Chapter 100
Chapter 100
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Back to Solen (2)
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Thus began our merciless hunt with Ken. Starting from the red sea lions, we took down giant water bears, swordfish, and even dozens of sea goblins strung together with black seaweed....
I wondered just how many prey we'd offered up. It was around the time I felt like we'd completely wiped out the sea goblins in the area that the female kraken finally reacted.
She twitched her tentacles in time with Ken's movements!
'This really was the best approach after all.'
Like most powerful monsters, the kraken had survived alone by hunting alone. For such a creature, sharing prey was an enormous sign of affection.
'Just keep this up, Ken.'
I might not have much success with romance in the real world, but I'm glad I could help you out. Ah, why do tears feel like they're welling up...?
Anyway, having taught Ken how to win her favor, I got back to my original goal and laid down the rules for him once more. Don't show up on the coast, don't touch humans, don't attack ships, and stay inside the dungeon as much as possible.... He wasn't thrilled about that last one. Probably because of the female kraken.
'The Abyss is still too dangerous for you.'
I coaxed and soothed Ken as best I could before ending the soul link. I hoped he'd listen for the time being. Who knew what might happen now that he was so smitten with that female kraken.
His growth was faster than I'd expected. Krakens grew at varying rates, but even though I hadn't spent that long in Lyset, he'd already matured enough to prepare for breeding....
'I might have to send him off soon.'
He'd stuck around the Ekaitz sea dungeon, drying up the sea goblin population, so letting him go at the right time didn't sound like a bad idea. Even after reaching adulthood, if he lingered near the Ekaitz sea, who knew what trouble might brew.
Bittersweet, really.
I'd been in communion for quite a while, it seemed, because the water had gone lukewarm. I finished up my bath and stepped out of the tub.
'Maybe I'll write in my journal before bed for once.'
I slipped on a robe and sat at the small table. Pulling out an old notebook, I dried my hair with a gentle breeze from [Breath of the Forest] while jotting down recent events.
Or at least, I tried to.
*Whoosh...*
The steady candle flame suddenly snuffed out, plunging the room into darkness. The hairs on my arms stood on end at the sensation.
I set down my quill and slowly scanned the surroundings. Nothing seemed out of place. Ayla just glanced around without barking.
*Was it the breeze from [Breath of the Forest]?*
'But the wind didn't even reach near the candle.'
I relit the candle. Must've been my imagination. I picked up the quill again, and...
*Whoosh!*
The candle went out once more.
"......"
This was no coincidence. I stood and checked the area. Thanks to the 'Eyes Piercing the Darkness' trait from the [Guardian of the Black Forest] achievement, the dark posed no obstacle.
"Kekeke."
Better safe than sorry. I quietly summoned Dimacushel, rested a hand on the dagger at my waist, and slowly approached the only entry point for an intruder—the window.
*Caw, caw, caw...*
Distant crow calls mingled with the sound of flapping wings.
'No way...'
I flung open the window and peered out. Black feathers drifted down from the sill. Damn, damn, damn! Someone had been watching me. Using a familiar? I wanted to grab it, but the crow was already too far gone.
I snatched a pigeon sleeping near the roof, whispered a spell over it, and sent it flying toward where the crow had vanished. The groggy pigeon wobbled into the night sky. It was a hasty choice using the pigeon, but would it track the crow's trail?
'Things were going so smoothly, and now this right after leaving Lyset.'
Getting surveilled already was a problem....
I stared at the night sky with a heavy heart.
The next day.
Not far from the inn, I found the dead pigeon. It was charred black like a lump of coal—clearly hit by magic.
'Solen has enemies.'
This was a blatant message. A warning I couldn't ignore! I buried the pigeon under nearby bushes and offered a quiet prayer.
'I'll avenge you for sure.'
Even though we'd only met yesterday, sorry for dragging you into this. I planted a white violet at the spot and returned to the inn. Lloyd and El greeted me as they ate breakfast.
