[Interlude] Another Day in Akau Village 2

A peaceful silence spread across the area.

After defeating the wolves and returning to the village, we found a pile of goods delivered regularly by wagon waiting at the entrance.

Why weren't they brought inside?

Later, I learned from the guild branch leader that merchants were afraid of rumors about a strange illness and refused to enter the village.

If left like this, the very beasts we just drove away might be drawn to the cargo.

Since we couldn’t just leave it there, I ended up bringing the cargo into the village with the villagers’ help.

As we piled the goods in the center of the village, villagers began appearing one by one, took the goods, and quickly went back home, each thanking me with “Thank you for bringing these goods.”

It’s not a bad feeling at all.

But they really seem frightened. No matter how much they say they're ill, the fear of the unknown is hard to overcome. One person who came to collect their supplies asked if I could deliver the goods to the outskirts of the village instead.

"I don't mind, but why can't you come here yourself to pick them up?"

"Oh, it's a bit too far. You know, there are so many monsters out there..."

We're a couple living together, but my husband injured his leg, so my wife can't carry water or supplies by herself. There are several others in the same situation, and I need to deliver goods to them too. I know you're good with bugs. Could you please help with the delivery?」

"Of course, I can do that. I was originally asked to support this village, and this kind of task falls well within the scope of my request."

My primary mission is hunting sub-beasts.

Honestly, this is outside the scope of my assigned tasks, but since I've been moving around unnecessarily, my body is just itching for something to do. Perfect chance for a stretch, really.

I delivered water and food to a house on the edge of the village. When I arrived with the supplies, an elderly woman greeted me cheerfully.

"Oh, you brought them! You must be tired. Come on in and rest."

Indeed, the distance was greater than expected, and I felt a bit fatigued. I'll take you up on that offer. Inside, an elderly man who looked kind was seated.

"You must have had a tough journey here, huh? Usually, we'd go together for a walk, but now it's hard to move around. The guild branch leader brings supplies sometimes, but he's been busy lately."

"There seem to be increasing problems with the beasts and transporting supplies to the village."

I briefly explained the village's current situation.

"Really? If we were a bit younger, we'd have convinced the village's young people to come out with us and taken them away ourselves."

The old man replied.

"Aren't you afraid? It's an unknown illness, after all."

"Living a long life means you get used to things like this. You'll forget it all someday, no doubt."

"Young people haven't lived long enough to think that way, I suppose."

"Ah, saying young people don't live long—now that's a funny thing for a brother like you to say. That's exactly why elders exist. We'll keep telling old stories, even if it seems annoying, and somewhere deep inside, you'll find comfort in them."

I realized I'd already finished the tea they'd handed me.

"Fufu, that was nice. Thank you for the tea. It was delicious."

"Come again sometime."

As I was leaving, I received a small snack.

When I returned to the guild's dormitory, Tarou was still diligently working on his research. I must do my part too.

The next day, I was patrolling around the village.

Today, I engaged in combat with a deer-like creature and defeated it. Afterward, I cleared out the mud accumulated at the water source drawn from the river. It turned out to be quite a good workout.

The following day, I carried out heavy labor. This has become my routine lately.

The next day, I was summoned by Tarou.

The investigation seems to have yielded results, but they weren't promising. Yet here you are, looking downcast just because the outcome wasn't what you expected—when you're dealing with natural phenomena you don't even fully understand. This is exactly why researchers can be so...

"Field surveys still have a lot left to do. Shall we head out there today?"

"Yeah, it'll be a nice change of pace. Let's go."

Tarou switches gears so easily—it's a real relief.

We'll explore around the mine site, though I already know there's nothing here—been prowling around these parts lately. Since the goal is just a change of pace, that's fine.

It's a great spot for a break, with a clear view all around.

We've reached the top of a slight rise above the mine. As expected, there's no indication of what's causing the increase in sub-beasts, but the weather is clear and the view is lovely.

When I look at Taro, he's dazed. He's made it this far, but his mind seems to be spinning endlessly. A solid hit right now would probably do him some good.

"Why is the stream sparkling so much?"

"What are you talking about? Did your head melt?"

I immediately went in for the jab.

Yet Taro's focus seems to be growing stronger by the minute.

Ignoring me completely, he's comparing the two streams.

And I saw fire ignite in his eyes.

"Alek, I have something I want to try. Can you help me with it?"

"I don't have any tools, but I'll help you however I can."

It seems something significant might be about to happen.

After returning to the village and continuing our investigation, we discovered the unusually clean water was the cause. I reported this finding to Guild Branch Chief Alan.

"Could it be the water...? That's troubling. We can't survive without water. We can't stop the stream for the sub-beasts, and well water alone won't be enough to supply the entire village's needs. Hmm... "

Indeed, being told all at once that we can't use the water would be a serious problem. At times like this, I regret my lack of knowledge. I can't think of any good solutions at all.

"No, but I'm truly glad you came to us. I've finally grasped the cause I couldn't understand before. Since we had no choice but to abandon the village, I'm really grateful—we've taken a step forward toward saving it."

We must solve as many problems as possible, one by one.