episode_0048

“Grrr~”

Secretly, I swallowed the tentacled creature.

As a Dryad, it was possible for me.

Every tree is my body.

Every root is my root.

At least, swallowing a creature in the forest wasn’t that difficult.

Therefore, Dryads are the spirits of the forest.

“I’ll give it a try.”

Underground, I absorbed the tentacle monster with my main root and analyzed its life force.

The tentacles were not physically strong, but they had several characteristics.

They handle acidic poison.

Their regenerative ability is very high.

The tentacles are slippery and tough.

They have excellent magical senses.

Their reproductive ability is highly developed.

That’s all I could find out for now.

Considering their complex physical characteristics and magical abilities, they would be stronger than the mist forest monsters.

Their weakness is simple.

They are vulnerable to long-range attacks.

Their regenerative ability is high, but their defense is low, allowing most attacks to pass through.

I immediately relayed the information to the elves.

[Everyone, when facing the tentacles, try to hit the enemy with acid arrows from a distance, weaken them with long-range attacks, and finish them off.]

[Understood.]

[Leave it to me!]

[I will deliver the acid arrows to the humans before they go!]

The elf of the Divine Tree moved quickly.

The preparations were sufficient.

The current village army is waiting for the enemy in the rear.

On the other hand, the enemy seems to be searching for something, keeping their distance from each other, or breaking formation like the one I absorbed.

Further back, the dominant tentacle is moving leisurely alone.

They may have greater numbers, but we are more prepared.

The enemy may be strong, but we are ready to face them.

Preparations are complete.

It’s time for war.

The village army waited and waited.

Until the enemy penetrated deep.

This is my territory.

I can always monitor the enemy’s movements.

The tentacles were penetrating deeply into the territory, leaving a gap of tens of meters between them.

I informed the elves, and the elves informed the humans.

If we know when the enemy is coming, the operation becomes clearer.

Suddenly.

Everyone gripped their weapons.

And when the dominant tentacle and most of its subordinates reached the stem barrier and a few hundred meters away.

“Attack!!!”

Splat!-

Thud!-

Thump!

Pewpew!-

With Tinea’s shout, arrows were shot from all directions at the tentacle monster.

Squishy~

“Haha!!… It’s an irritating attack. Surely it’s those humans!!!”

However, the tentacle laughed.

It didn’t care about the wounds from the arrows.

Blocking the arrows with its tentacle arms to avoid getting hit in the eyes, it then shot round mucus beads in all directions.

Pop pop!

Pop!-

“Huh!?”

A human woman was hit by the mucus and fell.

At the same time, the tentacle’s eyes gleamed.

“As expected. As expected!!! I’ll make sure to enjoy having your child!!!”

Squish!

Swoosh-

Surprisingly, multiple tentacle legs moved like a spinning top, and their speed was not slow compared to the mist forest monsters.

Faster than imagined.

“Ah! M-My body won’t move!!!”

The woman screamed in shock.

There’s no problem.

If things get out of hand, I can just wrap them up with my main stem, and this is a cooperative operation.

Thud!

Tinea appeared in front of the woman.

“No way!!”

Squelch!-

Squelch squelch.

He gripped the bowstring with both hands and pulled the arrow all the way back with the stem protruding from the ground.

Whoosh!

Mana radiated from the arrow attached to the arrow, creating a light.

It was an attack that looked ominous.

“Haha! Looks like manna is raining from the sky!!!”

Flash!

The tentacles widened their eyes without a smile.

At first, a red aura circulated, and at the same time, a woman who had fallen over as if being controlled aimed at Tinea and threw herself.

Of course, I wasn’t just going to stand by and watch.

While sending the intention to ignore Tinea and attack, I grabbed the woman with the main body stem underground.

Squelch!!

Crush!

At this point, the battle was decided.

“What, what is that stem!!”

“As per the will of Lord Shin. Disappear immediately!!!”

Shoo!!

Boom!!!!

An arrow was fired.

Along its trajectory, a beam was also shot.

“What!!-”

The tentacles hastily blocked with their tentacle arm, but it was easily pierced through.

Thud!!

Boom!!!!

The arrow pierced through the tentacle arm and eye, while the beam incinerated the flesh along that path.

“Aaaahhh!!!!”

Shoo shoo!!-

Whizz!!-

Even if they were glowing in pain, it was futile.

