(EP-298.1) Master #2


    298 – Master of the Forest #2


    I heard from the spiders.


    There’s a very beautiful pond in this eastern forest.


    But none dare approach it because it’s guarded by a massive and malevolent centipede.


    They said its poison and bizarre magic were so tricky and vile that even Kubilai, the master of this forest, wouldn’t dare challenge it.


    I wondered how strong such a being could be.


    To be honest, I was a little scared and nervous.


    When I finally faced the creature, it far exceeded anything I had imagined, and for a moment, I lost my resolve.


    Rustle, rustle, rustle.


    As the fog cleared, a giant centipede came into view.


    Its head rose to a height similar to that of the ogre Dordor. Its vicious fangs were spread wide, and its long antennae waved menacingly.


    It was terrifying.


    Regardless of my ability to cast Rank 6 magic, I couldn’t shake off the biological fear of a giant insect.


    ━Mind your language, child. Even Solomon paid me respect...!


    Swish.


    The centipede’s enormous head, as large as an elephant’s body, drew close to my face. This wasn’t a centipede, it’s an imoogi or a dragon, or something like that. Or did it have some spirit bead?


    “......”


    I froze, stiff as a stone, like a mouse caught in the gaze of a snake. It was strong.


    I thought it was just a beast, but it felt like something more like..., a spirit or mystical being. Could I defeat it if I poured all my magic into the fight?


    Of course, there were a lot of things about combat that’s different from the numbers and simulations in my head. I didn’t really want to fight this guy.


    It was incredibly powerful.


    It felt like it had lived for an incomprehensibly long time, far beyond what I could fathom... Even checking its status window was difficult.


    As I stood there lost in thought, the centipede spoke again.


    ━You’re quite a clever child.


    Through this brief exchange, I managed to gather some valuable information.


    This massive being, Angala, had some connection to the Demon King Solomon. Moreover, it harbored deep resentment toward him.


    I should definitely keep the fact that I’m his grandson a secret.


    ━So, Theo Gospel, the half-fairy mage. Why have you come to my pond? Do you wish to be eaten?


    “No, not at all. I need the evening primrose in bloom over there. One of my companions was bitten by a centipede, and I need them to treat the poison.”


    ━Ah, centipede venom. These days, the younger ones bite without any manners. On behalf of my brethren, I apologize.


    “.......”


    It was more polite than expected. Unlike its terrifying appearance, it was a cultured being that knew how to resolve issues through conversation.


    ━However.


    “... However?”


    A sense of unease crept over me.


    However.


    But.


    The words that usually follow these tend to be the ones that disturb my peace of mind.


    ━However, I can’t just give you my possession for free. That’s not how the world works. Since that massive, hateful wall appeared, there are fewer evening primroses.


    “Are you saying...?”


    ━I’ll need something in exchange. Offer me something you have that’s worth trading for the evening primrose. I’m being quite generous with this deal.


    I see.


    A barter, huh?


    It was something I hadn’t considered, but it was a reasonable and understandable proposition.


    Still, I suddenly wondered if this giant poisonous centipede, Angala, might be trying to deceive me, so I asked cautiously.


    “You’re not going to ask for my life or anything like that, right?”


    At my question, Angala’s body began to tremble as it laughed.