Chapter 77

At first, Al and the others intended to search on foot, but they soon realized that using the floating eye spell would be much more efficient. Moving through the dense jungle on foot was very labor-intensive, but the eyes of the floating eye spell could fly, eliminating that effort. Additionally, there was the advantage of being able to see a wide area from a high vantage point. However, there was a problem. It was difficult to move the floating eye spell's eyes while also moving on foot. Therefore, they adopted a method where the four of them would move to the location after the floating eye spell's eyes had found something.

Using this method, they managed to find about 100 Raindrops by late afternoon.

"This direction doesn't seem to have any more. I'll stop for now and search in another direction."

Al canceled the floating eye spell that had been moving west and stretched his back. He took a drink from the water bottle hanging from his waist and took a break. Using the floating eye spell meant seeing both the view from the eyes and the actual view with his own eyes. Even for Al, who had exceptional concentration, it was quite tiring.

"Hold on, Al. We need to prepare for the night soon. If we go about 30 minutes south, we should be back at the river. I think we should camp near there."

Orson stopped Al, who was about to cast a spell. Looking around, the surroundings were starting to get a bit dark.

"I see, we'll spend the night here, then."

Al thought and looked around. Even during the day, the jungle was dim. It would be pitch black once the sun set. He looked at Maddock and Nijela. If they had to keep watch at night, it would have been tough for just Orson and himself. Nijela, sensing Al's gaze, looked back at him with a puzzled expression. Al smiled and brushed it off.

"Considering the movement, camping here is only natural. Can you move soon?"

Orson asked Al in a tone that suggested it was obvious, as he stood up from the rotten log he had been sitting on. Al also stood up and looked around. Suddenly, a brown shadow crossed the edge of his vision.

"Hmm? It might be an Ishinagebongo."

He stared at the direction where he thought he saw the brown shadow. It wasn't just one; there were about three Ishinagebongos. They were about 100 meters away but were heading their way.

"Trouble, they're coming this way. Orson, get on the chair..."

Al hurriedly put on the backpack he had placed on the ground. If there were only three, it would be manageable, but there might be many more behind them. They needed to get out of their path before the others noticed them. Maddock and Nijela also quickly stood up.

"There's almost no wind, but the downwind is this way."

Orson pointed west while hurriedly sitting down. They didn't know how sharp the Ishinagebongos' sense of smell was, but it would be safer to run downwind. The three of them started running at once.

The jungle was full of tree roots and thickets, making it difficult to run. Al and the others ran hard without looking back. After a while, they heard the excited roars of the Ishinagebongos behind them. They might have noticed Al and the others. The number of roars was quite large. Orson had mentioned that Ishinagebongos could form groups of about 50. If they caught up, it might be better to ambush them somewhere. If there was a large rock or something that could protect their backs...

At that moment, he thought he saw yellow and black stripes in front of him.

"Wait, stop!!"

Al stopped abruptly. Orson almost fell off the chair and grabbed the armrests desperately. Maddock and Nijela stopped a few steps ahead.

"What is it?"

"That..."

Orson and the others, who were worried about why they had stopped, spoke anxiously. The three of them, except for Al, who still had the dark vision effect from the enhanced perception spell, couldn't see much in the dim light. Al pointed to the bushes about 20 meters ahead. In the twilight of the jungle, the striped pattern served as camouflage, and the three of them stared at the bushes for a while before finally noticing.

There was a giant tiger over 6 meters long with six legs. It must be a Mutsuashi-dora.

The three of them tensed up at once. The opponent was massive. It might pounce in one jump. If they had gone a bit further, it would have happened. Al glanced behind him. Fortunately, there were no Ishinagebongos in sight. They might have stopped chasing, sensing the presence of the Mutsuashi-dora.

"Maddock, Nijela, back up slowly. Don't make eye contact, and look at your feet. Don't turn your backs."

Orson got off the transport chair and stood protectively in front of Al. Maddock and Nijela slowly backed up to his side.

"Okay, it's fine. It's just big, but we can handle it with the four of us. Don't panic. Don't let it pounce on you. Al, don't go to the front. Stay behind one of us. If possible, close your eyes."

The Mutsuashi-dora probably weighed over 3 tons. If it pounced, they would be crushed by its weight. The Mutsuashi-dora, which had been crouching, stood up and slowly emerged from the bushes, staring intently at Orson in the center. Al was taken aback by the sheer presence of the massive body.

Grrr...

The Mutsuashi-dora growled low and took another step forward. Al bit his lip. The Mutsuashi-dora shifted its weight to the back and crouched slightly, probably preparing to jump. Al decided to time his spell to coincide with the moment it pounced.

The Mutsuashi-dora started running. Orson was in front, holding his usual spear. The Mutsuashi-dora's jump!

'Magic Arrow'

Al's spell was slightly off, and the magic arrows hit the Mutsuashi-dora's shoulder, but it didn't cause much impact. The Mutsuashi-dora pounced at Orson.

<Spinning Spear> Spear Technique --- Deflection

Orson's spear spun, deflecting the Mutsuashi-dora's front paws to the side. Instead of receiving the attack, he applied force to the side to redirect the attack's power. Maddock's axe and Nijela's sword simultaneously attacked the Mutsuashi-dora from Orson's sides. Their coordination was perfect. However, the Mutsuashi-dora twisted its body, skillfully changing the angle of the two attacks to soften the impact and retreated, not wanting to be surrounded.

They were now in a close-range standoff. The stench of the Mutsuashi-dora's breath reached Al, who was standing slightly behind Orson.

"It will come again. If it comes to you, deflect it." "Got it." "Yes."

Orson warned, and Maddock and Nijela responded.

Grrr...

The Mutsuashi-dora leaped.

'Magic Arrow'

Roar!

Al's ten magic arrows hit the Mutsuashi-dora's face, covering its nose, forehead, eyes, and face in blood as it fell to the ground and thrashed.

<Charging Thrust> Spear Technique --- Damage Increase

<Fierce Strike> Axe Technique --- Damage Increase

<Broken Sword> Straight Sword Technique --- Armor-Piercing

Orson, Maddock, and Nijela attacked all at once. Their weapons pierced the Mutsuashi-dora deeply. It thrashed even more, but its resistance gradually weakened. After about 30 minutes of intense battle, the Mutsuashi-dora finally died.

Thank you for reading.

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

Thank you for the corrections. I always appreciate them.

I would be very happy to receive likes, evaluation points, and comments. Thank you very much.