Chapter 60: Arrival at the Frontier: New Beginnings and Unknown Perils

I drew my sword with a furrowed brow.

I had expected the joyful voyage sparked by a new encounter to continue, but reality proved otherwise.

“Everyone, protect the ship!”

About a week into the voyage, turbulent waves and fierce winds frequently struck, accompanied by occasional attacks from sea monsters.

Screech!

They resembled a mix of fish and goblins, their grotesque appearance making them truly repulsive.

These monsters scurried chaotically across the deck.

By the time we noticed their intrusion, they had already taken control of the ship.

“Haaah!”

With a loud battle cry, I swung my sword and struck down the closest creature.

Despite the deck being slippery from rain and waves, my sword flew straight and pierced the unidentifiable sea creature.

I squinted my eyes and observed the other pioneers.

They seemed unfazed, slicing down the monsters with quiet efficiency as if accustomed to such assaults.

Just then, the seawater surged, and a massive wave rose.

My vision blurred as the turbulent water engulfed me entirely.

The force shoved several people against the ship’s railing.

Amid the chaos of monstrous cries and human screams, I clung to the railing, waiting for the impact of the waves to subside.

Then, from beneath the sea, something enormous began to emerge.

Although the dark storm clouds and torrential rain obscured my view, the colossal figure could not be completely hidden.

A massive serpent revealed itself, its black scales gleaming as rainwater streamed down its body.

As I stared in awe at the sudden appearance of the enormous monster, a woman dashed forward through the ranks of the pioneers.

Her rain-soaked clothes clung tightly to her, accentuating her figure, but no one dared cast a lecherous glance.

“Selion…?”

It was Selion, running effortlessly across the swaying deck.

A thick rope was tied around her waist, securely fastened to the ship’s main mast.

Without hesitation or faltering, Selion sprinted toward the figurehead of the ship. With each step, the moisture under her feet seemed to evaporate, and a faint mist rose from her body.

As she leapt onto the ship’s figurehead, her body soared into the air.

Her fiery red hair flared like flames, and in one swift motion, her sword sliced through the massive serpent’s head.

Selion, along with the serpent’s severed head, plunged into the sea.

Though she was an exceptional swordswoman, the rough waves seemed too much even for her, as she did not resurface.

The serpent’s enormous body collapsed, triggering another violent wave.

The ship rocked wildly, and the grotesque fish-like monsters scurrying on the deck were swept away.

Screech!

The monsters’ screams faded into the background.

Spitting out the seawater that had entered my mouth, I ran toward the mast.

I wasn’t the only one rushing to help Selion.

About five other pioneers joined me near the mast, pulling on the thick rope.

Thanks to their efforts, we managed to haul Selion up from the depths of the sea.

“Selion!”

“Cough…!”

Selion’s body was covered in wounds, likely from being attacked by monsters underwater.

She lay on the deck, coughing up seawater continuously.

“I’m… I’m fine. Check the inside of the ship… Those fish creatures might have gotten in.”

“Ah, understood!”

At her words, I turned and headed below deck.

The cabin doors were open despite the relentless rain and waves…

Rushing through the waterlogged corridor, I quickly scanned my surroundings.

Fortunately, there didn’t seem to be any human casualties.

Stepping over the lifeless bodies of the fish-like creatures, I made my way to the stables.

The stench of briny seawater mixed with blood assaulted my nose as I entered.

The stable’s distinct smell was stronger than ever, but I had no time to dwell on it.

Gripping my sword tightly, I burst into the stables.

Snort!

“Nightmare…?”

It was Nightmare who greeted me.

The creature was roaming outside its stall, clutching a fish monster’s corpse in its jaws.

Judging by the scattered bodies of the fish monsters around it, Nightmare had dealt with all the intruders that had infiltrated the stables.

The other horses seemed agitated, snorting heavily, but they remained in their stalls, relatively calm.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

Neigh!

Nightmare shook its body as if to prove it was unharmed.

In the process, it stomped on the corpse of a fish monster several times, even kicking it aside.

The sea’s weather was wildly unpredictable.

As the monsters’ assault ended, the rain abruptly stopped, and the dark clouds dispersed, revealing a clear blue sky.

With the attack over, it was time to clean up the ship.

Since I was uninjured, I joined the other pioneers in tossing the fish monsters’ bodies overboard.

During the cleanup, several human corpses were discovered.

They weren’t seasoned adventurers but scholars and ordinary sailors who had boarded to study the monsters’ ecosystem.

As time passed and we grew accustomed to life on the ship, a massive landmass appeared on the horizon beyond the azure sea.

We had arrived at Monster Island.

As the sight of the enormous continent unfolded, the sailors began bustling with activity.

