Chapter 72 – When the Land Changes
And so they all sat down around the fire in the house.
Mr. Wal was floating in the air and facing Mofusen.
“So you know about me?”
“Of course, I do.”
But it was surprising.
After all, Waldung was a phenomenon. Just like how one did not think of the blowing wind, or where it came from, it was difficult to really ‘sense’ him.
But the old man could do it as if it was the most natural thing.
Ralph looked suspicious. And then the old man straightened his posture as if in reply.
“I have a special attribute detection skill. It’s helped me live a long life.”
That made sense.
It was odd that he could cut out the diseases if he couldn’t see them with his eyes. But it would be possible if he was able to be aware of his insides in other ways.
“My grandson is still learning the basics of barriers. He hasn’t even started his second leveling. As we were rooted in this land of trees, it is not desirable for it to change to a land of gold. Why did you return?”
Mofusen’s expression was severe.
Having your homeland change was a scary thing. Plants that used to grow would stop growing, and you would have to find different work to make a living.
Your life would change.
And while it was mostly Waldung’s fault, Menew felt glad that he came.
They did not want change. And so this matter with the gold dragon must be settled quickly.
“I was driven out of my home. And so I returned with my master in order to take it back. Eventually, the energy of the trees will return. Do not worry.”
The stuffed Mr. Wal said in a serious voice. Mofusen scratched his beard thoughtfully and opened his mouth.
“I see. So Menew is your master. In that case, I will accompany you as well.”
“Huh!?”
“Why?”
“But it’s dangerous!”
Menew, Ralph and Totto tried to stop him, but Mofusen just laughed.
“I can see that you are in the middle of a journey. There is no reason to put your lives in danger. And I am able to protect myself. Please let me come too?”
“I ask you as well. If my grandpa thinks there is a change, it must be quite severe. After all, he acts normal even when there is a typhoon. So it must be quite bad.”
For Menew and the others, they were just trying to clean up a friend’s mess. But for Mofusen and his grandson, it was their livelihood at stake.
Even if the forest lands did not look that different at a glance, the mere fact that there were new monsters in the area meant that years of knowledge now meant nothing.
It made sense that he wanted things to return to normal, and witness it happening. Besides, Mofusen was the village chief, and a sage.
Menew crossed his arms and thought about it.
“Very well. But you have to make one promise.”
“What is it?”
“Do not be surprised, no matter what you see. And do not tell anyone about it.”
“I accept. Now, let us prepare.”
Mofusen said as he headed to his storage house.
He had blankets, coats, bread and vegetables. It was kept dry and out of the sun.
“Ah, I’ll carry them.”
Menew said as he went to help Mofusen. And so Ralph and Totto decided to talk with the grandson.
“Is it really fine to take that old man out?”
“Aye. Grandpa likes adventure. And we couldn’t stop him even if we wanted to. Besides, this is for the village.”
That being said, they were still worried.
Totto and Ralph looked at each other, and then they gave him some of the potions and medicine that were stored inside of Mr. Wal.
“Here. Use these while Mr. Mofusen is away.”
“That should be enough until he returns.”
After all, they were taking away the one doctor in the village. So this was the least they could do.
While the grandson looked surprised, he still accepted them gratefully. They were expensive potions, but his grandfather was still worth more.
“Thank you. It’s not just this village, but surrounding settlements rely on him as well.”
Shortly after, the preparations were completed.
They departed before it became dark. For some reason, the whole village came out to see them off. But according to Mr. Wal, they would arrive in no time. It would be embarrassing if they returned so soon.
Mofusen laughed the whole time. Perhaps this really was nothing to him. That was how much they relied on him.
They arrived at the forest entrance after fifteen minutes of walking.
As Menew tried to go forward, Mr. Wal moved to his back.
“Master. Please connect the link.”
“So you have some idea?”
“Aye, I do. The gold energy is stronger than I thought.”
When they connected, Mr. Wal’s visual information came flowing into Menew.
The wind that blew between the trees. It was like his eyes could follow it.
The sounds of rustling leaves, chirping birds, even the movements of clouds could be sensed. If it was anyone else, it might have fried their brain. But Menew was able to process all of it.
As someone who was able to combine multiple spells, Menew’s mental ability far exceeded the average person.
Though, even if the hardware was good, the software was a different story. So he would likely not make use of it unless he made an effort.
“I see…”
Menew said to himself as he went through the information.
He raised his staff with both hands and then lowered his eyes as he imagined it.
“Shortcut!”
Menew waved his staff, and a clear wall of water appeared.
Mr. Wal looked inside and then nodded with satisfaction.
“Now we will be able to reach my home in half a day.”
Mofusen laughed out loud at this. As always, Totto and Ralph just looked tired.
“Ah, I see that you are quite good at manipulating space.”
“Oh, not at all. But have you met others who can do it?”
“Well, I have lived for a long time. Not only is it convenient, but it has left a great impression on me.”
“There may be unknown materials deep in the forest…! Let’s try to gather them! Stan! Mr. Wal!”
They talked happily while being sucked into the shortcut. Kanon and Ralph were the last to go in.
Ralph realized that this would be another tiring journey. And so he sighed and then stepped through.