Chapter 145
Chapter 145. The Return Journey - The Eighth Companion
The Deep Palace Forest is one of the Empire's most dangerous zones.
It has swallowed countless adventurers, and not a single soul knows what lies beyond it.
Thanks to Lambert's decision, we've set our sights on that forest.
Our goal is to provoke the attackers by making them impatient.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel any danger, but I wasn't overly worried.
The C-rank recommendation from the Adventurer's Guild is just a guideline for long-term activity—the forest's difficulty varies depending on depth.
Naturally, the monsters are weaker in the surrounding grasslands and shallow parts of the forest, which is why even D-rank adventurers operate there.
Moreover, monster numbers are currently declining.
Even if it's C-rank, Hakushou should manage, and Lambert or Felix could handle it too. The only one here who'd die even in the surrounding grasslands is Yunek. After getting Lambert's permission, I decided to remove Yunek's shackles before leaving the outskirts of Sylveck.
Since we've decided not to hand him over, they're unnecessary, and moving speed will be crucial from here on.
Perhaps still gripped by fear, Yunek remained seated, unable to move.
I sat beside him and instructed him to stretch out his legs.
Enslavement magic tools are troublesome, but both the collar and shackles are made of iron.
At least they seem sturdy.
As I examined the craftsmanship, Yunek stared at me with a puzzled expression.
Noticing the tear stains on his cheeks, I forced a smile.
After Lambert decided to take him along, Yunek had repeatedly thanked me through tears.
From what he overheard during our argument, he must have thought he'd be abandoned.
Slaves come in all kinds, but Yunek has zero autonomy.
If told to go south, he obeys; if picked up by us, he follows without trying to escape.
Even if granted freedom, he'd probably have no idea what to do, left utterly lost.
It's deep-rooted. This boy is shackled not just physically, but in his heart.
Maybe removing the restraints will help change that.
Peering into the keyhole, I used [Operate Energy] to probe the lock's interior.
I could grasp the shape, but lacked the force to move the cylinder.
Next, I activated [Operate Soil], trying to manipulate the lock's density, but that didn't work either.
Well, figures.
If Operate-type skills could manage this, [Unlock] magic wouldn't be necessary.
I should've learned it, but even Elfimia hadn't. And even if I had, [Unlock]'s effectiveness is child's play. Probably would've given up halfway.
Retrieving decorative tools from the magic bag, Telpas Bag, I inserted them while using [Operate Energy] to check the interior.
At first, it didn't go well, but with a Dexterity of 18, I'm no slouch.
I might struggle with tasks requiring finesse, but my hands are first-rate for this.
After some trial and error, I gradually grasped the structure.
Then, suddenly—click—the cylinder moved.
The shackles fell to the ground.
Now, just the collar remains. It doesn't affect mobility much, but might as well remove it.
As I looked up, Yunek seemed confused.
Not quite happy—more like shocked?
"Um… they're off."
"Yeah. I took them off."
Glancing at his ankles, the shackle marks were starkly visible.
His skin had clearly thickened there.
Repeated friction and healing must've caused it. No wonder he never complained about pain during travel—that phase was long past.
Turning my attention to the collar, I found its structure similar, just with a different key shape.
Using [Operate Energy] to guide the tools, I worked on it.
Meanwhile, Yunek watched me from the corner of his eye.
Honestly, feeling his gaze up close made it harder, but I let him be.
Under that odd pressure, I somehow managed to pick the collar's lock.
From a distance, Lambert quipped:
"You could break out anytime."
"Don't say it like that. It's an adventurer's skill. Sort of."
As I retorted, I stored the collar and shackles in the Telpas Bag.
Well, adventurers rarely pick locks anyway.
Even if dungeons exist, treasure chests don't just sit around for no reason.
If you find one, it's either a thief's stash or an intelligent monster's belongings.
"Sorry for the wait."
Standing up, I noticed Yunek staring at the Telpas Bag.
