The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 22

At that moment, noises started coming from outside. The sound of voices and footsteps mixed with shouts. Before long, a red glow flickered against the window. It was the light from the torches. The innkeeper, looking out the window, called out to us urgently.

“Everyone, come out! It looks like your companions have returned!”

“…!”

Without anyone needing to be told, we all rushed outside. Walking towards the inn were men who appeared to be from the village militia. It didn’t take long to spot familiar faces among them.

“Hamar…!”

But instead of relief, I felt a surge of shock. Hamar, who had left in perfect health, was now being supported by Edmil. His right arm hung limp, clearly injured. Thankfully, he hadn’t lost consciousness, and he smiled at us who were alarmed by his condition.

“Captain, sorry for being late.”

“Now’s not the time for apologies! How did you get hurt?”

“Haha, it just happened like that.”

“Save the details for later. Let’s get you inside first!”

People quickly helped Hamar into the inn. Once in the brighter area, his injury became more apparent. The wound on his arm was severe enough to show bone. Lisa examined it with a grim expression and then looked at Edmil, who also wore a dark look.

“What exactly happened out there?”

“Well…”

“A monster appeared.”

But before Edmil could answer, a voice cut in from the militia members who had come in with them.

“A monster?”

“No doubt about it. That thing’s been taking the villagers.”

It was the same soldier who had directed us to the inn when we first arrived in the village. Though he had initially seemed stoic, his face now betrayed clear agitation from whatever he had experienced. His comrades elaborated.

“They said they left the patrol briefly to relieve themselves and, as soon as they entered the bushes, a huge monster attacked. They resisted to avoid being taken, and fortunately, these folks were nearby and helped.”

Responding to the shouts, they found a giant monster wreaking havoc. Thanks to Edmil and Hamar, no one else got hurt, but they couldn’t kill the monster either. It fled as soon as more people arrived, indicating it might have a higher level of intelligence.

“What did the monster look like?”

“I’ve never seen such a hideous monster in my life. Its muscles looked like they could burst at any moment, and it was as massive as a bull. Oh, and its tail! It had a tail like a crocodile’s!”

“Its fangs were long and terrifyingly huge, and its claws were like sharp blades. Its legs were like an eagle’s! If these two hadn’t helped, we would’ve all died right there.”

Everyone eagerly described the monster’s appearance. Though each emphasized different parts, the descriptions sounded increasingly familiar. Looking at Edmil and Hamar, they both nodded silently, confirming my thoughts.

‘Demonic Beast.’

Our faces hardened. Reports of Demonic Beasts operating in the capital had started about two months ago. It seemed their activity might have started even earlier. Without knowing when the seal was broken, there could be more places experiencing similar troubles.

“…Let’s treat the wound first.”

Hale got busy. He had Hamar lie down and tore off the fabric around the wound. The innkeeper brought warm water and clean cloths.

“First, we need to disinfect and stop the bleeding.”

“No, antidote first.”

Lisa interrupted urgently, having returned with her backpack from her room. Various glass bottles tumbled out.

“If the monster is what we think it is, it’s not just their blood that’s poisonous. Their teeth and claws are toxic too.”

“Then this is serious, isn’t it?”

Camille’s face turned pale. We already knew there was no antidote for the Demonic Beast’s poison—that was precisely why we were on this expedition.

“Yes, it’s serious. Luckily, though, the other areas aren’t as toxic. Here, drink this. It’s an improvised antidote that I’m glad I brought along. It won’t be perfect, but it should help somewhat.”

By that point, Hamar was too weak to respond. Edmil, taking the vial Lisa offered, carefully poured the liquid into Hamar’s mouth. After helping him drink a bit, Edmil applied the remaining solution to the wound. The pain was evidently severe, as Hamar jerked violently even while barely conscious.

“Pour a bit more. Hold him steady.”

Lisa opened another vial. The faces of those holding Hamar paled, knowing the tough task ahead.

* * *

Eventually, Hamar passed out during the treatment. It might have been for the best, as he wouldn’t feel the pain anymore. Meanwhile, the innkeeper had hurried off somewhere and then returned with a lamp in hand.

Stepping outside, she raised the lamp high and began turning it on and off repeatedly. After a short while, faint lights began flickering back from a considerable distance, as if responding to her signal. Lowering the lamp with a bright expression, she exclaimed,

“I’ve made contact with Master Semeion! He’ll be here soon!”

