Chapter 349: Gramps Ton and his Friends + Blood Stench

There are all kinds of responses from Grasping Perception, butI cant feel any magic sources of huge monsters. Still, the smell of blood is fairly dense.

Then again, its different from

. I sense a blood pulse and smell a rich blood stench. A strong smell of sulfur also hangs in the air, but is there a hot spring around here or something?

Its kinda impossible for the river to be a hot spring, but under the current circ.u.mstances, I dont really feel like leisurely searching for a hot spring to take a bath.

Okay, in this situation Im going to judge the blood stench as dangerous. I think we should avoid taking a rest right now. Things are different from the time when I was traveling with Rollodeen and Higlia. If I had only experienced adventurers with me, I might have had the leeway to enjoy working as a normal adventurer while exploring things, regardless of some smell or not, until weve reached Quiches village.

At that point I look at the people Ive brought with us when Arry and Taackexhaustion is written on their faces.

An ugly human man who looks like hed commit any debauchery he could, a good-natured old man, a fat elven woman with plenty of red pimples on her face, a karamnian with a leech-like tongue, a thin human girl resembling the past Rubia, a human boy or girl with one leg and arm covered in bandages all over, an old human lady wearing Indian-styled clothes endowed with mana, and all kinds of other men and women from various races.

To be blunt, I dont have any duty to rescue all these people. But, now that I did save them, Ill do the least necessary work to keep them alive. Thats also why Ill get Rollodeen to transform into her Huge Lion form, and use her to carry all of them to Hekatrail or Quiches village which is on the way.

As Im considering those two options, I politely explain to everyone, Everyone, proceeding any further as happily as going on a walk comes to an end here. In other words, Im thinking about directly taking you to Hekatrail or a village thats being reclaimed by a friend of mine in the Sea of Trees. Which do you prefer?

In response, an old man who likes nuts, bites in a nut while saying, Now then, a thought is a book of hundred lines. Your concern is appreciated, but the place where we live is the interior of the Sea of Trees where the illusionary currymino nuts rain from the trees like a waterfall, you know? Bringing us to a cityis a crazy idea, I think.

Countless creases run across his head, and a long beard grows from the tip of his slender jaw.

I agree with Cooking Master Ton, known for mumbling enigmatic things each and every time. Lad, you have my thanks for having rescued and protected us. But, bringing us directly to Hekatrail from here? You do realize that were deep in the Sea of Trees, right? How are you going to bring us to the city?

A middle-aged karamnian asks something very reasonable. Or rather, that gramps wasnt a nut otaku who likes knowing all kinds of stuff?

While thinking that theres apparently all kinds of scaly skins, I laugh shortly, and then look at Rollodeen whos been listening to my words in front of me. Shes sitting there as a black panther, totally still like a doll. Even though her posture betrays her vigilance, shes properly listening to my words that are echoing throughout the forest.

However, shes being pranked by Arry who tickles her nose with a twig. Rollodeen looks like shes about to sneeze any moment But, without minding the meddling, she stares at me.

Dont worry. Its not like my head got messed up by the forests energy, some phytoncides, or mysterious scales of the Death b.u.t.terfly people. My partner Timing it, I extend my arm, and point a finger Rollodeen.

Fufu, you mean Rollo-chan?

Arry s.h.i.+fts from the twig in her hand to the rabbit tail, and uses the fluffy material to tease Rollodeens nose once more while asking me. The amulet left behind by Azora as a cat teasershes a truly mischievous girly.

Correct. I nod at Arry while putting a smile on my lips.

Rollodeen still hasnt sneezed. Shes keeping up a cool beast face. Is she staying cautious of the blood stench? At least it doesnt look like she minds Arry messing around.

Just when I think that I should go on while looking at Rollodeens dignified appearance, Arry speaks up, muttering with a somewhat disappointed voice, I wanna have the cat powder Shuuya-anchan is carrying around. I want to see Rollo-chan rolling around while purring, but I pretend to not have heard her.

Anyway, I guess Ill continue speaking to everyone.

Right now Rollodeen looks like a black panther. Butas a matter of fact, she can also transform into a form similar to a griffon or dragon. And its also possible for her to grow out wings, or in short, Rollo can fly. Its because shes a true divine beast. Thats why I planned to have all of you get on her back to carry you out of here.

