Chapter 194: The Baboons Cleanup Battle Begins!

A few days after the Tengu and the yokai at the foot of the mountain had agreed to a truce, the yokai finally made their move. It seemed like they were prepared for a full-scale decisive battle. In response, the Tengu and the Oni warriors prepared to march to battle.

“We don’t know what they are planning. There could still be some secret strategies they have prepared. Proceed with caution!”

“””Ooooh!”””

This subjugation operation was carried out by Great Tengu himself as the commander-in-chief. However, it was not feasible for the leader of the heavenly spirit city to be on the front lines. Therefore, he planned to command from the rear, specifically from a watchtower at the city gates.

Yet he was positioned to join the reinforcements at any moment should the need arise. Although Jigoro and the others had never seen the Great Tengu engage in battle personally, the Oni were unanimous in their belief that with him present, they could undoubtedly defend themselves. Hence, there was not a trace of worry among them.

“But, in the end, we’re moving in party units, huh?”

“It can’t be helped. We can’t just go burning down the forest.”

As Jigoro pointed out, the strategy for the assault was not to move as one large force but to advance in parties, each spaced a little apart from the others. Of course, there was a reason for this. It was because the most efficient way to fight in the forest was in the numbers that made up a party.

Through the valiant efforts of Jigoro and the others, along with the persistent combat by the Oni and Tengu, they had nearly succeeded in driving the baboons out of the forests surrounding the city. However, a significant number of baboons remained entrenched, posing a constant threat of surprise attacks. It was found that operating in party units was the best way to counter such ambushes.

The distance between each party was meticulously maintained, allowing nearby parties to quickly come to the aid of those under attack. This strategy highlighted the training and coordination between the Oni and Tengu.

“Well, well. Even though we’re advancing, we’re free to move as we please, right? It’s the same as usual.”

“It’d be impossible for us to move in unison anyway.”

Within this framework, Jigoro and the others were allowed to act independently. Even though they were considered part of the fighting force, they were still outsiders. It was nearly impossible for them to move in line with the rest.

Attempting to force them into a rigid formation would only create vulnerabilities that the enemy could exploit. Therefore, it was decided that allowing them to act freely and disrupt the enemy lines was the better strategy.

“Let’s set aside the idle chat and make our move.”

“There’s bound to be some tough opponents, right? Heh, I’m looking forward to this.”

With these words, the operation to eradicate the baboons on the “Heavenly Spirit Island” began. Regardless of the course it took, no one doubted that the baboon population on the island would be drastically reduced, to the point of near extinction.

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“Oh, right. Today’s the first day of the production event?”

While Jigoro and the others were walking through the forest ahead of the Oni and the Tengu, Seventh Armor suddenly spoke up as if he had just remembered. Indeed, today was the day of the production event. The four of them had been so preoccupied with the baboon incident and had little interest in the event itself, which is why they had completely forgotten about it until now.

“It would be great if Iris-san and Shiitake-san could win an award for their work!”

“Do you think they stand a chance to win? Also, Shiitake was all fired up about making a profit at this event before, right? I wonder how that turned out.”

Screenshots of the two’s works and the results of their [Appraisal] had been sent to the entire group. Both had created unique pieces and while it was uncertain if they would win the top prize, it seemed likely they could win some sort of award.

“I don’t know about the money, but does this mean today’s the day when the third batch of players will arrive?”

“That’s right, I forgot about that.”

Genjuro had forgotten, but the first day of this three-day event was also when the third batch of players would arrive. Newcomers facing Jigoro in battle stood no chance of winning even if they were as strong as Jigoro or Genjuro in real life, which was highly unlikely.

However, as time passed, the beginners would become veterans. It was possible that players who had grown up to fight on equal terms with him would appear. For Jigoro, who craved thrilling battles, the influx of new players meant the addition of potential formidable rivals.

“So, does that mean the number of monster players will also increase? Maybe Birdy Perch will see some new players too.”

“If they choose the Birdian race, they’ll start from Birdy Perch just like Shio-chan. That means… they might run into those two we heard about, right?”

“Wouldn’t that lead to trouble?”

Sei’s eyes grew distant as he recalled the appearances of the two who might become their new companions, sent via screenshots. Their characters seemed fine, but their looks were such that, if Sei happened to bump into them in the field, he wouldn’t hesitate to launch the first attack.

No, won’t I fight them if I see them even inside the city? Not just Sei, but even Jigoro was worried about this.

“Grrrrr…”

“Phil, there’s one of them hiding nearby?”

“Woof!”

While Jigoro and the others were engaged in casual conversation, Sei’s familiar, Phil, continued to use its keen sense of smell. Having been caught off guard by a surprise attack earlier, Phil had learned to distinguish the scent of the baboons, rendering such tactics ineffective against their party. Phil even knew their hiding places.

“There! Over there!”

“Got it! Holy Ray!”

“Kiikiyii!?”

Seventh Armor unleashed his spell on a tree that Sei had pointed out. Just like Phil had detected, baboons seemed to be hiding there. After the spell pierced one of the baboons’ body, the creature fell and broke the slender branches of the tree on its way down.

