Book 4: Chapter 59 (2/2)

The Forest Eater’s posture seemed like it was climbing up the night sky—but the giant never climbed up. It simply fell sideways, mowing down a number of trees and fell silent.

(It is completely silent.)

It didn’t take too long to defeat it, but that was because Asha shaved away 90% of the enemy’s vitality.

Asha had already lost consciousness due to lack of mana.

But she didn’t have a stressed look on her face. She was happy. She believed in me to take care of the rest.

After dawn, the magnitude of the damage became clear.

The surrounding land was dotted with craters. The large trees were knocked down, and the village was trampled.

The damage to the dark elves was also enormous. 5 people died. 10 people escaped death but were seriously injured.

Almost everything from the village was destroyed. The remaining 41 dark elves scraped up the necessary tools and clothes.

「…………」

Kimidori Gorn-san, whose mouth was wide open, was stunned to see the fallen Forest Eater.

The Forest Eater remained as was, unlike Ouroboros, which was previously summoned by the mediator. Since it did not turn into ashes and bones like Ouroboros did, the giant species in this world may be different from those summoned by mediators.

I heard from the dark elf chieftain that there are 8 giants. It seems that the dark elves defeated a giant insect in the past; a giant rhinoceros beetle with colorful wings. It’s horrifying to even imagine that.

The Dwarves had exterminated a giant bird in the past, so there were only 5 giants left.

Giant butterfly, Dazzle Butterfly.

Giant lizard, Human Mimic.

Giant tiger, End Fangs.

Giant turtle, Lost Jewel.

Giant slug, Giant Slime.

If I don’t have to fight any of these, that would be the best case scenario.

「Hey, escort-dono. Breakfast is ready.」

Although Knock-san suffered a devastating blow, he called out to me with a bright voice.

The processing of Forest Eater had already begun. It was moving in the direction of “eat edible meat and preserve storable meat”.

These people were strong-willed.

They saw Asha’s magic and once again felt that they should definitely follow her as their leader.

Asha must have been totally worn out. She was still fast asleep.

「Thank you. It’s my first time eating the meat of such a huge goat.」I said.

「It is the same for us.」

Nicky-san, who was bandaged all over, said with a laugh. She was also among the seriously injured, but it’s amazing that she’s already moving around.

I applied【Healing Magic】to those who were not yet dead and saved their lives last night.

「The dragonewt over there, come join us. Oh, but I can’t cook today, so the men are cooking.」Nicky-san said.

「I see.」

I received grilled meat on a skewer. When I bit into it, the strong smell of spices filled my nostrils.

「Ueeeee! What is this smell?!」

Immediately after, an animal stink filled my nostrils! It was like the stink of a thick-furred wild dog which hasn’t bathed in over a month.

「Just as I thought, huh.」Knock-san mumbled.

「You thought so, Knock-san!?」

「We just endure the smell and eat. Men do not know how to get rid of the smell.」Nicky-san said.

「You could have told that earlier, Nicky-san.」

I was in tears, but Nicky-san, Knock-san and the others started chomping down on their share.

They were eating without complaining.

There was no doubt that it was bad. However, it was the flesh of the enemy that their friends defeated at the risk of their own lives. They gratefully ate and mourned — that was the kind of feeling I got.

I also chewed on the goat meat again.

The unmistakable animal stink followed the scent of spices.

(But this is proof that we are alive…)

So I ate while feeling grateful.

「——Is there anyone there!」

A voice broke the silence.

「Hundredman chief! Where are you?! Hundredman chief!」

An underground man who was here for some reason, sitting privately behind a tree, stood up.

A few worn-out underground people appeared from the direction where he ran to.