Kumodesu

First, we needed to lure a few mutated creatures to this area to create a battle as a diversion. However, this wasn't easy, as we had to carefully select suitable targets.

We couldn't choose ones that were too strong, as the battle would end too quickly. Conversely, if they were too weak, it wouldn't have the desired effect. Most importantly, I had to be strong enough to handle them in case of unexpected situations.

Over the next few days, I wandered around searching for suitable candidates. After multiple rounds of selection and consideration, Will and I decided on three different mutated creatures.

The first was a mutated Huond. I had encountered this creature before, so I was quite familiar with its abilities. It primarily fought using its physical body without any special skills, making it easier for me to handle.

Next was a mutated Vrenstol Pig. At first glance, it resembled a regular pig, but one must not underestimate its horns. Its body wasn't plump like normal pigs but was extremely sturdy, and its size was significantly larger.

Finally, there was a mutated Mortors, which looked like a buffalo but had a pair of wings growing on its back.

I'm not sure about the evolutionary principle of this species that resulted in such a peculiar combination. Nonetheless, all three mutated creatures shared the common trait of primarily engaging in physical combat and possessing few, if any, unusual skills, making them generally easier to deal with later.

With the candidates selected, the next issue was: how to lure all three of them here?

They were located in three different directions. Although the distances weren't too far, it was still a matter worth considering.

"Don't worry, I've already mapped out the most reliable route."

Ah, yes, Will had taken care of this from the beginning.

"Let me put it simply: first, you need to provoke each one individually, then run along the route I specified. After luring all three, head back toward the chasm. But remember, don't jump down immediately. Your goal is to make those vines reveal themselves first."

Hmm...

What if that tree realizes it can't defeat the three mutated creatures and refuses to appear?

"Most likely, it will show itself. What it lacks most right now is food. Also, before that, try to inflict minor injuries on the three creatures so the tree feels more confident in attacking."

What!?

I have to face three mutated creatures alone and even injure them!?

Are you kidding me!?

"Just a few minor wounds."

This can't be taken lightly. Mutated creatures—not only are they abnormally transformed, but their stats are also significantly enhanced. Even with my current strength, I can't be sure I can handle all three simultaneously.

"If you can't fight them alone, you can call for help."

Oh, I almost forgot about the spirits.

Once everything was decided, I immediately took action.

First, I went to the habitat of the mutated Huond and began... slaughtering indiscriminately.

The Huonds had troubled me in the past, but now it was different. With Will continuously analyzing and predicting their actions, I could easily handle each one without much difficulty.

Eventually, after I had killed over a dozen Huonds, the mutated one appeared, and I immediately engaged it in battle.

I must admit, its physical strength was truly terrifying, but I also felt that I had become much stronger—only struggling a bit.

I guess this is related to forming a contract with the spirits.

After several dozen exchanges, the mutated Huond began to show considerable injuries. Seeing the opportunity, I immediately retreated, running straight toward the pig's lair.

As expected, the Huond continued to chase me relentlessly until we reached the habitat of the Vrenstol Pig, where we resumed fighting.

During this time, I took the opportunity to kill about ten regular pigs to attract the attention of the mutated pig.

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While killing indiscriminately, I leveled up, causing my body to fully recover, making me even more energetic. And right at that moment, the mutated pig appeared and joined the battle.

The Huond, now bearing numerous wounds, became my secondary target as I shifted focus to the pig. Moreover, these two didn't get along. While fighting me, they occasionally turned on each other, giving me an advantage.

After a chaotic brawl, I led them toward the lair of the mutated buffalo.

This time, everything proceeded similarly to the previous encounters, but with my gained experience, things went smoothly.

As a result, I successfully lured all three mutated creatures, chasing me to death.

Their speed had noticeably decreased after multiple consecutive battles. Especially the Huond—it had shown signs of giving up, but I approached and offered it half an arm, making it see me as an irreconcilable enemy.

On the way, besides the three mutated creatures, a few smaller ones from their packs also followed. I conveniently dispatched them to deepen the enmity.

Finally, I reached the chasm and immediately leaped to the opposite wall, leaving the three mutated creatures growling on the other side.

And right at that moment, what I had been hoping for happened.

Several vines crawled out from the ground and immediately wrapped around the Huond's legs, pulling it down!

I wasn't too surprised; among the three, the Huond was the weakest. In contrast, the other two mutated creatures were clearly shocked and attempted to flee.

I quickly blocked their retreat. After all the effort I had put in, there was no way I would let them escape easily. I immediately activated the [Drill Leg] skill, striking the ground hard as Will directed, causing the path behind them to collapse.

The pig, having nothing to cling to, fell straight down.

The buffalo spread its wings, attempting to fly.

Oh, I always thought those wings were just for show; I didn't expect them to work.

But no matter, I quickly leaped at it, delivering a powerful blow that sent it falling down.

As for me, I clung to another rock face and once again activated [Drill Leg] to dig another path.

As expected, sounds of battle soon echoed from below, so most of the ordinary vines hidden within the wall were now diverted to join the fight.

Now, I just needed to carefully sense my surroundings and slowly dig a safe path.

Not long after, I reached the ground.

While digging, I continuously used [Heaven Eye] to observe the battle below and saw that the Huond, being the weakest, had been subdued, lying aside but still alive, meaning I still had a chance to scavenge.

The pig and buffalo were still fiercely fighting against the countless vines attacking from all directions. The tree had also opened its mouth, launching a long tongue at them.

That tongue was far from ordinary; it was incredibly sharp, continuously stabbing. I even saw the pig, in a moment of carelessness, get its leg pierced by the tongue. Immediately, that leg withered completely.

The pig quickly cut off its own leg; otherwise, its entire body might have been drained dry.

Truly formidable...

If it were me, I might not have been able to avoid it entirely, as there were dozens of vines constantly harassing. A single moment of carelessness could lead to being grabbed—at that point, it would be truly hopeless.

I continued observing while digging downward, and soon I reached the ground.

I carefully observed once more, seeing the tree still facing the other direction to fight, so I began approaching from behind, from the opposite direction.

"Almost there!"

I started to feel excited.

"It's just ahead."

I dug a bit more and saw something shiny emerging from the mud.

I was overjoyed but restrained myself, continuing to dig deeper to see the object's full shape.

It didn't take long before I saw the entire form of this mysterious item. Though buried in mud, it still shone brightly, not a speck of dust on it.

But... I didn't know how to describe its shape...

It looked quite long, so I thought it was a sword. But its shape didn't resemble a sword at all—it was curved, not straight.

Huh?

What does that mean?

Long and curved...?

"It's a sword, but I think it can change shape."

What a strange sword.

"Strange means rare."

But if it's a weapon, I can't use it anyway.

"Stop talking and take it. Even if you can't use it, it might fetch a high price later."

Yeah, that's true.

After that, I wrapped silk around it and tried to pull, but... this thing was incredibly heavy.

"Pull harder! You eat so much, and you can't even pull out a sword!?"

That annoying guy, not helping but still mocking me...

I was still trying my best to pull it out.

"Something's not right... it seems to be held by something... Wait—stop pulling!!"

Too late.

Before Will could finish those words, I had already exerted all my strength to pull hard. As a result, the surrounding earth and rocks collapsed, creating a large hole that exposed me.

At this moment, I saw clearly that one end of the sword was being held by something.

It seemed... to be a tree root...?

Just thinking about it made me sweat profusely, and I slowly looked up to see a mouth staring directly at me.

Oops.

Hehe...

Um... hello...

"You idiot!!"