I was strolling along a mountain path, munching on bread stuffed with jerky. When asked why I wasn’t taking the main road, I was told this way was slightly faster.
Somehow, I could feel that the place was different from the mountain where I used to live. The texture of the soil and the sounds of birds were gradually changing.
The jerky I had been making wasn’t actually jerky but rather meat waste. Once again, I was amazed by human craftsmanship as I led the group at the front.
For some reason, the farther we went, the weaker and less impressive the animals became, so I relaxed my guard a bit like the others behind me.
“So, why did you specifically ask for my blood?”
Although it was miraculous when I used it, is my blood really that special? Well, it might be more special than humans’, but is the difference really that extreme?
“Apparently, your blood is elixir-level stuff. Even a few drops have an incredible effect.”
“…What’s that?”
Having lived secluded in the mountains, I didn’t know what he was talking about. Myungho scratched the back of his head, looking awkward, then brushed it off.
“In any case, it’s an incredibly potent medicine. It can save someone who’s on the brink of death with just one bottle… So, that’s why.”
…If that’s true, it was really fortunate that I decided to travel with these guys. Otherwise, I would’ve been harassed by humans until I died.
Speaking of being harassed, it came to mind. When I pressed my stomach firmly, I faintly felt something hard, like an egg, under my fingertips. At this rate… it’s about two weeks away.
Can I secretly deal with it without them noticing?
I don’t know until I try, but it seems quite difficult. Still, I have to endure that… showing a weakness makes me uneasy.
Even though they are my companions, they are not entirely like me, so I can’t fully trust them 100%.
If I ever show weakness, they might stab me. I need to stay alert.
…Myungho seems to trust me, but that’s because he’s too naive.
Thinking it was pleasant that no beasts or humans were attacking us, that thought vanished like a mole fleeing upon hearing the sound of water.
“Alterra? Is there something strange ahead? Please tell me it’s not another…”
“…Not this time. Just… something reminded me of something.”
I sharpened my senses to find a spot where I could pass without touching the water, but given the large waterfall and wide river, it seemed almost impossible not to get wet.
Ah, I hate this. I really hate it.
Even if we climbed above the waterfall, the width wouldn’t change. There was no bridge in sight.
“This sound… there must be a river or waterfall ahead. Do you want to cross quickly and get wet, or take a detour and stay dry?”
“It doesn’t matter much to me.”
“I’m the same. Are you okay? You’re not a good swimmer, right?”
“That’s ancient history… I’m pretty good now. What about you, Alterra?”
Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed like everyone intended to cross. As long as the water isn’t too deep, we can check first before deciding.
“Let’s go see.”
Dying from falling into the water is unlikely, but using magic becomes difficult. Additionally, my detection abilities decrease.
Even if rolling around in the dirt dries me quickly, not being able to do what I normally can is incredibly frustrating.
Because of that, I dislike water. A little splash on my feet is fine, but…
However, the river was deep enough to submerge me completely. The stones I threw sank quickly and disappeared from sight.
“How does it look? Can you cross? If you don’t know how to swim, let me know. I can give you a crash course on the essentials!”
Looking at the river, then at my party members, they didn’t know I was weak against water. Still, I felt uneasy.
…I know how to swim, but my body is heavy and tends to sink.
Focusing mana until my horn glowed gold, I summoned a tall, massive stone pillar from the earth with a loud rumble, startling Myungho.
Then, I toppled the pillar toward the river. A mixture of dust and water spray shot high into the sky, shaking the ground strongly.
The river was blocked by the giant stone pillar, altering its previous form. Though cracks appeared in the makeshift bridge I created, allowing some water to flow through, the water also ran over the top of the pillar.
“…Let’s cross. And, I know how to swim. I just don’t particularly like water.”
There’s no need to mention anything about sinking.
Everyone, including Myungho, stared at me and the bridge across the river with their mouths agape. After reattaching a fallen magnet and crossing first, I checked my arm hidden under my cloak.
Ugly black scales protruded all the way up to my forearm.
