Garden of Beasts
“Wait up!!!”
“You’re too fast!”
No one said I couldn’t run away. And no one told me not to carry Kurinka on my back. Shaking off something like that would be easy. But the way it jumped through the forest, kicking off trees, showed that it was a rather agile monster. If I recklessly charged in, I might even end up getting taken down by that creature. As expected of the Garden of Beasts, it’s not just the big monsters that are a threat.
“I’m not impressed, Pansard.”
I’m angry. So angry that I could punch a tree into splinters. If you want to fight me, come at me head-on instead of dragging innocent people into this. And on top of that, pulling these cowardly tricks one after another.
“Discovery! Discovery! The First and Second Battalions, proceed to southern point 155542.2665499 immediately!”
It’s not just that Blast Chimera chasing us from above. A small, pitch-black bird is squawking with a twisted beak, making an unbearable racket. And from all directions, the ground shakes with the approach of many monsters. The forest has opened up a bit, making it the perfect place for large monsters to wreak havoc.
“That Blast Chimera is such a weird shape…”
“Yeah, it looks like a lion mixed with a bird and a snake…”
It’s as if various creatures were haphazardly thrown together. Despite its lion-like body, it has dragon-like wings sprouting from its back, and its tail is completely serpentine. Normally, I wouldn’t be so fascinated by a single monster, but for some reason, this one caught my attention. What is it about that abnormality?
Four Great King Elephants have appeared! HP 4050
Twelve Burst Boas have appeared! HP 1870
Twenty-three Winged Cheetahs have appeared! HP 1020
“Ugh! This is such a hassle!”
It feels like the monsters have completely surrounded us, both in front and behind. But they’re slow; they really think they can catch me with those?
“Kurinka, hold on tight!”
“Okay!”
Rua and her companions have escaped!
I leaped onto the back of a charging Great King Elephant and made a huge jump to cut through the chaos. I remember seeing these when the Garden of Beasts attacked before. With so many of them, the Kingdom of Mizkal wouldn’t stand a chance. I’ve heard that Mizkal was originally a prosperous trade center and didn’t focus much on military strength, but the “Gunpowder Corps” was an exception. They’re a specialist group that uses combat tools instead of swords or magic. Kurinka told me that this unit, made up of former adventurers, was more than enough to protect the militarily weak Kingdom of Mizkal. I can’t even imagine that kind of fighting style; I wish I could have seen it before it fell.
That just makes me hate Pansard even more. Did he really think he could beat me in a fair fight? What a joke, claiming to be the strongest of the Twelve Demon Generals.
“Pansard is actually weak. If he were truly strong, he wouldn’t resort to such cowardly tactics.”
“Heh, that’s why you’re just a simple-minded girl…”
Shin, who is clinging to Kurinka’s back, must look quite the sight from the outside. We’re piled on top of each other too much.
“Pansard reigns supreme, yet he’ll use any means necessary to hunt. This time, he was fully prepared, anticipating your arrival. Knowing Pansard, he’s probably got something else up his sleeve. Kukukuku.”
“It says here that the traitor Shin will be treated with plenty of affection, Shin-chan.”
“Yikes!!!”
This lack of coordination. Kurinka is getting better at silencing the overconfident Shin. Still, I see, he’s thorough in his approach. Even so, I’ll say it again: if you’re going to do this, come at me head-on.
“There weren’t any like this in the Abyss Cave; that’s because there were terrifying monsters that didn’t need to resort to such tactics.”
“But now your friends are being used by Pansard. If you underestimate him, you’ll only end up suffering more, you know? Fuhuhuh.”
“I guess Shin will suffer too.”
“Eek!!!”
I see, I’m starting to get the hang of it.
“Is this the right way to Mizkal Castle?”
“According to the map I brought, the direction should be correct. Normally, it would take half a month to walk, but with Lua-chan’s speed, we should arrive quickly.”
“Second Battalion has arrived! Second Battalion has arrived!”
That black bird is making a fuss again. What has arrived? There’s nothing there.
