The Book Of Flowers
First Time Meeting Chimera
"Pardon us, the mighty Oberon. It seems you're very busy this time"
"Your servant is bowed before you. I happened to see you through earlier, so I took Verdea and Natasha"
"I just followed because I couldn't walk around inside Miralius. So..."
Yep. Everyone has their own reasons
Too bad I only accepted the last reason as the most valid sentence among the three. The two of them who bowed to the ground before my feet also did not help themselves at all
Depressing. Though the two of them were men here, while the woman was just sitting on her knees casually on the ground
"Wake up, turn around, and walk back to Miralius" I said then, after sighing for a moment
"We must refuse" Verdea replied with a serious pretentious face, followed by Veskal as well
Ugh, here comes the boys' tactics. Tactic 'Refuse until I lose and obey their will'
So I turned to look at someone who would not be too pushy because he just entered our group
"Can you please drag them back?" I asked Natasha
"On that..."
He will refuse too huh...?
Whatever. I'd better stop talking and just walk with Leshy. He had been waiting for me who was reprimanding the three people since
Seeing me walk back without a word was spontaneous to make Verdea rise and run closer, while the two slowly followed behind
"Will! That means I can come, right?" Verdea asked with a pleased face
"The bottom line is Leshy, where was that strange monster nest?"
"On that, Oberon yes..."
Verdea gasped at me who was completely unconcerned with her words and only spoke to Leshy
"Vain" He's back trying to distract me
"His race... A little far away too. Wouldn't it be long if we just walked like this?"
"It doesn't matter Oberon. If you are afraid that the monster might run away because of my presence, the forest spirits have already covered our arrival by using magic"
"good good. What I'm worried about is that there's a bunch of little boys following us. Who knows they can't stand this trip"
Verdea and Veskal were snapped compactly with gaping mouths, then switched to a frowning expression
Especially Verdea who immediately tugged at my robe
"If you're worried about that Oberon huh, just think of this as an exercise for them"
"Well! They can't even get through light training from us! I doubt walking in such a distance won't make them tired~
It didn't take long when one of them would say 'Vainzel asked for water!'. And I'll bet that I'm right~!"
I laughed out loud as Verdea frowned and immediately jumped on my back until I lost my balance and fell to the ground, while the other 3 people just listened to the incident
"What did you say?? Don't underestimate me, you watermelon head!" Verdea called out while holding my hand back
"Whether or not, this head can break the rock of tofu! While your legs are much weaker it will definitely feel lackluster just because it runs for 20 minutes~!"
"Of course it's stupid! Don't you understand that our physiques are different??"
"That's no excuse! I used to be able to even walk around Miralius all day without rest without feeling tired! And I'm only 8, 8!"
"What I'm talking about is because of our racial differences, you're stronger!!"
...
...
...
"Uh... Since when do I hang in the air?"
"10 seconds ago"
"Now 13"
"Silence Veskal!"
Verdea tried to look down and realized that I had extended my hand up, so that he who had held my hand had lifted up and was now in the air
"Look no...?" Verdea said to me, pouting
"I also said that you better not follow. The distance will be very long and even if you manage to get there, you will definitely fight the monster" I replied, lowering Verdea slowly
My hands also shortened again until I made sure again whether my gloves were damaged or not because of what you just did
"Also, the monster that Augurtrail directed us to is a Chimera" I muttered in annoyance
"Chimera...? That mutant monster?" Verdea asked, along with the two people who were surprised
"Oh~ You know apparently. And yes, the Chimera has lately started to go in and mess around inside Goeitias" I replied
"But... I heard that monsters don't even like Chimera because of their origins coming from human trials. Then why is the Chimera still alive, even though Goeitias has the most fearsome monster in all over Vitario?" Natasha asked
"Because they're strong. I never even thought a human creation would have such powerful combat power huh" Leshy who then retaliated
"No way - That means an alchemist actually managed to make a deadly weapon of life..." He also muttered worriedly at Leshy's words
"And I have speculations about who did it" I interrupted
"Who?"
