109 – Food Chain (1)
“Everyone had a hard time taking the midterm exam. The final exam is simpler and less complicated than this, so don’t worry too much.”
It was noisy on both sides due to Luna’s cubic crystal, but it became quiet with the appearance of Marlboro.
Marlboro thanked me for a job well done and then glanced in this direction for a moment. The gaze is clearly directed at me and Grace.
Since something unpleasant happened at the academy, it must have had a significant impact on the professors. Here the options will be divided.
Either say it clearly or focus on your duty. But considering Grace’s background, there is only one option.
“A lot of things happened during the midterm exams. However, this was the fault of our professors. Therefore, there will be little damage from the midterm exams, so there is no need to worry.”
Focus on your studies with only a few mentions. That might be the best the professors can do.
Even if the disposition of Delphi is decided, the impact will continue for quite a long time. Professors also have no choice but to pay attention.
‘It will be somewhat diluted after a week.’
The midterm exams are over, so there is plenty of time until the final exams. There will be no intensive practical training in the middle, and most of it will be covered by theory and training.
I meet with Gloria and Kronos every Wednesday to go through training, and have personal rest on the weekends, etc.
It’s okay to go out into the forest occasionally and get something that makes money. At least there is nothing to do until final exams.
“Originally, there would have been a piece of paper with feedback written on it, but due to the circumstances, it was omitted. Also…”
Marlboro’s explanation went on for quite some time. This is related to final exams.
Most scores will be given during the final exam, and they will be careful to avoid a disaster like the midterm exam.
In particular, we made it clear that there would never be any ridiculous conditions such as restrictions on attack rights. If that were the case, I would have organized things about myself as well.
“I can’t tell you about the details of the final exam, but I can guarantee that it will be much fairer than before. So everyone can rest assured.”
Then you can rest assured. Even though this is an unprecedented situation, professors are veterans among veterans.
Even if there is one balance destroyer, we will be able to coordinate it as best as possible. The midterm exam must have been a little unfair because of Delphi’s influence.
‘Then will the content of the final exam be changed?’
I don’t remember well, but I know that the final exam was also divided among the teams. And on a large scale.
As I was wondering in my mind how to achieve balance, something I couldn’t easily ignore came into my ear.
“Before class begins, let me tell you one more thing. It has a lot to do with the future practice, so pay attention. It’s a story related to the Forest of Chaos.”
“Huh?”
When the Forest of Chaos was mentioned, and not just any other place, I looked the other way and looked up.
Marlboro confirmed my interest and revealed the reason for mentioning it.
“There must be a student here who often visits the Forest of Chaos. For hunting, gathering herbs, etc. If you have a specially made compass, you can enter deep into the forest. Everyone knows this.”
Thanks to you, I was able to meet Ellie and Luna and escape from that damn forest.
At the same time, a ceasefire and ceasefire agreement was signed with Porori. After that, she thought she would no longer have anything to do with the forest.
I guess he visited occasionally to make money. But I have no intention of continuing my life as before.
“However, as of today, individuals will be prohibited from entering the forest. The outskirts will also be controlled, unless they are in a team of three or more.”
“What does that mean? Why is the forest suddenly falling?”
“I was digging up herbs every weekend…”
Entry control into the forest of chaos that was completely unexpected. It is questionable whether there was an event like this in Soul World.
No matter how dangerous the forest of chaos was, there was no ‘control’. However, when you see that the Academy has made such a decision, there is definitely something to it.
Marlboro, perhaps expecting a chaotic atmosphere, was not at all embarrassed and began to reveal the reasons one by one.
“The reason why entry is controlled is simple. It is because a great upheaval has recently occurred in the Forest of Chaos. Due to the upheaval, monsters and beasts living deep in the depths are being pushed to the outskirts.”
“··· ···”
The beasts and monsters living inside are driven out. This is a change that cannot be ignored.
Most ecosystems are in close to perfect balance. This means that the balance is completely broken.
As I was thinking that, Marlboro looked at me with a subtle gaze and continued speaking.
