Chapter 144
The Monster's Nest
Translator : PolterGlast
I picked Gree up in my arms and decided to
investigate the inside of the forest while we still had daylight. Since there
were no strong presences so far, it seemed the Cruhamilion wasn't in the
forest yet, just as the information suggested. Well, there is a possibility it
was intentionally suppressing its presence, though.
Also, I wanted to meet the leader who was said to be in the
forest, but I couldn't find any reaction resembling that either. It looks like
I'll have to search for everything blindly.
"—Wa-Wait! T-Too fast! S-Stop!"
"You don't need to worry. I absolutely won't hit any
obstacles."
"I-I'm saying I'm not okay!"
Just like Ginia and Aoi, Gree was
screaming while being carried by me. I have the desire to stop for him, but we
can't afford to stand still inside the forest. While thoroughly avoiding
monsters, I searched for reactions and headed toward a place that caught my
attention.
We arrived in the center of the forest, in front of
something that looked like a simple house made of woven large leaves. Looking
at how crudely it was made, it really felt like a monster's nest, and I had
seen several similar nests on the way here.
...However, the reason I came straight to this monster's
nest is that, despite being in the center of the forest, I couldn't sense the
reaction of any living creatures around this nest alone. It seemed they were
completely avoiding this place; there wasn't even the reaction of a beast, let
alone a monster.
"...Haa, haa. F-Finally stopped... Did we reach the
destination?"
"No, just one of the places I was curious about. I'm
going to investigate the inside a bit, so grab the hem of my clothes and follow
me."
"I don't want to. Why such a place... Fine! Don't glare
at me with a scary face!"
Making Gree grab the hem of my clothes, I decided to
investigate the monster's nest I was curious about. The inside was filled with
a stench bad enough to make one grimace, and although I just entered, I already
wanted to leave.
The smell was a mix of beastly odor, rot, and the smell of
blood. I knew it before entering, but this nest seems to belong to an
extraordinary creature.
"Ugh! It's too smelly! Can't we go outside?"
"No. Pinch your nose and endure it for a bit."
"U-Understood."
Although I said that, I don't want to stay here long either.
Let's investigate quickly and get out.
Based on the information so far, I had predicted this was
the Cruhamilion's nest, but since the mud and blood are dry, it appears
it isn't a currently used nest. However, since there is sticky mucus adhering
to the back of the leaves, I can tell it was used until recently.
It's not confirmed information yet, but it's safe to assume
this nest was used by the Cruhamilion until recently. Even though it has
already changed nests, I now know the Cruhamilion is in this forest.
Finding a clue leading to the Cruhamilion just after
entering the forest is huge. Now I just have to find a similar nest.
After leaving that nest immediately, we ran through the
forest again, searching for a nest similar to the previous one. And after about
three hours of searching, thanks to the smell and the mucus remaining inside, I
succeeded in discovering a nest that is likely currently in use.
Now all we have to do is lie in wait in front of this nest
and subjugate the Cruhamilion when it returns. Ideally, I would continue
to wait nearby, but Gree's stamina seems to be reaching its limit, so
let's go outside the forest for now.
We exited the forest and I let Gree rest in the shade
of a tree until sunset. Even though he didn't walk through the forest on his
own, he walked the path here on his own two feet, and since his body was
constantly tense with nervousness and caution, it's no wonder he's tired.
Truthfully, I want to let him sleep a little longer, but the
sun is about to go down completely. I wanted to be in position to ambush the
nest before the Cruhamilion returned, so I decided to wake Gree.
"Gree, wake up. We're going back into the
forest."
"............Mmm. ...Going back already?"
"Yeah. The Cruhamilion will be returning to the
forest soon."
"—Got it. I'll wash my face!"
Waiting for Gree to wash his face, we hurried back to
the nest I had found earlier. By the time we arrived, the sun had completely
set, turning it into a pitch-black forest where only the voices of monsters and
beasts could be heard.
However, it seemed the Cruhamilion hadn't returned
yet, as the nest was empty. We have no choice but to hide nearby and wait until
it returns.
The worst-case scenario is that the Cruhamilion
doesn't return to the forest. Gree is already at the limit of his
stamina, and even now, his small body is shivering.
Considering it would be difficult to go into a second day, I
want to finish this within today. While praying in my heart for it to return
quickly, I lay in wait for about an hour.
I saw something like a human silhouette approaching the
nest. Yes—a human silhouette.
It had almost no presence whatsoever; had we passed each
other in the city, I likely would have walked right by without suspecting a
thing. Since there is no reaction from magic power or the like, if it is indeed
changing its appearance, it must be due to an innate trait.
There is a tiny possibility it is the leader of the Monster
Hacker who was said to be in the forest... but I think I can declare this:
That 'something' in the shape of a human is—the Cruhamilion.
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