"Shen Xiang's. King of the largest kingdom in the Lao continent. Or should I call him the former king?"
Verdea and Veskal were surprised to hear the name. Names that are not foreign, so they immediately look upset just because they hear it
But yeah. Speculation is the most likely. Shen Xiang could not confirm his death at the time, and he disappeared in an instant the night of the attack
Either he managed to escape at that time and returned to make a vile experiment, or he was killed by Rosalia until the woman was the mastermind behind the appearance of the Chimera. Whatever the case may be, the root of the matter is Shen Xiang himself, and the problem is not trivial
The Chimera was not something that could be easily defeated. Unlike the incarnate demons who had to eat everything to gather strength first, the Chimera could be made strong from birth
"That hand-made monster is indeed terrible huh... The creature whose origin is from the creation of the Dwarves should not fall into human hands huh..." Leshy
"Well how else? People like Shen Xiang are not just one" I replied with a sigh
"Eh-uh? Is Chimera currently a lot in Goeitias?" Veskal asked later
"No. But I can't say that their behavior doesn't unsettle other monsters on the continent" I replied. "Worse yet, they wreak havoc when some of the great leaders of the monsters are inactivated..." I added
The leaders of a monster village must be fighting in pain at this moment. On the other hand, they were increasingly troubled by the presence of those artificial monsters
"Then it's good that I'm coming. Eleanor and Albert could probably research the monster" Veskal said, feeling enthusiastic
"I can't say I agree with you..." Natasha followed, instead looking doubtful
"It's okay. Besides, wouldn't it be nice if we could just get information from a Chimera?"
Natasha was silent and did not answer. But his face clearly showed that he was feeling unhappy at this moment
I wonder why...?
'Oberon yes'
Hm!?
Telepathy from Leshy
'Don't get too close to that woman'
...
'Why?'
He's talking about Natasha. But, I also did not doubt Leshy anymore after he gave one answer
'The woman has black magic. He tried to cover it up from the beginning he arrived with you, but I can't be fooled'
...
...
...
'Then we'll prove it when we get to our destination'
'Look him over again, yeah, Oberon'
......................
"Well... It was a long journey, but we finally arrived...!"
And as I thought, when I turned towards the three men...
None of them could stand up straight. Natasha had to sit down to take a breath, Verdea was already limp on Leshy's back, and Veskal had to bend his knees down
"You... You didn't say..."
"If it is too far away for you? I told you you guys weren't gonna stand it, and that should be enough as a warning"
My little mockery wasn't entirely messing~
A few hours have passed since we walked. If these three people weren't around, me and Leshy might be able to go faster
I feel a little tired from just walking, but at least this activity has been included in my daily exercise quota
"How can... You're not tired...??" Verdea grumbled at me with a face embedded in Leshy's hair
"Because of physical exercise it has become an obligation for every Oberon and Titania who lead. Walking this distance only felt like walking around the castle area of the Hortensia family residence"
And of course I'm not lying. That physical exercise also developed my batting ability and power. Unfortunately, I don't use it too often to some people who definitely won't stand it
Then don't discuss my ability to control Mana well
"Let me down, Leshy. I'm sure you'll be in trouble if we get into place i..."
...
...
...
Why are they in-
"Oy, Vain. You're sure Leshy can get into as small a cave as possible... That...?" Veskal asked, pointing to the gaping cave door before us
Oh... Apparently that's what these kids are worried about
But he could enter it, so they didn't have to worry
"Leshw. Don't make them think too much"
Leshy only sighed at my command, until Verdea on his back suddenly felt a tremor
"If you don't mind, can you take this young man, Oberon huh?" Leshy asked
I immediately removed my gloves and took Verdea safely before we could all watch Leshy's body shake violently as if she was having a seizure
But unlike Verdea, he realized that Leshy suddenly began to shrink slowly
Till...
