Chilling sentimental journey with point saving! [Chapter 1] [Volume 4] (Patreon)

Whistling a cheerful tune, I cast my fishing line into the ocean.

The weather was perfect again today—clear skies and calm seas. The ship was docked, its deck dotted with laundry fluttering in the breeze like colorful flags.

—Shaa.

—Paku paku~

Watching over the fishing operation were two companions: Rosuke and Sameko.

Rosuke had coiled himself around the railing, peering intently into the water below. Sameko, lounging in her bucket, kept a steady gaze on the fishing rod. As for Panta? He was pacing around Kaede, who was busy hanging up clothes to dry. 

It seemed the flapping sheets caught his attention; he couldn’t resist batting at them as they swayed in the wind.

—How’s the fishing going? Kaede asked, leaning slightly over the railing.

—Hmm… Probably something wrong with the bait. There’s been no bite at all, I replied, scratching the back of my head.

—But one of the crew members said there's a school of fish right underneath us, she countered thoughtfully.

—Yeah, it must be the bait then.

Frau, returning from the control room, chimed in with an update on what lay beneath the ship.

 —There are definitely fish down there. Big ones.

I reeled in the hook, replaced the tiny shrimp bait, and cast the line back out into the blue expanse.  

At first, this whole fishing thing started as just a way to kill time. But now, after hours without so much as a nibble, I felt a stubborn determination rising within me. Everyone else—even members of the research team—had managed to reel in at least three catches by now. How could I still be empty-handed? It didn’t sit right.

I wasn’t asking for some record-breaking monster or anything flashy—a palm-sized catch would do just fine. Just give me something already.

—How’s the fishing coming along? Kaede called out again, her voice soft and teasing. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her apron fluttering gently in the sea breeze. Her smile carried that same playful curiosity she always seemed to have. 

—Honestly? Not great, I admitted, letting out a sigh. 

But don’t worry,I’m not giving up yet.

In one hand, she held a bundle of freshly dried sheets. Her apron-clad figure, radiant and domestic, caught the attention of every passing crew member, some of whom nearly collided with each other as they stole glances.

—Not having any luck, huh? How’s the laundry coming along?

—Finally got it all hung up just a little while ago. It smells so fresh and clean—it feels amazing, Kaede replied with a bright smile.

She shook out one of the sheets and draped it over both of us, cocooning me and her beneath its warm folds.

It really did smell wonderful.

The sun, the sea breeze, and something softer… Kaede’s own gentle scent.

—Wait, Frau too! Frau too!

Before I knew it, Frau had squeezed herself between Kaede and me, her face relaxing into a dreamy expression. 

—Oh, you’re right. It really does smell like sunshine, she murmured contentedly.

—Master! The fishing rod!

—Huh?! Oh, oh!

I yanked the rod up in one swift motion, revealing a red-scaled fish hooked firmly on the line.

About forty centimeters long, it was the perfect size for a meal. Its large, glassy eyes gleamed as it thrashed about energetically, flapping its body in defiance.

Just then, the captain strolled over, his usual laid-back demeanor intact.

—Well, well, look at that. Catching a fine-grade Kinme fish already, Master Toru. Impressive, as always.

—Wait… this is actually a tasty fish?

—Absolutely. In Lastoria, it’s considered a delicacy served at celebrations. Whether you eat it raw as sashimi, boiled, or grilled, it’s exquisite.

Sashimi… that’s raw fish, right?

Hmm. Maybe this would be a good chance to give it a try. 

I should go talk to the cook about preparing it. Could be an interesting experience.

—By the way, it’s about time we woke up that egg, don’t you think?

—Ah… I completely forgot about that.

Kaede’s reminder brought the Divine Beast egg back to mind.  

I should probably get it hatched soon. It might be a water-type like Sameko. If it is, keeping it on land would make things tricky since we can’t exactly whip up a pool at a moment’s notice.

***

The ship has rooms for the crew and the research team, plus quarters set aside for us as well.  

In my case, being the owner of the vessel and all, I was given the largest room onboard. But truthfully, I’m not one to stay cooped up in a room for long—I’ve never been the type to sit still. I even suggested swapping rooms with the captain once, but he politely turned me down.

Back in my cabin, I placed the Divine Beast egg on the floor in front of everyone.

—A new Divine Beast? How exciting!

—I’d be thrilled if something cute and squishy like a white bread roll popped out, Frau said with a grin.

—Kyuu, kyuu kyuu!

—You’re hoping its main goal will be finding a comfy sleeping spot? Well, that’s a given.

—Kyuu!

Above my head, Frau and Panta started bickering as usual.

Ignoring their antics, I focused and began channeling my magic into the egg.

The egg we discovered this time looked quite similar to Rosuke’s. Its surface was covered in bumpy protrusions, and it had a grayish hue with striking blue spots.

—Master, do you think I could request a cat-like one this time?

—Sorry, but it’s not really up to me.

Kaede, who was standing right next to me, seemed particularly excited, her tail wagging energetically.

Meanwhile, Frau and Panta were still chasing each other around above my head, as if oblivious to the moment unfolding below.

About thirty percent of the way through, the egg finished absorbing my magic.

Drip… drip… beads of blood fell from my hand.

With a sudden burst of steam, the egg’s lid popped open.

—Hmm… nothing’s coming out yet.

—Right.

A short while later, a bird-like creature emerged from within.

Its body shimmered with a metallic blue sheen, and though it lacked visible eyes, it had a tiara-like ornament perched atop its head. Its overall silhouette was pudgy and round, exuding a certain charm.

It was about the same size as Panta.

—Chupi!

The little bird hopped over to me, bouncing cheerfully. It nuzzled against my leg, rubbing its body affectionately. The way it tilted its head added to its undeniable cuteness.

—So this is our new companion? It’s cute, but will it actually be useful?

—What does the appraisal say?

—It seems this one can communicate images to the other Divine Beasts and give them instructions. Also, it has the ability to record sounds.

—So it’s like a command center, huh?

Normally, the Divine Beasts can’t coordinate with each other unless I’m there to guide them.  

But with this bird around, it looks like they’ll be able to maintain some level of cohesion even when I’m not present.

Still, recording sounds? What exactly does that mean?

—What does the appraisal say?  

—It seems this one can communicate images to the other Divine Beasts and give them instructions. Also, it has the ability to record sounds.

Suddenly, the bird mimicked my voice and Kaede’s, repeating our words back to us in perfect imitation.  

That’s how I instantly understood what “recording” meant.

—From now on, your name is “Chupi-Mi.”

—What a lovely name! Congratulations, Chupi-Mi!

—Chupi!

—Wait… you’re actually happy with such a lame name…?  

Frau complained, but since Chupi-Mi seemed delighted with her new name, I figured it was fine.

—Kyuu!  

—Chupipi?  

—Kyuu kyuu!  

—Chupi.

It looked like the two of them were having a conversation.  

