Chapter 387

387 Moments of Choice #3

Look, there’s the sea.

Flap, Flap.

Since leaving Sodomora in the morning, the ice dragon, Icy Pearl, has been continually flapping its wings without a single sign of fatigue.

Thanks to its intense and swift speed, we somehow made it to the southern part of the continent, where the horizon shone vividly with the deep blue hues of the setting sun, looking rather picturesque.

As I was lost in thought, gazing at the sea below, moved by that scene which stirred my sensitive nature, Icy Pearl added a remark.

“The southern seas are the merciless territory of Scylla and Charybdis. Even dragons hesitate to fly over this sea because you never know what might happen.”

“Scylla and Charybdis?”

I faintly remembered reading something about them during my library study sessions, but it didn’t come to mind right away. I must have skipped over it, thinking it wasn’t important at the time.

So, I decided to ask.

“What are Scylla and Charybdis?”

Ah… Pluto’s son seems indifferent to earthly matters. You don’t know the tale of Odysseus’ journey back to Ithaca, do you?

“Feels familiar, but I don’t recall what it is.”

Envious. How could you not know this fascinating tale? I wish I could return to the days when I also didn’t know this story and relive the excitement.

Behind me on my back, Elpride also chimed in with her voice.

“Hassan, I can’t believe even you don’t know the story of Odysseus. It’s quite famous.”

“What, is it really that well-known? And do you know it?”

“Huh, how many books do you think I’ve read across this continent? And Odysseus is my all-time favorite historical figure.”

It seems that the tale of Odysseus holds a position akin to a famous drama or novel in this world.

However, for some reason, my complete ignorance seemed to have triggered some strange emotion in the ice dragon Icy Pearl.

Odysseus of Ithaca was not a noble hero but rather a cunning and deceitful man.

After flying silently for a while, the dragon began to recount odd tales as if it were a radio announcer.

He fundamentally differed from fellow war participants like Achilles, Patroclus, and the brothers Ajax.

“Oh, I’ve heard of Achilles too.”

Around Sodomora, deep within the underground abyss dwells the d*ath Knight Weapon Master. It’s been over a month since I last saw his face. He’s so strong, I’m sure he’s doing fine wherever he is. I wonder how Agumon is doing.

Do you know Achilles? Quite frankly, not knowing this story is strange. The great hero Achilles sacrificed his life for a glorious d*ath to be remembered as a hero. Conversely, Odysseus was the opposite kind of man who would do anything, however despicable, to survive.

After that, I had no choice but to continue listening to the tale of Odysseus, which apparently didn’t interest the dragon much.

It was about his years of hardship after winning the war as he tried to return to his home island.

Scylla and Charybdis were reportedly one of the reasons for his suffering, being monstrous creatures lurking in the sea.

This was the very sea where he endured his hardships. Soon, you’ll see it clearly enough. The whirlpools caused by massive beasts will be unmistakable, like this one—.

Following Icy Pearl’s explanation, I looked down at the sea.

SwirlingWhirlpool—.

There it was, an immensely terrifying and immense whirlpool churning violently in every direction.

Those are the mouths of the voracious Queen Charybdis. She devours and crushes anything she touches. A wooden ship would sink in no time.

A natural disaster.

The whirlpools truly were akin to natural disasters.

They were at least a hundred meters wide or more, perhaps even reaching up to a hundred and fifty meters.

It wasn’t hard to imagine what would happen to the sailors if the ships attempted to navigate through these treacherous coastal areas in a world where shipbuilding methods and navigation skills hadn’t yet developed.

SwirlingWhirlpool—.

“Goodness, then how on earth did Luna return via Ideope? I thought she was just taking a long boat ride.”

I had naively assumed she would be sailing calmly for a long period without realizing she’d have to face these massive whirlpools, typical challenges faced by pirate kings.

Could it be that Luna sent me a coded message asking for help precisely because of this dreadful sea?

Did Elpride understand my thoughts? She explained beside me.

“After Odysseus’s journey, navigation techniques that could deceive the eyes of Scylla and Charybdis developed.”

“Really?”

“They say that putting a sheep in the center can calm the whirlpools. Alternatively, building ships from trees blessed by Neptune works as well. Luna must have passed through in such a manner.”

If that were the case, then that’s a relief.

SwirlingWhirlpool—.

I kept looking at the whirlpools beneath me. Initially, I was genuinely terrified, but since I was riding on the massive back of a dragon, the probability of falling into that was quite low.

With that in mind, the entire situation felt like a secure safari ride watching lions from a car, making it more amusing.

Whirlpool, who cares! I’m on the dragon!

As dusk fell, the sea was pitch black.

It was a moonless day, both moons were overshadowed by dark clouds. Flying without the light of lighthouses over this dark sea, it felt like the dark sky and the sea beneath me had merged into one.

At times, it felt like I was flying inside the sea.

We’re nearly there. I’ll let you down on an appropriate beach, and after that, you’re on your own. The way back is also up to you.

“Sure, that’s fine.”

Dropping lower in altitude gradually, I felt relieved at the thought of finally touching land after riding on the dragon’s back for hours.

Splash—.

Finally, Icy Pearl’s colossal body descended onto the sandy beach splashed by the waves. As he lowered his neck, I unwrapped the blanket tightly wrapped around me and stepped onto the sand.

I’ll be off, then.

Whoosh—!

With a massive flap of its wings, Icy Pearl took off into the distance. This beast doesn’t seem very considerate.

“……”

“……”

Ultimately, Elpride and I were left alone on the dark, desolate beach and a jungle or rainforest visible from inland, lost in thought.

Elpride was the first to speak.

