Chapter 14
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Na Cho Mu: Harpy Queen? A MILF Too?!
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I wandered around looking for a suitable spot.
Surprisingly, there were quite a few soldiers moving in groups of five.
The sounds of sporadic skirmishes echoed frequently from nearby.
‘Looks like a large-scale operation. But it feels like the goblins knew about it and prepared accordingly. Engagements are breaking out all over the place, more than expected.’
But in an operation like this, wouldn't the baron give some kind of pep talk?
In the real world, when gates opened, hunters moved in units or squads like special forces soldiers.
However, that didn't mean the top commander just holed up in headquarters.
‘They have to properly assess the situation and command. Drones? Modern monsters shoot them down right away.’
That's why commanders needed to see the battlefield firsthand.
But why hadn't the baron shown his face at all during this operation?
This was a medieval fantasy world, no less.
Morale was even more crucial for soldiers here, and management had to be thorough.
‘Come to think of it, the baron's always holed up. Does he spend all day on his rural estate rights or whatever?’
I kept moving forward.
An ominous premonition crept in.
It felt like something was about to happen somewhere I didn't know about.
These hunches of mine always hit the mark.
‘One of two things. Either he's delegated the operation to someone else, or he's too busy to care.’
Based on everything I'd seen of the baron so far, the former was overwhelmingly likely.
Dumping his responsibilities on his subordinates.
Letting the territory fall into ruin while obsessing over his estate privileges.
I let out a sigh.
‘Incompetent heads full of greed are a dime a dozen even in reality.’
But I didn't want to deal with it here.
I had no particular grudge against the baron.
For the territory's sake—or more precisely, for Dani Madam's sake—wasn't there something I should do?
‘What's the point of a baron like this?’
As things stood, he was nothing but a cancer on the territory.
So what then?
In medieval terms, he'd have to be removed.
I clicked my tongue.
‘He hasn't crossed the line yet, so let's watch and wait.’
Besides, I wanted some dramatic growth first.
I felt like I was still lacking for pulling off some grand feat.
I memorized the path as I pressed on.
In my old life, I'd envied countless people but never dreamed of catching up.
‘Why? Because I couldn't awaken. I was an unawakened loser.’
But not anymore.
Things were changing now.
This was my chance.
So I'd seize it.
‘Now I'll show them and prove it. I'll make them envy me!’
Right then, as I was advancing.
I stopped in surprise.
"Huh?"
"Eh? Are you an adventurer?"
"Ah, yeah."
"Yep, you've got the medal."
I'd run into some soldiers.
Demis, the vigilante captain I'd seen before, was there too.
True to his position, he seemed to be commanding the soldiers.
Aside from Demis, there were a solid fifteen soldiers.
"Everyone, listen up. Jensen, take your men and check the northwest first."
"Got it, Captain."
"And Brian? Take your group to the opposite entrance of the forest. These guys were noisy just a bit ago, but now it's too quiet."
"On it!"
Just like something they did every day.
Demis commanded them with practiced ease.
Demis seemed more like the baron than the baron did.
Demis led his five soldiers over to me.
He even gave a polite nod.
"Are you here on a commission too, adventurer?"
"Yeah, that's right. Your command skills are pretty impressive, by the way."
Demis gave an awkward smile at my words.
But some of the bulkier soldiers eyed me.
Their gazes felt familiar.
"Who the hell are you to judge?"
"An adventurer acting all high and mighty."
"Mind your own business. Not sure if you're even doing the job."
"All the adventurers so far failed. You think you're different?"
The soldiers openly mocked me.
Demis clicked his tongue.
"Quiet, all of you. He's still someone acknowledged by the baron."
"No, Captain. What's the point of that acknowledgment? From that baron?"
"Enough! Don't insult the baron."
"We're suffering because of who right now? Sigh, doing now what we should've done ages ago."
The soldiers grumbled openly.
This made it clear just how badly the baron was handling things.
‘Who knows. Maybe there are bootlickers like in reality who'd suck up to even a baron like that.’
Demis was barely keeping them in line with his charisma.
But discontent ran deep among the soldiers.
I got it.
Compared to the crap I'd put up with, this was nothing.
‘The boss doesn't do jack, and the home territory's going to hell. I get it. As a Korean, I've dealt with it plenty.’
But what could you do?
Unless you had the power to turn it all around.
Otherwise, it was just daydreaming.
‘Impeachment in medieval times? Whatever. Guess I'll have to step up here.’
That's how heroes are born in chaotic times.
A way to boost the soldiers' low morale came to mind.
I stepped forward with a smirk.
"Hey, everyone. Want me to show you something fun?"
"What?"
"A goblin massacre operation!"
The soldiers laughed mockingly or clicked their tongues, like they'd been waiting for it.
"What bullshit."
"Massacre my ass."
"Guess your career's the one getting massacred."
"Outsiders always strut around and embarrass themselves."
I shrugged.
This reaction was right on cue.
Even in reality, that's how most people reacted when you said you'd awaken and become a cool hunter.
‘But I did it in the end.’
So I'd do it this time too.
First, I asked Demis.
"One question first. Demis, how long have you been here?"
"Two hours."
"Where were the goblins thickest? Not somewhere like this crossroads, right?"
Demis looked surprised.
He nodded reluctantly.
"Ah, yeah. When did you arrive?"
"Caught a glimpse yesterday while on a commission. But none today."
"Yeah, for some reason they're not showing up, and most fights are breaking out outside the forest."
