Chapter 50: Lily Tribe (2)

“What do you mean, the Dragon Lair in the north?”

“Huh? Ah…… That is…….”

In response to my question, Lucien told me what he had seen and heard.

The bizarre beings resembling insects that occupied the Eastern Forest.

At first, while avoiding those who had attacked them, he said he witnessed other strange beings moving north.

They were centipede-like monsters, and there was talk that traces of a Dragon Lair had been discovered in the north.

Lucien was able to hear this story without being detected by them because the Lily Tribe could hear the <voice of the forest>.

“They said it was certain that this place had become Yong Taerim, and that they needed to find as many Dragon Lairs as possible……..”

“Heh.”

At that, my mind became complicated.

At that time, the alien monster that had invaded the Lair’s territory.

I was still left wondering what its purpose was.

If they were beings wandering in search of Dragon Lairs—

‘Somehow, I feel like that’s it.’

My intuition whispered to me.

‘This…….’

Dangerous.

I need to gain strength quickly.

‘Those mantises.’

Even the ordinary soldiers among them were close to level 200.

And the Mantis Bug Commander.

Though I didn’t feel it was at the commander level, it was still over level 200.

Then, what level would an actual commander be?

There might even be existences with levels surpassing Arkeron.

Moreover, there was no way to know how many of them existed.

One thing was certain—seeing that they led hundreds of soldiers, the possibility was high that they formed a massive army.

‘The centipedes Lucien saw also seemed to be on a large scale.’

Because of that, my sense of alertness sharpened.

It didn’t seem like our location had been exposed to them yet, but if it ever was?

We might have to block an invasion of hundreds, even thousands of enemies at any moment.

‘……Horrifying.’

Just imagining the sight of mantises and centipede-like insects swarming this place sent chills down my spine.

Thinking this way made me feel once again how fortunate it was that Elatria had settled near the Lair.

Thanks to them, the exposure of this Lair’s existence would at least be delayed a little.

‘I have to awaken even one more battle-type Guardian like Arkeron as quickly as possible.’

Soon, I would reach level 50.

Judging by the progress so far, it was about time I could summon the next Guardian.

If I could summon a Guardian, I could only desperately hope that a powerful battle-type Guardian like Arkeron would appear.

‘And another Dragon Lair.’

There’s a high possibility that Dragon Eggs exist there as well.

If, by any chance, I could form another 「Dragon’s Oath」 with those eggs?

………

「Dragon’s Oath (EX)」

– You can contract with a Dragon.

– Contract (1/1)

1) Elemental Dragon (Dania)

………

Only one contract slot.

So naturally, I thought Dania was the only dragon I could contract with <Dragon’s Oath>.

But what if other Dragon Lairs and Dragon Eggs exist?

And if the contract slots of can be increased?

‘……Then I must seek out the Dragon Lairs without fail.’

I have no intention whatsoever of yielding the Dragon Lairs to other beings.

From now on, I should focus Arkeron’s exploration on searching for Dragon Lairs.

But there was one more problem.

“There’s no way out.”

Even if a Dragon Lair is found, there’s currently no way to leave this place.

Dania said the exit to the Lair would only open when she reached level 500. Waiting for that would take too long.

Is there no other way?

“There is one loophole!”

At that moment, Vellerin suddenly spoke up.

“A loophole?”

“Yes! If you connect an <Amplifer> to <Dimentional slicer>used by Arkeron’s , you can open the dimensional gap wide enough for Master to pass through!”

Oh……..

Is something like that possible?

“How do you make an Amplifier? Are there any required materials?”

“Ah! You just need Mithril and Magic Stone! Though its durability is a bit lacking!”

“Really?”

“Yes! And since we just obtained a large amount of top-grade Magic Stones, I’ll try making one with them!”

“Good, please do.”

“Ah! But there’s something important when using it.”

“What is it?”

“Well…… The gap created with the Dimensional Amplifier has extremely high magic pressure! You need to be at least level 70 to withstand it!”

This…… was yet another reason to raise my level quickly.