"You don't need these anymore."
Even so, Yunek didn't respond, just stared uneasily at me and the bag.
Ah, he thinks he'll be abandoned again.
To Yunek, freedom and abandonment are the same.
Truly deep-rooted.
"From here, we'll increase our pace—uh, walking speed. Your body feels lighter now, right?"
Lifting him lightly to his feet, Yunek seemed surprised by how light his legs felt.
He smiled faintly, but his unease lingered, his eyes darting back to the bag.
With no other choice, I asked, "Want me to put them in something and carry them?" He nodded eagerly.
It'd be useless luggage, but the weight wouldn't change. If it reassures him, fine.
After stuffing the collar and shackles into a random bag for him to carry, I added fur to disguise his ears and face like a hood.
Better avoid trouble with the Viscount's pursuers.
Finally, we set off, heading east.
The formation stayed the same—I monitored the center, Yunek walking slightly behind me.
Soon after departing, I sensed movement beside me and glanced over. Yunek was fidgeting with his shoulder strap.
The position wasn't wrong, so maybe it chafed or felt awkward.
That settled quickly, but then he started thinking hard about something.
No idea what, but he's a busy kid.
Though evening approached, Mount Lazarag seemed closer than expected.
Its shadows deepened, and soon, a fork in the road appeared ahead.
Straight led to Mount Lazarag; south went to Fasden Town.
At the fork, Sekiyes paused to gaze at the sky.
"The sun's about to set. Shall we camp here?"
Where he pointed, the usual clearing lay.
Charred firewood, wheel ruts, and footprints remained.
While the others waited at a distance, Verrot and I inspected the traces.
Finding nothing suspicious, we prepared camp.
By dinner, the scarlet grasslands had darkened completely.
Come to think of it, it was darker than usual.
Thick clouds blanketed the sky.
Perfect for an ambush.
The fork likely served as a campsite because travelers avoided nighttime mountain crossings.
If everyone waited here for dawn, our camping wouldn't raise eyebrows.
Hakushou seemed to notice too.
Sekiyes and Balner subtly covered Lambert's blind spots, while Ambel and Verrot ladled stew, casually scanning the surroundings.
No one approached, and we began eating.
Between bites and small talk, we stayed alert.
But the earlier argument left tension—conversation lagged.
As the quiet meal progressed, I realized Yunek was silent too.
He ate well, so it wasn't the food.
Still lost in thought.
His expression resembled a kid stumped by a puzzle toy.
Even after dinner, Yunek stayed silent, and we turned in early.
While discussing watch shifts—
"Alter-sama, I'll take watch!"
Yunek suddenly volunteered.
Stunned, we exchanged glances.
"Everyone, please rest! I'll keep watch all night!"
"'Everyone'… You mean the whole night?"
"I'll do it!"
Nodding vigorously at my disbelief, Yunek looked determined.
This must stem from the earlier argument.
Afraid of abandonment, he's desperate to prove his worth.
"I agree."
Rarely taking initiative, Balner voiced support.
When I shot him a questioning look, he waved hurriedly.
"Not the whole night, but participating in shifts. Alter-sama, you've been taking solo watches."
"But numbers… Tomorrow's march will be grueling."
To pressure the attackers, we'd pretend to cross the mountains before veering south.
Even so, reaching the Deep Palace Forest would take two or three days.
If Yunek collapsed, he'd become deadweight, as Sekiyes warned.
As I hesitated, Verrot raised a hand.
"I agree too. If he rests earlier, he can manage watch. His detection skills are excellent—beastkin hearing is reliable. If Yunek can scout, it'd be a great help."
Praised by Verrot, Yunek happily stroked his ears.
For his mental well-being, keeping him occupied makes sense.
But tonight's watch is the most dangerous.
After tomorrow, the plan falls apart—night raids won't matter.
If they attack recklessly, all the better.
Lambert and Sekiyes didn't actively agree but didn't oppose either.
