Published: March 21, 2026
A pathless path — this must be what they mean.
Right now, the Demon Clan has cut off all contact with the other races, and it’s been that way for centuries.
The Beastmen territory closest to the Demon Clan lands is covered in deep forest, and even around its edges there are no man-made roads at all, as if people avoid it.
Even though we haven’t fully entered that forest yet, we’re already traveling where no path exists.
There isn’t even a game trail, which makes the place feel downright eerie.
Crow, who’s leading without hesitation, seems to be heading straight toward the rendezvous point.
The forest is full of traces where large demonic beasts rampaged, but there’s an uncanny silence — no other animals are around.
That’s probably another reason humans and animals stay away.
The annoying buzzing insects around my face have almost completely disappeared too.
We’re boldly stepping into such a place, and as we go deeper into the forest toward the Demon Clan territory, the number of demonic beasts attacking us steadily increases.
Because Ria is keeping a barrier up constantly, we’re not on edge every second, but still, this situation requires us to keep our nerves sharp and it’s stressing everyone out.
Unlike a labyrinth, we have to pay attention in every direction, and that’s exhausting.
The heroes who went ahead must have felt that stress too.
Did they make it through safely?
Wait — did the heroes even come this way?
There are no human footprints on the ground. The only marks are huge claw scars; there aren’t even tiny tracks like those of small animals.
Watching the surroundings, a thought comes to me.
My training was mostly overseen by commander saran, so I don’t really know Mr. Zeal’s true ability.
From what I saw in the labyrinth — him running along walls while wearing heavy armor, doing inhuman feats — he clearly has tremendous mobility, and he executed one side of complex coordinated techniques alone. But what about his basic sword combat ability?
We entrusted the heroes to him because Crow vouched for him, but is that really okay?
No, putting combat ability aside — he didn’t get lost on the way, did he?
This is exactly when I wish we had cell phones so we could do real-time calls or message each other.
“Lord Akira, may I have a moment?”
As we hurried toward the rendezvous point with the heroes, Ria called softly and I slowed my pace.
Crow leads, then Amelia, Amaryllis, Ria, and I bring up the rear, so we were close enough for a conversation.
Surprisingly, Amaryllis is keeping up with our pace.
I thought she’d be out of shape after being imprisoned, but apparently they did their best to stay healthy in that cramped cell together.
One of them was a doctor, apparently.
Still, she’s not a combatant and her stamina is inferior to Ria’s. When Amaryllis started to slow, Ria or Amelia would carry her forward.
Watching the Elf princess and the former Beastmen princess happily arguing about who should carry her next, while the human sheepishly bows his head the whole time, never gets old.
Since leaving Uruk, Ria and I only talked briefly about Amaryllis; maybe she had time to gather her thoughts to speak with me.
Crow and Amelia glanced our way, then sensibly moved far enough away that we couldn’t hear them.
They must have judged from Ria’s expression that it was better not to listen.
If Crow can be this considerate, he should use it in his daily life too.
“All right, what is it?”
After confirming they were out of earshot, I looked down at Ria.
She gripped her staff in front of her chest and looked up at me, as if steeling herself.
“This may sound strange, but as a member of the Beastmen I have something I want to say to you.”
I swallowed hard.
If she’s going to say something at a time like this, it’s probably about Gram.
This morning was hectic and busy; ten to one it’ll be about the person I killed...
My heart thudded wildly.
It was as if I were afraid of Ria’s words.
“Oi, incoming!!”
Just as Ria was about to speak, Crow’s voice rang out through the forest.