A short break follows my words. And then everyones eyes focus on Rollodeen while blinking in wonder.

Ooohh, that exclamation of astonishment reverberates into the Sea of Trees.

If thats true, its really amazing.

If an-chan is the one saying it, its probably true.

A part of the rescued people mutters amongst themselves, repeatedly mentioning a divine beast, and then they raise their voices in admiration.

As of yet, Rollodeen plays innocent, looking indifferent while playing around by swinging her tail. She doesnt transform, though.

Some of the people are also scared as if they got afraid after hearing the term divine beast. On the other hand, Higlia is overjoyed. She looks awfully proud. While folding her arms in front of her bulging breastplate, she nods her head with a determined expression as if saying that its only to be expected.

Once I look at her, she notices my stare, glances my way, accompanying it with a pleasant smile. And then she averts her eyes in embarra.s.sment, before turning her blue eyes my way again.

Is some kind of female psychology in the works here? No clue, but she sure is a busy fellow.

Suddenly, a tall human man asks, Hekatrail, eh? Can we live in such a huge city after going there all of a sudden?

Even if you ask me

Ive got no connections in Hekatrail, so the most I can do is to introduce them to dark guild work

Ive been cultivating a field in the village. Im a guy who cant do anything but that. Something like finding work in a big city is kinda asking too much.

Ive been cutting wood. Its because it was a village where a small number of lumberjacks lived and where you could occasionally catch sight of an orc, goblin, tandel aborigine, or a monster. Buteven the village got completely razed to the ground by the vampires

Im the same as Mauric and Ebe. The villagers of Todelfell all became vampire food.

I guess all of them come from different places.

Arent there any people hailing from the same village here? I try asking.

No. The ones who have survived areonly people whose race and village name we dont know.

Its a male dwarf with conspicuous wrinkles who agrees with the human farmer Mauric and the lumberjack Ebe. He must be a farmer since something like seed bags are attached to his waistband. I suppose this seed-loving dwarf is similar to Mauric.

Setting that aside, all of us are fellow inmates of the same jail, right? Mauric blurts out as if reacting to some b.u.t.t-loving woman.

Its great that Helme isnt around.

Youre right. Were comrades whove spent our time together in the same cell. Id like to do my share for the sake of the nameless adults and children who died. However, even if I say so

Riedel, how about simply rejoicing that your blood hasnt been sucked out?

Paruyouve got a point. But, its not like Ive got the strength as I had when I was still a lively child like Arry or Taack.I cant handle a needle either, you know? Only gathering small strawI cant do any proper reed cutting like a man eitherthats why Im worried. Even if I can go to Hekatrail as he says, Ill only end up a vagabond in the New Town Ive heard about in rumors, or if Im lucky, spend the rest of my life as prost.i.tute

Riedel is the thin girl that entered my field of view earlier. But shes right, she doesnt look like shes suited for being a tailor. She got an atmosphere as if shed ask, Is money necessary to take lessons?, even if I got her employed at a tailor in Hekatrail.

Everyone seems uneasy about living in Hekatrail. Then itd be best to bring all of them to Quiches village, wouldnt it?

If you slide out, you live; if you go in, you dieas long as people keep living, therell be times where they will move to dangerous places while moving around The nut-lover mutters something philosophical after hearing Riedels lamentation.

Gramps Ton, weve heard plenty of that in the cell already, so give it a rest with the incomprehensible stuff. Mauric glares at Gramps Ton while frowning.

Still, I wonder, just whos Gramps Ton? Thats nothing an ordinary person would ever say.

What, after hearing Riedels words, I just felt like saying that body and mind are one. He tosses up an acorn nut in front of himself, catching it with his mouth.

His outward appearance suggests that hes simply a nut-loving, old gramps.

Dont state the obvious.

Hmm, rather than that, Mauric, did you express your thanks to our great benefactor?

I did.

Being told so by Gramps Ton, Mauric turns his eyes towards me.

Let me say it once more. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Gramps Ton follows Maurics eyes and bows his head at me while thanking me.

Its kinda embarra.s.sing.

No, its fine. No need to thank me so much.

