◈Episode 114 To a distant land (8)
I saw a white ceiling with a grid pattern. Shaeak shaek. It seemed like I could hear breathing from somewhere.
Then, if you follow a line reflected in the corner of your vision…
───!
“Not yet. So please…”
Oh, I see. I still….
* * *
My vision became clear along with the presence of tears flowing down my face. It was not completely bright.
The cave, stained with scarlet light from the torch, filled my field of vision.
Thanks to this, the white color I had glimpsed in my dream was completely buried. The colors that I miss so much and are extremely sad are scattered like that.
Without even knowing what I had forgotten, only the emotions remained.
【Uh huh! I woke up and woke up!】
I wanted to soak in that sadness for a long time. At the same time, I wanted to cover it up and forget about it.
【I’m awake!】
However, there are some moments in life where you are not even given a choice. Just like I am now.
【You must have been in a lot of pain. Tears…】
【…Did he shed tears?】
【Neng.】
I raised my left arm and covered my eyes before the voice from where I had fallen got closer. The concept is… The concept is not to show tears to others. That was the reason.
“Has the demon knight awakened?”
And just as I was about to catch my eye, the Archmage approached me.
“Don’t move too hard. “It was detoxified, but the aftereffects of the poison are quite significant.”
is it. Actually, I fainted right after being pierced by the snake’s teeth. It’s a good thing it didn’t get retweeted. Even when my vision went dark, I thought I was going to die.
I completely captured the emotions along with those reasons. It wasn’t difficult. I just had to focus on the concept. To the concept, not to me.
“The situation is.”
Then, you can cover up the misery and solve all the tasks that need to be done in the future at once.
“…Do you remember collapsing from the snake’s venom?”
I didn’t bother to answer. The Archmage, perhaps not expecting an answer, didn’t wait long and spoke right away.
“It was not possible to treat you on the spot, so I asked the forest residents for help. “They provided this cave and the antidote.”
Aside from wondering why it was a cave, there was a voice I didn’t recognize. The people I saved helped me.
“The snake I captured… I had no choice but to kill it because I saw that it had even eaten the chain made of magic and was running away.”
But you killed a snake? It’s not like it was that difficult to subdue, so it’s not a big waste, but is it still okay?
“But I did contact White Wind, so don’t worry too much. “As long as the fire is extinguished, you can rest here and go back.”
At this point, I’ve roughly figured out everything I need to know. I slowly removed my hand. It was a bonus that I pretended not to cry while cleaning up.
Since I only wiped up the one drop that spilled, I guess they didn’t get caught, right?
“…Doesn’t your shoulder hurt? “The wound was completely healed, but…”
At that moment, the Archmage asked me with some hesitation. I wondered why he was acting like that, but it wasn’t something I couldn’t answer.
Sigh.
It was something I wasn’t going to answer.
“…! Don’t get up. “You still need some more rest.”
I tried to get up, ignoring the Archmage’s words. But wow. As soon as my back was 10cm off the floor, gravity came upon my body.
It wasn’t painful, but my overall body felt a bit stiff. Especially the right shoulder.
“Didn’t I say that all my urgent work was finished? Please rest.”
Wow, I really don’t have much strength in my right arm and shoulder.
I avoided the Archmage’s restraint and checked my arm. It was a somewhat unconscious action, but thanks to it, I was able to witness a shocking fact.
“scram!”
For some reason, I could feel the texture of the blanket covering me so vividly! Where are all the clothes and bandages, let alone the gauntlets!
“Devil Knight─.”
“I told you to get out!!”
I gathered all the strength I had and chased the Archmage out. I know it was taken off for treatment, but as a concept, it was something that could never be tolerated, so it was natural.
“…the clothes are here. And… don’t overdo it.”
In the end, the Archmage lost. I succeeded in being the only one left in the cave.
Even though I’ll have to postpone picking up my clothes and putting them on because I’ve used up all my strength to move while yelling.
Hmph.
“…cold.”
However, as I was about to put off getting dressed, my bare skin touched the air and I felt a strange eerie feeling. It was a chill that wouldn’t go away even if I covered myself with a blanket.
In the end, I barely managed to raise my upper body and pick up my clothes.
It started with a bandage. The bandage, which was useful thanks to its automatic washing and recovery function, began to slowly wrap around my right arm.
“I think I’m missing something…”
But it seems like I’m forgetting something.
Starting from the palm of my hand and moving up to my wrist, forearm, and elbow, I continued to worry about the strange discomfort. And when the bandage reached just before my shoulder, realization came like a lightning bolt.
The seal has disappeared.
“uh…?”
Did the Archmage take it out because he was healing? I couldn’t see it among the piles of clothes.
I absent-mindedly traced the spot where the original seal was. It was the point where the triceps brachii and deltoid muscles meet. It was also the point where the darkened skin returned to its original color.