Because the hidden humans emerged.

“Kill them!!”

“Let’s protect the village!!”

“How dare they try to harm our comrades!!!”

Thud!

Boom!!!

The wizard froze the tentacle arm.

The man wielded a club.

Additional arrows aimed at the back of the tentacles.

A waiting ambush and coordinated attack.

“Aaaahhh!! I’ll kill you all!!!!”

Boom!!!

The tentacles mustered mana as a final act of defiance.

It seemed like they were trying to use magic, but…

“What, what is this!! Why is there power coming from my body!!….”

Slowly, the effects of the Mountain Spirit’s blessing began to show. Of course, they couldn’t use it.

Just taking hits.

“Oops. You surprised me.”

Crack!!

Thunk!!

Just then, the woman who had been controlled also woke up.

As soon as I released the stem, she joined the fight.

“Oh. Why am I suddenly tied to this strange stem? Oh, it’s untied. Let’s fight together!!”

Whack!

Bam!~

“Aaahhh!!!”

Squelch squelch.

The tentacles collapsed.

There was no business for Dagu-ri.

Fights like this were happening simultaneously in various places.

I observed for a moment.

“It’s slow.”

Swish!

Crash!!-

“Aaaahhh!!!”

The third Kasyan who killed the tentacles.

“The spirits will not forgive you! Let’s all show our true colors.”

“Now is the time. Attack!!!”

Shoo shoo!!

Crush!!

“What!?….”

Grabbing the tentacles with the underground stem, Laferdion joined forces with the humans to attack.

“You all look like good fertilizer for the forest.”

Squelch!!

“What!?….”

Hiding in the trees, the Dryad embraced the tentacles, leading them to a deadly embrace.

“Ugh… that’s gruesome!! Let’s burn it quickly!!”

“I’ll use ice magic first!!”

Thud!!

Boom!!~

Even the flushed-faced Flon and the wizards used magic.

The ambush was very successful.

The enemies couldn’t move and died.

Occasionally, there were those who tried to attack their comrades under the mysterious abilities of the tentacles, but in those cases, they were bound to the stem without a chance to move.

It’s still manageable.

The Elf & Human Alliance fought monsters all over the place.

Since the tentacles were advancing at a distance, it wasn’t too difficult to defeat them, especially when the Dryads moved separately and subdued the tentacles on their own.

Rough estimates were visible.

When it came to the Elf and Dryads of Shinmok, they could easily subdue the tentacles alone, and with a combined force of dozens of alliance members, they could easily subdue them.

Moreover…

To be honest, they could probably sweep away the monsters in the area with their main bodies alone. They were just leaving them be for everyone’s growth.

So, I only moved the stem when subduing and rescuing the controlled humans.

There’s no need to worry.

We are much stronger.

This war is nothing but an experience for everyone.

So.

[Trust us and leave it to us.]

[We will finish them all.]

[Please trust us!!]

That should be enough confirmation.

They will handle it well on their own.

Meanwhile, I…

“What is this!! Why is something happening all of a sudden!!”

I caught sight of the dominating tentacle far away, looking confused all by itself.

“My children!! Gather here!! It seems like there are strange enemies ahead!!! Let’s all advance there together and show them what we’re made of!!”

He immediately grouped the monsters together.

Although the battle might become a bit more difficult now, the outcome will not change.

The village army that had already dealt with the front tentacles was waiting for the next reinforcements.

Therefore.

Swoosh.

Thud, thud!

The dryad moved her body.

The real problem is that dominating tentacle guy.

The subordinate tentacles are not a big issue from the start.

In the end, victory lies in killing that guy.

Because he has the power to easily overcome all the subordinate forces.

Just like Cardephion.

Let’s finish this quickly.

*

“What are you?”

While the subordinates were engaged with the tentacles, I stood alone in front of the dominating tentacle.

A grotesque appearance.

A massive body.

The giant pupil in the center of the body looked at me as if puzzled.

Although it may seem slow and harmless at first glance, I had already seen how fast the subordinate tentacles move. This guy must be able to move fast as well.

I attempted to start a conversation.

“I have something to say. Are you a slave hunter from the southern city of Masu?”

“Oh? Then you must be a hunter from the west. In that case, let me correct you. I am the dominating Swallios who cannot be surpassed by any hunter from the west!!!”

Crack!!

A strong pressure weighed down on me.

