Original Design: Atsushi Sekoguchi + Erisa Maruyama (coil)
Original Illustration: Eiri Shirai
“Three to four, next, three to five… there’s a large rock ahead.”
[Got it. The slope is…]
“It’s… two.”
[Repeat. I didn’t catch that.]
I was gasping for air so hard that my chest hurt. My injured leg throbbed with pain. The fear of something chasing me from behind was overwhelming.
My teeth were chattering. Even though I couldn’t stay silent, instead of crying, I screamed desperately.
“It’s two!”
My voice echoed through the dense jungle more than I expected, making me look around nervously.
[Understood. Don’t stop. Keep moving south-southwest.]
“Y-Yes…”
I continued to run as instructed. Stopping or escaping was not an option.
The darkness of the forest seemed to hide countless terrors. The ground was slippery, and I couldn’t get a firm footing. Each step I took, long leaves brushed against my legs, and the roots, shaped like planks, tried to trip me.
It felt like I was being swallowed whole. There was no turning back; I was being cornered.
I heard a rustling sound to my right. It seemed like I saw a shadow, but I wasn’t sure. Then, another rustling sound came from the left.
“W-We’re surrounded!”
[I’m aware.]
Finally, I saw flickers of light between the trees. It wasn’t just light; it was moving. Those were eyes.
“I-I can’t run anymore!”
[I’m aware. Keep going straight.]
“They’re right behind me!”
[Retreat is not an option. Do you want a replacement sent in your place?]
The voice was cold. No matter what I said, they wouldn’t listen.
I heard an animal scream.
Suddenly, there were screams from all around, getting closer and closer, surrounding me.
I suddenly fell to the left.
It wasn’t a fall; I was pushed. Pain shot through my arm. I swung my right arm wildly to fend off whatever it was.
Something hit my arm. I quickly stood up, crouching to get a better look.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
[Respond! Laura!]
“I-I was attacked! Right in front of me!”
[Is it a “monkey”?]
“It hurts! It hurts so much…”
[Report! Is it a “monkey”? Describe it!]
It was a monkey monster. Not just one; there were many, baring their sharp teeth at me.
“Y-Yes. They’re small, smaller than me, and black…”
[Understood. Begin combat. No need to report for now. Once you break through, retreat to point 1-13. Resume reporting upon arrival.]
With those words, the constant background noise in my ear ceased. As my ear adjusted to the silence, I heard the screeching of monkeys again. There were more of them than I had realized.
I started running.
A swarm of monkeys attacked from behind. I dodged, was grazed, scratched, but I kept running. Stopping meant death.
As I fled, I remembered everything I had reported today.
The endless maze of paths. The types of plants. The scent of minerals. The numerous traps. And the terrifying monsters chasing me.
It was a lot of information, enough to make a map.
So there shouldn’t be a need for a replacement.
Thinking that lifted a weight off my shoulders.
No more instructions came. Communication was likely cut off. No help was coming. This was how I was used.
There was only one good thing.
I was running as I pleased. For the first time in a long time, it felt like I was running freely. Memories of running happily with my parents in town came back to me.
I had forgotten for so long. Despite the fear, pain, and suffering, I finally remembered at the end of my life.
I loved to run.
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Thank you for the prologue!
Yeah, you can’t just jump right back into a fight, if it’s divided by volume… And Laura is disposable for black maps, right? Wouldn’t be surprised if Dragon’s Wings are behind it, leader’s mysterious new acquaintance and rapid recovery are suspicious.