an adventurer along with his wife Itakk before coming to this village.
Seejins appearance closely resembled the adventurers I had seen loitering around Yoshanka too.
However, this Seejin seemed rather strange.
Despite Rontes smile, he looked somewhat angry for some reason.
Not a long time, is it!? Youwhat are you doing!?
Doing? Raising wheat?
Why!? Youre an adventurer, arent you!?
I retired! This village needed manpower, and I figured my age made it an opportune time.
Wh-Whatwhat are you saying!? This is ridiculous!! You tooare you the same!?
Although Ronte responded calmly, Seejin seemed oddly flustered.
The content of his words was strange too.
You too? What did he mean by that?
Oh, wait.
This could get messy.
Cant be helped, then! Ill have to forcibly take you away for now! Youre going to sleep for a bit! Please forgive me, Ronte!
It happened so suddenly.
Saying that, Seejin abruptly assaulted the defenseless Ronte!
His body blow aimed squarely at the surprised Rontes abdomen!
But!!
Pashin!!
A crisp sound echoed across the wheat fields dyed in the sunsets glow.
The sound of Seejins punch being stopped.
By whom?
Me.
Yeah, I could perceive his blatant activation of Body Strengthening thanks to my constantly active Magic Perception these days.
Perhaps an unnecessary intervention, but I took the liberty regardless.
Fortunately for me, Seejins attack was just a body blow.
My height was barely enough to intercept it.
Ah!? Youblack hair, black eyes? A cursed child!? L-Let go! Remove those disgusting hands!! Dont interfere, or Ill kill you!!
Unlike Ronte, Seejin adopted a rather rude attitude toward me.
Who is this guy?
The murderous intent I unconsciously directed at him made his body shrink back in fear.
HihHiiih!?
Now! Restrain him!
Dont think you can lay your hands on a villager and get away with it, scum!
Seizing that opportunity, the surrounding villagers instantly swarmed and restrained Seejin.
L-Let go! Let go!!
Seejin struggled, but it was futile against their superior numbers.
My apologies, Miss. An old comrade caused you trouble.
Ronte apologized to me with a bow.
Though he had no need to do so
Not sure whats going on with Seejin, but he must have his reasons. We adults will hear him out on that later. For now, Miss, you should head on home. Otta and young Master Prough will be waiting.
Well, if he insists, Ill take him up on that offer.
I nod, then start walking toward Ottas home.
Thanks to Seejins incident, we lost some extra time.
The sun had already set beyond the wheat fields, with countless stars twinkling in the purple dusk sky.
I shouldnt keep those two waiting too long.
With that thought, I found myself breaking into a jog along the country road.
And yet.
And yet, for some reason.
I feel somewhat irritated, which has been quite a while.
Tomorrow.
Yes, tomorrow, Ill wake up earlier than usual and go hunting extensively.
Yeah, thats a good idea. Vent out some stress.
Let loose and vent stress, then eat lots of meat to vent more stress!
Right? Sounds good, right?
Yeah, exactly!
Hmm?
Ottas house came into view.
Warm candlelight spilled from the windows.
The savory aroma of baked blessed bread wafted over.
Guuguu My stomach growled loudly.
However.
My footsteps advancing along the country road came to a halt.
Bringing a hand to my mouth, I contemplated.
What is this feeling?
For some reason, Ive sensed an odd dissonance lately.
Likesomething is missing from my current self.
A vague, indistinct feeling that something incredibly important is lacking.
Ah, there you are! Emi, youre late! Hurry up, or the bread will get cold!
At that moment, Prough-kun spotted me standing there in front of the house after poking his head out the entrance, calling out to me.
Oops, my bad.
I was lost in thought.
Pulled inside Ottas home by Prough-kun, I was welcomed by the warm candlelight, the delicious aroma of tonights dinner.
And.
Welcome back, Emi!
Ehehe, good work! Welcome back, Emi!
The kind words from Otta and Prough-kun.
Im back.
Enveloped in blissful feelings, I had dinner together with those two.