Chapter 110
It was the signal announcing to all that the First Prince had arrived at the Lekan Forest.
“Begin the search.”
Euclid looked back at Morris and Sylaria as he spoke. The group then split apart on horseback.
A Maw hadn’t opened in the Lekan Forest, but monsters would be nearby. The key was to eliminate them the moment they were seen.
“Sylaria, come here.”
While scanning the forest with distant eyes, Euclid beckoned her. She guided her horse closer. When their horses stood side by side, Euclid gave her a warning.
“You must not leave my side.”
“I know.”
“Your task is not to hunt but to purify. If you see a monster, tell me immediately.”
“You’re such a nag.”
Sylaria smiled. He had repeated the same precautions so many times before their departure that she could nearly recite them. Yet, as if still uneasy, he repeated himself again.
“Do not leave my side.”
“Yes, yes.”
Sylaria shook her head. Euclid never cared for his own well-being, but he was excessively worried that she might suffer even the smallest injury.
‘Even Ellie wouldn’t worry this much about me.’
With a faint smile, Sylaria began scouting with Euclid. Because the Lekan Forest contained many marshlands, the air was heavy and damp.
Still, it was a forest, so even breathing in the scent of fresh grass seemed to clear her mind.
“Why don’t we see any? Maybe Aren already passed through?”
Sylaria tilted her head. They had wandered for quite a while and not even a shadow of a monster had appeared. As she looked around and spoke, Euclid answered firmly.
“The Second Prince hasn’t fired a blue signal. Aren hasn’t even arrived in the forest yet.”
“Then why are there no monsters?”
“The fact that there are no monsters is good for the Empire. Think of this as a date with me. This is our first time coming outside the palace just the two of us.”
“A date?”
“The location might be a bit spooky, but I hope you don’t dump me.”
Sylaria laughed at Euclid’s bold joking. In truth, the deeper they went, the darker it became because of the thick trees, and she had been a little scared. But hearing his banter made her feel at ease.
“That depends on… you, Euclid.”
Smiling, Sylaria suddenly spotted a black shape. It was a massive black beast, tall enough that its eyes were level with hers while she was on horseback.
Grrrrr—
The monster’s white eye-whites flashed as it stomped the ground. Sylaria’s hands trembled violently when she met the creature’s gaze. Monsters had no pupils, but she felt as if its eyes were fixed directly on her.
Grrr—
The monster opened its mouth toward Sylaria. Red gums and sharp fangs were exposed. Drool dripped greedily from its jaws.
“At last, you show yourself.”
Euclid stepped forward in front of Sylaria, who had frozen at the monster’s presence. He smiled calmly and drew the sword at his waist. Red light flickered along the blade. With divine power infused into his weapon, he charged at the monster.
Grrrrrk—!
As if it had been waiting for him, the monster roared and lunged at Euclid. He smiled leisurely as it rushed toward him.
“Haha, yes. Thank you for the welcome.”
“……!”
Sylaria’s eyes widened and she covered her mouth. Euclid swung his sword as if he were dancing. Even on horseback, his movements were fluid. Each time his blade traced an arc of light, black blood burst from the monster’s body.
Kkyaang—!
Soon the monster was drenched in its own blood, staggering on weakened legs. Euclid twirled his sword and took proper stance. Just as he was about to deliver the final blow.
A massive shadow fell over their heads.
Sylaria instinctively looked up, and her pupils dilated. Her heart pounded violently. Like someone whose tongue had been cut out, she couldn’t produce a single word as she stared at the sky.
There were no clouds. There was no sudden natural shadow.
The sky itself was opening into a Maw.
A black, enormous Maw.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.