Chapter 22 (2)
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The area was covered in ashes, and the sight of the remains of an ancient creature that had suddenly sprouted up was visible at a glance.
Did you set fire to everything around? Surprisingly, the fire didnt spread.
Stepping on the scorched earth, filled with signs of upturned land, Philip spoke.
Because this was the forest of the fairies from a distant past. Philip.
Maeve, who had been walking ahead, raised her visor and replied.
The trees of the forest where the fairies lived dont burn easily. Thats why many of the kingdoms forts and barracks were built in the forest where the fairies lived. Didnt you know?
Im hearing it for the first time. I see
Perhaps Ian knew. So, he set the fire.
He had no idea.
Ian merely shrugged.
Miguel, who had been holding his tongue, looked at the ancient creature with a dubious expression.
Is that thing really dead? It looks like it might be cooked, like roasted meat. Its eerily ominous.
Ian turned to him.
Why are you asking me?
Then who should I ask?
Did you come for a visit?
No, I came to work. I came to verify.
Miguel turned his body abruptly.
Following his lead, Philip, who also caught Maeves eyes, let out a sigh and followed him.
Whatever you find, report it.
With those words, Ians footsteps on their backs finally eased.
Excessive overtime was sufficient for last night.
Today, he intended to gain either good or bad information, whichever was available.
Maeve walked beside him.
Suddenly, with a preoccupied expression, she blurted out.
It seems like theres another person who has incurred the Dark Mages resentment, Ian.
Ian turned his head.
What are you talking about?
Yesterday, the tainted magic of the bead had engulfed me. I could barely hold onto my consciousness, so I couldnt resist.
There was such an incident?
Ians eyebrows slightly arched as Maeve continued speaking.
I felt his presence. His laughter, too. And then he whispered that if I wanted to live, I should turn away from here.
So, instead of contaminating the source, he warned you?
I dont understand either, but yes, thats how it was. Everyone has their own role to play, so he said to stop going too far.
Everyone has their own role to play
Ians brows finally relaxed.
He recalled the Maeve from the game.
The one turned into a bloodthirsty avenger by the kingdoms dark forces.
The Dark Mage had to be part of the same group, so he likely knew something.
So, theres someone else who harbors resentment, right?
Yes. He said that the touch of red will suffice. He added that hell have to pay a price.
Ians eyebrow lifted slightly.
Touch of red It probably refers to a mage. If we can find out who it is, it might be helpful in the future.
A sardonic smile finally curved Ians lips as he looked at her.
It seems I couldnt hide the fact that I thought it might be me.
Seeing her mistake Ians smile, Maeve adde.
I didnt bring this up to ask for anything. Ian, I just wanted to share what I found with you.
If thats the case, Ill keep it in mind.
Ian nodded.
Brother! You should come and take a look!
Miguels voice rang out.
Maeves gaze turned towards him.
It looks like theyve found something.
Ill go check it out first. Follow me slowly. If something happens, Ill let you know.
Ian turned nonchalantly.
That brat, he noticed something.
As he chewed on the just-heard story.
***
Ippotranslation
***
Behind the dais of the ancient creature.
Damn an unfortunate morning from the start.
Could it be human hunting?
Miguels and Philips voices came from between the two forked branches of the giant roots that spread out like a serpent.
Hunting? Look at these traces. They were buried in the ground and have just emerged. Do beasts that bury their food exist?
Definitely not loot.
Ian sighed and stepped between the roots, now covered in mud.
What is it?
Miguel turned to him.
A corpse emerged.
That many, Sir.
Philip added as he stepped aside.
The sight they saw revealed itself.
From the ground that the roots had dug up, numerous decaying corpses protruded.
Indeed there are so many.
Ian, standing before them, murmured.
Game memories faintly connected.
Partially buried corpses around the ancient creature.
However, at this point, when the forest wasnt completely contaminated yet, to see a pile of corpses
Perhaps theres something I didnt know
Philip asked while observing the bones.
According to what you see, were they not hunted down?
Yes. More like offerings.
Offerings?
It was strange. With such a massive ancient creature in the middle of the forest, and yet, theres no record of it until now. Someone would have discovered it.
Ians pupils suddenly froze.
Miguel asked curiously.
So, someone sacrificed corpses to raise this damn monster?
I dont know. In this context, that seems more natural.
Ian bent down.
As he did, he picked up something halfway buried in the ground amidst the remains.
A solid iron ring caked with mud.
While cleaning the mud off the ring, Maeves voice came from behind him.
Did you find something?
Perhaps its a clue you were looking for, Sir?
He threw what he had in his hand as he answered her.
This is what came out. Among the corpses.
Maeve reflexively looked, her gaze sank.
Maeve slowly approached, scratching one side of the ring with her glove.
A faint deer horn pattern was revealed in the part of the ring that secured the horn.
Philip asked perplexedly.
Are all these corpses the kingdoms criminals?
Well have to confirm that from now on.
Ian turned his gaze away.
Nows your chance to shine, Miguel.
Whats this Could it be true?
Ian nodded.
Miguel turned around, and sighed.
Brace yourself for a digging job
Translator; ippo
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