Chapter 56

In the depths of the Rihelan Forest, the ecosystem becomes richer and the danger level rises. Unlike the forest entrance near the town, the undergrowth here obstructs visibility, and there are many muddy areas. In addition to plants with poisonous thorns, numerous venomous snakes also inhabit the area. However, the most dangerous presence is likely the creatures that caused the Rihelan nightmare, the Tereops.

Three Tereops were drinking water that had collected in a depression in the forest. They looked like chamois but were covered in long, black fur, and their bodies were very muscular and sturdy. While two of them drank, the third kept watch. The chamois-like heads have a wide field of vision, making it difficult to catch them off guard.

Ryo, observing the Tereops from a distance, compared what he saw with the information he had memorized.

"That one is a decoy, right?"

"Probably."

According to the guild's information, a small group of Tereops that appears easy to hunt might be a decoy to lure humans or carnivores. The most important thing to be cautious about is the terrain. Tereops are muscular and heavy, so they dislike mud but can move nimbly on rocky areas. The hunting strategy of Tereops involves using decoys to lure prey into rugged rock formations, ravines, or depressions. Once the decoys retreat, the main group, hiding nearby, charges with their horns to finish the prey.

Ryo and Shiraha couldn't see the main group, but they were likely hiding in some bushes. Knowing this, Ryo focused on the Tereops drinking water. They were only lapping at the water with their tongues, not actually drinking. Their black fur made it hard to see their throats, but their eyes were fixed on the watchful one, ready to move at a signal.

"Since we've figured out their strategy... Shiraha, can you help me?"

"---The pen of memory runs on blank paper. The trail of a staff that set out on a journey without a destination. Where do the sun and moon briefly meet?"

Shiraha chanted in a voice like rolling bells. Covering her eyes with her hands, she pointed to a tree behind the Tereops in the depression.

"There."

"The lost item search spell is really convenient."

Despite its high mana consumption and other limitations, the ability to see through ambushes is a significant advantage. Ryo focused on the main group of Tereops that Shiraha had identified.

"Seven on the branches."

Somehow, the Tereops had climbed to high branches that overlooked the entire depression. They were covered in mud and green leaves, blending in with the tree branches. Ryo thought they could be hunted with great effort, but it would be reckless to engage in a close battle with an unknown enemy.

"Unfortunately, let's retreat. The gemstone didn't react, right?"

"Yeah, it doesn't seem to be nearby."

Deciding that staying longer was unnecessary, Ryo and Shiraha cautiously left the area, moving silently. Both were from a mountainous border village, so they easily navigated through the thick undergrowth and exposed tree roots, increasing their speed.

They continued through the forest, maintaining their vigilance, until they came across a path where the undergrowth had been cleared. This was a trail that adventurers had cut to reach deeper into the forest. It was the most frequented path in the forest, but the absolute number of users was low, so they rarely encountered anyone. Still, Ryo and Shiraha took a moment to rest and followed the path back to town.

"First attempts are always nerve-wracking."

"Only knowing the forests around our hometown."

"Exactly, that's it. There are plants I've only seen in books, so I have to be careful of the ground too..."

Even without the Tereops and wild animals, they had to be cautious of stationary plants, which could wear them down even in a short time. If they could memorize the detailed distribution of dangerous plants, it would make movement easier, but that required multiple trips into the forest.

Just as they were about to increase their speed to return to town before losing focus, Ryo noticed a trail of blood at the edge of his vision and stopped. He instinctively drew his sword, but the blood was already dry.

"Shiraha, come here."

"Blood trail? But the amount..."

The blood Ryo found was a few drops on a tree trunk, but when he stepped on the nearby grass, he discovered a pool of blood on the ground. The amount of blood was enough to cause shock and death in a large animal. Ryo's expression darkened as he began to investigate the area. If this was from a wild animal, it would be better. However, they were on a trail frequently used by adventurers, where the scent of humans was strong, and wild animals rarely approached. It was more likely that an adventurer had been attacked and killed by a pursuing animal.

"Let's investigate carefully."

"Okay."

There was no corpse near the blood pool. It had likely been carried away. Frowning at the prospect of an unpleasant sight, Ryo followed the trail of blood, recalling the tracking techniques he had learned from his father, Bald, during hunting trips in their village. He cautiously checked the surroundings, knowing that something had carried away a large animal's body. It could be a large carnivore or a bandit.

Moving quietly and paying attention to the wind direction, Ryo found a human corpse hanging from a tree branch and quickly hid. Shiraha also hid behind a different tree trunk and checked for any enemies.

"There's nothing around."

"Seems so."

Ryo stepped out from the tree's shadow and approached the corpse, asking Shiraha to keep watch. The sight was not pleasant. The corpse was severely damaged, and it was difficult to determine the cause of death with an untrained eye.

"The victim is an adventurer. There are signs of internal organs being eaten."

While sharing the information with Shiraha, Ryo lowered the corpse from the branch. He searched for any identification, finding a dog tag covered in blood. He washed it with drinking water and turned away from the corpse.

"Shiraha, let's go back quickly."

After a quick look around to memorize the location, Ryo and Shiraha returned to town.