Chapter 96

Upon receiving a message from Raidock, Kyle's unit hurried into action. Naturally, I was with them.

While on the move, we were on guard for hydras, but thanks to Raidock and the lizardman unit, all the monsters had been completely cleared from the area.

Hmm, just as expected of Raidock.

After entering the swamp, we had come quite far in, and the footing was gradually getting worse. The plants called mangroves and banyans have roots that branch out and intertwine like lightning, making them quite a hindrance. Moreover, since this is a swamp, most of the roots are submerged in water.

A bit further in, these mangrove forests spread out, meaning we were in the center of the swamp. Of course, no one, regardless of their rank, had ever set foot in such treacherous ground. In fact, only a fool would come here.

However, this central part of the swamp was also part of the planned monster extermination for this mission. It seemed like it would be more difficult than expected.

While advancing and checking the situation, I noticed Raidock waving his hand. As I approached, protecting Kyle and Mina, I saw a soldier in tattered armor devouring portable rations.

From the looks of it, his injuries had been fully healed by healing potions, which was a relief.

"Excuse me for interrupting your meal. I am Kyle Gandahl Vailroad. Are you one of Zayd's soldiers?"

The soldier, who had been stuffing his mouth with food, raised his head with wide eyes.

"Wha!? Wh-what!?"

The soldier hastily stood up and saluted Kyle. I had to give him credit for not spitting out the food he had stuffed into his cheeks!

"Yes! I'm sorry! I'll wait until you finish swallowing!"

"!!? !!"

The soldier, not understanding what was being said, crouched down and forced himself to swallow the food. I quickly took out a stamina potion from a leather bag and handed it to him, and he gulped it down.

...Is it really necessary to keep a stamina potion in a water bag?

Once the soldier caught his breath, he straightened up and saluted Kyle again.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Sir Kyle!"

Seeing the energetic man, Kyle's expression softened a bit.

"Yes. First of all, are you one of Zayd's soldiers?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Then, please tell us about the situation since your unit arrived in this swamp."

"Yes, sir! We came here under Zayd's command to exterminate the monsters in this swamp. Upon arrival, we started hunting hydras, but..."

At this point, a look of fear appeared on the soldier's face.

"As the hydras kept coming, we gradually became fatigued and fell into a disadvantage. Moreover, no matter how many we killed, the number of those snake heads didn't decrease... they even increased!"

The man's tone became more agitated as he recalled the scene, which had made him relax. Alphard stepped forward, but his voice was calm as he spoke to the man.

"It's okay. Calm down. The monsters in this area have been completely defeated."

"Ah, ah... No! I'm sorry!"

The soldier, who had turned pale, was slowly saluted by Alphard.

"I am proud of you for surviving in such a harsh environment. Please continue your report to Sir Kyle."

"Yes, sir! When we were surrounded by hydras, we suggested fleeing, but... Sir Zayd..."

From the soldier's hesitation, we could guess what Zayd had done. Not just me and Alphard, but Van Vain, the Casper sisters, Raidock, and Reifan all chuckled.

Kyle smiled warmly and encouraged the soldier.

"I know it might be difficult, but it's important. Please tell us."

"Y-Yes! Sir Zayd said we lacked spirit, took up a sword himself, and defeated the hydras. Encouraged by this, Sir Zayd pushed deeper and deeper into the swamp..."

Huh?

"Zayd can defeat hydras!?"

Ah...

I quickly covered my mouth, but it was too late. Calling Zayd by his first name in front of his private soldiers is not good! I need to reflect on this...

Alphard glared at me with a demonic expression, Reifan and Raidock facepalmed, and Van burst out laughing!

Well, it is my fault, though...

The soldier seemed a bit confused but answered dutifully.

"Are you asking if Sir Zayd can defeat a hydra alone? I've heard that even among adventurers, very few can defeat a hydra alone. Generally, hydras are enemies that are defeated in groups, right?"

"Ah, no, yeah. You're right. Sorry."

I apologized and bowed for interrupting the conversation.

But it was just so shocking!

Also, most of our adventurers can defeat a hydra alone, up to four heads!

Kyle whispered in my ear.

"Sir Zayd studied knightly swordsmanship. He is stronger than a typical soldier. However..."

Are we talking about the standard of Golden Dawn or the general standard of soldiers?

"The swordsmanship Sir Zayd learned is primarily for human combat and not designed for fighting monsters. However, the sword he has is quite good..."

Hmm.

So, he can fight better than average.

And he probably finished off weakened hydras, got overconfident, and ventured into the dangerous depths.

...I can see it clearly.

I glared at the center of the forest, where the view suddenly became worse. The roots branched out and covered the ground, the dense leaves obstructed the view, and narrow streams flowed like a web, in the heart of the swamp.

No one would normally venture in here.

Really, what an idiot, Zayd!

If I find him, I'll secretly punch him!

...If he's still alive, that is.

Alphard cleared his throat and prompted the soldier.

"Tell us what happened after they ventured into the center."

"Yes, sir! The footing and visibility suddenly worsened, and the unit naturally spread out. After walking for a while, we lost our sense of direction and didn't even know where we were!"

Of course.

Even experienced adventurers would find the mangrove forest dangerous and wouldn't step in without a reason.

Or maybe, because he wasn't an adventurer, he didn't understand the danger?

Ignoring my doubts, the soldier continued his report.

"Then, as it started to get dark, we were suddenly attacked by a large number of hydras... They were... like shadows of death..."

Suddenly poetic!

But I get it!