However…

He is weaker than Cardephion.

I can handle this level of pressure.

No, it dissipated as soon as it came into contact with Shaela’s energy.

“Oh. You can withstand it. In that case!!”

Shwaaaahh!!!

The tentacle arms stretched out.

Without even bothering to converse, he misunderstood me as a hunter and reached out his arms towards me.

Are we hostile towards each other?

No need to think deeply about it.

Whichever side, they are my enemies.

Shrrrrk!!!!

Shrrrrush!!

I also reached out with both hands.

Numerous tendrils extended from my fingertips and clashed with his tentacle arms.

Swoosh!!

Crackle!!

The tentacles and tendrils intertwined and pulled each other.

The tendrils were made as tough as possible, so a tense power struggle began.

“Kwahaha!! You have quite a similar ability to mine. You seem to have quite a bit of strength, but compared to me, you are nothing!!”

Crackle!!

“Ugh!?”

The tentacle’s strength increased.

My body was involuntarily drawn towards him.

Not only that.

“Kneel now!!!”

In a flash.

The giant’s pupils turned red.

An inexplicable wave was felt throughout my body, causing me to start shaking.

The world became dizzy.

My focus was disrupted as if I were drunk.

For some reason, I didn’t want to attack the tentacle.

No, I wanted to follow his orders as if I were mesmerized.

My mind gradually became hazy, feeling like I would be subjugated if I continued like this…

At that moment, I understood his ability.

Disturbance.

Illusion.

Hypnosis.

Brainwashing.

The power to devour the mind is unbelievably strong. Fighting while receiving such mental attacks is truly insane. If I were an ordinary person, I would have already kneeled and surrendered defenselessly.

Not only that.

I felt a heightened sensitivity, as if even a slight touch would cause immense pain.

Even a single blow would greatly amplify the pain.

I feel like I’m already in a state of defeat without even fighting properly.

…That’s about it.

Actually, despite saying all this, I’m fine.

This was just a sense of the body double, and it seemed like it could be purified by the energy of the main body.

‘Scatter.’

Shoo-

As expected.

Purified by the magic of the main body.

From the tip of the foot, the unique energy of the main body rose up and melted away the negative energy.

The inside of the harmony is superior.

That’s right.

Tuck.

Separate the stem from the fingertips, grab the separated stem tightly, and bend the knees.

“Hmm?”

At the moment the creature expressed doubt, a leap.

Whoosh!!-

Instantly pulled the stem to add momentum.

Whoop.

Twist the muscles from the fist to the waist as if squeezing and compress the mana as much as possible.

Compared to Shaela’s authority, it was far from enough, but the effective strike could still be delivered.

“Ha!! It’s impressive that you resisted, but you’re foolishly trying to throw away your life!!”

Shoo-

The creature’s multiple tentacles transformed sharply into knives and swung towards me.

It’s okay.

This is my territory,

Shoosh!-

Thud!!

“What!?….”

Stems sprouted from the nearby ground.

Although it may be pushed back in strength, an overwhelming number of stems wrapped around the tentacle arms.

‘Oh, wind.’

Whooosh!!-

At the same time, the body accelerated in the air.

Light as the wind itself, shooting towards the creature’s nose.

Whoosh!!

Thrusting the fist, projecting my will.

‘Be sharply compressed.’

My magic has no fixed framework.

Therefore, if there is enough nutrients and mana, it is possible to forcefully sharpen an attack that should explode.

So.

“Inooom!!!! Such a soft attack won’t work!!-”

Thwack!!

Crackle!!-

“…!!?”

The moment my fist touched the creature’s body, the force that should have exploded stretched horizontally and sliced through the upper part of the tentacle body.

“What!?”

Squelch!!

Pshh!!-

At the same time, a powerful acidic poison erupted, causing the stems to retreat to block the front.

“…Kuh…… He was more interesting than I thought.”

Shoosh!!

The next sight was quite surprising.

The two split tentacle bodies quickly regenerated, becoming two intact bodies.

“Heh. It was easier than I thought….”

His face was deeply furrowed.

The regenerated bodies were surprisingly similar in strength to the original.

Honestly, it felt manageable and enjoyable. Apart from the sense of discomfort, I felt that I had become that much stronger.

No, I did become stronger but….

“Dare to split me!! Do you know how much energy loss that is!! Kuhuhu…Enough. Let’s fight properly for a bit.”

