Chapter 66 – Opening One Door After Another

In forests and mountains—places rarely traversed by humans—distinct ecosystems invariably establish themselves.

Occasionally monstrous creatures stir like unwelcome interlopers, but even this has become integral to the natural order.

Furthermore, since these entities don’t invariably dominate the predatory hierarchy, natural balance frequently restores itself.

The true concern emerges when monsters merge with indigenous lifeforms through transmission, proliferation, or contamination.

These hybrid entities multiply exponentially, expanding their numbers and territory twofold or greater practically instantaneously.

This phenomenon disregards distinctions between flora, insects, and fauna.

Moreover, as regional calamities manifest in diverse forms, periodic reconnaissance and eradication of such anomalies has long constituted a quarterly imperative for sovereign nations.

“The pungency is considerable, but bear meat provides exceptional nutritional benefits! Even the viscera remain valuable!”

Having felled a bear with remarkable efficiency, Luillin initiated the smoking process, declaring nothing could be squandered.

“The pelt commands respectable market value, but retaining one provides versatile utility as a sleeping sack, cloak, or material for constructing temporary shelters—creating extraordinary comfort.”

“……”

To express genuine sentiment…

I find the bear more intimidating than Luillin herself.

Indeed, even more fearsome than a barbarian warrior capable of confronting such a creature directly.

…The bear inspires greater trepidation.

Why?

Not merely due to its impressive stature or ferocity.

These creatures possess primal instinctual qualities that potentially render my methodologies ineffective.

Paradoxically, confronting a monster infused with demonic energy might prove simpler… whether this merits laughter or solemn reflection remains uncertain.

Luillin had charged headlong toward the emerging bear, emitting a challenging roar.

Then delivered a direct impact to its facial region.

The resultant collapse of the creature’s snout, resembling crushed fruit, elicited a profound sensation…

A chill permeated my core.

The cranial structure and possibly the brain itself must have been severely compromised.

Nevertheless, the remarkably resilient ursine engaged in fierce combat with Luillin for several minutes thereafter.

Whatever enchanted garment she wore appeared extraordinary—resistant to tearing or laceration despite the bear’s formidable claws.

“That inflicts considerable pain!”

Though impervious to penetration, the impact and discomfort apparently transmitted unimpeded, evidenced by her pronounced irritation.

Wham!

Have you observed a bear propelled into a tree by impact, only to ricochet from the collision?

…This constituted my first such observation.

Indeed, the very premise of a bear becoming airborne from this diminutive individual’s strike suggested fundamental disarrangement of natural order.

Having dispatched the bear, Luillin immediately commenced olfactory investigation, nostrils flaring actively.

“Bloodletting and processing would be inappropriate here… I detect a stream nearby. Let’s proceed in that direction.”

We established camp in the vicinity.

Skinning the bear consumed considerable time, but butchering meat and bone required twice that duration. Even with my assistance, we achieved respite only as sunset approached, having completed preliminary smoking preparations.

“Immediate consumption remains feasible, though excessive intake would compromise mobility. Given the uncertain duration of our expedition, preserving fortunate acquisitions remains prudent.”

This approach remained viable solely due to her magical apparatus.

A garment capable of accommodating virtually unlimited volume.

Apparently it possessed formal designation, though she remained ignorant of it.

Originally a rather unfashionable cloak, a trusted artisan had apparently reconfigured it, enhancing functionality and practical design.

Her explanation transparently echoed information previously conveyed to her.

Undeniably, she demonstrated exceptional competence.

Merely four years separated us chronologically, yet her extraordinary aptitude was astonishing.

Perhaps a survival prodigy? Or an adaptation savant?

…Precise classification eludes me.

She expertly grilled bear meat over the established fire.

…Substantial portions, admittedly.

A modest cast-iron pot positioned near the flames contained vigorously boiling water.

After introducing grain powder and dehydrated vegetables, an ambiguous soup materialized.

A desperate strategic volume-enhancement.

With a stream nearby, her intention to maximize sustenance with supplementary hydration was evident.

