Pioneering the Apocalyptic World - Chapter 135

Chapter 5: Let’s cross the mountains 3

Even after passing through the forest, monsters continued to attack.

Unlike before, trees and bushes aren’t obstructing the sun’s light and visibility, and just when I thought I’d be at ease because nothing would suddenly jump out at me.

“Waah!? The rocks are moving…!?”

“Ah, it’s a rock golem. It’s as hard as it looks, so be careful. I think it’s best to aim for the joints.”

There are also monsters that disguise themselves as rocks, so we can’t let our guard down… Well, either way, Uru can see through them, so we won’t be caught by surprise.

“Ugh, I can’t hit it with a spear at that distance… Maybe I should learn how to use a bow…”

“It might be good for Liese to have a sub-weapon as well. If you want to learn how to use a bow, I think I can teach you a little bit.”

The number of monsters in the sky increased as if to compensate for the lack of objects blocking the sky. Since it’s only me, Uru, and Fricka who have long-range attack methods, Regulus and Liese can only gnash their teeth.

Let’s think about the future later, this time I’ll ask you all to do your best in the ground battle instead. The aforementioned Rock Golem is a rock, so it might be tough to fight because it’s resistant to physical attacks, but there are also Land Lizards and Rush Bears. As a side note, a Land Lizard is a monster and has no relation to the Lizard race.

“… Rion, are you done…?”

“Sorry, sorry, it’s buried quite deep.”

Along the way, I came across an exposed mineral deposit, and when I looked at the others with begging eyes, everyone gave me permission, albeit with a wry smile. However, I feel sorry that because I dragged on for so long the sound of mining attracted monsters.

There was a time that I was startled when a Jewel Eater ??It’s a monster that looks like an anteater and eats jewelry as its staple food?? rushed at me like crazy when I tried to mine, probably because it was their territory… But still, I want it, so I’ll take it!

No, please don’t look at me with such suspicious eyes, I’m digging it because I trust that everyone will defeat it! And Jewel Eaters often drop jewels, so that’s a good deal… Ah, everyone let out a sigh.

However, Fricka was the only one who was full of motivation.

“I live up to your trust. If Rion-sama wants it, please don’t hesitate to continue mining.”

“… A-Ah, no, I got quite a bit of it, so let’s do it in another chance…”

“? Is that so.”

I’m sorry to throw cold water on her, but I don’t have the nerve to say ‘In that case, thank you.’ here.

I’m happy to have someone on my side, but I tend to fall into a pattern of self-reflection when I receive such exaggerated affirmation. Is this a case of if pushing doesn’t work, try pulling. Huh, It’s not?

… To have someone on the brakes is important, isn’t it? Especially if you’re the type like me who runs so fast that you can’t see your surroundings.

Uru and Fricka often agree on the same opinion, but there are also many times when they are in ‘conflict’ (though it’s an exaggeration to say so), so I feel like they somehow balance it out.

Monsters too, but I have to pay more attention to the terrain.

It’s one thing if you just slip or fall because there are too many rocks under your feet, but if you slip off the slope, it’s a big deal. Or rather, Regulus made a mistake during a battle with a monster and fell down once.

“Uh, waaaaaaaaaaa!?”

“Regulus-nii!?”

When Regulus jumped back to avoid the bite attack from a Mount Wolf’s quick lunge, there was no foothold and Regulus’ body tilted heavily. After a slight moment in the air, he followed the law of gravity and fell down.

The slope wasn’t that steep, so if Regulus had calmed down, he might have been able to grab on a rock, regain his balance, and climb back up the slope, but if someone suddenly had to do something like that. There are no people who could do it on the spur of the moment. Especially when it’s his first time experiencing it. In fact Regulus later said, “My mind went blank and I couldn’t do anything…”

“Tsk…!”

Uru immediately kicked off the Mount Wolf that was trying to pursue Regulus, causing it to explode, and with that momentum, she leapt towards the slope. “What’s going on! ?” I was panicked for a moment, but then I understood what she wants to do. I’ll have to leave Regulus to Uru and mop up the rest. I don’t have the luxury of being absentminded.

“Ugh!?”

“Don’t bite your tongue! Liese, I’ll throw him at you, so catch!”

“…… Huh!?”

x

She landed right under the rolling Regulus, and just when I thought she had caught him, she threw Regulus’ not-so-light body upwards. Well, it’s too late say anything about it, she has been throwing heavier stone blocks.

Liese had a blank look in her eyes, but when Regulus, who was supposed to have fallen, flew in front of her, she instantly threw away her spear and caught him. Even though Liese was smaller, she was able to absorb the impact better, so she didn’t get blown away and just fell to the ground.

Uru, the person who tossed Regulus like a ragdoll, ran back with a cool face and the things ended without any other incidents.

Phew… I got a chill down my spine. After shooting the last Mount Wolf, I patted Fricka on the back, whose face was pale, to calm her down.

Miraculously, Regulus escaped with only a few scrapes and bruises, but the fear seems to have been etched into the two, and for a while both Regulus and Liese were paralyzed, their movements became clumsy, and they were repeatedly attacked by monsters. It’s one thing after another… Well, They just have to get used to it.

Me? You see, I fell to my death quite a few times during the game… Hahaha. It’s scary now that it’s a reality, but it’s still bearable.

Even though we had some troubles, we ended the second day safe and sound.

The others weren’t as energetic as the day before, and was quiet during dinner… I hope they recover by tomorrow.

Hmm? Is Regulus muttering something?

“… Do I need training to be able to recover instantly even if I fall…?”

… T-Training is important, yeah.

He seems depressed, but he doesn’t seem to want to go home now, I’m glad that it didn’t left a serious scar on him.

I hope he will learn from today’s lessons and grow. I’m looking forward to it.

I look at the sky while eating today’s spoils, Airstbird’s meat

We’re getting closer, but there are still a few mountains to cross.

Sigh… It hurts that I can’t make a return stone. It’s taking time, but we didn’t travel that far. Was it a mistake to make a statue at the foot of the mountain…?

I usually return to base every two or three days, but this time it looks like it will take twice as long. It can be tough not being able to rest and relieve stress in a safe place. I guess it still a completely luxurious journey compared to the average person.

Besides… I just hope Fin doesn’t get worried and make her lack of sleep worse. If it’s really that bad, maybe I should have her taken care of at Grosso Village.

While I was thinking about this and that, we finished eating and retired to our tents to rest.

I lie down in a sleeping bag. Uru clings to me. As usual… But Fricka also clung to my other arm without saying a word… I wonder if Fricka is still scared because of the Regulus’ incident.

I thought about patting her on the back again, but Uru was also occupying my arm.

(Hmm……)

After thinking for a moment, I pulled out Fricka’s arm. She was startled, but before she could react any further, I put the arm around her back, hugged her slightly, and then patted her back.

“…”

“…… Good night.”

As I whisper in a low voice so as not to wake up Uru (Well, I don’t think I’ll wake her up even if I say it loud), the stiffness slowly leaves Fricka’s body.

“… Please take a good rest.”

She replied in the same small voice, and this time she hugged my body.

… Hmm… Maybe I’ve gotten used to this somehow.

And on the third day ‘it’ showed up.