Chapter 18 of 100

Chapter 18

4 min read1,026 words

Al descended the steep slope and moved to a spot near the water's surface, then cast the bait as far as he could with his rod. He manipulated the bait floating on the water with the rod, waiting for the large-mouthed lizard to approach.

The river was about 40 meters wide, as it was before the heavy rainy season. The opposite bank was a vast wetland, where many water birds could be seen.

After moving the rod for a while, what approached was not the large-mouthed lizard but a school of fish. They were carnivorous fish called Pilla, about 10 to 20 cm in length, with sharp teeth. They must have gathered due to the smell of blood. Al hurriedly moved the rod as the Pilla chased after it. He repeated this several times, and eventually, the school of Pilla disappeared.

Al looked around the water and soon spotted the nose and eyes of what seemed to be a large-mouthed lizard. He whistled sharply to signal Orson and moved the bait to avoid the large-mouthed lizard. The large-mouthed lizard reacted accordingly. Al repeated this while slowly climbing the slope backward.

A series of whistles sounded. It was Orson's signal that he was ready in response to Al's whistle. Al began to increase his speed up the slope while winding the line around the rod. The large-mouthed lizard moved in the water to keep up with Al and emerged on the shore almost simultaneously as Al reached the top. The distance between Al and the large-mouthed lizard was about 10 meters. The large-mouthed lizard was about 4 meters long, a bit larger than the one Orson had mentioned, but there was no stopping it.

Al thought he had lured it enough and ran toward the goblin's corpse. The large-mouthed lizard followed behind, leaping up the slope on its hind legs at about the same speed as Al. However, it soon stopped chasing Al, apparently noticing the goblin's corpse. This was exactly as Orson had planned.

The large-mouthed lizard approached the goblin's corpse cautiously. By then, Orson had moved between the large-mouthed lizard and the river, holding a spear in one hand, and was approaching from behind. Al hid and prepared for the next step. The large-mouthed lizard bit into the goblin's corpse. Seeing this, Orson raised his left hand. Al, hidden in the shadows, slowly stood up, aiming carefully.

'Magic Arrow'

The large-mouthed lizard was moving its head vigorously while eating the flesh, and all three magic arrows aimed at its eyes missed, bouncing off its tough hide. The large-mouthed lizard glared at Al with visible hostility. However, in its preoccupation with Al, it neglected its rear.

<Penetration> Spear Combat Skill --- Armor-Nullifying Technique

Orson did not miss this opportunity. Though he stumbled, he approached the large-mouthed lizard from behind and thrust his spear, held with both hands, into the soft part of its leg. The spear, weighted by Orson's body, pierced deep into the large-mouthed lizard's body. The large-mouthed lizard let out a loud cry.

"We did it!"

Orson's voice echoed. The large-mouthed lizard tried to strike Orson with its tail, but it lacked the strength to knock him off his feet. The large-mouthed lizard thrashed and resisted for a while but eventually lost its strength and stopped moving. Orson stepped on the large-mouthed lizard's body and pulled out the spear, blood gushing from the wound.

"Orson, you did it!"

"Yeah, Al, we did it."

The two men punched their fists together in celebration.

"Orson's spear attack was amazing. I've never seen a combat skill before."

Combat skills are special techniques used with weapons, which can be performed by repeatedly practicing the same moves to achieve a powerful effect.

"Is that so? Thanks to you for drawing its attention. That's why I could finish it off."

Orson seemed quite pleased.

"Wow... it's huge..."

Al couldn't help but murmur as he looked at the large-mouthed lizard's corpse. It was indeed over 4 meters long, and its bulky body probably weighed over 400 kilograms. Al slowly traced the tough, bumpy hide of the large-mouthed lizard, which had resisted the magic arrows.

"Yeah, it is. Can we move it...? Let's try. If we can get it to the cart, it should fit."

Orson tried to lift the large-mouthed lizard's body to attach a rope, but it didn't budge.

"Wait a moment. Can I try a strengthening spell?"

Al asked Orson.

"Sure, go ahead."

'Physical Enhancement' - Strength Enhancement, Contact Application

"Hey, isn't that the spell...? The one the knights use?"

Al touched Orson and tried the spell, but nothing happened.

"Huh? What's wrong?"

"No, I'm still in training. The success rate is low."

'Physical Enhancement' - Strength Enhancement, Contact Application

After several attempts, Orson's body was infused with strength.

"Wow, this is amazing, I feel so light."

"Can you lift it now?"

Orson tried to lift the large-mouthed lizard's corpse. The massive body, which had been immovable, now seemed to lift slightly.

"It might work."

'Physical Enhancement' - Strength Enhancement

Al cast the same spell on himself. This time, it worked on the second try.

"Alright, Orson, you take that side. Let's try to attach the rope. Can we move it now?"

"Yeah, we should be able to get it to the cart. If we can deliver it to the butcher, we'll make a good amount of money."

"We should give Lippi a good tip too."

Al and Orson smiled happily and shook hands firmly.

Thank you for reading.

I plan to post twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays at 10 AM. I appreciate your support.

Thank you for pointing out the typos. I always appreciate your help.

I would be grateful if you could leave likes, ratings, and comments. Thank you very much.

On March 30, 2023, I received a comment about the contact support spell, which previously stated that it cannot be used without the other person's consent. I have added the part where Al asks for Orson's permission. I will be more careful in the future.