“Your efficient mobility coupled with minimal consumption strongly indicates your instructor was indeed elven.”

“……”

Instructor.

Initially instructed to address me as she preferred, when questioned regarding her choice, she explained:

“Imagine encountering a remote village. A child native to that settlement would possess superior geographical knowledge, wouldn’t they?”

“Certainly.”

“Consequently, something could be learned from that child, correct? Presumably, inquiring represents the optimal approach when confronting unfamiliarity?”

“Indisputably.”

“Skills represent temporal and energetic investment. Occasionally, they even incorporate misfortune, aspiration, and conviction—warranting respect. Even those dismissed as serfs, after decades cultivating land, demonstrate superior excavation proficiency compared to knights or warriors. Those possessing strength may destroy objects or structures effectively, but cannot replicate the constructive achievements of genuine craftsmen. Consequently, the powerful leverage their strength to command others, recognizing their own limitations.”

“……”

“Addressing you as instructor constitutes appropriate acknowledgment. Is my reasoning flawed?”

“…Proceed as you deem appropriate.”

Subsequently, she relentlessly interrogated and scrutinized.

Yet despite explanations paralleling the Demon King’s instruction, comprehension eluded her.

Practical application proved utterly impossible.

Even explicit transmission of a heart technique proved ineffective.

“You designate such self-evident principles as heart techniques? Isn’t there something more impressive? Furthermore, what precisely constitutes a heart technique? Does it resemble the warriors’ internal mantra or the Imperial knights’ chivalric code?”

I contemplated sharing Academy fundamentals, but ultimately refrained.

…Standardized methodologies likely proved incompatible with her nature. While not particularly patriotic or loyal to the Empire, disclosing sacred techniques or privileged knowledge provoked certain resistance.

‘Had genuine necessity existed, disclosure might have occurred.’

Instilling potentially misleading preconceptions or unrealistic expectations seemed counterproductive.

Therefore.

Abandoning verbal explanation, I redirected toward experiential learning.

Through this instructional process, I discovered mutual benefit—advantageous for both Luillin and myself.

-Teaching completes understanding and matures wisdom.

The Demon King characterized this as inevitable.

…My recent tendency to neglect lute practice while frequently drifting into contemplation originated from this very fascination.

Yet remarkably, a few hours attempting Luillin’s instruction yielded greater insight than weeks of solitary contemplation.

This paradox confounds me.

-That constitutes the process. Does isolated rumination summon celestial answers? Even if possible, such revelation requires prerequisite qualification.

The Demon King began expressing curious perspectives.

-Certainly, solitary contemplation occasionally produces spontaneous enlightenment, like water suddenly overflowing its container. But as previously stated, your vessel overflowed long ago. Conversely, your challenge involves effectively utilizing that excess. Religious practitioners offering blessings—even without comprehension—experience spiritual elevation and subsequent enlightenment precisely through this principle of fullness and emptiness.

“……”

Has Luillin’s loquaciousness proven contagious?

“Essentially, you suggest that giving facilitates enlightenment and advancement?”

-Precisely. Through causality itself.

Causality?

“……”

Continued discourse threatens cerebral discomfort.

-The process resembles unlocking sealed doors. Those exempted from this necessity? Individuals born with doors already accessible. Those confronting sealed portals? Must endeavor to open them.

“Does this constitute a form of talent?”

-Strictly speaking, even talent falls within this category. When talent encounters sealed doors? Festering and decay result. Require illustration? Heat a covered pot. Maintain intense flame beneath a securely sealed lid. Eventually, contents violently rupture containment. Similar principle.

Considering thoroughly…

-Your previous condition exemplified this precisely.

“…?”

Nevertheless.

This journey provided abundant insight.

Yet simultaneously…

Creeeaaak

“?!”

Intermittent episodes of convulsive awakening and sleeplessness persisted.

Whatever lingering resentment existed continued to disturb me without warning.

“Have you been cursed? Your proper rest appears virtually nonexistent.”

“……”

For a casual observation, Luillin demonstrated remarkable perceptiveness.

I deflected, attributing it to personal medical condition.

Our subsequent travel proceeded adequately.

