Chapter 40

After a night had passed, I logged in as usual in the afternoon. While the morning was spent in training, the afternoon was usually just a time to kill. However, if I could participate in actual battles, then being idle wasn't so bad. Well, today I was a bit late logging in because I had been checking the information on the upcoming event beforehand.

The World Quest "Devil's Invasion" is set to occur this weekend. As the name suggests, it seems that the country will be attacked by an army of devils. Moreover, this event will take place on a global scale in the game world. By the way, the country we are in, the Kingdom of Alphasia, is located on a peninsula at the southwestern edge of the world map. Compared to other countries, it can be considered a rather small nation. Perhaps that's why it's the starting point of the game.

(In other words, we can only participate in the defense against the devil's invasion in this country.)

We still haven't found a way to move to other countries. This means that we are currently confined to the Kingdom of Alphasia and cannot participate in the devil defense in other countries. Of course, it's unlikely that the world outside this country will suddenly be destroyed just because we can't participate, but it's highly possible that it will be relevant to future World Quests.

"...It's a waste of time to worry, but it's frustrating."

With a light sigh, I headed out of the city towards the main street. What's bothering me is that the local players in other countries can't respawn. Since the World Quest is announced to affect the entire world, this outcome is inevitable. It's not that I care about the death of strangers, but I don't like the idea that events are unfolding in places I can't reach. If they were right in front of me, I would definitely cut them down, but there's nothing I can do about enemies far away.

"Well... it will be what it will be."

"―――?"

Lumina tilted her head at my muttering, and I smiled wryly. I had stopped by a food stand on the street. My hunger was somewhat reduced, and I thought I might as well buy some food while I was at it. It seemed to be a sandwich stand, and the portability was good.

"Hey, miss. Can I get two to go?"

"Thank you for your purchase! Oh, you're that swordsman from the other day!"

"Huh? ...Sorry, have we met before?"

The blonde woman with a headscarf looked surprised to see my face, but unfortunately, I didn't recognize her. I'm not particularly good at remembering people, but it's rare for me not to recognize someone at all. However, the woman smiled and waved her hands.

"No, no, we haven't spoken before. But you were the one who defeated the devil on the street the other day, right?"

"Oh... you saw that?"

"Yes, yes! That dazzling sword technique! I was mesmerized!"

"Heh, it's not something to praise so much."

In reality, I wasn't even serious with that guy. It's a bit frustrating to be called dazzling for something like that. However, there's no point in explaining, so I'll just accept the praise. She was wrapping the sandwiches and seemed to be adding a few extras. I guess it's good to build up some goodwill.

"Thank you for defeating the devil. I've added a little extra for you."

"Ah, thanks. By the way, I have a question. Do you mind if I ask?"

"Of course not, it's a question from a swordsman! I don't mind at all."

For some reason, she seems to have a high level of trust in me... even considering Lumina's influence, it feels a bit excessive. Well, it probably just means that devils are hated that much. Anyway, if she trusts me, it's all the better. I'll ask my questions without hesitation.

"I'm a foreigner, so I'm not very familiar with the geography around here. Could you tell me what's in this area?"

"Oh, you're a foreigner? Of course, I don't mind. First of all—"

According to her, there are several key points in the surrounding area. Honestly, the more there are, the more troublesome it is to defend them. First, to the west is the port town of Feiria. Since the country is on a peninsula, it's natural that fishing is thriving. To the northeast is a fort, and nearby is a checkpoint that borders another country. It's probably a fort to monitor the movement between countries. If it's built for combat, it might be able to fight devils too, but there's little benefit in dividing the defense, and it would be more useful to have the personnel return to the capital.

"By the way... oh! Since you're a foreigner, you probably don't know about the Beacon of Holy Fire, right?"

"Beacon of Holy Fire? Ah, I've never heard of it..."

"Exactly! I recommend you see it. It's a lighthouse that lights the holy fire to ward off monsters and devils."

"Really, such a thing exists?"

"Yes, the Beacon of Holy Fire exists in each country, but since this country is small, the density of the beacons is higher. Thanks to that, the monsters are weak, and it's a peaceful country. Well, devils have started appearing..."

In other words, within the range of the Beacon of Holy Fire, monsters and devils are weakened. It's a bit inconvenient for me, but it's necessary for humans to live. Well, if just being near it weakens monsters, there's no reason for me to go near it. I might visit it as a tourist someday.

"The Beacon of Holy Fire is located to the north and southeast of the capital. Oh, by the way, there's one to the south of Fauskatz as well, though it's a bit far from here."

"Really? Well, the monsters around there are weak anyway. What about the area around Riblum?"

"In that area, they've built cathedrals to deal with the problem. The holy fire in the cathedral has a similar effect."

It seems that the cathedral also has a holy fire. However, it's probably not as effective as the Beacon of Holy Fire. After all, Geryon was there. But to the north and southeast. I want to avoid those areas as much as possible, and if I go to the southwest, will the enemies be stronger?

