The corruption that started in the Fairy Forest slowly seeped into the land over a long period of time.
Even though the barrier created by Erginnus himself was powerful, it couldn’t block the corruption that had penetrated deep into the earth.
The surrounding forests were tainted by the evil god’s influence, withering away.
The beasts that once roamed there turned into monsters.
Dungeons began to form here and there, and they either faced imminent destruction or went berserk, repeating the cycle.
Within the ever-expanding domain, the center was becoming a wasteland of magical anomalies.
That was this land.
In the game, I had once taken a request from the lord of this region to explore the inner areas.
The area was filled with difficult dungeons, making it an ideal place for grinding.
Though later, it was revealed there were more efficient places, and it was abandoned—because, frankly, this place was a pain.
Over time, the level of corruption from the evil god’s energy increased, to the point where having a priest in the party became a near necessity. Even without that, the phenomena caused by the lingering energy of the dark evil god forced us to spend resources, making it inefficient.
But it wasn’t like there was something unique here either. Plus, now that I was here, I realized something.
This was not a place to stay for long.
Even though I hadn’t reached the center yet, the presence of the evil god’s energy was already overwhelming.
Staying in such a place for an extended period would surely cause mental issues.
Now, I understood why the lord of the region right next to the Fairy Forest had been so distressed.
The reason they cooperated so actively in this matter was that with such a ticking time bomb right next to them, they would be at risk at any moment.
“It’s like the Witch’s Forest from old fairy tales.”
As Arthur spoke, stepping on the withered leaves, Joy, who had been standing behind, nodded.
“In a little while, I expect the trees will start speaking, crows will caw, and we’ll hear eerie laughter from somewhere.”
“Then will we be entering the Witch’s stew?”
“How strong would the witch need to be for that to happen?”
Arthur glanced at all of us before tilting his head and speaking directly to me.
“If someone like Lord Benedict is strong enough, it might be possible.”
“I’d prefer not to face someone that strong as an enemy.”
“Doesn’t that sound interesting?”
“Lady Kent, before we enjoy the fun, our heads will be rolling.”
“Is that so?”
As I mentioned before, this forest was certainly not a place to move through casually, but our group was at ease.
Simply put, there was no room for the evil god’s energy to seep into us.
I, as the apostle of the god, was scattering holy energy in the front, while Faby was leisurely smiling behind us, purging the darkness.
The revulsion most people would feel here couldn’t exist around us.
“Idiot. This.”
“I’ve been preparing it.”
“Then do it before you speak. Why do you keep bothering me? Do you want to hear my voice that badly? Want me to record it for you?”
“Fine... Ahem. I’ll refrain.”
On top of that, Joy, who had learned how to deal with the phenomena created by the evil god’s energy from Erginnus, was clearing even the effects of the evil god’s influence, so there would be no problems as we moved forward.
Of course, there were still problems. This place was full of monsters because it was overflowing with the evil god’s energy.
Just the five of us entering here meant we would have to be prepared for ongoing battles with monsters.
However.
<Strange. The monsters don’t seem to want to approach this way.>
Today was different. Clearly, the monsters that should have been lurking in this forest weren’t approaching us at all.
Though I had visited this forest countless times in the game, I had never encountered a situation like this.
‘Could it be because of the holy energy Faby and I are giving off?’
<That’s unlikely. These monsters are essentially servants of the evil god. If they sensed holiness, they would target us, not run away.>
‘Then...’
“The Fairy Queen’s influence has probably risen higher than we expected.”
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The silly fox that had been perched on my shoulder yawned widely and then hopped down onto the ground.
“I’ve never actually seen a fairy, but I heard fairies were more like phenomena. If we were born from the will of the forest, then they were the forest itself.”
“What does that have to do with anything? Silly fox.”
“If the one at the center of those who frolic in nature is someone like the forest’s ruler, then it’s only natural they would have a profound influence on the forest itself.”
...Ah. That sounds familiar.
<Lucy. The monsters are coming this way.>
‘I feel it. The creatures that were just wandering outside... why are they—’
“It seems I’m an unwelcome guest. I thought they might react this way, so I’ve been concealing my presence, but since I’ll just get in the way, I’ll leave now.”
As the silly fox spoke, it lightly stepped out onto the barren ground, heading toward the forest’s edge with swift steps.
“When you meet the Fairy Queen, please tell her about me. I’d love to see her if she’s as beautiful as they say.”
As soon as the silly fox left, I felt the monsters starting to move. Just as the fox had said, it was clear that it was an unwelcome guest in this forest.
So, the Fairy Queen’s welcome must have begun the moment we stepped into her domain.
The others, too, seemed to notice the phenomenon that occurred when the silly fox stepped forward. They were now watching the spot where she had left.
“If what Lina said is true, then the Queen’s power is stronger than Lord Erginnus had assumed.”
