I'm A Dullahan, Looking For My Head Chapter 4

 Chapter 4

Encounter in Another World.

Having managed to escape from the wyvern, we continued to run at a steady pace.

I encountered wolf-like creatures and goblins along the way several times, but I either managed to outrun them with Purple Flame or I kicked them away with my foot.

Of course, not all battles could be avoided.

There was also a bear-like monster with something like an icicle growing out of its back, standing as if to block the road.

Against such opponents, I was able to use my Dullahan powers and defensive abilities to somehow defeat them. Several times, I was saved by my charge, Purple Flame, when I was in trouble.

The same is true for when we escaped the wyvern. Covering me, who didn’t understand horsemanship, running as if to guide me. If I were more skilled, we could have probably gone faster.

All I’ve been doing is getting saved by Purple Flame again and again. I need to pull myself together.

We haven’t spent half a day together yet, but I feel like we’ve gained a deep bond regardless.

Continuing to kick away the monsters as we move forward, the sun finally begins to set.

The forest, which originally had many tall trees and abundant shadows, quickly transforms into a dimly lit environment.

The crimson sunset fades, giving way to the darkened sky.

As a Dullahan, I have no problem seeing in the darkness, it's as bright as day.

However, there are still no signs of human habitation or traces of humans that might have once been present.

There is only  the sound of creatures resembling demons and beasts here.

The nocturnal monsters begin to stride around as if announcing it is their time.

Could it be that humans don’t exist in this world? Such Negative thoughts cross my mind, but I endure by reminding myself it is still the first day.

“Guwii!”

As I'm riding Purple Flame, a goblin jumps out from the side path.

Fortunately, it lunges at me, allowing me to deliver a powerful kick to its face with my right foot.

“Gyauu!?”

As a result, the goblin spews green liquid and tumbles away dramatically.

Such attacks have been going on since a while ago.

Stray goblins are easy enough to handle, but it’s dangerous if I’m surrounded by guys like the bear from earlier.

At the very least if I had a weapon, even as a combat amateur, I might manage somehow with strength and physical abilities...

But there’s no use begging for what doesn’t exist.

We don’t need food, water, or even sleep, and we undead aren’t affected by fatigue.

However, there are far too many monsters, so I decide it would be dangerous to proceed any further. I begin searching for a place to hide.

After kicking away a group of about eight goblins, a bear, and an armadillo-like creature, I find a cave with a large hole.

I'm getting tired of these intense battles with monsters.

Despite my tireless body, I’m not a heartless machine.

My heart is still the human Kubinashi Sousuke.

Being cautious wears down my spirit, and seeing blood makes me feel gloomy.

Sitting for long periods of time gets boring and makes you want to do something else.

Having a human mind and heart makes these feelings even stronger.

In order to rest my mind, I head for the cave without hesitation.

I dismount from Purple Flame and, upon inspecting the cave, realize it is unexpectedly small. There is a strangely shaped skull on the side, but it isn’t human.

I feel relief, but at this time, there is a complex sense of disappointment.

I'm glad there are no monsters inside the cave.

If a horde of goblins lived here, it would have been a bloody battle.

The feeling of squashing a goblin is pretty disgusting.

It’s like a mix of stepping on a big water balloon and breaking a twig. It’s just plain unpleasant. Though I’m starting to get used to it.

The skull is also quite old, so it seems unlikely that this place is a monster’s nest.

After confirming it's safe, I invite Purple Flame into the cave.

“You did a great job today.”

I comb Purple Flame’s mane and stroke its body as if to thank it for the hard work.

There were bits of twigs and leaves stuck to it, so I brush them off carefully.

“Hihiin”

With a content cry from Purple Flame, I lay down on the ground.

There’s the wavering light of Purple Flame’s feet along with the faint moonlight filtering in.

Inside the cave there is no sound. Since even breathing isn’t necessary, the only sound is a metallic clang when I move.

Occasionally I hear the voices of beasts fighting each other, but I ignore them pretending it's just nearby cats.

I can feel the coldness of the ground faintly.

Feeling that, I wonder about my body’s resistance to heat and cold in this world. Both seem to have higher resistance than humans, I could at least anticipate that.

While having such thoughts, I spend a sleepless night in the other world.

◆

“Oh! Dawn!”

Having spent a sleepless night, while playing with Purple Flame and gazing at the night sky, I realize that the sun has risen unnoticed.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the sunrise.

Even on the first sunrise of every year, I was relaxing at home watching anime and playing games.

I thought, "How could it be," but then I remember I had stayed up all night to check the sunrise many times.

I swing my arms wide, run around, and jump a bit, moving my body somewhat before getting back onto Purple Flame.

Now then, I want to finally leave this forest.

I don’t want to spend another night in the forest like today.

On the other hand, even if I, a monster, descended into a human village, I might only be met with fear.

No, but there are demi-humans and other such creatures in this world. They might readily accept a Dullahan, even if I lack a head.

