Volume 4 Chapter 29 It Seems That Even Tiger's Retreat Can't Be Easily Resolved
Using the Magic Stone of Cashunat, I gathered detailed information from the people around.
It seems that Mr. Clepa, the town mayor, often visits a high place, and if we go there, the chances of finding him are high.
Even though we were stopped, Miloslaf and I said, "We're used to monsters," and headed out to search outside the Church.
After all, I'm a Third Rank Adventurer.
Plus, there's this eager old man here who is itching to fight.
He's so excited, like a kid!
"A tiger, huh? I often see bears, but never a tiger."
Miloslaf mutters to himself.
Speaking of which, when I think of the Romanov Empire, I picture frozen lands, blizzards, and grizzly bears.
I wonder how they thought to build a country in such a harsh place.
"But even if it's a tiger, it's still a monster, and they said it uses magic."
"Magic, huh... Well, I have an ancient artifact with Anti-Magic on it, so it won't affect me."
Now that I think about it, that's true.
I wondered if its claws and fangs wouldn't scare me, but since this guy has a greatsword, as long as it doesn't get too close, I should be fine.
The real problem is me.
"I'll fight with magic. If it comes down to it, I'll use my fists."
"You're quite the skilled Count, aren't you?"
"Shut up! Just make sure to protect me from any attacks!"
Climbing the stone steps towards the place I heard about at the Church, we shared our thoughts.
The sun was almost setting, so I used the Magic Stone of Luminous to light up the area just in case.
If the light was too strong, it might scare a hidden tiger into ambushing us, so I wrapped it in cloth to lower its brightness as we moved forward.
As I saw the end of the stone steps, Miloslaf suddenly started sniffing the air.
"...I smell something beastly. The wind is coming from above, near the high ground."
"...If I don't smell blood, we're still okay."
We hurriedly climbed the stone steps.
* * *
'Wah, I'm not tasty! Go away!'
"........."
"........."
Up on the high ground, we saw an old man climbing a massive tree, attempting to intimidate a pitch-black tiger sitting calmly below him, and we couldn't help but exchange silent glances.
The tiger was sitting politely, staring at Mr. Clepa.
What on earth is happening?
"...Well, at least you look lively."
"Indeed."
Despite Mr. Clepa's tense situation, we shared those thoughts with a relaxed atmosphere.
This pitch-black tiger, which must have been about one meter tall, remained still, looking peaceful enough that I started to wonder if it really was harmless.
I thought about whether it was truly okay to attack, but I heard livestock sometimes got harmed, so it must be a wild beast.
We probably should take care of it.
'W-when did you guys get here!? This place is dangerous! Leave quickly!'
Oh no, Mr. Clepa noticed us and warned us, but that won't do.
We came to help you!
"Risking your life to save us? That's a tearjerker, isn't it?"
"Absolutely."
I agreed with Miloslaf's chuckle as I readied my staff.
Shall I make the first move?
"Flame arrow, pierce the enemy before me and ignite, <Fire Arrow>!"
I decided to test the waters and shot a small flame arrow.
The arrow flew straight toward Tihuacan's front right leg, but the tiger easily dodged it with a swift move.
Looks like it won't be that easy.
Tihuacan finally saw us as a threat, lowering its body and letting out a low growl, "Grrr."
I thought I heard Mr. Clepa take a small breath.
"It dodged it, huh?"
"Just a warning shot. I didn't think I could take it down with that──"
I replied to Miloslaf's teasing, but I got cut off mid-sentence.
Tihuacan's fur was starting to change color.
It shifted from deep black to──golden.
In less than ten seconds, the black tiger had transformed into a golden one.
It was a very tiger-like color, but it shone a bit too brightly.
"It's changing its form. Well, that's fine, here we go!"
In an instant, Miloslaf closed in on the transformed Tihuacan and swung his greatsword without mercy.
The greatsword accurately followed the dodging tiger and took out its left front leg.
However, the tiger didn't care about that and planted its right front leg, lunging at Miloslaf with its massive jaws wide open.
The black knight spun gracefully, which was surprising for his appearance, and dodged the attack.
Tihuacan then turned to chase after Miloslaf──but didn't follow through.
Instead, it faced me.
But at this distance, and with its left front leg gone, getting closer wouldn't be easy──
"......Huh?"
I couldn't believe my eyes.
For some reason, Tihuacan's left front leg is fully grown.
"This guy has regenerated!"
I finally realized this fact thanks to Miloslaf's voice, and Tihuacan started to dash at me.
I hurriedly activated the Magic Stone of Great Absolute at my waist.
Right after that, I got tackled by the tiger and flew away, crashing into a low bush.
"...Ouch..."
Even the Great Magic Stone of Diamond couldn't stop the tiger's tackle.
With that much mass, I guess it can't be helped.
But──its body is regenerating, and it has a golden appearance.
It looks like it was turned into a demon beast with a Mana Crystal, but no──
"Is it a creature that became a demon beast from too much exposure to Magic Power?"
Animals that receive too much Magic Power at a Magic Power spot turn into demon beasts.
This guy must be one of those types.
It seems like taking down the tiger monster will take a bit longer.
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