Thus, Rest entered the mine shaft alongside Isis Calvert and Ulula Lavender.
The shaft had apparently been originally dug as a well, but after Rainbow Crystals were discovered, it had been expanded to allow human entry.
"The centipedes here seem to dislike the light," Isis said, her posture wary. "I don't see any of them near the entrance where the daylight reaches, but..."
"They're here," Rest replied. "They're absolutely teeming."
"Gross," Ulula added, nodding slowly.
All three were capable of using [Life Search]. As they projected their senses into the darkness, they immediately felt the repulsive presence of countless creatures writhing and squirming just ahead.
"Here they come!"
"Skree-sh-sh-sh-shaa!"
A massive centipede burst from a side tunnel in the shaft. It wasn't alone; a second, third, and fourth followed in rapid succession. The monsters were between two and three meters long, their bodies encased in black, armor-like carapaces. Large, venomous-looking fangs twitched at their heads, and the rhythmic skittering of their numerous legs was enough to make anyone’s skin crawl.
"Stay sharp, everyone!"
"Skreeeeee!"
"[Wind Cutter]!"
Isis was the first to strike. Although Rest’s mana capacity was leagues beyond hers, her casting speed was superior. The lead centipede’s head was split clean open, killing it instantly. However, another immediately scrambled over its carcass to lunge at them.
"[Water Cutter]!"
"[Wind Cutter]!"
Rest and Ulula unleashed their own spells, intercepting the charging monsters. Despite their efficiency, the centipedes continued to pour out of the darkness in an endless stream.
"This is a pain... Individually they're weak, but there are just so many of them."
Rest considered using a high-output spell to incinerate the whole swarm at once, but he quickly dismissed the idea. They were deep underground in a narrow shaft; a large-scale explosion would likely bring the ceiling down on their heads.
"Do we really have to pick them off one by one?"
"It’s a slog, but you’re right," Isis replied with a heavy sigh.
The trio continued to carve through the swarm. By the time they had slain roughly thirty of the creatures, the influx finally ceased.
"A short breather, I suppose... but there are still plenty left below us."
Probing downward with his mana, Rest sensed a dense mass of creatures still swarming in the depths. The thought of so many monsters lurking beneath the earth was unsettling. It made him wonder if similar dangers were buried under the site of his own new town.
A chill ran down his spine.
I should do a thorough sweep with magic when I get home, he thought. It would be a nightmare if Kaiju Moles started popping up.
"But with this many centipedes, we'll be here forever," Isis said, wiping sweat from her brow. "Wiping out every single one isn't realistic."
Even if they managed to kill hundreds, leaving even a few survivors could lead to a population explosion later on.
"You're right. So how do we—?"
"The parent," Ulula whispered.
"Huh?"
As Rest and Isis pondered their next move, Ulula had spoken up in her usual minimalist fashion.
"What was that, Ulula?"
"The parent."
"The parent...?"
"Mm. The Queen."
"The Queen?"
"Of course," Isis said, snapping her fingers as the realization struck her. "Some insect-type monsters operate like ants or bees."
"True, but how can you be so sure?" Rest asked. "Do you know this specific species?"
"My eyes." Ulula pointed to her own irises—mysterious, shimmering orbs that held a kaleidoscope of colors. "They see... well."
Rest wasn't sure if she was referring to her literal vision or some specialized perception, but as he focused his [Life Search] more intently, he caught it—a singular, massive mana signature. It had been masked by the sheer noise of the swarm, but there was no mistaking it now.
"I see it. That must be the Centipede Queen."
If they took out the source, the colony would collapse, and no more young would be born. The mission had just become significantly simpler.
"Alright, let's head straight for that large signature. Are you both okay with that?"
"Yes, no problem," Isis agreed.
"Mm. I'll follow you... for life," Ulula murmured.
Rest thought he might have caught a strange tail-end to her sentence, but he didn't pay it much mind. He began to push through the pile of centipede carcasses, leading the way deeper into the infested mine.