Chapter 39

"Wind, protect us."

Sequoia's voice, which was usually calm, now carried an unusual solemnity. Her words seemed to be a spell invoking the spirits, yet there was no visible change.

"That's the same magic you used before. It will protect us from a single shock."

"Thank you."

While thanking Sequoia, my attention was fixed on something else—the sweet scent in the air. This scent was coming from the vine monster that had appeared among the pineapple plants. Yes, the Kira Plant, which had coiled around a tree and extended vines from its top, was the source. The thunder beast had been feeding on it, and the sweet scent was likely coming from the red, strawberry-like fruit.

The Kira Plant ensnared those who approached with its vines... Ah, what a sweet scent...

"Wait. What will you do if you're lured?"

Just as I was about to rise, swayed by the scent, Sequoia grabbed me from behind.

"But, that scent—"

"Indeed."

Sequoia kissed the back of my hand.

"You were drooling."

"It seems you're finally back to normal."

"Was I out of it?"

"Yes, you were under the influence of the Kira Plant's scent, like a sleepwalker."

"Oh, I see. So, I came back to my senses because of the drool?"

"Don't call it drool! It was a maiden's kiss."

"Ah, right. Sure, sure."

While teasing Sequoia with my words, I silently thanked her in my heart. Still, that sweet scent...

I had identified the Kira Plant. It was a Tree-Ping Vine (vine type) that used a sweet scent to lure and capture prey. I had identified it, but I hadn't examined it in detail. I needed to recall what else was written that might be useful now...

"Sweet... huh?"

"Save the sweetness for the night. Let's spend a thrilling night together."

"Night is fine on my own. I want to sleep. Let me sleep soundly. But, enough of the jokes."

"Do you have something on your mind?"

"It's sweet, you know. I should have identified it properly. I wonder if those red fruits are sweet?"

"Since the bait is ready, I thought we'd wait for the thunder beast, but should we cut it down?"

"Hmm. Let's wait for an hour. If the thunder beast doesn't come, can I ask for your help?"

For now, we'll wait. If the thunder beast comes, that's lucky. If not, we'll investigate the Kira Plant's properties and what kind of "taste" the thunder beast prefers. We might even prepare the thunder beast's favorite bait and lure it.

"If we need to defeat it, I'll do it, Sir Joshua."

Balthro, who had been listening to our conversation, thrust out his thumb and grinned, showing his white teeth.

"I'll count on you then. For now, wait a bit."

"Aye. Just say the word."

Balthro crouched with one knee raised, ready to move at any moment. It looked tiring to stay in that position, but it wasn't my place to worry. He would change his stance if his legs got numb.

◇◇◇

—Thirty minutes later.

It's here!

The thunder beast is here. Even without an explanation, one look was enough to recognize it. Its build was somewhere between a tiger and a leopard, sturdy yet supple. It was about 5 meters long, with a white and black tiger-striped fur, but the white fluffy parts looked blue due to the pale purple lightning covering its body. Its face resembled a tiger, but it had two twisted horns on its head, clearly distinguishing it from a tiger.

"It doesn't seem interested in us."

"Yes, its target is only the Kira Plant."

As Sequoia had said, the thunder beast ignored us and headed straight for the Kira Plant. It walked with a slow, regal gait, befitting the king of the forest. It looked incredibly powerful, and even I, a novice, felt the pressure, breaking into a sweat.

Galgah looked tense, but Sequoia and Balthro remained cool. Balthro was whistling to hide his eagerness to jump in...

Is a gardener also responsible for pest control? But no, that's not the goal. We need to rely on the wild child who can talk to animals.

"Sequoia, it's all up to you. Please."

I patted Sequoia's head and gently stroked her fluffy fox ears. It seemed to have the desired effect, as her lips curved into a smile, and she even drooled a little, making a "good, good" gesture.

"Alright, go. Wild child who can talk to animals."

"Even fairies have a better name. But, it's fine."

Sequoia stood up, rotated her neck, and closed her large, round eyes. There was no dramatic effect, like her hair floating, and her appearance remained unchanged.

"Yes, I see. Joshua, it seems the thunder beast will listen to requests, but only after eating."

"Oh, I see. It looks scary but seems to be a good... beast. I want to thank it. So, can you ask it to leave one red fruit?"

"... It seems fine to leave the fruit. What is your request?"

"I want it to attack the lightning rod with a full-force electric attack."

"... You're a strange one... But, it's fine, it says."

"Great!"

One of our goals was easily achieved. The other goal will be tough unless we get closer to the thunder beast. I'll have to prepare some tasty bait to attract it.

For now, let's wait for the thunder beast to finish eating.

"Balthro, Galgah, please prepare the lightning rod."

"Sir Joshua, should we just stick an iron rod into the ground?"

"Yes, a place without tall trees around is good. How about over there?"

I pointed to where I had cut down the Stuka tree. That area had no tall trees nearby.

The thunder beast's eating is quite impressive. It stops the Kira Plant's movement with lightning and then feeds on it. At this rate, it will finish the Kira Plant in no time.

"It's about time."

"Alright, Galgah, set up the lightning rod."

"Understood."

Galgah, carrying the lightning rod, planted it in the spot I had indicated. Once done, he quickly returned to us.

"Sequoia, the preparation is complete. Should we move a bit further away?"

"... I've told it. This position should be fine. We have the wind's protection and the robe you prepared."

"Got it. Please ask it to proceed."

"Understood."

In response to Sequoia's request, the thunder beast turned towards the lightning rod. It's time.