Two voices resounded.

There was no sign of any impact.

In other words, they were just playing with me.

A ruler who can easily deal with dozens of slave hunters without a care.

Such a person wouldn’t die easily.

The real battle starts now.

…If the creature hadn’t shown up.

“Hey. Just now. That was too amateurish.”

“…Hm?”

I turned around.

Shaela was suddenly standing behind me with a displeased expression.

When did she come?

Wasn’t she supposed to appear when it was dangerous?

Or was she just here to give advice?

“Hoho? A small and volume-less female!! Even if I cover my eyes, you lack the stimulation to pique my interest. About 20 points. Kkya hahaha!!!!”

Tsk….

The tentacles spewed out mocking lines.

No, insulting lines.

Thanks to that, Shaela, with veins bulging on her forehead, stepped forward.

“Hehehe……I was originally going to watch, but seeing this mess, it seems like it’s just going to drag on, right? I’ll balance it out a bit.”

“…I think I fought well…”

“Just watch. I’ll show you how it’s done. Just follow my lead.”

“Could it be that you’re angry because of what I said about your size?”

“……”

Swish.

He turned his head towards me.

A sly smile crept across his face.

But it was a shadowy smile.

The veins on his forehead stood out.

“I’m not angry at all, okay?”

Flinch.

What’s this?

I felt like I had just soared through the sky with my imagination… Was it all just a misunderstanding?

“…You really aren’t angry?”

“Of course not~ That was just blasphemy, right? Nonsense. Everyone knows I’m a beautiful goddess. Isn’t that right?”

“…But the veins on your forehead-”

“Is that so?”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

This guy.

He’s quite sensitive about his appearance…

“Hahaha!!! What are you saying now? Even if you’re beautiful with a plain body, it’s still not interesting at all!! A female should be voluptuous to be beautiful!!”

Clang.

“…You filthy tentacle bastard…”

Swish.

Shayla’s head turned towards the tentacles.

In that moment, the smile on her face twisted into madness… It must have been a misunderstanding.

Squelch.

He clenched his fist.

In that moment, I had a gut feeling.

This guy.

He’s planning to use the same attack as me.

To slice the enemy with his fist.

But even if the enemy is separated, he can regenerate. It wouldn’t work, right?

But soon, I understood.

Shayla’s fist missed its mark.

Thud~

A light punch.

“What!? Are you playing a trick on me-”

Splat!!-

Swoosh!!!

Swoooosh!!!-

“-or something!!?………. Huh?”

The voice trailed off.

The one remaining tentacle creature looked around in confusion.

Clearly, the body that was speaking with him moments ago had disintegrated and disappeared.

“What… just happened….”

The tentacle creature mumbled in a daze.

I was also dumbfounded.

Was this… what Shayla meant by a little?

Even though it looked like a sincere attack?…

“Phew~ Did you see that? The attack just now?”

Shayla turned around with a refreshing smile.

I’m tired of being surprised.

It’s more beneficial to understand the recent attack than to marvel at how strong he is every time.

“…Well… roughly.”

Thanks to that, I could see.

I clearly sensed it with my body.

The shockwave attack that should have been shot out vibrated sharply, the vibration split even sharper, and the split attack further separated and sliced the tentacle creature’s body extremely thinly.

Literally disintegrated.

Numerous wind blades split the attack into a fan shape and thinly sliced the front.

I felt pathetic for being pleased with slicing an organism with my fist.

Clearly, he expanded the wind blades with magic…

But how did he apply it like that?

Slicing a living being with a fist.

Is that even ethical?

“Now, give it a try.”

“W-wait a minute!! W-what are you, you, you doing!!!”

Shayla pointed forward again.

The bewildered tentacle creature was screaming and waving its dozens of tentacles.

But Shayla casually ignored it.

“You think you can follow along?”

“…I’m not sure….”

He smiled at me.

It felt like he was cheering me on, like a kindergarten teacher.

Strange.

I was just in a fierce battle with a boss monster, but suddenly, I felt like I was facing a scarecrow in a field.

Is this… right?

“A-are you not going to a-ask anything!!!”

Well, I have no choice but to follow.

I clenched my fist towards the tentacles.

The panicking creature was very defenseless.

After all, he’s a creature that can be separated.

He must be the ultimate scarecrow.

Let’s make the most of this situation and learn properly.