Monster?

When the last heavy chest of ancient gold coins was carried aboard the Ashen, the plundering... no, archaeological excavation of the underground Holy Land was finally declared a complete success.

Treading over the hard roots of the Primordial Giant Trees, Rain and his crew returned to the Greatwood Tribe settlement aboveground. The previously interrupted welcoming feast resumed. Having witnessed the ley lines sealed tight and the Primordial Giant Trees restored to life, the tribe's high priest and warriors no longer looked at Rain with mere "reverence." Their gazes had become the fanatical worship reserved for a god descended into the world.

The rich giant-tree mead was poured to the brim once more, while roasted prehistoric beast meat sizzled with fragrant fat.

"Boss, the resources and wealth here are terrifyingly abundant. Since we've decided to rest here for three days and wait for the mist's violent phase to pass, should we organize the brothers and explore the island's interior and far side while we're at it?"

Keen gnawed messily on an enormous roasted beast leg as he made the excited suggestion. Having gotten a taste of the Holy Land's technology and treasure, the pirate crew's second-in-command had never felt a stronger urge to explore.

Carina, seated nearby, brightened at his words. She was clearly very much in favor of digging up more treasure.

However, Tuka, who had been quietly eating fruit nearby, changed expression slightly upon hearing Keen's proposal. He put down the fruit in his hand and projected a somewhat grave voice into Rain's and the officers' minds.

"Master Keen, it's fine if we only wander around the outskirts of our territory. But if you want to cross the central boundary of the Primordial Giant Trees and explore this island's 'rear interior'... the high priest says it would be best