Ch.126Golem (3)

“They are the Three Tribes.”

A few days ago, shortly after I obtained a new ring to effectively utilize the armor I had newly acquired.

That’s how I ended up throwing tantrums and rolling around, trying to act cute with my mother who isn’t actually my mother.

“The Three Tribes.”

“Yes.”

“It’s been a while since we’ve dealt with those bastards.”

A new village discovered during reconnaissance and exploration.

Actually, I wasn’t sure if it could even be called a village, but Melody examined it from a distance, used various spells (which I, being magically impotent, couldn’t identify), and made that determination.

The Three Tribes!

Come to think of it, they were the faction I had initially expected to be my arch-enemy when I first jumped in, but lately they had been overshadowed by Netel.

But that was just my perception; the Three Tribes were potentially greater enemies than the Empire.

Even setting aside the fact that they’ve been enemies throughout the series, their latent power and tyranny were considerable.

They were enemies worthy of caution, but that’s easier said than done.

Even a perfect and prepared warrior like myself, after scoring three solo kills, tends to sneer at any opponent who acts tough, thinking “So you truly wish to die,” and walks right into their trap.

A perfect illustration of how a genius’s weakness is their own arrogance.

In that sense, Melody’s additional words served as an appropriate alarm.

“Compared to what we’ve experienced recently, it might seem somewhat insignificant, but it’s not something we can ignore. They’re close. The problem is that we couldn’t approach because we confirmed there are shapeshifters with good senses…”

Shapeshifters. I looked at Isla, who was sitting there, fingering a new amulet around her neck that hadn’t been there before.

I didn’t know at the time, but now I understand that it’s a kind of “enhancement tool.”

But since I didn’t know then, I just thought, ‘A new accessory? Well-made. Did the old man make it for her?’

“What should we do then?”

“We need to scout, right? Ideally, we should also investigate the interior… and if possible, resolve the situation…”

Her voice trailed off and became gloomy, and I realized this was when Melody would reasonably indicate that she couldn’t go along.

“Ah, I’ll look into it.”

“Yes.”

“And sis can’t go either.”

“Yeah… I’ve done some things that might have made them dislike me a bit.”

I’m not sure if “a bit” is the right way to describe it.

But if sis says so, I’ll just accept it.

When the logical “Luwellin” inside me clashed with the “Yoon Se-jin” who would turn black into white if sis said so, Yoon Se-jin won due to having lived longer, following the principle of respecting elders.

Of course, if they had been two separate physical entities, the 170cm Yoon Se-jin would have conceded victory to the 196cm monster-like physique of Luwellin.

But they’re both me, so what can I do?

“To hate sis, what incomprehensible fools.”

“There he goes again.”

Though sis said that, she looked pleased, while most others in the room seemed uncomfortable with the situation, watching sis and me cautiously.

It felt like they were thinking, ‘Weren’t you two strangers until recently?’

I didn’t bother explaining since it wasn’t necessary, and probably wouldn’t be in the future either.

Meanwhile, Eshaterna, who was close to sis and unafraid to ask such questions without hesitation, was flipped over on sis’s lap getting her belly rubbed.

I should pet her later too.

“So excluding sis and Melody, we need someone skilled and capable who the Three Tribes won’t recognize to go with me.”

“We’ll need mobility too. So ‘Mr. Mourner’ won’t work either.”

“My knees have been better lately…”

“Hey, old man, just rest quietly. Don’t stay up all night nursing your knees.”

“I can’t tell if you’re looking out for me or not…”

Though the old man said that, he seemed secretly relieved.

I’ve seen him groaning while holding his knees more than once.

“Valterok won’t work either.”

“That person has too… strong a presence. He might be good for aerial standby in emergencies, but if that’s the case, he’d be better off guarding near the Temple.”

Though Valterok wasn’t present for various reasons, Melody spoke with conviction.

“Then you can act with peace of mind, right?”

“True.”

Valterok is a deterrent in himself.

The mere presence of this golem with an unknowable human heart turns all black mages and wizards into clever trash, and prevents warriors from using their skills.

His personal power is also tremendous, giving confidence that the Temple would be safe even if left unattended.

And that peace of mind plays an important role in battle.

Thank you, robot vacuum.

“So the candidates are… Isla and Lorian.”

As soon as the names were mentioned, a gentle breeze blew. It was the wind from a massive tail swinging back and forth.

Isla’s expression remained expressionless, and her gaze toward me didn’t change much.

But to me, who understood Isla deeply, it was clear. That was distinct expectation and excitement. The anticipation of journeying together.

Unfortunately, there was someone present with less human emotion.

“Hmm, I’m sorry to rain on your parade.”

A small hand slowly rose into the air.

“Isla’s adjustments aren’t quite complete. She’s not ready for full-fledged field experience yet. Perhaps after the adjustments are finished, but it’s a bit too much right now.”

It was Ortemilia, who was something like Isla’s primary physician and something like my mother.

Isla’s tail stopped, and her ears drooped. It felt like something had been switched off.

Her pitiful state made even Eshaterna, who was being pampered on sis’s lap, click her tongue in sympathy.

Ortemilia cleared her throat uncomfortably.

“There’s no point in giving me that look. Wasn’t it you who asked to be made stronger?”

“But still.”

“Besides, if it’s that place, I know it. The Blood Knight and Luwellin should be enough.”

“Oh? Is it my turn? It’s been a while since I’ve gone on a journey alone with Luwellin.”

Isn’t this the first time, not “a while”?

