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"A Youkai tree?" repeats Grimnír.

Yukari shakes her head.

"The Forest of Magic is full of Youkai. Why are you acting so surprised?"

"Well, I guess Marisa mentioned something like that..."

"This place is among the worst places for Outsiders to visit. Most of them end up eaten by the forest beasts or man-eating plants. Others get killed by wild fairies or simply starve to death trying to find a way out. The deepest parts contain even more dangerous creatures."

"Err... really?"

The tiny girl on his shoulders smiles at his reaction.

"Did you really think that a normal human could walk around here and survive on his own?"

"I never really thought about it that way."

"Well, you shouldn't worry about it. You aren't exactly an ordinary person, Grey Wizard."

"..."

Grimnír flies closer to the tree. The ice fairy said something very strange. She wasn't just freezing trees. She was freezing only this tree. If she wasn't lying, then it wasn't just some random prank. She must have a reason to do something so strange.

"Hey Yukari, do you notice anything odd about this tree?"

"Huh? It's a Youkai tree. Why would that be unusual in this place?"

Suddenly, something shoots out from the tree and grabs her. He blinks in surprise as a long green tendril wraps around the little Yukari.

"W-what the.. iyaaaah!"

Then, before either of them could react, the tendril swings itself hard toward the sky, throwing the gap youkai high into the air. He can hear her tiny scream as she disappears from sight. Cursing loudly, he turns toward the tree.

"Damn it! You'll pay for -mmph!"

Another tendril shoots out and wraps around his mouth. His eyes widen in horror. He can't utter any spell commands like this! He tries to pull the plant away, but his effort his futile. It has effectively prevented him from casting spells.

"Mmph!"

Several more tendrils shoot out, binding his arms and legs. His sack and staff fall to the ground. Then, the tree starts pulling him closer to itself. He struggles with all his might, but it only succeeds in angering the tree even more. The tree starts to tighten its grip, suffocating him slowly.

"Mmph! Mmph! Mmph!"

He can feel his strength draining. His vision starts to blur and darken. He knows that he is going to lose consciousness soon. He was too careless this time...

"Stupid tree! I'll kill you for sure, this time!"

That voice. It sounds vaguely familiar.

"Taste the strongest blade - Icicle Sword!"

Who was it?