Chapter 107

It was just the two of them blazing their own trail through the forest where no path existed.

Even while on the move, he had noticed it—this place surprisingly boasted a wide variety of trees.

“Seems like you’re into plants? Your gaze keeps darting downwards. Revisiting natural ecosystems isn’t so bad, right? But around here, though we’ve got dense forests with tough weeds and some mushrooms, pretty flowers or plants are kinda rare. If that’s your hobby, sure, but…”

“…?”

Acess, seemingly aware she was observing her surroundings as they went forward, continued her monologue.

“To the right, there’s birch family trees. Further over to the left, you’ll find pines scattered about. That area’s wider, making it easier to navigate. And up ahead, from our current position towards the southwest, you’ll see maple family trees. In autumn, their leaves turn red—it’s actually quite a sight. Oh, and some birches in certain regions develop white bark or lush leaves depending on the environment, but here? This place is pretty stable, so they stick to normal brown tones…”

She spoke with an almost supernatural knowledge of these details.

“Still, I can’t guarantee these trees are exactly the same ones I know. That’s why I called them by their general families—birches especially vary based on location and climate.”

“You sure know a lot.”

“Stuff I’ve heard. If I hear something, I usually remember it. There was this witch who, while studying herbs, started dabbling in using trees medicinally too. She’d often share bits about their ecology and characteristics out of boredom.”

“Is that so?”

“As you know, our bodies are our treasures. Carrying emergency medicine is practically destiny for us. Sure, having a White Mage around would be ideal, but we can’t always count on that. So naturally, building connections with people knowledgeable about nature pays off in the long run.”

When Carriel had collapsed earlier, Acess had been the one to feed him that potion. The potions Carriel carried himself were limited to basic external injuries and internal remedies—not much use at all.

And no one explicitly mentioned it, but when Carriel was unconscious and unable to swallow, Acess had personally administered the potion by mouth, carefully ensuring none of it spilled.

“Well, at least my precious emergency stash wasn’t wasted. Not a losing deal.”

“…”

As she chattered away, they traversed the trackless forest for dozens of minutes without breaking a sweat.

“About here?”

The trees grew denser, revealing an oddly massive rock embedded deep into the ground like it was glued there.

Surprisingly, a large opening sloped downward into the earth.

This wasn’t a mere cave—it was more fittingly called a rock cave.

Without hesitation, Acess stepped into the darkness, followed closely by Minette after composing herself.

Though one might expect a light source, once inside and their eyes adjusted to the dimness, they discovered not only a spacious chamber but also faint sounds of flowing water.

A labyrinth it wasn’t, but unknowingly wandering in could easily disorient anyone due to its size.

Strangely, despite the lack of light, the outlines of the interior were vaguely visible thanks to glowing tendrils clinging to the walls and floor, emitting soft bioluminescent glows like fireflies.

Never having seen such a spectacle before, Minette was left momentarily entranced.

“Strange?”

“What… is this?”

“I don’t know.”

“…”

As they ventured further in, another sunlit cavern opened up, dominated by a colossal tree whose roots stretched upward like pillars.

“This is it.”

“…”

Following Acess’ pointed finger, Minette turned her gaze and spotted someone leaning against the root-like pillar—or rather, clinging to it as if seeking support.

Once lean, now gaunt beyond belief, his signature black hair had faded to ash-gray.

Clearly, something was very wrong.

“Why… why is he… No, how did he end up like this?”

At the horrifying sight, her lips trembled, words barely escaping.

“Didn’t he say something about stripping away all previously formed muscles?”

“Huh? What does that even mean?”

“He mentioned dismantling every muscle he’d built up until now and rebuilding them. Alongside bones, blood, and… what was it? Cellular tissue? He claimed everything needed complete renewal.”

“…”

Not understanding fully but piecing together the gist:

“So… remaking his body entirely?”

“Good job figuring it out. Yep.”

But…

“If he dies in the process? Look at him—he’s clearly not normal.”

“So what?”

“Excuse me?”

“For a man to grow stronger, risking his life is part of the deal. I didn’t force him, nor did I stop him when he decided to do this. Why should I interfere?”

“That’s…”

True enough.

Yet…

“To become stronger means asserting your will and beliefs onto the world—some call it enforcing your will.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“It has everything to do with it. Others will endlessly try to manipulate and exploit us. To resist, we must become untouchable. They may threaten or bribe us with food, gold—you name it. Without power, submission or capitulation are the only options. But with strength? We hold the reins. Remember, strength includes both physical prowess and knowledge. Don’t get it twisted.”

That’s my story, anyway. What others think doesn’t concern me.

With that, she headed toward Carriel, Minette trailing frantically behind.

The sound of water became clearer, revealing a small stream trickling along the cavern floor.

“Looks like he’s still far from waking.”

“Will he stay here indefinitely?”

“Yeah. Ever since arriving, he hasn’t budged.”

“…He’s not dead, is he?”

“If he were, wouldn’t we have buried or cremated him already?”

Sometimes, even though clearly present, his form seemed to vanish from sight—a phenomenon nearly impossible for Acess but accepted after repeated occurrences.

This was, in its own way, a fascinating experience.

“Oh, speaking of which, did you come here knowing where this place was?”

“It’s called the Ravine of the Water User, right?”

Technically not a ravine, but close enough given the topography. Perhaps calling it a gorge would be more accurate, yet the prominent lake nearby complicates matters.

