Though entangled by an Alraune, I managed to escape with the help of my companions.
I managed to escape a crisis after being attacked by an Alraune, a moving plant in the shape of a woman. Between this incident and the tentacled flowers and flowering lizards, this truly is a plant kingdom, fit for a deep forest. The animals can be seen as being locked up in large green cages. We returned to the path and headed for the exit of the deep forest.
As we walked in silence, Nina glanced at the woman from the Robis Omen.
“Don’t you need to be with the Boss?”
“…Hah, are you talking about me? It’s fine, I’m one of the combatants.”
It must be quite a feat for Loop, who was surrounded by women, to acknowledge her as a combatant. Well, she is tall with long limbs, and her physique seems more suited for sports than sitting prettily. The leader of the group laughed at this conversation.
“Haha, I told her that too. That she doesn’t need to be in such a dangerous unit. And a woman like you, the Boss would surely keep you close.”
“Loop-sama is too much for me. Besides, I’m more suited to being in the thick of battle.”
I, on the other hand, would rather have a cute face and safely receive food than do dangerous things. Doesn’t she seem perfect for Loop, who loves to fight?
“I think she’s a good match for the Boss.”
As I muttered that, Nina poked me with her elbow. Did I say something wrong? Confused, I saw her give a meaningful look to the leader. But what could it mean? I still couldn’t grasp her intention… Ah, I see. That woman must have a crush on the leader. It’s probably a feeling mixed with admiration and romantic love. But he doesn’t seem to notice, what a frustrating relationship.
While making such small talk, we continued to advance through the deep forest. We walked off the beaten path for two days, and finally, the dense, tall trees began to disappear from sight. An open space, the sea visible in the distance, a clear wind. I breathed in the sea breeze to my lungs. The slightly fishy, unique smell of the tide, but it felt pleasant. The sandy beach, as the sun began to set, was so quiet that I could feel my heart calming down.
“Thank you so much for escorting me this far. Without your help, I’d have been lost by now.”
“No, we are the ones who should be thanking you. By meeting you, Loop-sama was able to mature.”
The two from the Robis Omen bowed their heads and returned to the deep forest. I watched their retreating figures, wishing them good fortune. Everyone else was stretching after being in an open space for the first time in a while. But the problem starts here; we have to find the village that is supposed to be somewhere. They said it was nearby.
As I looked around, Piyo, who had been flying in the sky, landed beside me.
“Hey, hey, I saw a lot of houses over that way.”
Good news right away. We started walking towards the village, guided by Piyo.
