Chapter 192: A Brief Interlude (In a Certain Forest Country)
“Take aim… not yet, not yet… now!!”
“Pierce!!”
The taut bowstring was released, sending forth a surge of magic power that transformed into explosive acceleration, propelling the metal-tipped arrow with great force.
The arrow soared through the air for approximately fifty meters before striking true at the center of its target.
“Direct hit. Impressive marksmanship, Piribiaaga.”
With the captain’s words, the target—a massive Soul Butterfly—wobbled precariously.
It seemed the shot had either struck perfectly or poorly. The Soul Butterfly, pierced through its vital organs, ceased its life functions and began to fall gracefully, as if dancing in the wind.
“…Phew. I never expected to take it down in one shot…”
“Just as expected. Piribiaaga, keep up this pace for the next one.”
“Please, give me a break. A lucky shot like that doesn’t come around often.”
Normally, it would take at least five arrows to bring down a Soul Butterfly of that size. If one could accurately hit the nerve clusters or heart, it might be possible to defeat it quickly. However, the creature’s massive size and individual variations meant that simply hitting the same spot wouldn’t guarantee success.
If only our arrows were as large as spears, things might be different.
“Fortunately, we have priority access to arrows. The problem is, you’re the only one capable of piercing that creature.”
The gigantic Soul Butterfly, while low in attack power and mobility, boasted formidable defensive capabilities. A mere ordinary arrow would be deflected with ease.
If we could drag it down to the ground, we might be able to inflict damage with a stabbing dagger or a warrior’s brute strength.
However, that monster typically flew higher than the trees of the forest. Our only option was to use arrows.
“We’re currently training others to wield Pierce, but until then, you’re our only hope.”
“That’s overworking me. I demand a temporary bonus.”
“I’ve spoken to the higher-ups about it… Well, look, I’ll give you the Magic Stone as a reward, so please do your best.”
Such scenes were unfolding throughout the Forest Country (Lebresta).
From the northern territories, the Soul Butterflies were advancing. To defend the land, the guard team, along with military and civilian volunteers wielding Pierce, formed a defensive line.
So far, there had been no breaches in the defense. The monster’s invasion was barely being held at bay.
However, it was uncertain how long this would last. The situation was always on a knife’s edge.
To make matters worse, the Soul Butterflies invaded both day and night. As a result, the fatigue of those fighting was gradually accumulating.
◇◇◇◇
“Uraaaah!!”
With all his might, he struck at the enemy before him. In his hands was a longsword.
He swung it down from an overhead position, aiming for the unguarded body of his foe.
Among the guard team of the Forest Country (Lebresta), he was one of the few with valuable close-combat skills, working diligently within the Demon Forest.
His target was the larvae of the Soul Butterfly. The goal was to find and reduce their numbers before they matured into adults.
The side of the massive caterpillar was slashed open, causing it to writhe in surprise. Its bodily fluids sprayed onto the man who had attacked it.
“Ughhh…”
He hastily jumped back, but unfortunately, he couldn’t avoid the onslaught.
“Ah, damn it. Finding a water source isn’t as easy as it sounds…”
The caterpillar, its skin torn, began to spill its organs from the wound due to internal pressure, worsening the situation as it thrashed about.
Its defensive capabilities were not impressive, and its aggression was low. It was merely a monster that devoured whatever was in front of it. However, this made it difficult to pinpoint its location, forcing them to search painstakingly through the area it had ravaged.
Moreover, the spots that were easily identifiable as having been devoured had often already undergone metamorphosis, making it hard to find them during their growth stages.
“Man, every time it’s a real mess.”
“…Mind taking over for a bit?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I wouldn’t even be able to lift that sword. Shooting arrows wouldn’t do anything either.”
This enormous caterpillar, due to its size, wouldn’t die from a mere arrow shot. It could be taken down with a direct hit to its nerve clusters, but thick flesh obscured those vital points, making them hard to locate. The head was a weak point, but its skin was tough enough that a regular arrow wouldn’t penetrate.
“Ugh, this is disgusting. I hope we find a water source before moving on…”
“That area has a slight elevation; there might be a spring. We should check from a higher vantage point soon.”
“Yeah, please do. For now, this place is fine. Let’s mark it with the usual Magic Essence Hotspot sign and move on…”
It seemed this monster had a habit of laying its eggs in Hot Spots. Therefore, the places they had defeated it would become decent harvesting locations.
“However, it’s quite tough to come all the way out here for harvesting…”
They were currently operating about three days’ journey from the borders of Lebresta. Typically, no one would venture this deep for gathering. The danger was one reason, but there was also a limit to how much one could carry, and herbs had freshness issues.
Moreover, after traveling for three days, the vegetation would hardly change. In other words, even if they went deeper, the harvest would be the same.
If that were the case, it would be better to conduct gathering activities closer to home. Even at shallow depths, the Demon Forest offered enough richness to meet Lebresta’s needs.
“Well, perhaps there might be some future use for it. Alright, this will do. Let’s go!”
◇◇◇◇
“Have we managed to keep the Soul Butterflies at bay?”
“Yes. According to reports, the number of exterminated monsters is around forty to fifty per day, and it has remained steady for the past month. We expect to secure additional exterminators in about a month.”
“It’s tough on the people in the field, but it can’t be helped.”
The massive Soul Butterflies descending from the Demon Forest were not particularly ferocious, but due to their breeding habits in Hot Spots and their larvae’s destructive feeding, there was a risk that the land of Lebresta could be laid bare if left unchecked.
Hot Spots were of utmost strategic importance to Lebresta. The magical materials derived from them were directly tied to the nation’s prosperity.
“The number of Hot Spots is finite. We also don’t know how the surplus monsters will behave…”
Monsters instinctively seek out those with magic power. Both larvae and adults have a habit of consuming other monsters for that reason. However, due to their low combat abilities, they often fall victim in return.
“While it’s reassuring to have more personnel available in the field, we’re starting to face issues with equipment stock.”
“Yes. Here are the projected figures. At this rate, we won’t last more than two months. We’ve requested increased production, but it will take at least three months before we see a significant supply increase.”
“I see… It seems we have no choice but to rely on existing workshops. Is there any countermeasure?”
Lebresta had a history of peace lasting for hundreds of years. As a result, there was a problem of dependency on specific workshops for equipment production.
Of course, they had supposedly secured enough stock for emergencies—but that was proving to be a miscalculation.
“At the moment, there’s nothing specific. If it continues like this, we may have to resort to requisitioning from civilians. It’s a tough decision.”
“We can’t afford to be picky. Even if we do requisition, it won’t happen overnight. I’ll have notices sent out immediately.”
The ones using equipment to operate in the Demon Forest, aside from the guard team and standing soldiers, were the gatherers. However, they typically worked independently and didn’t have large stocks of equipment.
Moreover, requisitioning their gear would mean stripping them of their tools for trade.
“Regarding that matter, the diplomatic department has a proposal.”
If domestic production couldn’t keep up, they would have to seek help from abroad.
“Some have already begun to deploy in actual combat, and we’re looking to import bows, arrows, and armor from the Afrasia United Kingdom—”