“Usually, there are two ways this change occurs. One is when a natural disaster occurs and the forest is destroyed. But there were no signs of a fire or anything like that. In other words, there is only one thing.”
I also kind of expected that one thing. The direct cause of the loss of balance in the wild.
“It is time for the predator at the top of the food chain to disappear. Just as the saying goes that when the tiger disappears, the fox becomes king, a war is currently taking place in the forest of chaos to identify the top predator.”
This is when a being that reigned as a predator disappears for a specific reason. The predators disappeared, leaving the forest in chaos.
The food chain is complex in its structure. It’s already complicated, but what if the top predator disappears?
The beings that were oppressed by the predator become victorious, and as they fight among themselves, they are pushed out.
“The Forest of Chaos is rich in magic and attracts monsters and beasts. Therefore, fifty thousand different beings will be attracted until the top predator is identified. In the process, there will also be animals that are pushed to the outskirts.”
“Is that because Sibar disappeared?”
“It seems like something like that…?”
Luna answered Kara’s question in a shaky voice. Even she wouldn’t have expected this.
Even I am not the only one who has disappeared. Didn’t Porori, who reigned as another predator, disappear?
Although acorns are the main food of Porori, they show no mercy to those who invade their territory. He kills no matter what.
The prey that dies like that is usually killed by other animals or monsters. It can be seen as controlling the population.
‘It will be severely distorted.’
Not one, but two individuals belonging to the top predators have disappeared.
Rather than controlling the population, predators from outside are probably being neglected.
It is not strange to call it a version of the Forest of Chaos during the Warring States Period. It is the weak prey who are dying.
“Originally, only weak entities such as hungry wolves and slimes appeared in the outskirts. But recently, goblins and orcs also appear often.”
“Goblins and orcs?”
“It’s no different from the depths of the depths.”
The news that goblins and even orcs are appearing has become confusing again.
Goblins and orcs are considered the weakest monsters, but this only applies when they are individuals.
As the old saying goes, there is no business in quantity, so they never travel alone. There must be 3 or more.
Just one guy tying his legs can create a dangerous situation. That’s why I almost went for the goal.
What is more dangerous than anything else are the monsters that use them as their ‘stock’. If you don’t take action quickly, predators may appear.
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“Therefore, the Academy has decided to mobilize not only professors but also students to solve this problem. Since the Forest of Chaos is close to the Academy, we plan to control it before it becomes serious.”
“Then are we going to fight directly?”
One student raised her hand and asked quietly. It’s a voice filled with half anticipation and half worry.
Originally, things like subjugating monsters are something you have to do after you reach your second year. From the third year onwards, you deal with people, not monsters.
Most first-year students hone their capabilities through theory and practice. However, this incident may affect the entire academy.
“That may be the case depending on the time. However, the professors will thoroughly protect you, so you don’t have to worry. Above all, our goal is not direct subjugation, but investigation and reconnaissance.”
The Academy is an educational institution where valuable talents gather. A place where each person can take responsibility for the future of each country.
In other words, if even one person is harmed, the damage can be enormous.
So, it was explained that first-year students with little practical experience would only do simple things and begin proper subjugation from second-year students.
“Of course, it doesn’t matter if you act immaturely. Even if a problem arises, the professors will take responsibility. However, lost limbs or lives cannot be restored, so please understand that.”
“··· ···”
It means to remain silent and follow what is said because you may end up dying while being rude.
Since we are all at this energetic age, professors should be especially careful. I can understand.
“However, there will be some people who do not need guidance. Is there a student who has a record of defeating large monsters such as ogres alone, multiple times?”
As soon as I heard that question, I quietly raised my hand. The same goes for Kara, who was sitting on the edge.
I looked around and saw that only the two of us were raising our hands. I don’t know about the group, but we are the only ones who have subdued it on our own, multiple times.
“As expected. You guys are going to take steps to protect the students during this practicum, so please know that.”
“··· ···”
“If you don’t like it, you can move freely. But you will have to write a more detailed report.”
“Eek.”
