Roaring Heroes Battle the Overlord (Ainz)

Chapter 11: Python Devouring Humans

As night fell, Mistwood began its "breathing." The mist thickened from all directions, making the already gloomy and dark forest even more obscured, with a heavy black curtain shrouding everything.

Even with the magic lanterns enhancing the brightness, one could see no further than five steps ahead. EeDeChi had initially planned to hunt some small magical creatures to improve their dinner, but she had no choice but to retreat to the camp.

Determining the arrival of night in a forest that was already dim and shadowy seemed difficult, but the nocturnal creatures of the forest had their own reliable biological clocks.

Some yellow lights flickered in the distance, moving up and down. These were the bioluminescent moths beginning their courtship rituals.

The once-clear chirps and flapping wings of birds were gone, replaced by the sight of large bats with massive wings occasionally passing through the hazy glow of the lantern.

At this moment, Barrett had kindled a bright and warm campfire and was adding dry twigs from fallen trees to it.

The fire crackled and popped, with a new iron pot sitting atop, its bottom scorched black, bubbling away. Inside the pot were chunks of salted beef jerky, potato slices, pumpkin pieces, and a few onions.

Barrett had even luxuriously cut some black cheese into small pieces and added them to the pot. Thanks to EeDeChi's spatial ring providing ample storage space, they had plenty of food.

Next to the campfire were two sharpened pine branches, on which two plucked wild chickens were roasting. The chicken had turned golden brown under the flames and oyster sauce, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma. Barrett had taken it upon himself to prepare both the stew and the roast chicken tonight.

EeDeChi approached. Though her stomach was growling with hunger, she maintained a dignified expression.

She placed her hands behind her back, bent slightly, and sniffed the steam rising from the pot. Nodding slightly, she praised:

"Not bad, the stew is well-made. I didn't expect you had such cooking skills. Though it's not quite up to the standard of the dinner I had with the lord of Montell City, it's good for you. Keep it up."

Barrett grumbled inwardly. Going on an adventure, just having a hot meal was already a luxury, and comparing it to a lord's feast was a bit much. How did this person get involved with a lord anyway? And why did her tone sound so oddly bureaucratic?

The seasoned adventurer shook his head, too lazy to think further. His stew-making skills were indeed impressive, a real standout among adventurers who typically forage and cook for themselves. If he couldn't be an adventurer in the future, he'd consider becoming a chef.

After they had enjoyed their meal and filled their stomachs, they prepared to sleep in the damp and chilly makeshift treehouse.

Barrett used the remaining soup to extinguish the campfire, set up magical wards around the camp for protection, and installed a few simple traps beneath the trees. He also sprinkled a light layer of insect-repellent powder inside the treehouse.

Before going to sleep, he and EeDeChi agreed on their watch schedule: EeDeChi would take the first half of the night, and Barrett would take the second.

Barrett reminded EeDeChi, "Don't wander around at night; don't be drawn to strange noises; if you need light, use cold glow stones instead of lanterns or torches; there might be small magical creatures in the treetops, so avoid climbing up..."

Though many of these were common sense for adventurers, Barrett wasn't sure if this orichalcum-level adventurer had the same experience.

EeDeChi nodded in agreement and settled into her part of the treehouse. Barrett said no more, wrapped himself in a blanket, and turned in for the night. He quickly fell asleep, a skill every elite adventurer had mastered to stay sharp during intense adventures and battles.