Panta seemed to be trying to assert his seniority, but Chupi-Mi quickly lost interest and ignored him entirely. Without bothering to respond to Panta’s growing irritation, she returned to nuzzling against my leg, seeking affection as usual.

Next, I introduced Chupi-Mi to Rosuke and Sameko.

The first meeting went well.

After a few exchanges, Rosuke seemed to acknowledge Chupi-Mi with a single nod. Sameko, on the other hand, didn’t hesitate at all, simply responding with a cheerful “Paku.”

It felt like the Divine Beasts were already forming a solid bond—well, everyone except Panta.

—You need to get along with her. She’s part of the team, you know.

—Kyuu!

Panta turned his head away, sulking as usual.

I’d tried mediating between them countless times, but Panta’s feelings of inferiority just wouldn’t go away.

If he had combat abilities, things might have been different. Or maybe if he had some kind of support ability that made him stand out.

Isn’t there something I can do about this?

At this rate, the divide between the Divine Beasts will only grow wider.

Bee-bee. Suddenly, an unfamiliar sound blared through the ship.

—Master Toru, please come to the deck immediately.

It was the captain’s voice over the intercom.

I returned the Divine Beasts to their imprints and left the room.

—It seems we’ve found a drifter.

On the deck lay an unconscious female elf.

Her strikingly beautiful face, framed by long pink hair, immediately caught my attention. She was unconscious, her body soaked to the bone. Her pale complexion and purple-tinged lips suggested she was suffering from hypothermia. The robe she wore hinted that she might be a mage.

Was she from another continent?

But then again, she could also be from this side of the world.

—Let’s get her to the infirmary for now. Grab a blanket.

—I’ll take care of it.

Kaede wrapped the woman in a blanket and carefully carried her off to the infirmary.

Left behind, I turned to the captain to hear the full story.

—One of the crew members who was fishing spotted her drifting on a plank by chance.

—And the plank?

—It’s likely part of a shipwreck. Actually, we’ve also recovered some wooden crates and barrels along with her. We’re assuming her ship was destroyed for some reason, and she drifted here on the currents.

He showed me the crates and barrels.

Inside were vegetables and fruits I’d never seen before.

Still, it wasn’t enough to confirm anything. This evidence alone couldn’t prove she was from another continent. If only we’d found something like a book—that would’ve been more telling.

Guess there’s no choice but to wait until she wakes up and ask her directly.

I’d just have to wait for her recovery.

***

The elven woman lay sleeping in the infirmary bed.

I stayed by her side, waiting patiently for her to awaken.

Two days had passed since we pulled her from the sea. According to the doctor, she could wake up at any moment now.

How long had she been drifting across the open sea?

Her cracked lips and sunken cheeks told a story of immense hardship.

Suddenly, her eyes fluttered open just slightly.

—...Not the sky, but a ceiling. I can see a ceiling.

—This is the infirmary aboard the Ruolick.

She seemed to still be disoriented, her gaze fixed on the ceiling rather than turning toward me.

I poured some water from the pitcher into a glass and gently helped her sit up in bed.

Right now, she was dressed in a simple shirt and shorts—Kaede and Frau had changed her clothes after she was found drenched.

—You were dehydrated, so drink this.

—Thank you.

Taking the glass, she gulped the water down in one hurried motion.

But it seemed she drank too fast, as she immediately started coughing.

—Guh, guh!

—You’re not fully recovered yet. Take it slow.

—Phew… I thought I was going to die.

Finally, a faint smile spread across her face.

She then slowly finished the rest of the water, asking for refills several times. Her thirst was insatiable—it almost felt like watching someone drink enough to bloat their stomach. After finishing off with a High Potion, she drifted back into a deep sleep.

—How’s she doing?

—She fell asleep again.

Kaede stepped into the infirmary and looked over at the elf, who was now breathing softly in a peaceful slumber. She let out a quiet sigh of relief.

—From here on out, we’ll need to make sure she gets plenty of nutrients.

—Yeah… Oh, I forgot to ask her name.

Well, no rush. There’ll be plenty of chances to ask later.

For now, I should just be glad she’s awake.

***

She stabbed a piece of meat with her fork and shoved it into her mouth in one big bite. Then she grabbed the bowl of soup and guzzled it down without hesitation. She picked up the grilled fish with both hands, tearing into it with her teeth, and when she’d gnawed it clean, she started sucking on the bones, clearly still hungry.

Kaede and I took turns bringing food into the infirmary, but the rate at which she was devouring it far outpaced our trips.

At the doorway, a crew member who had come to check on her stood frozen in stunned disbelief.

—Fweeh… I can’t eat another bite, desu.

It seemed she was finally full.

With a satisfied expression, the woman placed the licked-clean plate aside.

—This is amazing! The dishes are spotless — Kaede exclaimed.

Kaede was taken aback. It was truly an astonishing display of eating. The dishes she brought vanished in the blink of an eye—a first for her.

She must have picked up quite an unusual elf.

—I really must thank you, sir. Not only did you help me, but you also treated me to this delicious meal. I must express my gratitude — the woman said as she got out of bed and began to adjust her clothes.

What's going on...? What does she plan to do?

Her soft, white, well-shaped breasts jiggled as she suddenly pulled her shirt up to her chest.

—Wait, what are you doing? — Kaede demanded in surprise.

—I intend to demonstrate my clan's secret gratitude ritual. It cannot be done without being completely naked — the woman explained calmly.

—Sir, please don't look! Just put your clothes back on, for goodness' sake! — Kaede urged.

Kaede grabbed the woman's hem and pulled her skirt back down. The force made the woman's chest pop up tightly. Meanwhile, the woman seemed bewildered by Kaede's reaction and stared at her with wide eyes.

The infirmary erupted into chaos. It took some time for everyone to regain their composure. 

After a moment to regroup, I decided to rephrase my question.

—Hey, listen. Isn’t it about time you introduced yourself? We don’t even know your name yet.

—Oh, my deepest apologies! I am Monica Billfrel, daughter of Marquis Billfrel, the lord of the Sheenath region. By the way, may I ask which country’s ship rescued me?

We exchanged glances.

Sheenath region? Never heard of it.

So, she really is from another continent. Fortunately, our standard language seems to be understandable to her, so communication shouldn’t be an issue.

—Do you happen to know about the country of Lastoria?

—No, I don’t recall hearing about it, but honestly, I’m not bothered at all. The world is vast, after all, so this sort of thing happens often. Thank you so much for saving me. As a token of gratitude, allow me to perform my family’s secret—

—I’m the only one allowed to show off in front of Master!

Kaede immediately stepped in to stop Monica from undressing.

Realizing what she had just said, Kaede turned beet red, steam practically rising from her head.

—So… how exactly did the daughter of a marquis end up adrift at sea?

—While exploring some underwater ruins, we were attacked by a kraken. Looking back, our ship must have strayed too far from the safe zone. Um… were there any other survivors besides me…?"

—We’re still searching to see if there are others.

A brief pause.