Since I couldn’t remove the seal, every time I washed, I had to clean myself to avoid the seal and the bandage stuck between it, so the scars left on my shoulder (I’ve been pushing the dirt a little harder since people said it stinks) got stuck in my fingertips.
Since I have a spare, I should at least fill it up.
I turned around to find my inventory bag. Rustle. Something stirred on the blanket on the floor. It was not a living creature, but something like a piece of metal.
“…Wow, surprise.”
For a moment, I was scared of cockroaches.
I stretched out my hand and looked to see what it was. Funny enough, the whereabouts of the seal I was looking for was here. I don’t know why, but I think it got puckered while I was sleeping.
Well, it’s much better now that the results are confirmed. It’s better to conclude that it was broken, even if we don’t know the reason, than to have it disappear without even a mouse or bird noticing. Because it makes me less anxious. But…
I was wondering whether I should tell the Archmage about this or not.
It’s true that I should say that, but he’s been nagging me too much these days. I’m sure they would say something if they found out it was smashed again.
But that is also what is left unsaid. There are times when something like this becomes a flag later on.
In the end, I resigned myself to hearing more nagging. Instead, with a much lighter heart, I put on a bandage, put on an extra seal, and got fully dressed. Thanks to the feeling in my right arm coming back in the middle, it wasn’t that difficult.
I don’t know where the chest protector I received from White Wind went.
No really, why did the chest protector disappear again? It’s dangerous if you handle it carelessly.
It’s a bit suspicious of the people who helped me, but… I’m sure they didn’t take it, right?
【Ah, it came out!】
【What? Already?】
I led myself out of the cave, muttering to myself. The only consolation is that there are no other items missing other than the chest protector.
【You got rid of Chibineng’s poison in less than half a day?】
【Even the brave warriors of the forest were sick for three days and nights!】
【You must be a strong warrior.】
【Then what can I do? I heard you have a curse in your right arm!】
【It’s not a disease?】
【It’s not a disease.】
But when I went out, what I saw were houses gathered in a circle around the cave I was in and people walking around among them.
People who easily noticed that I came out focused their attention on me.
This was a new feeling again.
Not only was the clothing reminiscent of a primitive tribe, but the common external characteristics were very different from those of the four tribes commonly encountered.
Sland, aside from the pointy ears.
In reality, the Qurety and Shaggy tribes, which are treated as aliens, are something we often encounter as gamers, so most people can ignore them without being surprised…
These people… are a bit unfamiliar, regardless of how they appear to be the Qurety tribe.
The Qurety tribe or the Shaggi tribe. If I had to pick an animal that had a similar appearance to those I’ve seen so far, it would have been a vertebrate. Such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
But these people seem like… spiders… right? If you had to pick something similar, what would it be?
【What if you have a curse? Since he killed Chibineng, he is my benefactor. Part of me wants to take his curse instead.】
【Is it really true that you were bitten? The upright posture is that of a perfectly prepared warrior.】
[Strangers really only have one pair of arms. How difficult would it be to live with only one pair of arms? You can only do one task at a time!】
Of course, I’m not saying I don’t like it or that I’m trying to discriminate against it.
I was surprised because it was my first time seeing a Qureity that looked like an arthropod, but after encountering it a few times, I would no longer notice it.
But it still bothers me that they are so excited when they see me. Why are you talking about me like that?
I’m even more curious because I don’t understand what it means…!
“Didn’t I tell you to get more rest? “You are really… stubborn.”
Then my savior came. I saw this face a few minutes ago, but I was happy to see it. I feel like I met a Korean in a foreign country.
“How much did you see?”
But as always, the concept comes first.
I thought about first telling her about the broken seal or the missing chest protector, but I changed the topic because I wanted to prioritize other concepts.
okay. If it’s a concept, you have no choice but to pay attention to the right arm, which is no different from shame.
So I held my right arm and pursed my lips as if urging. The Archmage’s blue-silver eyes stared at me.
“I asked how much you saw…!”
“…Not many people have seen it in person. The seven people who were there and the village’s healer and two people who were assisting him. “If you add me, it would be eleven.”
eleven? Is that enough? Write it. is not it?
I pursed my lips and added strength to the hand holding my right arm. Anyway, if I squeezed it tightly because of the gauntlet, there would be no bruises.
“…I’m sorry. “Because you couldn’t protect what you wanted to hide until the end.”
But the Archmage apologizes for this? why? There’s no need to apologize.
“One…”
There is nothing more embarrassing than hearing an apology from someone who did not do anything wrong. In order to follow the concept and interrupt the Archmage’s words, I passed by her.
Fortunately, the Archmage didn’t catch me like that.
But if this happens, when will we talk about sealing it? I also need to ask about chest protection. We’re in big trouble. I wonder if it will be time to talk later.
I was scratching my head—of course I was just imagining it. Is there anything I can do to make my image like the local idiot? I slowly left the area. As we left the cave and the wooden wall surrounding the house, a street of what appeared to be ordinary houses unfolded.
