CH 230

Chapter 230 – S-Rank Monster

“Don’t worry. If the remnants of the Hosen Group turn their fangs on us again, I promise you that we will destroy them.” (Sayuri)

“…I spoke too impertinently. I apologize.” (Kagaya)

She apologized and fell silent as if there was nothing more she could say.

This seemed to be the end of the matter.

“Ah, man. But we bought all those weapons and had days of strategy meetings, but it all ended up being for nothing.” (Kuzuhara)

“Don’t say that, Kuzuhara. We’ll need weapons sooner or later, and it doesn’t hurt to have ‘em. Besides, it’s best if there’s no conflict.” (Otaka)

As expected of Otaka. He was a very mature and kind human being, despite being a former mercenary. But perhaps it was because of this very experience that he understood how cruel war could be.

“Then… this is the end of the alliance?” Kuzuhara said, bringing up the topic he planned to discuss only after the war.

“Ah yes, that’s right. Tanaka-san… I will ask you again. Do you really not intend to stop hunting men?” (Otaka)

“Of course, we won’t stop. This is the doctrine of our Maiden’s Rebirth Order.” (Sayuri)

Hearing the unbending resolve in Sayuri’s will, Otaka’s expression turned bitter.

“But we exist to protect the peace of the city. We can’t just let you all do whatever you want.” (Otaka)

“Then what? Will you wipe us out?” (Sayuri)

It was a powderkeg situation. The good mood from victory lasted only a split second before devolving into this menacing atmosphere.

Now then, what should I do…?

If they started an all-out shootout here, I would get caught up in it too. If possible, I’d rather they do it somewhere else.

“Puuu! Master! There’s trouble, trouble!” (Sol)

How many times has it been now? Once again, Sol’s alarmed tone sounded in my mind.

“Sol, I’m kind of busy right now, but…” (Torimoto)

“Ah, sorry! But it’s a really big problem!” (Sol)

“Milord, it’s indeed as Sol-dono says. I have also confirmed it. It would be best to listen to the report.” (Kaza)

Kaza, who was patrolling the jungle area with Sol, also spoke up. In other words, it seemed that there was a seriously troublesome matter.

“What exactly happened?” (Torimoto)

“The jungle! The jungle expanded by a loooot!” (Sol)

“….Huh? Uhh… What do you mean?” (Torimoto)

“Sol-dono, that’s not very easy to understand. Allow me to explain.” (Kaza)

“Wuu, please go ahead.” (Sol)

“As a matter of fact, some strange occurrences started to occur in the jungle a little while ago.” (Kaza)

“Strange occurrences?” (Torimoto)

“Yes. The land in the center of the jungle is gradually rising, and a large tree appears to be coming out of it.” (Kaza)

A large tree coming out of the ground? What kind of phenomenon is that?

“After surveying the situation, I was reminded of a certain region.” (Kaza)

“Region? From the other world?” (Torimoto)

“Indeed. The name of that region is—the Forest of Gluttony.” (Kaza)

I gulped as Kaza proceeded to tell me about the true nature of this forest.

Apparently, the land around the Forest of Gluttony eroded away at the surrounding land and transformed it into a forest.

What the heck, isn’t more trees a good thing?

Or so I thought, but the terrifying nature of the forest was beyond my imagination.

There was no limit to its expansion, and as long as there was nothing to keep it in check, it would continue to spread forever. It would devour plains, mountains, cities, oceans… and even people.

“It can devour people too?” (Torimoto)

“Yes. Those that are eaten up become part of the forest’s vegetation.” (Kaza)

This wasn’t something that could be looked at in an optimistic light. I thought that in a world where there already weren’t enough trees, an expanding forest like this would be good, but it was a problem if it also killed people.

If it could even swallow up the oceans, that meant that even the world’s oceans might one day disappear. People would be forced to leave their homes and eventually be eliminated from the earth.

My island, Joysprout Island, would be no exception.

“But there’s one thing that doesn’t line up. If this forest can endlessly expand, why is the other world still safe? Did it also only just appear in the other world?” (Torimoto)

It would be understandable if it had only just appeared, like in this world, but if it were allowed to devour and expand for dozens, no, centuries, then it would have reached a considerable size. There was no way that nothing had been done to deal with it.

“No. From what I know, the forest has existed since time immemorial.” (Kaza)

“Then why hasn’t the other world been entirely transformed into a jungle?” (Torimoto)

“Because of the existence of other S-Rank territories.” (Kaza)

“Territories…?” (Torimoto)

According to Kaza, each S-Rank monster’s territories existed around the Forest of Gluttony. If their land was encroached upon, it would definitely result in conflict.

“If S-Rank monsters collide with one another, the world would be in danger of ending and the forest would also face the risk of destruction. That is why encroachment upon other S-Rank territories is kept to an absolute minimum. But in this world, such S-Rank territories don’t exist, which is why…” (Kaza)

And it wasn’t just one part, either. The jungle seemed to be expanding equally on every side around its perimeter. At this rate, Japan would become a woodland country in only a few years.

This isn’t good. This is no longer someone else’s problem.

In a few years from now, my island might still be safe, but it would eventually reach the island some day, so I couldn’t just leave things be.

…Huh? Wait a second. Didn’t Kaza say something about S-Ranks clashing with each other?

“H-Hey, Kaza. I want to confirm something with you.” (Torimoto)

“What is it?” (Kaza)

“What is the cause of the forest spreading…?” (Torimoto)

“Naturally, that would be the master of the forest.” (Kaza)

“…?! …Don’t tell me, the master of the forest is…?” (Torimoto)

“The Tree of Gluttony—Belzedor. Undoubtedly, a S-Rank monster.” (Kaza)

…It seemed that there were still some problems I had to overcome in order to live in peace.