—I see…

Judging it best to leave her alone for now, we quietly stepped out of the room.

—Poor thing, isn't she?

—Yeah. If only there were other survivors, it might’ve been a little easier on her.

We exchanged words as we walked down the corridor.

From what I’ve gathered, she doesn’t seem like a bad person. It’s likely just as she said—she was attacked by monsters and ended up shipwrecked. If she had been someone problematic, I would’ve considered isolating her, but that doesn’t seem necessary for now.

Still… there is another kind of issue here.

What in the world is this “secret family gratitude technique” she mentioned? What did she plan to do by taking off her clothes?

—Is this spot okay?

—Kyuu!

—How troublesome. Just jump into the sea already, will you?

—Kyuu, kyuu-kyuu!

—Huh? You want me to wash you without saying a word? Don’t push your luck—I’ll toss you overboard.

Hearing the commotion, I stepped out onto the deck.

Outside, Frau was scrubbing Pantaloon, who was sitting in a bucket.

Nearby, Chupi-Mi was happily splashing around in another bucket, taking a bath.

Suddenly, I sensed another presence and turned my head.

—Rubé-san, please hurry up and make your move. Time is limited.

—D-don’t rush me! But seriously, fairies are so adorable. And Toru’s divine beast is absolutely cute too. If I could interact with them, I’d write all about it in my journal—no holds barred.

—I’ve told you countless times: keep such personal musings for your diary. This behavior calls our expedition team’s credibility into question.

Peering out from behind some crates were Rubé and the vice-commander, watching Frau and the others.

Kaede and I decided to stay hidden against the wall, observing the scene. No particular reason—we just felt like it.

—Hey, Lord Flaws — Rube said, trying to sound calm.

—Are you with the expedition group? — he asked.

—I'm Rube, and…you know… Lord Flaws is a member of the Fairy tribe, right? —  Rube added.

—It's obvious just by looking — Lord Flaws replied with a hint of sarcasm.

—Would you mind being friends with me? 

Rube asked, though his words were terribly awkward and stilted. He was also panting.

To make matters worse, he was crouching in a position that looked like he was about to pounce at any moment.

—Hey, help me wash this guy — Lord Flaws said.

—Me? — Rube asked, stunned.

—Come on, hurry up and get over here — Lord Flaws insisted.

As soon as Rube touched Panta's body, he shuddered violently and let out a look of pure bliss, exclaiming softly, "Ahaaaaa."

If an outsider saw this, it would be clear that Rube was not someone to be taken lightly.

—Fantastic! I finally got to touch Lord Toru's familiar! Deputy Commander, from today on, I'm Lord Toru's familiar too! — Rube exclaimed.

—Rube-sama, please calm down and reconsider your words carefully — someone advised.

—Ah, I got carried away with excitement and spoke out of turn — Rube admitted.

—What's going on with these people? — someone else muttered, surprised.

Lord Flaws was unusually startled, looking rather put off by the situation.

Kaede and I quietly made our way back inside the ship.

***

The vessel was equipped with a dining hall designed to accommodate large groups for meals.

During meal times, it turned into something akin to a war zone—shouts flying in every direction as the cooks scrambled around with frying pans in hand, their faces tense with effort.

Even the crew avoided this place unless absolutely necessary; that's how notorious the galley was.

That said, despite its fearsome reputation, if you timed your visit right, the people working there were actually pretty friendly and willing to indulge a few requests.

—Here ya go.

—This the sashimi? Thanks, Chef.

The kinme I’d caught had been expertly filleted and plated. The thinly sliced flesh had a faint pink hue, its glossy surface hinting at undeniable freshness.

Raw fish? This was a first for me. I was a little worried about food poisoning, but I'd heard the Lastorian citizens ate it all the time without issue, so it was probably fine.

The bearded head chef sprinkled some salt over a slice and popped it into his mouth.

—No need to worry. Give it a try.

—Alright then.

I took a piece and placed it in my mouth.

It had a firm, slightly chewy texture with a subtle sweetness—a flavor completely new to me. There was no fishy taste, just the right amount of fat, making each bite satisfyingly smooth. The aftertaste was clean, almost like eating a salad made of meat.

It wasn’t mind-blowingly amazing or anything, but it was good enough that I’d happily eat it again. Definitely tasty.

—What’s with them?

—Those are the guys who’ve gone through the sailor’s rite of passage.

In the dining hall, there were a few people who looked more like walking corpses than living beings.

Some were slumped over tables, others were muttering to themselves while staring at the ceiling, and a couple were huddled in the corners of the room.

From their outfits, it seemed they were all members of the survey team.

Untouched meals sat before their gaunt figures.

—When you throw someone into an unfamiliar environment, most of them end up like that. But you’ve got a thick skull and a tough stomach, so it looks like you’re immune.

—I see… So that’s seasickness.

Now that I thought about it, Kaede had lost her appetite for a few days too.

I’d heard rumors about it, but this was the first time I’d actually paid attention to it.

Just as I finished eating, an announcement echoed through the dining hall.

—Toru-sama, please report to the control room immediately.

It was the captain’s voice.

Something must have happened.

—We’ve detected a massive monster several kilometers ahead.

The captain’s report sent a wave of tension through me.

Apparently, they’d discovered a creature that could pose a serious obstacle based on their scans.

—Can’t we avoid it?

—We changed course twice, but each time, it adjusted its path as well. At this rate, contact is inevitable.

—What kind of enemy is it?

—We believe it’s a kraken.

A soft-bodied sea monster… if I remembered correctly.

Perhaps this kraken was the same one that attacked the ship Monica had been on.

The relic ship was equipped with advanced anti-monster defenses, which was why it could navigate the open seas without issue. But nothing in life was ever a hundred percent guaranteed. With bad luck, an attack was always possible.

If this kraken was the same one that had pursued Monica, then this encounter wasn’t a coincidence—it was inevitable.

—Prepare for combat.

—Understood. Preparing to attack immediately.

The control room erupted into activity.

The cannons mounted on the deck roared to life, locking into position and aiming toward the anticipated point of engagement.

I grabbed a pair of binoculars and peered through the control room window at the horizon ahead.

There was no sign of any monsters on our projected course. I didn’t doubt the relic ship’s capabilities, but was there really a massive monster approaching?

—An even larger presence is closing in!

—What?!

Suddenly, the surface of the sea exploded upward in a towering column of water.

A colossal mouth clamped down on the kraken.

Its thick, resilient body was covered in shimmering blue scales. Its exact size was unclear, but just the head alone looked to be at least a dozen meters long.

A mid-tier True Dragon species—a Deep Dragon. This was my first time seeing one.

The dragon seemed to swallow the kraken whole before its gaze locked onto us.

Even from this distance, a chill ran down my spine. It wasn’t just its stare—it was the unmistakable intent to kill directed straight at us.

The mid-tier Deep Dragon—a form said to be the result of a lower-tier Blue Dragon reaching its next stage of growth.

