Chapter 140 (1/2)
[Now then, what should we do about this…]
I looked up at the rock cliff.
On our way here, those rocky mountains had been on my mind.
Those tall cliffs were spread out left to right.
It’s as if they’re tall walls blocking anyone from entering.
[Unless we could fly up in the sky, I doubt it would be possible to cross over that height.]
It’s obvious that it would be impossible even if we turn Pigimaru into a rope.
Eve places her palm on the rock wall.
[By no means does this wall look like it would ever crumble with a strike.]
I checked left and right.
These cliffs look like it continues all the way through.
I don’t know how far this wall would lead to.
As my line of sight moves, I could see a gaping hole in the wall.
A hole in which someone could pass through alone.
However, it was just a dead end when we checked it earlier.
It could be used as a place where we could take shelter from the rain and rest but…
[Isn’t there any convenient passage way we could use to go straight through these rocky mountains?]
Eve’s map only shows our “current location” and the “distance” we need to travel to.
It doesn’t tell you about the terrain.
Of course, these rocky mountains in front of us were blocking us like walls.
Thinking about the mental fatigue of these three, I want to arrive at the Witch’s place as soon as possible.
I want to avoid having to walk through such a large detour.
[I should go with Slei to check out the end of this cliffs one time.]
If we’re searching for a route, it’s better to have a small amount of people.
We also can’t be sure that the one searching wouldn’t encounter another Human-Faced.
In that case, the most suitable skill in dealing with them would be my Abnormal State Skill.
If it’s necessary, I could even have Slei transform and escape.
After having the three of them take a break, I made them standby at that place while I began exploring around the area.
With the cliff extending out from east to west, I decided on investigating the west side first.
On the west side, I feel like the wall of these cliffs keeps on continuing.
If I keep on following that, I can’t imagine how many days it will take for me to get a break.
Fortunately though, I found some changes unexpectedly early on the eastern side.
I had an impression that I would end up having to go around the area before I get to my destination.
I went back and told the three of them about it.
Everyone looks pretty relieved to some extent.
When we were ready to leave, we decided on following the walls to the eastern side.
The leading Eve who was steadily watching out the surroundings relaxed her vigilance.
[There doesn’t seem to be any presence of monsters yet.]
Seras who was walking next to me also relaxed her vigilance.
[There’s hardly any monsters around… Is this connected to the Witch of Taboo’s presence around the area?]
[Or perhaps, the monsters’ habitat was more concentrated on the periphery of the Demon Zone than in the center.]
[I see, that’s plausible.]
[………………]
There were several ruins we passed through along the way.
It’s likely that there were some monsters who had taken refuge inside the underground ruins.
It seems that there are even cases where there are a lot of them hiding there…
If I think about it like that, I can’t help but be disappointed.
I was holding the rear of our group right now.
I left leading the group to the others because I want to talk with Liz.
This is the Golden Demon Zone.
Furthermore, we’ve even encountered the Human-Faced before.
Liz is still a child.
It wouldn’t be strange if she’s mentally falling apart.
[………………]
It can’t be helped, she’s a really patient child after all.
[Are you alright?]
[Ah, yes.]
[?]
No… She looks like she’s just as usual.
She doesn’t look like she’s pushing herself too.
If she’s just hiding her emotions and is trying to deceive me, she has quite a great acting skill.
[Aren’t you afraid of the Human-Faced?]
Liz gently entwined her fingers in front of her chest.
[I can’t say that I’m not scared but… it’s still alright.]
[Choosing to go into this place and die together with Eve rather than staying alive while you’re in Monroy, have you not thought that it was a foolish decision?]
[I- I can’t say I haven’t…]
Liz wryly smiles.
[However, I don’t think I would die in this place. Umm… I’ve talked with Seras-sama several times since we came here.]
Liz looks towards Seras who was walking forward.
[Seras told me before. “Unless Touka-dono himself loses his life, we would be able to safely arrive in your destination.”]
I also looked at Seras’ back.
Seras…
“Unless he gives up”
—didn’t say something like that.
It’s because she knows that I’m a human who would even pretend to give up just to deceive my opponent.
[Her trust towards me is a bit overwhelming.]
“Fufu”, Liz cutely smiles.
[But it’s thanks to that, that it made me feel less scared as long as Touka-sama is alive. Even at that time with the Human-Faced, I would make sure that I won’t be a hindrance while Touka-sama fights… That’s just what I thought at that time.]
Liz gently brushes Slei’s back who was walking alongside us.
[I’m also relying on you, Suu-chan.]
[Pakkyyyuuunnn~]
Currently, I’m acting as the commander of this group for the time being.
Seras and Eve would often wait for my instructions.
They were thinking that following my instructions would be the best.
And thus, Liz has fully placed her trust towards me.
Heavy responsibilities.
This has brought forth heavy pressure towards me.
Normally, I might succumb due to this heavy pressure.
[………………….]
There’s no problem.
I can do this.
I will not let their trust in me to be just an illusion.
▽
It seems that Liz was alright after I talked with her.
Therefore, I went back to leading the group and replaced Seras.
Walking back in the lead, I talked to Eve who was listening for any changes around the area.
[How is it?]
[I still can’t feel the presence of any monsters around… It’s probably as Seras says, it might be connected with this place being near the Witch’s home.]
Eve gently brushes her chin.
[But Touka, I’m actually surprised with Seras.]