The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 27

Though it was hard to believe, multiple checks didn’t change the facts. The black panther that emerged from behind the shaded rocks nonchalantly dropped the corpse and disappeared leisurely. I examined the nearby areas, but there were no other scenes to be found.

As I continued searching, I discovered the bodies of the missing people in a nearby cave. Through their lingering memories, I confirmed that the dead Demonic Beast was solely responsible for their disappearances. The possibility of another Demonic Beast was completely ruled out.

In the end, it had to be concluded that a beast had indeed hunted the Demonic Beast. The superiors planned to retrieve the corpse for a more detailed analysis of the cause of death, but it was still perplexing. Hamar, who had been severely injured while fighting the beast, seemed particularly filled with self-reproach.

“No, I won’t believe it. You didn’t actually see the panther hunt the Demonic Beast. It probably just picked it up after someone else dealt with it. Tried to eat it and then discarded it after realizing it was poisonous. That makes the most sense.”

To avoid the disgrace of being seen as less capable than a beast, this was the only argument Hamar could cling to. However, if that were true, it presented another problem.

“If indeed another entity was involved, then who could it be?”

“…”

Such thoughts left us unable to fully rejoice. Finding the remains of the missing people in the cave didn’t help either. All we found were parts of mutilated bodies, no survivors. While the villagers were thankful for the chance to hold funerals, it was impossible to shake off the heavy heart.

“Will it be alright? Honestly, there’s no guarantee there was only one Demonic Beast. What if more people go missing?”

“The superiors will take measures. And even if there are companions, with one dead, they’ll likely be cautious.”

“That’s true.”

“Alright, let’s put the past behind us and focus on the present. We don’t have time for distractions now.”

Hale clapped his hands lightly, grounding us in reality. It was the reality everyone was desperately avoiding.

With a sigh, I stared at the daunting ridges ahead. Whether or not there were still pursuers, they wouldn’t follow us here. They valued their lives too.

* * *

Three weeks into traversing the mountain range, the already steep terrain began to grow even more treacherous. This was evidence that we were approaching the center of the range. However, no one was joyous about this fact.

“Let’s be honest, Captain.”

Hamar, hanging precariously from a cliff, spoke seriously.

“This isn’t actually an expedition, is it? This whole thing is just a cover for the higher-ups to get rid of us, right?”

“Stop spouting nonsense, Officer. Have you forgotten that the Chief’s grandson is part of this expedition?”

“Well, still, no matter how you think about it, it’s too much, don’t you think? How can they ask us to go through such a route? This is just pushing us to our deaths. Hey, young lord, tell me the truth. You and your grandfather don’t get along very well, right? Maybe you’re not even really blood relatives or something?”

“…Say one more word and I’ll push you off right here.”

Camille, who was behind Hamar, muttered softly.

“Wow, are you threatening me? Just making a little joke. Scary young lord, huh?

“A joke that upsets someone is no joke.”

“What, are you really not the real grandson? Aagh! Don’t push me! Sorry! I won’t say it again! I promise I won’t!”

“You two, shut up. Stop messing around.”

“Does this look like a joke to you, Edmil? Help me! This young lord really wants to kill me!”

“Just push him, Camille.”

“Yes, I intend to.”

“Hey, you! Now even you too? Lisa, they’re ganging up to kill me!”

“Okay, bye.”

“Wow, I really have no allies! Traitors!”

‘They never get tired, do they?’

If there was any benefit to this ordeal, it might be that it brought everyone closer together (though I’m not sure if “close” is the right word). As usual, I half-listened to their noisy banter and threw my gaze at the stunning scene before us.

Between the towering peaks, pure white clouds flowed like they were gliding. It was easy to understand why people believed spirits lived here; the view was breathtaking every time. Of course, I had no intention of returning.

* * *

“It’s about time the sun sets. Let’s call it a day here.”

As the afternoon progressed, Hale checked the direction of the sun and instructed the team to prepare for camping. The group selected suitable flat ground, started a campfire, and began preparing dinner. Having done this routine daily, everyone knew their roles without needing to be told.

“Ah, I want to eat some meat. I’m so tired of filling my belly with mountain herbs, mushrooms, and wild berries! I crave a warm loaf of bread, juicy steak, and fragrant rato wine!”

Hamar’s complaints were always the same. Conveniently, I had just finished grilling some jerky, which I handed over silently.

“Here, take this. It’s meat.”

“Grilled jerky isn’t real meat! Don’t insult my taste buds with this low-grade stuff!”

