Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 268: Gruesome Sight

When I opened my eyes, it was already the afternoon of our 14th day here.

"Oh, you're finally awake?"

Yato was munching on a sandwich, relishing a snack while my stomach grumbled in hunger as usual.

"Angh," I groaned while trying to sit up straight.

My vision was blurred, and it was clear from the throbbing headache I was feeling that I might have had a concussion.

After my vision cleared, I glanced around and realized that we were currently in the middle of the woods.

The tall trees stood proudly around us, covered in a thick coat of snow, much like the wintry ground beneath our feet.

Surrounding us were huge boulders, which was a common sight since we were in the mountainous terrains.

"Are you alright?" Yato walked up to me with concern. "Here, take this."

He threw me a jacket.

"Hmm?" I glanced back at him, puzzled.

"Your clothes are in tatters. It's better to change out of them," Yato responded to my questioning gaze.

Frowning, I looked down and discovered my T-shirt was in shreds.

Although my slacks remained in better condition, the lack of upper body coverage left me feeling chilled.

Nodding in understanding, I slipped on the jacket.

Oh, it was so very warm~!

I had been feeling cold for so long that I had almost forgotten the sensation of warmth.

"Feeling cosy now?" Yato asked, an amused smile adorning his face.

As I basked in the newfound warmth of the jacket, I couldn't help but shoot Yato a grateful look. "Yeah, much better. Thanks."

Yato, still enjoying his sandwich, chimed in, "You gave us quite a spectacle back there with that cliff explosion. Impressive, albeit a bit reckless."

I rubbed my head, still processing the events. "I didn't expect the fall to be so... dramatic."

Yato chuckled. "You have a flair for the dramatic, Lucas. Always keeping things interesting."

Yato, finishing the last bite of his sandwich, added, "And unpredictable. That stunt with the necklace saving you—classic Lucas move."

With a smirk, I responded, "Well how was that surprise move mine?"

Yato responded with a smirk. "I must admit, I was genuinely impressed by your performance yesterday. Your technique alone was commendable, but what stood out was how you acted on a single plan and followed it through. You had a clear plan of defeating me in your mind. I'm impressed."

I just nodded my head, it's feels nice when you get praise for something.

Grrr~!!

However, at that moment, a loud sound came from my stomach.

My head lowered in embarrassment and Yato chuckled at that.

"Well, I think it's about time...You can go hunting." Yato said as he stroked his chin.

"....Huh?!" I exclaimed in surprise, my eyes widening. "Really?!"

"Yes," Yato affirmed.

"Now, now, don't be impatient, my dear disciple," Yato teased. "Before that, I think you should rest now."

Despite the grumbling protests of my stomach, I couldn't deny the wisdom in Yato's suggestion. The events of the past few days had taken their toll, and rest was indeed in order.

"Fine, fine," I sighed dramatically, stretching out on the snowy ground. "But hunting is on the agenda once I'm back in top shape."

Yato chuckled at my enthusiasm. "Rest well, Lucas. We'll ensure you're well-fed once you're up and about."

I closed my eyes, feeling the coldness of the snow beneath me but also the warmth of the jacket Yato had given me. The sounds of the forest surrounded me—the rustling of leaves, the distant calls of birds, and the gentle creaking of snow-laden branches.

As I drifted into a much-needed sleep, I couldn't help but appreciate the odd camaraderie we shared—a master and his disciple, navigating through the challenges of a mysterious land, bound not only by training and battles but also by the simple moments of care and understanding.

In the heart of the wintry woods, beneath the blanket of snow and the canopy of towering trees, I succumbed to the embrace of sleep, eager for the adventures that awaited once I rose again.

***

The next morning and the 15th day of the training trip.

"Damn that brat, I told him not to go until he is fully recovered but he didn't listen to me," Yato muttered himself as he trudged uphill, his boots sinking into the snow with each step he took.

Climbing a snow mountain like this one wasn't a big deal for Yato.

He could climb this entire snow mountain range in a heartbeat if he wanted to.

But right now, he wasn't in any mood for that.

He just wanted to let his body soak in sombre morning sunlight.

Also, he has to check on Lucas too. If the situation allowed Yato rather would be in the hot spring that is inside but because of Lucas, his disciple he couldn't do that right now.

A few hours ago when Yato was sleeping, Lucas sneaked out of the cave and hunted the Frost Claw Bear pack residing at the peak of this mountain.

He wanted a revenge match with them.

In reality, Yato was aware that his disciple was sneaking away, but he chose not to stop him for one reason:

Firstly, Yato believed that Lucas was now prepared to take those mana beasts on by himself.

After all, when Yato threw Lucas at the start towards those mana beast monsters, Lucas managed to take out the eyes of one Frost Claw Bear and come close to killing the other two Frost Claw Bears.

But at that moment he couldn't do that, he was simply too weak.

...But it's a different story this time around.

Anyway, when Lucas ran off to hunt down those Frost-Claw Bears, the echoes of battle and explosions resonated throughout the tranquil morning in the mountain range.

Naturally, Yato heard them and didn't give it much thought until now…

Right now, all sounds had ceased. No screams, explosions, or sounds of combat could be heard.

The western mountain range was silent.

Of course, from time to time, Yato checked on his disciple using his [Mana Domain] to see if he was okay.

And currently, Yato is on his way to check up on Lucas in person.

After around five minutes, Yato reached the top of the mountain.

"...Well, damn."

There he saw a gruesome sight.