168 – Nymphs and Greek-Roman Mythology #3
“There was once a time when animals known as ‘masters’ lived in the forests, mountains, and fields…! The Nemean Lion and the master of the volcano, Ladon, were such beings…!”
In ancient Greece.
It was said that great spirits and animals roamed the mountains and forests of the land where gods once walked.
In every rugged valley, lions with hide as tough as steel roared mightily, and deep in caves lurked long and fearsome snakes, reminiscent of dragons.
“It seems this animal surely belongs to such a category…! It appears strong enough to be a master of a certain area…!”
This was Oinoi’s evaluation of the photo presented by Erato from the Muse Guild.
The sight of a powerful ancient demon roaming the real world.
“Is it a fissure break?”
The emergence of a monster in reality likely meant that a fissure had overloaded and exploded somewhere.
It was clear that a fissure, long left unattended, was spewing forth its contents.
“Are you perhaps searching for any overloaded fissures?”
The first thing to do when a fissure becomes overloaded is to close it so that its contents cannot continually escape.
“Well, we are searching earnestly, but we haven’t found anything yet…”
However, they were having considerable trouble in this task.
I couldn’t quite understand.
Measuring the magical wave emitted by a fissure was supposed to be the job of a fissure detection tool.
An overloaded fissure was supposed to release a more intense magical wave, making it easier to detect with a fissure detector.
But to say it couldn’t be detected?
“Perhaps it’s because of the typhoon. You know that the typhoon is heading this way, right? This strange typhoon is causing the detection instruments to malfunction. The outburst from the fissure might also be due to this typhoon.”
I looked up at the sky.
Above the distant horizon, dark clouds were flickering with lightning.
The 35th typhoon “Typhoon” occurring in Greece due to abnormal weather patterns.
Erato speculated that many places would encounter problems because of this influence, and it might very well be true.
Well, I’m not a doctor in fissure studies, so it’s awkward to say this or that.
“It’s amazing that creatures from ancient myths, which seem to belong in old tales, are actually appearing and roaming in reality. I thought there wouldn’t be any more surprises while working as an Awakened, yet I’m still amazed that there’s more to discover.”
Erato shook her head.
My eyes turned to the nymphs busily licking gelato.
Nymphs were also an ancient race that originally appeared in myths.
Now that nymphs walk among us, tapping on smartphones and sometimes even driving supercars, it’s no wonder that terrible ancient beasts from mythologies have started appearing in the 21st century.
“I heard that nymphs are friendly with animals and that they’re skilled at tracking them. Erato, could you perhaps work with the nymphs to track and catch these ancient animals?”
Erato from the Muse Guild seemed to be almost in tears.
Seeing her, I felt like a hero who had long ago heard a plea from women saying, “Please defeat the monsters…! Then we will sing of your deserved rewards and glory…!”
Oinoi was also pleased with the situation.
“Receiving a request from women and fulfilling a task is, after all, the essence of being a hero…! I believe it’s good for the master of the house to grant requests…!”
“I, Coris, also think that’s a good idea…! Because chasing after animals is more enjoyable and exciting than expected…!”
“Of course…! Rare animals…! Ancient species…! They will undoubtedly sell for a very expensive price…! We shall catch them to sell at auction…!”
The nymphs were more excited about this request than I was.
I came to Greece merely to meet Achilles and hear about the use of the “Whispering Coin” and a man called ‘the Pinnacle.’
Unexpectedly, I ended up taking a request from the Muse Guild.
“Well then, let’s go for it.”
—
“Indeed, Oinoi, it’s great to see you again.”
In front of the fountain in the square.
Achilles Legion extended his hand towards me as he awaited my arrival at the promised location.
As I took his hand, I noticed his grip was quite strong.
“I have heard from Erato. You are participating in the ancient species capture operation? Just hearing the news makes me feel reassured. Aren’t you an expert on animals, Oinoi?”
An expert on animals.
I knew Achilles’ words were flattering, but it felt good nonetheless.
Soon Achilles spoke again.
