NOVEL NEXT Chapter 167
167. The Emerging King
After leaving Mila-san’s house, we ventured into the forest in search of ingredients.
“What kind of ingredients can we find in the forest?”
“Well, for starters, there’s rabbit meat. We’ll also have Alks use
So, I guess I should be on the lookout for plant-like stuff…? Better stay vigilant…
As we examined various plants, we ventured deeper into the forest.
“…Alright, this looks edible. Let’s gather it for now.”
Just as Raize was plucking a plant from the ground—
“Hey, you two! How’s it going?”
It was Mila-san, approaching us with a wave.
“Huh, Mila-san? Did you come to check on us?”
“Well, something like that. I’m curious about what tonight’s dinner will be.”
“We’re managing, but so far, it’s mostly greenery.”
“Is that so? I’m hoping for something tasty. Now, let me have a look—”
At that instant, I glared at Mila-san and took a defensive stance.
“What’s with that look? I just wanted to check the ingredients!”
“Mila-san isn’t picky about what she eats. Therefore, you’re a fake.”
Raize’s expression turned serious.
Mila-san’s words come into play at moments like this. Observing a person can reveal truth from lies. That’s what it means.
The person in front of us, disguised as Mila-san, gave a twisted smile before her body distorted, like paint dissolving in water.
The Mila-san imposter transformed into a large monkey, much bigger and resembling the one we fought previously.
“That monkey from yesterday!”
“I am no mere monkey. I am the King of the Forest.”
The monkey who had disguised itself as Mila-san spoke clumsy human words with an unsettling, patchwork-like cadence.
“What do you want?”
“You must be allies of that woman. I despise her. Thus, I will kill you here.”
The monkey glared at us with hatred.
I see, it can’t rule with Mila-san around. That explains why it’s taking out its frustrations on us.
“But I’ve already seen through you, and I’m clearly stronger than you! Just leave peacefully!”
“Heh… Have you not realized it yet? Everything is ready.”
When the monkey king raised its right arm, countless monkeys emerged from behind the trees, presumably its subordinates.
Their numbers kept increasing… 10, 20… no, there were at least 30!
“What?! How did they gather so many?”
“It must be another illusion!”
“No, they are my soldiers!”
The monkeys screeched and stared at us with mocking eyes.
It seems like they’re real, as he claims.
What started as a nuisance has turned serious.
“Because of LudMila, my authority crumbled! Now, you’ll pay!”
The monkey’s patched-together words dripped with hatred.
“I am Tsodotos, King of the Forest! All rebels will be executed here!”
At Tsodotos’s command, the monkey soldiers charged. No choice but to fight!
“Slimes, go!”
“Squee!”
I summoned all the slimes I could to confront the monkeys.
“What… What are those slimes?!”
“They’re my allies! Don’t underestimate them!”
I then summoned the Guardian and Chia.
“Chia, boost the slimes! Guardian, protect Chia!”
“Got it! Everyone, do your best!”
Chia raised her hands, enveloping the slimes in a white glow, enhancing their power.
It was a full-blown battle between slimes and monkeys. The forest erupted into chaos.
“Raize! Let’s go for Tsodotos!”
“Eek! Th-this calls for a retreat!”
Realizing the dire situation, Tsodotos turned and fled.
If they’re coming at us seriously, we won’t hold back. Time to settle this!
Raize and I sprinted through the uneven forest, pursuing Tsodotos.
“Stop! I’m taking you down here!”
“Who waits when told to stop?!”
Tsodotos leapt from tree to tree, using the terrain to his advantage. Raize fired ice projectiles, but the monkey dodged every one.
For two minutes, we chased him, tiring ourselves but never losing sight.
“Stop running!”
When I shouted, Tsodotos halted atop a tree and faced us.
“…Did you think I was running?”
He wore a triumphant smile as we suddenly realized the trap.
“This is my domain. You thought you were pursuing, but you were the ones cornered, fools!”
The ground beneath us trembled, and the earth rose like a mountain.
“What is this?!”
The forest floor heaved. Had Tsodotos planned this all along?!
“Arise! Forest Behemoth!”
From the raised earth emerged a colossal behemoth, covered in mossy green.