Chapter 126 – Report

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“You’re giving me these clothes? Are you sure?”

“They are not of such quality that you need to be modest about it. The magic stones you gave me are worth more.”

I was able to wipe my body at Nent’s house, and he even gave me a new shirt to replace my old one. As he had no trousers that fit, I kept my old ones.
I drank the tea that I was served, and looked around at the room while sitting at a table. It was what you would expect from a hunter’s house. There were parts from various prey, proudly on display.

“It is fine if you rest here. But I will be going as soon as I eat breakfast.”

He said as he brought food from the kitchen. There was flat bread, meat and soup. While it was a simple meal, it was the most civilized one I had in a while, and energy seemed to seep into every fiber of my being. Carbs really were important.

The elven hunter settlement on the corner of the forest was full of interesting things. And I wished that I could take my time and explore it. However, right now, I had to prioritize contacting the village.

After we finished eating, I left the house and got onto a horse. We would be riding to the central city in Amernisus. It didn’t have a name, and was just called Amernisus.

We rode for half a day, and then the road went into the forest once again. In the meantime, we did not encounter a single monster. I had never been in such a peaceful forest before.

“There are no monsters at all.”

“It’s because of the barrier. Weak monsters do appear, but it is quite rare. It is all thanks to the great Nananakihi.”

“Who is that?”

“Nananakihi is the one who created this barrier around the lost forest. A tree spirit of the sacred tree.”

A spirit! I had once read a book in the library about them. Elements like earth, water, fire, wind, light and dark all relied on the daily workings of spirits. However, as someone who came from earth, I just took such natural phenomena for granted. And never felt any sense of gratitude. So in a way, this was the first time I really felt their influence.

However, I had never heard of tree spirits before. Or a sacred tree… Could that be what I was thinking!?

“Sacred tree. Do you mean like a World Tree?”

“A World Tree. No, it is not a World Tree. Though, I have heard rumors that there is a World Tree, somewhere out there. Perhaps the high elves know something about it.”

High elves and tree spirits… There was so much new information that I was getting dizzy. As we continued to make our way through the forest, he explained many things to me.

According to him, the sacred tree was in the center of Amernisus. And the spirits that lived there, had an alliance with the elves. Tree spirits were spirits that lived in aged trees. While they were rare in the outside world, there were quite a lot of them here.

And the barrier was created through the combined efforts of the sacred tree spirit, Nananakihi, and the tree spirits. As for high elves, they were high-ranking elves, who happened to have longer lives than most elves.

“There are ranks?”

“They are elves that have been accepted by the spirits. And with their blessing, they become high elves.”

So it wasn’t like they were born that way. Apparently, since elves already had such long lives, few would go out of their way to attempt to become high elves. Those who did had a clear purpose or responsibility that led them down that path. And so they were treated with respect.

“I know I’m the one who’s asking, but… Are you allowed to tell me so much?”

“This is just common knowledge in Amernisus. It does not matter. More importantly, look. You can see it now.”

I looked in the direction that Nent was pointing. Up ahead, where the forest opened up, there was a green wall that was around five meters high. And it continued in both directions for as far as I could see. The wall itself appeared to be made of thorns. And beyond it, was a forest of giant trees.

The road connected to a gate. And there were several guard-like elves there. Once we were close, we dismounted from the horses. I took my walking stick down from my baggage, and then walked while holding the reins. Eventually, the guards moved towards us.

“Ah, Nent. Why is there a human with you?”

“He was wandering right outside of the lost forest. There is a matter related to him that I must tell Captain Rajen. Could you arrange it for me?”

Apparently, Nent was acquainted with the guards. And though they were looking at me, it seemed more like it was due to curiosity than suspicion.

Previously, Mezerir had told me that the elves had closed off their country in order to ensure their survival. When the elves had dealings with surrounding countries, they would often get involved in various wars. And though elves had long lives, they did not multiply at the same rate as humans. And so as they were pulled into conflicts they could not avoid, their numbers began to dwindle to a dangerous degree.
On top of that, there were also more and more half elves born, and they began to worry that their kind would go extinct. And so the remaining elves built their own country deep in the forest, and cut off all contact with the outside world. That was the start of Amernisus.
But even though they strictly kept a rule of isolation, it did not mean that they were hostile towards humans.
In fact, there were still rare instances of contact, which was why someone like Mezerir could live in Nanaze village. And so they should not treat me badly, just because I was human…

“Arrange it… I cannot do that, unless you explain it to me first.”

The guard did not reject me outright for being human. However, he wanted to know the reason for this. I sighed with relief.

“A cave was discovered near a human village that connects to the earth dragon lair. Something will have to be done at once.”

Nent said, and the guard’s expression suddenly grew tense.

“Very well. I shall report it then. You and the human can wait in the guard house.”

The guard house was a small hut that was built to the side of the gate. We tied the horses and after waiting for some time, we heard the sounds of the doors opening.

“Ah, it’s been a while, Nent. I heard the report. So this is the human Adventurer.”

“It’s nice to see you, Captain Rajen. Ajifue understands Amerata, so you can speak to him directly.”

“Oh, is that so? Pardon me. I am Rajen, captain of the Amernisus guards. It’s nice to meet you.”

Two elves had stepped out of the gate. They were wearing similar armor to the guards, so it was probably what all the guardians wore. The elf who spoke to us was especially large, and his armor a little more extravagant.

“I am Ajifu, an Adventurer from Nanaze village. I escaped an earth dragon’s lair, only to get lost in the forest.”

“So it is true? I am astonished that you made it here alive. Ah, excuse me. I am Finze, vice captain.”

Said the other elf, who was more slender. And then I told them in detail how I came to be there.

“…I see. Yes, it would definitely be best to act quickly.”

The captain folded arms and closed his eyes, deep in thought.

“So, what do you want to do, Mr. Ajifu?”

“I think that both sides should be made aware of the situation first. I want to contact Nanaze village, so that they will know that Amernisus is aware of the earth dragon.”

“Of course. You must want to return to your village at once?”

Oh, so it would be me. If I was being honest, I did not want to return so quickly. It seemed like such a waste, now that I was finally here.

“No, I would like to rest here a while.”

“…I see. Well, you’ve been through quite the ordeal, so I can understand that. However, Amernisus has restrictions when it comes to humans, and it will not be much of a welcome. However, we will find an inn where you can stay and rest.”

Hmm? Perhaps he misunderstood… Well, I was grateful for a place to stay. Though, I wondered if I wouldn’t be rejected once I got there.

“Well then!”

The captain opened his eyes, unfolded his arms, and slapped his knee.

“While time is of the essence, we cannot make any moves on our own. I will go and speak with the council, so Finze will…Nanaze village, is it? You will be the one to go, so prepare for the journey. You will probably have to leave first thing in the morning.”

“Understood.”

So they intended to act quickly. But what would the chief decide…well, he would surely make the right decision. Still, I thought I better send word as well, just in case.

“I would also like to tell them the situation. May I send a letter?”

“Oh! Yes, that would be helpful. Please do.”

And so I borrowed a pen and paper, and wrote a letter to the village. Well…I addressed it to Mezerir.

Now I had done everything that I could do. And I could only pray that the elves and humans could deal with matters so that we did not end up battling the dragon.

Next Chapter

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Bonus chapter courtesy of Photo. Thank you so much!!

Ossan Boukensha no Jimichi na Isekai Tabi