Chapter 151
Chapter 151. Homecoming
One of the Empire's most dangerous zones, the Depths Forest.
Using [High-Speed Movement] and the Leaping Rabbit pendant to sustain my life through the labyrinth's power, I dashed across the treetops.
Though I cautiously searched for enemies, the presence of monsters was sparse, and animals were few.
Even so, I continued moving without letting my guard down and emerged from the Depths Forest in less than five minutes.
Stepping onto the grassland, I turned to look back at the forest behind me.
It was much faster than I'd expected, but considering the difficulty of traversing the forest, walking normally would've likely taken an hour.
That day, aside from sustaining my life, I hadn't expended any magic except for Kuckle.
Had I used magic in battles against other monsters, my mana might've been depleted before reaching the labyrinth.
And I don't think the abnormally low number of monsters was a coincidence. The labyrinth was likely the cause.
All skills inherently assist or enhance one's original abilities.
If monsters and animals possess detection skills—something akin to a primal instinct—it wouldn't be strange for them to sense the labyrinth's presence.
Creatures with sharp senses would avoid it, gradually thinning out the area's wildlife.
As a result, a blank zone centered around the labyrinth was born, wasn't it?
And the outer edges of this blank zone should've grown denser with monsters that either fled or turned back after sensing the labyrinth.
The Earth Dragon that Markant's group encountered might've been lured out from the depths because of this.
In fact, even the appearances of the Elas Rhino and Tremor Cube near Reedwald could've been part of the chain reaction.
Regardless of the truth, I was grateful to have avoided wasting time.
I shielded my eyes with a hand and looked up at the sky, confirming my position based on the sun's angle and the northern mountain range.
Then, gazing in the direction of Fassden, I pondered.
I'd drifted farther east than expected, but it wasn't too far for me.
Considering the danger of the Tepa Turtle, Lambert's group wouldn't have crossed the grassland.
If they took the highway, could I catch up?
I wanted to reclaim my belongings from Hashou, but—it might be difficult.
I wasn't sure how long I'd been unconscious, nor did I know where Hashou had gone.
Even if he continued guarding Lambert, resting in Fassden or Silveck could mean missing each other.
Moreover, Viscount Keten's intentions were unclear. For now, I should prioritize returning.
Recalling rough geography, I shifted my gaze northeast.
South of Viscount Keten's domain lay the Atrald Mountain Range.
The shortest route was traversing it, but even with [Leaping Rabbit], steep elevation changes would take time.
It'd be faster to enter the Leknod Forest from the range's east.
Next was [Beast Transfromation].
It had gone out of control earlier, but if I could wield it as my skill, it might prove useful.
Testing it, a sensation like being groped ran through my body.
Every muscle trembled, and the skin on my face stiffened.
But it lasted only a moment before the discomfort faded.
I checked myself by touch.
Had my muscles transformed? My body felt slightly tighter.
The changes to my ears were obvious—their tips had sharpened, covered in beastly fur.
Out of sight, my hearing and smell seemed sharper.
It seemed to have activated safely, but—this wasn't [Beast Transfromation].
Normally, it should've made me appear more beast-like.
I also felt no stat adjustments or heightened combat instincts.
This was more like [Therianthropy].
Likely a difference in origin, but was this irregular activation safe?
As I adjusted to my sharpened senses, I observed for a while but found no issues.
Perhaps due to this half-baked [Beast Transfromation], there was no strain on my body or mind.
I could probably keep it active indefinitely.
"I'll borrow your power, Yunek."
Whispering inwardly, I set off across the vast grassland toward Reedwald.
◇◇◇◇
This grassland was a buffer between human territory and the Depths Forest.
Unlike the forest, rich with flora and fauna, most monsters found the plains inhospitable.
Thus, they rarely left the woods—unless humans settled.
Weak humans gathering in one place.
Even if their walls couldn't be breached, merchants and travelers made perfect prey.
Many nobles had attempted colonization despite the risks, but only a few, like Fassden, succeeded.
Most ruins hadn't lasted a decade.
Southern Keten was no exception.
Its downfall, however, stemmed from the Atrald Mountain Range on the Empire's southeastern border.
Crossing the mountains delayed not only supplies but also reinforcements.
How long they held out is unknown, but in the end, with heavy casualties, the reckless endeavor was abandoned.
Soon, the hazy Atrald Range grew distinct.
As I ran, I glanced at its ridgeline.
Avoiding the mountains had another reason: beyond them lay Baron Ezreit's domain.
Though sworn to Viscount Keten generations prior, its founder was originally the viscount's younger brother.
Main and branch families—akin to the Emperor and his dukes.
Regardless, Ezreit's lands were likely well-watched.
Lambert's group believed me dead. If spotted, I might leak unnecessary intel.
Detouring was surer than slowing down.
I ran until sunset, reaching the Atrald Range's eastern edge.
Bathed in twilight, an expansive forest sprawled before me.
If the plains buffered the Empire and the Depths Forest, the range's foothills marked the boundary between the Leknod and Depths Forests.
The Leknod Forest narrowed toward the north.
