Chapter 18: Ch 18 : Was it intentional or accidental?
The Kibaou squad and the Lind squad decided to return to the previous town—Mamelo Village—for resupply and equipment maintenance.
Unlike the northern leveling area with its ranch-like style, the southern region was completely covered by dense forests, with vines growing even on the rocky mountain surfaces.
The thick canopy made it difficult for sunlight to penetrate.
The few rays of sunlight that managed to slice through the leaves appeared mesmerizing as they passed through the thick mist in the forest, creating a Tyndall effect.
Although these factors made visibility in the forest quite poor, the peculiar scenery made it hard for anyone to look away.
Through the layers of trees, the Aincard Tower was clearly visible.
The upper part of the tower had two protrusions shaped like bull horns.
"Truly worthy of being called the 'Bull Layer,' even the Aincard Tower has bull horns," said Akimi.
"Yeah, after all, the bull is the theme of the second layer."
"Eh? You mean there are more bulls ahead?" Asuna said in surprise.
"I thought after dealing with all those big bulls in front, there wouldn't be any more bull-like monsters…"
Looking at Asuna's clear but naive expression, Akimi gave a strange look and said, "Hmm… that's way too innocent. Do you know why the beta players call this level the 'Bull Layer'?"
Kirito explained, "Because… the Maze area is the main event. It's basically a bull's paradise there—everything from the small monsters to the bosses are all bull-shaped creatures."
"And… most of them don't exactly look cute."
The three of them started discussing their route.
"Hey, Kirito, why don't you plan the route? How about that?" Akimi patted Kirito on the shoulder.
Asuna nodded in agreement, "I agree."
Kirito pulled up the map and looked at it for a while, then said, "Right now, Taran Village is about one kilometer southeast of us. Beyond that is the Maze Area."
"Hmm… Instead of going straight, it'd be quicker and safer to circle around from the left side."
"We might even be able to pick up a quest from the village before heading into the Maze Area. But since it's almost sunset, it won't be very safe to go to the maze once we get to Taran Village."
Watching Kirito lay out the plan so clearly, Akimi let out an admiring sigh:
"So useful."
Asuna nodded. "Yeah, really makes you wish every household had one."
"Huh?" Kirito looked utterly confused.
"What are you two talking about? What's so useful?"
"Why, it's you—Kiri-Doraemon, of course! Hahaha."
Hearing that, Kirito's face went dark with frustration as he stared at Akimi in silence.
After following the route Kirito had chosen for a while, they came across a strange cow-like creature in the forest.
The "strange" part wasn't that it looked bizarre, but rather that it seemed completely out of place compared to the usual massive and ferocious cow-shaped monsters of the second floor.
It was just over a meter tall, with pink skin, only its head and hooves were black, and it had a few black spots on its back.
A yellow tail extended from its rear, ending in a small black ball.
When Akimi and the others discovered it, it was sleeping under a tree, its pale yellow belly exposed, looking incredibly cute and very "rua-worthy."
Asuna's heart melted at the sight.
Despite the warnings from Akimi and Kirito, she said:
"Aww, it's fine! Something this cute can't possibly be a vicious monster. Look, even its cursor is yellow!"
That's right—the creature's cursor was yellow, just like an NPC's, not the usual red that marked a monster.
In the end, Akimi and Kirito agreed to let Asuna approach it, but both drew their weapons, ready to fight at any moment.
As the three of them drew near, the creature gradually woke up, and its name appeared in front of them.
"Hmm~ Its name is Miltank? So cute!"
Asuna spoke while slowly squatting down, carefully reaching out her hand to pet Miltank.
Miltank blinked its big, dopey eyes and didn't react at all to Asuna's approach.
Asuna successfully patted Miltank on the head.
After ruffling its head a few times, she withdrew her hand in satisfaction.
"Mmm~ So cute, it feels all soft and squishy."
Miltank finally seemed to respond.
It smiled in a human-like way and let out an adorable "Moo~."
Asuna felt like her heart had just been struck.
Unable to resist, she started petting Miltank again and even took some herbs from her inventory to feed it.
After a few more pats, a system prompt suddenly popped up in front of Asuna:
"Would you like to tame Miltank as your familiar?"
After staring in surprise for a moment, Asuna pressed the "Yes" button.
Then she tried hugging Miltank, and Miltank giggled with a "Moo~ Moo~" and hugged her back.
While the two guys stood there wide-eyed and stunned, Asuna explained to them, "Um… it looks like Miltank… became my familiar."
After accepting a quest in Taran Village, the three were on their way back to the inn to rest when Akimi spotted a stall selling steamed buns.
The buns had a snowy white exterior and were steaming hot.
Even though they couldn't smell them, they looked incredibly appetizing.
The official name for the buns was "Steamed Bun of Taran," meaning Taran Bun.
Without hesitation, Akimi bought around ten and handed a few to Asuna, saying, "Here, try these."
Asuna took a bun and asked, "Hmm? What kind of filling is it?"
"No idea, but since we're on the second floor, I'd guess it's beef."
Asuna nodded and took a small bite.
"Eep~"
As soon as she bit into it, the filling burst out, splattering onto her face and neck.
The filling was milky white and very sticky.
It clung to Asuna's face in globs, making her look as if she'd been… violated.
Asuna looked like she was about to cry and said in a strange voice, "It's warm custard cream… with some kind of sweet and sour fruit."
Just then, Kirito walked out of the item shop and, upon seeing Asuna's appearance, gave Akimi a weird look and said, "Ahem… I'll be going now, I won't interrupt."
Akimi looked at Asuna awkwardly, unable to say anything.
He silently took out a handkerchief and handed it to her.
Asuna took the handkerchief and smiled dangerously as she wiped the mess off her face.
She said, "Don't tell me… you knew what these buns were like and didn't say anything on purpose…"
Then she put the handkerchief away and drew the rapier "Gleaming Silver," which she had obtained from the United Nine Nations Treasury on the first floor.
"I-I-I didn't know! I swear!"
Akimi broke out in a cold sweat, trembling as he said, "It wasn't on purpose, it was an accident!"
"It better be…"
Asuna smiled sweetly as she sheathed her sword.
Akimi quickly changed the subject, saying, "Ah… Argo sent a message. Let's head back to the inn and check it out."
Asuna glanced at him and said, "Looks like I'll have to start preparing my own food from now on."
"That's great, ha… haha."
Once the buns had completely cooled, Akimi tried one and found it tasted really good.
When the filling solidified and didn't spray everywhere, it was sweet and delicious.
Rather than calling it a bun, it would be more appropriate to describe it as a dessert.
After Asuna ate several more, her mood visibly improved.
Akimi also let out a heavy sigh of relief.
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