Watching Yunek's enthusiasm, I sighed inwardly.
Well, I'd already half-agreed. Just stay extra vigilant…
"Fine. We'll count on you for watch."
"Thank you! I'll do my best!"
"Then rest now. Our shift's much later."
Handing Yunek a fur, I urged him to sleep.
I expected excitement to keep him awake, but he dozed off instantly.
Not at full strength, plus constant travel—it'd be stranger if he weren't exhausted.
Can he even handle watch like this?
Doubtful, we retired too. Late at night, our shift arrived.
Yunek was groggy, confused at being woken—
"Aren't you on watch?"
The moment I said it, he jolted up.
Replacing Balner and Verrot's amused smiles, Yunek and I took over.
First, I scanned the surroundings, confirming no threats.
Yunek watched intently beside me, expression serious.
I almost laughed, but seeing his eyes gleam changed my mind.
[Darkvision]?
I can use [Night Vision], but it drains mana. Sustaining it is impossible.
Instinctively, his ears twitched, scanning for sounds.
On a night this dark, he might outperform us.
After a while, I asked:
"See or hear anything?"
"No… Sorry."
"Nothing's fine. Let's keep watch with some tea."
Moving to the fire, I boiled water and prepared strong General's Tea.
I meant to give Yunek black tea, but his curiosity made me offer a sip.
"Bitter, right?"
"N-no, it's good…"
His face contradicted his words, making me chuckle.
Reminded me of Oze once saying it kept him awake during camps.
When was that…
Savoring the bitterness, I shared old stories—partly nostalgic, partly because Yunek reminded me of Oze.
Both weak in combat but skilled scouts. Yunek could learn much from him.
(Though Pidosios is similar—but no, he's different.)
Yunek seemed surprised adventurers could struggle in fights.
He listened eagerly, asking about scouting roles and teamwork.
Between vigilance, I kept talking.
Eventually, I taught him numbers and simple words.
Skills convey activation effects, but unclear positioning is risky.
Thrilled, Yunek compared the numbers to his stats, reporting excitedly.
I praised him but warned against carelessly sharing such info.
He didn't fully grasp it, but this is essential knowledge, whatever path he takes.
By the time our watch ended, morning arrived without incident.
◇◇◇◇
"—Thus, as planned, we'll head south via Fasden's outskirts to the Deep Palace Forest. The attackers may move impatiently. Stay sharp. Any questions?"
With everyone's agreement, Lambert gave the order to depart.
Breaking camp, we marched south past Mount Lazarag's shadowed slopes.
Our destination: the Empire's most perilous zone, the Deep Palace Forest.
Further south now, the grassland breeze carried spring's warmth.
The road was worn from forced marches, but the mud had dried.
Finally walking on proper roads instead of grass, we picked up speed.
Perhaps due to caution near the highway, we encountered no monsters by afternoon.
And as expected, Yunek's stamina ran out by midday.
During a shorter break, I gave him a fatigue-recovery Healing Potion.
He stared blankly at the ceramic vial but widened his eyes upon tasting it.
"It's sweet!"
"Good. Drink it all."
The small dose was quickly finished.
He liked it so much he upturned the vial, struggling to get the last drop.
The Telpas Bag is truly convenient.
Between pre-made stock and newly brewed potions, it holds over seventy vials.
Fatigue recovery types are plentiful, with varied secondary effects.
Short of limb loss, we're prepared for most situations.
The potion worked—Yunek revived.
Then, as if proving his beastkin heritage, he adapted to the pace, even finding leisure to admire the scenery.
While lagging behind me earlier, he now kept close at my flank.
Catching my glance, he looked up eagerly.
"Um, Alter-sama… About that adventurer yesterday—"
"Oze?"
"Yes. How does Oze find monsters?"
"Experience, mostly—but [Presence Detection] relies on sight and hearing too. Skills augment with mana, but the drive comes from the individual."