Surrounded by mountains, the lake appears isolated, though legends claim it was once truly a valley in ancient times.

The locals, including the mysterious owner of this area and various minor races protecting it, firmly believe this fact without question.

“Right. So why is it called the Ravine of the Water User?”

“One of the few representative dragon lairs on the continent, right?”

Back in the days when dragons thrived, their territories spanned not just this continent but others and even islands.

Most fantasy creatures or divine beasts fall under the category of dragons during that era.

“The reason no country dares invade or challenge this region stems from that.”

Dragon-claimed lands, serving as sanctuaries, number no more than five across the entire continent. Among them, the so-called “Water Dragons” here tend to remain peaceful unless provoked.

Even during the Demon King’s invasion, they remained quiet, earning resentment from neighboring nations over time.

Still, the silence persists because provoking them could result in national devastation.

Dragons, unlike fairy tales, are far crueler and more selfish beings.

The stories of heroes slaying dragons aren’t baseless—they weren’t exaggerations.

Yet, aspiring to emulate dragons stems from admiration of their immense power.

Of course, some dragons have shown affinity towards mortals, like the Golden Dragon revered by the empire. The Golden Dragon Knights led by Ruelde, one of the Nine Heroes, honor and celebrate this existence as an elite knight order.

“So, if this wasn’t originally your destination, why come here?”

“Well, first, tracking us here would be difficult, and even if located, entering isn’t easy. Second…”

Staring intently at Carriel, Acess added:

“Quiet places where one can retreat undisturbed for a while aren’t abundant in this world.”

Especially for someone marked as a fugitive, branded by bizarre rumors—choices were limited. Or so Acess believed when persuading him to come here.

“Guess today’s not the day. Maybe next time?”

“When do you think he’ll wake up?”

“No idea.”

Acess shook her head.

“But he occasionally opens his eyes, so ask then if you have questions.”

“…”

That’s too vague.

“Feel free to stay here if you want. Alternatively, find your own lodging. If nothing works, labor for me in exchange for staying at my cottage.”

“Would that be alright?”

“What wouldn’t be?”

Retracing their steps out of the rock cave, Acess outlined her terms:

“Hunting once a week, enough to cover both our meals. I’ll handle the processing. With your abilities, hunting shouldn’t be hard. Otherwise, gather firewood—only fallen branches or designated trees.”

“Got it. That’s manageable.”

Not a challenging task indeed.

“Lately, hunting’s getting old. Setting traps feels the same.”

While listening to Acess grumble, Minette asked about the surroundings and any precautions.

Approaching their cabin, they noticed several figures.

One was a towering Aquarian with features reminiscent of a deer.

Three appeared human: a middle-aged man with a neatly grown beard and long hair, accompanied by a boy and a girl.

“Were you at that place again?”

The deer-like Aquarian approached with heavy footsteps matching his stature.

“With nothing else to do, might as well keep busy.”

“…There are better ways to stay busy.”

His fur displayed harmonious shades of brown and white spots.

Dressed minimally in green attire suitable for camouflage, even his small backpack matched the theme.

No shoes adorned his feet, but hoof-like structures indicated sturdy steel boots, radiating robust health.

“You treat someone who’s practically family like this?”

“Then receiving someone half-dead and nursing them back to health was out of kindness?”

“Obviously, it was seeing my face!”

“Still, you’re shamelessly pushy.”

Tutting loudly, the Aquarian responded.

“By the way, did you shed recently? Where’d you leave your antlers?”

“They were itching. And besides, there’s no one worthy to give them to except maybe that nephew of yours.”

“You seem kind despite the grumbling. Wonder what expression he’d make upon hearing about the legendary hero’s antlers.”

“…”

Minette tilted her head curiously—Nine Heroes?

Realizing this, Acess redirected the conversation.

“Oh, this person doesn’t know?”

“I was sent here specifically to inquire about that. Thought I’d pass it onto you.”

“What are you dumping on me?”

“It beats doing nothing. Besides, considering how much ominous energy this young lady emits, ignorance would be abnormal.”

Upon the deer-Aquarian directing his gaze at Minette, Acess subtly signaled her response.

“Oh, they don’t know?”

“That’s why I’m asking. Thought I’d delegate it to you.”

“What are you dumping on me?”

“More enjoyable than idling around. Plus, given how menacing this young lady seems, remaining unaware would be odd.”

Facing Minette directly, the Aquarian continued:

“You have nothing to say to me. It’s common for weirdos to attract other weirdos, so let them sort it out themselves. Right, Aceletra?”

“Hmm? What should we do?”

Smiling mischievously, Acess received a dismissive snort from the deer-Aquarian.

“Hey… didn’t you mention the Nine Heroes earlier?”

Acess chuckled.

“Didn’t I introduce you? Guess not, since there wasn’t time. Didn’t plan to either.”

“You really are…”

The Aquarian closed his eyes, tutting again before addressing Minette directly.

“Yes. The great emperor of the empire, alongside Ruelde and that insane gang I adventured with—I’m Gaejef, the sole Aquarian among them. So, young lady, feel free to call me Uncle Gaejef. You appear to be a female human, correct?”

“Yes… if you wish. No complaints from me.”

“Good. Won’t pry into personal matters. Regardless, our business here concerns neither you nor us but possibly Carriel or this kid. So unless necessary, we won’t bother you either. Let’s coexist peacefully, pretending to ignore each other until we meet again. Got it?”

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