The dungeon has been parasitized

Chapter 75 Post-War Treatment

Alright, it's time to go back.

We need to hurry back with the Thunder Crocodile and the Rock Crab. If another clone comes, we're doomed. Klein doesn't want to lose these two key players.

Especially the Thunder Crocodile; Klein felt like its bones were about to fall apart, and the super tail swing from the sky had reopened many of its wounds.

He used vines to make a makeshift bandage, since Klein didn't have the magic to heal it, but at least the bleeding stopped.

Klein guided the two crippled individuals into the cave's exit passage. Thankfully, it was a downward slope; otherwise, the Thunder Crocodile would have been exhausted to death climbing uphill...

Before leaving, Klein also took the three broken legs of the rock crab with him.

Let Yanami taste the crab; it won't be a waste, since those three legs could feed her for several days.

Drifting downstream, he reached the bottom where there was no more oxygen, and Klein dived into the underwater passage, also known as the underwater crossroads.

But as soon as he entered, Klein suddenly met a pair of eyes.

"Ura-wa!"

Huh?

That's... a fish-man?!

He came from the direction of the lake passage, stopped when he noticed the Thunder Crocodile, and then swam back quickly with a cry of surprise.

Klein stared blankly as he left, without any intention of giving chase, after all, both thugs were seriously injured.

Why are there fishmen here?

Oh right, there's a lake over there... Since they've blocked the exit with a barrier, I need to find another way out, so I entered the passage leading to the plantation.

Wait, the plantation... Yanami is in danger!

Ignoring the injuries of the Thunder Crocodile, Klein ordered the Rock Crab and the Thunder Crocodile to swim forward along the passage, while he himself transferred his soul towards the plantation.

In his haste, Klein failed to notice that a small fish swam from the direction of the plantation toward the lake channel and disappeared.

………………

"Yana, are you alright?! Huh?"

Klein felt a pang of anxiety when he returned to the devastated plantation, only to be stunned by the sight before him.

Yanami was facing a fishman who was bound hand and foot, and there was a fishman's corpse on the ground.

"Ah, Klein, you're back."

"Are you... alright?"

"I'm fine, but Black Wolf got hurt."

Only then did Klein notice that the Shadow Wolf lay on the ground beside him, its back entwined with vines.

"I can only give it a quick bandage, Klein, please treat it properly."

"I wish I could, but I've lost my magic."

Moreover, even if there were magic, the more seriously injured Thunder Crocodile should be treated first.

Splash...

A sound came from the pool, and Yanami looked over warily.

It was the crocodile that emerged from the pool, followed by the rock crab. They left the pool and went ashore.

"A huge crocodile, badly injured?! And what about that giant crab?"

"This is a rock crab, and it was just tamed."

"He was injured too."

"Yes...it seems we've been through a lot. So what exactly happened at the plantation?"

"That's right, after Klein left, I made deals with the Ratfolk..."

Yanami told Klein everything that had happened while he was away, from the deal with the rat-like people to the ambush by the fish-men.

"So that's how it is... the merfolk who sought refuge and a new way out."

"Yeah, I was originally planning to help them, but then they suddenly attacked. If it weren't for the protective ring, we might have been in serious trouble!"

As she spoke, Yanami clenched her fist and angrily punched it in the air.

"Yes, I've dealt with them too. These injuries were inflicted by the merfolk's dragons. These two almost died in the merfolk's territory."

"Huh? Could it be that they attacked because of Klein?!"

Yanami stared, her mouth agape, and blinked in surprise.

"No, I don't think they discovered my connection to the plantation. They were attacked by other magical beasts, and they probably ran to the plantation while I was being held back."

Klein paused, glancing at the cold and resolute fishman beside him.

"But why did they just take action...?"

"They seem to hate humans. I overheard their conversation, and they said that humans are not trustworthy."

"It's convenient to be able to understand it."

If only I could take Yanami everywhere I go, she would understand everything I say.

"It seems they just want our plantation and don't want to have a friendly exchange with us."

"Honestly, I was thinking of offering them some of the new nuts!"

"nut?"

"It was a gift from the mouse-like people; they're very kind."

After Yanami finished speaking, she looked at the bag that had been placed aside after the transaction, which had several holes in it.

"Oh no! The bag's torn! My salt and spices!"

Yanami rushed over, but the bag of salt was pierced by the water magic controlled by the fishman. The salt spilled onto the ground, and the bag was soaked with water.

"Damn it... those despicable mermen, they actually stole what's most important to me!"

Seasonings are the most important thing...

Yanami gritted her teeth and glared at the fishman who was tightly bound to the side. He curled his lip and turned his head away.

As for this merman... let's interrogate him later and find out what's going on.

"hateful……"

"Alright, alright, let's buy some more later. Didn't the rat tribe invite you to trade at their stronghold?"

"Hmm... okay."

"Oh, right, I also brought you some good stuff."

"Is it new magic?"

Huh? It wasn't asking "Is it food?" Klein suddenly felt a little relieved.

"Too bad, it's food."

"That's great!"

Klein let the Thunder Crocodile crawl over, open its mouth, and inside were several huge crab legs.

"Crab legs?"

"It's a rock crab. It got damaged in the battle, and I didn't want to waste it, so I brought it back for you. Would you like some?"

"Hiss! Huh? What did you say?"

Yanami swallowed hard, snapping out of her daze.

"...It's alright, you can have it."

"Thank you, Klein!"

Yanami picked up the crab leg, which was much thicker than her arm, with a delighted expression. Its heavy weight made her reluctant to put it down.

"This is the first time I've ever seen such a big crab! The seasonings I just bought will come in handy."

Oh well, as long as she's happy.

"Oh, right, Klein."

As Yanami walked toward the seasoning bag with the crab leg in her hand, she suddenly turned around.

"What's wrong?"

Her smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression.

"Although I'm not entirely sure, the merfolk tribes may already know about the plantation."

"What does that mean? Some merfolk escaped back?"

Yanami shook her head and looked at the fishman beside her.

"At the very end, I noticed him throw a small fish into the pond and then quickly disappear. I think that was their way of tipping them off. I'm sorry... I didn't notice it in time."

Yanami seemed a little guilty.

"I see... But it doesn't matter. Even without being tipped off, they certainly won't let it go once they find out these two merfolk haven't returned."

"Yes, that's true."