…Still, it’s better than getting wet. Since I crossed first, the others slowly followed. Once they were all across, I channeled mana into the pillar, causing it to collapse.
A loud noise echoed as rocks and mud mixed with the river flowed again. Blocking it briefly won’t cause any major issues.
“Well, if you want to turn back, let me know… I can adjust accordingly.”
“I don’t want to waste time.”
Hiding my heavily scaled right arm, I moved forward again. Myungho didn’t seem inclined to comment further, pointing out directions more cautiously than before.
Ah, this was it? Somehow, it felt narrower for human passage. Following the lead of the guy, soon an open vista with a downhill slope appeared.
A vast plain stretched out before us, with a large city surrounded by towering walls nestled below the mountain.
It was the second place I’d seen in my life where many humans gathered to live. Honestly, let’s skip the village—it could be walked around in less than two minutes.
“Oh. That’s… our destination. Enshulos. Before we enter! Please don’t use your abilities, punch people, or grab and throw anyone inside the city. It’ll make things complicated for us…”
Do they think I’m a barbarian? I won’t use force unless provoked first. Humans always start trouble.
“Got it. Let’s stop nagging and hurry up. I’m curious too.”
Indeed, what does this world look like? Will I immediately encounter swords and hostility upon entering? Or will it be an open, laughter-filled place?
I wanted to know. Although revenge for Mother is my top priority, I currently lack proper information, so perhaps enjoying myself a little wouldn’t hurt.
After a long while, I embraced a faint sense of anticipation and spurred myself to increase my descent speed.
By the time we reached the flatland, all the party members were exhausted, catching their breath. Yuna seemed only mildly winded, but Akashi looked close to death, wheezing.
“What… huff… We’re not wild animals… am I right… huff…”
“That’s why I told you to build stamina. Phew… still… wow. This is tough. Alterra, we could’ve descended slower…”
Is it my fault these guys are weak? It’s not my mistake, right?
Upon reaching the plains, it truly felt like we had entered a different world—a better one. I thought I had long abandoned expectations for the unknown, but apparently not.
My heart tingled with excitement. Even the blowing wind felt gentle and refreshing.
As we approached the city walls, I could sense the intricate craftsmanship, far surpassing the city I often visited, which seemed hastily built. These walls looked sturdy enough to last over a century.
And… near the entrance, numerous humans stood in line, seemingly undergoing some kind of inspection. Was it similar to immigration checks?
We naturally joined the queue and observed the humans. On closer inspection, not all of them were human.
Small creatures with transparent insect wings, humans with animal ears, and even beasts walking on two legs.
Most were human, but occasionally, non-human beings like myself appeared. This place seemed slightly more open-minded than my old neighborhood.
“Uh, Alterra? I know you’re excited, but could you check that out…”
Interrupting her joy with a “What is it?” would’ve been rude, but I stopped anyway when I noticed the muddy color of the river flowing through the wall.
Tracing its source upstream, it led back to the mountain we came from.
“You folks, did you come from that mountain over there?”
“Ah, yes. Is there something wrong?”
“Don’t even ask. Suddenly, a loud noise came from the mountain, followed by muddy water flowing down. Perhaps there was a landslide… Anyway, it’s fortunate you appear unharmed. Lately, rumors of Demon Tribe sightings have been spreading… Ah, my worries were unfounded. Things are different if you’re esteemed lords.”
Myungho glanced at me reproachfully. Well, we did arrive quickly.
“Hahaha… thank you for the advice.”
No further conversation occurred. The person in front of us scanned our rank badges, then lost interest.
The gazes directed at me were unfamiliar, but they weren’t filled with hostility, so it wasn’t worth worrying about too much.
“Have you ever considered what it feels like for a major city to be overtaken by a satellite city?”
“No. Likely, you’re the only one here thinking about such things.”
Our turn finally came. As we strode towards the entrance of the wall, heavily armed guards stepped forward, crossing their weapons in front of me.
“Stop! By the Lord’s order. To enter, you must pass inspection. First, let us check your belongings for any illegal items.”
…Who are these people?
