Episode 57 The Witch’s Forest (4)
The curse that had been hanging down has disappeared.
But instead, the words of the curse continue to ring in my ears.
[Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!]
Yeah, don’t die.
[Motherless Bastard!]
Yeah, I have a mom in real life.
[Keeheeheehee! Keeheehee!]
I smiled, ignoring the auditory hallucinations that came every few seconds.
It’s a little annoying, but so what?
It’s just an auditory hallucination.
No matter how many curses you throw, not only will there be no real damage, but even the real curses will disappear without a trace thanks to these guys, right?
‘From the beginning, all the comments that said it was a mental attack were completely useless.’
If you’re going to do it, do it better.
There is no novelty or authenticity.
Well, they seem to think differently.
“Bjorn! How can you just laugh at all these insults! Have you gone crazy? I’ve been getting a headache from all the noise!”
The trio of Misha, the dwarf, and Rotmiller, who had been to the Witch’s Forest before, were in relatively better shape, but Dwalki was the problem.
“… Ugh, ugh.”
His eyes were cloudy and his cheeks were sallow, as if he was going to vomit out whatever was inside him at any moment.
Well, in this kind of environment, it’s understandable that you’d get motion sickness.
‘I didn’t know it would feel like this, it’s amazing.’
Everything appears distorted due to the effects of [Hallucination] and [Disorientation].
I clearly looked to the right, but I saw things that I had seen straight ahead, and the sense of distance was blurrier than usual.
It’s like looking at the world through a convex mirror.
“Wok, waaaaay!”
Soon, Dwalki couldn’t hold it in anymore and vomited out thick stomach acid.
I asked, feeling a bit worried.
“Can you use magic in that condition?”
“Bjorn is no good. His comrades are suffering, and that’s more important!”
What is he saying now?
Last time I threw up, you told me to grow up and stuff.
Well, this is why people should refrain from becoming attached to each other.
Because it prevents you from making rational decisions.
“Misha, I didn’t ask you. So, Dwalki, what’s your answer?”
“He, he’s all, don’t worry. The magic is fine… Woof!”
Well, I guess there’s no magic until you get used to it.
Why are wizards so weak-willed?
Advertisements
As I was clicking my tongue at the completely incomprehensible sight, Rotmiller looked at me as if he found it strange.
“Still, it’s impressive. Even the most mentally strong Barbarian would have a hard time on his first trip… … .”
Well, I heard that.
But, as I said earlier, it was so hard.
As I was just laughing it off, the dwarf came forward, grumbling for his best friend Dwalki.
“Tsk tsk, that’s why I feel so weak after sitting at my desk all day.”
“Listen, I’m one of the more athletic wizards—”
“Okay, let’s rest for a while until we get used to it. You didn’t sleep well last night, did you? You must be even more tired.”
“Your consideration… I will not forget it.”
Eventually we decided to stay at the entrance for a while until Dwalki could acclimate to the environment.
I didn’t really object to it either.
No matter what, the presence of a magician was important here, and I also needed to replenish some of my depleted energy.
“I’ll keep watch, you all get some rest.”
As soon as the dwarf finished speaking, I collapsed on the floor and rested.
I didn’t even want to bother taking out my sleeping bag.
But what is this?
“Bjorn, you see… … .”
As I was trying to close my eyes, a dwarf slowly approached me and whispered to me.
“That thing about Elisa earlier—”
I woke up wide awake.
What on earth is he talking about?
“It’s not Miss Elisa, it’s that girl.”
“Uh, uh, yeah, anyway, that’s what she said. No matter how much I think about it, it’s like I’ve met her before… … .”
what?
I thought we were just talking about nonsense like usual, but it seems like it’s quite important.
As I raised my upper body and assumed a listening posture, the dwarf hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth.
“Didn’t you go to the guild to raise your explorer rank at your advice? When I was filling out the application form, there was someone next to me asking me a few questions.”
“I’m tired, so let’s just get to the point.”
“Now that I think about it, that really does seem like her.”
Wow, that’s much better since it’s concise.
It’s not that there aren’t any frustrating parts, though.
I asked calmly.
“Then why didn’t you recognize it right away?”
“That… wasn’t it a dirty sight, unlike in the city? Oh, oh, even the clothes were torn and tattered here and there!”
Oh, so you were so focused on looking into his chest that you couldn’t even see his face properly.
Advertisements
But now one question has finally been answered.
Why did Elisha and her party target us?
‘It was all because of that thing.’
No.3112 Guardian’s Wristguard.
A high-priced number item that is traded for a whopping 50 million stones on the exchange. Since it was an application for promotion, there must have been a description of it.
There are plenty of reasons for the looters to act.
Because the more money you have, the better.
‘So you were targeted from then on… … .’
As I acquire new information, cause-and-effect relationships that I was unaware of begin to form in my head.
Most of the team meetings were held in bars.
If we had put our minds to it, it wouldn’t have been too hard to figure out that we were using the Beast’s Den route.