Level 70, huh.

It seems high, but I feel like I could reach it soon.

“Alright. For now, make sure to create the Amplifier first.”

Yep! Understood! I’ll go start working on it right away!”

“Ah! Wait a moment.”

I called out to Vellerin as she turned away.

“Have you heard the phrase, ‘Even at Geumgang Mountain, food comes first’?”

“Huh……? Geumgang Mountain……?”

“It’s a saying that means you should eat first before working. In other words, go eat before you start.”

“Ah……!”

At my words, her eyes sparkled as she nodded.

Vellerin has a pretty good appetite too.

Seeing her react so positively to the mention of food proves it.

‘Good. Now…….’

It’s time to prepare the meal I had planned earlier.

“Popo, could you harvest some Cabbage, Green Onion, and Carrot?”

“Popo!”

Hearing my words, Popo hopped over to where the Carrots, Cabbages, and Green Onions were growing.

“Popo!”

Wriggle wriggle.

+_+ Popo happily harvesting vegetables with shining eyes.

Our Popo, the vegetarian, was always happiest when harvesting vegetables.

“Chuchu, can you prepare some Nagattara Meat?”

“Chuu!”

Chuchu raised her hand and took out Nagattara Meat from her belly pouch.

“Ah…… I’ll take my leave then…….”

Lucien, seeing the scene, tried to slip away.

“Since you’re here, why not eat with us?”

“……Eh, m-me too?”

“Yeah. But are you able to eat food? You said your main sustenance is Forest Essence.”

“I…… I can taste food……! It doesn’t help with energy metabolism, but……!”

“Then that’s good. Have a plate before you go. We’re practically family now, anyway.”

“Y-Yes! Thank you!”

In the end, Lucien joined the meal line too.

“Arkeron, go bring Fenrir as well.”

[Keron. I obey the command.』

Earlier, Fenrir had been sent to the Shadow Wolf Clan in the Elatrium for a family reunion.

Now that I had to let Fenrir taste the Nagattara Meat, I decided to call him back.

‘Now then—’

I looked at the ingredients prepared before me.

………

「Dungeon Scallion, LV 100」

An aura of greatness permeates it.

Upon consumption, Attack Power increases for 45 minutes.

*Afterward, Attack Power slightly increases permanently.

「Dungeon Cabbage, LV 100」

An aura of greatness permeates it.

Upon consumption, Defense increases for 45 minutes.

*Afterward, Defense slightly increases permanently.

「Dungeon Carrot, Lv 100」

An aura of greatness permeates it.

Upon consumption, Evasion Rate increases for 45 minutes.

*Afterward, Evasion Rate slightly increases permanently.

………

Scallion, Cabbage, Carrot.

All ingredients that grant combat-related buffs.

Very satisfying buffs.

‘First, let’s start with the scallion.’

I sliced the scallion and placed it on the pan to grill.

Sizzle sizzle!

As the scallion cooked, a fragrant aroma spread and scallion oil began to shimmer on the pan.

Sensing the time was right, I immediately placed the Nagattara Meat on the pan.

Crackle!

The sound of Nagattara Meat grilling in scallion oil quietly spread.

“Auwoooong……!”

The biggest reaction came from Fenrir.

He drooled, tail wagging furiously.

As expected, I knew Fenrir would love it most.

Ssssh!

As the meat cooked, I tossed in the Cabbage and Carrot onto the pan.

Lastly, I added Mandragora.

“Wow……. Gulp.”

“Chuuu!”

“Auwoooong!”

“S-Such a strong aroma…….”

Delicious smell, saliva gathering!』

Everyone nearby was clamoring.

It was understandable. Even I had a mouthful of saliva pooling at the aroma.

‘The smell is insane.’

The rich scent of Nagattara Meat blended with the savory aroma of scallion oil, and the sweetness from Dungeon Cabbage and Carrot perfectly complemented it.

On top of that, the subtle herbal scent from the Mandragora harmonized the overall aroma, making it even more appetizing.

“Alright, everyone, take a plate.”

