Takigi guided me towards the interior of the island. As we advanced, the forest became more and more hostile, which was strange considering it used to be a paradise for monsters.
“Normally, we would encounter dozens of them on the way to the front base. It’s strange that we haven’t seen any yet. How dangerous are the creatures here, boss?”
“Do you think this is my fault?”
The forest was incredibly silent. Even the birds that had just been singing fell silent as we approached. Animals trembled and hid behind the bushes.
This place was a high-level zone, even for a different continent. However, what we found exceeded our expectations, which was a shock.
“Welcome to the front base.”
The wooden door opened, and I was invited inside. The wooden fortress they called the front base was quite large and surrounded by a wooden wall.
The strength of the trees depended on the average level of the area, as well as the height of the “rear level,” which apparently determines the basic ability of all things. This means that the trees from my home and the ones in this area, although they are of the same species, have a significant difference in terms of strength.
Therefore, there was no need to worry about the wood and its possible breakage.
After crossing the gate, I found a colonization village just as I had imagined. The difference was that almost all the inhabitants were adventurers.
Here, everything except alcohol was self-sufficient. The environment was quite harsh, but the rewards were high, and the monthly rotation system was an advantage. Moreover, each adventurer could keep the items they obtained in battles. This meant that the final rewards were quite substantial.
The amount of experience one could gain in a high-level zone was also very appealing. Living here for a month meant acquiring gold and power. In fact, there were people who joined the wandering caravans just for this job. Although, apparently, some of them would flee after only a week.
“Where is the sub-leader?”
“Nei and some members of the group went to hunt the boss. And who are you?”
A young man who had been called by Takigi looked at me with suspicion. It seemed that he didn’t know who I was, which wasn’t surprising. Few people knew who I am and what I represented for this organization.
Takigi, noticing the young man’s attitude, whispered to him that I was the leader.
“What? The leader?”
“I’m Toru. Nice to meet you.”
“Oh! I’m Hedge, a C-rank.”
We both shook hands.
Thanks to Nei, I had become somewhat of a living legend. However, there were still people who didn’t believe I was the leader.
“How long have you been here?”
“Just three months, but I’ve leveled up quite a bit since I arrived. Although it’s challenging to be self-sufficient, all the members of the group are kind, and it’s quite comfortable living here.”
It seemed that Hedge was here to level up, rather than for the rewards. Before joining the caravan, he had been leveling up in Armand’s dungeon, but he heard about this island with better opportunities for gaining experience alongside his friends.
By the way, the Armand Dungeon (which I had created) had now become a popular leveling spot, and many adventurers had gathered there. As a result, the country’s economy had significantly improved, and the average level of adventurers had dramatically increased. It’s impossible not to feel responsible for all of this.
After bidding farewell to Hedge, Takigi and I set off towards the boss.
“Who is the boss?”
“The boss is the monster that rules this area. It’s the reason why colonizing this island has been so difficult. Lately, it seems that the bosses from different areas are cooperating and attacking at the same time.”
Monsters with abnormal strength that appear to be sudden mutations. It is said that they are using their subordinates to prevent entry into the zone.
Seven bosses have been confirmed. The current objective is to eliminate these seven in order to advance with the colonization.
But what kind of monsters are the ones Nei is fighting against? Nei is now much stronger than she ever imagined in the past. Undoubtedly, she is the strongest fighter in the Manyu Brigade (excluding myself).
Suddenly, the ground trembles slightly. A rumble echoes from deep within the forest. Is Nei fighting?
“They’re making a lot of noise again today. The enemies don’t give up easily.”
“Are they in an advantageous position?”
“In terms of sheer strength, the sub-leader is superior. The problem is that he can’t kill them. They are seasoned fighters with tricks up their sleeves and have a great advantage in the terrain. There are escape routes everywhere, and they often use them.”
Something approaches with great force. It was a large white-colored animal, breaking through all the trees with its massive horns.
That’s the Horned Rabbit, classified as the weakest. And despite its large size, its speed is as fast as that of a boar.
The first thing that crossed my mind when I saw it was, “What did it eat to grow to that size?”
The Horned Rabbit continued charging towards me as it observed me. It must have an instinct to recognize that I am a threat. However, it is coming straight at me because it has no other choice.
“It seems like all the escape routes are blocked. I wouldn’t expect anything less from the sub-leader.”
“Do I really have to do this? What about Takigi?”
“He’s not here. Besides, if the leader doesn’t do something, we’ll have another reflection meeting, and I hate those meetings.”
“Well, there’s no other choice. Anyway, he’s coming here to assist.”
The Horned Rabbit accelerates even further when it senses my intention to fight. It aims its sharp, metallic-like horns towards me, clearly displaying its hostility.
“I hope this will be enough.”
“What?!”
I slap the Horned Rabbit in the face, causing it to veer off its course and launching it about a hundred meters towards a large tree. And upon impact, it doesn’t move at all… It’s probably dead.
“Ugh… I’m starting to doubt if you’re not a monster too.”
“Please let me know if you need any further assistance.”