Chapter 8

After walking for about ten minutes, we reached a point where we could see the entrance to the village of Ofer in the distance. That’s when it appeared.

"Ah, that!!"

The first to notice the anomaly was Staniev. Giles and I immediately understood what he was pointing at when we looked in the direction he indicated.

About fifty meters ahead on the side of the road, something green was crouching. It was probably the size of a medium-sized dog, lying motionless. If it had been in the grass, we might not have noticed it even if we had passed by. However, on the unpaved but well-trodden path, its color made it stand out.

"...What’s that?"

In response to my mutter, Giles replied.

"That’s a Giant Hopper."

Hearing that name, I immediately recalled it. A weak enemy encountered early in the Ygtria Notes, one of the weakest. Its level is around 2-3, and even Bolman could barely defeat it one-on-one. Essentially, it’s a giant grasshopper.

"What a pain. Let’s crush it, kid."

"I can defeat a Giant Hopper too."

At the words of my subordinates, I glanced at the wooden sword hanging from my waist and the leather pouch containing healing items, hesitating for a moment.

According to Bolman’s memories, we had once surrounded and beaten a small Giant Hopper that had wandered into the village. It was about half the size of the one in front of us, probably a juvenile. We had shown no mercy to a weaker opponent, a typical way of fighting for Bolman’s gang.

This time, the enemy seems to be an adult. Can we do it?

"...Yeah. We can probably handle one."

We have enough healing items. If we all attack together, it shouldn’t be too difficult.

This was the moment I decided to engage in my first "monster battle" since being reincarnated in this world.

"Alright, let’s approach with Giles in the lead, surround it, and beat it up."

I know it’s a simple plan, but my subordinates were enthusiastic about it.

"Alright, let’s get our hands dirty!!"

"It’s been a while since we fought a monster."

No, it’s only the second time, Staniev.

Since my subordinates were so casual, I quickly reviewed the basic combat procedures.

We drew our wooden swords and slowly approached the Giant Hopper. The grasshopper didn’t move even when we got within twenty meters. For a moment, I thought it might be dead, but soon realized that was a mistake. When we were about ten meters away, the enemy moved its legs slightly and turned its head toward us.

The Giant Hopper’s weapon is a headbutt, utilizing its jumping ability. While it’s fortunate that it doesn’t have claws or fangs, this headbutt is incredibly painful.

Even the juvenile we fought before, when Bolman took a direct hit to the stomach, he vomited and couldn’t stand up for a while. The subordinates, who used Bolman as bait to beat the grasshopper, had it easy.

"..."

Feeling irritated, I focused my attention on the enemy in front of me. The fact that it turned its head toward us suggests it’s ready to fight.

If the enemy moves like in the game, it will probably start with a headbutt. Giles will take the hit, and if he successfully guards, we’ll have a chance to counter. If he fails, he’ll be blown away and take damage.

Ideally, we’d have a shield. In the game, a shield significantly boosts the guard rating. But we don’t have one. We’ll have to use our wooden swords to counter the charge.

If Giles fails to guard, the enemy will pause for a moment, giving Staniev and me a chance to attack. That’s the plan. Now, it’s just a matter of timing.

When we were within five meters, it happened. The moment Giles stepped on a leaf, making a rustling sound, it happened.

Thud!

The green mass launched itself at Giles at an incredible speed.

"Huff!!"

Giles braced his wooden sword.

Immediately, a loud thud echoed, and Giles’s large body shook.

"Ugh..."

Giles collapsed.

"Damn, he failed to guard!"

Staniev and I quickly moved to his sides.

Giles, crouched on the ground, and the grasshopper. I immediately raised my wooden sword.

"Take this!"

Thud!

"Ugh...!!"

In an instant, I received a powerful blow to my left side and was blown away, landing on the ground.

"Ugh..."

My side, where I was hit, and my right shoulder, which hit the ground, throbbed with pain. The intense pain made it hard to breathe.

"Ugh..."

With blurred vision, I looked at where I had been standing a moment ago.

A green object, the grasshopper.

At Giles’s feet... the one from before is still there.

This is a different individual!

Damn. Another one was hiding in the grass.

"Staniev"

I called out to my unharmed subordinate, who was standing there in shock, looking between me, who had been suddenly blown away, and the newly appeared enemy.

"Y-Yes?!"

"Attack..."

As I started to say, there was another thud, and Staniev’s body flew through the air. The first individual had headbutted him again.

"Damn you...!"

Giles stood up and attacked the grasshopper, which was now vulnerable after attacking Staniev.

But...

"Ugh!!"

This time, Giles was blown away. It was the second one.

This is bad, this is bad, this is bad... Anxiety raced through my mind.

The timing is terrible. Everything is going wrong.

Calm down, me.

Right, the healing items...

While lying on the ground, I fumbled with the item pouch on my belt, my fingers touching something slightly elastic.

I took it out and confirmed it in front of me.

A red candy. An Apple Candy, a magical item that restores HP.

I put it in my mouth and chewed. With each bite, the pain gradually subsided.

Amazing!

Magical items are amazing!!

"Alright! This should help..."

I took out two more red candies from the pouch for my subordinates. Kneeling and half-standing, I threw one to each of them.

Psh!

Psh!

The bite-sized candies hit my subordinates and burst, enveloping them in a glittering light.

The effect seems slightly weaker compared to eating them directly, but it should fully heal our HP.

"Alright!!"

I confirmed the effect, stood up, and tried to run toward the enemy attacking Giles. But...

Thud!

"Ugh!!"

A powerful blow hit my right chest, and I was blown backward. I hit the ground and the back of my head with a thud.

"...!"

I need to heal again...!

I tried to get up instantly.

But suddenly, my legs gave out.

I couldn’t brace myself.

"...Huh?"

From a half-crouched position, I fell backward with a thud.

The world spun.

My consciousness faded...

Ah...

We’re being wiped out by two weak enemies without even landing a single hit.

This is such a difficult game...

Something landed on my stomach.

In my fading consciousness, the last thing I saw was the large, black, emotionless eyes of the monster grasshopper looking down at me.