Youre a great, strong warriorcompletely different to Mauric and Riedel.

Whaa? Well, youre not wrong about it

Gramps Ton

Both are unhappy about Gramps Ton comparing them with me.

Basket on top, shame at the bottomall people have blood rush to their face when they suffer disgrace. Dont lose sight of yourself. Look at the wall and yourself. Turn the wall into a mirror and look at yourself. Just be happy to have been saved in good health. We got saved in this chaotic worldequal to darkness, just like the stars twinkling in the night sky, right?

What are you trying to tell us, Gramps Ton? In short, youre saying you can eat tasty nuts?

A whirlpool is the place where good fortune comes from, good fortune is the hiding place of whirlpools

Gramps Ton, were already out of the jail. Didnt the whirlpool turn into good fortune?

Maurics statement follows after he interprets Gramps Tons words like that. But, whos that Gramps Ton anyway?

While looking at everyone, I speak up, Im sorry to disturb you while youre talking, but Ive been thinking about heading to the pioneer villages run by my friend Quiche. How about that?

Village Chief Quiche? Ive never heard about a pioneer village. Are they going to accept beings like us over there?

Beings, huh? The one asking is the old dwarf. He places a hand on a seed bag hanging at his waist. I dont feel mana or anything like that from the bag, butmaybe it contains some important seeds?

Also, I dont think he needs to abase himself that much. But, as for heading for Quiches villageI still havent explained all these people to her. Of course it cant be helped since its a sudden development, butI simply didnt think about anything else but saving Arry and Taack.

Actually, I havent talked to the village chief about anything but saving the children. We havent talked about you people at all. But, either way, Ill head over to Quiches village, okay?

How pushy. The old dwarf says with a grim look.

But, I can tell that hes laughing.

Thats only natural. I promised Quiche that Id rescue Arry and Taack, you see? Ill keep that promise.

She your woman then?

Shes my friend. I dont knowwhether my friend Quiche is going to take you in. Thus, please do your best in negotiating with her about the necessities of life.

It may sound cold-hearted, but this is as much as I can do for them.

Shuuya-an-chan, itll be alright. Taack raises his hand.

Will it? I ask.

Yep. Arry and I, no, in reality its Quiche who leads us, have been hunting the aborigines living in Gendal of the

Rose Forest

.

Yeah! We also hunt maaany of the goblins living in the area from the

Horse Cliff Rock

and the

Plemos Basin

to close to the pretty

Crystal Pond

! Arry cheerfully adds to Taacks comment.

Arry is quite decent at killing goblins. The goblins have nests over there, and were also hunting them as a prayer to Water Spider-sama. Thats why weve already gathered all kinds of materials and ingredients at the village!

Taack is right! Cydale has nuts, and theres lots of s.p.a.ce to build houses. Its just theres no houses as we have only one adult with us.

Arry and Taack explain happily. Though I dont know any Water Spiders.

In other words, they want to say that Quiche is going to accept these people, right? Well, its a bit vague, but for some reason or another Ive been thinking that she might be willing to take them in.

Also, theres lots of mysterious holes below. It looks like there were big homes there in the past. Its a place heading underground, but Quiche told us to not go in there.

Yep, yep. Weve got many caves that make weird sounds. Taack likes adventures, so he wanted to go in there, but Quiche told him thats absolutely forbidden to do so, scolding him with a very angry look. She mentioned something about her ancestors, a Befa-something empire, and some lost altar or similar.

Ya, it was my first time to see Quiche so angry. Taack supplements while looking slightly scared.

Underground? Empire? The elven empire? Hmm, I guess I wont be able to get Quiche to tell me the details An expression hes seen for the first time? Like the one when she looked at the starry sky?

But, Quiche-onee-chan is a gentle person who accepted us as well. So she should happily accept all of you as well.

As I hear Arrys statement, I recall Quiche with her nice hair ornament. I feel like shes appeared in front of me with her jade green hair and eyes.

I smile, and say to Arry, Youre right, its because its Quiche were talking about here.

Yes! Quiche-onee-chan always says that personnel is important. Me as well Its not just the strong Nemus and Moga, but I also like the good friends Riedel and Gramps Paru. I also like Gramps Tons talk about nut gathering, cooking, and all kinds of things! I also love Granny Bangs story about scary spells! I love all of those who got captured with us! So, Im sure itll be alright! Arry says full of confidence.

