After leaving Berhes, I traveled west by way of Orcus. Since the Zephyrson Clan Union and my destination—the neutral nation of Lafres—weren't adjacent, I was essentially passing through the neighboring Republic of Lievril for the time being.
As we followed the highway out of Orcus, the checkpoint on the Zephyrson side came into view. While there were no restrictions on leaving or entering, people coming from Lievril into Zephyrson seemed to be vetted quite thoroughly. On the other hand, the gate we were using—the side entering Lievril—was basically a formality. On the Lievril side, there wasn't even a checkpoint to begin with.
Lievril was a commercial nation. I understood the idea of simplifying border procedures to encourage trade, but it felt less like "simplification" and more like they were just skipping it entirely. I couldn't help but wonder if their public security was actually okay, though it wasn't really my place to worry.
A short while after passing the border area, we entered a sprawling grassland. While the grass along the highway was trimmed back, the vegetation grew thick and lush just a few steps off the path.
According to what I’d heard, we would reach the capital, Welno, in about three days if we kept this pace. The country itself wasn't particularly large, but it was certainly lively. We’d already passed a small merchant caravan, and the highway was busy enough that there was a steady stream of travelers in both directions. This was likely the first time I’d encountered so many people outside of a city. As expected of Lievril.
In fact, Lievril was often called the Land of Grassfolk. Most of the core population belonged to that race, and they were a people who famously loved to travel. More than half the travelers we saw on the highway were Grassfolk, though there were plenty of merchants from other races as well, given the nation's status as a trade hub.
What is that huge thing? Shiroru asked, referring to a massive presence grazing in the distance. It had horn-like protrusions and looked like a formidable monster at first glance. However, none of the other travelers seemed to pay it any mind.
"Is it a monster?" I wondered aloud.
"Hmm, I'm not sure," Halfa replied. "It’s just eating grass."
It shouldn’t be a monster, Garna chimed in with an explanation. If I remember correctly, it’s just a species of beast.
As Halfa and Spira tilted their heads in curiosity, Garna continued her lecture. She was currently being carried by Halfa, idly wagging her tail. As long as she didn't open her mouth to speak, she looked like a perfectly ordinary cat. Like Shiroru, she seemed to be limiting her thought transmission so only we could hear her, so the passersby likely just saw a cute pet.
"Oh, is this your first time in Lievril?" a Grassfolk traveler called out to us. He looked to be roughly my age, but since he was a Grassfolk, he was likely much older than me. I couldn't even begin to guess his actual age.
The man’s name was Beere, and like us, he was on his way to Welno. He mentioned wanting someone to chat with, so we ended up walking together. For our part, we were happy for the chance to learn more about Lievril.
"It’s so big, yet it seems so docile," I remarked, looking back at the beast.
"Right? Even though it looks so strong," Spira added.
"Hmm? I wouldn't exactly call them 'docile,'" Beere corrected. "They’re quite timid, so they rarely approach people on their own. But if you're the one to approach them, they’ll attack without mercy. They aren't monsters, but at that size, they’re incredibly tough and powerful. In terms of threat, they’re supposedly B-Rank equivalent."
Halfa and Spira had been fascinated by the Tilaza, as the beast was called. Because we’d been told it wasn't a danger, I’d assumed it was a gentle creature, but Beere’s explanation was the exact opposite of what I’d expected.
B-Rank equivalent?!
If that was true, it was a powerhouse that rookie adventurers wouldn't stand a ghost of a chance against. Why was everyone walking past it so nonchalantly?
"Isn't that incredibly dangerous then?!" I blurted out.
Beere simply laughed and shook his head. "It’s fine as long as you don't provoke it. The only victims are usually adventurers who get overconfident, pick a fight, and get themselves slaughtered. You kids aren't planning on doing anything stupid, are you?"
"Of course not, but..."
I figured we could probably take it if we had to, but fighting in a crowded area like this carried a high risk of involving bystanders. If it dropped rare materials, it might be worth a fight, but even then, it would be better to do it somewhere more secluded.
Just as that thought crossed my mind...
Hoho... To challenge a trial of one's own volition... Those fellows show some spirit, Garna remarked.
"So those are the 'overconfident adventurers' you were talking about," Lowell added.
Garna and Lowell had spotted a group dressed in rather eccentric gear. They were clearly adventurers, but their style was... unique. They wore iron-studded leather armor and sported mohawk hairstyles. It might have been a bit of a prejudice, but they looked exactly like the type of thugs who would lick their knives and shout "HYAH-HAH!"
The Mohawk group had left the highway and was heading straight for the Tilaza.
"They probably drifted over from Albiroda," Beere explained casually. "It’s usually guys like that who try to pick a fight with a Tilaza."
While Beere provided his calm commentary, the Mohawk adventurers launched their assault. Their weapons weren't knives, but massive greatswords and heavy hammers—gear designed for giant foes. Their individual movements weren't bad, and they were coordinating well, positioning themselves to support one another. Despite their appearances, they seemed like competent adventurers.
However, the Tilaza’s hide was apparently incredibly thick, as it didn't even flinch under their barrage. Instead, the beast swung its head, tossing one of the adventurers high into the air with its massive horns. The impact must have been devastating; the man went limp and hit the ground, completely motionless after that single strike.
The Mohawk group was quick to make a decision. They scooped up their fallen comrade and immediately started sprinting away. Retreating was the logical choice, but of all the directions they could have chosen, they were running right toward us. Agitated by the attack, the Tilaza was charging after them, closing in on our position.
"Hey! What are you doing? You better run!"
I realized Beere was already shouting from a safe distance. The onlookers who had been watching the fight from the roadside had already vanished as well. Every single one of them had slipped away to safety in the blink of an eye.
Wait, isn't everyone's escape speed a little too fast?!