After about a day’s journey, we arrived at the western forest. They said it’d take a day, but with breaks along the way, it ended up being closer to a day and a half. I think it might be my fault, honestly. The trip to the capital didn’t bother me much, but this carriage ride took a toll on my body. If the Division Commander hadn’t suggested I use [Heal] partway through, it might’ve taken even longer to get here.
Physically, it was rough, but mentally, not so much. The Division Commander’s presence helped a lot. Not just suggesting [Heal], but keeping me company too, it was a big relief.
The magic lessons on the way were tied to the expedition. Less “magic lessons,” more “combat lessons,” really. Most of what he taught me was about my role in group combat and how to handle myself. Growing up in peaceful Japan with zero fighting experience, it was super helpful. But those lessons wrapped up after a few hours. The reason? Something I casually mentioned to the Division Commander during our second break.
I brought up the enhanced herbs. I’d meant to thank him since his advice led to creating them, so I gave him a little report. Naturally, that led to “how’d you make them?” Which inevitably meant talking about that mysterious magic… I offhandedly said, “Some weird magic just activated,” and his eyes lit up instantly. By the time I realized I’d messed up, it was too late. If the Commander, who was with us during the break, hadn’t stepped in, I might’ve been stuck there for a while. He said, “This isn’t the place, let’s continue in the carriage,” and saved me.
From then on, the whole trip was about that mysterious magic. “Talking” doesn’t quite cover it, it felt more like an interrogation. Seems even the Division Commander doesn’t know that magic, so he grilled me with questions. He even asked me to show it to him, but when I said I haven’t managed it since, he visibly deflated. Yeah, he’s consistent, alright. Since I’m practicing to recreate it for the enhanced herbs, I promised to show him if I succeed—that got him to let it go.
We camped overnight on the way and reached the western forest just past noon the next day. After lunch, the knights went into the forest to scout. I didn’t enter until the third day after leaving the palace.
The western forest feels dim even in daylight, thanks to the thick, overgrown trees. The eastern and southern forests, which academy students visit, are pretty well-maintained. They felt bright, so maybe that’s why the western forest seems extra dark by comparison.
We split into several groups to move through the forest. My group includes Third Knight Order members, plus the Commander and Division Commander. But the number of court mages in my group is half that of the others. The reason? The Division Commander. Originally, someone else was supposed to join us, but he pulled rank. Said it’s in case something happens to me. I mean, the Commander’s here too, adding the Division Commander feels like overkill.
But he wouldn’t budge. His real motive’s probably wanting to be in my group for research. No doubt about it. Surprisingly, the Commander objected too. Normally, he’d calmly step aside and switch groups, but not this time. In the end, they tweaked the lineup, and here we are.
Yeah, it’s definitely overkill. I saw my first monster here, but before I could even feel scared, the Division Commander took it out like it was nothing. Humming, no less. Even the Commander gave a wry smile at that. Though the Commander slashing a monster that jumped out from the side while still smirking is just as wild.
The Division Commander said it’s been a while since his last expedition, but you’d never guess he’s rusty. Maybe because it’s combat, the magic he’s casting seems stronger than what he shows at the training grounds and he’s tossing out powerful spells left and right. I’d heard he was strong, but not this strong. Guess you don’t get to be a unit leader without that kind of power? Does that mean the Commander’s just as strong? With two people like that, yeah, our group’s firepower is off the charts.
“Whoa!”
“You okay?”
“Ah, thanks.”
I’d been watching my step, but a tree root sticking out tripped me. If the Commander walking beside me hadn’t grabbed my arm in time, I’d have fallen. It’s dim, making the ground hard to see, and fallen leaves make it slippery. There aren’t many small trees, so it’s probably a maintained path, but it’s still tough to walk on. Problem is, I can’t just stare at my feet the whole time, that’s the tricky part.
I straighten up and glance at the Division Commander, who’s got his hand on his chin, deep in thought. What’s up?
“Division Commander, something wrong?”
“Oh, no, I was just thinking the monsters seem fewer than before.”
Fewer monsters? It’s my first time here, so I can’t tell, but the Commander nods too, so it must be true.
“From the last expedition’s impact?”
“That might be part of it, but it feels like more than that.”
I ask the Commander, and he says it’s beyond just the last expedition’s effect. Both he and the Division Commander fall into a pensive silence. Maybe because thinking alone wasn’t getting anywhere, the Division Commander starts asking the Commander questions as we walk.
“When I was here before, I feel like there were more.”
“Yeah. Even compared to the last expedition, there seem to be fewer.”
“Now that you mention it, we’ve barely seen weak monsters. Everything we’ve taken down feels like mid-tier for this place.”
“You’re right.”
At that, the Division Commander stares at me. Noticing his gaze, the Commander looks my way too. Huh? What? I’m floundering, confused, when the Division Commander nods like he’s figured something out.
“Shall we move on?”
“Yeah.”
Don’t just agree between yourselves and keep going! I wanted to ask for an explanation, but a monster popped up at the worst moment, and I didn’t get the chance.