Chapter 192 - 191: Bait
According to reports from multiple local fishermen and Adventurers, there have been frequent disappearances recently in the Mirror Lake Waters, located about a half-day’s journey south of Black Stone Town.
Witnesses have reported that the attacks are from a fish-type Demon. After careful assessment, it has been confirmed to be a [Challenge]-rated Demon: the Blood-Handed Demon Fish.
Furthermore, it is accompanied by large schools of Sharp-Toothed Fish.
Adventurer Squads are hereby being summoned.
Quest Level: Middle Level (One Star).
Quest Objective:
Eliminate the Blood-Handed Demon Fish, then clear out as many Sharp-Toothed Fish as possible.
Bounty:
Blood-Handed Demon Fish: A reward of Sixty Gold Coins.
Each Sharp-Toothed Fish: A reward of twenty Silver Coins.
Association Note:
The greatest difficulty in this mission is the potential for underwater combat. The aquatic environment is complex, so all Adventurers should prepare accordingly.
"Blood-Handed Demon Fish... What the hell is that? How can a fish grow hands?" Gray had also read the quest posting.
"Not hands. Tentacles, to be precise."
Marcus knew a little about this kind of Demon.
"They’re probably like an octopus’s, covered in suckers."
"Besides, compared to the One-Eyed Giant and the Thousand-Teeth Rock Worm we’ve faced before, the Blood-Handed Demon Fish is actually less of a threat in a direct fight."
"Just like the note said, the biggest challenge is the potential for underwater combat."
"Underwater combat..."
Valles frowned slightly. "Wouldn’t my Bow and Arrow be completely useless then? Besides, I’m not a very good swimmer."
"Should we buy something like a Water Lung Potion? I heard a single bottle of that stuff costs over ten Gold Coins," Gray said.
"Water Lung Potions are for leisurely exploring underwater ruins, not for chugging so you can go fight a Demon at the bottom of a lake."
Valles said, "Fighting a Demon in the water is suicide. Even a [Simple]-rated one could kill you."
In the water, an Adventurer’s speed is drastically reduced, and special abilities like Fighting Qi or Magic are also hindered.
Even the force of a basic punch is weakened by more than half.
It’s basically impossible to fend off a Demon’s attack.
"We don’t necessarily have to fight it on its home turf. We can prepare beforehand, lure it out, and play it by ear."
Zelir thought for a moment. "Besides, I have Ice Control Magic. I can seize the opportunity and go for a one-hit kill!"
"Are you confident?" Valles asked, looking at Zelir.
"We have to try. There’s still a chance of success," Zelir said.
"If that’s the case... then let’s give it a shot." Maki agreed with Zelir’s plan.
"Then let’s take this quest."
Marcus took the quest notice to the front desk to register. He then arranged for everyone to meet at the town gate early the next morning to head out to the Mirror Lake Waters together.
...
The party journeyed through the mountain forest for some time.
The mountainous terrain gradually flattened. After they passed through a dense thicket of tangled vines, the surrounding vegetation grew sparse.
Tall trees gave way to low shrubs, and the damp earth underfoot gradually turned into a dry mix of gray gravel and coarse sand.
A fresh, watery scent filled the air.
The squad had finally reached its destination.
Before them lay a vast lake that stretched beyond sight, its surroundings peaceful and serene.
On the far shore of the lake, only the faint, dark silhouette of a mountain range was visible.
The water’s surface was as smooth as satin, perfectly reflecting the sky—just as its name, Mirror Lake, suggested.
Valles found a tree and agilely climbed it in a few quick movements, then gazed out into the distance.
"How’s it look? See anything unusual?" Zelir called up from the base of the tree.
A moment later, Valles leaped lightly from a branch.
"Nothing..."
Valles shook his head. "Mirror Lake is too big, and the water is deep in the middle. I can’t see where the Blood-Handed Demon Fish is at all."
"Then we’ll have to stick to the plan: find a spot, set the bait, and see if we can lure it out," Marcus said.
The group started walking along the shore, searching for a spot with shallow water that would be suitable for a fight.
Finally, they found a shallow stretch in a recess along the bank.
It was a gentle slope that extended smoothly into the depths of the lake.
Standing here, most of the water before them was clear enough to see the bottom. They could even make out the sand and gravel below through the gentle ripples on the surface.
But just beyond that, the water plunged into a bottomless, dark blue abyss.
"Let’s do it here," Marcus said, stamping his foot on the ground.
Zelir took a sheep he’d bought at the market out of his Storage Pouch.
It was a freshly butchered lamb, killed just that morning.
Considering the Blood-Handed Demon Fish was a carnivore, this was the only thing they could use for bait.
Zelir had even bought two, worried that one wouldn’t be tempting enough.
He’d also brought two large bags of sheep’s blood to make the scent more attractive.
Of course, Zelir wouldn’t be footing the bill alone; the cost would be deducted from the reward money after the quest was successfully completed.
Gray used a dagger to poke a hole in the carcass, threaded a hemp rope through it, and tied a thick knot. He held the other end of the rope in his hand.
"Maki, you’re up," Gray said, patting Maki on the shoulder.
Maki grabbed a hind leg of each lamb, one in each hand, and with a great heave, threw them into the lake.
SPLASH... SPLASH...
The two carcasses made large splashes as they landed at the border between the shallows and the deep water. Trailing the long ropes, they slowly sank toward the lakebed.
Then Zelir poured the bags of sheep’s blood into the lake from the edge of the shallows.
With that, the bait was set.
"If the Blood-Handed Demon Fish really takes the bait, don’t attack as soon as it appears. First, try to slowly provoke it and draw it toward the shore."
Marcus started laying out their strategy.
"Once it’s within everyone’s attack range, we’ll unleash everything at once. We need to try and kill it as fast as possible!"
"Got it." They all nodded.
"And Gray."
Marcus looked at him last. "The schools of Sharp-Toothed Fish will probably show up too, so you..."
"I know, I know."
Gray waved his hand in resignation before Marcus could even finish.
"You guys just focus on the Blood-Handed Demon Fish. If the Sharp-Toothed Fish show up, I’ll make sure they don’t get in your way."
"Exactly," Marcus said with a nod.
With all preparations complete, the group took their positions, hiding in the tall grass along the bank.
They all lay prone, blending into their surroundings. From a distance, it was nearly impossible to spot anything out of the ordinary.
The hemp rope was long. Gray held it tightly, watching the lake’s surface through the blades of grass, waiting for the right moment to act.
It was midday, and the sky was completely clear.
Marcus simply rolled onto his back in the grass. He gazed up at the brilliant blue sky, breathed in the fresh air, and let out a sigh of contentment.