Erginnus had thought that the Queen’s power would only be confined within the barrier, but the current situation completely disproved that theory. The Queen’s power was certainly extending beyond the barrier.
<...That child couldn’t have been wrong about this.>
‘Do you think he’s gotten dull after spending so much time underground?’
<If that were the case, it would be fortunate.>
‘What do you mean by that?’
<Let’s head towards the barrier. Once we get there, we’ll be able to understand properly.>
It seems you don’t want to speak up until you’re sure. Even though you always say you don’t like it, you still keep using this tone.
Well, whatever. I’ve already confirmed the path through the map from yesterday. The forest now is not much different from what I knew.
On top of that, I’ve confirmed that the monsters are not coming toward us, so there’s no need to avoid the shortest path.
“Idiots. Follow me.”
Even though I increased the pace quite a bit, my friends naturally followed behind me.
It almost felt like I could speed up more just to make them sweat a bit, considering how relaxed they were.
Perhaps the daily training we’d been doing was finally paying off.
Since it seemed like we still had time, I decided to speed up further. We needed to wrap things up today.
Then, a sense of crisis sounded the alarm. The iron wall raised its voice.
<No need for attacks. Just block them.>
Grandpa casually spoke.
It’s not that we don’t need to attack, it’s that we have no chance to attack!
A rock flew in from deep within the dark forest.
It was a simple attack, but its force was anything but.
Like a shell, the rock flew, carrying enough power to crush a person.
I could have taken it with my whole body, but that would have left me open.
I focused the energy to my lower body and flicked upward to send the rock flying!
Boom!
The rock bounced off, but there was no time to rest.
There were still plenty of creatures lurking here.
The roots of the withered trees, which had been hanging limply, reached out from beneath the soil to grab at our ankles.
I—
“Slow.”
Before I could step down on them, Frey drew his sword and sliced through the roots, effortlessly cutting them all down. His blade, looking more like wind than actual steel, left no room for the roots to act.
With Frey handling the roots, the next obstacle was the strange dust flying from all directions.
“That won’t be allowed.”
Instead of using force, Arthur immediately cleared the dust with his magic.
His magic had grown faster than before. Whatever method he used, it might even be faster than Joy now.
Good. With those two handling the smaller issues, I focused on the ones who caused this.
“Perceive.”
As Joy’s magic circle glowed with power, the surrounding darkness was swept away. Above the twisted trees, figures began to appear, resembling the strange beings I had seen during Ganshu’s trial.
They weren’t fairies who frolicked with flowers, but moths that seemed like they would follow the orders of a witch from a creepy tale and abduct people.
The main difference was that these creatures were much smaller than the ones I had seen before.
“Is this really the place where the witch resides?”
“Gross.”
“Hey, Lucy Allen. Do you know something?”
“Incompetent Prince, when you keep using your head as a decoration, you’ll stay incompetent forever. Try thinking about where you are.”
“...Fairies? Those things?”
I understand it’s hard to believe. They look more like demons from hell than fairies.
But it’s true. These were once the fairies who lived in this forest. I can assert it because I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
I don’t know why these creatures, who should be asleep in the Fairy Forest, are now outside the barrier, but now that they’re in front of me, I can’t deny reality.
Ugh. They’re treating us like toys. I really don’t like it. Only I get to play with my friends as toys!
Ha. Fine. If they want to play so badly, I’ll let them. Of course, I’ll be the one playing, and they’ll be the toys.
With holy energy in my voice, I tried to speak to them, but before I could move forward, Faby stepped in front of me.
“Hello, fairies. It’s a pleasure to meet those who go so well with the fragrance of flowers.”
“Hehe. Maybe. But, everyone, don’t you think it’s fun to tease an idiot?”
The voices of the corrupted fairies, overtaken by the evil god’s energy, were far from anything pleasant, but Faby’s expression remained soft with a constant, warm smile.
Her face was full of goodwill. Perhaps the fairies noticed this, because they gathered around her, chattering enthusiastically.
I never thought we’d have a conversation. I expected them to pretend to listen, but not actually pay attention.
Are these creatures different from the corrupted fairies I saw before?
The way they laughed innocently like children with unpleasant voices felt strange.
Hmm. It seems everything was resolved without me doing anything.
If it’s good, then it’s good, but something... something doesn’t sit right.
<You’ve lost in manners.>
‘When have I ever beaten Faby in manners?’
<Maybe if it were when we first met, but now that child looks more like an adult, deserving of being called one.>
Well, whatever. I don’t have to do everything.
“No, everyone. Compared to this noble lady, I am nothing more than a roadside weed. Look, don’t you feel like the sun itself has descended when I stand here smiling?”
“...But that one thing.”
“Saintess, this isn’t the time.”
“...Right.”
After clearing her throat lightly, Faby took a moment to adjust her posture and then looked around at the fairies.
“Before we play, may I ask you a few things?”