Pointing to footprints on the road:
"Shape and depth hint at type and size. With practice, you'll gauge direction and urgency from tread patterns."
Nodding repeatedly, Yunek studied the dried tracks until falling behind and jogging back.
"Monsters avoid roads too. Try listening or smelling instead."
"Understood!"
Ears perked, Yunek scanned sharply—his gaze now predator-like.
However childlike, his beastkin blood showed.
Soon, he spotted a rodent fleeing our approach.
Beyond [Presence Detection 3]'s range—beastkin hearing caught it.
Praising him made him try harder.
Amid the hurried journey, peaceful exchanges honed his detection skills.
His earnestness sped progress. At this rate, he might rank up before arrival.
Hiring him in Reedwald is an option, but adventuring suits him too.
Oze could train him; if he clicks with Ted's clan, they might recruit him. A skilled scout would aid them.
"Alter-sama! Something big ahead!"
Yunek's next report made Hakushou tense. I gestured everyone onward.
"Be precise."
"S-sorry! Um… bigger than me."
As Yunek corrected, Sekiyes scanned the area.
"Goblins?"
"Goblins. Hiding in the thicket ahead. Won't engage yet. Yunek, can you count?"
Squinting, Yunek angled his ears forward.
"Seven… No, six. One's bigger."
"Correct. All goblins, but one's stronger. Nearing the Deep Palace Forest—might have skills or magic."
Sekiyes nodded while Verrot frowned.
"I'm impressed. I can't even tell where they are."
"You excel elsewhere. Don't overreach."
"Such flattery."
Flustered, Verrot bowed exaggeratedly.
As we advanced, Hakushou adjusted his shield; others readied weapons.
Soon, goblins burst from the thicket.
Balner's arrow felled one, but four charged Sekiyes.
"Alter-sama, guard our flanks!"
"Got it. Don't forget the one behind."
"Roger!"
Leaving the front to Sekiyes, I fell back.
Lambert covered the rear, Yunek behind him, Felix anchoring.
A quick [Appraisal] showed decent strength—these could rival Seren's orcs.
The rear goblin stood taller, wielding [Earth Bolt] and a magic dagger.
But no threat to us.
C-ranks handle bolt spells fine; the dagger likely had [Durability Enhancement].
D-ranks might struggle, but Hakushou intercepted the ambush with ease.
True to form, the goblins fell swiftly.
Their stronger kin panicked, firing earth spikes wildly.
One grazed Ambel before my [Earth Shield] deflected it.
"At least use stone. Did you think dirt would work?"
"Sorry, Alter-sama!"
"Don't sweat it. Just keep Ambel safe. They're fleeing now."
The magic goblin bolted.
Balner's arrow grazed it as Sekiyes's axe arced beautifully, embedding in its skull.
"Fine shot."
"Thanks to your warning."
"That was unavoidable. Besides, guarding's my job."
"Appreciated."
Sekiyes retrieved his axe, checking the goblin's gear.
The dagger had [Durability Enhancement 2]—filthy but barely used.
Come to think of it, Yunek's unarmed.
The dagger's unfit for him, but he needs something.
Rifling through the Telpas Bag, I paused.
Ah, right.
Yunek stood frozen, Felix looking down worriedly.
Merely standing was progress—terror had paralyzed him.
Overhearing our argument scared him; witnessing violence shattered him.
No scout or adventurer can function like this. Weapons would be pointless.
Sheathing his sword, Lambert jerked his chin at Yunek.
"Talent's clear. But this is a problem."
"We'll manage."
A calming Healing Potion steadied Yunek slightly.
Fear remained, but the emotional spikes dulled.
◇◇◇◇
I tossed the goblin corpses into the magic bag, Telpas Bag, and we resumed our march.
Yunek had calmed enough to walk but still seemed uneasy.
Watching him, I recalled my younger self.
The first monster I ever killed was a goblin.
