Isekai Nonbiri Sozai Saishu Seikatsu - Chapter 197

After confirming that Byron had frozen to death, I dismantled a bit of the meat and stored the rest in the magic bag.

“Yeah, glad it all fit in without a problem.”

With a body this huge, dismantling it was quite a task.

If I were to skin it completely, it would take up the entire day in no time.

It felt like I was imposing work on them, but I decided to have the Reilert family handle the dismantling.

“Shuu-san’s magic bag has an absurd capacity. Where on earth did you get it from?”

“That’s a secret.”

Even if she asked how, I couldn’t say I got it from a god.

“I see. It’s enviable to have a magic bag that can hold such a massive amount effortlessly.”

Since I couldn’t honestly explain such a thing, I had to brush it off vaguely.

Fortunately, Franryule graciously backed off, not pressing the matter further.

Even the magic bags owned by the prestigious Reilert family, one of the great noble houses, had a capacity only equivalent to that of a large living room in a big house.

Thinking about that made me realize just how extraordinary my magic bag was.

The significance of Klaus warning me about it when we first met now became clear.

“Well, unexpectedly, we were able to obtain Byron’s meat.”

“Yes, thanks to him coming to us, we saved the trouble of searching. The remaining two ingredients are in the giant tree, so let’s head over there.”

We decided to head to the giant tree to collect the remaining two ingredients.

We walked for about an hour from the grassland area.

We had arrived at the base of the giant tree.

“Seeing it up close, it’s still quite imposing.”

From the sturdy vines growing from the ground, numerous branches and leaves sprouted. Even when looking up from below, the top was completely out of sight.

With a width of easily a hundred meters, it seemed quite challenging to walk around and take in the view.

I wonder how many years it took for it to grow to this extent. It’s a feeling that evokes the mystery of life.

“So, where are the sky fish and the giant tree fruit located?”

“The sky fish have been spotted in the vicinity of 700 to 800 meters up the giant tree. As for the giant tree fruit, it seems to grow at the top.”

“So, we have to go all the way to the top.”

“That’s right.”

“By the way, any methods for climbing?”

“It seems we have to climb it ourselves.”

“Yeah, I had a feeling.”

Since there are no convenient things like elevators or stairs, climbing this massive vine by our own strength seems to be the only option.

Fortunately, the vines have solid footholds, with irregularities and tendrils and leaves extending. If we navigate them skillfully, it shouldn’t be impossible to climb it barehanded.

“Do you think we can make it to the top?”

“The vines and leaves growing here seem sturdy enough to not sink easily, so it seems we can progress while using them as resting points.”

If we had to keep going without breaks, it would be impossible, but if there are proper places to rest, we might be able to manage.

“But even so, it still seems quite challenging…”

I could only respond with a wry smile to Franryule’s added remark.

Although the level of difficulty may have shifted from impossible to merely difficult, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s still tough. We’ll just have to believe in our own strength and stamina.

“I’m aware that it’s going to be tough. Shall we give it a try for now?”

“Yes!”

With our resolve set, Franryule and I decided to climb the giant tree.

As I followed behind Franryule, an unexpected incident occurred when I attempted to climb.

It had to do with Franryule’s attire. The uniform for the magical academy’s female students consisted of a skirt for the lower half, so looking up from below would reveal quite a lot of exposed skin.

If we continued like this, it would be quite awkward.

“Franryule-san! Let me go ahead! I mean, please let me go ahead!”

“But shouldn’t I, with my knowledge, be the one leading the way?”

Franryule looked down at me with a puzzled expression upon hearing my suggestion.

It seems she hadn’t realized just how precarious the situation was right now.

“If you keep leading the way like this, it’s going to be a big problem!”

“…A big problem?”

The moment Franryule tilted her head, a gust of wind blew.

It lifted Franryule’s skirt, revealing what was barely visible underneath to me.

It was light blue.

With her skirt lifted, Franryule quickly covered herself and landed on the ground.

“…Did you see?”

“I didn’t see anything.”

Even if I had seen, I had no choice but to answer like that.

The atmosphere was filled with delicate emotions like embarrassment, suspicion, and haste.

But soon after, Franryule cleared her throat as if to change the mood.

“It’s indeed not appropriate for me to lead the way. Let the guard, Shuu-san, go ahead instead.”

“Yes, leave it to me.”

Though she tried to maintain a composed expression, her cheeks were definitely blushing. It must have been embarrassing for her. However, I wasn’t so uncouth as to point that out.

I decided to go along with Franryule’s attempt to brush it off.

Gathering my composure, I took the lead in climbing the giant tree.

The surface of the giant tree looked smooth, yet it was surprisingly rough. It was a curious sensation.

I search for the unevenness where I can place my hands and feet and slowly climb up.

It feels a bit like bouldering, and it’s somewhat enjoyable.

If I were still living in Japan, I would have struggled due to lack of exercise, but my current body is very light and agile, so I make steady progress.

“Shuu-san, please wait a moment.”

“Ah! Sorry!”

As I happily move forward, I realize that I’ve created some distance between Franryule and me.

Oops. I got carried away and advanced too far.

It’s unacceptable for a guard to stray from their protectee. It’s different from walking on foot; you need to maintain a proper distance.

I decide to match Franryule’s pace.

After advancing about thirty meters like this, I encounter a large leaf.

I climb ahead and throw a large stone from my magic bag.

I try throwing a five-kilogram stone, but the leaf doesn’t sink at all.

I cautiously place my foot and put my weight on it, but it doesn’t sink.

“Franryule-san! We’re almost at a leaf, so we can take a break!”

Upon hearing my voice, Franryule nods and continues climbing.

During that time, I activate my investigation skill to make sure there are no monsters around.

Eventually, Franryule climbs up cautiously, just like me, and cautiously transfers herself onto the leaf.

“Even knowing in advance that we can stand on the leaf, it’s still quite scary, isn’t it?”

“It’s the height, after all.”

Glancing down, it’s naturally high.

If this leaf were to sink, we’d fall straight down.

“970 meters to go and we’ll reach the top.”

“It feels dizzying.”

Both Franryule and I had eyes that looked like we were dying.

Just climbing thirty meters, we’re this tense and consuming this much energy.

It’s no wonder we feel a little weighed down at the thought of this continuing and getting even more challenging.

Sitting down on the leaf, we make sure to replenish our fluids.

You can’t drink water easily while climbing.