The Lost Forest

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The light of the bonfire illuminated the night forest. The smell of the cooked orc meat and the sounds of sizzling were appetizing.

According to Nent, there was a settlement where elf hunters lived, which was in the inner area of the forest. And it was about half a day’s journey on foot.
However, as I was walking with one leg, we could not make it in time, and had to camp outside.

As someone who knew everything about the forest, Nent did not seem the least bit cautious of his surroundings as he tore into the meat. However, I had seen his amazing scouting abilities as we traveled. He would notice monsters while they were still far away.

But having good eyesight was not enough when you were in the forest. He must have some kind of hearing skill as well. Or maybe he just had good ears. In any case, in spite of looking so relaxed, he probably was very aware of his surroundings.

“I see. Goblins.”

“Ah, I was not expecting a rock lizard to come out at all.”

As it was quite boring to sit there quietly, I decided to talk about how I got here.

“Of course. Normally, goblins would not live in a cave with a rock lizard. There would have to be a very good reason for them to not live anywhere else.”

“If there was a settlement…”

I started to say, but stopped. Now that I thought about it, we had been crushing all of the settlements around the village. Perhaps they had nowhere else to go and…

“What? You’re quiet all of a sudden.”

“No, it’s nothing. Mo-more importantly, why doesn’t Amernisus deal with this earth dragon? Surely it is dangerous to have such a thing close by.”

“It has done us no harm. Besides, having a powerful monster also acts as protection for the forest. Especially since dragons live for so long. No, we will not hunt it.”

“Protect the forest…huh.”

I imagined the earth dragon’s ferocious face. It did not look like a protector.

“Better it than any powerful monster from another place. While earth dragons are wild beasts, they are not the kind of monsters to destroy their environment.”

So the elves decided to coexist with the dragon. They definitely thought differently from the humans here. Humans would think first to eliminate any threat that was close by.

…No. Even if it wasn’t a threat, they would challenge it. There was glory in being a dragon slayer. And dragons were rare creatures. Skilled warriors might travel all of the way out here for the chance of fighting it.

“Uh, I am starting to think that it would be a bad thing for humans to learn that there is an earth dragon here.”

“Well, I can tell you that we would not be happy about it. If the earth dragon dies, then this place may become overrun by human hunters.”

Perhaps it would be best to just keep it secret. But that had its own dangers. I didn’t know how long I had been in the cave. However, the village was surely concerned about my absence.

“If they put out a request to search for me, perhaps the earth dragon will be discovered.”

Normally, they did not have search requests for lost Adventurers. But I had a feeling that the chief would do it anyway. Either way, that cave could not be left like that.

“…That would be troublesome. We cannot take too much time then.”

Nent stood up and brushed the dust from his clothes.

“Are you going somewhere?”

“Aye. If I go at your pace, then it will take too long. I will return to the settlement once and bring a horse. So you will have to manage by yourself for one night. Can you do it?”

“I don’t mind.”

“I will return tomorrow morning. Stay here.”

He said, and then ran into the darkness. There was something ninja-like about hunters.

Now that I was alone, I made the fire as small as I could. I could not guard as wide an area as Nent. Besides, I could see in the dark, so it was best to stay hidden.

As I waited silently in the night forest, I could hear various sounds, like small creatures and insects. Now that I thought about it, it seemed like I found myself in darkness a lot lately. I wanted to live a more proper life. Maybe when I returned to the village, I would make a field under the sun.

Eventually, the sunlight came and broke the solitary night. As the rays shone down, I heard the faint sounds of a horse’s hooves.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

The elf said as he appeared while riding the horse. It was like something out of a painting. Damn it! That was cool.

“Why are you glaring at me? Were you attacked by monsters?”

“No! It was very peaceful!”

“Oh? You are a strange one.”

Nent said with a tilt of his head. And then I climbed onto the horse.

“You could only bring one?”

“A horse cannot navigate through the lost forest on their own. I would have to hold its reins, and so I could not bring another.”

“Even with someone riding it?”

“Aye. They will stop listening to you.”

“Sorry for the trouble.”

“Don’t mention it. Now, let us go.”

He said without turning around, and then he pulled on the reins and started to walk. It was much faster than when I followed him with one leg. He moved through the forest on light feet. And the horse kept pace with him.

Even though there were no beaten paths, we moved like there was. It was no wonder that he felt it was worth going to get the horse first.

“Here it is.”

Nent slowed down and the horse did as well. Eventually, he stopped and turned towards me.

“So the lost forest is ahead?”

I could not see any difference. It was just the same forest continuing on.

“Yes. So hold onto the horse and don’t let go.”

“Got it.”

I clutched the saddle tightly. While the situation wasn’t ideal, I somehow felt excited.

After we had moved a few more steps, Ned vanished like vapor.

“Nent!?”

“What.”

He stopped and turned to me. He was there again, as if nothing had happened.

“Huh? But you just disappeared?”

“It was the forest’s illusion. It would be best if from here on, you do not trust what you can see or not see.”

Nent started walking again, and just like before, he vanished. Still, the reins were being pulled, to the left and then the right.

After this continued for a while, I had no grasp on where we were. There were no landmarks or ways to remember your location. I supposed it was a way to confuse any potential invaders.

We continued on for a few more hours and then stopped to rest. This was because Nent had run out of water.

“Water.”

I created magic water for him and the horse and stretched my limbs.

“It really is a complicated route, eh? Just like the name would suggest.”

“No. We turned a few times but it was mostly just going straight. Though, the power of the barrier may make you think differently.”

“It can do that?”

“I cannot tell you anything specific, but it does affect your sense of balance.”

So it wasn’t just your sight, but other senses as well. I hadn’t realized it.

“Don’t close your eyes. You might fall off.”

I nodded and inspected the horse before we set off again. After that, there was an illusory cliff or invisibly swamps and cracks we had to avoid. But I was just sitting on the horse, and had little idea of what was going on.

“There. You can see it now.”

Nento pointed up ahead, where about five houses were huddled together outside of the forest. So we had finally made it.
The settlement was surrounded by a wooden fence, and the houses were also made of wood, but were old and grand.

However, in spite of only riding, I was so exhausted that I could barely nod in reply. Perhaps it was due to feeling the effects of the barrier. Besides, I had also stayed up all night.

Nent led me to one of the houses where I was taken to a guest room. And then I collapsed onto the bed.

And like that I slept. I had a feeling that someone called to me at one point, but I stayed asleep until the morning of the following day.

Next Chapter

Ossan Boukensha no Jimichi na Isekai Tabi