“The reason I called you wasn’t specifically regarding the ancient species issue, but since the situation is urgent, let’s first handle this task together. First—”
He unfurled a map in front of me.
It appeared to be a map of all of Greece.
“The location where the ancient species has supposedly been discovered is right here in a small mountain village called Zagori. The residents report they’ve seen a large beast, about the size of a wolf with a long tail, gnawing on the trees.”
A beast the size of a wolf with a long tail.
This fearsome creature had devoured the roots of the trees in the forest, and the people of Zagori had given it the name “Root Gnawer.”
The village of Zagori was suffering significant damage due to many of its residents living by gathering.
“The problem is that it wanders freely through the forests and mountains, making it difficult to find. While there haven’t been any casualties yet, we don’t know what will happen if we leave it like this.”
Capturing a beast that is incredibly hard to find can be the perfect environment for me, Haildo, and the nymphs to step in.
Vroom—
We immediately drove towards the mountain village.
Zagori.
The sight of 46 small mountain villages ruggedly mixed among gorges and mountains made me feel as if I had stepped into a myth.
“I-I feel that this scenery seems familiar…! This is the land where my friend, the river nymph Zagoriol, lived…!”
Coris seemed delighted as the car wound down the curvy mountain road.
This landscape seemed sufficiently familiar to her.
Indeed, the stunning scenery of these rugged gorges, dense forests, and the rivers flowing between them was certainly a sight where nymphs, among other fairies and spirits, might have frolicked in ancient times.
—Creeeek…!
However, Kkungkkungi ruffled his fur as if he were annoyed.
When Kkungkkungi fluffs up like this, it usually means two things.
One is when he feels bored, and the other is when a powerful entity is threatening his position as the top squirrel beast.
In other words, Kkungkkungi must have sensed something strong enough to feel threatened for his position as the top squirrel beast in Zagori!
“Achilles! Please let me down!”
“Here?”
Achilles looked around.
Was he concerned about the steep cliffs and rugged valleys?
Creeeak—
Finally, the car stopped.
As soon as the door opened, Kkungkkungi dashed out.
“Surely, the master of this territory that governs the nature around Zagori is somewhere nearby…! Oinoi can sense it…!”
Shivering—
Oinoi trembled.
Soon, Coris and Illinois also perked up their little triangular ears, trying to sense or feel something.
At that moment.
—Kkungkkung…! Creeeek…!
Bang bang—
From afar, I heard Kkungkkungi’s tail repeatedly thumping against the ground.
Soon little squirrels, birds, and various other beasts began gathering around Kkungkkungi, and seeing this scene, Oinoi said.
“That is a ritual of challenge…! The squirrel Kkungkkungi is calling for a challenger…! I haven’t seen this in a long time…!”
A ritual of challenge?
Just as I was wondering what that meant—
—───!!!!
There was a thunderous sound.
We hurried towards the sound along the road, and what did we find? A huge brown-furred beast was hanging upside down from a steep cliff, roaring mightily!
—Creeeek…!
It was truly a thunderous roar.
With a body as large as a bear, its stripes were black, and it had a long and bushy tail, with claws so strong they could grip the cliff upside down without fear.
What kind of creature was that?
Just as my vision was spinning, Oinoi spoke.
“That surely is the primitive ancient squirrel…! I heard that ancient squirrels were that big and fearsome…!”
Primitive ancient squirrel.
It certainly looked like a powerful and sturdy beast, fitting its name.
According to Oinoi’s explanation, they were often called “Giant Squirrel” due to their size.
“Wasn’t it supposed to be hard to discover such an animal?”
As I tilted my head in confusion, Illinois chuckled.
“Indeed, it is only natural for an alpha subject that has received a challenge ceremony to accept it…! The squirrel Kkungkkungi has challenged that big giant squirrel to bring it out…!”
Pop!
The primitive ancient squirrel “Root Gnawer” dashed towards the road.
Its size was comparable to a small car, and due to the speed and destructive force from its weight and size, the road instantly sunk as if hit by a massive excavator.
