Chapter 57
The fields have turned out to be far more impressive than I expected.
The Farming Squad, the baby ants, and the baby spiders are doing amazing work.
When I processed and set out wood according to One-Eye's wishes, wooden frames went up around the fields.
The baby spiders and baby ants are moving around inside them.
I see. Since One-Eye was worried I might step on them, this must be a precaution.
Thanks, One-Eye.
The Farming Squad's work methods are changing day by day as well.
All sorts of things have become more efficient.
How strange. How are they increasing their knowledge?
It's a mystery.
The goblins have completely mastered processing leather.
Compared to the beginning, the fur is incredibly fluffy.
I have no idea how they're doing it.
Still, it's amazing.
The clothes Three-Eyes brings are leveling up too.
A shirt to wear over the top has appeared.
The pants have become somewhat like cargo pants, which surprised me.
When I wake up in the morning, that day's clothes are already prepared.
What is this? It's a little scary.
...
Exploring the forest is ongoing.
The forest is a treasure trove of ingredients, and the storage rooms we started with are no longer enough.
The second batch—three refrigeration rooms and five time-stop rooms—is currently in use.
I added five more rooms of each kind.
I'm expanding the rooms with winter in mind, but I'm wondering whether I should add a few more.
Good thing the stone house is so spacious.
Today, too, I'm wandering around exploring in a new direction.
Chai and Core are with me.
Yet another baby spider, now grown to fist size, is riding on Chai.
...Is that really okay?
Looking up, I can see baby spiders larger than a fist freely hopping between the trees.
Recently, the baby spiders' growth has started to vary from one spider to another.
Some grow larger, while others do not.
It's strange.
"A cave."
I discovered a new cave.
The first cave had Core, and the second had Shuri. I wonder if there's something in this one, too?
The cave's unnatural darkness concerns me, but I decide to go in.
I was attacked the moment I entered.
I strengthened the barrier just in case, so no one was hurt.
Thank goodness.
Right in front of me... Huh?
Seven dogs that look a lot like Chai.
Chai steps forward and barks, but there's no response.
The baby spiders make threatening noises, but the dogs don't react to that either.
They don't have the black markings Shuri had, but the overall feeling is similar.
Could they be possessed?
I want to exorcise them, but it's difficult while they're moving around.
It can't be helped.
"Restrain."
I was a little uneasy about imagining them tied up with rope, so I imagined confining them in cages.
I successfully stopped them from moving.
Looking closely, all seven are unnaturally thin and injured as well.
"Break the Curse."
A ring of light appeared around each dog.
A wall of light formed around each one, enclosing it as light poured in.
Once the light disappeared, all seven collapsed.
One of them was even vomiting blood.
"Heal."
I panicked—I never expected them to collapse.
It's a wonder they hadn't collapsed before now.
Could it be because they were possessed?
The seven dogs' breathing settled, and Chai seemed to calm down as well.
I felt that seeing the one vomiting blood had shocked Chai.
I'm really glad I didn't let them die.
When the dogs regained consciousness, they cowered in fear.
Maybe Chai explained things to them; they gradually calmed down and began looking around.
Thank goodness.
Once I was relieved, anger began simmering inside me.
I imagined lightning striking the source of the curse.
"Divine Punishment."
Since I hadn't formed a sufficiently clear image, the magic shouldn't activate.
Well, it was only for my own peace of mind. I feel a little better now.