"Before we knew it, the unit was scattered, and I ran around blindly. I hid in the roots for several days. I had no food, but there was plenty of water, so I survived. I am grateful for your rescue!"

The soldier saluted Kyle again, signaling the end of his story.

It's amazing he survived.

The roots of the mangroves might be a hard place for hydras to find?

If so, there might be other survivors.

I looked at Kyle, who met my gaze with determination.

"Brother Craft... I want to save Sir Zayd and the other soldiers. Will you help me?"

This decision means Kyle will push his soldiers and adventurers to the limit. He clearly understands this.

His body was trembling slightly.

So,

I grinned widely.

"Sure. Leave it to me! Raidock!"

Raidock, who understood everything from just my name, stood beside me with a nihilistic smile.

What a handsome guy!

"Sir Kyle. We, the adventurers, plan to venture into the center. We'll leave the protection here to the lizardmen and soldiers..."

Kyle shook his head, stopping Raidock's words.

"I won't allow the adventurers to go alone."

"But..."

I understand both sides.

If all the adventurers were as strong as Raidock's party, it might work, but not all of them are B-rank.

Most importantly, it's a new area, and we don't know what to expect.

The center of the swamp might sound simple, but it's as large as a city-state.

"Then, what if we go with you?"

Turning around, I saw the lizardmen Jurala and Shururu.

"Excuse us, Sir Kyle."

"No, have you finished exploring the area, Jurala?"

"Yes. We found a large number of footprints leading into the mangrove forest in the center of the swamp."

"Really?"

"Most likely from your brother, Sir Zayd's soldiers."

"That's!"

Kyle leaned forward.

Even such a brother, he worries so much. What a good kid!

"Here's a proposal, Sir Kyle. We, the lizardmen, are almost equal in number to the adventurers. How about pairing each adventurer with a lizardman?"

"What do you mean?"

Kyle, not understanding the meaning or the effect, looked up and asked. Raidock snapped his fingers.

"Got it. Pairing the lizardmen, who are familiar with the swamp and can move quickly, with the adventurers, who provide combat power, will greatly improve our mobility!"

Raidock and Jurala nodded.

"That's not all. If we encounter an enemy we can't handle, we, the lizardmen, will take responsibility for carrying the adventurers to safety."

I see. Creating a large number of pairs of adventurers and lizardmen.

Not a bad idea.

"Indeed, not bad. But I disagree."

Raidock looked troubled.

"Why? I thought it was a good plan."

What's the problem?

"Kyle's central unit will be weakened. Two main units will be gone."

I see.

Hmm. I thought about it, but I think he's worrying too much.

"Alphard's private soldiers will stay, and I, Reifan, and Jitaro are here. The Casper sisters are also here as bodyguards. We don't plan to go deep; we'll wait around here."

We are already in the deeper part of the swamp, but it's still the middle layer. It's more dangerous than the outer area, but I don't think there will be any problems with this force.

Raidock, Jurala, Alphard, and Van looked at Kyle, who nodded firmly.

"Let's go with Jurala's plan. However, if it gets dangerous, retreat immediately."

"Understood."

Raidock nodded dramatically, probably to reassure Kyle.

"We, Craft and Sir Kyle, will repay your kindness with our lives!"

"No, please value your lives. I won't allow it otherwise."

"Uh..."

The surrounding people laughed at the flustered Jurala.

Good! The tension is easing up!

Kyle, if this is a calculated move, you're scary...

Vaan, who had been silent, also spoke up.

"Whatever the worst-case scenario, I'll protect Kyle no matter what. You guys, go in with peace of mind!"

Wow!

This guy is such a big talker!

But for some reason, I don't feel any disgust. Why?

Ah, I see.

After thinking for a while, I realized my feelings towards Van.

When I first started as an adventurer, he reminds me of the senior adventurers who meddled in my affairs.

They were carefree, confident, sometimes mocking, but they would appear and help in important moments.

The kind of senior adventurer who is found in every adventurer's guild, who takes good care of the juniors.

Once I understood, it became easy.

The confusion I had felt towards Van disappeared.

He's not just a big talker. When it comes down to it, he will really risk his life to save Kyle.

"Then I'll make sure to protect Mina properly."

I deliberately left out Kyle in my words, but Kyle seemed happy.

United in purpose.

Our resolve was firm.

With a determined expression, Kyle gave the order.

"Then, the mixed unit of adventurers and lizardmen will enter the center of the swamp! Prioritize your safety and search for survivors! We will resume the swamp extermination mission based on the information gathered here!"

"YEAH!!!"

Thus, we split into two large units.

Those of us who stayed behind would set up a base in the swamp.

It was still early, but setting up a camp in this special environment was uncertain to be completed by nightfall.

Reifan was flying around, working hard. As expected of the guild leader of a production guild!

While setting up the base, I ran into Jitaro on patrol.

"Hey, everything okay over there?"

"Nothing's happening. It seems Raidock's group has completely taken care of it."

"I know, but don't let your guard down."

You never know where monsters might come from.

"No problem! It's Raidock's group and Shururu's lizardmen! They're invincible! You can count on them!"

...Hmm?

I'm suddenly feeling uneasy.

Collaboration with "Soup Curry Kamui" in Akihabara, Tokyo, has started!

They are offering a special menu!

To go with this, I've uploaded a special original story to my activity report!

Please enjoy it along with the main story!

The collaboration with Kamui will last until the 22nd!

If you live in the Kanto area, please visit the store!

Also, today, the latest chapter of the manga adaptation has been updated on MangaUP!

Please enjoy it as well!

(I worked hard on this, adding almost 10,000 words to the main story!)