Chapter 8: To the Elf Village – 12
For now, we follow the path we took down from the mountain pass to this village. First and foremost, I rely on Freinir’s undead detection ability.
“Hmm, I definitely smell something unpleasant. It’s unmistakably the scent of zombies,” Larni said, furrowing her brow as Freinir stopped and began scanning the surroundings.
“I sense something over there,” she pointed towards the depths of the thicket on our right. Stretching out my Presence Detection skill in that direction, I could indeed feel something lurking.
“Alright, let’s check it out. I’ll take the lead, and Larni will bring up the rear. Freinir, guide us in the direction you sense.”
“Yes, Soushi-sama.”
“Understood!”
“Let’s proceed with caution.”
I raised my shield and stepped into the thicket.
The forest was easy to navigate, with minimal underbrush. I sought guidance from Freinir while marking the tree trunks with signs as we ventured deeper.
“The smell is getting stronger. Soushi, watch your step,” Larni warned.
Her caution likely meant that zombies could emerge from below. I wanted to avoid any surprise scares.
As we pressed on, my Presence Detection suddenly picked up multiple presences. Ahead, the ground heaved, and seven or eight zombie boars emerged, resembling wild boars but with the unmistakable decay of the undead.
“Larni, cover me from any that I might miss.”
I stepped forward, ready to confront the charging zombie boars. I had no intention of engaging in close combat; instead, I planned to unleash a Shockwave as soon as they were within range. Zombies are inherently weak to shock, and with a single blow, they would disintegrate into nothingness—though the stench would spread rapidly.
“Freinir, cast Purification.”
“Yes.”
Leaving the rotting corpses would only invite foul odors and disease. As Freinir activated Purification, the stench vanished in an instant. It served as a disinfectant, alleviating Larni’s grimace.
“Freinir’s Purification is truly a lifesaver. Soushi, you’ve acquired a great skill. The two of us might just become experts at zombie extermination.”
“I’d prefer to avoid that title.”
As we exchanged banter, we reformed our ranks and continued deeper into the forest.
We continued to defeat the undead emerging from the woods. After about thirty minutes of walking, Freinir warned, “I sense a strong presence ahead. It feels like a powerful undead.”
“Got it. Freinir, prepare your Divine Light with Charge. Sfenia, what magic works against the undead?”
“Normally, fire magic would be effective, but it’s too dangerous in the forest. I believe earth magic would be the next best option.”
“Something like a pebble spell, then. Get ready for that. After Freinir’s Divine Light, I’ll need you to follow up.”
“Understood. I’ll switch to my bow after the magic.”
We advanced slowly, fully utilizing our Presence Detection.
Indeed, there was something large ahead. It was neither a Lich nor a Headless Swordier, but something massive and ominous.
As I cautiously approached, the creature came into view. It was a reptilian beast, over twenty meters long, resembling a crocodile. However, its hide was not made of typical crocodile skin; it appeared to be stitched together from various creatures’ hides. It was a synthetic life form created through dark sorcery—a colossal monster.
“Could that be a Flesh Golem…?” Sfenia murmured. The term “Flesh” refers to corpses, meaning a Flesh Golem is a construct made from stitched-together dead bodies. So, this was a crocodile version of that.
“What should we do? I don’t think this is a monster we can handle as a D-Rank Party,” Sfenia cautioned, but I shook my head.
That golem seemed ready to move, and even if we returned to the village, the best we could muster would be a D-Rank party. Oddly enough, if I trusted Sfenia’s assessment, we were the strongest force in this area.
Moreover, I had a strange confidence stemming from my instincts—or rather, the workings of my Bad Luck skill—that we could defeat it.
“No, let’s take it down here. If that thing crosses the village walls, it would spell disaster. Besides, I believe we can handle it.”
“I feel the same way. With Freinir’s Divine Light, we have a chance.”
“And what exactly is this Divine Light?” Larni asked, curious.
“It’s a spell that weakens monsters. It worked even on B-Rank foes, so I think it will suffice.”
“A spell like that…? Understood. Regardless, there’s no stronger party in the village, so we have no choice but to face it.”
With our plan solidified, we approached once more.
Ideally, I wanted to launch a surprise attack, but it seemed the creature had noticed us. Its hollow, emotionless eyes turned our way, and it opened its massive jaws, letting out a low growl, “Goffuu!”
“It’s coming! Freinir, do it! After your Divine Light, be ready to follow up with Double Holy Light.”
“Understood. Here comes Divine Light!”
A flash enveloped the golem for an instant. It let out a pained groan, indicating the spell had taken effect.
“Sfenia, cast your magic!”
“Yes, Stone Lance!”
Sfenia raised her short staff, and about ten stone spears materialized, launching toward the golem. Each spear struck true, embedding themselves into the golem’s side.
The golem staggered, clearly suffering significant damage.
“Larni, let’s go!”
“Okay!”
Larni and I dashed forward side by side as the golem turned its attention toward us.
“After you!”
Larni activated Swift Run, maneuvering around to the golem’s side, where she slashed at its thick front leg with her longsword. While she didn’t sever it in one blow, she made a deep cut, causing black ichor to spurt from the wound.
As I closed the distance, the golem turned its massive mouth toward me, preparing to bite down.
I deflected its jaws with my shield and struck its side with my mace. The powerful blow, enhanced by my muscle skills, shattered a third of the golem’s head in a single hit.
“Taking out its back leg!”
Larni shouted as the golem’s massive body tilted dangerously. She must have severed its hind leg.
Arrows rained down on the golem’s torso, followed by two beams of light piercing through.
“Gaaah!”
The severely injured golem roared in agony, thrashing about. I aimed for its head again, unleashing a second strike. With a mighty overhead swing, the majority of its head exploded, and its massive body twitched before collapsing, lifeless.
“We did it! We took down a big one!”
“Soushi-sama, impressive as always!”
“That was a magnificent finishing blow.”
The three of us gathered around, and I replied, “This was the result of our combined efforts,” which was indeed true.
As I looked back at the toppled golem, Sfenia furrowed her beautiful brows.
“However, I’ve never heard of such a massive golem appearing in the vicinity. As you said, Soushi, there seems to be something more to this.”
“Indeed. For now, let’s collect the Magic Stone and return to the village. We should have the guild inspect the monster’s remains.”
“Ugh, do we really have to dissect this? Can’t we just put it in the Item Box as it is?”
Just as Larni voiced her unreasonable request, a loud boom echoed from afar, “Dooon!”
It clearly came from the direction of the village. As we all turned to look, Freinir glanced at me and said, “I sense two large presences. I believe they are similar to this golem.”
This might be the greatest emergency since I became an adventurer.