Banished from the herd, I was actually a member of a very rare species. ~With the unique skills that only I can use, I can grow and evolve quickly. I will become an unrivaled monster~ - Episode 48: The Second Sovereign Beast

Episode 48: The Second Sovereign Beast

[Territory]—a [Skill] that creates [Dominion], manipulating the world within its bounds. Inside a [Dominion], the laws of nature and environment are distorted, leading to various special phenomena. It’s similar to stage gimmicks that favor the one who activates the [Territory].

(Note: Well, you can just call it [Domain] or even [Domain Ex*******] if you watch that show. But I ain’t changing this sh1t, so just say it in your own little mind)

However, when it comes to particularly powerful Sovereign Beasts, their influence can spill over, affecting areas outside their [Dominion] as well.

“(Man, human knowledge really is incredible.)”

As I recalled what Ergo had told me, I couldn’t help but feel that way. To me, Sovereign Beasts were an unknown frontier. But for humanity as a whole, they were creatures encountered many times before. Naturally, people had a decent understanding of their unique abilities.

Thanks to that, I had already learned about [Territories] and the [Dominion] they create.

“(If I remember correctly, Ergo said the Forest Turtle’s [Dominion] was the [Sea of Trees].)”

I remembered the words of Ergo, the pudgy young man. The [Dominion: Sea of Trees] mainly enhanced plant life. As a result, plants in this forest were said to grow rapidly. Since I plan to eventually defeat the Forest Turtle, I started to wonder, “Wouldn’t it cause trouble for people like Paula, who make a living from gathering resources, if I kill it?”

But apparently, the [Dominion: Sea of Trees] has been integrated with the land over hundreds of years. And even if the [Dominion] disappears, the effects would linger for some time, so defeating it shouldn’t be a problem.

I thought, “Won’t it be a huge problem once those effects eventually vanish?” But Sovereign Beasts are disasters that can destroy entire towns when they go on a rampage. So they’re grateful to anyone who can defeat them.

So, once I’m ready, I’ll take it down as quickly as possible.

“(Well, I’m not ready now though.)”

According to the latest records, the Forest Turtle’s <Level> is around 200. It’s a total monster. I doubt I’d stand much of a chance against it right now. And just grinding on Grand Beasts in the area to raise my <Level> would take far too long. It requires an enormous amount of <Soul Fragments> to raise one’s <Level> from 99 to 100—far more than before.

This is commonly referred to as the “<Level 100> Barrier.”

That’s why I need to defeat a reasonably strong Sovereign Beast to gain a large amount of <Soul Fragments>. There’s another Sovereign Beast in this forest besides the Forest Turtle. It only became a Sovereign Beast a few decades ago, and its <Level> is still in the early 100s. I’ve already gathered information about its lair and abilities from Ergo and Paula.

“(So this is where that beast’s [Dominion] begins, huh? It’s pretty obvious…)”

I reached the boundary. On one side, there were green trees, and on the other, trees with poisonous-looking colors. It was clear that this marked the edge of the Sovereign Beast’s [Territory]. Swallowing my fear, I summoned the courage to step inside.

I continued walking through the forest without being immediately poisoned or anything like that.

“(No, it feels like I’m being poisoned.)”

Focusing inward, I felt an unpleasant sensation, like something sticky was rubbing against me with bare hands. This must be the effect of the [Dominion].

“(The effect of [Dominion: Poison Swamp] is enhanced poison effects and indiscriminate poisoning, huh? That’s why all the plants around here are toxic. Well, I’ve got high |Resist|, so I’m fine.)”

I often forget, but the effect of [Perfect Defense] adds part of my |Toughness| to my |Resist|. So, most Status Ailments don’t affect me. Still, if I get hit directly by the beast itself, I’m not sure what would happen.

“(After all, the Sovereign Beast ahead is—)”

As I moved toward the area with a dense concentration of |Mana|, I arrived at my destination. The garish trees of the forest gave way, and my view opened up. Before me was a swamp that looked undeniably poisonous, its water colored a deep, ominous purple. It was at least as large as four school swimming pools, and in the shallow center lay a sleeping creature.

“(So that’s the “Unavoidable Lord of a Hundred Poisons”. Just as I was told.)”

The name “Unavoidable Lord of a Hundred Poisons” isn’t just a title—it’s the actual name of the species. Apparently, Sovereign Beasts often have species names like this. However, because it’s long and not very descriptive of its appearance, I decided to give it a different name in my mind—a name that more intuitively reflects its features: Hydra.

“(Though it only has five heads.)”

As I watched the peacefully sleeping Hydra, a thought crossed my mind. Its thick body, covered in dark purple scales, branched off into five heads. The Hydra I knew from myth had nine heads, so this was a bit different. However, the part about it possessing deadly poison was the same. According to human knowledge, it had numerous poison-related [Skills], so much so that even High-rank adventurers could be on the verge of death with just a slight exposure.

The creature’s body was as thick as a massive tree, and its total length easily exceeded ten meters. I decided to prepare my attack before it woke up.

―――Non-Notification Information Recording Zone―――――――――――――

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>> Fuwa Katsu {Jewel Armory Slime} has activated [Folly].

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“(*Replicant Form: Imitation*),” I muttered.

I imitated two bows designed to block wind. One option was to strike from high altitude using the [Impact] I used on the Chaos Beast. However, if the swamp’s poison proved effective against me, combined with the effects of its [Dominion], things could turn ugly fast. So I opted for a safer approach. Besides, with multiple heads, I couldn’t guarantee a one-hit kill.

I climbed a nearby sturdy tree and focused on the Hydra. The first strike was crucial. Not only would it hit while the creature was defenseless, but the [Ambush] effect would also boost its power. I had to land the strongest hit possible.

With that in mind, I took out an explosive arrow and tied it to the end of my whip. And instead of nocking it onto the bow, I pulled back with all my might. Using maximum centrifugal force, I hurled it with full power.

“([Powerful Throw]!)” 

[Powerful Throw] was an upgraded version of the [Throwing] skill, which now consumed stamina to allow for even stronger throws. Empowered by the [Skill], the explosive arrow flew through the air at a speed greater than any bow shot, reaching the Hydra in an instant.

Then, it exploded.

““”Hyooooo!?””” 

All five heads screamed in unison.

Since [Sniping] also applied to throws, the explosive arrow hit one of the Hydra’s heads exactly as I’d aimed. A thin wisp of smoke rose from the point of impact.

That was the signal that the battle had begun.

The fight between me and the Unavoidable Lord of a Hundred Poisons – Hydra, had just started.