They do balance patches like this. It seems that they are asking for more investigation in exchange for giving them free reign.
Still, it is much better than limiting attack rights. Because Kara and I were students who didn’t really need protection.
I have some responsibility for this matter, so I plan to work hard. Anyway, there is Grace’s escort.
“Practice is planned to be conducted once a week until the outlying area is stabilized. Does anyone have any questions?”
“How do I find herbs or deal with hunted animals?”
“Most of it will be used for non-combat research activities. Compensation will be provided appropriately, so don’t worry.”
Then I have to work hard for Ellie. I’ll have to ask later what you need.
I guess I should also discuss it with Porori. That guy used to go in and out of the forest on a regular basis, so he would know the situation.
Maybe they could have realized the seriousness and reduced the population in advance. It is convenient to only handle the outside.
“I emphasize this time and time again, but the most important thing is safety. In particular, the ones pushed to the outskirts are different from the monsters you know. Even if they lose the competition, their unique cleverness remains.”
This is quite an important word. The top rank at an ordinary school is different from the top rank at a prestigious school.
And the Forest of Chaos is a high-ranking area. Monsters pushed out of such a place can never let down their guard.
‘No matter how much I think about it, I don’t know why they built a school in a place like this.’
From what I roughly heard, the first warrior built an academy. I’m really curious what he was thinking.
They must have decided that it would be good to get some training. The good news is that monsters rarely come out.
Sometimes strange spirits like Porori appear, but they do not come out. You can’t get there without a special compass in the first place.
“It’s okay to join a group with whoever you want. Instead, be sure to tell your guardian. There are a total of 8 guardians, including professors, teaching assistants, and the two who raised their hands earlier.”
Because he was a ‘guardian’ after all, he seems to have included teaching assistants as well.
Our class has about 30 people, so there are 3 to 4 people per team. Grace is an automatic participant, so we’ll have to get the rest.
“Yeonju. Do you want to come with us?”
“Neng.”
Correct. Lee Yeon-ju is also automatically included.
In fact, they are two people who have a set menu like a hamburger and cola. Now there is only about 1 person left.
This exercise is meaningless in terms of balance and all, but its purpose is investigation and reconnaissance.
If you write a report based on what you saw and heard, anyone can get a good grade. Rather, it is disadvantageous to me.
“First of all, there are students who did not enter the forest, so we plan to enter tomorrow afternoon. We will also distribute papers on which they wrote down what they researched over the weekend so they can read them at a time.”
Marlboro handed the thick wad of paper he held in his hand to the front. Afterwards, papers began to be distributed one by one, starting from the front.
I received the paper from the person in front and checked the contents. I’m curious about what’s written.
‘There’s nothing to worry about.’
There is no monster that is difficult for a student to handle. Instead, there are monsters that are difficult for an individual to handle.
If you work as a team, you can go beyond investigation and even subdue them. It’s literally for safety.
[Found a squirrel the size of a large dog. The squirrel fled immediately upon meeting the investigation team.]
“··· ···”
This is really helpful research. By the way, what is this bastard doing, not protecting Ellie?
I think I will definitely have to meet Porori after class today. It would be nice to meet Ellie after a long time.
I haven’t been able to see Ellie recently because her midterm exams are due. To make matters worse, she must be worried because she has been placed on probation.
I slowly scanned the paper and folded it neatly in half. Aside from Porori, there was nothing to worry about.
After all classes were over today, I had a separate meeting to meet Ellie for the first time in a long time.
“Ah. You guys are going into the forest too. I’m going too.”
“?”
What does this mean? Marlboro didn’t say this.
“The professor recommended me. He told me to just receive protection and never do anything unnecessary.”
I definitely feel like I’m going to do something useless. That’s right, it’s Ellie.
One of the most famous characters in Soul World. There is something to pay attention to.
“What about Porori?”
“Porori? You mean Ratatosk?”
“Yes.”
“They say it’s estrus and you’ll be in the forest for a while?”
“··· ···”
You damn useless bastard. Just take a bite.
AHAHAHA Porori went to find some chicks.