While the Blue Dragon is only about third strongest among the lower-tier species, once it evolves into a Deep Dragon, its power skyrockets. At this stage, it boasts overwhelming strength, even among mid-tier dragons.

And the terrifying part? The sheer chasm of power between lower-tier and mid-tier monsters.

To be honest, even I wasn’t sure if I could take this thing on in my current state.

—What’s the plan?

—We don’t have a choice. It doesn’t look like it’s about to let us go quietly.

—Understood.

The Deep Dragon glared at us, its eyes piercing with raw menace.

This was the open sea, after all. Encountering monsters here was as common as tripping over pebbles.

—Captain, what’s the status of the mana tank?

—Over ninety percent full.

—Do you think we can withstand a breath attack?

—Probably.

After issuing further instructions to the captain, I headed out to the deck with Kaede and Frau in tow.

—Toru!

I ran into Monica in the corridor.

It seemed the commotion aboard the ship had drawn her out from the medical bay.

—What’s going on?! Don’t tell me it’s a kraken!?

—No, it’s a Deep Dragon.

—Hii?!

Her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto the floor, frozen in fear.

So, even on another continent, True Dragon species are still feared and revered as formidable beings, huh?

Given that a kraken could take down a ship, I guess there isn’t such a huge difference between us and them.

Kaede offered Monica a hand to help her stand.

—There’s no need to worry. Master is here. If Master is with us, everything will be fine. The Deep Dragon won’t stand a chance.

—R–Really? But for a human to take on a mid-tier True Dragon…

—Trust me. Master is Master, after all.

That’s not exactly reassuring.

Monica tilted her head, her expression a mix of skepticism and confusion.

I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of concern. Kaede’s expectations of me seemed to be growing day by day. As much as I wanted to live up to them, I wasn’t invincible.

—We should get moving soon, or things might get messy.

—Monica, go back to your room.

—I’m coming too! I won’t let the person who saved my life die without a fight!

—Do what you want.

With Monica in tow, we made our way out onto the deck.

The Deep Dragon remained stationary, its piercing gaze still locked onto the ship.

—It’s still wary of us, it seems.

—Let’s hope it decides to leave us alone.

Following my orders, the ship attempted to change course once more, trying to create some distance.

It was because I thought there was a chance it might let us go. Maybe the dragon would change its mind and lose interest.

ZVAAAAAAAHHHHH!

But then, the dragon’s breath attack grazed fifty meters ahead of the ship.

The sea churned violently, sending the vessel rocking up and down.

—HIIIIII!! WE’RE GOING TO DIEEEE!!

Monica clung to the ship’s railing, tears streaming down her face as she screamed.

Don’t run. Fight.

That’s what the dragon’s eyes and actions were saying.

—Looks like it’s really itching for a fight.

—Maybe it’s mistaking the ship for a living creature.

—I see. So it’s recognizing us as a monster that’s entered its territory.

—Either way, we’ve got no choice but to fight.

We unleashed the power of our Sacred Armaments.

Level 3000 → 4200

I activated Dragon Knight and Grand Thief . For support, I summoned Rosuke, Sameko, and Chupi-Mi.

This was going to be a trial by fire, but I had high hopes for Chupi-Mi’s abilities as a tactician.

—Shields are being deployed. All hands, brace for impact.

The announcement came from the control room.

The dragon began the preparatory motion for its breath attack.

A thin, pinkish film enveloped the ship—another one of its built-in functions.

ZVAAAAAAAHHHH, BZZZT BZZZT BZZZT!

The breath attack struck the ship head-on.

Thanks to the shield, there was almost no damage.

An ordinary ship would have been blown to smithereens. But this vessel, constructed by the Ancient Species, was far from ordinary. Its capabilities were extraordinary.

—Commence cannon fire.

Flashes of light shot out from the cannons, striking the Deep Dragon.

An explosion erupted, and the dragon let out a pained roar. It wasn’t enough to take it down, but we’d definitely dealt some damage.

At this rate, we could push through and force it to retreat.

—Chupi, chupi-pi!

—Shaa!

—Snap-snap!

Chupi-Mi issued commands while Rosuke and Sameko launched attacks from the air and sea, respectively.

Every time Rosuke darted past, he slammed his blades into the dragon’s body. The scales were incredibly tough—each impact produced a metallic clang and sparks.

Chupi-Mi called out new instructions, and Rosuke focused his strikes on the areas where the ship’s cannons had already inflicted damage.

Meanwhile, Sameko unleashed flashes of energy from beneath the waves.

However, the dragon’s robust scales continued to pose a problem, deflecting her attacks with ease.

It seemed Chupi-Mi had issued an order to consolidate her eight beams of light into a single, concentrated attack. Sameko focused all her energy into one pinpoint strike, successfully piercing through the dragon’s tough scales.

The Deep Dragon retaliated by unleashing its breath attack toward its smaller foes.

Each time the breath surged forward, the surface of the sea erupted in towering sprays of water.

Chupi-Mi, Rosuke, and Sameko continued their assault without pause, weaving through the chaos with precise evasive maneuvers. Their teamwork was seamless, as if they’d trained for this exact scenario countless times before.

Chupi-Mi truly lived up to her role as the tactician on the battlefield.

—To think they’re holding their own against a Deep Dragon… it’s unbelievable…

Clutching tightly to the ship’s railing, Monica watched the battle unfold with wide-eyed astonishment.

—Double Ice Age!

Kaede’s ice magic rapidly froze the surface of the sea, encasing the Deep Dragon in a massive block of ice.

But even trapped, the dragon’s eyes gleamed fiercely, and deep cracks began spreading across the ice.

Breaking free was only a matter of time.

I couldn’t let the precious time my adorable slave had bought go to waste. As her master, I had to make the most of it.

With Frau by my side, I leapt from the ship onto the frozen surface of the sea below.

—Distract it for me.

—Got it!

The dragon shattered the ice and began to move again. Clearly enraged, it let out a thunderous roar that sent vibrations rippling through the air.

—Over here, over here!

"GWWWWWWWWW!"

Lord Flaws, with his exceptional agility, continued to evade the thick ice bites, dodging them with ease.

Meanwhile, I secretly closed the distance, waiting for an opening to strike.

—Spirits, please help those people!

 Monica, from the ship, exclaimed as she launched water spears created with magic.

The spears struck the Deep Dragon's face but didn't cause significant damage; however, they did manage to shift its gaze toward Monica.

Thanks, Monica. This is my chance.

With my recent level-up, I'll deliver my strongest blow.

I accelerated with an ice-shattering kick and swung my massive sword with all my might at the beast's face.

—Don't ruin our fun boat ride! — I roared.

—GYAAGGGGGGGGGOOOO!

My slash took out one of the Deep Dragon's eyes. The dragon violently writhed its massive body, let out a scream-like roar, and caused the ice around it to shatter and rise up in countless water columns.

—How was that? If you still want to keep going, I'm game! — I taunted.

—GRRR...