His body turned to be the size of a human, but still had an unusual height, as well as a pair of horns that still stuck to his head
The problem is not that for them
"YAHHH!! WHERE'S YOUR SHIRT!!!" Verdea yelled
Natasha was even spontaneously covered in her face by Veskal until her face was brushed off, as the woman tried to peek a little
Leshy on the other hand, just rubbed the beard on his human face, while watching where everyone whose eyes were still open was looking
...
"... Why are you yelling at this?"
"Because of that-!"
"Even Verdea's property isn't that big. Heh" I'm blabbing
"What do you mean? Do you want me to kill you?" Verdea then replied with a deadly look
Wow his tone instantly changed in an instant. I'm afraid~
"You guys think all this time he's been wearing what? This is normal" I said
"He is like a statue of a man made by the people of Orion. It's just having thick hair all over the body" Natasha commented
"Don't look" Veskal replied, covering his friend's face even more
"Stop this thing. We have more important business" I said
And if they don't want to go in first, I better
Due to my initiative to enter the cave first, everyone started staring at Leshy who only shrugged his shoulders in response
Leshy followed me from behind first, followed by the others for not wanting to be left behind
......................
--- In the cave ---
"Vainzel's. Why can't we light fire magic here?"
"You don't smell the walls of this cave or what? This place is filled with sulfur"
"It's just a weird smell. Is it safe if we get inside, Oberon?"
"It's okay, Natasha. Leshy has ordered the Forest Spirits to make sure the air here stays safe by coating the substance's exit with magic. Although well, this sulfur smell will not disappear"
"That doesn't make any sense! Isn't it safe to use fire magic then??"
"I can do it for you, prince of Verdea. Hold on, I'll cast light magic"
"Basic fussy. Though we're used to moving at night, but still complaining about the darkness"
"Well... I'm not used to it either as the prince of Verdea, Veskal. You know I don't like the dark, do you...?"
"I know you, but not for this kid. You don't know how much fighting he's been through with us, and now-"
"Can you calm down or not? The chimera is asleep"
And I can assure you he won't be happy with our disturbing presence
Verdea took the light magic created by Leshy, and it was seen that her face showed a sullen expression as I had reprimanded them
We who had walked deeper and deeper were finally able to hear a strange sound other than our footsteps, coming from the cave
A heavy but regular breathing sound. Like someone who was snoring, but sounded very rude and violent. The heat alone makes me sure that if someone is exposed to the breath just a little bit, they will be blown back
Not wrong anymore. The creature that was purring in front of us but not yet seen was the Chimera we were looking for
"What are the Forest Spirits that put that creature to sleep?" I asked Leshy
"I'm not sure yes. This creature's magic is much stronger than my subordinates"
Well, conceptually, if one's magic was much stronger than his opponent's, their controlling magic wouldn't work as hard as his experiments
That is, this monster sleeps of its own will. And if we go deeper, he will definitely wake up
"Chimera is an expert in magic huh...? That's rare..."
Then we use this way. I have to get down on my knees first and...
My palm was attached to the ground as tightly as possible so that I could feel the flow of Mana within
"Leshw. Protective magic"
Hearing my orders, Leshy immediately moved forward to turn my back, then began to cast the magic I asked for
And that way, my eyes were closed
"Oh great fire spirit. Your land is a trial-filled plain, a terrain full of obstacles. To me who has passed by, your majesty I have seen. Then drop the glimmer of the plains for my enemies to feel..."
