Climbing the Tree

Climbing a tree was hard labor.

Especially when it was a rotten trunk soaking in a swamp, dead for who knew how many years.

The trunk was wet and slippery, covered in slimy moss. Even driving a short blade into it took all his strength.

Every time Luo Ye moved another step upward, he felt his arms protesting.

He glanced up.

Gon was a short distance above him.

He moved far more nimbly, climbing steadily like an agile monkey.

Just what you'd expect from the protagonist.

It's like his stamina never runs out.

Luo Ye grumbled inwardly. Just as he was about to switch hands, the blade beneath his foot suddenly slipped.

His whole body plunged downward.

"Hss!"

Luo Ye reacted instantly, clamping his other hand around the handle of the higher blade. His body swayed in midair before he finally steadied himself.

He looked down.

Beneath the surface, the enormous dark shape seemed to be swimming a little faster.

That thing was waiting.

Waiting for them to fall and become its snack.

"Heh, now this is interesting."

Rather than being afraid, Luo Ye was delighted.

Now that's a challenge.

Just then, the entire giant tree began shaking violently.

Boom!

A tremendous crash came from underwater, as though something had slammed hard into the roots.

It was that fish!

It was done waiting. It wanted to knock the tree over outright.

"Luo Ye! Hold on tight!"

Gon shouted from above, a hint of anxiety in his voice.

"No kidding."

Luo Ye swore, bracing with both hands and feet as he plastered himself against the trunk like a gecko.

The tree shook even harder.

He could even hear cracking sounds from inside the trunk as it strained under the force.

This rotten tree wouldn't survive many more hits.

"Gon! Hurry! This tree's going to fall apart!"

Luo Ye urged him on.

He could feel the Nen inside him circulating on its own, helping him adjust to the violent shaking.

His core strength was increasing, letting him cling more securely to the tree.

It wasn't a bad feeling.

It was basically a free full-body core workout.

Another violent impact struck.

Gon cried out as the blade beneath his foot came loose and fell.

He hung from the tree by one hand, his body swaying precariously.

"Damn it!"

Luo Ye's gaze sharpened.

He timed it carefully, then kicked off hard the instant the swaying trunk reached the right angle.

His body shot upward a little.

He grabbed Gon's ankle and shoved him up with all his strength.

"Grab on!"

With that boost, Gon caught the blade's handle with his other hand and steadied himself again.

He looked down at Luo Ye, his eyes full of gratitude.

"Thanks, Luo Ye!"

"Less talking, more climbing. I don't feel like feeding the fish."

Luo Ye's words were sharp, but inwardly, he breathed a sigh of relief.

If Gon fell, he really would have to jump in and fish him out. That wouldn't be any fun.

After that close call, both of them moved much faster.

Before the giant tree fell apart, they finally reached the branches at the top.

The sight awaiting them made them briefly forget the danger.

Dozens of fist-sized beetles clung to the dead branches.

Their shells glowed, brightening and dimming like stars in the night sky.

The soft blue-green light illuminated everything around them.

These were Phantom Light Fireflies.

"They're beautiful."

Gon couldn't help marveling.

"Stop staring and start catching."

Luo Ye pulled a glass jar from his backpack.

"That big guy down there is still waiting for dinner."

The Phantom Light Fireflies didn't seem afraid of people.

With little effort, the two filled an entire jar.

Done.

They exchanged a look, both breathing a sigh of relief.

Then a new problem arose.

How were they going to get down?

They looked below.

The King of the Swamp had stopped right beneath the tree, its enormous eyes fixed on them, brimming with malice.

Its attacks had split several cracks in the trunk, which could snap at any moment.

Going back the way they came would mean walking straight into its trap.

"Tch. Easier climbing up than getting down."

Luo Ye studied the enormous creature below and rubbed his chin.

Gon frowned too, his expression grave.

Suddenly.

Luo Ye smiled.

He took the newly made coil of thick, long fishing line from his backpack and waved it in front of Gon.

"Hey, feel like trying something exciting?"

Gon blinked.

"What do you mean?"

Luo Ye didn't answer. He securely tied one end of the fishing line to the thickest branch and tested it. It held firm.

Then he tied the jar of glowing Phantom Light Fireflies to the fishing line as well.

Once everything was done, he turned to Gon and grinned, showing a mouthful of white teeth.

"Hold on tight."

Luo Ye pointed at the fishing line.

"We're dropping straight onto its face."