Published: August 2, 2025
Today, 10 episodes posted simultaneously.
This story is episode 8.
Just as the party was in full swing, I overheard an interesting conversation.
"There are magical beasts on the highway?"
"Yes. We took the route through the southern grasslands, and before leaving Kerevan, we heard stories about seeing 'ants' in the grasslands. Because of that, we were more on edge than usual during the journey and ended up tired."
“Ants” are a general term for ant-type magical beasts. There are many species, but overall they have hard and sturdy shells and tend to swarm. Their danger level varies depending on the species...
"Could it be the Murder Ant?"
Murder Ants have a tough shell and jaws, and are aggressively carnivorous giant ants. If attacked by a swarm, they're a real threat. The Adventurers' Guild classifies them as C-rank or higher depending on the size of their nest.
“No, no, if it were that, we’d take another route. The species is Tunnel Ants.”
“Hm… Sorry, could you tell me more about that species?”
“Well... Tunnel Ants have the hard shell characteristic of ants, but their jaws, claws, and strength are weaker compared to other species. They have no poison. Overall, their attack ability is low, and among ants, they are relatively docile and don’t actively attack people or beasts.
However, they specialize in digging soft ground and expanding their nests widely. That’s the problem... If you unknowingly pass over their nests with a horse-drawn cart, the ground collapses and the cart sinks in."
Apparently, their nests are reinforced with the body fluids of the Tunnel Ants, so they don't collapse just from a person walking over them. But heavy loads like loaded horse-drawn carts cause the nests to cave in. So their strength is a tricky balance.
While the Tunnel Ant itself isn’t very dangerous, for people using horse-drawn carts on land routes, they’re a nuisance...
“That must be tough for the transport workers.”
“I hope it doesn’t affect the festival preparations or customer visits...”
Mr. Serge, who was listening beside me, seemed concerned as well.
...In that case, maybe I should go there starting tomorrow.
“Ryoma-dono?”
Mr. Prenance looked curious, so I explained that I was an adventurer and also told him that my goal was to go to the Shurus Great Tree Sea.
“I see, so that’s why the Murder Ant came up first.”
There are several ant-type magical beasts living in the Great Tree Sea, including Murder Ants, so it would be helpful information.
“I’m concerned about the logistics impact as well, so I think I’ll go observe for a day.”
“That would be a big help.”
“Please, we’d appreciate it too.”
Not only Mr. Serge but also Mr. Prenance?
“We can’t show our customers unpolished acts, you see. We were planning to use a grassland a little far from Gimul for practice.”
Traveling performers like them often don’t have a fixed practice place since they go from town to town. Also, their performance is their product. They can’t show the audience an unpolished act, so they practice quietly in places where no one sees.
But this time, Tunnel Ants appeared in the grassland they planned to use. Considering the risk, they want to avoid using it. So it’s best to have them eliminated quickly... right.
“...In that case, why not use my place?”
If it’s just about not being seen by others, the abandoned mine where I live is deserted. The Duke's household said I could use it as I like, so I can allow them to practice there. Also, I’ve confirmed that no dangerous magical beasts appear there. Even if they did, Mr. Soldio alone should be able to handle them. He seemed strong enough.
“Is that okay? There are groups who steal and kidnap children, they say, for traveling performers like us. Of course, we have no such intentions...”
“Ah... that’s not a problem. There’s not much valuable stuff in the house anyway.”
Important things are basically stored in the Item Box, and lending the square for practice wouldn’t be a problem. It’s actually risky if they enter the house uninvited. Some things would seriously hurt if mishandled. If caustic soda or soap in the middle of curing were left out, that would be no joke.