(EP-298.1) Master #2
298 – Master of the Forest #2
I heard from the spiders.
There’s a very beautiful pond in this eastern forest.
But none dare approach it because it’s guarded by a massive and malevolent centipede.
They said its poison and bizarre magic were so tricky and vile that even Kubilai, the master of this forest, wouldn’t dare challenge it.
I wondered how strong such a being could be.
To be honest, I was a little scared and nervous.
When I finally faced the creature, it far exceeded anything I had imagined, and for a mont, I lost my resolve.
Rustle, rustle, rustle.
As the fog cleared, a giant centipede ca into view.
Its head rose to a height similar to that of the ogre Dordor. Its vicious fangs were spread wide, and its long antennae waved nacingly.
It was terrifying.
Regardless of my ability to cast Rank 6 magic, I couldn’t shake off the biological fear of a giant insect.
━Mind your language, child. Even Solomon paid respect…!
Swish.
The centipede’s enormous head, as large as an elephant’s body, drew close to my face. This wasn’t a centipede, it’s an imoogi or a dragon, or sothing like that. Or did it have so spirit bead?
“……”
I froze, stiff as a stone, like a mouse caught in the gaze of a snake. It was strong.
I thought it was just a beast, but it felt like sothing more like…, a spirit or mystical being. Could I defeat it if I poured all my magic into the fight?
Of course, there were a lot of things about combat that’s different from the numbers and simulations in my head. I didn’t really want to fight this guy.
It was incredibly powerful.
It felt like it had lived for an incomprehensibly long ti, far beyond what I could fathom… Even checking its status window was difficult.
As I stood there lost in thought, the centipede spoke again.
━Child, you seem to understand what I’m saying. Let’s try it again. Who am I? And who are you?
Seuk-.
Calm Thinking kicked in when it asked that question. It was true that I froze for a mont, overwheld by its shocking and intimidating visuals.
But now it was clear—it was asking for a conversation. And naturally, if we could talk, it would make resolving this situation much easier.
“I…, great centipede Angala, my na is Theo Gospel from beyond the wall. It’s an honor to et you, Angala-nim.”
━Theo Gospel from beyond the wall. A na I’ve never heard. But the scent… that, I have encountered before. You reek of that loathso mage’s stench.
Susssss-.
The sound of countless legs skittering on the ground all at once sent chills through . Though I felt goosebumps rising, I remained composed lest I get devoured by showing fear.
“You probably sll a mage because I am a mage.”
Just as I answered confidently—.
Clatter, clatter!
The centipede’s legs circled around , pounding the ground with a loud, forceful noise.
━I despise mages. Solomon… Even now, my wounds throb when I think of what he did. Because of him, I lost a few of my beautiful legs.
Looking closer, I noticed that the smooth, seemingly flawless body had a large scar. It looked as though a powerful magic had struck it, leaving a part without legs.
“Oh… I’m very sorry to hear that. It’s a sha that your beautiful legs were scarred.”
━Indeed. After centuries of molting, I finally cultivated this elegant form. That brute Solomon had no eyes for beauty.
“Well, I think you’re still quite beautiful as you are.”
The massive body trembled slightly at my words. Then I vaguely realized that it was ‘laughing.’
━A blatant flattery. But even after a long life, praise of beauty never grows tireso. Theo Gospel from beyond the wall, you have a tongue as swift as the wind.
Has flattery, honed from my ti with Aira, actually co in handy? It seems that having a variety of experiences in life really does pay off.
“It’s not just flattery. Your surface really does sparkle, like a gem.”
━Indeed, my body is like a gem. In fact, spirits and great beasts from faraway lands used to co just to admire it. But then Solomon marred it with scars!
“……”
━My once perfectly paired legs… have beco odd in number! Can you comprehend the pain, the sheer despair of that, child?
“I understand. If I lost an arm or leg and was left with an odd number, I’d be incredibly sad.”
━You’re quite a clever child.
Through this brief exchange, I managed to gather so valuable information.
This massive being, Angala, had so connection to the Demon King Solomon. Moreover, it harbored deep resentnt toward him.
I should definitely keep the fact that I’m his grandson a secret.
━So, Theo Gospel, the half-fairy mage. Why have you co to my pond? Do you wish to be eaten?
“No, not at all. I need the evening primrose in bloom over there. One of my companions was bitten by a centipede, and I need them to treat the poison.”
━Ah, centipede venom. These days, the younger ones bite without any manners. On behalf of my brethren, I apologize.
“…….”
It was more polite than expected. Unlike its terrifying appearance, it was a cultured being that knew how to resolve issues through conversation.
━However.
“… However?”
A sense of unease crept over .
However.
But.
The words that usually follow these tend to be the ones that disturb my peace of mind.
━However, I can’t just give you my possession for free. That’s not how the world works. Since that massive, hateful wall appeared, there are fewer evening primroses.
“Are you saying…?”
━I’ll need sothing in exchange. Offer sothing you have that’s worth trading for the evening primrose. I’m being quite generous with this deal.
I see.
A barter, huh?
It was sothing I hadn’t considered, but it was a reasonable and understandable proposition.
Still, I suddenly wondered if this giant poisonous centipede, Angala, might be trying to deceive , so I asked cautiously.
“You’re not going to ask for my life or anything like that, right?”
At my question, Angala’s body began to tremble as it laughed.
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