Chapter 203: The True Stampede
The Wyverns were embroiled in a fierce struggle over their territory. Each Wyvern claimed a domain that spanned approximately 300 to 800 kilometers in diameter, a size believed to correlate with the individual’s strength.
However, that delicate balance was shattered just days ago.
The Wyvern, as observed, was one of the largest monsters reigning supreme in this Demon Forest. At the very least, there had been no signs of conflict with external enemies. The most they engaged in were minor skirmishes with neighboring kin.
In other words, barring any natural decline due to aging, their territories rarely fluctuated significantly.
Well, that was merely speculation.
Yet, an external factor known as The Tree had led to the downfall of a powerful Wyvern that held a vast territory. The resulting void was quickly noticed, and naturally, the neighboring Wyverns began to mobilize, eager to seize the opportunity.
Sudden movements would incite territorial disputes with other adjacent Wyverns, so those in the vicinity of the vacant area gradually expanded their domains.
And then, the clash occurred.
Intense electromagnetic pulse waves erupted, accompanied by what appeared to be noise from the biological radar. Upon reviewing past records, it seemed that such noise had been frequently documented, suggesting it had been overlooked for quite some time.
The frequency modulation was erratic, and the intensity low, leading to its classification as noise caused by some celestial phenomenon. No one, not even the super AI, could have predicted that these electromagnetic waves were emitted by monsters.
A cacophony of sound waves, ranging from audible to high-frequency, filled the air as breath-like attacks flew back and forth. At times, charged particles were expelled, creating a scene reminiscent of a colossal monster showdown.
Attacks that veered off course tore through the forest, sending debris flying, while the ground trembled under the weight of their physical confrontations.
Naturally, the surrounding ecosystem was thrown into chaos.
From small animals to large monsters, every creature desperately fled to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Among them were even quadrupedal monsters the size of small hills.
“This is a critical situation.”
“This is bad…”
As they monitored the unfolding chaos, Commander Eve and Ringo engaged in discussion, surrounded by the Five Sisters.
“Sister, I recommend an immediate retreat,” proposed Ichigo, the second sister, without hesitation.
“It wouldn’t be wise to send a large force without a request. Simply leading the villagers to safety would earn us enough goodwill,” she argued.
“If we want to intimidate them by showcasing our strength, deploying a large force isn’t a bad strategy,” countered Akane, the eldest sister.
“At the very least, we could establish our standing among neighboring nations. If we succeed in defense and return the territory without occupation, we would gain significant prestige. We could even claim a favor in return.”
“But wouldn’t that just end with a mere letter of thanks?” Ichigo interjected. “Promises of favors between nations are often empty, aren’t they?”
Utsugi and Erika shared a skeptical glance, their attitude leaning towards a reluctant agreement with Akane’s proposal.
“Perhaps we could just occupy it… I mean, if we establish an Adventurers Guild… indirect control would make it harder for them to complain…” Olive suggested, her voice trailing off.
Her idea was the most radical, likely fueled by the thrill of acquiring various materials. Frequent exchanges with the strategic AI, Cosmos, overseeing the area might have ignited her desire for ownership.
“Ah, everyone has such interesting opinions,” Eve said with a smile, observing her sisters.
“What do you think, Ringo?”
“Yes, Commander. I prefer the idea of sending a large force to establish effective control,” Ringo replied.
“…I expected as much.”
Ringo’s third raison d’être was to “expand influence.” It was always on the lookout for opportunities to increase territory.
“Hmm, while it’s undeniably an attractive proposal…” Eve said with a wry smile, gently patting Olive’s head.
“If possible, I’d like to foster a good relationship with the inhabitants of this world. Therefore, I’d prefer to avoid using overly forceful means. Of course, I won’t dismiss it entirely. If necessary, I may resort to such methods.”
“…”
Deliberately ignoring Ringo’s greedy demeanor, Eve nodded.
“It would be unkind to abandon them. Given our proximity to the border, we can justify our actions. Ringo, dispatch Gigantia. Of course, wait until the last possible moment before doing so.”
“…Yes, Commander.”
◇◇◇◇
In the heart of the forest, a massive figure barreled through, pushing aside trees.
At first glance, it appeared to be just a wild boar, but its size was extraordinary.
Measuring approximately 40 meters in length and 25 meters in height, it charged forward, clearing a path as it ran.
Upon closer inspection, scorch marks marred its back.
It had been struck by a Wyvern’s charged particle breath, sending it into a state of panic.
Obstacles were no hindrance to it. It dashed down slopes, broke through ridges, and crushed boulders. Yet, its magically protected body remained unscathed.
The vibrations and thunderous sounds from its escape only added to the chaos.
Animals and monsters began to flee in droves in the direction the Great Boar was heading. A massive, ape-like monster, standing three meters tall, fled in a group, running along the ground and occasionally leaping between trees.
A smaller creature, resembling a mantis and about one meter long, took to the skies in a flurry. Following it, a gigantic mantis over fifteen meters in size took off as well.
Naturally, their escape route led south—toward the village protected by Paraiso.
◇◇◇◇
An ominous atmosphere enveloped the village.
“It feels different than usual…”
The defense officers spoke gravely among themselves. Reports from the scouts they regularly dispatched had begun to change.
“Even with the abundance of Soul Butterflies, it’s strange to see so many animals fleeing in panic.”
“While Soul Butterflies are indeed a threat, it shouldn’t be enough to drive small creatures from their homes…”
“Besides, they rarely come down to the ground. They only do so when feeding on False Green Trees or during spawning, right?”
“That’s correct. So, does that mean they’re fleeing from another threat?”
However, there was no time left to investigate further.
“Report! Monsters sighted in the sky! Shadow Players! Multiple targets!”
A lookout rushed in, having spotted them from the watchtower.
“Tch. This is troublesome… but we can handle it. Is the leader present?”
“No, they are not visible at this time!”
“Contact the lady of Paraiso. We shall form a team. If they are Shadow Players, we can hunt them with our usual bows. Especially since they’re in the air.”
“Leave it to me!”
“I’m ready to show off my skills!”
The village hunters, filled with enthusiasm, grabbed their gear and rushed outside. They had likely felt frustrated at being merely protected by Paraiso without having had a chance to prove themselves.
“…But I can’t shake the feeling this isn’t all there is to it.”
“It’s reasonable to assume the Shadow Players are fleeing as well.”
“They wouldn’t fly during a hunt. They’re not adept at flying, to begin with.”
“The possibility that they’re being driven away by the Soul Butterflies…”
As the defense officers continued their discussion, the lookout at the watchtower spotted another problem.
Through his telescope, he focused on the distant Soul Butterflies, measuring their distance. Just as he locked onto them, a massive threat burst forth from beneath the Soul Butterflies.
“…Hidden Players!!”
Measuring about 15 meters in length, they were 1.5 times larger than the Soul Butterflies. With their enormous scythes, they snatched the airborne Soul Butterflies from the sky.
Moving silently through the forest, they could leap into the air to prey on other monsters, ranking among the apex hunters of the shallow layers. That was the Hidden Player.
“They’ve shown themselves! This is bad!!”
“Damn it, is Dearlyga still not back? I’ll go!”
“While a Golem from Paraiso could win, there are surely Shadow Players swarming around! We may need to mobilize everyone to handle this!”
One man leaped from the watchtower and sprinted toward the command center.
A true threat loomed over the borderland village.