I was probably terrified, but [Mental Resistance] kept me composed.
Curious, I asked the others. Sekiyes and Balner also started with goblins, admitting they'd been terrified. Ambel froze behind senior adventurers fighting orcs, while Verrot was chased through the woods by wolves.
Even Lambert and Felix began with goblins, though they were too desperate to remember much.
Hearing this, Yunek perked up.
Fighting monsters is life-or-death. Of course everyone's scared at first.
Afterward, Yunek threw himself into scouting, spotting animals but no monsters until dusk.
The road ahead stretched emptily—no campsite in sight.
We'd moved faster despite the rough terrain.
Yunek wasn't slowing us; the goblins were.
Resting here would be pointless.
I focused on [Presence Detection], Yunek on [Darkvision], as we advanced through the gloom.
Soon, we reached a campsite.
Scanning the deserted clearing, we checked for threats.
Then I lined the ground beneath with [Earth Wall] stone slabs, and the group finally unloaded.
Balner immediately began draping cloth over a nearby tree.
After surveying the area, I called out:
"Hold up a moment."
"Ah, right. Understood."
As Balner paused, I grabbed a branch and vaulted up, scanning the surroundings.
Still dark tonight.
Activating [Night Vision], the shadows lifted, revealing the rolling grasslands.
Nothing but endless swaying grass—no watchers in sight.
Hidden among dips or thickets, they'd be hard to spot, but at least [Presence Detection] sensed nothing.
A master tracker might evade even my [Presence Detection 7], but—doubtful.
I hadn't [Appraised] that man. Even if he was an attacker, was he really that skilled?
Dropping down, I apologized to Balner for interrupting.
Then, catching Lambert's eye, I led him beyond the firelight, retrieving potions from the Telpas Bag.
"Take these, just in case. Felix too."
They stashed them, and Lambert gestured for me to continue.
Ensuring Hakushou wasn't eavesdropping, I broached it:
"Something I forgot to ask earlier. Don't take this wrong. Could your eldest and second brothers be working together?"
If Lambert had grown enough to worry them, wouldn't he also threaten the eldest?
Lambert instantly dismissed it. "Impossible."
"The eldest has no motive to eliminate me. I get your point, and I appreciate the regard. But Father would judge the opposite. He despises battle—not conflict itself, but drawing steel as a last, foolish resort. You know what I am. However much I strategize, I'm a warrior at heart. He'd never consider me his successor."
"I see. My mistake for overthinking. Still, stay cautious even after this trip. If your second brother snaps, he'll be trouble. Felix, watch his back."
"Of course. I'll protect Lord Lambert with my life."
Standing behind Lambert, Felix pledged as usual.
The night passed uneventfully. We ate, then turned in.
Yunek rested early, roused at my shift.
Around the fire, we chatted warily.
Naturally, Yunek drank General's Tea too.
He clearly struggled, so I offered black tea—but he insisted on matching me.
That led to stories: how the tea came to be, its enthusiasts, its reception in Seren.
I skimmed over Ted's group, but Yunek seemed intrigued by kids his age.
Learning they earned pocket money selling it, he gazed thoughtfully into his cup.
Later, as I brewed another round, Yunek and I looked up simultaneously.
Trouble.
"Alter-sama, rain."
"Seems so. Hope it doesn't pour."
Balner had foreseen this, stringing up the cloth.
The fire wouldn't die, but most slept outside its cover.
Unfortunately, my fears proved right.
As the rain worsened, everyone awoke, reclaiming their fur cloaks.
Huddling near the fire, they tried dozing off—until the downpour defeated them.
Between damp and noise, they likely feared attackers exploiting the storm.
Only Balner and Verrot, who'd kept watch, managed fitful sleep before our shift.
Exhaustion knocked out Yunek; [Mental Resistance] and trust in Sekiyes's vigilance did the same for me.
Morning came to unrelenting rain. I stirred, listening to its rhythm.