Nurturing the Hero to Avoid Death

Ch 27.5.4

We make our way to the southwestern region of the village as fast as we can on horseback, pushing our mounts to their limits.

Unlike the inhabited part of the village, which is situated on relatively flat land, the southwestern area is located in a valley surrounded by mountains. The terrain contains many steep slopes.

Because of this, many of the village’s farmers have transformed this area into terraced fields or orchards.

Along the way, we encounter some young men from the village asking for directions. Turns out they’re also heading to the mountain to help search for Mite. So after exchanging information, we bring them along with us.

When we arrive at the base of the mountain where Mite was abducted, we catch sight of four villagers returning from the mountain.

It seems that after communicating with the farmers working near the base of the mountain and sharing their findings with one another, they’ve decided to cease their search and return to the village.

Shadows cloud their faces.

Their search doesn’t seem to have gone well.

The moment they see us, they run toward us, the picture of relief. Between pants, they brief us on the situation.

According to them, no one has seen either Mite or Moot so far. Or even any of those two demons.

And as they were making their way down the mountain, they encountered Cheddar-san, Gouda-san, and several members of the village’s search team, all working together as a group. After sharing the results of their search to them, the four parted ways with the group, who planned on exploring further.

“So they explored further, huh…”

A premonition arises within me.

I turn my head toward a different mountain, the one located behind the mountain we’re currently standing and almost black in color. It’s filled with all sorts of wild trees, plants and shrubbery, more so than the mountain we will climb.

Black Shadow Mountain. That’s what people call it. Although the mountain has a gentle slope, it’s always dark on it, regardless of the time of day. Thus, people consider it a dangerous mountain to traverse. The villagers rarely step foot onto it.

I’ve never been on it myself, but I’ve heard that the mountain’s dense trees and plants akin to ivy cover up the sky, preventing sunlight from reaching the ground. And due to the stagnant waters and atmosphere, several swamps have formed on the mountain.

Another thing: many demons dislike bright and open spaces, preferring to inhabit dark places where the air and the ambient magic power remain stagnant.

One such location is Black Shadow Mountain.

Naturally, nobody will dare enter this mountain, which is potentially swarming with monsters.

…Normally.

Everyone is also staring at the black mountain, possessing similarly grim countenances.

Has everyone arrived at the same idea as me?

Lian’s complexion is especially terrible.

His face, already rather pale under normal circumstances, has turned as white as a sheet, as if drained of blood. He looks to be in a deep state of thought as he fixes his gaze onto Black Shadow Mountain. After a while, he stares at the ground. “Is this… an event…?” he mutters, seemingly to himself, eyes sliding shut.

I didn’t catch his words. So, I try asking, “Lian?”

But I don’t receive any reply.

In a deceivingly calm state, Lian opens his eyes and turns to me. However, I can see the cloudiness in his usually-bright orbs.