“You’re expecting too much for a traveler. We’re almost out of it anyway. If you don’t eat it now, you’ll regret it.”

“Damn it, damn it! Just so you know, I’m eating this because you offered it!”

“Yes, of course.”

Despite his complaints, he always ended up eating it. Why he went through this pointless struggle each time, I couldn’t understand. As I sighed, I heard Edmil’s soft click of the tongue.

“We should have left him behind back then.”

“I wholeheartedly agree with you.”

“Well, at least it keeps things from getting boring, right?”

Camille frowned, but Lisa offered a somewhat supportive comment. However, as soon as Hamar sent her a grateful look, she told him to shut up and eat, ruining the moment.

“You’re all so mean to me.”

It wasn’t the first impression Hamar gave.

Shaking my head at Hamar’s mock crying, I checked the food bag. The pack that had been full when we left the village was now nearly empty. We had some grains left, but the jerky supply would be depleted in a few days.

“Our meals are lacking, especially considering how much energy we’re expending. The only source of protein we have is jerky, and even that’s running low. We need an alternative.”

Hale nodded with a serious expression.

“It looks like we’ll need to start hunting. If we search well, we might find rabbits or wild boars.”

“Oh, are we forming a hunting team? There could be bears in this area too. Sei, have you ever tried bear meat?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Get ready. I’ll get you a taste of a special delicacy.”

Hamar grinned and cracked his knuckles. For some reason, this provoked Camille, who glared at him.

“Why are you taking care of Sei, Sir Hamar?”

“Because I want to. How’s it any of your business if I take care of Sei?”

“Of course it’s my business! Sei is my cou—”

“Lord Camille.”

“…coworker from the administrative team!”

We hadn’t revealed that we were cousins yet. I interrupted him before he could slip up, and Camille adjusted his statement just in time. Fortunately, Hamar didn’t seem to notice anything amiss and looked at Camille in disbelief.

“What, young lord? Are you possessive because Sei’s your coworker? Do you want Sei to only be close to you? Being clingy isn’t very attractive.”

“Who said that? Anyway, whether it’s a bear or a wild boar, I’ll be the one to catch it!”

“Oh, is that a challenge? Alright, this is getting interesting. Want to bet on who catches more?”

“I’m up for it!”

At this point, it was hard to tell if they were in sync with each other or not. Hale, rubbing his forehead, tried to calmly explain this wasn’t something to compete over, but it seemed neither of them was listening.

However, the hunting expedition that had started with such enthusiasm ended in failure. Hunting isn’t possible without prey. Although we scoured the area for over two hours, everyone returned empty-handed. The terrain was so rugged that it seemed even animals didn’t live there.

“What happened to the bear meat, Sir Hamar? Where’s the bear meat?”

“What about you, young lord? I thought you would bring back something, considering how you boasted.”

“You were the one who initiated the bet first, Sir Hamar.”

“You’re both the same, stop bickering.”

Edmil sighed as he chided us. He, too, had come back empty-handed.

“Maybe we’ll catch something tomorrow. Don’t worry too much.”

Lisa worked hard to console the disheartened group. At that moment, Camille suddenly stood up and stared intently at something with a serious expression. Hammar, startled, flinched.

“What’s going on all of a sudden?”

“There’s a presence. Something is approaching us.”

“……!”

It was Edmil who answered, also keeping his gaze fixed on the direction Camille was watching. Before long, everyone began to hear rustling noises that were becoming increasingly noticeable.

Could it be a monster? Or a wild beast? Given that it was boldly approaching their location, it was more likely to be a monster. The local map was not accurately detailed, so they didn’t know which monsters might inhabit the area. As a result, the previously relaxed atmosphere had long since vanished. With stern faces, the group lowered their bodies and drew their weapons.

“It’s coming.”

As the presence closed in, Camille whispered shortly before leaping forward at high speed. Then, an unexpected scream echoed.

“Eek! Wait, wait a moment!”

“…!”

A person? It was unmistakably a human voice.

“Lord Camille, stop!”

Thankfully, Camille also quickly realized the true nature of the presence. His sword, which had been extending without hesitation, halted just inches from the man’s neck. The man, whose life was spared by a hair’s breadth, collapsed to the ground, his legs giving out from the shock.

“A person…?”

“What, it’s a person?”

We were just as surprised. We hadn’t expected to encounter another human in such a remote place.

The figure that emerged from the bushes was a young man who appeared to be in his twenties. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat pulled low over his face and carrying a pack on his back, he looked less like a traveler and more like someone who specialized in mountain climbing.