Episode 58
huge and red
“Speaking of characteristics, the color of that giant tree is red throughout the year, and it is said that if you get close to it, it smells bloody.”
“Is that all?”
“The most decisive thing is that I heard that the tree changed the environment of the forest.”
Originally, this forest was just an ordinary, prosperous forest.
It was a place that supplied wood and various food resources, and the land that the lord of this place also carefully managed.
“But with the appearance of that giant tree about 30 years ago, the environment of the forest has changed.”
With the advent of that tree, the forest changed.
The population and ferocity of monsters have risen sharply, and they have become a place where it is difficult for ordinary humans to set foot because of the appearance of a separate and annoying ‘characteristic’.
“Accordingly, after a total of eight investigations in the Empire, that forest was called the ‘Forest of Blood Tree’, designated as a third-class demonic landscape, and access was restricted.”
“You know very well!”
Professor Millington claps and admires.
“Did you do your research beforehand?”
“yes. A few papers in the library.”
“You read my thesis! What a wonderful thing! Very unique!”
In the library used by academy students, not only books but also copies of papers provided by the society are open to the public.
“Among them, I mainly referred to Professor Millington’s thesis.”
“That’s really nice.”
In addition, the reason why that nobleman makes a fuss is obvious.
The Empire conducted eight investigations to investigate the identity of that giant tree.
Professor Millington was the one who took part in five of the investigations as the person in charge.
An authority on plant alchemy who has led five investigations and published two research papers on them.
To say that he mainly referred to his records would be a good thing for him.
‘Honestly, it was obvious what kind of answer he wanted.’
I didn’t have the heart to flatter, but the answer alone is enough to get experience points. Is there anything special?
《You have submitted a valid answer.》
《Acquire experience.》
“It’s wonderful! It was unfortunate that students these days were only interested in the strength of monsters and neglected to investigate the environment.”
“thank you.”
“You said you referred to the results of my investigation. Do you have any questions or comments about it?”
“It’s a little too much to say in a place like this.”
“it’s okay.”
No, no matter how embarrassing it is.
Did you like my attitude? It was around the time when I thought it was a little annoying because the words were getting too long.
In the end, another professor came forward to stop it.
“You seem to be running out of time, so I’ll do the rest of the explanation.”
For the safety of the students, several professors accompanied this practice.
From noble mtl dot com
In addition to Professor Millington, who has detailed knowledge of the forest, there are many professors who have the fighting power to deal with ‘what if’.
Each of them are outstanding masters, but there is a man with an exceptional presence among them.
“As Professor Semilton said, the place you are heading to is a dangerous one.”
A middle-aged man with a large sword at his waist.
The head of the department who oversees the Auror class.
Entilon Belzelt.
A master who has reached an Aura Master, and a man who is said to have served as one of the knights of the imperial family at one time.
“But you need not be afraid.”
The monsters that inhabit this forest can never become enemies of those wearing the emblem of the Imperial Academy.
At least, he said with confidence in the skills of the students.
“To the end, this place is not a battleground between life and death, but a hunting ground to test and develop your capabilities.”
It’s an arrogant thing to say, but it’s probably true.
No matter what, you can’t force students to limb.
It’s not just about trusting and asserting students’ talents.
“Also, the professors who accompanied you for today will be watching your actions.”
When students find themselves in a situation they cannot handle.
In the event of a threat that deviate greatly from the original plan, professors intervene at their own discretion or at the request of students.
Not to mention, the reason why Enthilon personally accompanied him was because he assumed a situation that other professors couldn’t handle.
aura master.
A warrior who has reached that level cannot be looked down upon.
A master who is believed to be able to survive even if he enters the first-class demonic world alone.
His presence ensures the safety of students.
“The explanation ends here. For the rest of the time, all students check off the supplies they bring or the teams they will accompany.”
There was still about an hour before noon.
As soon as the instructions are given, the new students join each other ‘team’ and begin the final inspection.
I am no exception.
Hurry up and gather the team members that we promised in advance and get ready.
“Then let’s get ready too.”
Since this is a group action, I plan to take the initiative and lead the activity this time.
(Hmmm… indeed…)
Meanwhile, Emily is quietly muttering to herself for some reason.
(Honestly, humans might call it an ominous tree.)
“… … Did you notice right away?”
When I explained a little while ago, I didn’t mention the identity of the most important ‘Blood Blood’.
That’s because it wasn’t even mentioned in the Imperial Society’s report submitted by Professor Millington.
conclusion.
Unidentified.
Need to continue further investigation.
What I know but still can’t say.
(As expected, did you know? Xi’an, that tree….)
“Yeah, that’s it.”
I nodded so the other guys couldn’t hear it.
“… … It’s a demonic tree, right?”
(Answer~.)
At least the devil won’t notice it.
(Did you come to a nice place to play?)
“I agree.”
It will be a useful practice in many ways.
* * *
Day 1 of external practice.
To put them into the forest, the magic class professors use teleports to blow the students who have gathered by team into the forest.
The map or teleport coordinates were not told, and they were just blown away.
It means to respond with discretion no matter what environment is unfolding in front of you.
Then, when it was our turn, Celidia and Alpine joined as planned, and as soon as we received confirmation from the professor, we were sent into the forest.
