Cecilia Reminds Gulf of Family Love
After confirming Cedric disappeared into the sky, I collapsed onto the ground.
“Arisugawa, pull yourself together.”
“Ugh… I can’t move my body.”
My shoulder hurt, and I couldn’t put any strength into my limbs. I felt cold and dizzy. I knew I had to escape quickly, but I couldn’t move. Cecilia also seemed to have finished her conversation, appearing listless again.
“There’s no other way. I’ll take the injured with what’s currently mobile. Philiana, can you manage?”
“Yes, please get on my back.”
I decided to walk with Sharin’s shoulder to lean on. My bitten left arm was completely immobile. It seemed everyone else was helped by Philiana.
Right, Sen no Tsurugi. What happened to her? Gulf, who brought her, was gone. We should escort her to a safe place.
“Hey, hey, what about Sen no Tsurugi…?”
“Don’t worry about that, Philiana is protecting her.”
That’s a relief. I’m sorry, but I don’t have the luxury of worrying about anyone else right now. Sharin must be exhausted from the battle, yet I’m making her carry a man heavier than her own weight.
“I see. I’m sorry, this must be tough…”
“No problem. Hmph, you’ve gotten bigger, haven’t you.”
Bigger? Does that mean I’ve gained weight? My foggy head can’t process anything. We’re heading in the opposite direction of the road to the Land of Satyrs. We’re venturing into a forest far from human settlements.
The dense trees block the sunlight, and the area before my eyes gradually darkens. I wonder if my own vision is fading; I don’t even know that. It’s cold, it hurts… What lies ahead? Gulf told me to go west, but perhaps this is also a trap. If so, I need to turn back…
“Hey, Arisugawa, hey!”
I can hear Sharin calling me. Ah, I almost collapsed. I can’t think about anything anymore. My thoughts seem to be mired in fog. I’m sleepy, I’m so tired.
Still, I keep moving my legs while leaning on her shoulder. I know, if I collapse here, I’ll truly die.
I wonder how far we’ve walked. It’s gotten completely dark all around. Even avoiding the tree roots snaking around my feet feels like too much effort.
“Philiana, wait! Let’s rest here for a moment.”
“But pursuers are coming.”
“We don’t know if that’s true information. It might be a trap, including this, and if so…”
I can hear everyone talking. I wonder if everyone is staying together. Then, their voices suddenly stop.
“Is everyone okay?”
A voice I don’t recognize.
“Who are you?”
“Hello. I don’t usually approach people, but I saw you injured. I am Koone, a Bugfolk.”
Bugfolk? A companion of Pauline? Will they help us? Was this what going west meant?
“Are you alone?”
“No, I have family at my home. That’s a severe injury. Please come over if you like.”
I can hear Nina talking, though I can’t see her. Then, they whisper to each other, discussing what to do.
“We’ll refrain.”
“But ahead, there are many dangerous animals. With that injury, you won’t last.”
The three of them exchange glances.
“Right, fine. Guide us.”
“Fufufu, of course. Come this way.”
It’s a dangerous gamble, but they likely judged that they couldn’t go much further.
“Wait, wait.”
It seems Pauline cut in then.
“What is it?”
“Ah, no, that’s, nothing.”
Nina follows Koone as if nothing happened. I also start walking, led by Sharin.
“Are you all part of a special unit?”
“No, we’re not. Just travelers. We were just attacked by thugs, or rather, dangerous people. More importantly, is your home like a village?”
I can hear Nina and Koone talking. I’ve been staring at my feet all this time, but a white fog is starting to appear there too. Is my vision finally starting to disappear? Perhaps my brain isn’t getting enough oxygen.
A soft, cloud-like thing on my toes. What is this? I’m curious, but I can’t speak.
“So, where is your home? My tail is starting to hurt.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll be there soon.”
Come to think of it, Nina was bitten on her snake tail too. It must hurt with every step. Finally, Koone stops, as if they’ve arrived.
I can hear the sound of leaves rustling.
“We’ve arrived. This is my home.”
“You, tsk, I knew it.”
“Everyone, draw your swords. Bring the injured to the center.”
I was lowered from Sharin’s shoulder to the ground. What’s happening? When I raise my head, I see Sharin’s back, a dagger in her hand.
“Mother, I did it. Look, so many delicious women. There are men too.”
“Yes, well done. Let’s tie them up and eat them one by one. The man last.”
Mother…? What is going on? Move, move, my brain. Grasp the situation. When I open my heavy eyelids, I see countless shadows wriggling in the darkness around me. Are all of these Bugfolk?
“Go, my children!”
“They’re pouncing!”
“I know that much!”
I hear a scream, “Gyaaa.” Veronica’s fist pierces an attacking shadow. Philiana’s sword pierces and cuts several at once. Still, enemies keep coming, one after another, a true swarm of insects.
Then, one of them pounces on me.
“Damn it, Arisugawa! Guwaaa!”
I can see sharp-clawed legs extending from its back. Then, it wraps me in thread, my immobile body completely bound, and carries me off.
“Hey, someone! Go get him!”
“I know! This is too many!”
My companions are getting further and further away. Where will I be taken like this?
