Thank you to all patrons!
0Halley0, Aiji S., Alexander P., BigZak, Brben, Chocolat, Corey, Dragoncamper, Deso, DKLA, Jakers, Jason, Jaycob T., John V., Kaichu, Kiriaky, Luther S., Maverun, Max, Myla, Omniamore, Otto E., ShadeRitten, Soomin B., Taiyou D., Tim N., TsuTsu, Tuan N., Urko M. M., Will B., William H., YMK, and Z!
Previous Chapter - TOC - Next Chapter
Dark-Green Murderous Intent
It was hot. Extremely hot.
The heat was so intense that it made the view waver in the heat haze. Meanwhile, I hurried forward silently without making a sound. The mark on the ground I’m after continued to the north.
I wanted to curse my own personality. I couldn't just act like I don’t know anything and slack off after knowing.
It could also be said that I'm bad at dealing with things. Now that I think about it, I remember taking classes seriously back in my student days. Unlike the other students, I never studied other subjects during class. I couldn't help but focus on the class itself, and I couldn't immerse myself in other tasks. Why would I be doing unnecessary things even though you had things to do in front of me? That was what I thought at that time.
Similarly, it was impossible for me to just sit there blankly and ignore the lesson. Since you could hear the lesson, it was either to listen or take notes. If there was something you had to do right in front of you, then you should do it. Indeed, there were times when I was sleepy and dozed off, but if not, I couldn’t just sit there and do nothing.
So, this time.
I knew the young lady was kidnapped. And I remembered the scent of the kidnappers and where they landed. However, I cannot reveal my true identity, so I couldn't tell Ifroz and the others.
If so, I should have just kept quiet and slacked off. But, I wonder what would happen to the young lady if nothing was done? I could only think of a situation where she might be killed or sold somewhere.
It had nothing to do with me, right? I know that. I know, but I could rescue her.
I cursed at myself. This was not enough to cause a problem. It was the same when I was delivering the letter. I also did something reckless when I tried to deliver the forgotten items to the ship captain. And it was certainly because of that, I was able to make it in time. But, what did I gain from that?
No, this time it was different, as expected. It was such an incident that the city was sealed off to search for the young lady. So if I managed to bring her back home safely, I was sure my stock would skyrocket. I could get an immediate release from my status as a slave, an excellent instructor, or high-quality books, or even join the ranks of a knight.
That’s right, I was not Kovol, but I also want to become a knight. It was not because I yearn to be one, but I had a more practical reason for that. I wanted to move around freely everywhere while in a normal human’s body. If I became a knight, I would be able to enter and exit anywhere without paying the entrance tax.
But if that was the goal, I could not use my ability in an obvious way in front of the young lady. I wonder if I could do it? If it didn't work, then so be it, I could just escape by myself.
The fact that I was still thinking like this showed that I’m still soft-hearted. This was a bad habit. Remember your past life, me. Remember Linga village. In the first place, I couldn't steal abilities from others without an excuse, which was my weakness. Was this really the time to take a detour? I couldn't help but blame myself for it.
Following the scent of horses on the coast, another scent soon got mixed in. They started from around the east gate, circled around, and tied their carriage near the north gate. I could understand the reason. The distance they could travel at night was limited. Even kidnappers feared bandits and monsters. And above all, they could not carry a girl wrapped in a cloth or tied with a rope openly. It would be a stupid move to travel around while advertising they were kidnapper.
And so, they probably let their horses rest in a safe place and began moving again near dawn. Sure enough, there were traces of people saying for a long time at the vacant lot beside the highway.
This means that, just as the caravans led by Khan were just about to pass through the north gate, the kidnappers had begun their escape further north. Incidentally, we came from the northeastern direction, so we did not cross paths with the culprits.
At first, I continued moving in a hurry while being wary that the scent would disappear. After all, a well-maintained stone pavement continues for a while from Pyris’s north gate. The main route veers slightly west from there to a main road connecting Pyris and the royal capital. But, the kidnappers did not choose that road.
At some point, it seemed they left the stone-paved road and turned the carriage onto a side path. But, it was a gravel road that tended to leave wheel tracks. The road was heading almost north and passed through the central part of the Esta Forestia kingdom, but had low population density. Most of the area was covered in undeveloped forests. Aside from scattered, small towns and villages, you would probably reach Tintinabria if you go further northeast, and if you headed further north, you would arrive at the territory of Marquis Fonkeno, although it was far.
Unlike before, when I carefully chased after the scent despite rushing, putting emphasis on accuracy, right now I could just follow the wheel’s trace. So I could just run but.....
This heat was a dog’s weakness. They also had no sweat glands like humans. Even when their body temperature increased, they could only stick out their tongue to let air out. In addition, it was no different from a suicidal action to run at full speed and raise their body temperature.
