Seeker 224

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Chapter 224. Fugitive

After being sent to the exit of the World Tree by Unicorn, we set off for the Northern Holy Kingdom. 

That day, we spent a night in the World Tree Forest, and the next day, we entered the Monster Forest again.

The Monster Forest expanded concentrically around the World Tree Forest. 

No matter which direction people wanted to go from the World Tree, people had to pass through this region at some point. 

Moreover, the northern side had a thicker expanse of the Monster Forest compared to the southern side, making it impossible to traverse in a single day.

So, we had no choice but to spend a night in the Monster Forest.

Camping in this eerie space surrounded by twisted trees required some courage. 

Yuzuki kept saying she was scared and ended up slipping into my blanket and hugging me until we fell asleep. 

Since she said she was scared to keep watch alone, we took turns, with either me or Kazane-san staying awake, making it a two-shift system.

I thought I might be pampering them a little too much, but well, it was fine. 

I could make them pay back the favor at some point. Kukuku.

Kazane-san, while muttering, "Oh well," also helped put Yuzuki to sleep. 

I felt a somewhat maternal instinct from her.

And so, two nights had passed since our departure from the World Tree, around the evening of the 3rd day. 

Just when we thought we would be able to leave the Monster Forest after walking a bit longer, we encountered an unexpected event.

"Wow, adventurers in a place like this! He-help meeee! If you can't, at least run awaaaaay!"

From deep within the forest, a woman who appeared to be an adventurer emerged, shouting as she ran toward us. 

She had short, bright chestnut hair, almost orange, and emerald eyes. 

She was slightly taller than the average woman and wore active clothing with lightweight armor on top, with a sword hanging from her waist. 

She looked to be in her mid to late 20s. 

Her abilities matched her age, indicating that she was a skilled adventurer.

Behind the female adventurer, a gigantic monster was chasing her. 

It looked like a group of large snakes combined into one. 

More precisely, it had a body that seemed to have enlarged reptiles, with five snake-like heads, each about ten meters long. 

In terms of overall size, it was comparable to a dragon.

My Seeker instincts told me it posed a threat no less than an Aerial Dragon or a Fire Dragon.

As it approached, it seemed that the female adventurer and the monster would collide with us.

"Yuzuki, give me the data!"

"Here it is, senpai! The monster is a Hydra! HP 1000, Attack 45, Defense 90, Agility 35, Magic 45. Its special abilities include Poison Breath, Five Attacks, and Regeneration (100), and its weakness is the fire element!"

Yuzuki responded promptly to my orders.

She's dependable in situations like this. 

So, that's Hydra, right? 

I remember there was a subjugation mission for it. 

I think the experience points I'd gain from defeating it were around 20,000. 

It's not an opponent you can afford to be careless with.

"I'll engage it! Both of you, prepare your magic!"

"Got it, Kazane-san!"

"Hotaru-chan, I'm ready too!"

As we prepared for our magic, I could see the various colors of magic energy shimmering around us. 

Meanwhile, the female adventurer being chased by the Hydra rushed towards us in a panic. 

She was getting closer and closer.

"Ca-ca-ca-can you really defeat the Hydra? Can I count on you? And why is there a Griffin here?"

"This Griffin is our ally! We'll handle the Hydra, so please stay back!"

"Eh...?! But, at least let me help in the fight—"

"Just stay back! Leave this to us!"

"Yes... Please do your best!"

The female adventurer passed us and retreated to the rear. 

Good, that's the way it should be. 

I wouldn't want you to get in the way of us defeating the Hydra.

As soon as the female adventurer had retreated, our three attack spells were cast almost simultaneously.

"[Rock Bazooka]!"

"[Wind Slash]!"

"[Flame Lance]!"

Rock projectiles shot from my hands, wind blades extended from Kazane-san's dagger, and a fiery lance emerged from Yuzuki's staff. 

All three attacks hit the Hydra almost instantly, inflicting damage in their ways. 

However, naturally, this wasn't enough to stop the Hydra.

While leaking black mist from the areas where it got hit, Hydra continued its charge without stopping.

"Kazane-san, Griffin!"

"Yeah, Daichi-kun! Let's go!"

"Squawww!"

Simultaneously, Kazane-san, Griffin, and I kicked off the ground and rushed toward the massive body of Hydra. 

On the other hand, tHydra halted its charge and showed a motion of inhaling deeply with its five snake-like heads. 

At the same time, its entire body emitted a faint glow, and the wounded parts seemed to heal to some extent.

And then, in the next moment, all 5 heads simultaneously spewed purple liquid from their mouths.