Episode 294.2

Episode 294.2

(EP-294.2) #3

294 – Fall #3

So, I averted my gaze from the gruesome scene and decided to listen closely. This body was a nymph born in the forest. If I tried hard enough, I should be able to find at least a small stream flowing through the forest.

─Gurgle, gurgle─.

Then I heard a small sound in my ear. It was unmistakably the sound of a small stream flowing smoothly.

「You are now a skilled ditch nymph...! Gained job experience for ‘Half-Fairy’. +50」

“I think it’s this way.”

I led Stella and Professor Balan toward the stream I had found. There were monsters on the way, but it wasn’t difficult to break through the encirclement with the two.

Finally, we reached a small valley. The water was so clear, it was hard to believe we were still in this corrupted forest. The stream was cold, and the current flowed swiftly.

How deep was it? It doesn’t seem very deep.

Before I could even say anything, Stella and Professor Balan splashed into the valley, washing themselves like birds cleaning their feathers.

“Ugh, it’s cold.”

“I-I feel alive again. It’s like the stench of those low-level monsters’ blood is finally gone....”

Splash, splash.

They didn’t even bother to take off their clothes before diving in, likely to wash off the blood and bits of flesh that clung to their outfits. No matter, I could easily dry their clothes quickly with my wind magic.

Whoosh.

As they emerged from the water looking like drenched fish, I raised my tail wand and cast the Rank 1 spell, Dry Wind.

I reduced the amount of magic to avoid detection, but drying a person’s clothes was no difficult task.

I reduced the amount of magic to avoid detection, but drying a person’s clothes was no difficult task.

“Ah, I finally feel refreshed.”

Stella said, smiling with satisfaction when...

Swaaaaaa-.

━Butterfly?

━Yes, because flowers have nectar, and butterflies come to drink it.

A child’s perspective.

Yes, the awkwardness I’d been feeling—this was it.

Now that I looked closely, there were marks and drawings on the base of the trees that would only be visible to someone who’s crouched.

“... I think I’ve been here before. Maybe....”

Jingle, jingle.

The fairy tree swayed, producing a tinkling sound. The vibrant colors struck me anew.

Yes, I’ve definitely been here before.

Though I can’t recall the details, sometimes the body remembers better than the mind.

Like dried mud cracking away, sensations returned to my body one by one.

The sound of flowing water, the scent of flowers blooming somewhere nearby.

The smell of grass.

The scent of damp earth.

The world felt more vivid. My heart pounded as my senses expanded far beyond what my mind could usually process.

Just as I was on the verge of something, I felt someone abruptly grab my shoulder.

“Theo-kun! I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I don’t think this is the time! This monster is on a whole different level!”

Stella Bellhawk.

It was only then that I snapped back to reality. A heavy, thunderous thud pounding the ground rang loudly throughout the entire forest.

Crack, snap.

At the same time, there’s the sound of trees breaking. I realized that something big was coming.

“It must be the master of this forest...! That’s no ordinary presence...!”