Moreover, for a dog this size, it was surprisingly not very strong. Specifically, the ability to carry stuff was low. I packed a small rucksack with food and water, and also a change of clothes. At the same time, I also threw in some silver and copper coins that were the remainder from my trade in Korapt. This alone was already the limit. Carrying heavy loads for a short distance was still okay, but it would quickly put a strain on the lower back when it was a long distance.
Hot. It’s just so hot.
Judging from the brightness, I guess it was a little past 4 o’clock right now. There was no wind today. Thanks to this, the scent remained and did not disappear.
After making up my mind and rushing out just before noon, I continued moving for 5 hours with a short break in between. And I’ve started to become tired.
Not good. I’ve reached my limit.
Just as I was thinking that, I heard the sound of water in the distance. The softly flowing river water. As soon as I realized that, I couldn’t resist and immediately began running.
Just below the overhanging trees in the forest veering off the road, there was a dark, clear stream. Dipping my body in the water, my body cooled down instantly. And just like that, I stuck my nose and gulped down the water. I’m alive. Then I suddenly came to my senses. I jumped in with the small rucksack tied to my back.
Couldn't be helped. I climbed out of the water and looked around. There was no one here. There was no way there were people. It was an area with no village or settlement. I returned to my human form. My head suddenly became clear. I knew it, it seemed that your intelligence gradually declines when you remain an animal for a long period of time, no matter how hard you tried to stay conscious.
Just as I was about to dry the contents of the wet rucksack on the nearby branch and stretch my back, a man-made object caught my eye in the corner of my eye.
On top of a distant hill. It was blending with its surroundings, but there was no mistaking it. That, was the remains of an old fortress.
I wonder what era it was from. It might be a base built during Gisshian Chirem’s western campaign. Or perhaps it was a base built after the war between various countries. Or, it was just a place occupied by bandits.
But, that was not the important point. What would I do if I were the kidnapper? It was impossible to keep moving day and night without rest. Having said that, people would quickly catch up with you if you moved on the main highway leisurely while resting. So you had no choice but to take the side road like this, but sleeping outdoors in the middle of the forest was very undesirable.
At any rate, it was a plan to kidnap the Viscount’s daughter. Most likely, the kidnappers acted after thoroughly investigating her past habit of running away, and they must have made careful preparations. I still don’t know what their ultimate goal is, but at least the kidnappers would need a place to hide themselves on the way.
That mountain fortress did indeed feel a bit too close to Pyris now that I think about it. It was a distance that could be covered in a day. However, from the perspective of the chaser, they would be unable to tell which way the kidnappers had fled. Whether they went east, west, or north. Located on one of the many side roads was an old ruin that did not even appear on the map. It was not something you could discover easily.
If, the traces of the wheels and scent were to lead to that fort.....
I braced myself for the threat I would soon have to face while staring at the sun gradually setting through the leaves.
Even as the sun began to set, the hot, humid air clung as if sticking to the ground. It was extremely cool when you compared it to the city, but it could not be said to be truly comfortable. Even so, I took enough rest in my dog form and started running.
Just as I thought, the carriage continued straight before changing direction at some point. It was more of an animal trail than a road. It was not a road where you could drive a carriage through. They chose a rather rough method to travel. If it was me, I would have abandoned the carriage.....no, well, I guess that was impossible. It would be extremely unnatural for a carriage without horses to be lying in the middle of the road like that. So.
Sure enough, the carriage had been thrown into the thicket at the end of the road, which became increasingly narrow. Normally, no one would bother to come all the way here to check on an abandoned carriage out of curiosity. Travel by horse from here on. Why did they take such great care? Someone might have definitely seen this carriage. They could not take the chance of failing. So when they slip out from their hiding place again, someone would probably come to get them in a different carriage. Until then, they would have to lie low to evade any pursuing party.
The forest at sunset. It was even more gloomy compared to the plain, but fortunately, a dog’s vision was strong in darkness, even though they could not see colors. And to begin with, dogs rely on sound and smell rather than light. The smell of horses lingers. Judging from the situation, it seemed that - as expected - they really headed toward that mountain from earlier.
After crossing the zigzagging animal trail, I raised my head and saw that I had arrived at a straight uphill path, flanked on both sides by the black silhouette of trees. I could not see what lay ahead when climbing. There was nothing but the sky that was slowly turning indigo blue. Although there was still a considerable distance to go, the only thing ahead must be that building.
I was glad I came here in a dog’s body. They would become wary if it were a human, but a dog. I could just pretend to be a stray dog and run away at a suitable time. Even if they found me, they would not think I came here to search for the young lady. Well, I should still be careful not to be hunted and treated as food.
I finally reached my destination. That mix of excitement and relief became a brief lapse in my vigilance. Even though my ears captured the sound.
