Living in another world as an Oni!

Chapter 77 - 74: Rescuing the Merchant lady!

Chapter 77: Chapter 74: Rescuing the Merchant lady!

Currently, I'm doing my victory dance. Why?

Because I snuck out of the village without anyone noticing!

Not even Titan! That's right—stealth level 100 achieved, Baby!

Scarface and the others in the village had been practically babysitting me for days.

Always saying things like "Don't go out, it's dangerous," And all that.

I would've believed them if they didn't always look away or if they wouldn't flinched everytime I ask them what the real reason was.

I tried asking Gorn and the others about it, even Grumpy and my 7 brothers, but see? They ran away or said they still had something to do.

Even Leah would shut up if I asked, and I would annoy her a lot too just to tell me but she wouldn't budge.

They might think it's not suspicious but it is.

Maybe they're acting like this because winter is just a few weeks away? But come on! Even I need some air every now and then!

Anyway, I'm free now! Time to explore!

I even left a little sign near the village for anyone who might need it—because I'm not a total menace. Then, with a quick burst of shadow magic, I grew myself a pair of wings. Oh yeah, shadow wings are as cool as they sound.

And then I took off.

"I can fly! Wee~!" I shouted as I soared into the sky. I even threw in a loop-the-loop, just for fun.

Professional patrol mode: activated. (Definitely not playing, just working hard.)

As I admired the beautiful view from above, the system's radar beeped, catching my attention. Several dots were moving along the path leading to the village.

"Wait... Is someone supposed to visit today?" I muttered.

...Fuck!

It's the end of the month! That's when Merchant Lady usually comes by!

Just as they were about to leave, the leader turned back to me.

"Child," he said, his voice quiet but firm, "do not roam this forest once the ashes of fallen ogres fall and the coldness of their bodies lingers."

What the heck does that mean?

The Merchant Lady's expression shifted—realization dawning on her face. She nodded, though her lips were pressed into a tight line.

"Care to explain?" I asked her as the ogres disappeared into the woods.

"It's nothing you need to worry about," she said quickly, which is exactly what someone says when you should absolutely worry about it.

We packed up and made our way back toward the campsite. As we walked, I couldn't help but poke her with questions.

"Seriously, what did he mean by 'ashes of fallen ogres'? Is it a curse? A warning? Should I be carrying salt or something?"

She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "It's... complicated. And ominous."

"That clears up nothing," I deadpanned.

"Look, you're the one who left the village without telling anyone, so maybe don't complain about vague threats," she shot back.

Touché.

When we finally reached the camp, I perched myself on a nearby tree branch to keep watch while the Merchant Lady and her crew set up.

Despite everything—the battle, the warning, the Merchant Lady's cryptic behavior—I couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. This was shaping up to be one heck of an adventure.

Cryptic warnings? Mysteries? Possible curses?

Bring it on!

Little Theater:

MC: "So, 'ashes of fallen ogres'—is that like a curse? Do I need salt or a magic charm or something?"

Merchant Lady: *exasperated* "It's... I don't know either."

MC: "Cool, cool, so definitely cursed. Adventure time!"