Centipede Valley
"Do I... really have to go with him?"
At Hose's words, Parkinson opened his mouth in a tone full of reluctance.
"Parkinson."
"...Yes, I understand."
Hose called Parkinson's name in a low voice, and Parkinson ultimately yielded to his master's command. He chewed on his lower lip and shot me a sideways glare.
Why do I have to... and with that guy, no less...
His eyes seemed to say as much.
I don't exactly love the idea of traveling with you either, you know.
Who asked if you liked it? Honestly, if I could go with someone else, that'd be preferable. Traveling with someone who clearly hates my guts isn't exactly comfortable for me either.
"This one's more capable than he looks. Especially as a guide—he's unmatched."
Was Hose reading my mind? He turned to me and said as much.
Oh? Well, if that's the case... guess I have no choice but to roll with it.
I'd pegged him as just a prickly hothead, but if he actually had skills, that changed things. Of course, there had to be a reason he was a disciple of a 7th Hierarchy elder. Hose was a pillar of the Shinseon Butterfly clan, after all. No one without exceptional talent could ever become his apprentice.
"...Please take care of me."
And with that, our partnership—me and Parkinson—was set.
"Oh, and take this with you."
Hose handed me a necklace. It looked just like the one-time-use Protective Amulet I'd received before.
"This one's rechargeable. Higher output than the disposable version, and it recharges automatically every seven days after use, so you can pretty much use it indefinitely."
I took the amulet from Hose.
At least A-rank, minimum.
Just from the description, I could tell its value. A defensive amulet like this was worth its weight in gold.
"I... thank you so much."
I expressed my genuine gratitude to Hose. My gut told me this would be a huge help on the path ahead.
"Hoho, after the favor you've done me, no need for such words. If I could, I'd hand over treasures from our clan, but alas, I can't. The clan lord must approve... Come back here someday. I'll prepare gifts beyond your expectations. Oh, and take these too."
Hose handed me two more pouches. One was the gold pouch I'd entrusted to them initially.
The other...
Elixir pills.
I opened it, and a sharp, refreshing aroma wafted out. Inside were two types of elixirs—both top-grade, by the look of them.
One's True Muscle Pill, and the other... oh! True Ether Pill.
I glanced at Hose in slight surprise, and he smiled as he spoke.
"My master hinted you'd need them, so I prepared. I was going to give you Shinseon Pills, but he said these would help more right now."
I nodded inwardly at that. Shinseon Pills were the pinnacle of elixirs unique to the Shinseon Butterfly clan. There were even heavenly True Shinseon Pills, but even regular Shinseon Pills granted explosive ether growth upon consumption—treasures that money couldn't buy.
But right now, I didn't need them.
My ether reserves are already overflowing enough to form a core.
Kun had seen right through my condition. Instead of Shinseon Pills, he'd prepared ones to ease the strain left after molting. The True Muscle Pill stabilized the body quickly and even advanced its capabilities. The True Ether Pill purified and calmed ether quality.
Perfect elixirs to help me adapt to the Growth Stage faster right after molting.
And top-quality too. I never even saw ones this good before regression.
They were priceless.
To hand them over so casually... Kun's magnanimity was something else.
I'll put them to good use.
I wanted to pop them right then, but I held off until after arriving at Chung Hak Gwan. Getting admitted as soon as possible was the priority.
"Thank you for the generous gifts. I'll see you again."
I bid farewell to Hose and the other Shinseon Butterflies, heading for the main gate of Moon Paper Forest.
Just as Parkinson and I were about to leave...
"Oh, big brother!"
A child came running from behind the welcoming Shinseon Butterflies.
"Take this!"
The girl barely reached my waist. In her hand was a beautiful silver flower.
Moonlight Lily.
It only bloomed around Moon Paper Forest. No special powers, but it didn't wilt easily and was said to bring luck to those who saw it.
"We... we're so grateful you healed us without hurting..."
The little girl handed me the flower, then bowed deeply.
The surrounding Shinseon Butterflies watched her with proud eyes.
"What's your name?"
"S-Se-Sena."
"Sena, huh? The flower's beautiful. I'll treasure it—thank you."
"Hehe."
"Eat well, listen to your parents, and grow up strong, okay?"
"Yes, big brother!"
I smiled warmly and patted Sena's head.
Other kids' faces appeared behind her. I waved to them, and they all beamed back.
So cute. Knowing I'd brought smiles back to their faces filled me with pride.
"...Ahem. Let's get moving."
"Right."
At Parkinson's words, I said goodbye to Sena and stood.
Hm? Did Parkinson's eyes soften just a bit? When I stared blankly, he cleared his throat again and started walking ahead.
Five days left until Chung Hak Gwan admission.
Hope we make it in time.
* * *
A day had passed since teaming up with Parkinson.
"Parkinson, is this the right way?"
"Worried I'll lead you wrong?"
"Not that, just... is there even a path here?"