“Nothing has arrived, let’s go…”
Three Thousand Blood Great Lizards have appeared! HP 630
Two Thousand Four Hundred and Five Venomous Great Frogs have appeared! HP 440
Eight Hundred Thirty Conf Python have appeared! HP 800
There are so many of them hiding in the grass. I was expecting large monsters like the elephants from before, so this caught me off guard. The Garden of Beasts isn’t just about beasts, it seems.
“My poison, you see, when injected like this… it makes your whole body convulse, nausea hits you, and you get a headache… your organs are destroyed in no time, and you even start seeing hallucinations… you get it? Dying from poison is the most painful way to die in this world.”
With a total of twenty legs and a hairy body, a spider with a plump rear marked with white, yellow, and green stripes seems to be the one talking. It’s already spun a web between the trees, trapping us. It’s clear that this spider, which is going to prey on us in this web prison, is the boss.
“So you’re Lua-chan? The likes of you, a mere child, is what Lord Vito… Noooooo! Aaaaaahhhhhh!”
“What the hell is this guy…”
“What?! After killing someone who deserves respect so miserably, you dare to say that?! Just like you slaughter livestock without a shred of compassion, I’ll kill you without hesitation! I’ll make you experience the suffering that the Insect Master Vito endured, multiplied by one hundred thousand!!!”
The Silent Predator Tarantz has appeared! HP 3340
“And the First Battalion has arrived too!”
One Thousand Four Hundred Fifty Winged Cheetahs have appeared! HP 1020
Two Thousand Forty-Three Kaiser Eagles have appeared! HP 3210
Six Thousand Four Hundred Eleven Flying Red Bears have appeared! HP 3700
Ten Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-Four Magic Flying Squirrels have appeared! HP 490
We’re trapped on the ground by spider silk, and the sky is filled with countless beasts. There are strange birds and winged leopards, a chaotic mix indeed. Vito was definitely one of the Twelve Demon Generals I defeated. Even if it’s revenge, it’s only natural to take down someone who barged in, killed people, and rampaged. In fact, it’s Pansard, who’s about to drag innocent Nanoka and Konoka into this mess and kill them, who could be considered my true enemy. What do you call this? Right, it’s a case of mistaken identity.
“Tarantz, you fool! When we talk about the Second Battalion, it’s this Scorpy! I won’t allow any sneak attacks!”
The Jungle Assassin Scorpy has appeared! HP 2830
“This is the Second Battalion, Anton. Target visually confirmed. Anton’s squad will disengage from the second combat formation. We will engage immediately.”
The Fierce Army Commander Anton has appeared! HP 4880
Four Thousand Five Hundred Twenty-Two Killer Ants have appeared! HP 240
“The First Battalion, Masarai, has arrived. So this is Lua.”
The Piercing Blood Horn Masarai has appeared! HP 6700
“The First Battalion Dudu is coming through! Which brat is it that took out the Third Battalion? I’ll kick you to death with my beautiful legs! Kicking, kicking, kicking! I’ll kick you to death! Back off!!!”
The Beautiful Swift Legs Dudu has appeared! HP 2640
So many have shown up. Right away, a strange bird without wings is running towards us, making incomprehensible noises, and it’s frustrating that I can’t attack. Honestly, with this many, even I am starting to feel overwhelmed. There’s no ground to stand on or place to escape. I’m starting to worry if we can even fight in such close quarters.
“W-what do we do?! We’re completely surrounded, and that thread can’t be broken with brute force! It’s a devil’s thread that stretches and clings tighter the more you struggle!”
“Shin should be on our side, but… what should we do?”
The Beautiful Swift Legs Dudu charges forward! Lua and Kurinka deftly evade!
“Get out of the way, Dudu. There’s no way your ridiculous kick will hit. It’s been dodged easily this whole time.”
“Shut up, Masarai! Slowpokes should stay out of it!”
The birds are becoming quite a nuisance. It wouldn’t hurt if they hit me, but if they were to strike Shin, it could be dangerous. One blow could obliterate him without a trace, so I have to be cautious.
“Dudu, you’re holding back, aren’t you? The opponent is just a child; it would be cruel to scare her.”
“Scorpy, provide support! First, we’ll stop its movements!”