It would have been possible to arrive first and set a trap.
“Wow, they say treasure always brings trouble, and doesn’t that saying really fit?”
The dwarf sighed deeply.
It seemed as if he was hoping for sympathy, but unfortunately he chose the wrong person.
What good does treasure do to bring trouble?
“Don’t blame the wrong people. It’s your fault for looking at all the applications.”
“So, are you blaming me now? Weren’t you there at the time?”
By the way, I didn’t know that I would have to worry about filling out the application form.
When I looked at him with a pitiful expression, the dwarf shut his mouth tightly as if he was at a loss for words.
‘Ugh… … .’
I didn’t really say anything else.
Isn’t it already in the past anyway?
It would be more reasonable to rest a little more during that time.
***
The break wasn’t very long.
Are you really just closing your eyes?
We had to wake up from our deep sleep because a monster appeared less than 30 minutes later.
Oh, is it a bit strange to say ‘we’?
“You slept really well, honey.”
“How can you sleep while listening to that sound?”
It seems like I’m the only one who slept so deeply that I even dreamed…
It’s because they’re all full.
“Okay, where’s the monster?”
“Over there.”
Advertisements
When I checked the place the dwarf was pointing, I saw the shape of a winged person.
For reference, the size is about the size of the palm of your hand.
“Fairy.”
9th grade monster fairy.
For reference, its only skill is to spray poison powder mixed with narcotic substances, and in the game, it is classified as a non-attack mob.
but…….
“We’ve got a troublesome guy from the start.”
If there are fairies gathered in one place like that, it means there is one nearby.
“Are you going to fight?”
“I guess he’s not someone you can easily see. Dwalki, that guy seems to be doing a little better now.”
I see you’re fighting.
Well, not bad.
From my perspective, it is a monster that has not yet gained experience points.
If you could give me an integer, it would be a jackpot.
Although it is an essence that I don’t need right now, it is a precious essence, so whoever eats it will surely be sold at a high price.
“Then, if everyone is ready, I will call them out.”
After briefly preparing for battle, the dwarf took up his stance with his war hammer in hand.
And he used his own patented combo.
“Hikurod Murad casted [Lightning].”
“Hikurod Murad cast [Release].”
Namely, lightning release.
As soon as the hammer was swung, the crackling electricity shot out in the shape of a cannonball.
And he mercilessly blew up fairies that were immune to physical damage.
“You defeated the Fairy. EXP +1”
I don’t know about anything else, but I’m a little jealous of this.
I wish I had one of these elemental damage skills.
“Keeeeeeeek-!!”
Anyway, the moment the fifteen fairies burst out, a creepy sound is heard from far away.
A roar, as if hundreds of beasts were roaring in anger.
Before long, the bastard emerged from the darkness.
With heavy footsteps befitting his size.
Kuung-!
Grade 7 monster, half troll.
As you can tell from the name, it’s not a real troll, but more like a half human and half troll mix.
For reference, this is a monster that only appears in the Witch’s Forest, and has a habit of stalking groups of fairies.
Advertisements
Unfortunately, I don’t know the reason.
I can’t seem to find that setting anywhere in the game.
Anyway, I’ll stop talking here.
“Grrrrr… … .”
A creature measuring about 2.5 meters tall crouched down and stared at us as if on guard.
However, as expected from a monster true to its nature, its patience did not last long.
“Kaaaaaaah-!!”
A half-troll swings a huge club at us as we slaughter a group of fairies that have been following us diligently.
There’s a dwarf right next to him, but why is he hitting on me?
Kuung!
It’s heavy.
It feels more like ‘Ianthro’ on the Steel Rock Hill.
Well, even though they are both 7th grade, isn’t it natural that Ianthros live in groups?
It’s been a long time since my arms have been this sore.
Swish.
So I angled my shield and deflected the half-troll’s club aside.
Then naturally the aggro shifted from me to the dwarf.
This is a useful tip that can only be used when there are two tanks in the team.
Well, it’s unfair that I’m the only one having a hard time, right?
I also learned that sharing difficult times with colleagues is a good thing.
“Kaaaaaaah-!!”
A second swing of the club followed by a roar.
The dwarf, who received the blow with his small shield, groaned softly as if his bones were aching.
It was only then that I realized one more thing.
“Ugh… … .”
Oh, this kid has no pain tolerance.
This is one of the biggest reasons why the Witch’s Forest is avoided by warriors.
Warriors are beings who are routinely beaten on the front lines. However, here, the pain increases several times more due to [Enhanced Pain Sensitivity].
‘More than half of the monsters that appear during that time are immune to physical attacks, and they even use mental skills… … .’
It wasn’t for nothing that Rotmiller tried to give the dwarf and me a first and last chance last night.
In the Witch’s Forest, warriors inevitably have to take on all the hardships.
I have a pain tolerance stat, so I guess I’ll just let it be.
‘I found out that my pain tolerance was really bad.’
I guess life is like a blessing and a curse.
The essence of the corpse golem that I accidentally absorbed continues to be of great help.