The Deep Dragon focused its remaining eye on Lord Flaws for a moment, then locked onto me.

Seeing it this close was incredibly intimidating.

Of course, I didn't let my guard down.

If you're really planning to do as Frau says, then I'll be your opponent.

I grip my greatsword and maintain a stance that allows me to move at any moment.

—Hey, Master. This one can't be tamed.

—Huh?

—If we could make it an ally, our voyage would be much safer, don’t you think?

Hmm… True, having it on our side would definitely be reassuring.

But still, is it even possible to subjugate a higher-level Deep Dragon like this?

To tame a monster, you need to earn its respect by proving your strength. Even if it acknowledges you, there are times when compatibility issues lead to rejection.

Anyway, I activate Tame Master just to see what happens.

The dragon snorts and turns its head away with a dismissive flick.

It seems my fighting spirit has been utterly crushed. After letting out a derisive huff, the creature turns its back to us and begins sinking into the ocean depths.

Its attitude screams: "You’re not worth my time anymore. Do as you please."

—Taming it would’ve been interesting…

I let out a wry chuckle and scratch my cheek with my finger. 

—I’m absolutely floored! I had no idea there were humans capable of overwhelming a Deep Dragon! The world is so much bigger than I imagined! I’m truly moved!

As soon as we got back to the ship, Monica came rushing over.

She clasped her hands in front of her chest, eyes wide with awe and excitement. “Hawaaah!” she exclaimed, practically glowing with admiration.

Behind her, Kaede and Frau seemed to catch her attention because she kept fidgeting, swaying her body side to side while her twin tails bobbed up and down energetically.

—I have to thank you for that spirit magic. It let me strike at just the right moment.

—No, I should be thanking you! I’m glad I could help, De-su!

Before I knew it, Monica grabbed my hand and pulled herself close, her face lighting up even more.

—Miss Monica, you’re too close! Please step away from Master!

Kaede stepped in, firmly pushing Monica back. 

I could’ve sworn I heard a low growl escape her throat. Her tail was puffed up and standing straight out. Without missing a beat, Kaede tugged me slightly, putting a good three meters between Monica and me.

—There. Now you may speak.

—From this distance, Huh?!

—Yes. This is the appropriate distance.

—That’s… ugh…

Suddenly, she collapsed onto the deck, her face pale as a ghost.

—Let’s head back to the infirmary. You’re still not fully recovered, you know.

—I’m sorry, Death.

With Kaede’s help, Monica slowly got to her feet. Leaning on Kaede for support, they made their way back toward the infirmary.

—Looks like that guy ran off after all.

—Chupipi!

Frau perched atop Chupi-beauty, who hovered nearby, keeping watch over the area. Sure enough, it seemed the Deep Dragon had fled.

Luck was definitely on our side this time. If it had relied more on long-range breath attacks or struck from beneath the waves, we wouldn’t have stood a chance. The first Divine Beast’s intervention had been crucial in holding it back.

—You did great out there.

—Chupi!

Extending my right hand, Chupi-beauty flew closer, rubbing her head and body against me affectionately. On a whim, I formed a circle with my fingers. She immediately tried to poke her beak through it. Yep, still adorable.

Alright, time to check with the captain and see when we can set sail again.

Just as I stepped away from the deck, a voice called out from behind me.

—Where is the dragon? This Rubé will lend his strength as well!

—The Wandering Troupe already took care of it.

—Wha, wha, WHAT?! To think you’d repel a mid-tier True Species so effortlessly! Vice-captain, make sure to document Lord Tall’s achievements in the investigation log. And make it sound cool, got it?

—Understood.

I had a sinking feeling that Lastoria’s evaluation of me was about to spiral into something outrageous.

Maybe I should lay low for a while once this job is over.

Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.

***

A knock on the door of a certain room.

—Come in, Death.

—How are you feeling?

Inside, Monica was sitting on the edge of the bed.

Over the past two or three days, her complexion had improved, and she seemed much livelier. Probably thanks to her recovery from malnutrition and dehydration. It was such a relief to see her doing better.

—Not only did you save me, but you’ve even given me my own room. I’m deeply honored, Death. Allow me to show you my clan’s secret technique of gratitude, Death.

She started lifting the hem of her skirt to reveal her belly button, and I hurriedly stopped her.

This was bad. If someone walked in right now, it’d be a disaster. Quick, cover up!

—Uh, no, I don’t think that’s really necessary.

—Is that so, Death? What a shame, Death.

—By the way, what exactly does this “secret technique of gratitude” entail?

—Do it naked with all your might, prostrating yourself on the ground

Stopping was the right decision.

Is this gratitude ritual actually a tactic to socially annihilate someone? The thought of having this cute girl perform a naked prostration is unsettling. It makes me wonder if I'll end up doing the same someday.

I sat down in a nearby chair and let out a deep sigh.

I have no idea how to handle this girl. I'm still pondering what to do with her.

But anyway, I came here because I wanted to hear what she had to say.

—Is there land beyond just where Monica was, aside from the Great Continent?

—We know there is land elsewhere, but no one has returned from traveling there — she replied.

As I thought, our shipbuilding technology doesn't seem to be that different from theirs. If there were ways to cross the outer seas, they would have reached the islands by now. At least, it seems that there are no functioning relic ships on the continent.

—Regarding sending you back to your country, I'd like you to travel with us for a while longer. Sorry for the inconvenience, but we can't directly send you by ship.

—I will follow whatever you ask. I am in your debt for saving my life.

Monica smiled brightly.

***

Two weeks had passed since we began our voyage, and finally, the end was in sight.

The ship sailed through the deep blue waters, and a strong sea breeze blew across the deck.

—It's finally in sight— someone exclaimed.

“I can’t believe how much I miss solid ground, even though we’re not that far away.”

In the distance, across the sea, the outline of land is visible. That’s our destination—the foreign continent. It’s where Kaede’s homeland lies, and where my mother was born and raised. My legs are practically itching to feel dirt beneath my feet again.

Perhaps it’s because we’ve gotten closer to land, but there are plenty of seabirds flying around the ship now.

I can’t help but think back to the day we set sail from Lastrica.

Chomp chomp~

Sharkie swims alongside the ship, her dorsal fin cutting through the waves. 

Lately, I’ve been leaving her out of her seal more often than not. She seems to be enjoying herself—her expression feels brighter than before. At least, that’s what I like to think.

—Master Tor, please come to the control room.

It’s a call from the captain. We make our way to his quarters without delay.

—We’ll anchor the ship offshore and send the expedition team to establish a base camp on a nearby sandy beach. Tor, we need you to be the first to disembark. Once ashore, keep an eye on the forest edge and ensure no dangerous creatures approach while we unload supplies.

I nod at the deputy commander’s instructions. For now, the plan is to land in an unpopulated area covered by dense forest at the edge of the continent. 