I distributed the completed dish evenly.

Popo, Chuchu, and Lucien got mostly vegetables.

Dania and Fenrir got more meat.

Vellerin and I balanced ours.

‘There’s no Mandrian.’

Something seemed missing, and that lack of that “oooh—” sound felt odd.

For some reason, I’d grown attached to the guy.

I’d have to set aside a portion for him later.

“Now! Grab a Shine Muscat before you eat!”

After thoroughly ensuring everyone had the Growth Acceleration Buff, I finally bit into the Nagattara Meat.

Crunch!

As soon as it entered my mouth, the nuttiness of scallion oil enveloped my tongue, followed by the deep, rich flavor of Nagattara Meat.

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, the meat’s juices burst in my mouth.

“Wow”

I couldn’t help but exclaim.

I’d only added scallion oil, but the difference in taste was astounding.

I marveled at the flavor of Nagattara Meat that melted in my mouth.

This time, I picked up some Dungeon Cabbage and Carrot together and took a bite.

Crunch!

The texture was alive.

The satisfying chew with just the right amount of elasticity, the carrot soft yet retaining its unique crispness—the taste alone was excellent, but combined with the scallion oil and meat juices, it created a flavor from heaven that couldn’t be found anywhere else.

‘This is really insane.’

As I was basking in the taste, exclamations rose around me.

“Chuuuuuu!”

“Popo!!”

“Ah~ It’s so delicious”

“Auwoooong!”

“T-That such a taste exists……!”

Everyone’s voices were filled with bliss.

Proof of just how delicious it was.

“Um, is it okay if I leave some……?”

At that moment, Lucien timidly looked at me and asked.

Leave something this delicious?

Just a moment ago, I’d seen him eating with gusto, so why?

“Does it not suit your taste?”

“N-No! It’s so delicious it’s almost overwhelming……!”

“Then why?”

“I’m…… full…….”

I studied his expression carefully.

It wasn’t an excuse.

His face was full of satisfaction, and his stomach seemed slightly rounded.

‘He really does have a small appetite.’

He barely ate half a spoonful.

Maybe because of his small build, he couldn’t eat much.

‘Well, they’re a race that survives on Forest Essence anyway.’

I understood the situation and told him to leave it. Lucien’s face lit up with relief.

“Then, could I perhaps…… share the taste with the other members of my tribe……?”

Ah!

Now that I thought about it, I’d been too careless with the new family members.

“Sure, take it. You said there are about 100 in your tribe? It might not be enough, so I’ll add a bit more.”

“Ah! Thank you! To receive such a precious thing……!”

Lucien’s eyes filled with tears at my words.

“I’ll do my best from now on!”

“Right, since we’re talking, Forest Essence. Try to produce it diligently and supply it regularly.”

“Yes!!”

At the energetic reply, I smiled softly inside.

Now the job of procuring Forest Essence would proceed smoothly as well.

Feels like I’ve made a huge profit from just one meal.

“Arkeron, take some Nagattara Meat to the Shadow Wolf Clan as well.”

Keron. I obey the command.』

I took care of the Shadow Wolves as well.

Watching through the exploration drones as the Shadow Wolves devoured Nagattara Meat and howled in delight, a gentle smile spread across my lips.

Crunch!

I finished my meal with Mandragora.

Its bitter yet mysterious flavor cleansed my tongue.

And then, messages immediately appeared.

「Growth Acceleration Buff is active.」

「Mana increases significantly.」

「Your Level has been increased.」

「Your Level has been increased.」

My level rose by two at once.

Thus, upon reaching level 50, I felt a surge of heat rising from deep within my body.

50Lv reached.」

「The potential of boils within you.」

Thump thump thump

As messages appeared before my eyes, my heart pounded wildly.

Thump thump thump thump

The moment my heart felt like it would burst.

「Congratulations.」

「The <Dragon’s Oath (EX)> potential of has greatly increased!!!」

Whoosh!

Along with the system message, a flame-like energy burst from my heart, spreading throughout my body.