Philiana revealed that if she did not succeed in this mission, Cecilia’s life would be in danger.
The next morning, when we went outside, many Quetzalcoātl, who hadn’t been there yesterday, were coming and going. They all glanced at us but didn’t seem particularly interested.
“Good morning, everyone.”
“Ah, Penna-san. I’m sorry about yesterday, for suddenly attacking you.”
Philiana bowed her head deeply from behind. Penna waved her hand as if nothing had happened.
“No, it was just a small cut. It will heal quickly. By the way, you are going to negotiate with the Nagaraja, right? Do you know anything about that race?”
“They are like leaders, the boss, so to speak, of the Naga Tribe. Looking at their scales extending to their arms, they seem to be an advanced species.”
“They are ancient species of the Naga race. They have venomous fangs and eyes on their backs. Please be very careful.”
Ancient species, I hadn’t heard that term in a while. They say they are a race that strongly retains the form inherited from the gods. Regardless of whether they are ancient species or not, we have to get our companions back.
“Is that so? Thank you. We were indebted to you.”
We left their village, waving goodbye to Penna.
“Speaking of which, who was that woman named Penna, I wonder?”
As Nina said, she was a kind person, but she was quite strong. Was she part of that village’s Guard Corps?
“Yes, it’s strange. Such magic, with fire attributes, was a rare movement.”
“It moved like a snake, didn’t it?”
Elana and Piyo also tilted their heads, saying the same thing. Now, we had failed to accomplish the mission from the Nagaraja. What should we say when we return? About defeating the Giant Centipede? But that doesn’t solve everything. It has nothing to do with the Dark Harpy’s interference.
Why are these races on bad terms with each other? The Garuda too. Did the Naga Tribe do something in the past?
We walked back, thinking about such things. After taking breaks along the way, we somehow managed to reach the Naga Tribe’s village. The sun had already set, so there was no one around. This was actually convenient; we could talk to Sarakka without any interference.
I knocked on the door of the largest building in the village. There was no answer. Perhaps they had fallen asleep.
“Are they asleep? Well, that’s normal. I guess I’ll have to come back tomorrow. Huh? The door is open.”
I gently pushed it, and it opened smoothly as if to guide us. It was dark inside, dimly lit by the moonlight spilling through the gap in the open door.
“Hmm, it’s open even though no one is here?”
Sharin pricked up her ears, scanning the surroundings. It would be reassuring to have Veronica here at a time like this, but unfortunately, she was absent. Opening other doors revealed only hallways and small rooms, with no one in sight.
“That was quick. Shall we hear about your achievements?”
“Wh-?!”
A voice from behind us, followed by the sound of a door closing. A figure slowly rose from the darkness.
“I-I’m sorry for entering without permission, but…”
“It’s fine. More importantly, tell me about your achievements.”
Sarakka repeated the same thing, cutting off my words. What was this feeling? We had an overwhelming advantage in numbers, yet my hands were trembling, and my feet were naturally stepping back. It was a fear as if facing a god that must not be angered.
“Before that, I have something to tell you. As a result, the negotiation failed, but…”
“I thought so. It’s a shame. I’ll have your friend die.”
Without listening to Philiana’s words, Sarakka went outside.
“No! Wait!”
Philiana ran to stop him, but Nina held her back.
“Wh-Why?!”
“Calm down a little. He’s heading towards Cecilia’s. We can just follow him.”
“But how?!”
I opened the door and went outside. As expected, he was nowhere to be seen. It was as if he had a secret passage that only he knew. Nina also looked around outside with me.
“I see, he seems to have escaped to the back of this house. Look, there’s a trace here.”
If you look closely, there’s a faint scuff mark on the ground. But he climbed this building, yet there’s no usable tree nearby. Could he have lifted himself with just the power of his tail?
“Let’s go around to the back for the time being.”
I followed Nina around to the back of the building. The backyard, where the moonlight was blocked, was overgrown with tall weeds.
“Where did he run off to?”
“Could it be this?”
Sharin pointed towards a large rock.