Boom—
Standing on all fours was the primitive ancient squirrel.
Kkungkkungi stood before it.
As the two beasts glared at each other, other animals like deer, rabbits, and squirrels gathered from somewhere to watch the spectacle.
—Kkungkkungi…!
—Kkungkkungi…!
At last, the two squirrels lunged at each other.
Could the palm-sized Kkungkkungi truly stand a chance against that fearsome territory master? It seemed he could not!
Thump!
With an overwhelming body slam from the giant squirrel, Kkungkkungi was sent flying directly towards me.
I caught Kkungkkungi in my arms like an outfielder catching a falling fly ball.
“Kkungkkungi, are you okay?”
—Creeeek…!
Kkungkkungi didn’t appear to be seriously injured.
But he seemed infuriated from the attack.
“Indeed, there cannot be two alphas in this world…! The top squirrel Kkungkkungi surely aspires to defeat that old squirrel and become the true alpha…!”
Illinois’ words made sense.
Kkungkkungi was a combative squirrel beast.
It couldn’t possibly accept the existence of another strong squirrel apart from itself.
“Alright, Kkungkkungi. Hyper Evolution!”
—Kkungkkungi…!
I focused my magical energy into a single point towards Kkungkkungi.
Soon, Kkungkkungi’s body began to shimmer, its fur turned golden, its tail elongated, and sparks of strong currents erupted from its body.
Hyper Squirrel.
Kkungkkungi evolved into the legendary Super Squirrel.
“That look is certainly—.”
Achilles, watching the situation, seemed greatly surprised by Kkungkkungi’s evolution.
Of course, being someone who understood that the time for evolution was limited, I had no time to waste as I shouted towards Kkungkkungi.
“Kkungkkungi, go!”
Pop!
Kkungkkungi leaped high into the sky.
Catching its tail, while spinning, it descended like a bolt of wrath crashing down on the ground, exuding even greater force.
—Creeeek…!
Finally, Kkungkkungi unleashed a thunderous roar.
As it released the tail it had been holding, Kkungkkungi, breaking the sound barrier, sliced through the air with its tail, striking the back of the primitive ancient squirrel.
“Hyper Gale Kkungkkungi Slash!!!”
Paaah—!!!
Kwagawawawawa-!
—Keggegege…!!!!
The primitive ancient squirrel let out a loud sound of agony.
It sounded pitiful, like a puppy that had been unexpectedly struck, but perhaps it had allowed such a strong attack that the once formidable giant squirrel staggered and finally collapsed.
This signified one thing.
The victory of squirrel Kkungkkungi.
—Creeeek…!
Squirrel Kkungkkungi climbed onto the back of the primitive ancient squirrel and roared loudly enough to echo throughout the valley.
It seemed to declare, “I am the pinnacle!” and all of nature quieted under the sound of squirrel Kkungkkungi’s roar.
Thinking it was strange that not a single bird’s chirp could be heard, Achilles looked at the fallen ancient squirrel and spoke.
“This enormous squirrel was at least a quasi S-rank beast. It was a type that would have caused significant trouble due to its rapid movement and ability to traverse the forest freely.”
Had Kkungkkungi not drawn it out through the ritual of challenge, we would have had to chase through this vast and rugged valley for days on end.
In that sense, finding and defeating one territory master right away was indeed lucky.
“Hehe, it was indeed very lucky that the opponent was a baby giant squirrel…!”
Baby giant squirrel?
I snapped back to reality at Illinois’s words.
“Is that a baby?”
“Of course…! An adult giant squirrel is indeed as massive as a hill…!”
Is this for real?
It was truly an astonishing story.
Pop—
At that moment, the young giant squirrel appeared to regain its senses and rose as if waking up.
I had thought it would remain lying down for about a whole day; its recovery ability was truly monstrous.
—Kkungkkungi…!
Hop, hop—
It began to bounce on the damaged road, and I wondered if it was trying to run away.
“Ah, it seems to be telling us to follow…!”
