Transmigrated to a Dark Fantasy World of SSS-Rank: King of the Void-Chapter 81: The Beast’s Lair

Passing through the narrow dirt path that had been overtaken by grass and trees over time, the group hurried to explore the village as soon as they stood before the small walls that opened into the forest.

Somewhat excited by the supposed treasures waiting inside, they failed to notice the strange atmosphere that filled the area—at least Azel, Marco, and Mitsuki did. Monar, however, frowned with suspicion.

"Wait a moment."

Everyone stopped. Marco finally seemed to notice what was wrong.

"There’s someone there, isn’t there?"

"Yes... This time, the presence is tangible. It’s not a specter, but a living beast."

Mitsuki stared silently at the village entrance as he thought.

’A beast? You’ve got to be kidding me... Are we seriously never going to get even a single day of rest? We already had to kill specters, a Wendigo, and a bunch of Killer Rabbits. What the hell could be in this place that’s worse?’

Monar brought a hand to his mouth, frowning in thought.

"Judging by how heavy its presence feels, it’s a large creature—but it can’t be another Wendigo, and it’s unlikely to be an Ashen Titan either, since those are usually found in forests, not villages."

"What about a dragon?" Azel suddenly said, his hands behind his head as if he were far too relaxed. "Could also be a wyvern—who knows? Only creatures of that caliber would use an entire abandoned village as a resting place, aside from specters."

Marco stepped toward the village entrance.

"That’s possible, but it wouldn’t be the first dragon we’ve killed, right? Last year, during the winter solstice, we fought an elemental dragon—and it was pretty easy."

Monar placed a hand on Marco’s shoulder and said:

"Marco... You’re forgetting that, just like us, there are weak and strong dragons. What we killed was just a young, weak dragon that had been stealing livestock from a village."

’Wait... It doesn’t matter if it was young! You killed a damn dragon?! How the hell do you even do that? Aren’t dragons supposed to be the most intelligent and magical creatures in fantasy worlds? Why do they look like they want to jump into a fight with one right now?!’

That was usually how it went in fantasy stories. Dragons were often portrayed as solitary, proud creatures of immense strength and magical power—so intelligent they could speak multiple languages, and so long-lived that they possessed vast life experience.

If what was hiding in there really was a dragon, what kind would it be? Recalling what Galahad had mentioned that time in the library, there were several dragon races, such as the Drum-Maw, which, truth be told, was a truly horrifying and grotesque beast.

’And if that’s the case, what do I have to do with any of this? I barely survived the Wendigo... Unless...’

[ Ashe Propulsion. ]

’I almost forgot I have a broken ability that makes me immune to damage for an instant. Honestly, I think I can handle this.’

He nodded to himself while the others came to an agreement. The ability to become intangible was incredibly useful in any situation.

"Dragons are very lazy creatures, Monar. If there’s one in there, it’s probably sleeping on top of a pile of gold. Let’s take advantage of that and go pick up the scraps," Azel suggested.

Monar thought it over for a moment, but Marco clearly looked determined.

"If something goes wrong, we can always run like crazy bastards. Every man for himself, basically," Marco said.

"You two don’t understand anything... What about you, Mitsuki? Do you want to go into the village despite the dangers?"

That was a very convenient question.

"Uh... Well, I’m not against it as long as we just grab the treasure and leave." He glanced at the village entrance, just in case. ’Even if something bad happens, I can escape with my abilities.’

"Well, the Ashen Kid has decided. Let’s go get those treasures."

"Keep your voice down. You don’t want to wake up whatever’s hiding in there," Marco said, scolding Azel.

Monar sighed, shaking his head, and followed them.

"I don’t know how we’re still alive."

Mitsuki, for his part, looked at the village with curiosity—and a bit of fear. It was still dangerous; he could die. But every time he felt like giving in to fear and doubt, what Ellegaard had said that night echoed in his mind like a constant reminder of how weak he was.

He clenched his fist with determination and stepped forward.

’I can’t deny I’m scared to go in there... but I’m also excited about all the things I’m going to discover.’

The nature of a true gamer was to uncover what lay beyond the screen despite the uncertainty. Mitsuki, who had been considered the best in the world, knew that better than anyone.

Later, they split up just as they had in the previous village. Each went their own way—except for Mitsuki, who was accompanied by Monar. The two of them wandered through the ruined village—devoured by vines, roots, and vegetation—in search of those precious treasures.

"After this village, we’ll head to the capital. There should be far more valuable things there. Though thinking like that makes me feel like nothing more than a looter."

To his surprise, Mitsuki replied casually as he walked ahead.

"We are looting ruins, after all. More than adventurers, we’re looters going through ash-ravaged towns looking for scraps of treasure."

"Exactly—but we’ve also fought monsters along the way, camped under the open sky, and pushed forward on our journey through the Land of Ash."

"When you put it like that... then yeah, we are adventurers."

Monar laughed.

"Of course we are. But adventurers do more than explore, loot, and fight monsters. The best part of an adventure is meeting new people and sharing those experiences with them."

"...I guess you have a point."

"Just like with you. We’ve been traveling together for quite a while now, and I already feel like I can call you a friend."

Mitsuki stopped abruptly, surprising Monar, who halted with him.

’This elf never gets tired of talking about friends...’

He cleared his throat before responding.

"Sorry to say this, but it hasn’t been long enough for me to call you a friend."

"Oh, come on, Mitsuki. We fought shoulder to shoulder. You protected me from the ash statues, and we defeated monsters in the forest. Men don’t need complicated reasons to become friends. Sometimes all it takes is the right girl walking by—or someone dropping their coin pouch."

"..."

"That’s why you’re already my friend. You’re a really good guy, you know?"