The noise suddenly got louder. By the time I realized it, it was already too late.
A sharp pain ran down my back. After that, I couldn't put strength into my hind legs and collapsed. What was it?
I hurriedly looked around. But the surrounding area was still the same dark green and black, I couldn't tell anything apart. I had poor vision already.
No, not with eyes, or ears....but smell. Concentrating, I thought I heard the faint sound of breathing. The moment I looked there, the air vibrated again.
That is.
------------------------------------------------------
Yashir (26)
・Material Raptor Form
(Rank 7, Female, 13 years old)
・Skill Claws and Fangs Combat Level 5
・Skill Stealth Level 5
・Skill Poison Judgement Level 3
・Skill Conversation Command Level 4
Empty (22)
------------------------------------------------------
Owaaah!?
What’s with this guy!
Despite being an animal, it had a name. No, was it an animal? Perhaps it might be categorized as a magical beast instead? Raptor, that means bird of prey, right?
Moreover, it has an excessive number of skills. In addition, what was this 「Conversation Command」. Could it be, or rather, as I thought, this thing must be under human control?
I, what should I do now?
There was almost nothing I could do. That first attack was unexpectedly effective. Even though the attack only grazed me slightly, it looked like the aim was quite accurate. Although it took a little struggle on my part, I managed to stand up somehow. But, that’s just it. The opponent was a bird with speed that surpassed mine after all. In contrast, this dog form was surrounded by obstacles. There was no way I could escape just by running.
Perhaps she decided she could not hide anymore, or there was no longer any need for it. Yashir no longer tried to hide in the thickets. She stared straight at me, spreading her huge body. If she spread both of her wings, her width would be about 3 meters. Her feathers were mostly black, but some parts were bright green.
She was beautiful yet frightening. I see, a Raptor, huh. It was certainly not just any bird. It was a bird-shaped monster.
What to do?
But, Yashir soared up high without giving me time to think. Was she ignoring me and moving somewhere else? .....no.
It was going to inform someone about an intruder’s presence.....that was not impossible. But, there was no way this magical beast knew about my true identity. So, what was the reason she attacked a simple dog? Probably, she was ordered to eliminate intruders. And if she found out about a large army or people approaching, she should report it.
So that meant. There was a possibility I didn’t want to think about. She flew up high in the sky.
I dragged my heavy body and hurriedly try to hide in the shadow of a thick tree. However, I didn’t make it in time.
An attack following a deep dive. Although I avoided a direct hit to the head, a large part of my left side and my back were torn. The strong attack bursted open the rucksack I was carrying.
Aah, I see. Of course......I had turned into a dog that I didn’t realize such a simple reason. In what world were there stray dogs carrying luggage? Seeing the man-made object hanging on my back, Yashir knew there were humans behind me.
The attack from before had knocked me sideways. I felt like I couldn't stand up at all. Particularly, I couldn't move my left forefoot at all. The pain was so intense I felt my body go numb. Black blood flows out steadily. This was, not good, I no longer.....
Yashir still kept her fighting stance while looking down at the dying dog. She was well-trained. She kept her eyes moving and looking around the area without letting her guard down, thinking that there must be humans nearby.
At this moment, I would be the next victim the moment I threw away the dog’s body. If only I had a stick in my hands, I might be able to withstand an attack. In addition, if I could use Physical Enhancement Magic, it would probably be a tough fight, but if she did not feel and came attacking me, I should be able to finish her off. But it’s impossible. I brought the pills with me, but they were in the rucksack. She would probably not give me the time to slowly look for the rucksack’s contents. Moreover, I had no stick with me. It was too bulky for a dog to carry, and so I gave up on bringing it with me.
It seemed like I’d been driven into a corner. Meanwhile, I continued bleeding. Despite the intense pain, my consciousness became distant, and my vision began to darken.
I had no other choice now.
After a moment of concentration, I was thrown completely naked to the forest floor. I heard the sound of wind slicing past my ear. Focus!
The moment that black wings approached before my eyes, they vanished.
「Ah.....that was dangerous.....」
I collapsed on the ground without thinking. All at once, my lower back - which had been shaken by the carriage all week on the way back - screamed out in pain. www.ihavesinnedtranslation.com
------------------------------------------------------
(Self) (7)
・Ultimate Ability
Piercing Hand
・Material Human Form
(Rank 7, Male, 6 years old ・ Active)
・Material Raptor Form
Rank 7, Female, 13 years old)
・Skill Fores Language Level 6
・Skill Business Dealing Level 5
・Skill Drug Compounding Level 5
・Skill Body Control Magic Level 5
・Skill Staff Technique Level 4
Empty (0)
------------------------------------------------------
Previous Chapter - TOC - Next Chapter
Support me through Patreon (by clicking on that Next Chapter) or through ko-fi here
No comments:
Post a Comment