Unknown Beast.

*[Unknown Beast]*

"So, you claim to have heard loud clapping somewhere in the dense woods near you, but no one has gone missing from your village yet." - I asked the old man in front of me.

«That's right, young hero. Mistress Dryad assures us that there is nothing wrong with it, but we cannot hunt animals because of it. They have simply stopped walking through these woods, and it is very dangerous in the open meadows, for there are beasts there. Without divine protection, we would have died long ago» - the old man replied with his eyes almost closed, his long white beard down to his chest, and his bald head in a dejected voice, while his small and lean body rested on a clumsily made wooden stick.

"I see. Don't worry, we'll get it done."

«Thank you, thank you, young hero. May the Lord of Heaven himself, Zeus, bless you» - The old man lowered his head and began to thank me.

"Good." - I replied only briefly, stepping out of the same hut as my village, while the villagers looked at Atalanta and me and thanked us by filling us up with all sorts of fruits and vegetables that we had given up because they weren't needed.

"Now, Atalanta, this beast will be quite strong, which means I will make you new bow. Your old ones, blessed by the Dryad, are already broken." - Smiling and stroking the cat's head, I started to walk into another dense forest, while I felt a glance from there.

«Really? Thank you!» - Accepting my caresses, she just smiled happily and hugged me sideways.

'Loud clapping... a beast that can break the speed of sound? Quite unique. Lately, I feel like I'm the MC of a novel, and I've been traveling for almost a year in dangerous Greece, home to mythological creatures, and I've only met weak opponents. There are a lot of forests and meadows here, it's really nice to mingle with the Dryads... wait, that's not what I'm thinking about.'

'A beast capable of exceeding the speed of sound, certainly very strong. It has a strong skin that can withstand air resistance, and bones that do not break under such monstrous pressure. Besides... it's either a two-legged or four-legged beast, because the effects of exceeding the speed of sound in the air just don't exist, or the inhabitants are just blind idiots.'

'Atalanta will only get in the way, I need something to keep her occupied... I'll leave her in Dryad's care. Though she is a quick learner, her thought process is extremely simple and innocent... since I'm going to lie so obviously, but I need to make it as perfect as possible. Cast a spell of silence on her and warn Dryad.'

Entering a forest filled with tall trees as tall as a six-story building, dense bushes and all kinds of herbs, I saw a beautiful girl of about 18 looking directly at us, a look full of interest and curiosity.

Her brown shoulder-length hair, green eyes full of life and beautiful features. A sinewy body with large and perfect cups, a narrow waist, a beautiful slender belly and thick thighs. Her snow-white and slender legs made her even more seductive. She wore only a simple white cloth that protected her private parts and gave a glimpse of her pale skin.

«They're so small, yet so strong. Who are you? Have you come to kill the beast?» - She appeared behind us and asked in a cheerful tone.

"You are right, Mistress Dryad. I have come to kill the beast." - I didn't even blink an eye at her sudden appearance and just smiled, but Atalanta got scared and jumped on me, hugging me like a koala and squeezing her eyes tightly shut.

«The girl is so cute~ but what about you... you must have seen a lot of my sisters~» - her voice sounded next to my ear, blowing warm air.

"Of course, she's just a little girl, only seven years old." - Even that didn't work on me, the one who resisted this demoness. I think it might have been a unique ability.

«You didn't get very far either~ talking about a girl 3 years younger than you with words like that... did you grow up early?» - Her cheerful tone disappeared, replaced by sadness. I wanted to see her face, but that would have been rude of me.

"Don't worry, it's nothing."

«No need to hide such things from me, who can see right through the human soul. People like you only make things worse, and if you don't let go of the past, your future will be bleak».

"Forgive my rudeness, but my future is preordained, and nothing will change that. The past will be the engine of progress for the future, and I will carry the weight of the past on my shoulders. Only weaklings forget such things as I have." - My eyes and face remained the same, smiling.

«I see...» - Sad words flew from the Dryad's lips behind me as Atalanta finally calmed down and stopped hugging me.

Her curious eyes looked at the Dryad. Even she was not fascinated by her, for she had already met many beautiful girls in the forest.

"Mistress Dryad, please take care of my little sister while I hunt the beast."

«Since it is your wish, I will grant it».

"Thank you very much." - I looked at her and bowed like a Japanese Beta, but that's a must for the future.

The Dryad was a little embarrassed, but still replied: «Be careful, this beast is not easy. It destroys everything with its speed, it really hurt me. If you can kill it, I'll reward you».

"Thank you. Atalanta, stay with her for a while, I'll be right back. Be a good girl." - Finally, I stroked her head once more before disappearing.

«There's goodness in you for this girl, you don't seem to be alone at all. Besides, those dozen pendants right in your soul from my Dryad sisters... that will be your test, chosen hero» - her thoughts were interrupted when Atalanta pulled her shawl.

«So, what do we do?».