“...Yeah, as if that would happen.”

Anyway, what kind of creatures live in this world other than monsters and animals? Do they have a culture? Is there a possibility for negotiations?

I’ll just start by confirming those things.

For the time being, I think it is preferable to observe from afar without making contact.

Once I’ve decided that, I will definitely leave this monster-infested forest behind.

Today, I’m sprinting at full speed, taking advantage of my undead strength, which doesn’t feel fatigue!

Well, it’s not actually me who’s running.

“Let’s go, Purple Flame! Full-speed sprint!”

I mount Purple Flame and cheerfully shout out.

“Hihiin!”

Purple Flame raises their front legs and I'm startled by the sudden motion. I decide to let them do as they please since we have time.

I’m sure this would be like psyching itself up.

I get on Purple Flame and run alongside the sunrise.

◆

It’s been a while since the sun rose and we started running.

The sun has risen quite high in the sky. It's probably around noon.

Unlike last night, the forest is filled with a peaceful atmosphere.

The refreshing scent of soil and greenery is wafting in the air. Not that I have a nose though.

The number of encounters with monsters has decreased, and the number of herbivores such as rabbits and deer seems to have increased.

The atmosphere around me has subtly changed, and I feel that I have come to a different place.

And the best part is on the ground.

Huh? Finally! I find what seems like human footprints.

And not just one or two. They are the footprints of human shoes and sandals.

If I follow these, I should be able to reach a settlement, a village or a town.

But if I arrive and find out the feet belong to some otherworldly creature like a humanoid octopus, I might just break down crying.

Really, I mean it.

I want to become human... No, I want to see humans.

And I want to see what this world is like.

With my heart racing, I advance alongside Purple Flame.

An encounter with someone from another world is close!

I slow down Purple Flame’s speed and follow the footprints.

Running at full speed would be dangerous if there are human-like creatures around. 

Rather, I should avoid the act of being found out as much as possible. I must.

I should be the one to find them first, observe, and then make a judgment.

I observe my surroundings, swaying on the back of Purple Flame.

The density of the surrounding trees decreases, and their height becomes lower.

The path has considerably widened, easily allowing three adults to stand with their arms outstretched.

There are also many fallen trees that have been cut down, as if someone had cleared the area.

Looking down from Purple Flame’s back, I can see a lot of the area, but so far there are no human figures or voices to be heard.

“Humans, where are the humans?”

I feel like shouting, but I endure it and mutter in a low voice.

“Oh?”

As I follow the footprints leading deeper and deeper, I see what looks like a wooden house. I don’t have eyes though.

“Oh! A house! A wooden house!

I can’t help but let out an excited voice.

For the first time since I came to this world, I have found a house, proof that people live here.

I ask Purple Flame to stop and I look around.

It seems that there is not a soul to be seen within visible range. There is only this one house in the forest.

Staring at the house, I see no signs of anyone. No sounds either.

Are there really people living here?

Looking at it again, it’s a fairly old private house, but it’s not an abandoned house.

Incidentally, the footprints don’t disappear at the house, and they continue toward the path on the left.

This seems to be the place where the two paths meet.

If I follow the footprints, would there be some sort of settlement in that direction?

However I am also worried about the private house in front of me.

The more isolated it is, the easier it is to observe if someone is there.

A place with many people might come with the risk of being discovered.

“...Hmm, well, let’s get closer to this house anyway.”

After a bit of deliberation, I decide to approach the house.

I get off Purple Flame and walk on my own feet.

As I approach the house, I did not hear any noise. It is as if no one lives there.

I have Purple Flame waiting behind the house so I can escape quickly at any time.

I then go around the house and observe, trying not to miss any information.

However, I don’t learn much.

From the fact that there are sickles, pots, and cloth in the back of the house, it indicates someone has lived here.

The structure is also quite old.

Approaching the front of the house, I knock on the door, then quickly move around to hide.

It feels like I am playing ding-dong ditch.

....................

As expected, no one seems to be here.

Once I know that, there is nothing to be afraid of.

I walk over to the door and open it as if it's my own home.

It is dark inside and there is no light.

However, there are items like bowls, a cooking table, and utensils that seem to be used for daily life.

Yet, they appear to have been unused for a long time, covered in dust.

To see if there is anything else, I casually open the wardrobe in the room and I sweep through it from one side to the other.

I feel like a burglar, but I remind myself that it’s for the sake of learning about this world.

“What’s this?”

As I'm looking at the shelves in the back, something catches my eye.

I pick it up and look at it.

It's a plate mail that's silver or close to gray. However, it’s closer to silver than the color of my armor.

Perhaps due to its age, the color is dull and there are scratches here and there.

Under the shelf, I find armor like greaves and elbow guards.

On the upper shelf, there is a helmet with cheek guards.

I pick it up and examine it when...

“Hey, you there, what are you doing?”

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