"By the way, what's to the southwest?"

"To the southwest? There's just a deep forest... but it's best not to get too close. The monsters that appear there are strong."

"I see... thanks for the information. I'll come back again."

"Sure, I hope to see you again!"

I nodded to her smiling and waving, took a bite of the sandwich, and headed south. First, I need to go to the southwest. There, I can probably train a bit. Then, I'll head to the port town to the west. I don't have any particular business there, but I might be able to eat some seafood, and it would be good to check the situation for defense. Whether to defend the area or evacuate will depend on the land and the forces available. However, it will take some time to get there, so there's no point in worrying about the port town now.

"Well, let's start with the forest to the southwest. Let's go, Lumina."

"―――!"

Lumina raised her fist with enthusiasm at my words. I smiled wryly and headed out of the capital.

* * * * *

Ignoring the weak and troublesome monsters on the plain, I headed for the forest. The forest I reached was much denser than the one I entered with Iori in Fauskatz. To be precise, the one in Fauskatz was more like a grove, while this one is a normal forest. It's not a dense forest, but it's quite deep. From here on, it's unknown territory, so I need to be careful.

"Lumina, we can't be careless from here on. Stay close to me and focus on support."

"―――!"

Satisfied with her nod, I stepped into the forest. I kept my sword drawn, aware of the position to avoid hindering my movement, and entered the deep forest. The trees were tall, and the leaves were broad, so not much sunlight reached inside. Thanks to that, it was quite dark, but the grass and plants lower than the trees didn't grow much. Therefore, it wasn't too difficult to walk. It might be a good environment for training.

"Hmm. It might be good to bring Shizuma here for training."

I haven't yet assigned him the task of training in a natural environment. Well, as long as it's not a plan filled with murderous intent like that old man, it should be fine. I don't intend to throw him into a snow mountain alone. And—just then, I sensed a killing intent directed at me and reflexively swung my blade.

"…From above, you really caught me off guard!"

I swung my blade with a light voice, and it hit the monster that fell from above, bouncing it away. The creature that appeared was a snake, about 2.5 meters long, with a green and yellow-green pattern. It seems to have been crawling on a branch and fell from above.

■ Camouflage Python

Type: Monster

Level: 16

Status: Normal

Attribute: None

Battle Position: Ground, Tree

A camouflaged python, I guess. Indeed, with that body color, it would be difficult to spot it moving in the trees. As a snake, it might have poison. If I were to be poisoned by a surprise attack, it would be quite troublesome.

"Shaaah!"

It seems to be angry that its surprise attack failed. However, a monster specialized in surprise attacks is already no longer a threat once it falls to the ground. I deflected the head that tried to bite me again and struck it back. My strike cleanly severed the snake's head, and after writhing for a while, it stopped moving completely.

『The skill "Dead Point Strike" has leveled up.』

Hmm. A surprise attack is troublesome, but once you get past it, it's not much of an opponent. Of course, not many people can deal with such a sudden attack, and they might panic if suddenly crushed by a snake. Considering that, it's a rather difficult enemy for the average player. And what's more, the high level of killing intent aimed at me is impressive. They should be more aggressive.

"Alright. Lumina, keep an eye on the trees. If you see one like that, feel free to attack."

"―――!"

Lumina listened to my instructions and became enthusiastic. Even with camouflage, if you focus, you can spot them. Lumina should be able to find the snake if she pays attention. I smiled wryly at her excited expression as she searched the treetops and collected the drop items from the snake. By the way, the drop items were meat and snake skin. They might have some use, but I don't use them much. I can just pass them all to Eleanora. She should be willing to trade them at a high price since they are still rare.

"Alright, let's move on... I wonder what else will appear."

The corners of my mouth curled into a smile. I wonder if any enemies will appear that can threaten me. I stepped deeper into the forest, looking forward to it.

■ Avatar Name: Quon

■ Gender: Male

■ Race: Human

■ Level: 14

■ Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 17

VIT: 14

INT: 17

MND: 14

AGI: 12

DEX: 12

■ Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.14》

Magic Skill: 《Enhancement Magic: Lv.11》

Set Skill: 《Dead Point Strike: Lv.12》

《MP Auto Recovery: Lv.6》

《Plundering Sword: Lv.8》

《Identification: Lv.12》

《Sword of Life: Lv.9》

《Sword of Demon Slaying: Lv.4》

《Tame: Lv.3》

《HP Auto Recovery: Lv.6》

Sub Skill: 《Mining: Lv.1》

Title Skill: 《Fairy's Blessing》

■ Current SP: 10

■ Monster Name: Lumina

■ Gender: Female

■ Race: Fairy

■ Level: 8

■ Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 5

VIT: 8

INT: 22

MND: 16

AGI: 14

DEX: 9

■ Skills

Weapon Skill: None

Magic Skill: 《Light Magic》

Skill: 《Light Attribute Enhancement》

《Flight》

《Magic Resistance: Medium》

《MP Auto Recovery》

Title Skill: 《Fairy Queen's Follower》