A short distance from the city center along the river. After entering the forest from the road, we found ourselves in an open area.
On a rocky hillside, a large, 10-meter-high cave was opening its dark mouth. As if to block it, a huge green-skinned humanoid monster was sitting on its haunches.
It is a large demon, over 7 meters in height.
Its bulky figure and dull eyes were somewhat charming, while sharp fangs extended upward from its lower jaw. Its smooth skin looked soft, but it was as hard as iron. The bark of a tree was peeled and joined together, and wrapped around his waist.
It’s a king troll.
He bears the name of a king, but his solitary, dazed appearance gives him a melancholy air.
His status is almost all A’s. He has magic defense skills, making him quite a troublesome opponent.
We hid ourselves in a tree and looked around.
“Not even the slightest motion. Maybe they are sleeping?” Iori-san said. For some reason, she was sticking to me. She’s so close.
“He is awake. It seems he basically never sleeps.”
I replied, reading into the king troll’s biological structure.
They are omnivorous, spending all day long in a state of idleness, and when their hunger becomes unbearable, they go into the forest to attack and eat plants, trees, nuts, and animals. They rarely attack humans or subhumans. In his mind, they are equivalent to Getemono.
(T/N: 下手物 / Getemono means low-quality products or strange thing)
As his huge size suggests, he eats a considerable amount of food each time. However, it seems that he eats only once every few days.
Those who seek “Black Cave Flower” would enter the cave while the king trolls were out for a meal.
“But he ate just yesterday, so it doesn’t look like he’ll be moving for a while.”
Bad timing, you might say. The “Black Cave Flower” blooms once every few months. We are rather lucky that the timing was perfect.
“Then we should sneak into the cave by the side so as not to be noticed.”
“Impossible. He’s a little fuzzy, but he doesn’t seem to miss anything moving in his field of vision.”
Then what should we do ?
I suppose it would be better if I distract all the monsters and then Iori-san can enter the cave while they are distracted.
King trolls are the guardians of the elven lands. We can’t defeat it.
“Whoa Whoa Whoa!”
The birdcage held by Sylphy began to go berserk. A black cloth was draped over the cage, wrapping it completely. I flipped the cloth open and called out to the inside of the cage.
“What is it ?”
“Grrr… How long are you going to keep me locked up in this dark place !”
Chiple the Fairy was furious.
“I mean, of course you’re going to interfere by doing something like “Spark” or anything like that, right ?”
“That’s right, I will. I’ll get in your way !”
Chiple, who was going berserk, was put to the side for a moment, while I turned my head to the side as someone grabbed me by the shoulders.
“Mel-dono, I’d like to confirm one thing.”
Iori-san comes closer to my face. I told you, she’s close to me.
“I’ve been wondering, why are you talking to an empty birdcage? No, that’s not the crux of the matter.”
Then Iori-san moved in so close that our noses were almost touching each other, and, “Why is there a voice coming from an empty birdcage ! ?”
“Why the teary eyes ?”
“I am not scared. I am not afraid. Even if it is a demon, I will slay it with my beloved sword. But not against those against whom physical attacks are ineffective. There must be ghosts inside it ! ?”
“You are speaking too loudly. Please be quiet.”
I covered Iori-san’s mouth with my hand and moved my face away from hers. I’m having a hard time with this person’s sense of distance.
“There is a fairy inside. They are mischievous. If you look hard enough, you can see her.”
Iori-san, squinting and staring, “Whoa ! ? There’s something tiny in there.”
Well. Let’s stop fooling around.
I told Iori-san about my plan. I’m going to be the bait, and Iori-san will take advantage of the opportunity to get the “Black Cave Flower”.
“It’s pitch black inside, is that fine ?”
“No problem. If I am mindful, I can know the enemy’s movements with my inner eye.”
They’re not moving because of the flowers and plants….. But is he really okay ?
“Mel-dono, are you sure you can handle this on your own ?”
“I have a little plan for you.”
I made small talk and called out to Sylphy.
“Sylphy, stay here and hide.”
There are no beasts or anything around. They must be afraid of king trolls.
“Be careful, Mel-kun. Don’t hurt yourself.”
“Ah. Alright. Well then, Iori-san, let’s go.”
I pulled the “Sword of the Hero” from my waist and leaped in front of the king troll.
He glanced at me, but made no move.
So I slipped past the king troll and tried to sneak into the cave.
“Guaaaahhh !”
The monster roared, and then slammed its fist down in front of me as it sat down. It was not aimed directly at me, but as a warning.
I took a big leap back and tried to pass by the monster again.
This time, a huge fist rained down on me from directly above.
Again I jumped back.
After a few more times, the king troll seemed to get angry.