Episode 298.1

(EP-298.1) Master #2

298 – Master of the Forest #2

I heard from the spiders.

There’s a very beautiful pond in this eastern forest.

But none dare approach it because it’s guarded by a massive and malevolent centipede.

They said its poison and bizarre magic were so tricky and vile that even Kubilai, the master of this forest, wouldn’t dare challenge it.

I wondered how strong such a being could be.

To be honest, I was a little scared and nervous.

When I finally faced the creature, it far exceeded anything I had imagined, and for a moment, I lost my resolve.

Rustle, rustle, rustle.

As the fog cleared, a giant centipede came into view.

Its head rose to a height similar to that of the ogre Dordor. Its vicious fangs were spread wide, and its long antennae waved menacingly.

It was terrifying.

Regardless of my ability to cast Rank 6 magic, I couldn’t shake off the biological fear of a giant insect.

━Mind your language, child. Even Solomon paid me respect...!

Swish.

The centipede’s enormous head, as large as an elephant’s body, drew close to my face. This wasn’t a centipede, it’s an imoogi or a dragon, or something like that. Or did it have some spirit bead?

“......”

I froze, stiff as a stone, like a mouse caught in the gaze of a snake. It was strong.

I thought it was just a beast, but it felt like something more like..., a spirit or mystical being. Could I defeat it if I poured all my magic into the fight?

Of course, there were a lot of things about combat that’s different from the numbers and simulations in my head. I didn’t really want to fight this guy.

It was incredibly powerful.

It felt like it had lived for an incomprehensibly long time, far beyond what I could fathom... Even checking its status window was difficult.

As I stood there lost in thought, the centipede spoke again.

━You’re quite a clever child.

Through this brief exchange, I managed to gather some valuable information.

This massive being, Angala, had some connection to the Demon King Solomon. Moreover, it harbored deep resentment toward him.

I should definitely keep the fact that I’m his grandson a secret.

━So, Theo Gospel, the half-fairy mage. Why have you come to my pond? Do you wish to be eaten?

“No, not at all. I need the evening primrose in bloom over there. One of my companions was bitten by a centipede, and I need them to treat the poison.”

━Ah, centipede venom. These days, the younger ones bite without any manners. On behalf of my brethren, I apologize.

“.......”

It was more polite than expected. Unlike its terrifying appearance, it was a cultured being that knew how to resolve issues through conversation.

━However.

“... However?”

A sense of unease crept over me.

However.

But.

The words that usually follow these tend to be the ones that disturb my peace of mind.

━However, I can’t just give you my possession for free. That’s not how the world works. Since that massive, hateful wall appeared, there are fewer evening primroses.

“Are you saying...?”

━I’ll need something in exchange. Offer me something you have that’s worth trading for the evening primrose. I’m being quite generous with this deal.

I see.

A barter, huh?

It was something I hadn’t considered, but it was a reasonable and understandable proposition.

Still, I suddenly wondered if this giant poisonous centipede, Angala, might be trying to deceive me, so I asked cautiously.

“You’re not going to ask for my life or anything like that, right?”

At my question, Angala’s body began to tremble as it laughed.