Chapter 45 - Doppelganger

They didn't specifically tell the villagers that they were leaving for subjugation right away. Following Warren's opinion, they judged there was no need to inform those who felt somehow unsettling about their schedule.

There was no possibility that they were colluding with doppelgangers incapable of proper communication, but still, there was no harm in being cautious.

"It's this way."

The compass pointed west. The group moved following the compass needle, raising their tension to be able to react anytime, anywhere.

-Kyaaaak!

On the way, strangely shaped magic beasts suddenly poked their heads out.

Creatures never seen before, with heads long like caterpillars but anuses shaped like human heads. Even Acel, who had read quite a few magic beast encyclopedias in Wyheim, couldn't grasp what these creatures attacking the group were. Acel reflexively drove an impact spell into the creature's body.

Thud!

The creature's body was vertically slammed into the ground. It flailed its long limbs to resist the pressing force, but that alone wasn't enough to escape Acel's magic. Acel drove a lightning formula into the head of the creature writhing like a worm, then closely observed the fallen corpse.

The answer came quickly...