"Then let's hit their village."
"Pardon? Just us?"
Goblin villages varied by environment, but.
There were at least thirty goblins minimum.
Heading there with this group seemed reckless.
"Goblins basically always move in groups. Fishing, gathering logs—they swarm uselessly for that too."
So the goblin village was practically empty right now.
The soldiers sighed in disbelief.
They'd doubt anything I said.
Demis nodded seriously.
"Alright, let's go check it out!"
"Sure."
I headed to the village with Demis and his group.
Demis marveled at how confidently I led the way.
"You really know the path well?"
"Paths stick with me."
"Even so, memorizing it after one look? With goblins nearby?"
"Ah, yesterday I took a route off the path."
"Huh? You're no ranger."
"That's how you gather intel without getting spotted. Goblins set traps on visible paths."
Demis's face filled with shock.
How do you know all this? it said.
I had no choice but to know.
Academy lessons, porter gigs—I'd seen plenty.
This was basic.
"Th-there it is!"
We finally reached the village.
A quick peek showed about ten goblinlings.
One soldier cursed.
"Fuck, it's mostly empty, but there's still that many?"
I grinned.
Slowly approached the village entrance.
Demis's voice came from behind.
"A-adventurer?"
"Watch this."
I pulled out something from the ring.
A scarecrow trap woven from goblin body parts.
Propped it against the entrance and backed away.
Setup complete.
I explained as I retreated slowly.
"This is a trap. It'll be gross when triggered, so close your eyes if you've got a weak stomach."
"Weak stomach my ass."
The soldiers dismissed it again.
No worries. I'd show and prove it soon enough.
We hid nearby and waited.
Soon, the goblins in the village spotted the scarecrow one by one and approached.
"Kiek? Kik?"
"Kiik? Kieek!"
"Kiekie."
One goblin touched the scarecrow.
The moment its greenish finger made contact.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
BOOM!
The scarecrow burst apart pathetically.
Goblin entrails and blood sprayed out.
A masterpiece woven from weeds and mud.
Thanks to Goblin's Handicraft, I could make something like this.
"Kiheeeek!"
The goblin that touched it was covered head to toe.
It screamed, drawing the others rushing out of their huts.
"Now?!"
I raised Almas.
The moment the goblins clustered together.
I unleashed a wave, sending it blasting forward.
I could see the charging goblins' shock.
In an instant, they were swept up and wiped out in one go.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[Enemy defeated!]
[Acquired 1 MILF Mileage (MM)!]
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[Enemy defeated!]
[Acquired 1 MILF Mileage (MM)!]
… (and so on for ten notifications)
‘Okay, 10 mileage acquired!’
I turned around leisurely. Demis and the soldiers, who had been hiding and watching, stared at me with stunned faces. It must have been an unexpected performance.
Clap!
Someone started clapping. Then one by one, the others joined in.
As they came out, Demis exclaimed in admiration.
“That was amazing! How did you even think of that?!”
“It’s basic, really.”
“You know goblin ecology so well too. You’re a real veteran.”
“I studied hard. More than anyone.”
The soldiers each clapped for me.
I could feel their gazes toward me changing.
Finally, they were acknowledging me like a proper person.
My chest swelled with pride.
“S-sorry about earlier.”
“You’ve really got skills, adventurer.”
“Never seen someone this cool before.”
“Was that sword aura just now? Incredible, sir!”
I smirked and nodded. Well, most people were like this.
At least when shown proof, some would acknowledge it. In reality, even after proving yourself, plenty of people still denied it, spread rumors, or fabricated stories.
“It’s fine. Then, everyone, please take care of this settlement.
I’m worried about the harpies nearby.”
“Yes, understood!”
Demis answered like I was his superior.
He looked very reliable.
I ran toward the area where the harpies were.
It was a place that looked like a ravine.
I recalled what harpies were like.
‘They have human heads and the bodies of medium-sized birds.’
Their ecology would probably be similar.
Soon I entered the zone where harpies were flying around. One of them charged at me.
“Kyaaak!” “Got a frog in your throat? You sound pretty strong.”
The harpy dove at terrifying speed.
The best skill for dealing with these kinds of harpies was—
[Freezing]
The harpy froze solid. It crashed straight into the ground and shattered.
[Enemy defeated!] [Milf Mileage (MM) +3]
“You’ll be thinking about this a lot before you reincarnate.”
The other harpies came rushing in one after another.
When two harpies flew at me from different directions, I linked Freezing and Corrosion to handle them.
The two split up, then shot toward me like arrows, trying to confuse my focus. Not bad.
‘Freeze them or, for the fast ones, coat my sword with Corrosion and cut them down in one go!’
[Enemy defeated!] [Milf Mileage (MM) +3]
[Enemy defeated!] [Milf Mileage (MM) +3]
I took down the two without much trouble.
As I caught my breath, I heard the sound of flapping wings from above.
A strong gust of wind rose and fell repeatedly.
“Uh… what the hell is that?!”
What appeared was a beautiful woman resembling a bird— with long legs and huge breasts.
She looked down at me with cold brown eyes. Her hair was in a short ponytail.
She barely covered her massive chest with black
“breast curtains.”
Huge black wings flapped as she descended.
〖Rohi〗 Skills: Wind Release Special Note: The Queen of the harpy flock targeting Dirk Forest.
She is guarding the area near her nest with eggs in the Dirk Forest.
I was shocked. It was the Harpy Queen herself.
