Chapter 83.2 - The First Year at the Academy - Fierce Warriors (2)
Chapter 83.2. The First Year at the Academy – Fierce Warriors (2)
When Lola started digging, Ted and the others quickly scattered.
While Lola was struggling, Nails and Elliot discovered another type of Pharael grass.
In the end, they secured three bundles of Pharael grass.
They continued moving through the forest, sharing the materials they found.
Lola was impressed, but it was unfair since I was using [Appraisal].
While we were moving, [ Presence Detection] picked up a pack of wolves.
After some consideration, they decided to avoid the confrontation.
The numbers were a bit too much, and it'd be better to have their first combat experience against humanoid enemies.
Ted and the others were more accustomed to bipedal opponents since they had been training with their comrades and me.
I'd wanted to encounter goblins, but their population was rapidly declining around Selene, and it would likely take until spring for their numbers to recover.
In the end, we could gather young leaves of the healing potion ingredient, Celon grass, roots of the pain-relieving Rasslup grass, bundles of the detoxifying Kongus grass, and a small number of young leaves of the alchemical solution ingredient, Lanium grass.
We also harvested some mature Masslan fruits and Regil mushrooms, although they couldn't be used as materials.
Masslan fruits resembled olives and could be eaten as they were or used in cooking. As for the Regil mushrooms, they were mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, so I strongly advised against eating them without my confirmation.
We had secured enough materials.
Since Lola had collected more than she could process, I'd give the surplus to Ted and the others as a reward.
The sun was starting to set.
It was about time to head back.
I was thinking about that and stopped.
"Alter, look!"
Gemma suddenly pointed deeper into the forest.
I turned my gaze in that direction and crouched down.
There was a drawn thick line on the ground.
"A trail mark? No, this is a snake, perhaps?"
Ted and the others quickly prepared their weapons, but [Detection] didn't sense anything.
There shouldn't be anything near us unless they had a powerful [Stealth] skill.
Besides, the traces disappeared into the forest.
But even so, it's a bit troublesome.
The thickness of its body is about 20 to 30 centimeters. With that size, it even swallows adults whole. Even if it's an ordinary animal, a large snake seems stronger than your average monster. And snakes have high vitality, so they won't easily die from the attacks of Ted and the others. If we encounter it, it's almost certain that a few people will become sacrifices.
I search the surroundings again, but still, I sense no presence.
Lola looks worried, and Ted and the others are tense.
"For a little while, stay back. Can you protect Lola?"
"Leave it to me."
"If the snake appears, call me loudly. Don't approach it recklessly."
"Don't worry. I won't let anyone die. I won't die either."
Ted firmly accepts the responsibility, but I can't help feeling anxious.
Many adventurers have made such declarations of resolve, only to despair shortly after. There are no protagonists in any world; everyone is just a supporting character.
I repeatedly remind myself of this and distance myself from the scene.
I follow the traces and run through the winter forest.
The traces continue on and on, crushing the fallen leaves beneath them.
Along the way, I find orc-like footprints overlapping with the snake's tracks.
There seems to have been no conflict between them.
It appears that the snake passed through here several days ago.
Can't we go any deeper?
We are all worried and have no idea how far it goes. In some cases, it could even be out of Seren territory.
Everyone is worried, and I have no idea how far it extends. There's even a possibility that it has ventured out of Selene's territory.
I continue the pursuit for a while and then come to a stop.
I've gone too far away. I won't be able to notice any abnormalities over there.
I want to eliminate it to ensure Ted and the others' safety, but that applies not only to the large snake.
Once you become an adventurer, death inevitably follows.
Suddenly, a thought crosses my mind.
Perhaps my actions are simply leading them closer to death.
Instead of becoming adventurers, I could have educated them, and given them skills and professions.
I can see Lily in my mind's eye.
She refused to fight.
The siblings who have witnessed countless deaths chose different paths.
And they have already started walking on those paths.
Maybe my existence doesn't matter.
Ted and Gemma have aimed to become adventurers since they first met. I don't know what happened to Nails, who was a pauper.
I may be irresponsible, but all I can do is offer assistance.
I can only support them so they can survive as adventurers.
Let's go back.
I return my sword to its sheath and turn my attention to the rear.
At that moment, [Perception] detects a faint disturbance.
Is this… a battle?
As soon as my thoughts conclude, I sprint through the forest at full speed.
Activating [High-Speed Movement] and [Moving Up], I race through the forest.
If it's a fight, why didn't they call for me?
Ah, right. I didn't give them any instructions.
I just told them to call if the snake appeared. I didn't consider anything else.
The sound of commotion reaches me through the trees.
While praying for everyone's safety, I unsheathe my Shamshir swiftly.
And I dive in…
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