“All weaklings, huh?”

“Let’s finish them off quickly.”

“Ukiyiiiiii!”

Jigoro was dissatisfied with the lack of powerful opponents. However, he seemed to be ready for battle. So he took a fighting stance without any hint of complacency. And perhaps the baboons had realized that there was no point in hiding anymore as they emerged from the trees and launched an attack. This marked the first enemy encounter of Jigoro and the others in this operation.

◆◇◆◇◆◇

While Jigoro and the others started fighting, the yokai and the baboons were already fiercely clashing with each other. The yokai had initiated a large-scale invasion into the territory of the baboons, who in turn had risen to meet the challenge.

This was the territory of the baboons, and they held the upper hand initially. However, the yokai participating in the battle consisted of various races, allowing for a diverse range of combat strategies that could turn the tide in their favor.

The initial momentum had faded, and the baboons found themselves cornered; it felt like a repeat of the battle that had been filmed earlier. Just like before, it will be difficult to turn the tables without their strongest warrior, the Barbarian Baboon.

“Tch! What terrible timing!”

Unfortunately, the Barbarian Baboon King was not present. This was because he was attacking another location under the orders of Shentu, who was their effective ruler.

“With things like this, we have no choice but to abandon our territory in the forest. It’s not what was planned, but it can’t be helped! You and you, come with me for protection! The rest of you, fight to the death!”

Realizing there was no hope for a turnaround, Shentu commanded the baboons, then quickly fled with two of them in tow. Their destination was the location of the strongest piece he had nurtured, the Barbarian Baboon King.

“As long as he is there, we can be at ease. We’ll quickly seize that sturdy nest and use it as a foothold to take over this island!”

The “sturdy nest” Shentu referred to was none other than the “Heavenly Spirit City”. The plan was to deploy their strongest warrior, the Barbarian Baboon King, to quickly overpower it.

As a result, their territorial defenses had become vulnerable. A defeat and loss of territory seemed inevitable, but by seizing a new stronghold and subjugating its inhabitants, Shentu believed his power would actually increase.

“The magic power has gathered sufficiently here. Now, just to use it in a safe place… Kikikikiki!”

Shentu laughed heartily while carefully touching the contents of the drawstring bag he wore around his neck. His face was so full of confidence and ambition that it was hard to believe that he was running away from the battlefield.

He was gathering the remaining baboons in the territory, aiming to reunite with the Barbarian Baboon King and head for the “Heavenly Spirit City”. At that moment, he heard sounds of battle coming from the direction they were heading.

“Who could be fighting? There shouldn’t be any yokai on this side.”

At this time, Shentu did not know that the Tengu and the Oni moved in accordance with the movements of the Yokai, so he was genuinely puzzled by the battle occurring near the “Heavenly Spirit City”.

“Well, it doesn’t matter. A little defense would be good too. Let’s head that way!”

Thus, Shentu and his entourage rushed into the fray, not considering the ongoing battle to be of any significance. The reason he did not send out scouts to investigate the enemy’s strength was not because he wanted to support his comrades as soon as possible. He simply assumed that with their numbers, they could easily overwhelm any opponent.

“Woof! Woof, woof!”

“…Everyone, enemy reinforcements!”

“It seems we’ve been spotted. But it doesn’t matter! Go, my minions!”

The first to notice Shentu’s approach was a wolf with horns and pale blue fur. The wolf glared at him and barked fiercely. In response to the barking, a large ape wielding a staff who appeared to be an enemy as well warned the others to be careful. They were well coordinated.

It was only then that Shentu realized the creatures he was facing were unlike any Yokai he knew. The term “yokai” was used only for the monsters inhabiting the Aquaria Islands, meaning any creature not known as a yokai was not from there.

“Outsiders, eh? Why here…”

“Hey, old man! Isn’t that our target?”

“Kiki!?”

The one who pointed at Shentu as he revealed himself was a golden demon, known as Jigoro. There was no mistaking the unique fur color and the drawstring bag hung around his neck.

While Jigoro and the others were happy to have accidentally found their target, Shentu, who had no idea that he was being targeted, was extremely agitated. Shentu, who had always operated behind the scenes, controlling the baboons without ever appearing on the battlefield, had never imagined that his existence would be known.

“Indeed, we are in luck. If we can defeat that monkey…”

“You lot, make sure to hold them off at all costs!”

Upon hearing the word “defeat” Shentu’s response was swift. He unleashed all the forces he had gathered while fleeing and chose to escape immediately, leaving his pursuers to face his minions.

Following orders, the baboons bared their fangs and launched an attack without a moment’s hesitation. Shentu’s readiness to sacrifice his allies without a second thought took Jigoro and the others by surprise. But Genjuro, their leader, made a swift decision.

“Sei, follow him! We will deal with these guys and then join you!”

“Go-Got it! Phil, track his scent and follow him! Tess, cling to my shoulder!”

Shentu was using the branches of trees as his path while escaping, but Sei who was also a money-type monster was capable of pursuit. And so this is how the game of tag between monkeys began in the forest of Heavenly Spirit Island.