“Yeah, yeah, just make sure you do your job, hardworking ant!”
【Jungle Assassin Scorpy’s Poison Tail!】
【The Fierce Army Leader Anton commanded the Killer Ants! A swarm of Killer Ants surrounded Rua and her companions!】
“Kyah! Hello there!”
A scorpion’s tail shot up from the ground. Alongside it, a swarm of ants, each about the size of a human child, scurried forward with busy little legs. Now, what should I do? I’m getting fed up with this. Why is it that they don’t understand the difference in our strengths? I get that they think they can win just by having numbers, but that’s foolish. Even if there were ten thousand Cave Rabbits, they wouldn’t stand a chance against a Dragon. This situation is no different; to me, these creatures are just like Cave Rabbits.
“Kurinka, can I kill these guys now?”
“W-What are you saying? If you do that…”
“I’ll obliterate everything around us and won’t even let that chimera up there let out a dying scream.”
The surrounding monsters froze. The ants, the birds, the scorpions—all were enveloped in silence, replacing the forest’s previous growls with an eerie stillness.
“Shall we crush this tail first?”
“Hi… Hii!?”
I gently touched the scorpion’s tail and began to stroke it. I was half-seriously considering squeezing it to pieces.
“Let’s kill them all.”
Coincidentally, just as I said that, a gust of wind rustled through the forest. The swarm of monsters and the birds scattered as if a great earthquake were about to strike, fleeing in all directions.
【Wing Cheetah x1450 fled!】
【Kaiser Eagle x2043 fled!】
【Flying Red Bear x6411 fled!】
【Magic Flying Squirrel x10334 fled!】
【Blood Great Lizard x3002 fled!】
【Venomous Great Frog x2405 fled!】
【Confa Python x830 fled!】
“Well, I was going to kill them.”
I murmured this in the now-silent forest, where even the sounds of insects and birds had vanished. There were still a few monsters left that seemed to be bosses, but I couldn’t tell if they had any fighting spirit left. The birds that had been flitting about so energetically were now lifting their long necks, ready to flee at any moment.
“Y-You mean… kill? If you do that, the hostages…”
“Hostages? You mean Nanoka and Konoka?”
“T-They’re important kids, right?! That’s true! If we resist here…”
“If I kill those two, I’ll kill every monster on this continent. I won’t forgive you, whether you run or apologize. Even if you escape to the outside of the continent, I’ll chase you down.”
“Gyaaaaaahhh!”
“D-Dudu! Where are you going…?”
That was the moment everything fell apart. Even the rhino-like monster that had seemed calm was now shaking its thick neck and raising its hands. The birds screeched and fled deep into the forest, while the ants complained endlessly about how their operations were being disrupted.
“Th-The mission… is being disrupted…”
“…It’s fine, right?”
I deliberately didn’t rush through, taking my time. I strolled past the large, imposing monsters as if we were enjoying a leisurely walk, stroking the rough skin of the rhino while holding hands with my companions, heading deeper into the forest.
◆ Mizkal Castle, King’s Chamber ◆
“There’s Pansard.”
He was lounging on his throne, leaning on his elbows, showing no reaction at all to our arrival. He even yawned. With a cap pulled low and filthy leather pants clinging to his skin, he looked like just another gruff middle-aged man. Normally, someone like this would have guards or something, right? Sleeping alone on the throne—how much confidence does he have?
“…You finally made it.”
“Huh?”
“Don’t worry; I’m not expecting much from you.”
“…So you’re saying you’re underestimating Hero Aleid, huh? Ha ha.”
“Hero?”
“Look at this guy.”
The Hero and the Hero’s Sword should be the arch-nemeses of the Demon Lord Army. After all, they’re the embodiment of the fear that destroyed us. There’s no way I could remain calm when faced with that. I stood up from the throne, squinting at him. Why isn’t he scared?
“…Ah, the Hero. I heard you were dead, but it seems you’re alive.”
“No, you should be scared.”
“Why?”
“The Demon Lord Army was destroyed by the Hero party, right? So, there’s no way I could remain calm inside.”
“Pfft, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!”
“What’s so funny?!”
I’m not even trying to be funny here, and he’s laughing like a maniac.