“Oh! Master Semeion!”

“I was worried since it’s late, but he’s still awake! Thank goodness!”

It seemed the villagers held Master Semeion in high regard, judging by their relieved expressions. Camille asked, looking puzzled,

“Who is he?”

“Ah, Master Semeion is an apothecary. He lives in a forest nearby called Renea. He hasn’t been in our village for long, but everyone trusts his skills.”

“He has considerable medical knowledge. It’s best to show him the wound and receive his treatment.”

Upon hearing this, the group’s expressions brightened. While first-aid supplies were available, nothing compared to being examined directly by an apothecary. In any case, the arrival of an expert was a welcome relief.

Soon enough, a figure emerged from the deep darkness. Holding a lantern in one hand and a wooden box in the other, the person was cloaked in a long robe with a black hood that reached the ground. He must have been the apothecary, Semeion, everyone spoke of.

“I came in response to the signal. Is there an emergency patient?”

“Master Semeion!”

The face that appeared under the hood was remarkably handsome. His features were delicate, like a sculpture, with skin as pure as the first buds of spring and light purple eyes that were graceful and serene beneath well-groomed eyebrows. He exuded an air more fitting of a noble than an apothecary.

What was even more surprising was his youth. Skilled apothecaries and healers are usually somewhat older. However, given the villagers’ confident recommendation, there was no need for doubt. Everyone was looking at him with eyes full of hope.

“We’ve been waiting for you, Master Semeion!”

“There’s someone severely injured! Please, save him!”

“An injured person? Let’s take a look at the wound.”

With a calm response, he pushed back his hood, revealing bright green hair. It was an unusual color even in Seoryeong, where diverse hair colors existed. Moreover, his hair was long, reaching below his waist.

In the Empire, where short hair was the norm, long hair was typically seen only on clerics or foreigners.

At that moment, as if sensing my gaze, he looked back at me. There was something unusual in his eyes. Contrary to my expectation that he would glance away quickly, his gaze lingered longer than anticipated, as if he were searching for something. An inexplicable tension radiated from his mysterious behavior as he smiled softly.

“Excuse me, may I pass through?”

“Oh, yes…”

As he approached, I noticed he was more well-built than expected. This wasn’t the body of a mere scholar. I stepped back to give him space, and he nodded lightly in acknowledgment before moving forward.

He carried a subtle fragrance that wasn’t quite herbal but more floral. It was a familiar scent, though I couldn’t quite place where I had encountered it before.

“Is this the patient? It seems he’s unconscious.”

While I was trying to recall the details, he reached Hamar. It wasn’t just me who felt overwhelmed by the peculiar atmosphere he exuded; the rest of the group, who had been nervously on edge, quickly composed themselves and responded.

“He passed out just a short while ago.”

“I see. Let me examine the wound first.”

As he inspected the injury, his brow furrowed slightly.

“This is…”

At first, I thought he was shocked by the severity of the wound. However, as he began meticulously examining the shape of the injury, it seemed there was more to it. His face grew slightly tense, and upon noticing the liquid Lisa had poured earlier, he dipped his fingers into it and sniffed lightly.
“Oh, that’s…”
“You used Alica root and Ceron flower, didn’t you? When combined, they serve as a decent neutralizer. It seems you’ve administered the first aid well.
Lisa, who was about to explain, remained silent instead, her astonishment at his knowledge evident. However, Semeion didn’t seem to notice her expression.

“How did this happen to him?”

“Oh, it’s terrible, Master Semeion. A monster appeared in the village!”

“A monster…”

“A creature as large as a bull attacked us. We almost died, but these people saved us. It must be the same creature responsible for the disappearances!”

Even though he lived in the forest, it was unlikely he was unaware of the village’s missing people incidents.

“I see.”

His face darkened as he nodded. It didn’t seem like he was surprised by the monster itself. It was more like he had expected it. Perhaps it was just the urgency of the situation playing tricks on my perception.

“I will proceed with further treatment.”

He busied himself with the wooden box he had brought, taking out various vials. Carefully, he sprinkled finely ground powder on the wound and applied a mixed paste, performing the procedures with great care. After completing the final treatment, he turned to address us.

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