Or is it? Have we done this before?

While I was uncertain, Ortemilia mentioned that there were only two shapeshifters and nothing particularly noteworthy about the place.

But it was worth exploring, so we should go check it out.

It was also a good opportunity for me, as I had been itching for some action.

So we prepared for the expedition and set out as soon as the ring was ready.

[Play Time: 9,948 hours]

Four hours after the ring was completed.

I was walking with Lorian, just the two of us, across muddy ground that had dried out and become sticky.

“It seems a bit warmer here.”

Lorian and I trudged through the mud puddles, unusually wearing boots.

It might seem like just two people is too few, but as you’ve seen, this composition was determined through thorough consideration and discussion.

Ortemilia, who had been another candidate, declined with “Me? To the battlefield? Why?” and Eshaterna was too lazy to go out.

What remained was Lorian, who boasted extensive knowledge about the Three Tribes.

And me, the undisputed leader of the Temple who had to participate in any situation.

Unlike usual, our numbers were greatly reduced, and I didn’t think Lorian was as strong as Valterok, so I should have been nervous, but strangely, I didn’t feel any sense of danger.

After all, I now had the Black Armor.

If anything, I was hoping to encounter enemies who weren’t too strong but strong enough to fight, so I could test the armor’s functions.

Preferably after gathering all possible information and gaining all possible benefits.

Of course, not everything would go so smoothly.

“It’s probably because the mountain where the Temple is located is high. When the altitude is high… what was it again?”

“Is that how it works?”

“I don’t know. Ask sis. I just know that’s why it’s warmer here.”

“You don’t seem to know much.”

Studying was never my strong suit. I think it was something like that.

Sis would know. I continued walking without concern and lifted Lorian by the arm to help her cross a large muddy puddle.

“Oh, it feels nice, like I’m flying.”

“I wish you wouldn’t do that while wearing those clothes.”

“Hmm? Is there something wrong with my clothes? I thought they were pretty.”

“Because everything shows.”

“Isn’t it good if it shows?”

Let’s drop it. Sighing, we continued walking steadily.

The land beyond the mountain where the Temple was located could be described as a barren wasteland devoid of human presence, allowing us to have such mundane conversations.

No signs of people, no growing plants, no traces of wildlife.

Even with my keen observation skills, clumsily learned from Isla but showing remarkable achievement, I could barely find any traces, indicating how barren this land was.

Somehow, Netel is barren in both the old continent and the new continent.

Is it demonic because the land is like this?

Or did the land become like this because of demons?

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Which rotted first?

While I was lost in useless thoughts, the shallow valley extending from the Temple’s mountain had formed a new mountain range that blocked our side.

Along that mountain range, there were scattered trees, and at the border with the wasteland, there were trees stripped bare like half-eaten bones.

But beyond that, a landscape full of life welcomed us.

Coniferous trees with sharp needle-like leaves of similar sizes, and even small streams flowing in the depressions where tree roots couldn’t reach.

And even a wild dog that was drinking water from the stream, which shook its ears and ran away when it noticed us staring.

It was a place where it wouldn’t be strange to encounter something soon.

I hadn’t known because I’d only been around the Temple, but I realized the new continent had places like this too.

I should have explored more.

Thinking I should go on adventures later, I continued walking until Lorian pulled my arm.

“Let’s make a fire and rest for a while.”

Of course, both Lorian and I have bodies that don’t feel fatigue or feel it poorly, and our night vision far surpasses that of ordinary humans.

But nature has its rules. Nocturnal animals come out at night and won’t leave two human-shaped beasts boldly traversing their territory alone.

Dealing with each of them would be annoying, and mental fatigue is different from physical fatigue.

I accepted Lorian’s request and quickly made a fire using the method Isla had taught me, then neatly placed the portable cooking utensils I had kept in my cloak over the fire.

“I was starting to get anxious watching you, but I’m glad. If you had failed again, I would have had to do it myself.”

“Shut up. I’m better at this than you.”

“Huh, you never know until you try. I’ll have to do it at the next campsite.”

Come on, isn’t this good for someone with only 24 strength? While grumbling, I thought it was just jealousy of my talent as I took out various items I had received from Isla or the old man and put them in the portable pot with water.

Something like a bitter fruit jam that had been dried, chopped, and made into powder, along with honey, tea leaves, and a handful of dried fruit.

As I stirred it with a wooden spoon, a sweet and pleasant smell began to spread, so I took out two cast iron cups, poured the drink into each, handed one to Lorian, and kept one for myself.

“Ah, the Mourner gave this to me to eat. Do you want some? He said you don’t eat much, but he gave it to me because you’re like a daughter to him and he couldn’t refuse.”

Adding to that some snacks made of dried grains with sweet and salty seasonings, we sat around the campfire and spent the night.

I hate to say it, but it was a cozy time. Relaxing too.

But I couldn’t deny feeling some inner distance, and Lorian seemed aware of it, occasionally checking my reaction before gradually becoming dejected and speaking less.

Yes, it couldn’t be helped.

I was freshly mulling over Lorian’s declaration of being my concubine.

It was too prominent to just accept casually.

I was actually hoping something would happen to distract us.

But there probably wouldn’t be any brainless fools who would disturb two adventurers bold enough to make a fire in such a remote area at this late hour.

Even beasts would avoid us. I sighed and lifted the cast iron cup to take a sip when—

CLANG!

I stared blankly at the cup that had broken in half with a jarring metallic sound.

“…Son of a bitch.”

They say even dogs aren’t disturbed while eating.