The landing site was chosen based on Monica’s intel. According to her, this region doesn’t belong to any faction or territory, so setting up a temporary base here shouldn’t cause any issues. Of course, if trouble arises, we’ll relocate. This is just one of several potential sites for our investigation. 

Still, it’s a start. And for me, it’s the first step toward truly understanding this new world.

This is where the investigation team’s real work begins.  

Our band of wanderers has been tasked with guarding them, so technically, we’re under their command—for now, at least. We’ll have free rein only after ensuring their safety.  

In other words, until we’ve set up a base camp and secured local support.  

Rubé nods as she reviews a copy of the map brought aboard the ship.  

—Finally, we’re landing. Securing a water source and gathering food should be our top priorities.  

—According to this map, there’s a river near the landing site. I suggest we start exploring from there.  

—I see. If that’s the case, we might get water sooner than expected. Good job, Deputy Commander.  

—We had this exact conversation just a week ago, you know.  

Rubé’s face flushes red, and she starts trembling furiously.  

True enough, we’d gone over this same discussion with the same group a week prior.  

In a small voice, she mutters, “T-that was… just a test for everyone!” Her eyes welling up with tears.  

The deputy commander, seemingly used to this by now, adjusts his glasses with a finger without so much as a change in expression.  

It’s an open secret among us all: he’s effectively the leader of the investigation team. Still, Rubé seems to be quite beloved by the members, who hold her in high regard despite her quirks.  

—We’ve arrived at the target area.  

After the captain’s announcement, the ship comes to a halt.  

***

Scattered across the white sandy beach are round, brown objects resembling large seeds.

Waves lapped gently at the shoreline, and the sandy beach stretched out in winding curves as far as the eye could see.  

Offshore, the Ruolick remained anchored, its crew busy unloading supplies onto smaller boats.  

—I was expecting some crazy, exotic place… but this looks pretty normal.  

—Kyu~  

Frau, perched atop Panta, gazes intently at the forest that borders the far end of the beach.  

It really is ordinary.  

But knowing it’s part of the outside world makes it feel profound somehow.  

Under Tubimi’s orders, Rosuke was clearing out any dangerous monsters nearby, while Sharkie guarded the small boats carrying the sailors.  

—Frau will scout ahead. Let’s go, White Panta!  

—Kyu~  

It looked like Frau and her companion were heading off to explore along the coastline.  

A white streak shot through the air.  

—...Kaede?  

I noticed Kaede standing there, lost in thought.  

Her silvery hair fluttered in the breeze, and her large, expressive eyes framed by long lashes stared off into the distance.  

—It’s strange. This is supposed to be the land where I was born and raised, but it doesn’t feel real to me.  

—You’ve been far away from your homeland for a long time. It’s only natural to feel that way.  

—Perhaps you’re right. What about you, Master?  

—I’m excited, sure… but honestly, I don’t feel like I’ve arrived at my mom’s birthplace yet.

Plop. 

Several slimes peeked out from the forest.  

—Oh, our first monsters, huh?  

They looked no different from the slimes back home.  

I’d been hoping we’d run into hordes of unfamiliar creatures, but…  

—Be careful. These slimes are higher than usual.  

—Guh-what?! 

With a speed that no slime should possess, it slithered across the ground and slammed into my stomach.  

The impact sent me flying backward—straight into the ocean.  

Ugh, I got a mouthful of seawater. Seriously, are these even slimes?  

Realizing they couldn’t take me down just by feel, the slimes scattered, zipping back into the forest in the blink of an eye. Kaede handed me a towel, soaked as I stood dripping wet.  

—Here, please use this.  

—Thanks. Looks like even slimes aren’t pushovers on this continent.  

—Try not to let your guard down. You gave me quite the scare there for a moment.  

I offered a quick apology.  

Kaede, who had scouted ahead with her appraisal skill, shared her thoughts:  

—It seems this area is inhabited by high-level creatures. That would explain why there aren’t any people around here.  

—Should we consider changing the landing site, then?  

—But finding another suitable location won’t be easy. Besides, there’s no guarantee the other candidate sites will have lower-level threats.

—...Looks like we’re not going to be landing anytime soon.

If we’re landing while avoiding detection, then we’ll have to accept a certain level of risk.  

Besides, it’s not like this is an insurmountable problem.  

The key is for the investigation team to become strong enough to handle the monsters here. With my skills, I can give their levels a massive boost. The investigation will last at most a year, and either way, they’ll need the strength to fight.  

This isn’t the time to hold back, especially if we want to be prepared for any unexpected situations.  

I need to talk with Rubé as soon as possible.  

—We found a spot that could work as a base over there.  

—Kyu!  

Frau came running back after exploring the beach.  

What? Did she find a building or something? If so, that’d be a huge discovery—it’d make our investigation much easier.  

Frau leapt off Panta and ran up to me, stopping at my feet.  

—I found the remains of a settlement. It might need some repairs, but it should keep out the rain and wind just fine.  

—Oh, that’s great news. Lead the way.  

—Not before you praise me! Pet me all over and tell me what a good job I did!  

Frau smacked my hand repeatedly, urging me to hurry up.  

When I finally placed my hand on her head, she let out a contented “Ehee,” her expression softening.  

—Master can’t do anything without Frau, you know. So you better keep praising me even more!  

I’m starting to worry I might overdo it and rub her bald.  

But if that happens, it’s definitely not my fault… right?

The cluster of buildings hinted that a village once stood here.  

The structures were primarily made of wood, and their design—featuring unusually elevated floors—was unlike anything from back home. Given the seaside location, it was likely a measure to prevent flooding.  

I stepped into one of the buildings, carefully testing the strength of the floor with each step.  

—The floor seems sturdy enough; no repairs needed there. But the walls and roof will need patching—there are holes that need to be sealed.  

—And we’ll have to clear out the grass, too.  

It seemed the settlement had been abandoned for a long time, as it was completely overgrown with vegetation.  

What happened to the villagers? Did they all perish, or did they find a more livable place and migrate? The details were unclear, but for us—searching for a place to settle—this discovery was a stroke of luck.  

Now that I think about it, there’s someone in the investigation team who specializes in construction.  

I’ll leave the building repairs to them for now.  

—Hey, I’ve brought her back!  

—You called me, desu ka?  

Frau returned, dragging Monica along after her trip to the ship.  

Maybe she’d know something about this settlement.  

—This might be the remains of Okobi Village, desu.  

—Okobi Village?  

—A village of former pirates, desu. Their population drastically declined, and now they live quietly in the city, desu.  

Ah, so they migrated.  

That means there’s no dark history attached to this place. I felt a small wave of relief at that.  

—By the way, what’s a “Kaizoku”?

—You don’t know, desu ka!?  

I don’t. I don’t know a thing about the sea around here.  

Maybe it’s a profession unique to this side of the world.  

An hour later, the investigation team arrived.  

No sooner had they set foot here than Rubé was already beside herself with excitement.  

—This is going to be our base? I’m so moved, I could cry. Deputy Commander, make sure to note this in the investigation log—credit this to Tor’s achievements. And while you’re at it, write down how much I praised him too.  

