Reincarnated Elf Chapter 37

 Reincarnated Elf (108), savoring Grandma's miso soup

"Grrrr... ...Growl? ...Whimper!!"

In the shadows of the trees, clusters of magic began to move swiftly.

"This seems to be another nest of magical beasts. Minori, what do you think?"

"I sense 38 instances of demonized creatures within a 50-meter radius. They seem to be significantly stronger than normal creatures, likely due to excessive exposure to miasma, surpassing those living in the plains."

Six months had passed since we set foot in a place commonly known as the Demon Realm Dares.

Here, the food and magical beasts were heavily infused with solidified miasma, a condensed form of magical essence. Miasma had a property of turning both fauna and flora aggressive.

Magical beasts that absorbed such miasma experienced a phenomenon known as demonization, and their danger levels skyrocketed compared to regular creatures. According to the magical tomes I've read, even one of them entering a city could pose a crisis, enough to cause the collapse of an entire civilization.

"Despite the increase in miasma worldwide due to the Demon King's revival, this is getting out of hand."

As we continued to subdue such magical beasts, we gradually made our way to the deepest part of the Demon Realm, considered the resting place of the defeated Demon King, known as "Lastesia."

While on our journey, we acquired all the markers to "Lastesia" from Vritra, who retained memories from her time as a magical boar.

"Minori, I'll leave half of the magical beasts to you."

"Understood. I'll protect the back that Sir Reese entrusted to me! Super-grade Fire Attribute Magic Power Enchantment!"

Minori boldly leaps towards magical beasts out of sight.

In these past six months, facing battles every day, Minori's combat skills have greatly improved. Jin's remarkable evolution seems to have positively influenced Minori as well.

"Now, it's time to repay the favor to Grandma Quarta , who has been taking care of us."

The unrest about the Demon King's revival is not only spreading among humans but also among the ordinary magical beings residing in the demon territory.

●●●

"So, we've collected the magic stones from the 38 demonized magical beasts near Quarta Village, Grandma. With this, there's no need to worry about nightly attacks from magical beasts."

The recovered magic stones are neatly arranged on the table.

This corner of the mayor's residence in the quiet village is currently serving as our lodging.

It's been two weeks since we stopped by this village. With this, all the magical beasts that targeted the village should be completely defeated.

"Ooooh... Ooooh...!!"

Before me, Grandma tightly grips my hand with her wrinkled one.

"Thank you so much. Thank you. Even my foolish son, who was here until recently, left, saying something stupid like 'I want to be of service to the Demon Lord's power!!' The young folks are all like that, and the village has become quite lonely."

"Though it's a bit boring," she added as a preamble, and this old lady served us a warm miso soup. She is the village chief of Quarta Village, Grandma Quarta (182 years old).

Just as we, demi-human <elfs>, have pointed ears, these magical beings have small gray horns on their foreheads. One of the demon races.

While magical beings are said to live about twice as long as humans, Grandma Quarta is particularly old among them.

With her wrinkled smile, she warmly welcomed us outsiders. She's like any kind-hearted grandma you'd find anywhere.

"I'm truly grateful. Thank you for taking care of us every day. I appreciate the miso soup as well."

"Thank you for the meal!"

After exchanging "Thank you for the meal" and sipping the miso soup, Minoru naturally follows suit with a sense of joy, as if the rituals from my homeland have somehow been conveyed to her.

The miso soup served is made entirely from vegetables grown in this village. Pouring miso into my chilled body, a subtly sweet flavor wafts through my nose. It evokes a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of my hometown. With the addition of high-level purification magic and the removal of magical elements, Grandma's cooking is a delightful feast for us.

"Having you both here has been a great help to the elderly folks in this lonely village. When we first heard rumors of humans coming, we were quite apprehensive. However, now that you've driven away the magical beasts threatening the village, everyone is full of energy."

Minoru chuckles while sipping the miso soup.

"In all the villages we've visited so far, there haven't been any signs of people... This might be the first time you've found a place where humans live during your journey, right, Sir Reese?"

"For the past six months, I've encountered nothing but magical beasts. They are stronger than those on flat land, so it's been good training."

I've been living alone for almost a hundred years, so I was accustomed to it, but for Minoru, it must have been a somewhat lonely experience. I still remember the delighted expression on her face when she found a settlement.

"With the magical beasts causing trouble, and villages losing their workforce, it's hard for any place to survive."

Saying so, Grandma Quarta gazes sadly at the empty sword display on the wall. Originally, it showcased the swords of a renowned village blacksmith.

Several months ago, the young men from the village set out to the ends of the earth upon hearing the news of the Demon Lord's resurrection. They have yet to return.

Quarta Village and other villages faced a mass exodus of men heading to the dormant Demon Lord's location.

This led to the desolation of the villages.

The rampant berserking of magical beasts further disturbed the power balance, resulting in the collapse of numerous villages.

The resurgence of the Demon Lord had profound consequences, affecting not just our human tribe but also causing significant disruptions among the ordinary demons in the demon territory.

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