More persistent gazes poured in than before.
But this is nothing special. I crossed the street and completely exited the village.
Finally, a forest as dense as a jungle appeared in my field of vision.
Thanks to this, my body, which had been moving forward without hesitation, stopped.
Uh… you won’t get lost if you go a bit far, right…?
I rolled my eyes and turned on the map for the first time in a while. Even though the map cannot be enlarged, it is good for orienting yourself.
But…
“Damn it.”
Is it true that in addition to the quest window, the world map also had an error? I’m really going crazy.
I gritted my teeth as I looked at the bleached window. Thoughts that I had deliberately put off and pretended to forget began to surface again. It was natural that emotions that had been covered up were brought out in the process.
Things that I want to ignore and deny until the end are slowly or quickly gradually tightening around my neck.
I was clearly on the ground, but I was out of breath, as if I had been immersed under a lake. All the sounds in the world became muffled, as if they were submerged in water.
【Over there…】
At that moment, a voice came from behind. Perhaps it was a calling to me.
Because I was the only one here, and the owner of the voice approached me and opened his mouth.
【Ugh, what should I do? From what I saw earlier, it seemed like we couldn’t speak.】
【Should we bring in a stranger from the Shagi tribe?】
【It looked like we were arguing earlier. Maybe we feel bad because we saw the curse.】
【Well, I probably feel bad too.】
Of course, it was blocked by the language barrier. I turned my pelvis, which had been slightly twisted to look behind me, back to normal.
The people who were approaching were startled and ran towards me.
【that that! thank you! Thanks to you, I survived!】
【I never thought I would meet Chibineng when I went hunting to the border to avoid the Jatab tribe. Thank you very much. If it weren’t for you, we would all be dead!】
I saw people who struggled to convey their meaning despite not being able to communicate. The gratitude conveyed by that alone is small and transparent.
The anger that had been building up had subsided to some extent.
The thoughts that had been sinking into the quagmire were cleared away by just their laughter.
【You are the best warrior.】
【It’s a bit weird that you only have one pair of arms and eyes, but the face itself is quite handsome.】 【
Yanma, that’s not a compliment.】
【You’re so big. Are all the people outside, including the Shagi tribe strangers, that big?】
Even though it is a temporary solution, it is better than nothing. I left them chattering alone.
If it’s a concept, they’ll kick you out. I’m a little tired of making such calculations.
【It would have been better if we could communicate!】
【That’s right, then I could ask more questions.】
【Should I call Macakara too?】
…I was so, so tired.
【Yeah… uh! It’s a delegation!】
【I guess you’re finally coming back!】
Then, a group of people raising a flag slowly began to appear from the other side of the forest.
* * *
The Archmage saw a residential district that was divided into high-class personnel and ordinary residents like a fried egg, and a general residential district that was in charge of the white people.
A group of people is coming in from the outer wall surrounding the general residential area.
“Hmm.”
She stroked her wand and looked at the group.
The tribe that helped them had the Serhang grass leaf pattern as their symbol. On the other hand, the pattern on the flag that the incoming group is carrying is different. It means a different tribe.
【The reason the tribe leaders were away was to meet an envoy from another tribe?】
【Ah, didn’t I tell you?】
Considering the price of the lives of the hunters he saved, I don’t owe him anything for curing the demon knight.
There was a way, but I tried to meet the tribe’s head and at least express my gratitude….
[Yes. During the Katina period, he went to welcome an envoy to ensure the alliance.】
If he had known that this was the reason why the leaders were away, he would have left early even if it was against etiquette.
The Serhang tribe treats strangers well, but other tribes hate strangers very much.
The reason they were even able to set foot in this village was because of the arbitrariness of the hunters they rescued. That is, the patriarch and priests do not yet know of their existence.
In such a situation, an envoy from another tribe is coming? And find them and make a problem of them?
【There is nothing good about a stranger standing out in such an important matter. I’m thinking of leaving right after I find the demon knight, but could you say thank you to the chief and priest?】
【Are you going already?】
They and the leaders of this tribe will only end up in trouble. It’s better to just be rude than to risk that kind of fuss.
After all, they don’t even know their identities.
【The people of the Great Forest do not mind strangers. If it’s an alliance, it’s important, so I don’t want to cause trouble. So…】
【Oh, if that’s the case, it’s okay. I heard that this chieftain of Bigabol is friendly to strangers.】
【That’s right.】
Even so, there is no need to get involved. She countered but did not withdraw her opinion.
【Look, if you wanted to go out of sight, it’s already too late.】
【What are you talking about?】
【Hey. Aren’t you a colleague?】
I didn’t want to withdraw.
【…Demon Knight.】
It would have been like that even if the Devil Knight hadn’t come in with the delegation.
The Archmage’s hand touched his forehead.