Chapter 286: Crazy Ape
The Crazy Ape is a monstrous creature resembling an orangutan, characterized by its black fur, bloodshot red eyes, and fearsome fangs. These beasts possess an insatiable appetite, consuming anything that isn’t stone or earth. They feast on monsters, animals, plants, and even humans. As long as food is plentiful, they refrain from attacking people, but once their supplies dwindle, they become frenzied, sometimes descending upon human settlements in droves, intent on devouring everything in sight.
“We’ve known about the Crazy Ape’s nest in this area for some time, but the Rosemary Marquis House has not taken any particular action against it. The Subnock Plain is teeming with monsters and abundant food. While adventurers entering the plain may suffer losses, as long as they keep their distance, there has been no danger, which is why it has been left alone until now,” Primula explained on behalf of the group.
In the northern part of the Subnock Plain, close to the Rosemary Marquisate, lay the nest of the Crazy Apes. However, they had remained untouched, as if they were a god best left alone. In fact, the nearby residents had even found their presence somewhat beneficial, as the Crazy Apes would thin out other monsters. Yet, it was uncertain how long this symbiotic relationship would last. As the plain became more developed, the physical distance would shrink, and with a decrease in monster numbers, the Crazy Apes would likely view humans as alternative prey.
“If development continues and monster numbers decline, they will surely start attacking humans… We must take action before it’s too late,” Primula stated, her expression clouded with concern.
“Eventually, the Crazy Apes would have to be eradicated… It’s better to act before any damage occurs,” Rest agreed with her somber words. While he felt pity for the creatures, he had no intention of halting the hunt. The Crazy Apes were, after all, man-eating monsters. They had refrained from attacking humans only because other food sources were available; they remained a threat nonetheless.
“Then it’s settled! We’ll launch an assault! I’ll help too!” Yuri declared, her fists clenched with determination.
“That said… they are numerous, so we’ll need a strategy,” Viola added, thoughtfully placing a finger on her lips. Both of them seemed to be in favor of exterminating the Crazy Apes.
“Yes, ideally, we want to eliminate them all without letting any escape,” Rest said. He had researched the dangers posed by the Crazy Apes. If they migrated to another area, they would likely attack people and livestock there. He wanted to deal with them here to prevent future troubles for others.
“Then we need to surround them. Let’s encircle their nest and set it ablaze,” Viola suggested, raising her index finger to propose a ruthless plan.
“Since we have multiple magicians here, if we unleash fire from all sides, the chances of them escaping should be minimal,” she continued.
“That makes sense…” Rest pondered over Viola’s proposal. A surprise attack followed by a fire assault was a reasonable strategy, but there were concerns to consider.
“…There’s a possibility that the cornered Crazy Apes might charge through the flames. If they scatter and manage to escape, we could miss some,” he cautioned. Both humans and wild animals can act unpredictably when cornered. If the Crazy Apes found themselves with no other options, they might leap into the fire in desperation. While he didn’t oppose the idea of a fire attack, he felt they needed an additional element—a bit more spice.
“Then that means… ‘Surrounding the Enemy is Essential,’ yes,” he concluded.
“‘Ishi Hikketsu’? What does that mean?” Yuri repeated Rest’s mumbled words, her ears sharp.
It was a piece of knowledge he had read in a book at the library in his previous life. He decided to employ that military strategy here. Rest shared the plan he had devised with his companions and the magicians of the Rosemary Marquis House.