Chapter 98
Twelve men were advancing through the dense forest .
They were the private army of the Lord who held the city of Lomarn, and they belonged to the second survey unit within it .
“How’s the magic magnetic needle, Allen?”
Called out by the captain Regino, the squad member Allen looks down at the magic tool at hand .
The magic magnetic hand is shaped like a clock with only one hand, and has the property of moving in response to strong magic power .
It has an adjustment screw that allows you to narrow down the type of magic power that reacts, but Allen didn’t quite understand how to use it .
“I don’t really know how to use it, you know . It’s been going around in circles for a while now……”
“Hey, you didn’t break it right……”
The reason we went to the forest this time was to investigate the recent spate of troubling incidents such as the emergence of dangerous mutant species and magic beast disaster monster panic that have been occurring here .
In a postscript to a certain adventurer’s report, he wrote: “Lately there have been a series of strange incidents . When such troublesome incidents have been occurring frequently, there is a bad cause that can disrupt the magic field, so it is better to investigate it as soon as possible . ”, was written in the report, and when the lord so saw that, I’ve been ordered to send me and my unit .
This kind of investigation is often prepared with special rewards and left to the adventurers .
That’s also the purpose of the Support Center for adventurers from the beginning .
But many of them are rough and foul-mouthed, as well as have little sense of responsibility .
For this reason, the survey team is mainly entrusted with important investigations that cannot be left to the adventurers .
Especially this time, there are still many unclear points, and the idea of privately investigating them before making a big deal out of it and causing anxiety is a big deal .
By the way, Regino requested the cooperation of Wegener, who is a magic beast scholar, for this investigation, but that was not possible due to Wegener’s mysterious abdominal pain after he finished listening to the story .
“Ah, it stopped…… hmm?”
With a warning sound, the magic magnetic needle jumped up .
“I, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to use it in a strange way, but it was kind of sudden……”
In response to Allen’s impatient excuses, Regino drew his sword and held it ready .
A greasy sweat was flowing on his forehead .
“Captain Regino!? I, I mean, don’t be so angry…… it was an accident or something . ”
After saying that much, Allen felt uncomfortable with the way Regino was looking at him .
This was because Regino’s eyes seemed to be staring behind Allen rather than looking at him .
Allen grasped the situation and turned around as he discarded his magic magnetic needle and drew his sword .
A short distance away, there was a blackened tree . The tree was a bit thicker, and its bark was partially peeled off and gouged out, making it look like the face of someone who was laughing with a big mouth .
Just as it was, a branch was growing out of its nose .
Allen felt creeped out and frowned .
Immediately after that, the tree’s mouth became even larger . With that, the entire forest began to make a violent noise, as if the tree was laughing .
There’s no doubt about it . This is the true nature of the distortion of the magic field and the reason why the magic magnetic needle flashed .
Allen had a hunch that this was the case .
Then he realized that his hand, which was holding the sword, was trembling .
“Lower your swords”
A croaky voice echoed in Allen’s head . It was as if it was etched directly into his brain .
The other members of the squad were also dismayed . Perhaps they all heard this voice, Allen guessed .
Spiritual language .
The use of spirit language meant that it was a magic beast with a danger level of B or higher, or a demon of some kind .
This is not an enemy that can be dealt with by the Second Investigation Squad .
“Praise me as the god”
Allen doesn’t know the spirit language in detail .
Therefore, he doesn’t know what the tree in front of them is trying to say to them .
“Or else I will grant you death”
But it was clear that he was not a mild opponent .
“Lower your swords”
The eyes of the tree widened .
Allen tightened his grip on his sword .
It was because he could clearly sense that it was turning against him, who was in the lead .
A black pointed root poked its head through the ground .
Quickly, Allen swung his sword . But the blade easily shattered and the tip of the root pierced Allen’s shoulder .
Allen was blown away and threw his sword out in the intense pain of being pierced .
He flew through the air, spurting blood, and his slammed body into the ground .
Allen rolled onto his back after hitting the side of his head on the ground .
His heart palpitations were intense and painful . He couldn’t breathe well . Heat rises from the bottom of his stomach .
Allen tries to hold his shoulder injury with his hand .
He feels a throbbing sensation and realizes for the first time how much blood he’s losing . Instantly, the paralyzing fear and pain hit me all at once .
“Ah…… ah, ah…… Ahhhhhhhhhh! Uwaaaah! Uwaaaaaaah!”
Allen screamed, half-crazed .
Fear is contagious .
Clang . Clang .
One by one, the sound of swords being dropped on the spot continued .
No one was in a position to fight properly anymore .
“We’re retreating!”
Regino shouted that to his companions and quickly took the fallen Allen on his back . He spun around and turned his back to the tree monster .
The tree monster turns to their backs as they flee, and lifts a branch .
The tip of the branch was split into five parts, like a thin hand .