‘Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve experienced spatial magic… … .’
My feet shook slightly and my vision changed, and I moved to somewhere in the forest.
But that was just my impression.
‘I thought I would be able to gain something by experiencing space-type magic.’
(Wouldn’t we have reached that point yet? Is it still difficult for humans to perceive space?)
‘Is it still far… … .’
It is not an exaggeration to say that space magic starts from the 5th circle from the simplest area.
‘Even if I can’t do it, I’ll have to be in the 4th circle to understand the context at least roughly.’
An area that is still too early for me to understand now that I am still at the stage of the 3rd circle.
I licked my lips in regret and decided to focus on the schedule I had to face right away.
The team members who decided to act together in this practice are looking at me.
“First of all, I’m basically going to set up the activity policy here, isn’t it okay?”
“No problem. Xian, do whatever you want.”
Celidia nodded as if it were natural.
And Saint Alpine also said as if she would entrust me with it.
“Originally, the guidance of the road should be done by those who guide the voice of the goddess, but sometimes it would be fun to entrust it.”
“… … Yes, I have no complaints.”
“If you feel lost, please consult me anytime.”
“I’m asking just in case, do you know where you are here?”
“I don’t know! However, the map is very difficult to see. Don’t you think so?”
I would never entrust this guy with a map.
Meanwhile, Celidia, who was staring at Alfine like that, hesitated as if somewhat perplexed, then carefully asked me.
“… … Are you really a saint?”
“… … Truly a saint.”
First of all, I told you that Alpine would participate, but is it really embarrassing to see myself?
“yes! I am a saint!”
Alfine, as if overhearing our conversation, pretended to stretch out her fist proudly.
“Goddess agent. A girl who judges the wronged. That is what our saintess means.”
“… … really?”
“uh… … . Why do you keep checking the draft? Are you really a saint? I? Shall I show you the sacred art? yes? yes?”
The stronger your assertiveness, the more likely you are to be suspicious.
I nodded my head as if I was terribly sorry.
“I’m sorry, but that’s a saint.”
“… … That’s what a saintess is like.”
“You can admire it. Celidia. But why do you both seem to be groaning?”
Anyway, let’s say goodbye in moderation.
I clapped briefly to remind them to be quiet, bringing their gazes back together.
“There’s plenty of time for small talk, so let’s put it off until later, and first do what needs to be done before the sun goes down.”
“huh… … . Because the days are short.”
“okay. A forest that is not reached by human grace is quickly covered with darkness.”
If you don’t hurry up and set your goals and at least do something, the day will get dark sooner or later.
“In other words, our job is to endure for five days doing our tasks in this bizarre forest.”
As for the assignment, it’s not that complicated.
The degree of hunting monsters and investigating the ecosystem of the forest.
“First of all, train for battle while dealing with monsters in the forest.”
monster hunting.
The more aggressively you find and subjugate powerful objects, the higher your evaluation score will be.
“Other than that, if you collect materials that can be found in this forest, investigate, or discover new things about the forest, that will also be reflected in the evaluation.”
At the time of the game, you just walk around the forest, map, gather, do things that can be crafted here, organize them, and submit them.
“First of all, the first thing we have to do on the first day. yes?”
Even without saying anything, Celidia and Alpine nodded as if they already understood.
“First of all, let’s secure a base to stay here.”
Basics of survival.
secure a base.
First of all, it was to set a policy and act toward it.
“I’m asking just in case, does anyone have something in mind?”
“… … Sorry, I’m not sure.”
Celidia shook her head first.
Even if she looks like that, it’s surprising that she’s being treated like a lady, so it’s worth it.
“What about Alpine? Aren’t you going to ask the saintess?”
“You’re talking about something you don’t know.”
Alfine boasted confidently.
“A saint is someone who judges those who have gone wrong. They are used to lounging on rough ground rather than relying on comfort.”
What the hell is that the saintess of the neighborhood?
“The point?”
“During my training days, I received overnight training.”
Surprisingly, the training of the saints was arduous.
Whether it’s exploring a desert area where it’s hard to get even a sip of water, or throwing it into a demonic realm where dangerous monsters appear and having them fight.
As expected, the saints in this world are strange.
“By the way, I don’t have much night-souting experience either.”
“uh? He said he had that experience.”
“Normal! I have no experience staying overnight.”
Xian and Ansihan. I don’t see anything in either memory that’s very helpful.
The memory of Xian’s side is about the memory of rolling around in a shabby shack in a slum.
It’s far from a normal night-sleeping experience.
What about the memory of the Ansihan side?
Type A tent… … . At that point I stopped recalling.
X suit… … .
I don’t want to think about it, and I’m sure it probably won’t help.
“As for Emily… … I’m not expecting anything.”
“It’s too much.”
That’s right, the devil doesn’t sleep.
In any case, our three plus one team is all beginners with camp experience, so the prospects are very bright.
“Even if you have experience, it won’t help you here.”
If that knowledge were helpful, I would have tried to acquire it.
I only checked basic common sense a few times, and I didn’t even care about the normal ‘night stay’ countermeasures.
“First of all, I have a plan I came up with, so leave it to me.”
I’ve already made plans.