Akatsuki Translations

In the marshland of the Dungeon of Sin, Lust, a bird monster of immense proportions has made its dominion. It is known as the 【Poison Omen Bird. 】

Originally, it seemed to be a small bird monster known as the Poison Claw Bird. Apart from the toxic bodily fluid present at its claw tips, its appearance didn’t differ much from wild birds. However, the 【Poison Omen Bird】 had now grown to a size that can hardly be described as small.

『ＭＯＫＥＥＥＥＥＥＥＥＥＥ！！』

Even the towering trees stretching here and there could not conceal its massively engorged body. Visually, it stood at least 3 or 4 meters tall. The wings, which once enabled it to fly, had forsaken their original function, enveloping its body like a protective shield instead. Both the beak at the end of its long neck and the claws extending from its legs that support its gigantic body were ominously large and sharp. The only trace of its former self might be the vibrant color of its feathers.

The creature, aptly named the omen bird, strolled around the marsh within the dungeon with an air of ownership.

“…It’s huge.” -Ur

『Not as big as the Gashadokuro. 』-Rock

“Well, everything would seem smaller compared to that.” -Ur

Indeed, while it might seem small compared to the fortress-sized Gashadokuro, it still appeared capable of gulping down a human with that massive beak in a single swoop.

Terrifying. Frankly, the desire to fight it was absent. However, the creature was the target of Ur and his companions on this occasion.

The bounty: 30 gold coins. If they could defeat it, their standing with the Adventurer’s Guild would undoubtedly soar. They had no choice but to proceed.

“…In any case, we can’t start without first understanding the creature’s habits.” -Ur

Nibbling on his portable ration and taking a sip of water, Ur had no intention of defeating the monster bird in this exploration. The priority was observation and information gathering. Engaging in a haphazard battle without knowing anything about the opponent was out of the question.

“We’ll devise perfect countermeasures and defeat it safely and reliably.” -Ur

『If that were possible, I don’t think there would be a bounty on it. 』 -Rock

“Shut it.” -Ur

Thus, the omen bird research project of the skeleton and the boy began.

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Urged by Diz that “it’s prudent to document this kind of investigation,” I took to recording.

I’m grateful for the times grandpa taught me how to write.

Record Location: City of Sin, Lust

Scribe: Ur

Subject: Poison Omen Bird

Bounty: 30 gold coins

Analytical Magic Information: Rank Nine/Thirteen – Poison – Beast

Habitat: City of Sin, Lust, middle layers in the front, near the end of the upper layers

Observation Day 1

I discovered the Poison Omen Bird. It’s huge, its color is gross, its cry is weird.

Despite the overwhelming visual impact, it shares exterior features, especially the color of its feathers and the patterning of its beak, with the Poison Claw Bird, the bird it has evolved from. I was able to confirm the presence of Poison Claw Birds of the same species in the marshland that it seems to have claimed as its territory.

As had been mentioned in the bar, this marshland appears to be its domain.

Today, I resolve to observe without provoking it.

I alternated with Rock, watching it around the clock as it lingered around the marshland, but it showed no signs of moving from the spot. Even while sleeping, it rested its body on the edge of the marsh.

In the place where it rested, it huddled in a spot where the flora was perpetually crushed, never given the chance to sprout anew.

At the very least, it didn’t proactively attack humans, nor did it traverse through the dungeon for such purposes. It simply sat still… somewhat resembling a typical creature. Could this demeanor be attributed to its longevity and incarnation?

It didn’t just sleep; it ate as well. I’ve observed it consuming the fish and insects of the marsh. The other Poison Claw Birds behaved similarly in its vicinity. Was there a sense of camaraderie among them?

A sense of camaraderie existed.

→ So, if one were to attack the Poison Omen Bird, would they all retaliate together?

→ Will I have to confront several dozen Poison Claw Birds and that enormous creature all at once?

→ Give me a break!

It is imperative to gather information from the Guild regarding these creatures. Alternatively, I could conduct experiments here on my own.