The place Parkinson was guiding me through was deep wilderness, untouched by most feet. The direction felt right, but...
It felt like we were heading straight into pathless terrain. I asked if we'd taken a wrong turn, but apparently not.
"And I'm the 3rd Division Chief of Wolji Ward. Call me Division Chief Pa, not by name."
I inwardly clicked my tongue at his grumpy attitude.
"Got it, Division Chief Pa. I'll call you that."
"..."
Parkinson was still hostile toward me. I'd heard vaguely about his personal issues, but...
His attitude wasn't exactly pleasant.
"From here on, it's called Centipede Valley. Extremely dangerous, so follow my instructions to the letter."
The spot he pointed to was a gorge so narrow it looked claustrophobic.
Centipede Valley... yeah, somewhere along Jayang River, there's a massive habitat for primal centipedes. That must be it.
I'd never been, but I'd heard the rumors. It had a fearsome reputation.
My super senses are ringing nonstop—danger ahead.
Was this really the right path? I glanced at Parkinson. His face was surprisingly calm. Confident, even.
Hm. Guess I have to trust him for now.
If time wasn't an issue, I wouldn't risk a dangerous detour like this. But with only four days left, I couldn't afford to be picky.
Shiiiii...
As we approached the narrow gorge, a chilling wind whistled through the cracks. It carried a faint stench.
Poison scent.
No doubt swarming with venomous bugs inside. Poison particles were drifting on the breeze.
"The poison's lighter than I expected today,"
Parkinson muttered to himself.
This is light?
My tongue went numb just thinking about it.
"Stick close to the walls. You'll see spots on the ground that don't match the surroundings—never step on them."
Parkinson turned cautious the moment we entered Centipede Valley. He hadn't shown much guiding skill before, but now he reeked of expertise.
I followed right behind him as instructed.
One step. Another. And another.
We advanced slowly through the valley. A good while in, and no real threats had appeared. I was starting to doubt if this place was truly dangerous.
Which meant Parkinson was navigating flawlessly.
"Stop."
Parkinson whispered suddenly. I froze silently behind him.
My super senses had been blaring warnings even before he spoke.
"Veil of Concealment."
His hands crossed rapidly as he chanted an incantation. Activating a spell.
Swish.
Blue particles rained down over us, forming a hemispherical, translucent barrier.
"Keeiiiik—!"
The moment the barrier formed, a creepy centipede screech echoed.
Sasasasa!
Around us appeared long, brown-bodied primal species.
Stone Centipede primal!
I recognized it instantly. Not one of the larger centipede primals—just 15 pairs of legs, modest size. But fast and agile, a terrifying predator for smaller prey.
Like us right now.
One brush with the venom drooling from its jaws would be game over. Too tough for us to fight—evasion was best.
"It's gone."
The stone centipede wandered off without spotting us.
"From now on, when I signal, do exactly as before."
I nodded. Parkinson was more reliable than he seemed.
Not bad skills, and he's on the right lineage. Could climb all the way to clan lord at this rate.
I didn't like his attitude toward me, but seeing his competence, I thought getting on good terms might not be bad.
We pressed deeper into Centipede Valley. The dry rocks gave way to moss, poison weeds, and swamps.
Venomous bugs I'd never seen before started appearing.
"Kiriririri!"
A pack of poison centipedes this time. Parkinson cast Veil of Concealment like before.
"Kirit? Kiriririt—."
But they weren't total idiots. One lingered near our hiding spot, refusing to leave. More approached.
Hm...
Parkinson let out a low groan in the tense silence. Sweat beaded on his forehead.
This spell didn't last long, apparently.
We're about to get busted.
My super senses screamed louder than ever. Seven poison centipedes visible. Scorpion-like bugs behind, and flying ones with venom stingers.
I could escape if spotted, but...
I glanced at Parkinson, sweating bullets.
If we were found, he'd be dead meat.
"When I signal... run back the way we came. Don't look back."
Parkinson rasped.
This guy?
What was he saying?
"Can't hold the veil much longer. When it drops, I'll draw their attention with a spell."
He said it flatly, without looking at me. I got the message.
He'd play bait so I could flee.
Still hated me, huh? But making this call...
Not a bad guy, for a Shinseon Butterfly.
I chuckled inwardly and replied.
"Division Chief Pa, that spell... adding more ether to the formula extends the duration, right?"
"...What are you talking about?"
He didn't get it. No time for explanations, so I pressed.
"Does it extend or not? Looks like it does... right?"
"It does, but... impossible. Mess it up, and we're both dead. Hey, are you listening?"
Parkinson warned me not to do anything stupid.
But was this stupid?
"Fuel injection incoming."
I placed my hand on his Veil of Concealment formula.
"Wh-what are you—!"
Parkinson freaked out. I smirked at him.
Then poured ether straight into the formula.
Kurrrr!
The fading veil shuddered violently, as if about to burst.