Though no meteorologist, I suspected the Atrald Range's influence was significant.
The dividing mountains altered climate and vegetation, stunting forest growth while human activity accelerated it.
Eventually, the range's northern stretch became known as the Leknod Forest.
Indeed, monster strength declined from here onward.
If the Depths Forest was an ocean, the Leknod was at best a pond.
Like the plains, a cramped environment.
In the dusk, I stepped into the Depths Forest's endpoint.
Using [Leaping Rabbit] and [Night Vision], I headed north as the terrain grew rugged.
The Atrald foothills.
Switching to branch-hopping, I scaled steep slopes and cliffs.
Before midnight, I cleared the foothills and entered the Leknod Forest.
Continuing north, I decided to rest in a tree as dawn paled the sky.
After intermittent light sleep, birdsong woke me.
Activating [Beast Transfromation] and [Presence Detection], I scouted the area.
Distant monster sounds and presences lingered, but none noticed me.
I took a waterskin from my backpack and drank.
Refilling it with [Pure Water], I noticed my breath was white.
Temperatures had dropped as I traveled north.
Proof lay below—snow clung to the forest floor.
But it seemed fresh, not residual.
Given the heavy rain when I was stung, the north might've had snowfall.
Tearing off jerky, I chewed and stretched.
Some fatigue, but no abnormalities.
[Beast Transfromation] proved unexpectedly useful.
[High-Speed Movement] didn't enhance stamina, forcing rests or slower paces over long distances.
But Yunek seemed canine-blooded—I'd maintained speed without tiring.
Swallowing the jerky, I resumed my journey.
The Leknod's canopy was usually Nudrook territory.
Yet, perhaps due to the Depths' proximity, they were scarcer than near Reedwald.
I leapt branch-to-branch with [Leaping Rabbit], shaking off occasional Nudrooks.
By late morning, I cleared the Leknod and reached the plains.
"So it did snow."
Between sparse trees, even sunlit patches of grass bore snow.
Meltwater formed tiny streams and countless puddles.
Stepping on shaded thickets, frost pillars lingered—this morning must've been frigid.
The mud was awful. Even here, [Leaping Rabbit] was necessary.
I started running cautiously, speeding up once accustomed.
Keeping Baron Ezreit's land to my west, I headed north, passing Viscount Keten's domain hours later.
As the sun dipped, low hills and a small forest appeared northwest.
I stopped, staring.
How many days since leaving Selen?
At last, I'd reached the Reedwald Barony.
After brief thought, I turned northwest.
Beyond lay the barony's villages.
Being spotted here mattered little, and the highway north would be faster.
Groves thickened into woods as I advanced.
The vibe differed from the Leknod.
Partly the density of life, but mostly the trees themselves.
Per my father and Graham's lessons, these woods were full of oily timber.
Unusable, they'd been left alone, now serving only for hunting and foraging.
They also concentrated monsters crossing the plains.
Creating hiding spots prevented dispersal. Patrols and village intel guided knights to cull them.
And likely, these tracks were proof.
Mid-forest, I found countless footprints.
All old—about a week—and orderly, suggesting knights on a purge.
The tracks led beyond the woods. Following them, I soon sensed distant presences.
Through the trees, glimpses of plains hinted at a village.
Reedwald's south-southeast: Kuzel Village.
Emerging onto sunset-lit grassland, I spotted log fences ahead.
As I neared, the village gate and guards came into view.
But so did a growing unease.
My steps slowed, then halted.
Squinting, I realized the truth and dove into thickets.
They weren't militia. Regular soldiers.
Strange that they'd linger a week after the tracks were made.
And the security was excessive.
Holding my breath, I watched as a soldier glanced back.
Villagers appeared, distributing dinner to the troops.
An officer spoke; they bowed with smiles.
A normal exchange—but my eyes locked elsewhere.
The officer's cloak bore the Keten family crest.
Silently, I retreated to the woods and sat.
Keten's lands were long behind. This was Kuzel.
The villagers' demeanor didn't suggest occupation.
Theories flickered, but I cut my thoughts short.
No answers would come from brooding.
Changing course northeast, I crossed the plains, keeping the Leknod to my right.
As twilight drowned the grassland, a familiar sight entered view.
Against the dark sky, the glow of human habitation blurred into focus.
Relief at finally arriving brought a smile—which froze.
The Baromatt Kingdom of the Cojess Union.
A sworn enemy since the fortress days, the very reason House Reedwald was born.
Their crest hung from the outer walls.
A scorched stench wafted from somewhere.
Before I knew it, I was running.
Clearing the wall with [Leaping Rabbit], I weaved through snowy alleys.
Meeting patrols on the main street, I obliterated them with [Earth Bolt].
Then, nearing the manor—
Bonfires lit the plaza before it, guarded by twelve soldiers.
At its center, crucified, were my father, mother, and brother.
Their heads hung limp, bonfire flames reflecting in vacant eyes.
I checked presences, cast [Appraisal], and repeated despite the results.
Amidst my chilling heart, a vague emotion surfaced.
"Lost again… have I…?"
Muttering, I stood rooted to the spot.