When night fell, the Dungeon of Sin, Lust, was engulfed in utter darkness. Unlike the Dungeon of Sin, Greed, the dungeon passages themselves do not serve as light sources. The mere starlight is insufficient to illuminate the surroundings. And the Poison Claw Birds’ eyeballs, shimmering in the celestial glow, is incredibly eerie. The sensation of all those eyes intently watching is terrifying. I was on edge, anxious about when the holy water would run out.

However, they didn’t seem to notice us, as Rock noted.

While I wasn’t certain if I could trust him, if it is true, even though there is a barrier on our side, their sensory abilities might not be as keen as we thought.

Spending an entire day in the dungeon was exhausting. I entrusted Rock with keeping watch and went to sleep. Though my slumber was far from deep, being able to rest at all was a mercy. I was grateful to have Rock there.

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Day 2

It itches.

I’ve been bitten by some insect, and the swelling is quite severe. The itching has transcended into pain. I was prepared with repellent for disease-carrying insects, but it seems I was bitten by one that wasn’t deterred.

I purchased ointment for insect bites before entering the dungeon, but it’s still tough. I never thought I would have to use my healing potions for something like this.

Heat is not the only thing one needs to be wary of here. Failing a bounty hunt because of an insect bite isn’t a joke.

Still, being able to sleep at least minimally in this stifling heat and despite the insect bite is probably thanks to Diz’s 【meditation】 techniques. Recently, my awakenings have been feeling more refreshed.

For now, I’ll resume observation. I plan to return after sticking it out until noon today.

During the night, I had Rock keep watch. It seems that the birds stay quiet in their nests during the night. I considered a night ambush, but unfortunately, the poison claw birds seem to surround the omen bird, forming a kind of barricade around it, according to adventurers who’ve witnessed it.

If I approach, the surrounding birds will notice. Things such as arrows will be defended against by their wings.

Is there a chance with your cannon? → Rock

There is a possibility, isn’t there? But upon observation, you can see old swords and spears stuck in the wings folded on the back of the omen bird. Probably weapons of other adventurers. The traces of weapons that were thrust into its wings, not reaching the flesh, and were repelled. Can it penetrate? I’m not sure.

Maybe a long-ranged attack at night with the Dragonfang Spear?

→ But I feel like someone else has already tried it. I’ll ask around at the bar.

After that, I observed for a while and saw something interesting.

A while after dawn, while I was patrolling the marsh, the omen bird suddenly flew out, deviating from its regular perimeter route around the marsh. I was on guard, thinking it had noticed me, but it was because of a 【Great Bladed Rhinoceros Beetle】.

And then, the battle began. The 【Poison Omen Bird】 was trying to eat the 【Great Bladed Rhinoceros Beetle】.

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Monsters, uniformly, assault humans, yet among the monsters themselves, unless they are of the same species, a relationship of the food chain exists just like with ordinary wildlife. From the moment they are born as monsters, as time passes, this tendency intensifies. – From “The Monster Encyclopedia”

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Nowadays, no adventurer dared to approach the omen bird, so witnessing it in battle was a rare spectacle.

The beetle must have been lurking high in the tree. The omen bird leaped—no, more like jumped—delivering a kick in its direction. The tree bent significantly under the impact, and the insect was knocked down. The bird then jumped again toward the beetle, which had flipped onto its back upon hitting the ground, and dispatched it with a half-crushing blow.

Yet another one fell. Whether it managed a smooth landing or not, it was hastily trying to escape. However, the bird’s legs were long, its reach wide. Escape was not an option.

The beetle’s back was as hard as armor. But the sharp tips of the bird’s talons easily tore through it.

However, it could not kill with a single strike. The beetle, its back injured, spread its wings, attempting to take flight. Yet, ten seconds later, it suddenly plummeted to the ground. Writhing and squirming, it finally lay still.

Poison. It indeed possesses poison.

Just like the poison claw birds nearby. From the moment of the attack, it takes roughly ten seconds for the poison to circulate. Terrifyingly fast. Even with an antidote at hand, it is questionable whether one could administer it in time.

For that day, the investigation ended there, and a return journey was decided upon.

The thought of having to defeat such a creature is disheartening. If only Shizuku could learn some impressive magic that could defeat it in one blow, it would be a great help.

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