—I’ll make sure to leave out your part entirely.  

—Hahahaha! As expected of Lord Tor, the Hero—he’s on another level compared to just anyone else―hii!? The tree just moved! Was that a monster!?  

—If I may, that was just the wind shaking the branches.  

—Ah, I see. I guess I got a little carried away.  

Even as Rubé made a scene, the team members were hard at work hauling supplies into the buildings.  

Meanwhile, those suited for combat were busy investigating the settlement and clearing some of the overgrown grass.  

The commander might be a bit of an oddball, but the team itself is highly capable.  

It was clear that everyone understood their roles well.  

—I need to have a word with you.  

The deputy commander discreetly called me over.  

Avoiding Rubé’s watchful eye, we slipped into the shadow of one of the buildings.  

—Actually, I’d like to ask for your assistance in helping us raise our levels.

—I was thinking the same thing. But why all the secrecy?  

—Though she may not seem it, Lady Rubé is a proud individual. There’s no way she could ever bring herself to admit that she needs help growing stronger because of her current weakness—especially not to a foreigner like you. So, I was hoping you might guide the team under the pretense of conducting a forest survey.  

Being the deputy commander sure sounds like a tough gig.  

Having to bow your head for the sake of your leader and all.  

In the end, though, it doesn’t really change what we’re doing. Who initiates it hardly matters—it’s all the same in the grand scheme of things.  

—Okay, I’ll bring it up from my side.  

—I’m very grateful.  

When we returned to the building, Rubé suddenly grabbed my hand.  

She then flailed her way back over to the deputy commander.  

—I just shook hands with Lord Tor! That means we’re going to have a child now, right?  

—Shaking hands does not lead to pregnancy. If such a method of reproduction existed, no one in the world would ever shake hands again. Moreover, as a duchess, you must refrain from casually attempting to conceive. Have some decency.  

The deputy commander adjusted his glasses slightly as he reprimanded her.  

***

I suggested to Rubé that we investigate the forest—and she immediately gave the green light.  

She started blabbering something about, “C-Could this be what they call a date!?” but was quickly corrected by the deputy commander: —This is not a date. We will all be accompanying you, after all.  

And so, starting the next day, the Wandering Troupe began their investigation—and level-up grind.  

The goal? To surpass level 200.

According to Monica, in this high-level zone, it’s recommended to be at least level 150—below that, the chances of dying increase drastically. To ensure no one dies, we can’t afford to compromise here.  

—My level went up again. That puts me at level 200!  

—As expected of Lady Rubé.  

Rubé eagerly checked her status screen over and over, a wide grin on her face.  

The other team members who had accompanied us couldn’t hide their excitement either at the dramatic change in their abilities.  

Thanks to the EXP Boost: All skill, their growth rate was absurdly fast. This was the result of focusing solely on leveling up, disregarding technical skills for now.  

We needed them to gain strength as quickly as possible.  

Refining their combat instincts would have to be something they worked on individually.  

—Aqua Spear.

Monica’s magic pierced through the monster.  

In addition to spirit magic, she also used her own spells—a rather unique fighting style.  

She commanded two water spirits, having them guard the surroundings while she herself fought with magic, making her capable of handling threats from three directions simultaneously. Her base level had been 120 to begin with, which was already high. It seemed this foreign continent leaned toward higher levels overall.  

When I activated Dragon Eye, I could see translucent fish swimming around Monica.  

—Thank you, Spirit-san, desu~  

—Monica’s leveled up quite a bit too, huh?  

—I just hit 300, desu. No matter how many times I experience it, I still feel like I’m dreaming, desu. Tor really owns an incredible artifact, doesn’t he, desu?  

—Ah, yeah.  

The existence of my skills is still a secret, known only to the core members.

We’ve been brushing off the rapid level-ups as being thanks to a rare artifact. The deputy commander probably didn’t know about the skills when he made the suggestion, but there’s no doubt it’s a happy miscalculation.  

—With you and Tor around, even the "Beast Forest" feels like a breeze, desu ne.  

—The Beast Forest?  

—This place is infamous as the "Forest of No Return," desu. My homeland has tried countless times to develop it, but they were always forced to give up because of the ferocious monsters, desu.  

Apparently, on this foreign continent, there are multiple high-level zones like this one.  

Well, we’ve seen similar things on islands before, so it’s not exactly shocking. It’s just that the strength of the monsters here is on another level.  

—In Monica’s country, is level 300 considered strong?  

—There are quite a few people around level 300, desu. But above 500 is rare, desu ne.  

—I see…  

—Are you feeling down, desu?  

Guess I’m still overpowered here too.  

Maybe the day I can fight seriously will never come.  

As a warrior, not being able to unleash my full potential is kind of frustrating.  

Never thought I’d be losing sleep over something like this.  

――Snap.  

***

I couldn’t help but smile as I sank into the steaming water filling the metal bathtub.  

Leaning my arms against the edge and submerging my body in the hot bath, I could leisurely gaze up at the star-filled sky while taking in the view of the sandy beach and the ocean.  

Nearby, a bonfire crackled and popped, sending sparks dancing through the salty sea breeze.

—Aaaah~  

This is pure bliss, something you can only experience here.  

All the effort of having the team prepare this bath was worth it.  

By the way, this bathtub was originally brought by the investigation team from Lastrica for washing purposes.  

It’s been a few days since we landed, and things are progressing smoothly with no major issues to speak of.  

Thanks to the team members’ hard work, most of the settlement’s buildings have been repaired, and the place is now fully functional as our base of operations.  

The Ruolick, anchored offshore, is being managed and maintained by a small crew.  

After staying here for about a week, they’ll return to Lastrica to file a report. They mentioned restocking supplies and bringing in additional personnel.  

Chomp chomp.  

Shaa.  

Chu-pi.  

The divine beasts are each enjoying their time in the bath in their own way.  

Sharkie swims around in the tub, splashing water everywhere, and when it gets too hot, she hops out and dives into a bucket filled with cooler water.  

Rosuke seems to be using the bath more for training than relaxation, repeatedly submerging himself underwater and resurfacing.  

Tubimi isn’t interested in the hot water; instead, she’s happily splashing around in a bucket of cool water.  

Looking at them like this, I realize how lively my little group has become.  

We’ve really grown into quite the big family.  

Crack crack crack.

Suddenly, a familiar sound echoed from within me.  

[Notice: Magic Storage has reached its limit, and the accumulated magic will now be released at one hundred times its value.]

[Notice: Due to the Skill Effect Boost, the payout will be further multiplied by ten times.]

[Notice: Your stored skill experience points have reached the cap and will now be paid out at one hundred times their value.]

[Notice: Due to the Skill Effect Boost, your payout has been multiplied by ten.]

[Notice: Magic Storage and Skill Experience Storage have been damaged. Repairs will take some time.]

[Notice: The skill’s level cap has been broken. A new limit is being set.]

