Episode 50
Though it came from the rooster’s memory, I now had a perfect image of the basilisk’s appearance.
My vision was still a little blurry, but its movements were clear—and I was certain:
The basilisk fears chickens. Especially their crowing.
A chicken is the basilisk’s natural enemy.
And the sound of a rooster’s crow is its ultimate weakness.
“We might be able to use chickens in Antonio’s operation tonight.”
Resolving myself, I headed toward the village square at the appointed meeting time.
The other members were running up, out of breath.
“Reporting in!”
Nathan panted as he spoke.
“I’m not sure if it’s just coincidence or what, but… every single house that’s still intact—had chickens.”
“Not a single exception?”
“Yes, exactly. Some kept them in coops, others let them roam the yard. But every house without chickens? Totally destroyed.”
Hans, who had been assigned to the scouting team with me, added.
I nodded and then offered a suggestion to the team:
“Tonight, let’s borrow all the chickens. Ask the homeowners for their permission.”
“Wait, borrow chickens?”
Nathan blinked.
“You’re joking, right, Josephine?”
“No. I’m serious.”
I said it firmly.
“Go house to house and borrow every chicken you can find. As many as possible.”
“Why? Are you hungry?”
“Planning a chicken feast?”
“Oh, right… Josephine doesn’t eat chicken.”
They had started joking, but suddenly remembered my dietary preference and fell awkwardly silent.
…Before borrowing chickens, I figured I’d better report to Antonio. It would be best to explain my plan with everyone present.
Using chickens to stop the basilisk might sound ridiculous—but I couldn’t think of a better idea in this situation.
I ran straight to the entrance of the forest—known to be the basilisk’s habitat.
It was midsummer, and the towering trees formed a dense canopy, casting dark, eerie shadows. Even the occasional sunlight filtering through the leaves didn’t fully illuminate the forest floor.
With Polka perched on my shoulder, I stepped into the forest.
[There! I saw him over there!]
Just as I’d asked, Polka had gone ahead to look for Antonio and now pointed in the direction where he’d seen him. I touched Polka’s head, reading his memories, and walked toward that spot.
In the distance, I spotted a silhouette through the brush. Antonio was kneeling with some of the other members, studying the ground.
It seemed like they were not only looking for traces of the basilisk, but also signs of summoning stones.
“Antonio, can I talk to you for a moment?”
My voice carried through the dense forest.
Antonio turned sharply, still kneeling.
As soon as his golden eyes landed on me, his pupils dilated dramatically. He quickly stood up.
“What are you doing here?”
His voice was low and even, but laced with surprise and unease.
He strode toward me, his gaze flicking back and forth between me and Polka. It looked like he was trying to process the situation quickly.
I stepped forward.
“I have something to report.”
“Must be urgent. Go ahead.”
He brushed the dirt from his clothes as he spoke.
I took a deep breath and carefully explained what I’d discovered:
The testimony that the basilisk is paralyzed by the sound of a rooster’s crow. And the possibility that this might be the key to saving the village.
“So… the rooster’s crow is its weakness?”
Antonio looked down at me, arms crossed. He was clearly skeptical. One brow raised slightly, and his lips were drawn in a tight line.
I nodded and spoke frankly.
“Yes. Hard to believe, right? I couldn’t believe it at first either. But once I saw it… I was sure.”
Antonio’s eyes narrowed slightly. He seemed to be mulling over my words in silence. Then he asked in a quiet but serious tone:
“What do you mean, ‘saw’? What did you see?”
He gripped my shoulders gently—like he was checking to make sure I hadn’t just been through something dangerous. His eyes scanned me up and down, with a concern so tender it reminded me of a parent examining a child for injuries.
I hesitated, then admitted:
“Actually… I awakened a new ability.”
“A new… ability?”
Antonio blinked slowly, repeating my words. His golden eyes shimmered with a mix of wonder and confusion.
“Yes. When birds talk to me, and I touch their heads—I can see their memories. Clearly. Like I’m reliving the moment myself.”
“…”
Antonio fell silent for a long moment. He stared at me without a word, but I could tell his mind was racing.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?”
I asked quietly, worried about his reaction.
“…For such an ability to awaken… Even if you have a gift for animal communication, this would require an extremely high level of empathy.”
His voice was low, but full of sincere admiration. Then he smiled—broad and radiant. Just for a moment, but it felt like sunlight breaking through the gloom of the forest.
I stared at his face, dazzled, before snapping myself out of it.
“It’s thanks to you. It only happened because I received your magic.”
My cheeks flushed. The memory of that secret moment inside the dark tent during our journey to Marcana resurfaced. The thrill of receiving his magic… the breathless, overwhelming sensation came rushing back.
Antonio lowered his head, thinking for a moment, then stepped even closer. His expression was still serious—but there was a faint mischievous glint in his eyes.
“…Then I suppose we should increase contact. Who knows what other abilities might awaken?”
I nodded, his words stirring something inside me.
A deep hunger surged from within:
I want to grow stronger. I have to grow stronger.
“I’m going to drain every last drop of magic from you.”
Antonio chuckled and shook his head, a little exasperated.
“At least your goals are clear.”
“Oh, and the other members are going around the village borrowing chickens. I should hurry and go help.”
I went on to explain the plan. Antonio would still act as bait, but I would hide nearby with the chickens—ready to strike.
“There’s only one person who can quietly gather chickens and make them crow all at once…”
I gave a confident smile.
“That’s me.”
“All right. I’ll reorganize the entire strategy around what you just told me.”
Antonio nodded seriously, accepting my proposal. Despite his typically stoic tone, I could feel the trust behind his words.
At that moment, my heart fluttered.
Just one sentence from him carried a weight that echoed deep inside me.
Until now, I had always seen myself as someone who received help from him.
But now, for the first time, I was offering something in return.
I had truly become his advisor.
Before, I had merely stood beside him, receiving his magic, trailing behind him.
But now, things had changed.
I had crafted a strategy—and he had accepted it. That trust alone made my chest burn with pride.
“Am I finally… actually helping?”
The thought filled me with warmth.
I wasn’t just someone clinging to the team.
I was Antonio’s comrade. His strategist.
The realization that I could fight beside him—and support him—made me feel stronger than ever. And more than anything, I was happy that he believed in me.