They started preparing their belongings and checking their equipment.

Eventually, the Radon ship approached the dock at the base camp, preparing to anchor.

“How is it?”

“Oh, Selion.”

When did she approach? I turned around to see Selion standing behind me.

She leaned against the ship’s railing, staring at the massive stronghold ahead.

Following her gaze, I looked into the stronghold’s interior.

Amidst the wild flames, I could see a forge hammering away at metal, a leather workshop processing monster materials, and people busily carrying meat, fruits, and vegetables, seemingly preparing meals.

“Amazing place, isn’t it?”

As Selion finished her sentence, a monster’s roar echoed from the forest beyond the stronghold.

“Yes… it’s an amazing place.”

Once the ship docked, unloading began.

The locals living at the stronghold seemed more interested in the goods we brought than in us, the new pioneers.

I packed my belongings and headed to the stable to retrieve my Nightmare.

After the long voyage, it had grown visibly chubbier.

When I gently poked its belly, it recoiled, wagging its tail in protest.

“You need to exercise.”

Phwee-hee-hing!

Well, with the vast continent ahead of us, it would surely lose weight naturally. I mounted the Nightmare and disembarked from the ship.

The new pioneers, myself included, stood around awkwardly. There were no particular instructions, nor did anyone pay much attention to us.

As we aimlessly lingered, Selion approached me with a light hop and started speaking.

“Seris?”

“Yes?”

“Want to come with me?”

“Um… just me? What about the others?”

“The other team leaders will take them.”

“Oh, okay.”

I followed Selion, glancing back.

The other newcomers just stared blankly at me as I walked away.

Selion led me to a large building.

A wooden sign with a blazing flame was hung at the entrance.

“This is where we’ll stay from now on.”

“Here? Which team am I assigned to?”

“Mine, of course!”

“You’re a team leader…?”

She nodded and walked into the building.

Although there was no one inside, traces suggested it had been recently used.

“There’s no one here?”

“Looks like everyone’s out. Pick any vacant room.”

“Hmm…”

Selion acted as though she was quite familiar with the place.

She headed to the largest room, tossed her luggage inside, and began unpacking her equipment.

Seeing me standing idly, she called out.

“What are you doing? Hurry and get your gear.”

“Are we heading out already?”

“Yep.”

Following Selion’s instructions, I unpacked my things in an empty room and equipped my gear.

The Ogre Leather Set, which had once been stiff and uncomfortable, now fit much more comfortably.

After putting on my armor, I took out my casual clothes and personal items from my bag.

With the bag now considerably lighter, I slung it over my shoulder and stepped into the hallway.

“Ready?”

“Yes.”

I stared at Selion, slightly dumbfounded.

I had assumed she preferred lighter outfits, but it seemed I was wrong.

She was wearing a sleek full plate armor set.

“…”

“Cool, huh?”

“Yes…”

The armor, shimmering faintly with a red hue depending on the angle, appeared to be made of a special metal.

Selion smiled lightly and started walking.

As I followed her, I asked, “Ah, Selion, what about the Nightmare?”

“Hmm, you can bring it along if you want.”

I sighed in relief at her response. With my short legs, I’d have to scurry to match Selion’s stride otherwise.

Opening the door, I found my Nightmare waiting for me outside.

Using the building’s wall for leverage, I vaulted onto its back.

Watching me with curiosity, Selion asked, “You’re a purebred Hyland, right?”

“Yes.”

“That’s a great name.”

Selion gazed at the Nightmare enviously.

Picking up on her admiration, the Nightmare snorted triumphantly.

“Let’s go. I’ll explain as we move. For about a week, you’ll follow me around to learn what to do.”

“Yes.”

As we exited the stronghold, Selion began explaining.

The pioneers’ duties included observing and documenting the habitats and behaviors of monsters, occasionally hunting them for materials, and, most importantly, exploring undiscovered, uncharted areas.

“There’s one thing you absolutely must be careful about.”

Standing before the massive gates of the stronghold, Selion turned to me.

I guided the Nightmare to stand beside her.

“What is it?”

“Sometimes, a mana storm sweeps through. When that happens, don’t move.”

“Why not?”

“If you get caught in it, you’ll end up in some strange place.”

With that, Selion waved her hand.

That gesture seemed to signal the guards, as the tightly shut gates began to creak open.

I watched the opening gates and asked Selion, “Has anyone who got caught in the storm ever come back?”

“Just one person.”

“Who was it?”

“Balder. You met him once, didn’t you?”

“Oh…”

I vaguely recalled the man I had briefly encountered at the dining hall. Since we had only exchanged passing glances, my memory of him was faint.

“Shall we go now?”

“Yes!”

With Selion, I stepped into unfamiliar lands.