The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 59

Even though some conclusions were being reached, Kalph remained deep in thought. He looked at Syran, who sat next to me without a single movement.

“What do you think, Syran? Could it really not be Semeion?”

“It’s not Semeion. Why would Semeion be alone?”

“That’s true, but…”

“Do you think it’s Semeion?”

“If the seal on the Demonic Beast has indeed been broken, then it’s not strange for things to have gone awry.”

The group fell silent once more. Realization seemed to dawn on everyone, turning their faces pale. After a moment’s pause, Syran suddenly turned to look at me.

“Aesang, you answer. Did Semeion seem fake to you??”

“…I don’t know enough about him to discern truth from lies.”

“I’m asking about your impression. How did he feel? Did he seem like a liar?”

“You can’t judge everything by appearances, but he didn’t come across that way.”

“Then how did Semeion react when the Demonic Beast was mentioned? Was he anxious, flustered, or scared?”

“Hmm, no. He remained calm. In fact, he seemed to know more about the situation than we did.”

I had assumed that other Clonnes would be aware of this as well. Judging by their reactions now, it seems I might have been mistaken. Syran’s eyes flickered at my calm response. Kalph’s expression also showed a trace of uncertainty.

“It has to be Semeion. It’s got to be him.”

Kalph sighed deeply, covering his face with both hands.

“A guy so worthless that he can’t even recognize an Aesang wouldn’t stay calm hearing about the Demonic Beast. It must be Seon, though I don’t know why he pretended not to recognize an Aesang.”

“Then why hasn’t he come here?”

“How would I know? I really want to understand what’s happening.”

“And Rafiel?”

“Ah, I don’t know either!”

Kalph responded irritably. At that moment, Syran suddenly coughed, spewing a mouthful of dark red blood. Kalph and the rest of the Clonnes were startled and quickly rose to their feet.

“Syran?”

“Lord Syran!”

Boom!

A massive sound echoed immediately afterward. As the ground shook violently, Kalph hurriedly supported the staggering Syran.

“What the—! What’s going on?”

“It’s a disaster, Lord Kalph!”

Shouts filled with confusion resonated around them. Turning to look, the sight that met their eyes left their faces grim. The sky was cracking as if it were shattering, with a gaping black hole beneath it. In an instant, everything became clear. Someone had broken through the barrier.

“We have an intruder!”

Cutting through the hazy smoke, a dark shadow began to emerge.

* * *

A small village located on the outskirts of the Estan territory.

After a missing person case had caused an uproar in the village a few months ago, the people had just begun to regain their peace and return to their normal lives. However, around that time, another unfortunate event occurred: the apothecary, Semeion, who had been staying in the nearby forest and providing great help to the village, decided to leave.

“Master Semeion, are you really leaving?”

“Can’t you just stay here?”

The faces of the villagers who had come out to see him off were filled with regret. In the small village, physicians and apothecaries were rare. Moreover, a person with proper medical knowledge and skills like Semeion was particularly hard to come by. It was only natural that their hearts felt heavy at his departure. However, there was no justification for holding someone back who had always been an outsider. He had intended to stay in the forest only temporarily from the beginning.

“It’s something I’ve had planned for a long time, so there’s nothing I can do about it. I’m grateful for all your kindness during my stay.”

“It’s us who should be thanking you. We’re more indebted to you.”

“That’s right. Thanks to Master Semeion, so many people have become healthy.”

“It’s a pity you couldn’t stay longer; we’ve really grown fond of you…”

As they expressed their regrets, some villagers couldn’t help but tear up. At the sound of suppressed sobs, Semeion made an awkward face. Seeing this, those who had been holding back began to chide those who were crying.

“Why are you crying? You’ll make the apothecary feel uncomfortable! Don’t mind us, Master Semeion! A remarkable person like you should go to a bigger city rather than stay in a small village like this. We’re already more than grateful for everything you’ve given us. Please, don’t worry about us, and go on your way.”

“That’s right, Master Semeion. Don’t worry about us. We’re already thankful for all the free treatment you’ve provided. If we asked for more, we’d be too shameless. Instead, upon hearing that you were leaving, I hurriedly packed some food for you. I don’t know if it’ll suit your taste, but please eat it on your way when you’re hungry.”

“Oh, me too! I’ve brought dried jerky and fruits. They should last you a long time.”

The villagers offered their gifts one after another, and Semeion’s load grew heavier, his simple backpack now accompanied by weighty packages.

