Chapter 141: Explore the Mountain
Gara’s offer caught both Mohan and Kian off guard.
Gara explained his true plan to them, which was to test his anti-toxin pills right at the source of the contamination.
It sounded absurd. But what mattered most to Mohan was that their investigation would finally move forward.
"...Fine. Tomorrow, we’ll go."
Without another word, Gara turned and left.
"Gara," Mohan suddenly called as Gara stood in the doorway. "I met Loka in town. He asked me to tell you he’s sorry for what he did. He’s already admitted all his mistakes to the guards. I hope you don’t hold a grudge."
"I don’t," Gara replied, glancing back briefly before leaving.
...
The next morning, Gara, Fian, and Madha set out with several guards—including Emir himself—alongside Kian and Mohan. Ten people in total.
"Gara, the mountain’s dangerous. You should stay in the middle," Emir reminded him.
Gara only flicked his eyes toward him without answering. He had already endured Wina’s endless advice before leaving the house; he wasn’t in the mood for more lectures.
Emir, however, didn’t seem offended. He was simply doing the duty entrusted to him by his Captain.
They moved toward the mountain’s trailhead. Fian and Madha flanked Gara on either side, overly protective even before they entered the mountain.
Gara couldn’t help but think he was as strong—or even stronger—than either of them. But with his delicate features, smaller frame, and unimposing height, people tended to think he needed protection.
If only he had the kind of tall, sharp presence Kian carried—handsome without that pretty label—perhaps he wouldn’t be treated this way.
"As planned, I’ll lead first." Mohan’s voice cut into Gara’s thoughts.
They had arrived at the villagers’ herb fields, now dried and withered. Beyond lay the forest.
Mohan, who had already scouted the mountain several times, would guide them up to the point he’d reached before. After that, Emir would take command.
They stepped into the woods. Carcasses of wild beasts littered the undergrowth, a grim reminder of the poisoned water.
Surprisingly, for Mohan and Kian—who usually get attacked by at least a wild boar during these expeditions—the forest seemed unusually calm. Only birds, squirrels, and the occasional small snake stirred among the trees.
"Peaceful today," Kian murmured.
Gara stayed silent. He couldn’t exactly explain that the druid blood flowing in his veins was the reason wild beasts didn’t see them as intruders. Still, even that couldn’t suppress starving creatures.
Soon, a pack of five blue wolves lunged from the brush.
The guards, Liners with plenty of battle experience, quickly rallied and drove back the assault. Once the wolves realized their prey wasn’t weak, they pulled back, circling, eyes glowing as they searched for an opening.
Gara found himself shoved toward the center, shielded on all sides. Even Kian—whose Talent wasn’t suited for offense—stood protectively in front of him, with Mohan holding the line ahead.
He wanted to fight too, but with all the tall men around him, his sightlines were blocked. For now, all he could do was stay sharp and watch for an opening.
The wolves struck again. Though they knew they were outmatched, hunger made them reckless. To starve or to die fighting, what difference did it make?
Mohan’s metal bat smashed into a wolf’s stomach. Kian darted in to back him with his dagger.
On the right flank, Madha and the guards swung their machetes in tandem, combining them with their Talents to subdue two wolves at once.
On the left flank, Fian summoned a Glacial Spike, spearing through two wolves and trapping them in jagged ice while the nearby guards rushed in to finish the job.
It didn’t take long before all five wolves were defeated.
Since they couldn’t afford to drag five carcasses along, the group hauled the bodies up into the trees for later retrieval.
Afterward, Gara went around cleaning the bloodstains off everyone’s weapons and clothing, making sure the metallic scent wouldn’t lure more beasts their way.
They pressed forward until they reached the furthest point the investigation team had ever explored.
Kian and Mohan exchanged impressed looks. They had never reached this far, this fast and with only a single wolf pack blocking their way.
The formation shifted. Emir moved to the rear command position, while Mohan took up guard at the very back.
From here on, the journey was far less smooth. Packs of canines, feline predators, serpents, and even carnivorous birds attacked them in waves.
Fortunately, their team was strong. Anyone injured was treated right away—either with Gara’s medicinal herbs or water. He also brewed Niskara Tea for everyone, quickly restoring their stamina.
"Let’s move on," Emir said as he rose after their ten-minute break.
As Gara reached for his cloth bag, a furry white head poked out. It was Rea. Gara had purposely brought the squirrel along to test for poisons.
"We’re not there yet," Gara muttered, trying to push Rea’s head back inside. But the little creature wriggled free and leapt out in one bound.
"Where are you going?" Gara blurted, startled.
Rea chattered back, then bounded up a tree, springing from branch to branch until she vanished into the dense canopy.
"Where’d Rea run off to?" Madha asked, frowning as the squirrel disappeared behind the leaves.
"She said she knows this place well. Says she’ll come back later," Gara explained, exasperated at his companion’s arrogance.
In truth, it made sense. Rea had once been a wild beast on the mountain in Suruta Village.
"Are you sure it’s safe just letting her go?" Madha pressed.
"Let’s trust her," Gara answered simply. Madha nodded, falling silent.
They moved on again.
Before long, the faint murmur of water reached their ears. Following the sound, they found a wide river. Along its banks, the number of beast carcasses only grew, evidence of contamination.
From that point, they started to walk along the riverbank, scanning carefully for anything unusual that could explain how the water downstream had become poisoned.
Carcasses were everywhere, but no living beasts lingered.
...