The other people all have gentle looks as they listen to Arrys words. The smile and brightness befitting her might have given hope and salvation to those people inside the jail. Theyve all relaxed a bit.

And then the scenery of Quiches village crosses my mind. I recall the old, stone stairway-like construction leading high up to a place where rocks similar to tombstones are lined up. Its an open land with trees sticking out at the sides. I feel like its a place that has been formed by carefully panning countless rocks with machine tools.

Maybe these people here will be able to play a major role in developing the village. And, Quiche hometown is kinda like a historic ruin, isnt it? Its a place that had existed before it was destroyed by the evil dragon king the village where Quiches clan lived in the past.

Also, Arry and Taack said that Quiche would accept those people. Well, if its about going shopping and paying for food, I can help out as well. If they keep at stockraising, itd also be an option to bring Popob.u.mu over. Making money with the milk of Popob.u.mu

No, Popob.u.mus home is in Pelneet. My servants like Mimi use him for shopping and above all, they really cherish him, so lets stop that train of thought.

Thinking about all that has woken the wish in me to see Popob.u.mu again!

With that said, everyone, were going to head to Quiches village. After taking a breath to calm my thumping heart, As a matter of fact, its also a base thats being protected by my cherished friends. So, Quiches village should be slightly safer than the place were at right now. And, once we get back, Ill also help fortify Quiches placethis is before I head out on a journey thoughbut still, I want to contribute a bit as well.

I see. With you, a great man who doesnt spare any effort to help others and a strong fighter who can properly tell his own fighting capabilities as you continue through a sages idleness of chaosand your excellent subordinatesit should be possible to give us a peace of mind. Gramps Ton says with a polite tone.

He seems to be a nut-loving cook, butIm ending up feeling indebted to him I dont feel any Magic Combat Style-like power from him, butI can sense a strength coupled with dignity and humbleness from his words and att.i.tude. I think you could even call him a person whos as big-hearted as the sea.

Haha, youre exaggerating. Im an outlaw, and not someone as grand as you make me out to be.

Youre a splendid person. Once we reach that base, Id like to treat you to my eight delicacies.

Cooking, huh? Im happy, but I think Ill choose the safe approach here and bow my head

Once I do so, a smile, as if the wrinkles on his face are being smoothed out, forms on Gramps Tons lips.

Now then, the all-important Rollodeen isoh, seemingly having understood that the talk has finished, shes b.u.mping her head against my waist.

Nn, nyaa She meows.

And after playing around with me and the children, Rollodeen extends some tentacles from her torso, and makes them turn around and around in the air as if creating the grip of an umbrella, before turning the tentacles and her tail towards the Sea of Trees which is extending across a river.

Trees tower on the other side of the river. Its a place with a thick stench of blood wafting in the air. But, the movements of her wriggling tentacles as they entwine her tail are funny. Im sure I wont get tired from simply watching that.

Rollo-chan, are you curious about that place?

Shuuya-an-chan is looking there as well.

Yeah, because of the smell I agree with Arry and Taack to tear my eyes off Rollodeens tail and tentacles while looking towards the other side of the river from where the stench of blood mixed with sulfur originates.

Going by Rollodeens behavior, she apparently wants to scout

Each and every single of the trees has a weird shape as youd expect from the Sea of Trees. I dont think its because of the moonlight, but they look different from the trees growing in the Whirlpool Forest of Demonic Fog. But, the abundance of nature is a common trait shared by both forests. The murmuring of clear streams and the narrow paths leading deeper into the forest make me think of haiku.

1

I can also see intersecting animal trails underneath the trees. Flower bags emitting a faint light like paper lanterns are drawing in all kinds of bugs, buzzing around them like mirages. In front is a sloping embankment with moss and vines hanging down from the trees like a curtain. Even the water surface flowing at the bottom of the slope seems to emit a mysterious glow.

Maybe blinking, glowing bugs? Or monsters? They also look like b.u.t.terflies. But wait, dont tell me?

As I think soI keep staring at the river together with Rollodeen whos moved next to me.