My mana reserves seem to have increased again. It's leaking out of my body, distorting the scenery around me.

I steady my breathing and lock the mana back inside me.

Damn, I still haven’t gotten any better at controlling my mana, but somehow I’ve gotten freakishly good at keeping it from leaking out of my body.

When I check my status screen, I see the skill level cap has jumped from 50 to 200.

Ughhhhhhh.

This blissful moment is completely ruined.

***

Almost all of the guild members have now reached levels in the 300s.

Now that everyone can move independently, our exploration of the surrounding area has progressed significantly.

The base has become more comfortable, and we’ve cleared out parts of the surrounding land to make it easier to operate. We even built a path leading from the base down to the river.

—I think it’s about time we set out on our journey.

In the conference room, my words are met with silent nods from the vice-commander and the ship captain.

Kaede, Frau, and Pantar are also present, but they don’t react much—probably because we’ve already discussed this to death by the time we got here.

—Lord Toru, leaving this place?! No, no, no, I won’t allow it!

—The Wandering Brigade has important work to do. We can’t afford to be selfish.

—What a cruel mission this is! Make sure to note in the survey log just how deeply I’m grieving.

—That’s something you should write in a diary, not a log.

—Hic… Then I’ll just have to write it myself.

Rubé’s eyes are brimming with tears.

I still don’t understand why she’s so fond of me. Even when I ask the vice-commander for an explanation, all I get is, “I don’t know.”

She really is a mysterious person.

Pushing those thoughts aside, I continue with the discussion.

—Supplying this many people solely with goods brought from Lastoria is unsustainable. Everyone here understands that. We need the cooperation of the locals to assist with our investigation. Fortunately, there are even people willing to act as guides. If we’re going to venture outside the forest, now’s the time.

—You’re absolutely right. It takes four weeks for the ship to make a round trip. If supplies run out during that time, we’ll quickly fall into disarray. Exploring beyond is an urgent matter.

Everyone in the room nods in agreement at the captain’s words.

His words carry far more weight than mine ever could. There’s just something about his mature, commanding presence that commands respect from those around him.

Afterward, the meeting shifts to discussing what will happen in our absence.

***

The day of departure.

At the base, the entire survey team and the crew of the ship have gathered.

—If anything comes up, please let us know

—Yeah

—Huh, the days with Lord Toru, I will never forget — she said with a hint of sadness.

—It's not a final goodbye

—It would be wonderful if you could return to us periodically. We still don't fully understand the situation on the Great Continent

—I'll come back as often as I can

We waved goodbye and left the base.

—It feels kind of lonely. We've been together for almost a month

—Kyuu

Flaws' words made all of us, including me and Kaede, feel a bit melancholic.

Everyone is a great person. We've fished together and washed each other's backs. We're comrades who shared meals from the same cooking pot.

If possible, I wish everyone could safely complete this mission without missing a single person.

—Why won't you all watch my clan's secret gratitude ritual? It's so sad

Monica, following behind us, muttered discontentedly.

Does she just want to socially demolish someone? The day she's forced to apologize naked is the day she'll face severe punishment. We had to take her with us to protect the mental peace of our team members.

—Monica is actually a very kind person at heart — I said, trying to downplay the situation.

—She’s under constant surveillance, you know. If she so much as tries to get near the Master while naked, I’ll slap her silly. Shiropan, you keep a close eye on her too.

—Kyuu!

We pushed through the tall grass, forging ahead along a pathless route.

Honestly, it was about time we got ourselves some mounts. If we’d come across a monster that seemed rideable, I would’ve tamed it by now.

But somehow, I kept missing the right moments, and here we were.

Still, what kind of mount would be ideal? It was a tough decision.

Rustle, rustle.

A creature emerged from the bushes.

I signaled to the three of them with my hand to crouch down.

What appeared before us was a massive beast, over three meters tall, with a tiger-like face and bull-like horns.

Monica started trembling.

—B–Behemoth, eh…

I’d never heard of it.

Was it a unique creature native only to this continent?

—It seems to have a skill that boosts stamina.

Hmm, interesting. So it might be capable of running long distances.

I want that one.

If possible, maybe two more like it.

—I’ll go catch it. — I said.

—Toru!?!

—Monica, I’m counting on you to hold down the fort.

—Understood, Master.

I approached the so-called Behemoth.

As soon as it spotted me, it growled and rose up onto its hind legs.

From high above, it glared down at me, baring its sharp fangs.

—Grrrroooaaaaaarrrrr!!

Huh, so it can stand upright too.

The intimidation factor was off the charts.

The beast swung its razor-sharp claws down toward my head.

It was like being struck by a freshly sharpened knife—sharp, precise, and deadly.

Thud.

I caught the blow with one hand, but the force of it sank my feet slightly into the ground.

Still, the attack was lighter than I’d anticipated.

—How about this—you come with me.

—Grrr?!

The Behemoth was clearly shaken.

Its eyes widened in shock, almost resembling a human expression of surprise.

I pushed back its front legs, and even I could see how terrified its face became. Then, I gently lifted its massive body and slammed it to the ground with force.

As soon as I sat on its chest, looking down, it became docile all at once.

—Now, you're a part of my crew

—Grrr...

As I mounted its neck, the Behemoth stood up and began to walk.

This is quite nice.

The view is great, and I can see far and wide.

—A cat-like monster! It's so cute!

—Looks like we did it! Now we can charge through the forest. But is it really cute?

—Wow, you've tamed a Behemoth!

We quickly mounted the others on its back and set off.

With a body this large, it's easy to carry many people.

—We should give it a name

—Yeah, something cool would be great

How about Behemoth Ichiro? Then the next one we catch will automatically be called Jiro. Ichiro seemed to like the name, as it let out a rumbling growl from its throat.

—Gauuu!

We soon spotted a second Behemoth.

I dismounted from Ichiro to negotiate with the second Behemoth.

—Gurrrggrg.

—It's okay, don't be scared.

—Kyuuuun.

The second Behemoth had bitten me, but as soon as I stroked it, it calmed down. Since we had decided beforehand, we named it Behi Jiro, even though it was female.

Ichiro was ridden by me and Kaede, while Jiro was ridden by Monica and Flaws.

—Hii, I'm riding a Behemoth.

—Master, Monica seems happy — Kaede said.

—Maybe she's crying out of joy. It was worth all the effort to tame them.

—I don't think so. Honestly, she looks terrified to me.

—Kyuuu.

Before long, we spotted a third Behemoth. It seemed to be another female.

I negotiated and managed to tame it as well.

—Gooo.

—Gurrrggga.

—Gururrrrrr.

The three Behemoths moved forward through the forest.

On Behi Ichiro, I rode with Kaede; on Behi Jiro, Flaws rode with Monica; and on Behi Saburo, the third one, was available for others.

The three Behemoths chased away any monsters with a single glance and easily overcame difficult terrain.

By the time evening arrived, we had cleared the Beast Forest.