Published: August 2, 2025
Today, five chapters are posted simultaneously.
This story is the third chapter.
“An accident involving a horse-drawn carriage...? I didn’t see it. How about you?”
“I didn’t see it either.”
“That’s what they said. Sorry about that.”
“By the way, if you like, why don’t you ride with us? The town is just ahead, and it’s getting dark.”
“Thank you, but I want to keep searching a bit longer while heading there. I appreciate your cooperation.”
“I see... well, good luck with your work!”
“Take care on the road!”
“You too!”
I saw off the horse-drawn carriage of a kindly-looking elderly couple.
“…Phew.”
I had almost run the entire path from Gimul to the post town. The limule birds were doing their best too, but with so much cover, we still hadn’t found a single clue.
This mountain is about 1,000 meters in elevation. There’s no risk of altitude sickness and there are passable roads. However, if you stray from the path, you’re immediately swallowed up by countless trees growing wildly on the slopes and the shadows of thick branches... Since there’s a convenient road, people rarely venture off it.
Did we overlook something somewhere, or is it still further ahead?
Had we wandered off from the highway?
If so, which way did they go — left or right?
“If only we could find some kind of clue...”
If we could narrow down the location somewhat, I could mobilize all the slimes to search. Although their mobility is limited, with over 6,000 slimes, they could simultaneously scout 360 degrees, every direction without missing a spot. It’s a “slime wave tactic” instead of human wave tactics... Anyway, I just want a lead.
I walked around the highway without stopping, keeping my eyes peeled between the increasingly dense trees.
Before long, I finally arrived at the post town. They’d probably cut nearby trees and driven logs into the ground. A simple barricade made of numerous logs surrounded the town.
“Hey you! Traveler? You were moving oddly — what are you doing at this hour?”
Was I acting suspiciously?
Before reaching the town entrance, a stern-looking guard called out.
“I’m an adventurer from Gimul. I was commissioned to search for a missing person. Here’s my Guild Card and... this is the request form. Please verify.”
“…Indeed. No mistake here.”
I slowly approached and showed my ID and paperwork. His expression softened.
“Sorry for doubting you. You’re clear to enter.”
“Thank you for your hard work. By the way, may I ask if there have been any recent disappearances around here? Or if a broken horse carriage has been found — any information would be appreciated.”
“I haven’t heard anything like that. Honestly, I was curious when I saw that form myself.”
“I see…”
“Are you staying in this town tonight?”
“That’s the plan.”
I still had stamina and was good at moving at night. But the search was definitely tougher and less efficient after dark. Plus, the terrain changes if the location is different. If it were Gana Forest, I could search all day without issue, but I’m unfamiliar with this mountain.
With the limule birds here, I don’t think I’ll get lost twice... but considering the risk, I should avoid searching at night without any clues. Instead, I’ll try asking around town tonight.
“That’s a good idea. The roads here are well-maintained, but if you stray off, there are plenty of steep slopes.”
“Is that so... Do you know any good inns?”
“If so, just walk straight down the main street and look for the sign of ‘Telesi Diner.’ The inn opposite it is reasonably priced and well-regarded for cleanliness.”
“Thank you.”
I sent the limule birds back to the dimension home and headed to the recommended inn.
...This post town, naturally, was smaller than Gimul. But the main street was brightly lit with wooden inns and eateries, bustling with life.
...Ah, here it is. Pretty close.
“Good evening. The gatekeeper recommended this place. Do you have a room available?”