“What do we do now?”

“Hmm. We should probably head towards any signs of human habitation. Any place with visible fire or smoke?”

If we find a village, there should be at least one or two places with campfires or hearths burning at night.

However, due to the dense jungle blocking our view, we couldn’t see any smoke or fire.

Grrr—.

Instead, it seemed the noises and glowing eyes between the bushes were scrutinizing us, perhaps drawn by the sound of the dragon’s wings.

“Since we don’t know where we are, we don’t know what to do. Odysseus must have felt this way when he docked at an island.”

Elpride seemed to have no clear next plan either.

She twirled her staff, creating a small flame at its tip.

“In the jungle, anything could leap out at us, so it’s better to keep the light on.”

Whoosh—whoosh—.

It’s truly quite convenient to have a mage. Without Elpride, at least half of the supplies I’m carrying would have been for torches and campfires.

Rustle, rustle.

Perhaps due to Elpride’s flame, the pairs of red eyes lurking among the bushes and vines began disappearing one by one.

Whether wild animals or monsters, they disappeared.

According to Luna, the jungle and swamps of Ideope were teeming with crocodiles, leopards, venomous snakes, and terrifying giant spiders—frightening places.

Recalling this, I was hesitant about venturing into the jungle shrouded in darkness.

Most dangerous nocturnal predators active at night dwell in such jungles.

“Should we just wait for dawn? The beach seems safe. We can burn a bonfire over there and spend the night comfortably.”

Perhaps sensing my thoughts, Elpride pointed her staff at a nearby flat area near the beach.

Indeed, there was a good spot to set up camp, with fallen trees and strange vines scattered around, but otherwise perfect.

Should we just wait until dawn as Elpride suggested?

But in my mind, Luna’s pink hair swayed gently, imagining her potentially in trouble right now.

If I were to relax until dawn and Luna were to fall into irreversible danger during that time, I would undoubtedly regret it.

Because of this, I wanted to immediately set forth through the jungle and head towards where Luna might be, despite the fear of encountering all sorts of venomous creatures.

I was more worried about Luna than the fear of venturing into the jungle.

That’s also why I made a brash and impolite prayer to the Goddess Vesta for a dragon.

“Hmph.”

At that moment, Elpride let out a small scoff.

“Guess the princess must be pretty special if someone as cowardly as you is willingly heading into danger.”

It seemed like Elpride didn’t really understand my motivation. It’s understandable; Elpride had always seen me as a consistent self-preserver who ran from danger.

To be honest, I’m still half of that person right now.

However, Luna has always protected me when I was in danger, charging headfirst without thinking into injustices and formidable enemies.

As she released the bees to attack the thugs, as she was the first to try to rescue me when I was trapped in the abyss, she always came to my aid.

If it were me in trouble, Luna wouldn’t hesitate to jump into the jungle.

That thought gave me some courage.

“Alright, let’s head into the jungle.”

“Hmph, sure. Just remember, giant spiders will probably jump out at you. They’re said to be abundant here.”

“Stop trying to scare me.”

Rustle—.

I pulled the sturdy, tough hide draped over my neck over my head.

This should protect against spiders climbing onto my face. Also, the wildness radiating from the son of Beast King would likely stop lesser monsters or animals from coming near.

Swish—.

I took out my club alongside my thoughts, a weapon as thick and heavy as a pillar.

Holding it gave me the feeling that I could become a little more significant, boosting my confidence.

“Let’s go then.”

Only I appeared motivated. Elpride seemed somewhat disgruntled.

“There’ll be spiders, but probably centipedes too.”

“I’m not afraid of centipedes.”

“……”

Elpride went silent at my reply.

Having been with her for quite some time, I understood that this silence was not necessarily a good sign.

Looking over, Elpride had a furrowed brow, like someone upset with someone.

Is she upset because I’m undertaking such a risky plan?

She asked.

“Is this girl Luna so precious to you?”

“What is this nonsense when we’ve come so far?”

“You hate spiders, yet you’re still going to head in, knowing they’re everywhere?”

I couldn’t understand why Elpride, who had agreed to assist on this journey, was suddenly reacting this way.

Snap—.

Then my brilliant mind, equivalent to that of a wise deity, quickly pieced the pieces together and reached a conclusion.

Could it be that Elpride is jealous of me going to save Luna, who is like a captured princess?

That must be it.

Otherwise, there would be no reason for her to suddenly react emotionally. This girl clearly dislikes that I’m gathering the courage to rescue Luna.

“Are you jealous that I’m going to save Luna?”

“Huh? Jealous? You’re hilarious. Every time I do something, you label it as jealousy. You probably just want me to be jealous, don’t you?”

Elpride never loses in words to me. It’s astonishing that I’ve managed to topple this proud girl onto the bed.

Still, I replied in a manner that was half-strategic and half-sincere, almost as a counterattack.

“Still, Elpride, I would have ventured into the jungle if it were you in trouble instead of Luna.”

“What…?”

“Didn’t you remember that time I dove into searing flames just to stop you?”

“Hmph… You seem to be getting better at telling lies.”

Elpride’s furrowed brows became more intense.

Is my answer displeasing to her?

However, my divine perception noticed her sharp ears gradually turning red. At that moment, Elpride reluctantly spoke.

“Fine, I’ll believe you this time. But you go first. We don’t know what might jump out, so you protect me.”

“Of course. I’ll take the front; you the rear. Warrior and mage—a classic combination. Alright, let’s go.”

Swish—.

With a small sigh, I stepped into the undergrowth. No one could stop me now.

“Aaah! So d*mn many spiders!”

“Sh, shut up, idiot!”

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