Chapter 334: Battle ; Formation (1/2)

”Have we gotten close yet?” Opilio asks nervously after a while of treading through the forest.

During the whole time we have been walking, the voice didn't appear again, which is a bit unfortunate, as I am rather curious about the one who uttered the call for help and in what manner they did so.

”Yes, we're almost there,” I respond while casting a glance at the four adventurers behind us.

Due to the environment, the girls have been having a slightly hard time following us, as a result of their clothes.

As for the guy, he is having no trouble walking, but is currently way less enthusiastic than he was before our duel. It seems that the mental damage he took from that is more than I expected.

”Alright, listen up,” I say, ”Soon, we will reach the location the monsters are. I don't know if this is the case for all monsters, but these ones seem to be allied and won't attack each other.

”So, the best way to deal with them would be for me to take the position of a vanguard and get rid of everything that comes by while the rest of you take down those that get past me.”

Hearing my words, everyone takes a moment to consider a few things before ultimately agreeing with my strategy.

A short while later, we reach a section of the forest where there are way fewer trees in contrast to the area we just walked through.

Focusing my senses, I pinpoint the location of the goblins and skeletons, only to notice something odd while doing so.

Unlike yesterday, the goblins' occasional snarls and groans seem to make sense to me. Not just that, but I can pick up some words from them.

”Why here?” one of the goblins utters.

”Do not know,” responds another.

I am somewhat struggling to figure out what they're saying, but the words are clear.

Currently, they are discussing the reason they have grouped up here, which is something worthy of suspicion.

Leaving that aside, why the heck am I able to understand goblin speech now? I didn't just learn the language overnight or something, did I?

That shouldn't be the case. Perhaps, it's related to the event from this morning, the one with the tree falling on two goblins and crushing them.

”Smell human!” one of the goblins suddenly exclaims as the rest get restless and start shouting simple words such as 'kill', 'eat', and 'breed'.

As for the skeletons nearby, I am unable to make out anything about them that would suggest they're intelligent beings capable of thinking like the goblins.

All they're doing is standing in place while carrying a weapon of sorts. I know it's not right to question this world's science, but how do these skeletons even function?

How are they able to move, hold weapons, and would they even be able to so much scratch a human with their strength which should purely stem from their bones.

Unlike humans and other creatures similar to them, skeletons don't have any muscles or anything other than bones for that matter.

Pushing my curiosity to the back of my head, I raise my right arm to signal to the four behind me to be prepared.

”On my lead,” I state before dashing out into the area with a small number of trees.

The next moment, all the monsters present in the area notice my presence and turn to face me.

However, something catches my attention, distracting me from the monsters.

On the ground, there is a formation of symbols and shapes set down with some type of white powder.

A trap? Looks like I need to remain vigilant. Unless it's something like a seal or some form of transportation, I have confidence in my speed in getting away from danger to a certain extent.

'Hey, Satoru.'

[...]

'I know you can hear me.'

[What do you want?]

Sensing the blame and depression in his voice, I realize that not letting this fellow see for an extended period of time might just break him unlike the case with Ddraig.

Ddraig was able to deal with it easily and only found it a little boring at most, but this guy… He might go through an existential crisis anytime.

'Sorry for not letting you see for so long. I have been a little busy.'

[Whatever.]

'Anyway, I need your assistance.'

[With what? Don't tell me you did something to my guild.]

'It is nothing like that. Here, watch for yourself.'

Having mentally said that, I link my vision with his.

”Hm?” I hum subconsciously as I shift my focus back to the monsters, only to find the goblins rushing in my direction - or, not.

Surprisingly, instead of rushing toward me, the goblins appear to be avoiding me as they go at those behind me from the sides.

[Goblins? And skeletons?]

'Yes. But, that's not important. That thing on the ground; do you recognize it?'

[That… No, I have never seen anything like it before.]

Huh? Does that mean it wasn't a part of the 'game' he played?

'Alright, thanks. You can rest now.'

As I cut off the mental link between us, I look over at the monsters around me.

Despite the situation turning out different than I expected, it's not something I am unable to handle.

So, I get into a combat stance and prepare to rush at one of the goblins coming from the right, however, at this moment, one of the skeletons raises the weapon in its arm and opens its jaw.