Advertisements
Phew-!
The half-troll swung his club again.
And the dwarf, who, unlike me, entered into the contest of strength honestly, shouted.
“Is the magic there yet!”
Not yet.
You know, he’s slow at singing, right?
“Behel—raaaaah!!”
The dwarf looked to be having a hard time, so I hit the half-troll with my mace to help him out a little.
Of course, it didn’t mean much.
puck!
Not only were its solid bones and muscles unmoved by a single swing of the mace, but even though it was a half-breed, it was still a troll.
The regenerative power is amazing.
Well, I guess it’s not like they can be compared to vampires.
“Leol Warb Dwalki casted the 8th-grade auxiliary magic [Ice Strengthening].”
“The power of the following ice spells increases significantly.”
“Leol Warb Dwalki casts the 8th-grade attack magic [Ice Spear].”
While I was ping-ponging with the dwarf, the magic spell was finally completed.
Dwalki’s ultimate skill.
Reinforced ice spear.
Pee-sh-oot-!
An ice spear twice the size of normal flies out and pierces Halftroll’s abdomen.
In fact, the power output is so powerful that none of us can imitate it.
However, from the viewer’s perspective, the outfit looks outrageous.
‘I wonder when this kid will come to his senses.’
I gave you advice last time, but you stuck the spear in a weird place again. If you had put it in the heart or head, you could have killed him in one shot.
Why is there so much waste?
Is aiming that hard?
“Keeeeeeeeeeeek-!!”
Soon the half-troll began to scream in pain.
Of course, that time was not long.
“The half-troll cast [Frenzy].”
“Pain disappears temporarily and physical stats increase significantly.”
A half-troll that started to move dynamically like a live fish out of water, even though it had a spear stuck in its stomach.
Ha, that’s why I should have caught it in one shot.
‘… Will he get better someday?’
Advertisements
I hope so.
Otherwise, there would be no point in going through this trial and error.
“Ugh! That was a little shallow!”
While fighting against a ferocious, rampaging half-troll.
Misha stabbed the poisoned dagger into his heart, but unfortunately it was too short to penetrate his thick muscles.
The crossbow fired by the explorer Rotmiller was barely able to penetrate the leather with the tip.
‘So in the end, I have no choice but to wait until the order is completed again.’
No matter what, Dwalki is the dealer who can show the greatest power within the team.
I feel our team’s weaknesses once again.
The tank guild is strong enough to withstand the half-troll’s [Frenzy] state, but the damage dealer guild does not support it.
But this is the kind of problem that can’t be solved right away.
“It’s done! Get out!”
After about 10 more minutes of fighting, Dwalki once again used his ultimate skill.
Fortunately, this time it hit the head.
“Killed the Half Troll. EXP +3”
A half-troll that disappears into light as its entire head flies away.
As expected, the expected result was not there.
All that was left was a single fist-sized magic stone that fell down.
“What a shame. It wasn’t a monster you could easily see.”
Misha and Rotmiller smack their lips, perhaps looking forward to it.
It’s not that I don’t understand.
I would have drooled like crazy before I drank the vampire essence.
Because it’s not common to have a 7th grade regenerative essence.
Well, I’ve become a person who can’t be satisfied with that kind of thing anymore.
[07:13]
The morning of the 4th day had just begun.
Tomorrow we will reach the fourth floor, and that is when the real journey begins.
From there, level 6 monsters also appear.
I wish I could just eat one 6th grade essence, no more, no less.
***
“Then let’s move slowly.”
After defeating the half-troll, we decided to resume our movement.
Everyone looks visibly tired after staying up all night, but the Witch’s Forest is not a good place to rest.
Our conclusion was to reduce the time it took to get to the 4th floor, even if it meant pushing ourselves too hard.
but…….
“Explorers.”
Advertisements
Just as we were about to resume our journey.
Strange explorers emerged from the darkness.
It wasn’t something to be that surprised about.
Even though it was the Witch’s Forest, if there were this many people killed at the entrance, it was time for a new group to enter.
But there was one problem.
‘One, two, three, four… … .’
What? Why six people?
Typically, a team consists of up to five people.
This is because the binding magic can only be used on up to five people.
But a six-person explorer team?
As I was looking at the group of unfamiliar explorers, suspicious of that fact, I saw a familiar face.
Unfortunately, it seemed like they recognized us too.
“… Explorers! It’s them! They killed my comrades!”
What the fuck… … .
I really didn’t expect this.
When our entire team heard those words without anyone having to say anything first, we were all speechless.
“The stars that rise at dusk will guide us… … .”
A man who appears to be the leader of the opposing group of explorers makes the sign of the cross.
Judging by the fact that he has Atlas religious goods smeared all over his body, it is presumed that this kid is a true religious fanatic, which is rare even in this world.
Nimir, that bitch is lucky.
How on earth did you find someone like that in the labyrinth?
“God, give me the strength to destroy those evil creatures… … !”
It seems like the conversation won’t be successful.