"Master! Where've you been since morning?"
"Just a short walk."
I gave a curt reply, sat down, and asked the innkeeper for breakfast. Simple fare: warm cream stew and freshly baked bread. Spoon in hand, I spoke up.
"Don't freak out."
"......"
"Seems like we're being watched."
Thanks to my warning, neither reacted much. El's eyes just widened a bit.
"At least since last night. Don't know who or why yet."
"I see."
"Definitely not with good intentions, though."
"Probably not."
"Could be the crows."
-Crows?
Dimacushel in the shadows reacted to the word, not them.
-Crows? You should've said so sooner!
"Calm down, Kekeke."
-I could've killed it yesterday!
The shadow under the table rippled. I shushed him quiet.
"We don't know if it was crows yet. And yesterday, it was already...."
-I could've caught it.
"No, you can't leave my side. You wouldn't have."
It wasn't even clear if it flew off or teleported with magic. No way I'd send Dimacushel out in that situation. I kicked the shadow lightly and resumed eating.
"Anyway, we need to stay vigilant while in Solen. Doesn't seem like anything's happening right now, but still."
Lloyd and El nodded.
Not a huge worry, though. Solen, as a nation of mages, had a strong mage vigilante force. Plus, being a small city-state with fewer people than other places, pinpointing suspects if something happened would be easy.
'So even if trouble brews, it won't go down here in Solen.'
The moment we leave Solen... probably on the outskirts of the Barak Empire or the sea route to Ekaitz.
At least Solen itself should be safe?
No point agonizing over it now—nothing to do about it. Stick to the original plan.
'Khalid.'
Yeah, that mad mage I first met in Solen.
I planned to deal with him again. The black opium I'd grown in the Dimensional Garden had thrived. Selling the full harvest to him would fetch a nice sum. Maybe even trade for something special like the subspace ring last time.
"Heading to meet a mage today. Someone I've dealt with before...."
"Problematic type?"
"Yeah. Honestly, seems like a lot of issues."
"Name?"
"Khalid."
"......"
Lloyd's face stiffened instantly.
"You know him?"
"......I do."
What was with the uneasy reaction? I narrowed my eyes, studying Lloyd's expression. He rarely showed emotion, but now he looked uncomfortable, almost queasy, staring off into the distance.
"What's your connection?"
"......"
"Old comrade?"
"......You could say that."
Good lord.
Never saw that coming. This wandering knight and the mad mage are acquainted? Former comrades, even?!
I was dying to know the story, but he didn't look ready to spill. Too bad.... Maybe loosen him up over drinks later?
"Perfect, then."
Lloyd looked anything but pleased, but I smiled and pressed on.
"Old comrade might welcome you. I've only traded with Khalid once, so it'd help if you came along, Lloyd."
"Uh...."
"El, you and Ayla scout around the inn. Might find some traces."
"Yes, Master!"
I stood before Lloyd could refuse.
"Alright, let's go."
"......"
Thankfully, he followed without further protest. Such a straightforward guy. If he didn't want to go, he could've just said so. Or maybe he didn't want to admit it? What could the story be...?
Lost in thought, we soon reached Khalid's mansion. Still that chaotic, eerie vibe. I cautiously knocked on the rusted door.
*Thud, thud, thud.*
After a wait, it creaked open. Despite midday, the interior was dim, reeking of mold and dust. Ugh, really don't wanna go in. As I caught my breath standing there, the golem holding the door stared blankly.
"W-We-We're entering."
"......"
Lloyd and I stepped inside slowly. The door slammed shut with a heavy *bang!!!* Ominous sound.
"Where's Khalid?"
The golem started up the stairs, guiding us. We followed. The old stairs creaked endlessly.
*Creeeak...*
The golem carefully opened a door that looked like a study. Green light flickered lazily within. Were we allowed in? I cleared my throat and called.
"...Khalid?"
At that moment, a massive green flame erupted from inside.
*BOOM!!!!*