Coupled with the moonlight which gives me the impression as if its weakening the dense stench of blood, its a very beautiful scenery. My eyes are naturally drawn to the rivers surface. The rivers path looks like a dancing, silver snake.

This scenery must also, but Rollodeen shows no reaction. She only keeps gazing at the surface like back when she stared at the water surfaces patterns of the Heim River a long time ago.

Rollodeen apparently has judged the blood stench worrisome, just like me. Her head is pointing in the direction from where it wafts over. She starts walking towards the waterfront while her tail sways as if telling me, This way ~nya.

Its because of the abnormality of this blood stench which also has the smell of sulfur and iron added to it. But, we wont explore it.

I turn towards the proudly walking panther, and tell her, Rollo, wait. Just like we talked about before, nows not the time for explorations.

Nya?

Please turn into your huge divine beast form. Well head straight for Quiches village through the sky.

Nnn, nyaaa~ She happily meows as if humming a melody while shaking her tail.

After turning around, she begins to run. Then, as she leaps into the air, she transforms. Shes also fond of hunting down blood stench, butshe usually likes sky trips as well. She completes her transformation, by changing from a panther to a griffon-like appearance.

Uuaaaahh!

Oooohhh!

She became huge in no time!

A big Rollo-chan!

Hey, Shuuya, I havent heard anything about this.

W-What is that?

Hyaaa~

G.o.d Wolf Hurley-sama?

I am, Nemus!

Of course everyone is startled out of their wits. Some flop down on their b.u.ms, others spit out the nuts in their mouth.

Everyone, sorry to interrupt your astonishment, but

Just when Im about to tell everyone to get ona bell rings from the river.

A huge stone? A coffin appears. Its not like huge coffins are streaming down rivers like Momotarou or peaches. Its floating very unnaturally atop the river. Various old, religious paintings are drawn on its surface.

In the midst of all this, I suddenly notice four men wearing black suits. They have silken hats on their heads, but they arent Paulsen. And, the sulfur smell is really intense

Well, the smell is amazing, but I can also sense a huge amount of mana from inside and outside the coffin. Is that big coffin a monster? An enemy? Speaking of coffinsmaybe it belongs to Hoffmann?

When he fought the Death b.u.t.terfly woman with the white hatsuch a coffin appeared from the blood mantle-like half of his body.

A huge arm with a reddish color appears from the coffins side. That arm touches the coffins upper part.

Everyone! Stay away from us and the river!

Eh? Okay.

Got it, everyone, step back.

Whats going on?

Im, Neeemus!

Nemus, were the rear guards. Leave the weird coffin to Shuuya.

I, am, Nemus.

Step back? Sure, but

I dont think theyre careless, but everyone is acting too slowly. With the feeling of releasing a part of my blood power, I say with a vampiric face, Moga, Nemus, please take care of everyone. And all of you, get backfurther

In the next moment, everyone starts to run so as to get away from the river. Only the scared Higlia is left behind.

Rollo, you ready?

Nya.

Rollodeen is now a divine beast. As soon as she hears my words, she gestures with something similar to a nod.

Garurururu.

With a beastly growl, she leaps into the air above the river. Floating up there, she throws her mouth wide open like a dragon.

The huge coffin answers that by wriggling vehemently. The coffins big lid slides to the side. Its trying to open itself while releasing some eerie, slithering sound.

Rollodeen threatens that coffin. She glares at it while growling. A bunch of tentacles extend from her torso like a peafowls feathers. The swarm of tentacles sways around like countless raven feathers. If she uses those tentacles, she can instantaneously unleash a violent barrage of attacks.

But, Rollodeen doesnt move. Shes surprisingly calm while strengthening her glare. As of yet, she doesnt try to launch an attack against the coffin. Its because there are people she has to protect, even if theyve taken some distance.

No, its because Higlia is still around, huh?

Even while I ponder about thisI put Murasames hilt back into my waist. Then I spread my arms, summoning Baldok and Ganghis. While sensing the touch of the spears in my hands, I leap, and land on Rollodeens back.

While the ma.s.s of tentacles extending from the back of her head flutters around within my line of sightI continue staring at the coffin which is floating above the river.

Going by its huge, red arm, the main body should be quite gigantic, huh? Is this going to turn into a battle?