To come across one snake Magic Beast in a forest is to come across a flood of them.

I sure wanna know who was it dat said dat! Svemir complained.

Really does make you wonder, doesnt it? You cant deny, though, that folks in the past said some wise things.

Foldia said as he swiftly dispatched a snake Magic Beast that had unexpectedly materialized from the bushes. He then shook his sword, removing the blood from it.

Well that was easy. I never thought Id see a Letan Ega (Numbing Snake) here At the rate were going, it wouldnt be strange if we encountered even a Veno Ega (Poisonous Serpent).

Foldia remarked as he examined the lifeless body. Unlike the Im Egas blue markings, this snakes markings were distinctly yellow.

This is normal. Snake Magic Beasts thrive best in forests like these. Given that their way of living is rather consistent among breeds, it is common for them to cluster in the same areas.

Arent you always keeping a watch on the area with Mana Scan? Why dont you warn us?

Look here. This forest is teeming with countless more Magic Beasts that wont touch us unless we touch them first, in addition to those that have hostile intentions toward us. I cant tell which one is which in a split second. Merc answered back to Foldias attack.

So thats how it is.

Foldia calmly remarked as if he had never known of this before.

Of course, Ill warn you if theres a stronger Magic Beast, but if we exclude their venom, the Im Ega and the Letan Ega arent any more dangerous than a Belbit.

I see. That explains why Magic Beasts attacked us constantly while Astard was on watch.

Thats right Wait. You imbecile!

Ouch!

As soon as Foldia said Astards name, Mercs face turned pale, and she swiftly struck him in the side.

Merc had even used Mana Hardening because it was a reflexive strike, but Foldia was able to move back and minimize the impact. Ultimately, Foldia escaped unscathed.

Nevertheless, the quick incident startled both Svemir and Edin, who both turned to face them.

Hey! Wats up?

A-A lovers quarrel perhaps?

No, its nothing.

After offering them a friendly smile in response, Merc turned to face Foldia, who was massaging his side and said in a soft voice.

Dont say Astards name so casually. Theyll see through our cover.

Im sorry. That was my bad. But, did you really have to hit me?

T-Thats Lets say it was an old habit.

Foldia frowned at Merc, not convinced by her explanation.

You never change do you.

Look whos talking. Youre as careless as always.

Merc said in a low voice and turned to face Svemir and Edin, who were curiously glancing at her and Foldia.

They didnt appear to have heard Astards name uttered just now. It didnt matter if they hadnt heard it or if they were just more interested in Mercs actions after that. The fact that they chose not to pursue the situation any further was all that mattered.

How bout we make camp here?

Svemir proposed after the party had traveled for a bit longer and the sun had nearly set.

I-I can still walk. And the suns still up. We can walk a bit more, cant we?

Edin, who appeared to be exhausted but in truth still had a lot of vitality in him, asked.

With a wry smile, Svemir looked at him.

No can do. I can still see ya are still kicking, but we must get ready now or we wont be able to make it later. In the forests, darkness spreads quickly.

I agree with old man Svemir. Its hard to work when you cant see. I know youre worried about your family, but itll all be wasted if you get hurt. Foldia said, backing Svemirs proposal.

O-Okay

Apparently accepting the proposal, Edin stated as he sat down. Most likely, as soon as he decided they would be camped here, his power left him.

It was now clear that he had overexerted himself.

I-Is it really okay for us to sleep here? There might be other snake Magic Beasts around

Snake Magic Beast such as the Im Ega and the Letan Ega are diurnal creatures. They wont come after us at night unless its the middle of the summer.

R-Really?

Following Mercs explanation, Edin asked, his face now filled with hope.

However

That being said, there are still nocturnal Magic Beasts that we need to worry about.

Ah

In a split second, Edins eyes lost their hopeful glow.

Dont look glum, pal. I and missy here will keep watch during the night. We wont let a single Magic Beast lay their claws on you.

Mr. Svemir is right. If push comes to shove, well even have this meathead, right here, fight.

What did you say?

To begin with, only Mr. Svemir and I agreed to the request. Youre merely tagging along. Dont you think you should keep watch for your own safety as well?

Thats

In reality, Foldia didnt need to keep watch in a location of this level because he could normally react to an assault right away even if he was asleep.

The same was true for Merc. There was no way she could just lie down and sleep, though, as she had already accepted the request and was skilled at scanning. She, like Svemir, had to maintain her turn keeping watch.

In addition

Okay, Ill keep watch as well. Im still worried about the gazes we felt before entering the forest. Foldia said.

The mysterious presence that the party had sensed before entering the woodland had abruptly vanished once they were inside.

Since Mercs group had already entered the jungle, the suspect presumably felt that his presence was now pointless and withdrew it. Furthermore, because Mercs group had disregarded his warning, the next move would probably be a direct attack.

The group was unsure of the identity of this mysterious adversary, but they did know one thing. That he was stronger than any of the forests Magic Beasts. That fact by itself prevented them from relaxing.