“You didn’t have to go to this trouble… Thank you all so much. I’ll enjoy it.”

“Where are you heading now?”

“I’m going to a far place. Towards the south.”

“Oh my, if it’s the south, the journey will be quite rough. What will you do if something happens on the way? Do you really have to go?”

To the villagers’ worries, Semeion nodded calmly.

“I have someone I must meet there.”

“Someone you have to meet?”

“Yes, someone I’ve been waiting for a very long time. I must meet them before it’s too late.”

The villagers guessed he must be going to see a patient with a serious illness. Semeion quietly accepted their outpouring of concern and advice and expressed his gratitude to everyone.

“I wanted to stay longer in such a peaceful and quiet village, so it’s with a heavy heart that I depart. If the chance arises, I will visit again.”

“Yes! Master Semeion! We will be looking forward to seeing you again.”

With those parting words, the lengthy farewell came to an end. Semeion waved to the villagers who had escorted him to the outskirts until they could no longer be seen and then continued on his way alone in silence.

It was early morning, and the sky, still holding the cool air of dawn, was tinged with a faint light. The path cutting through the forest was known for wild beast sightings, and travelers were advised to exercise extreme caution in the area. Yet, Semeion, unarmed, appeared entirely calm.

“Let’s see. It’s probably best to head to the nearest city first and get a horse.”

As he murmured to himself while checking his map, there was a rustling noise, and something stirred in the brush. It was a huge leopard with coal-black fur, its eyes burning even in broad daylight.

“Grrr!”

A low roar erupted from the leopard’s throat upon spotting Semeion. Its rippling muscles were threatening, as if it could pounce at any moment. However, Semeion, watching this sight, remained composed; his eyes even softened with a gentle warmth.

“Khan.”

At that moment, the shape of the leopard wavered and swelled up as it transformed. In an instant, it took the form of a human man—a young man with deep black hair and sharp golden eyes.

The transformation from leopard to human in front of his eyes didn’t alter Semeion’s expression one bit; as if such a thing were completely normal. The leopard, now called Khan, also spoke nonchalantly.

“Do you really plan to get a horse?”

“Yes, why?”

“Isn’t it going to be difficult? Honestly, what horse would be able to carry Semeion? They’d all get scared and thrash around, wouldn’t they?”

“That’s because of you, Khan. What animal wouldn’t be scared if a predator like you is nearby?”

“Hmph, what can I do about being a leopard?”

At Khan’s grumbling, Semeion chuckled softly.

“Fortunately, it’s not like there’s no solution. For that reason, I’d like you to stay in human form for a while.”

“What? No way! Why do I have to do that?”

“We really don’t have the luxury of time right now. It’s already a tight schedule, and you’re telling me to walk all the way there?”

“Just ride on me! I’m faster than a horse. What’s the problem?”

“Hah, have you not thought about how conspicuous it would be to ride a leopard? Plus, you’re much larger than an ordinary leopard. We’d be a spectacle everywhere we go.”

“But in Dongryeong, it was fine for me to do that.”

“This isn’t Dongryeong; this is Seoryeong, Khan. Here, people don’t ride animals other than horses, and they’d find it strange to see someone on a leopard. It’s not good to keep thinking by Dongryeong standards.”

With no suitable response, Khan fell silent even though he looked dissatisfied. Semeion said with an apologetic expression.

“Just bear with it until we get to our destination. As you know, we need to avoid drawing attention while we’re here. You never know who you might run into.”

“…I know.”

“That’s a relief. So you can do it, right?”

“Tch, I guess I have no choice. Alright.”

“Thanks, Khan. I knew I could count on you.”

Seeing Semeion’s bright smile, Khan had no choice but to swallow his complaints. No matter how displeased he was with the situation, it was better to see a happy face. The fact that it had only recently become possible for Semeion to smile like this made it even more significant.

“But will we really find them in the south? What if they’re not there?”

“Well, we’ll have to think about that when we get there. But we should at least be able to pick up some clues. Either way, we’ll be able to come to a conclusion.”

“There’s not much time left. Is it alright to be so laid back?”

“We have no choice. This whole quest started without any concrete evidence or certainty. It might seem reckless, but all we can do now is go forward and see what happens.”

The tone of Semeion’s voice was less assured than before. Khan, who knew the reason better than anyone, also felt a heavy heart. Semeion spoke as if making a vow to himself.

“I must find him.”