Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 106

　'Groarrrr!!!!'

　Under the scorching sun, amidst the sound of insects and birds, the stifling hot wind filled the air. In a location that resembled a blazing tropical jungle across the Southern Region, a ferocious roar echoed as the bear attacked with relentless fury. Roaring and striking.

　'Hissssss!?'

　The opposing monster was already battered and bruised, covered in deep scars carved by the bear. Crimson blood oozed painfully from its wounds. Finally recognizing its own disadvantage, it momentarily retreated.

　"Don't let it escape! Kill it before it can do anything!!"

　The bear, following its master's command, moved swiftly. It surged through the muddy ground and leaped at the opponent. While its massive size might be misconstrued, bears are known to be swift predators even in snowy plains. The marshy terrain made little difference. The onikuma was now launching a full-fledged assault.

　'Grrr!? S-Stop...'

　Without a chance to beg for mercy, the opponent's head was pulverized by the onikuma, Genbu. It was a perfectly timed blow that could snap even a large tree in one strike. Its head, now completely ground meat with bones, scattered across the ground. The colossal body, now headless, fell heavily to the earth.

　"Haa... haa... Whew. Did we manage to stop it?"

　Botan panted heavily, her blood boiling, as she glanced at the mangled flesh rolling at her feet. Then, Botan spoke coldly.

　Mizuchi... the juvenile form or subspecies of a dragon. According to one theory, a water dragon living in the veins of the land takes a hundred years to become a Mizuchi and then another five hundred years to ascend to the status of a dragon. Of course, in reality, it would likely take even more time...

　"Hmph. It sure does waste a lot of time."

　The words uttered with disgust were directed at the convulsing corpse. Naturally, there weren't many who worshipped a juvenile dragon.

　A Mizuchi is essentially a snake. Snakes are revered as water deities, possessing both sacred and wicked aspects. In the folklore of the Nanban region, it is said that snakes tempt humans to commit sins by eating forbidden fruits.

　Evil, cunning, and with the power of a dragon, Mizuchi is an extremely troublesome existence. These creatures, which claim rivers and lakes as their territory, are usually haughty, looking down on humans. They drive people away from their lands or demand sacrifices at any opportunity. They obstruct the development and expansion of the human realm.

　And usually, even after ascending to the status of a dragon, such Mizuchi remain evil, becoming malevolent dragons that bring disasters such as floods, tsunamis, storms, or droughts. It is no wonder that the court orders their extermination upon discovering Mizuchi or evil dragons.

　The same applied here. As Botan and the others wandered through the scorching forest, tirelessly exterminating beasts, insects, and plants, this monster appeared as if waiting for them. It arrogantly desecrated their sanctuary, demanding tribute in exchange for passage. Seeing the countless maggots swarming around the corpses of laborers nearby, compromise or submission was out of the question. And thus, this foolish snake, overestimating her strength, met its end.

　"Truly loathsome..."

　Botan muttered with contempt, then felt dizzy and leaned against the nearby trees for support. She took several deep breaths to calm herself, wiping away the bead-like sweat trickling down her forehead. Her already exhausted body, affected by the tropical climate, was further eroded by the active insects within. Instinctively, she fanned her collar, trying to let the air flow beneath her clothing.