<h4>Chapter 44</h4>


    Along the way, we encountered all sorts of new monsters.


    Poison ck Rat


    Poison Assassin ck Rat


    Paralyzing Poison ck Rat


    Venom Lotus Pink Spider


    Seems like there are ck rats without the “leather” qualifier.


    Besides that, rats capable of inflicting abnormal statuses and assassination, apparently.


    And, as its name suggests, the Venom Lotus Pink Spider is a spider, one the size of about Muu.


    It’s more than just a creepy crawly. It’s absolutely frightening.


    I shoot them with my crossbow from afar. If they get close, I hit them with Slow Poison–enchanted bolts and Muu finishes them off with its axe.


    It really isn’t so bad fighting them one by one. Plus, the poison not only regenerates my health but buffs me up.


    The toxins down here give the swamp toxin a run for its money and it seems like it courses through the whole sewer.


    With my poison senses, the air down here has a very strong floral scent to it and is actually quite rxing.


    You’d think I’m being sarcastic, but I’m really not.


    Still, I’m not sure which smells better. It’s a tossup between that and this monster-repelling incense.


    ‘Hmm... this area might be suitable.’


    I look at the part of the map Veno highlighted and it seems like it’s farthest corner of the sewer system.


    But to get there, I had to dive into the sewage from time to time to open up doors.


    And ording to an urban legend, a great big reptile lives down here.


    We got around the sewer without encountering the monster. But, ording to Veno, it might even be stronger than Elbatoxin minus his poison.


    They call it... the White Lily Crocogator.


    “Muuuu!”


    Muu’s not happy about the sewage covering him either as it tries to shake it off.


    Now then, lemme just set my backpack down...


    As I do that, I see a pack of rats down father... a pack of rats the size of bears are running over to me.


    “Squeeeeeeeeeak!”


    gue Poison ck King Boss Rat


    What a fiendish name.


    ‘Hmm... seems like it is the leader of the rats.’


    Hey... I just finished fighting Elbatoxin. Now I’m gonna have to fight this guy?


    Can’t we, like, talk things out with him?


    “Squeeeeeak! Squeeeak!”


    ‘Nay. It seems not to have such intelligence. While it controls all the other rats and that it may have the strength to spread diseases around, I believe it has not had the time to do so yet.’


    In other words, it poses a threat.


    To find monsters like this living down here astonishes me, really.


    If it can survive here, it’s gotta be real strong, eh?


    “Squeeeak!”


    ‘... by its words, it seems like it intends to toy with thee first, before making you its prey.’


    That right? Anyway, what should I do?


    Should I just retreat quietly? We’ve just about aplished our mission anyhow.


    ‘Aye, indeed. It may be their nest here and it seems to be unable ofmitting underhanded tactics the likes of Elbatoxin could.’


    Understood. Let’s withdraw then.


    “Muu, keep your mouth shut tight, alright? Then climb on my back and whatever you do, don’t let go.”


    “Mu!”


    With that, I ignore the Boss Rat and his minions and unload my pack... and open the lid.


    “Squeak!”


    At the same time, the Boss Rat gives hismand to attack me and his minions rush over.


    But... none of their attacks would get through. Not with this.


    It’s time to turn the tables.


    I open up the boxes, ying my trump card. Not only do the cronies sumb to my attack, even the Boss Rat is fended off.


    “Squeak?! Squeeeeak! Squeeeeeeeeak! Squee-squeeeeak?!”


    By the time they tasted my attack, it was already toote. They try to limp away as their body convulses, but their efforts were futile. They keel over andnd on their backs, ws reaching for the sky... and remain still.


    “Squeak?! Squeeeeak!”


    With that, I overrun their colony.


    The other rats run for their lives witnessing their boss’ death, but it was in vain. My secret weapon has already assaulted every corner of the sewer, defeating all in its path.


    And as for me? Right after that lid popped off, I stabbed myself with Slow Poison and sprinted as fast as I could.


    I wouldn’t know what would happen to me if I hadn’t escaped it.


    ‘What a feat.’


    “I knew you told me to poison them all, but killing a monster like that? What a godsend.”


    ‘The only regret is that the rat king was yet to be on a wanted poster.’


    “Well, I could always try negotiating with the guildhall.”


    “Muu!”


    ‘Aye. That may turn out to be a fine idea. Well, we should at least be more than happy with all the quintessence you gained here.’


    I noticed something peculiar about the town of Lif’el that day.


    I heard the echoes of every monster in the sewer crying out for their lives.


    As well, I heard talk of people ying monsters as they jumped out.


    Well, ording to Veno’s prediction, the strongest monsters were at the farthest corners of the sewer. The ones who managed to temporarily escape were nothing but small fry.


    Now... as for what Muu and I lugged down there...


    It’s almost too obvious, but of course it was Arleaf’s cooking.


    It’s no exaggeration when I say the food stuffed inside the boxes were all track and field runners.


    After witnessing, deliberating, and researching Arleaf’s cooking, Veno masterminded today’s operation.


    I remember when he suggested it, Arleaf sulked harder than I’ve ever seen.


    We were sitting down in the guildhall when Veno presented his strategy.


    ‘We shall use thess’ cooking. Make it as lethal as can be with the deadliest poison and the mightiest lust for blood. Then, we shall release it in the bowels of the sewer, attacking all those who dare dwell inside. A tactic most brilliant, is it not?’


    “But... I mean...”


    ‘The monsters have be a nuisance to the citizens of this fine town, aye? As living creatures, we must stand our ground and defend our homes. And so, I believe this to be a fair course of action.’


    “It’s that effective, huh? Well, wouldn’t it be faster if I just dumped a whole bunch of condensed poison down the drain?”


    ‘That will require quite some effort. Unfortunately, even thou canst produce not the amount to flood the sewers. Furthermore, consider if the ones resistant or immune to poison.’


    Hmm... I can’t help but you’re being really cruel though.


    ‘It is of utmost importance to be lethal and have the poison attack a wide area. The poison should be stronger than any resistance. I believe that you have not the ability to do so at the moment.’


    I guess that says a lot about Arleaf being able to cook up such a terrible poison.


    ‘Why not give it a try? Of course, consult the guildhall beforehand. Remember, this is for the good of the town,ss.’


    “... I understand. L-Let’s do this.”