We briefly passed a bandit encampment, encountered dwarven and foreign races, but avoided confrontation.

Nevertheless, danger wasn’t entirely absent.

Approaching the cartographic border, we nearly encountered the Dabass Kingdom’s elite Sixth Mountain Reconnaissance Unit—colloquially known as the Beast Logging Corps—causing considerable anxiety.

Necessitating a two-day concealment within an excavated tunnel.

“…Is this familiar to you?”

“What specifically?”

“Most individuals experience psychological deterioration within hours, yet you demonstrate remarkable composure.”

“…Isolated contemplation represents familiar territory.”

At minimum, no enforced genuflection or prayer occurred.

Sleep remained available at will, without fear of sudden assault—practically a vacation.

Confined lightless quarters presented initial discomfort, but adaptation facilitated restful sleep.

Genuine challenges arose during sleeplessness or physiological necessity…

“Remarkable fortitude. Consistently composed throughout the day. Monastic life would suit you admirably. Quiet, trouble-free, dependable. And most advantageously, minimal consumption!”

“……”

Mental preoccupation explains my demeanor.

Though whether these constitute compliments remains ambiguous.

Even the Demon King’s spectral presence alleviated potential claustrophobic anxiety.

Luillin’s incessant verbalization contributed similarly.

Regardless.

Following Luillin’s guidance permitted us to circumvent the Beast Logging Corps and successfully traverse the designated border.

Currently,

“Metlan Kingdom’s reconnaissance patrols warrant vigilance.”

This explains the Beast Logging Corps’ nomenclature.

Metlan Kingdom’s border patrol—specifically the Eleventh Reconnaissance Unit responsible for this mountain region—earned the designation “Beast’s Traveling Companion.”

And this territory,

Where so-called Demon Trees flourish, maintains notoriety as fundamentally hazardous for casual traversal.

Purple-hued foliage and branches that undulate as if animated…

Initial observation invariably provokes profound discomfort.

“Certain ancient specimens genuinely consume living creatures. Some even develop consciousness and communicative capacity. Within this region, they receive partial reverence as sacred entities.”

Unlike Dabass, the Metlan Kingdom’s continental periphery location prioritizes interspecies cooperation and harmony.

Their domestic policies embrace integration of non-human races and even encourage hybridization—establishing foundations for contemporary diversity.

…Such information had been academically conveyed previously.

“……”

During my involuntary diplomatic hostage period, I believe this constituted my third destination.

Not personal recollection—subsequently obtained information.

“Challenging terrain remains temporary. Beyond the border, conditions improve significantly.”

“……”

Why not utilize official crossings with our prepared documentation?

When questioned, Luillin explained:

“Avoiding official crossings doubles tracking difficulty. You mentioned potential pursuit, and your evident aversion suggests tactical withdrawal, hence our circuitous approach despite inherent risk. Conventional borders, trading posts, and even neutral zones maintain comprehensive information exchange networks. Communications like: ‘Your citizen traversed here,’ or ‘Your noble passed through,’ or ‘Seeking someone? Let me verify… Records confirm presence.’ Such interactions occur constantly.”

“……”

Her verbosity remains excessive.

Yet beneath the childlike delivery lurked brutal pragmatism.

“This intelligence circulates beyond governmental channels into criminal networks. Even if authorities remain uninvolved, other entities might intervene—perhaps dispatching operatives or assassins.”

“…The situation appears dire.”

“They might verify bounties or simply abduct first and investigate later. Valuable possessions alone constitute targeting criteria. Our magical items represent immediate vulnerability. Remote wilderness deaths involving predation or monstrous activity virtually guarantees undiscoverable remains.”

“How would anyone locate us?”

“They wouldn’t. Possessions offer better recovery prospects than corpses.”

“Hmm…”

Her articulation rendered the world’s brutality unmistakable.

“Conversely, tactical exploitation permits ambush opportunities against pursuers. Despite risks, with appropriate planning and temporary regional avoidance, such ventures merit consideration.”

“……”

Her angelic countenance belied her ruthless strategic thinking.