Volume 6 Chapter 9 Something's Off In The Air, But...
Our job this time is to investigate and subdue an unidentified monster.
After receiving an explanation from the village head, we headed straight to the forest since it was still early in the day. Our first task was to examine the traces left by the monster or beast.
I've been to this forest several times before for lumber procurement during reconstruction work. I'm somewhat familiar with the terrain, so we didn't have any trouble finding our way to our destination.
"Yukina-san, what's wrong?"
"I've been feeling uneasy since earlier, it's a strange feeling."
After entering the forest, Aina spoke up with a concerned tone. It seemed like she noticed something from my gestures and expressions.
I can't shake off this discomfort clinging to my skin since a while ago. Despite the pleasant weather, it feels like walking through an unpleasantly warm and stagnant air.
There's no reaction from Gram. There doesn't seem to be any presence around us that views us as enemies.
Except for this incident, it seems there haven't been any dangerous monsters appearing since the goblin attack. Even the mercenaries and soldiers who were staying at that time didn't report anything like that.
However, that doesn't mean I can let my guard down. The current situation is that I'm not fully focused. It's not ideal to go on a journey to defeat monsters if necessary. It's a really unpleasant tension.
It's not just about myself that I'm worried.
"..........----"
Walking a little ahead of us, Mikage is on alert, looking around. It seems like she's being overly cautious. Even though I can't see her expression, I can feel the tense atmosphere coming through her back. When I look at Aina, she just shakes her head.
Actually, I haven't talked about this much before, but ever since we arrived in the village, Mikage has been acting strange. I knew she had some worries recently. I thought she wouldn't let personal matters affect her work, but I might not be able to stay optimistic.
'If Kyunei is around at times like this, she always manages to adjust things just right.'
It's probably the umpteenth time since leaving the royal capital that I've been reminded of how great Kyunei is. When I get back, I'll have to express my gratitude, including for the usual help I receive from her.
Of course, for that, I need to finish my work in good health. Regardless of reasons like feeling unwell, I need to tighten up and push through.
"Aina, if something happens, I'll rely on you for support."
"Of course."
Aina tightened her grip cutely, readying herself. She was so adorable that I wanted to pat her head, but I settled for lightly patting her shoulder modestly.
As we walk for a while, we arrive at the spot where the village hunter found traces of a monster.
Although the journey was smooth and free from monster attacks, I felt a sense of unease creeping in instead.
While I set up traps around, Aina and Mikage investigate the monster's traces.
Large scars pierced into the tree trunks. From what the villagers have said, the size of the monster said to inhabit this area shouldn't be able to create something like this. They felt uneasy, and it seemed reasonable to once again request help from mercenaries.
"How about it, Mikage? Have you found anything?"
I ask the two, who are ready for battle at any moment with their spears on their shoulders, while examining the scars. Mikage, with a hand on her chin, gazes at the scars, deep in thought. It seems more like she is hesitating rather than pondering.
"If there really is a monster with claws of this size or similar body parts, it must be defeated without a doubt. It may have drifted here from somewhere, but if left unchecked, it could pose a serious danger to the village eventually."
Instead of the silent Mikage, Aina responds while looking at the whole of the gouged tree.
"Unfortunately, with my current knowledge, I cannot determine what kind of monster it is. For now, it seems certain that the area that caused this wound does not contain any poison. There are no discolorations on the trunk of the tree either."
In that case, it becomes necessary to conduct a thorough investigation. It seems like staying in the village for a while will also be required. Considering these possibilities, I am discussing with the village head.
'Partner, can I have a moment?'"
A serious message came through the Gram I was carrying via Telepathy (channel). Just from the tone of this voice, my alertness level increased by one step.
'It feels really strange. Even you seemed uncomfortable since we entered the forest, and truth be told, so did I, partner. I was planning to stay quiet if nothing happened, but now it's getting stronger here.'
It seems like I can't just dismiss it as my imagination anymore.
I take a slow, deep breath to not attract attention, and subtly signal to Aina. It seems like she sensed the unusual presence I felt. She grips her staff in both hands, ready to use magic at any moment.
"...In my hometown's martial arts, there's a tactic where you disguise yourself as a monster to set up ambushes."
In the midst of this, Mikage, who had been silent all along, spoke up.
She traced the scars on the tree trunk and toyed with the splinters stuck to her fingertips.
"The crucial point is to deceive the hidden presence. By using the difference between assumptions (monsters) and reality (humans), aiming for a fatal blow. There is also a method to make it seem like the soldiers killed were done by monsters."
Aina and I were taken aback. She wasn't so foolish or dull as to talk about her hometown in this situation.
"I have never been to the actual battlefield where it was used, but I was taught the methods of disguise. These scars, although cleverly imitated, are made by human hands."
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