“You’ve hardly any real combat experience, have you? That’s why such absurd lines come out of your mouth. Sure, the Hero’s appearance was unexpected, but I don’t feel any fear. After all, I don’t think I can lose to you.”
“What did you say?!”
“With your current strength, you couldn’t even defeat the Demon Lord, let alone me.”
“I’m the one who survived on this Ballad Continent that you destroyed! I’m the one who carries the blood of the Hero! I’ll make you regret not killing me when I was on the brink of death! Here I come, Roin and Kude!”
“Nice, you’ve got spirit. Well, since it seems entertaining, I’ll let you go this far.”
【Pansard has appeared! HP 43500】
He didn’t even take a stance. He looked ready to take me on like a father embracing his child. Fine, I won’t let this old man interfere with my harem plans. I’ll make sure to add him to my tales of valor.
◆ Shin Report ◆
I realized I was seeing Mizkal Castle.
Was Shin sleeping?
No, I can’t remember.
Ah, I remember something from the last moment.
An incredible demon was about to destroy the continent,
Eradicating all living beings.
It’s futile to run; even if it’s to the ends of the earth, it will chase you down.
That’s what the demon said.
It was a vivid dream.
This isn’t a dream diary.
I need to report this seriously.
Wait, why did Shin… oh no, oh no!
Why, why?
Monster Compendium
【Blood Great Lizard HP 630】
A lizard with a black and red mottled pattern. It’s about the size of an adult’s waist, but once bitten, the bleeding won’t stop, leading to death.
【Venomous Great Frog HP 440】
A large yellow-green frog.
It possesses poison all over its body, causing skin to rot upon contact.
The toxicity isn’t very strong, but its body slam using its powerful legs is dangerous.
【Confa Python HP 800】
A snake with special venom in its fangs.
Being bitten causes hallucinations, leading to a panic state.
It’s not large enough to strangle a person, but it can be hard to catch as it swiftly slithers through the forest.
【Flying Red Bear HP 3700】
A bear with wings.
It can’t stay airborne for long, but it excels at gliding from trees to hunt prey.
【Magic Flying Squirrel HP 490】
A cute-looking flying squirrel that casts spells to incapacitate its targets.
They often act in groups, making it very dangerous if surrounded.
【Killer Ant HP 240】
A giant ant that inhabits the forest.
It’s not too frightening alone, but it becomes dangerous in swarms.
【Silent Predator Tarantz HP 3340】
Originally a subordinate of the Insect Master Vito.
After Vito was defeated and the monsters lost their home, Pansard took them in as his subordinates.
Though it appears gentle with its sweet tone, if you’re deceived, it will steadily surround you with its threads. The more you struggle, the tighter they bind, squeezing your entire body. Once that happens, even seasoned adventurers have little chance of survival.
【Jungle Assassin HP 2830】
A giant female scorpion. Though it speaks in a sweet tone, it’s far from gentle.
The reason it’s called the Jungle Assassin is due to its tail.
It can bury it in the ground and assassinate prey from a long distance.
Its poison is potent enough to kill an adult male in about three seconds.
【Fierce Army Leader HP 4880】
The boss of the Killer Ants. It speaks as if receiving orders from someone, but that’s not the case.
It’s said to be a mutated form of the Killer Ant, but that’s uncertain.
Like the dense mother, it commands the Killer Ants to hunt prey.
【Piercing Blood Horn Masarai HP 6700】
A bipedal rhino. Its horn tip is always stained red.
In terms of power, it’s on par with Glade of the Third Division, making it one of the strongest in the Second Division.
She possesses a calm and composed demeanor, capable of analyzing the battlefield and cunningly seeking out weakened foes to eliminate.
Beautiful Swift Legs Dudu
HP: 2640
A wingless bird with a long neck and long legs.
Renowned for its unmatched speed in the Garden of Beasts, it stands as a key member representing the Second Battalion.
Though it lacks wings, its exceptional legs allow it to sprint across the ground with incredible agility.
With the ability to traverse the continent from one end to the other in just a day, once it starts running, even seasoned Adventurers find it difficult to stop.