"- Take care of our food. Protect our houses. Let our misery go. Where's the Barrier"
"- Then give your test to those who disobey. Infernal Land"
The ground rumbled, making the entire cave tremble. We could hear the Chimera beginning to wake up, which then immediately roared to deafen all of us and made Natasha spit out her entrails to the point of almost dirtying Veskal's clothes
The Chimera tried to move forward using shadow magic, so the three people could clearly see the terrifying figure with the two of us holding the creature in front
The form of the body of a spider with a neck and a snake tongue with the head of a man can certainly make everyone's blood wriggle fear in their bodies
That unreasonable speed of his even immediately made the three people behind turn deathly pale, as if blood was no longer flowing within their bodies
However, the Chimera who intended to strike back was actually restrained and hit by the Leshy's very hard protective magic. He tried to destroy it many times, either using magic or his body directly. But his efforts remain in vain
Until my magic began to manifest itself so clearly that it made even the Chimera flinch. Especially when he realized the fire light with the sound of explosions from below and above the ground was approaching him from behind
Explosion after explosion. The closer we get and the harder it gets. Until finally the explosion could be seen clearly in front of us all, he said, came in many stages and one by one in the form of lava exploding out of the ground and gusts of fire caused by heat mixed with sulfur in the cave
Realizing that he was in danger, the Chimera tried harder and harder. But Leshy and his magic did not falter or crack at all, so he just stared at the miserable experiment of the Chimera with an inconsolable expression with the reflection of the fire light that began to approach in his eyes
It took 5 seconds, and the explosion reached where the Chimera was standing, blow the creature's body into pieces until the blood and some of its blue internal organs are splashed to and fro and mostly stick to Leshy's protective magic
His blood slowly overflowed due to the heat of the magic, so that when Leshy had already canceled the magic, the fallen blue blood was only left with a few drops along with some organs that were already out of shape
...
Seeing the scene, Verdea began to vomit, while Veskal, who had originally intended to help Natasha, immediately fell to the ground
They all looked so creepy in fear seeing the new massacre that Leshy and I just did
"M-That thing..." Verdea said, trying to reassemble her breath
"A very terrible form..." Veskal said, with wide eyes from fear
Their legs all goosebumps just from seeing the monster's form. Well, that's natural
I honestly have never seen such a disgusting form of a Chimera. They will usually be made of animals that have a dangerous form although not too scary. But this one looks like he was made to scare someone, not just to harm them
Anyways...
That thing has a human head. How could?
Although his head and hair were pale white like a bunch of spider webs, the human form of this part of the Chimera was no longer to blame
Mixing creatures other than animals inside a Chimera can be done...?! And also, man??
This information cannot be processed by my head...
But before we tried to come to a conclusion, someone from us fell to the ground unconscious
Natasha, who was not strong, began to have periodic seizures, so Veskal started to look panicked and shouted for our help
Tch. I'd better handle this later
"Leshw. Take some samples, then give them to Fyon and order him to discuss with Eleanor"
That woman is an alchemist. He had definitely understood many concepts regarding the formation of this monster
Anyway, I have to first help Natasha. He had been exposed to side effects for too long to feel the disgusting Mana of that monster
His black mana must have exploded all of a sudden as it reacted with the black magic aura belonging to the Chimera. That's why he's having a seizure now
"We have to find a place where there is a lot of wind. He could feel more relieved after that" I said
"What about..." Veskal replied, staring at one more person
Verdea still doesn't look strong to stand behind me. But I also convinced Veskal that I could take care of Verdea
He nodded in hesitation, and slowly tried to lift Natasha to the place I suggested. As long as I try to calm down Verdea who still looks like she wants to vomit
"It's okay. This... Just because I'm not used to seeing that shape..." Verdea said, trying to calm me down
You still think about the feelings of others. I should be the one trying to calm you down right now
"I go first, Oberon yes. Take good care of yourself huh" Leshy said, with some samples he had already taken based on my orders
I just nodded, as Leshy started to leave without any hesitation
...
Verdea once again vomited, but she tried once not to show it to me
"Bring me... I'm water..." He also asked
Hmphc... I knew he wouldn't be strong...
Yes already. I'd better just form water magic now
It's your first meeting with a Chimera, and you soon get the worst form that even surprises me to see
What did the Chimera maker do to create such a disgusting creature as this one...?
